Disneyland Resort Guide: Disneyland Park & California Adventure

• Lyn Prince
• Jun 25, 2025
• 5 min read

Updated: Oct 2, 2025

Welcome to Disneyland Resort, where the magic began! Located in Anaheim, California, Disneyland Resort is home to two iconic theme parks—Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a lifelong Disney fan, this guide covers everything you need to know to plan your perfect visit.

Disneyland Park Overview

Opened in 1955, Disneyland Park is the only Disney theme park designed and built under the direct supervision of Walt Disney. It's where Disney dreams come to life across nine themed lands, classic attractions, beloved characters, and enchanting entertainment.

Themed Lands & Top Rides

• Main Street, U.S.A.Inspired by Walt Disney’s childhood hometownHome to: Disneyland Railroad, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, Shops & DiningBest for: Atmosphere, shopping, and parades

Main Street, U.S.A.

• Inspired by Walt Disney’s childhood hometown

Inspired by Walt Disney’s childhood hometown

• Home to: Disneyland Railroad, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, Shops & Dining

Home to: Disneyland Railroad, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, Shops & Dining

• Best for: Atmosphere, shopping, and parades

Best for: Atmosphere, shopping, and parades

• AdventurelandJungle-themed with exotic escapadesMust-rides: Jungle Cruise, Indiana Jones Adventure, Enchanted Tiki Room

Adventureland

• Jungle-themed with exotic escapades

Jungle-themed with exotic escapades

• Must-rides: Jungle Cruise, Indiana Jones Adventure, Enchanted Tiki Room

Must-rides: Jungle Cruise, Indiana Jones Adventure, Enchanted Tiki Room

• New Orleans SquareSouthern charm with a spooky twistHighlights: Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean

New Orleans Square

• Southern charm with a spooky twist

Southern charm with a spooky twist

• Highlights: Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean

Highlights: Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean

• Critter CountryWoodland creature vibesAttractions: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes

Critter Country

• Woodland creature vibes

Woodland creature vibes

• Attractions: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes

Attractions: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes

• FrontierlandOld West settingDon’t miss: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Mark Twain Riverboat

Frontierland

• Old West setting

Old West setting

• Don’t miss: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Mark Twain Riverboat

Don’t miss: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Mark Twain Riverboat

• FantasylandClassic Disney fairytales come to lifeIconic rides: Peter Pan’s Flight, It’s a Small World, Matterhorn Bobsleds

Fantasyland

• Classic Disney fairytales come to life

Classic Disney fairytales come to life

• Iconic rides: Peter Pan’s Flight, It’s a Small World, Matterhorn Bobsleds

Iconic rides: Peter Pan’s Flight, It’s a Small World, Matterhorn Bobsleds

• Mickey’s ToontownRecently reimagined and designed for familiesAttractions: Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway, Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin

Mickey’s Toontown

• Recently reimagined and designed for families

Recently reimagined and designed for families

• Attractions: Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway, Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin

Attractions: Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway, Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin

• TomorrowlandFuturistic and space-themedTop picks: Space Mountain, Star Tours, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters

Tomorrowland

• Futuristic and space-themed

Futuristic and space-themed

• Top picks: Space Mountain, Star Tours, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters

Top picks: Space Mountain, Star Tours, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters

• Star Wars: Galaxy’s EdgeImmersive Star Wars universeMajor attractions: Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, Rise of the Resistance

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

• Immersive Star Wars universe

Immersive Star Wars universe

• Major attractions: Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, Rise of the Resistance

Major attractions: Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, Rise of the Resistance

Dining at Disneyland Park

• Table-Service: Blue Bayou, Carnation Café, Plaza Inn (Character Dining with Minnie)

Table-Service: Blue Bayou, Carnation Café, Plaza Inn (Character Dining with Minnie)

• Quick-Service: Galactic Grill, Red Rose Taverne, Jolly Holiday Bakery Café

Quick-Service: Galactic Grill, Red Rose Taverne, Jolly Holiday Bakery Café

• Snacks to Try: Mickey pretzels, churros, Dole Whip, popcorn in collectible buckets

Snacks to Try: Mickey pretzels, churros, Dole Whip, popcorn in collectible buckets

Entertainment & Parades

• Fireworks: Wondrous Journeys (Main Street & Castle viewing recommended)

Fireworks: Wondrous Journeys (Main Street & Castle viewing recommended)

• Parades: Magic Happens

Parades: Magic Happens

• Live Shows: Tale of the Lion King, Royal Theatre shows

Live Shows: Tale of the Lion King, Royal Theatre shows

• Character Meet & Greets: Mickey & Friends, Disney Princesses, Star Wars characters

Character Meet & Greets: Mickey & Friends, Disney Princesses, Star Wars characters

Disney California Adventure Overview

Opened in 2001, Disney California Adventure Park (DCA) celebrates the spirit of California with a modern twist, Pixar favorites, and thrill rides galore.

Themed Lands and Top Rides

• Buena Vista Street1920s Los Angeles, when Walt arrived in CaliforniaGreat for: Shopping, photogenic architecture

Buena Vista Street

• 1920s Los Angeles, when Walt arrived in California

1920s Los Angeles, when Walt arrived in California

• Great for: Shopping, photogenic architecture

Great for: Shopping, photogenic architecture

• Hollywood LandGlitz, glam, and superheroesMust-see: Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue, Disney Junior Dance Party

Hollywood Land

• Glitz, glam, and superheroes

Glitz, glam, and superheroes

• Must-see: Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the R