Disneyland Resort — Restaurant in Anaheim

How do you even rate Disneyland!? I'll give a general note for planning but focus on the app. You need to determine the most important goal for your trip. If you want to factor in time for parades, sit down dining, character interactions, or you have a large group of people, you need to go more than one day. If you only have one day, let go of the fact you won't see everything and just enjoy what you can. If there's two of you and you want to run through the park, have at it! And for those with littles, prep for nap time. Each ride is 20 to 45 mins so you will spend the bulk of your day in line. One good thing is you can grab a snack on your way to another ride and eat it in line if you don't want to lose time sitting to eat. I won't give you all the tips and tricks, there are plenty of Disney blogs out there. Here's my rating for the app and why. First It's important to know there is a Disney Genie and a Disney Genie plus.. below is my thoughts on the Genie plus(+)

For context: At each ride there is a standby lane(general line) or a Lightening Lane(fast pass using your Genie+)You can use your Lightening pass one at a time. Schedule your first ride the moment you get in the park. Once the pass is redeemed(used), you can immediately schedule your next.

Pros: Using the lightning pass is great to get in a shorter line and shave off your wait time to get on a ride. (Pro tip Matterhorn Bobsleds best lightning pass line for sure). I also loved being able to take advantage of the Disney photo pass. At specific locations in the park you can have the Disney crew take photos with some really great cameras, in front of the castle. Those are ours to keep at no additional cost. We got some great photos! I heard the Disney trivia wiz can be useful for waiting in line, but I never tried it as I wanted to conserve my battery.

Cons: Many of the lightning lanes did not take you to the front of the standby lines so although shorter, we still waited 20 mins. Also half of our rides were temporarily unavailable or cancelled all day. It's important to keep in mind this technology is expected to run every single day. Things break or need maintenance. So there is the risk you take(we took) when half your day is spent chasing a new ride or lightning pass because they keep going down. I reached out very kindly in the Genie chat about this and was told passes are non-refundable. I asked if there was a possibility we could transfer our pass to another day (they were $30 per person per day!) They kindly suggested we use the Disney trivia wiz to kill time. Ultimately no.

So if you plan to mosey through the park, I wouldn't spend the extra money on the Genie+ for one or two fast passes. Definitely take advantage of the Disney Genie only. This part of the app is really helpful in telling you how long the ride lines are expected to be, where the characters, bathrooms, food etc. But it's free.

Additional thoughts, bring a power bank. I had my phone in airplane mode most of the day and still managed to get down to 40% before mid day. Be patient, bring sunscreen, enjoy a Dole whip...

The Happiest Place on Earth, and the original Disney theme park: Disneyland in Anaheim, California. This is Walt Disney’s place - he dreamt it, he built it, he enjoyed it. Here, you walk in Walt’s footsteps. The park is beautiful, clean, charming, delicious, exciting, and magical. Other Disney resorts around the world are certainly larger, but somehow Disneyland in Anaheim is the perfect size. You can visit the original Magic Kingdom and her sister park, Disney California Adventure in a span of two days if you splurge for Lightning Lane, which can get expensive. For a more leisurely pace, give yourself four or five days, and experience it all, including a newly renovated Downtown Disney (which as of 2025, is still expanding). If you want 24/7 Disney immersion, splurge on a room at one of three Disney Hotels: Pixar Place, the Disneyland Hotel, or the flagship and lavish Grand Californian - you’ll be welcome to enjoy the pools and amenities of the resort that way. If your hotel is just a place to sleep, there are many value-priced Disney good-neighbor hotels within walking distance of the Disneyland Resort. Situated in Southern California also allows you the bonus of sightseeing gorgeous beaches, hiking trails, and even mountains and the desert, all within an hour’s drive.

Highlights of Disneyland include the Matterhorn, Space Mountain, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (formerly Splash Mountain), Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, the Indiana Jones Adventure, and the cutting-edge experience Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Fantasyland also provides wonderful immersive “dark rides” themed to Disney fairytales for the young and young-at-heart. Evening entertainment includes nightly fireworks over Sleeping Beauty Castle and Fantasmic!, a spectacular that boasts pyrotechnics, lasers, fire and water special effects, a cavalcade of live performers, including your favorite Disney characters, animated projections on screens of water, and a gorgeous orchestral score.

Disney California Adventure features the Incredicoaster, Soarin’ Over California, Grizzly River Run, and Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout. Avengers Campus boasts attractions featuring your favorite characters from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and as of 2025 is in the process of a major expansion. The evening spectacle at this park is World of Color, which quite effectively incorporates brilliantly-lit water effects, fire effects, with animated sequences projected on screens of water mist.

Downtown Disney is a wonderful outdoor shopping promenade with quaint shops, fun quick-service food carts, live entertainment, and outstanding restaurants. No admission fee for Downtown Disney.

Strong recommendation to take a photo of the section where you parked, so you don’t end up wandering aimlessly with tired feet at the end of the day to...

Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, is a charming and historically rich destination that stands as the original Disney theme park, opened in 1955. As I walked through the park, I was immediately struck by its intimate scale compared to Walt Disney World in Florida. This smaller size creates a unique and nostalgic atmosphere that feels reminiscent of the park's early days, giving it a vintage charm that is hard to replicate.

One of the most appealing aspects of Disneyland is its history. Walt Disney himself was deeply involved in the creation of the park, and his vision is palpable throughout the entire resort. The attention to detail and the classic design elements transport you back to a different era of theme park magic. Walking down Main Street, U.S.A., with its quaint shops and nostalgic architecture, feels like stepping into a time capsule of Americana, and it’s easy to appreciate the love and care that went into crafting such a magical space.

However, the park's smaller footprint can be a double-edged sword. While it allows for a more compact and easily navigable experience, it can also lead to challenges, especially when it comes to crowd management. During peak visiting times, the popularity of Disneyland can result in larger crowds concentrated in certain areas, leading to longer wait times for rides and attractions. This can sometimes detract from the experience, particularly for those who prefer a more leisurely pace when exploring the park.

Despite this, the charm of Disneyland shines through in its attractions, entertainment, and the overall ambiance. The classic rides, such as the Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean, carry a sense of nostalgia and history that feels comforting and familiar. The character meet-and-greets are also a delightful touch, allowing guests to interact with beloved Disney characters in a more intimate setting.

The dining options at Disneyland also reflect its vintage feel, with classic eateries that have stood the test of time alongside newer establishments. Whether indulging in a Dole Whip or enjoying a meal at the Carnation Café, there’s a delightful sense of tradition in the food offerings that adds to the overall experience.

In summary, Disneyland Resort is a magical destination steeped in history, offering a unique vintage charm that sets it apart from its larger counterpart, Walt Disney World. While the smaller size can lead to crowding and longer wait times during peak hours, the park's rich history, classic attractions, and nostalgic atmosphere make it a must-visit for Disney fans and anyone looking to experience the magic of the original park. It’s a place that captures the heart and imagination, embodying the spirit of Walt Disney's vision in a way that feels both timeless...