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DISNEYLAND GUIDE

Disneyland in Anaheim California, first opened its gates to the public on July 18, 1955. The cost of admission was 1 dollar. Today, the admission price is well... a bit higher. But don't worry. The information on this page is designed to help you get your money's worth.

Today Disneyland is a resort that consists of the original Disneyland park, Disney's California Adventure park, three Disney hotels, and the Downtown Disney district. Both of the theme parks are open daily with extended hours during the summer, weekends and select holidays. Downtown Disney is a 20-acre dining shopping, and entertainment district, that is within walking distance of both parks - admission is free.

To get the most value for your money, I would try to avoid visiting any Southern California theme park during peak times. Unfortunately, "peak times" mean pretty much any time during the summer months or weekends, during which you can expect long lines (1 hour plus wait times) for popular attractions. Fall is the best time to visit. Avoid the park between Christmas Day and New Year's Day! If you must visit during the busy periods, here are some tips you can follow to get the most bang for your buck:

Get to the park before it opens.
Plan to go on the most popular rides (i.e. Indiana Jones Adventure, etc...) first thing in the morning before the lines get too long. Use this map for Disneyland to help you plan your visit.
Another good time to go on popular rides are late evening just before closing, or during parades or shows.
Do take advantage of Disney's FASTPASS system. This voucher allows you to basically make an appointment to go on a ride. Instead of waiting in line, you simply show up at your ride at the appointed time, and show your voucher. This way your wait time can be spent doing more enjoyable things than holding a place in line.

Disneyland

Disneyland consists of several themed lands containing over 60 major attractions. The lands are:

Main Street U.S.A. - Charming small town turn-of-the-20th-century Americana. This is the main avenune of Disneyland where you'll find some of the park's best shops. This is also where you come to see Disneyland's daily parades.
Adventureland - Inspired by the exotic locales of the Far East and South Seas, here you'll find such popular attractions as Indiana Jones Adventure, and the Jungle Cruise. And love it or hate it, there's nothing quite like the Enchanted Tiki Room.
Frontierland - This section of the park pays homage to 19th century America. Take a leisurely steamboat ride down the Rivers of America, or for a faster pace, try the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad coaster. Oh, and if you go to Frontierland, remember one word: Fantasmic!
Tomorrowland - Visions of the future abound. Be sure and ride the recently re-vamped Space Mountain. You might also try an old favorite, Star Tours, as well as a new favorite, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters.
Fantasyland - Uses Disney magic to bring fairy tales to life. Home to classic Disney icons such as Sleeping Beauty's Castle and It's a Small World.
Toontown - Great fun for the kids. Take the Jolly Trolley to Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin.
New Orleans Square - Captures the flavor of 19th century New Orleans. Not only is it home to jazz bands and winding cobblestone streets, but the not-to-be-missed Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion.
Critter Country - Home to the Brer Rabbit-inspired log ride, Splash Mountain.

Can't miss rides? Indiana Jones Adventure, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Space Mountain (if you like coasters).

Can miss rides? I'd advise against the Rocket Rods (Tomorrowland) on a busy day. The line is deceptively long for such a mediocre ride. Also Tarzan's Treehouse can be safely skipped, as can The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (unless you have young children).

Disney's California Adventure

Disney's California Adventure opened in February 2001 on the site of Disneyland's old parking lot. The park has been the butt of jokes about its failure to generate public interest. As a result, not nearly as many visitors pass through its gates as they do Disneyland's. Which is good news to visitors who are seeking value, because less crowds equals less time spent waiting in lines. And in my humble opinion, many of the park's attractions are underrated.

California's storied past is theme of Disney's California Adventure - "from the gold rush to Hollywood's golden era to the timeless allure of the beach". The park's layout is divided into four main sections:

Paradise Pier - A recreation of California's classic pier amusement parks. This land is dominated by three tall rides: California Screamin' which could be the best roller coaster to be found in a Disney park, Maliboomer (similar to the superior Supreme Scream at Knott's Berry Farm), and the Sun Wheel (ferris wheel).
A Bug's Land - Inspired by the movie "A Bug's LIfe". The one must-see atrraction here is the "It's Tough to Be a Bug" 3D show. Amazing effects! You might want to skip this one if you have small kids as it might be too scary.
Hollywood Pictures Backlot - Not only does this land represent the golden age of the movie studios, but it contains what is arguably the best ride in the park: The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Also if you would like to take in a good show, "Aladdin" is top-notch.
Golden State - This area is doiminated by a 110 foot mountain in the shape of a grizzly bear - California's state animal. Soarin' Over California is here and it another ride that you should definitely not miss. Also, if you don't mind getting wet, Grizzly River Run might be just the thing.