Disneyland Esplanade — Attraction in Anaheim

Where to start...I have been to Disneyland 3 times in my 40+ years of living. Once as a child , once as a young adult and now a father taking his 4 and 7 yr old children. I dont want to be staring at my phone to navigate and book rides. Booking rides is required for your "lightning pass", which is not the case. The "lightning pass" ride booking and having to navigate the park with our phone was very distracting and frustrated myself and partner. We found paper maps at the end of the day. They had them hidden at one guest service location in the park. I enjoyed the park more not staring at my phone. Looking around and reading signs. Using a real map. The fast lightning ride lane didn't require digital registration. Just pay a little more and get in the right line. I dont advise the lightning pass unless you like wasting time and money. If Disney wants to use tech in the park. They should try to put up digital bulletin boards to post wait times and events going on thru the park. Also more direction signs. Disney needs to help us enjoy the park. Not keep us on an app while im in the park. Also the amount of rides breaking down was horrible. I honestly dont think Walt would have us on apps to enjoy an enchanting life break. The characters had their own body guards holding kids back and making everyone line up. It was impossible to get our kids a picture while walking thru the park. What a heart break for us all. Seriously breaks my heart for my kids and all the others that can't go see their favorite princess or character. We almost got a picture with Mickey but we had a cm yell at us to get back and Mickey is going downtown.Where we asked? She said somewhere downtown, go look. As hes right in front of us. Break these kids hearts again Disney staff. We still had a good time but left dissatisfied and disappointed for the kids. They will only be 4 and 7 on this trip. The magic is very real at those ages. So is the heartbreak. Come to find out the character breakfast at the Grand California is where you get to see characters like the old days. So that's why its 1k+ a night. Wish that was stated. If you dont stay at the grand California, good luck getting your kids to a character. We would have too if we knew. The best part of the trip was the luxury OFF site resort we stayed at. One last thing , each kid was given 300 and 400 on gift cards to use at the park. At least 5 times my partner and I had awkward transactions with cast members bc it was a gift card transaction. Well, ask before you ring it up if your going to be rude and roll your eyes bc its a gift card. We still did enjoy the rides. Our young kids dont know the old days. Still all of our hearts got broken at diffrent points, which is not the old...

The Disneyland Esplanade is the main entrance to Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim, California. The esplanade is a large plaza that is located between the two parks, and provides visitors with a variety of different amenities and attractions.

One of the most impressive features of the esplanade is the large fountain that is located in the center of the plaza. The fountain is designed to be a replica of the Partners Statue that is located inside Disneyland Park, and features Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse holding hands. The fountain provides a perfect spot for visitors to take pictures, and is a popular meeting place for groups.

The esplanade is also home to a variety of different shops and restaurants. Visitors can find a variety of different souvenirs, including t-shirts, hats, and other items that feature their favorite Disney characters. There are also a variety of different restaurants and snack stands, where visitors can grab a quick bite to eat before heading into the parks.

One of the most popular attractions in the esplanade is the Disneyland Monorail. The monorail is a unique transportation system that provides visitors with a bird's-eye view of the parks. Visitors can ride the monorail from the esplanade to Tomorrowland inside Disneyland Park, and can enjoy a unique and exciting experience that is unlike anything else in the parks.

The esplanade is also home to a variety of different entertainment options. Visitors can enjoy live music and performances from a variety of different artists, and can even catch a glimpse of some of their favorite Disney characters as they make their way through the plaza.

Overall, the Disneyland Esplanade is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. It provides visitors with a unique and exciting experience that is unlike anything else in the parks, and is a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the atmosphere before heading into the parks. With a variety of different amenities and attractions, the esplanade is the perfect way to start your...

Many Disney fanatics are reviewing the Esplanade and confusing it for the actual park or Downtown Disney. I am reviewing the Esplanade itself, which includes security as well as the information centers included in the Esplanade.

My husband and I were annual pass holders and, quite honestly, I don't think we'll be renewing our passes. More often than not, the customer service from the ticket / inquiry booths is always downright terrible. I always find myself having to put my foot down to avoid being walked on and never listened to. If I didn't, I would've paid double fees on two separate occasions, which was an error on Disney's part.

It seems every representative I've ever spoken to (whether I tried via cell to their call center or went to the park to get matters settled myself because the call center wouldn't assist me properly with a billing issue) is quite dismissive and rude. I was unable to retrieve any information about my pass because I couldn't remember which street address I used for my pass when I signed up for it 7 years ago.

Pre-COVID, the Esplanade was always crowded (of course it is, it's Disney). It's often filled with sweaty, tired people spitting gum on the floor and grumpy Karens with failed marriages who tell you to "get a room" because you briefly pecked your significant other.

It's just generally unpleasant. It was one of my least favorite parts of the Disney experience.

However, the one good thing about the Esplanade is the security! They take proper precautions and have always made me feel welcome and safe. They will most often joke with you as they check your bags....