Let’s Plan the Ultimate Disneyland® Resort Trip
This post has been sponsored by Disneyland Resort All thoughts and opinions are my own.
There is no such thing as too much planning when it comes to a trip to Disneyland! Unlike most trips you will take, the real planning for a Disneyland vacation starts after the travel is booked. If you’re anything like me, you most likely experienced a myriad of emotions after you hit the “Confirm” button, solidifying your ticket into the magic gates. Excited. Confused. Overwhelmed. How are we going to get the most out of this trip? What time should we arrive? What are the go-to attractions? If you asked yourself any of these questions, trust me when I say you are not alone. Let me walk you through my personal list of must-ride attractions, favorite experiences, and even a few yummy treats you should try during your next visit to the Disneyland Resort.
First, and foremost, let me say purchasing the Lightning Lane Multi-Pass while visiting Disneyland was a real lifesaver. Accessed through the Disneyland app, I avoided the rush and simply reserved time slots for many of the popular rides and attractions. Because of this, I was able to spend most of my time at the parks enjoying the beautiful scenery instead of waiting in lines. It also helped that I got up early to arrive at the parks as soon as they opened to hit the most popular attractions while the wait times were relatively short. With that said, I definitely recommend jotting down the attractions you like the most and compare with the average wait times throughout the day so you can prioritize your day around them. You certainly don’t want to save your favorites for last and realize it’ll take a good minute to get on!
Now, let’s get into my favorite rides. I had very high expectations coming in and can definitely say they were exceeded in every way. You cannot leave Disneyland Resort without experiencing these 10 rides. Plus a little extra because I mean you really can’t go wrong no matter what you ride but we are trying to make the most out of our time at Disneyland to get the best experience.
Disney California Adventure Park
Top 5 Must Ride Attractions
Radiator Springs Racers: This had to be one of my absolute favorite rides just for the experience, I felt as if I was in the Cars movie. I can’t wait to take my kids back to experience this together. If you love the movie Cars this is a must do but be sure to purchase a Lightning Lane Single Pass for expedited entry because the wait time can get pretty long.
Incredicoaster: If you are a seeker of thrills, the Incredicoaster is the way to go. My husband and I aren’t really fans of heights or rollercoasters but this was so much fun. I could ride it over and over again.
Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission BREAKOUT!: I’m going to be honest. I was terrified to get on this because I thought it was one huge drop and I don’t do drops. However, give it a chance. It’s actually very entertaining even if you aren’t a big Guardians of the Galaxy fan.
Web Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure: This was the last ride we did at the park. It was fun but exhausting especially if you are trying to get the high score in your cart. Be prepared to put in some effort slinging those webs.
Goofy’s Sky School: This is the perfect roller coaster if you aren’t into big drops. It’s a thrill ride with little baby plunges but is still fun with lots of twists and turns.
Honorable Mentions: Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! & Toy Story Midway Mania!: These are good to hop on while you wait for Lightning Lane Multi-Pass arrival time on other rides. Toy Story Midway Mania! is super interactive and fun for the whole family and Monsters, Inc is just a great experience that feels like you are a part of the movie.
Experiences: Avengers Headquarters - Catch Thor, Black Panther and a few other of your favorite Avengers as they spring into action to defend the Avengers command center or see Spider-Man test some new features to his Spidey suit.
Disneyland Park
Top 5 Must Ride Attractions
Star Wars: Rise of Resistance: All of the Star Wars Rides are great but if you had to do just one I recommend this one. The experience was unmatched.
Indiana Jones Adventure: Dark exhilarating ride that keeps you guessing.
Matterhorn Bobsleds: My favorite part is seeing the other bobsleds and don’t forget to look out for the Yeti.
Space Mountain: I think you should try this one at least once even if rollercoasters are not your thing just for the experience alone. It’s pretty fun with drops and gives you the full rollercoaster experience.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: This is the perfect rollercoaster if you are not into big drops and crazy loops but still want a rollercoaster experience.
Honorable Mention: Autopia & Buzz Lightyear Astro Blaster: I feel these are just two nostalgic rides. My kids absolutely loved both of these. The Buzz Lightyear ride is also interactive and a nice way to relax in the A/C.
Experience: Parades: Did you really go to Disneyland if you didn’t experience a parade? It’s a fun way to just take a breather or if you aren’t into parades go get in a quick ride at one of your favorites while everyone is occupied.
Can we really go to Disney and not talk about the food? I mean it would be unlike me to not talk about the tasty treats you should try along with the experiences. Whether you like it sweet or savory, Disney has something you will enjoy. One of my husband’s non-negotiables is a Churro and Disney makes a darn good Churro. I personally think you can’t go wrong with a Macaron from the Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe on Mainstreet USA and the Cold Brew Black Caf with Taro Topper at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo in Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge. Your sweet tooth will most certainly be satisfied. Then, there are treats like yummy pretzels both sweet and savory. I’m all for the Jalapeno and cheese. Also, don’t forget the Buttermilk Beignets and a New Orleans Mint Julep to wash them down over at the new restaurant, Tiana’s Palace. And while I just so happened to go a few days too early for the Food & Wine Festival, they had the menus up on the carts around Disney California Adventure Park, and let’s just say I’m planning my next visit for the Spring season.
To wrap things up, I believe that Disney is all about the experiences and memories you make no matter which way you choose to do it. All of the planning and nitty gritty details are important, however, the best day you spend at Disney is the day you spend laughing, eating, and enjoying your family, friends, or even solitude. At the end of the day, each park is packed full of experiences, wonder, and awe. And now that you know how to make the most out of your trip, what are you waiting for? Head to Disneyland.com and book a reservation today.
