Visiting a new Disney park can be overwhelming. With the pressure to see, do, and experience everything you can, planning for the trip can often lead to frustration. If this is your first time visiting Disneyland Park or Disney’s California Adventure, or if even if you are still in the research phase, we are giving you a bite-sized breakdown of the highlights to hit at “The Happiest Place on Earth.”

Whether you’re a Disney World regular finding yourself on the West Coast, or if you are new to Disney vacations entirely, we are here to help make this trip the best one yet! Here are the 10 Must-Do Experiences for your first visit to Disneyland Resort.

My Expert Must-Do Experiences at Disneyland for First-Timers

While Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort have many similarities, they also have a variety of differences that make them each unique. So, here are my recommendations for the top 10 first time Disneyland experiences you won’t want to miss!

1. Walt’s Main Street Magic

If you’re beginning your trip in Disneyland Park, you will want to take a moment to soak in the magic of Main Street. There is something so special about visiting the first Disney park, worked on and walked through by Walt himself. The details and ambiance will make any Disney fan swoon. And of course, this is a great opportunity to stop in the many shops and storefronts along Main Street as well.

Not only does Main Street have the best view of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, but it also has live performances, vintage-style transportation, and is a hot spot to see characters! Imagine riding in a trolley car, hearing the Dapper Dans sing acapella in the distance, and watching characters roam and interact with other guests. Sounds pretty great, huh? Well, it gets even better.

Take a look above the Fire Station. That window with the lamp? That was Walt’s private apartment where he spent time overlooking the park with some peace, quiet, and people-watching. The lamp is always on, honoring his memory and legacy!

2. Fantasyland’s Hidden Treasures

Much of Disneyland looks very similar to its Florida counterpart; however, you may notice some of the biggest differences in Fantasyland. While Disney World has seen many expansions, Disneyland maintains a quaint, fairytale-like feel.

Nestled together are rides like Peter Pan’s Flight, Snow White’s Enchanted Wish, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, and Pinocchio’s Daring Journey. Not far away, you may see some more familiar rides like Dumbo the Flying Elephant and King Arthur’s Carousel. Surrounded by rides & whimsy, Fantasyland makes for a fun stop if you’re traveling with children or fairytale-loving adults.

The magic doesn’t end there! If you’re in Fantasyland, facing the main Castle walkway, keep an eye out for a small doorway to your right. There, you’ll find a walkthrough experience that lets you climb in and explore Sleeping Beauty’s Castle while going through her story!

3. Familiar Faces in “it’s a small world”

The Fantasyland fun doesn’t stop there! If you’re a fan of seeing Disney characters incorporated into rides, you should definitely stop at “it’s a small world” and see if you can spot all the dolls modeled after some beloved Disney favorites!

“It’s a small world” is a musical boat ride that takes you on a whimsical cruise around the globe with scenes and dolls originally designed by artist, Mary Blair. Though the ride has seen many updates and refurbishments, its core message remains the same. And a few familiar faces have been added in along the way. So, it’s fun to try and spot them all!

4. ToonTown: Cartoon Life Comes Alive

As you leave Fantasyland, you may find your way to another land on this list: ToonTown. Designed as the vibrant town where Mickey, Minnie, and other cartoons reside, ToonTown is a colorful land filled with cartoon fun.

Not only is it home to some of your favorite cartoon characters, but it is also the location of beloved rides like Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway and Who Framed Roger Rabbit. And if you have little ones looking for a coaster their size, look no further than Chip ‘n’ Dale’s GADGETcoaster!

Though ToonTown is tucked in the back of Disneyland Park, it is easily accessible via the Disneyland Railroad. You can hop on the train at the closest train station and ride until you arrive at the ToonTown Depot. The ride there can be a nice break from walking, and ToonTown is also a great place to grab a snack, find a seat, or explore with the kids.

5. Magical Character Encounters

As you spend time in Disneyland, it doesn’t take long to notice that you’ll often see characters milling around. Disneyland is known for how much more ‘free-roaming’ its characters tend to be. It is a common occurrence to see a character walking with a family, a princess carrying on a lively chat with onlookers, or Cruella Deville dancing with the jazz band.

If you’re a fan of meeting characters, be sure to make time for these special interactions. If you prefer to forego the meet-and-greets, it is still fun to keep an eye out for the silly things you may see characters do. It often makes for a great story!

6. Marvel Thrills at Avengers Campus

For the next part of our list, we are heading over to Disney’s California Adventure- Disneyland’s most unique park. Complete with eight themed lands, thrill rides, delicious food, and immersive experiences, you won’t want to miss out on everything this park has to offer.

There is no doubt that Marvel fans will swoon over the new Avengers Campus. There is so much to see and do there. From watching Spider-Man flip through the air, to helping the Guardians of the Galaxy in Mission: BREAKOUT, to eating Ant-Man and The Wasp-sized food at Pym Test Kitchen, you won’t be able to pick a favorite. And don’t forget to help wrangle loose Spider-Bots on the new ride, WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure.

7. Cruising Route 66 in Cars Land

Just on your left after Avengers Campus, you will run straight into the cozy comfort of Route 66. Cars Land is an immersive oasis that lets you enjoy the simple, slow life in Radiator Springs. Fuel up at Fillmore’s Taste-In or enjoy a pit stop at Flo’s V8 Cafe as you mosey down the road.

In the mood for a bit more speed? Hop on over to Radiator Springs Racers. But before you leave, don’t forget to stop at The Cozy Cone Motel and get a cone-themed snack! The Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Cone and the Chili “Cone” Queso are two wonderful options.

8. Pixar Pier Excitement

Next up on our must-do list for first time Disneyland visitors is Pixar Pier. Recently rethemed to include your favorite Pixar characters, Pixar Pier has all the charm of a carnival pier with the magic of Pixar-themed rides, games, snacks, and atmosphere.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can race Dash as you ride the Incredicoaster, then grab a Jack-Jack Cookie Nom-Nom (delicious, large, warm chocolate chip cookies). Feeling competitive? You and your party can head for the carnival games before a tie-breaker at Toy Story Midway Mania!

For a break off your feet and gorgeous views, you can hop on the Pixar Pal-A-Round Ferris Wheel, or head to one of the smaller swing rides. There are endless opportunities for fun, prizes, and snacks on Pixar Pier.

9. San Fransokyo After Dark

Our next stop for your first time to Disneyland checklist would have to be San Fransokyo Square in Disney’s California Adventure Park. Based on the setting of Big Hero 6, this corner of the park gives off a neighborhood feel with small family businesses, local shops, and restaurants.

It is a great spot to grab a meal when your party prefers food from different places. You can enjoy the ambiance, explore the shops, grab a bite from one of several dining options, or take a bakery tour to see how sourdough bread is made (and you may just get a sample!).

And at night, the square is illuminated by countless hanging lights and lanterns!

10. Legendary Disney Treats

Last, but certainly not least….Food! It’s no surprise that Disneyland has become known for some popular food items. And while we’ve mentioned a few snacks and food stops already, we thought we would call out a few more for the ultimate Disneyland bucket list.

First up, if you are a frequent Disney guest, especially to Walt Disney World in Florida, you may be familiar with the lore surrounding Disneyland churros. It is a popular sentiment that though they seem similar, Disneyland churros are far superior! Don’t believe it? Try one next time you go!

If a churro doesn’t satisfy your sweet tooth, perhaps a Mickey-shaped beignet will. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to check out what seasonal beignet creations Tiana has on the menu at Tiana’s Palace.

If you are still looking to add to your snack list, you can’t forget about the classics. Dole Whip, Turkey legs, Mickey Pretzels, and Mickey Ice Cream Bars are popular for a reason. But be careful not to overlook the more unique options- you could find a few new favorites!

Comments

Do you have any other must-do experiences for first time Disneyland goers? What are your favorite things to do, see, and eat at these iconic parks? Leave us a comment below to share your Disneyland tips.