The Original — Anaheim, California
Your complete guide to planning the perfect Disneyland vacation at the park Walt built
Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California is where it all began, the only park Walt Disney ever walked himself. Two theme parks, three Disney hotels, and the Downtown Disney District sit within walking distance of each other, making this a far more compact (and in many ways easier) trip than Walt Disney World. The 70th anniversary wrapped in August 2026, but its best addition stays: Walt Disney, A Magical Life, with the first Walt audio-animatronic. Holidays at the Disneyland Resort run Nov 13, 2026 to Jan 6, 2027, and Remember... Dreams Come True fireworks return in February 2027. Planning the two-park dance still takes strategy. That is where I come in!
The original 1955 castle park — more attractions than any Disney park on Earth, anchored by Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Lands: Main Street, Adventureland, New Orleans Square, Bayou Country, Frontierland, Fantasyland, Toontown, Tomorrowland, Galaxy's Edge
Must-Do: Rise of the Resistance, Tiana's Bayou Adventure, Space Mountain, Pirates, Haunted Mansion (Indiana Jones is closed for refurbishment)
Best For: First-timers, Disney history lovers, dark-ride fans
California culture through a Disney lens — Cars Land's neon, Avengers Campus, Pixar Pier, and World of Color.
Lands: Buena Vista Street, Hollywood Land, Avengers Campus, Cars Land, Pixar Pier, Paradise Gardens, Grizzly Peak, San Fransokyo
Must-Do: Radiator Springs Racers, Mission: BREAKOUT!, Incredicoaster, Soarin', World of Color
Best For: Thrill seekers, foodies, Pixar and Marvel fans
A reimagined dining and shopping promenade connecting the parks and hotels. No ticket required.
Highlights: Din Tai Fung, Parkside Market food hall, Salt & Straw, Black Tap, World of Disney
New: Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby and the two-story Earl of Sandwich flagship (both opened July 2026)
Coming: Porto's Bakery, Arthur & Sons, Pearl's Roadside BBQ, Bopo Go! (dates TBA)
Both parks dress up for the season, with holiday shows, food, and overlays.
Don't Miss: Haunted Mansion Holiday, it's a small world Holiday, A Christmas Fantasy Parade, Believe... In Holiday Magic fireworks, World of Color: Season of Light, Disney Festival of Holidays at DCA
Note: Thanksgiving week and Dec 20 to Jan 4 are peak crowds. Aim for early November or mid-December weekdays.
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