Save Up to 20% on Sunday Through Thursday Night Stays at Select Disneyland Resort Hotels; and more!
New offers for Disneyland Resort in California
Save Up to 20% on Sunday Through Thursday Night Stays at Select Disneyland Resort Hotels
You can save up to 20% on Sunday to Thursday night stays at a Disneyland Resort hotel from January 15 through March 7, 2024. Explore savings at these Disneyland Resort hotels—on Standard and Premium room types. Subject to availability and restrictions.
Save up to 20% at these Disneyland Resort hotels—valid on Standard and Premium room types:
Disney's Grand California Hotel & Spa
Disneyland Hotel
The Villas at Disneyland Hotel
Book now through March 4, 2024. Travel must be completed by March 8, 2024.
Disney Visa Cardmembers: Save Up to 25% on Select Stays of 4 Nights or Longer at Select Disneyland Resort Hotels
Disney Visa Cardmembers can save up to 25% on 4-night stays or longer at a Disneyland Resort hotel from January 15 through March 7, 2024. Subject to availability and restrictions.
Save up to 25% at these Disneyland Resort hotels—valid on Standard and Premium room types:
Disney's Grand California Hotel & Spa
Disneyland Hotel
The Villas at Disneyland Hotel
Book now through March 4, 2024. Travel must be completed by March 8, 2024.
Have questions about planning your Disneyland vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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The Test Brick Wall at Disneyland: A Magical Experiment in Perfection
Conceived by a team of ingenious Imagineers, the Test Brick Wall serves as a testament to Disney's unwavering commitment to attention to detail.
Nestled amidst the enchanting realm of Disneyland, hidden away from the prying eyes of eager guests, lies an inconspicuous structure that plays an essential role in crafting the perfect theme park experience.
Known simply as the "Test Brick Wall," this unassuming, brick-laden structure exists as an experimental masterpiece, embodying the relentless pursuit of perfection that defines this magical wonderland.
Conceived by a team of ingenious Imagineers, the Test Brick Wall serves as a testament to Disney's unwavering commitment to attention to detail.
This nondescript wall undergoes continuous modifications and rigorous trials, serving as a testing ground for potential additions and transformations throughout the park. Experimentation with different brick textures, colors, and patterns occurs at the Test Brick Wall, ensuring that every element of Disneyland harmoniously blends together, weaving an immersive and cohesive narrative for each visitor.
Walt Disney wanted to see the difference between a more rustic brick pattern for his turn-of-the-century Main Street versus a more polished look.
Imagineers created a test wall with each type of brick.
It’s unknown as to why Disney didn’t tear down the test wall and rebuild it. Perhaps it was a budget issue, or maybe he was in a rush to get the park opened.
Why do you think this was never replaced? Use the comments below.
OrlandoParksGuy: Travel agent for Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Orlando area cruises
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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Why Disney World Fans Will LOVE Disneyland
Some have told me that they think Disneyland is too small. That’s right it is small, but not too small. And Disneyland has nearly twice the attractions as Magic Kingdom.
I speak to a lot of people who love Disney World but have yet to make it out to see Disneyland Resort in California.
Some have told me that they think Disneyland is too small. That’s right it is small, but not too small.
And Disneyland has nearly twice the attractions as Magic Kingdom.
A plus is that everything is within walking distance at Disneyland. Others tell me that California is out of their comfort zone and that Florida just seems easier.
Well, Disneyland is surprisingly easy especially when you book with a travel advisor.
So this is Disneyland for those who love Disney World. And it’s coming up right now.
There are two theme parks that sit directly across from each other. Disneyland of course and Disney’s California Adventure.
But in this article, I really want to focus on Disneyland because she’s Magic Kingdom’s big sister. But I’ll touch on California adventure too.
So here’s Disneyland for people who love Walt Disney World (or watch the video below).
Walt’s Lamp on Main Street U.S.A.
Walt Disney never got to see his Florida park but at Disneyland, you can literally feel his presence here.
He designed it, walked it, and even slept here. His family's apartment is located above the firehouse.
Cast Members knew Walt was in the park when they saw the light on in the window. The light is constantly lit today because it symbolizes Walt is always with us.
“it’s a small world”
“it’s a small world” at Disneyland is pretty close to the Walt Disney World version with a few exceptions.
First, it’s the original. The one that was made for the 1964-1965 World’s Fair in New York.
The queue and load area are outside which is different that Disney World’s version.
Inside is similar but there are enough differences that make it a must-see.
Some of the rooms are completely different and you may even spot a few Disney characters along the way like Alice in Wonderland, Woody from Toy Story, and Lilo, and Stitch, just to name a few.
Autopia
Autopia is Disneyland’s version of Tomorrowland Speed Way. Both have miniature gas-powered cars that you drive around a track, but Disneyland’s version is part freeway, part race track, and part dirt road with hills and bridges.
It has a lot more theming than the Tomorrowland Speedway and it kind of makes Disney World’s version seem a little bland.
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
If you’re a Disney World fan, Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage will be like going back in time to days when we had 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea in Magic Kingdom.
Disneyland still has this attraction but with a Finding Nemo overlay.
The story and augmented reality animations that are very similar to Finding Nemo at Epcot. I know so many people wish Magic Kingdom still had this attraction, myself included.
But if you miss 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea at Magic Kingdom, or wondered what it was like, this is an attraction you want to do.
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters is very different from Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin in Magic Kingdom. The rooms are completely different and even the targets are different.
Your blaster isn’t attached to the ride vehicle so you have more control over where to aim.
As with Space Ranger Spin, it’s tricky to figure out where you’re pointing your laser but you can get the hang of it pretty quickly.
Space Mountain
Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom is one of the few attractions that opened in Florida before its counterpart opened in California.
So to me, Space Mountain is really a Magic Kingdom orginal.
However, Disneyland’s version is quite different.
The queue for example has you walk outside onto the roof.
The ride vehicles have you sit in rows of two whereas at Disney World you sit one behind the other.
Disneyland’s version is set to this spacey-rock music.
Disney World has no music, just a few sound effects. And the track at Space Mountain Disneyland is incredibly smooth and faster than Disney World's version.
Big Thunder Mountain
Big Thunder Mountain at Disneyland is very similar to Disney World’s version except that it’s much smoother and less jerky.
But Disneyland’s version has an added special effects scene on the third lift hill.
As you climb the final hill you’ll see that a number of dynamite fuses have been lit and are ready to explode any second.
The effect uses sounds and projection mapping to simulate a large blast in the mine.
Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
One of my absolute favorite things about Disneyland is that it still has Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride.
The Magic Kingdom version was removed in 1998 to make way for the Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh.
Going on this ride at Disneyland is like going back in time.
It’s a classic Disney dark ride with a very simple ride design and plywood cutouts, but there’s just something about this ride that brings me back.
I love the part where Toad gets hit by a train and then goes to hell. It’s hysterical. And it will leave you saying, wait, why don't we have this in Walt Disney World??
Haunted Mansion
Disneyland is home to the original Haunted Mansion.
The Walt Disney World version is nearly identical except that the exterior facade is beastly different.
Oh, and Disneyland’s stretching room is a real elevator whereas in Disney World it’s just special effects.
Pirates of the Caribbean
Pirates of the Caribbean is perhaps one of Disneyland’s most popular attractions. Disney World fans will love this one especially because it’s nearly twice as long.
Yeah, the Disney World version is about 8 minutes long while Disneyland’s is about 15 minutes long.
Disneyland has so many scenes that we just don’t have in World.
They both have the scene where the jailed pirates are trying to call the dog holding the keys.
But in Disney World, this part marks the end of the attraction. In Disneyland, this scene comes up about halfway through.
Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes
The Davy Crockett Explorer canoes were at one time operational in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World on the Rivers of America, even before Tom Sawyer Island was built.
Aside from some special Cast Member events, the canoes have not operated since the early 1990s. But Disneyland still offers the Canoes!
The guides are pretty funny too, similar to Jungle Cruise skippers. Which is also here in Disneyland by the way.
Matterhorn
Some people say the closest match to Matterhorn at Disneyland would be Expedition Everest in Disney’s Animal Kingdom but they are very different rides. Matterhorn would be closer to Space Mountain in terms of ride technology.
Matterhorn Bobsleds is the first Disney coaster ever built and the first tubular steel coaster in the world.
And watch out for the Yeti - he’s terrifying. No joke, he’s really scary.
Mickey’s Toon Town and Star Wars
Mickey’s House
Disneyland has several different lands than Disney World like New Orleans Square, home to Pirates of the Caribbean, Critter County formally home to Splash Mountain, but even more notably Mickey’s Toontown and Star War’s Galaxys Edge.
Disney World had a toon town at one point but it later became part of Storybook Circus in New Fantasyland.
Toontown is home to Mickey and Mnnies houses which are character meet and greets but also Runaway Railway.
The queue for Mickey’s Runaway Railway is very different from the Walt Disney World version which takes place in the Chinese Theater at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge is located in Disneyland - at Disney World, it's part of Disney’s Hollywood Studios of course.
The lands are very similar. In fact, at one point I forgot I was in California! Weird.
Sleeping Beauty Castle
Disneyland is of course the first castle park with Sleeping Bueaty Castle serving as the centerpiece of the park.
But did you know that you can actually go inside?
See in Walt Disney World you can only go inside if you want to dine in Cinderalla’s Royal Table.
Other than that, there isn’t much to experience.
But in Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, there’s a walk-through attraction where you can explore winding passageways where the tale of Princess Aurora is told.
Inside you’ll find 3-dimensional displays and special effects.
Don’t miss the climactic final scene, when Maleficent transforms into a fire-breathing dragon.
OrlandoParksGuy: Travel agent for Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Orlando area cruises
Disney’s California Adventure Park
Now let's park hop over to Disney’s California adventure. It’s located right next to Disneyland, no transportation is required.
You just walk across the plaza.
This park has a few Disney World favorites like Soarin’ and The Little Mermaid - Ariel's Undersea Adventure which aside from having different queues, are nearly identical.
Guardians of the Galaxy Mission Breakout
But DCA is your chance to ride a different version of the Tower of Terror.
Instead of Tower of Terror, we have Guardians of the Galaxy Mission Breakout.
This used to be the Tower of Terror but it was given a Guardians overlay.
The drop sequence will feel similar to you but it has an entirely different theme and story.
WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure
WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure is definitely something we don’t have in Disney World. The only attraction that might be remotely similar is Toy Story Midway Mania which is also located here in DCA. WebSlingers is part interactive game and park dark ride attraction.
Web Slingers is located in Avengers Campus where you can take in shows meet some characters or dine in the Pym Test Kitchen
Cars Land
One of the most beautiful sections of Disney’s California Adventure is Cars Land. Home to so many great attractions like Luigi’s Rollicking Roadsters and especially Radiator Springs Racers.
To Disney World fans you’ll recognize the ride vehicles, they are similar to Test Track in Epcot.
Like Test Track this is part dark ride and part high-speed thrill ride.
The final scene has you race another car through Radiator Springs.
I think this is one of the best rides in the park.
And here’s a little secret.
If you stand in the middle of the street in Cars Land at sunset (be sure to check your phone’s weather app to get the official sunset time) you can watch Cars Land come to life in neon lights.
After the neon goes on, be sure to walk down the path behind Flo’s V8 cafe to see Radiator Springs lit up as well.
It’s one of the most beautiful parts of any Disney park anywhere so don’t miss it. And Not too many people know about this pathway so you may just have it all to yourself.
Now of course I didn’t cover everything there is to see and do at Disneyland in California but I hope you Disney World fans saw enough about what makes this resort truly unique.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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2023 Disneyland Packages Coming August 17, 2022
Walt Disney Travel Company 2023 for Disneyland Resort will be available beginning Wednesday, Aug. 17.
These packages will be valid for arrivals Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2023
Please note the first day of your Disneyland vacation cannot be booked more than 499 days in the future.
Bookings may be made beginning Wednesday online or via phone.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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Character Greetings Returning to Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line
Soon you can hug the Disney characters again in Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney Cruise Line
Everyday someone sends an email asking me when they can hug Disney characters again.The wait is almost over! Character greetings are returning to Walt Disney World, Disneyland and Disney Cruise Line as early as April 18, 2022.
The official announcement was released today from the Walt Disney Company:
“As early as April 18, we will start reintroducing traditional character greetings at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts, as well as aboard Disney Cruise Line and at Aulani Resort in Hawaii. Very soon, Guests will once again be able to hug Mickey Mouse, get an autograph from Mulan, and share a laugh with Goofy. We know many of you have missed these special moments, and your Disney character friends have missed you, too!
During the past two years, we’ve taken a very gradual, intentional approach to health and safety protocols. Recent trends and guidance have provided opportunities for us to bring back some of our most beloved magic, like character greetings and dining experiences. While not all locations will be available immediately, we anticipate reopening in phases throughout the spring and early summer.”
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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VIDEO: Tour Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland
Taking Control of Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Park
Beginning today at Disneyland Park you can climb aboard the Millennium Falcon and settle into the cockpit to operate “the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy” on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland Park. Let’s take a closer look….
As a reminder, Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge will open Aug. 29 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida.*
For special offers this fall, check out the Walt Disney World Resort Offers Page.
*Reservations required to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge from May 31 to June 23 at Disneyland Park in California. Theme parks, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and its experiences are subject to capacity.
Secret Walking Tour at Disney's California Adventure Park
If you've ever had a chance to enter a Disney Theme Park prior to opening, say for an early dining reservation or special tour, you know how magical it can be. There's something about seeing the parks without all the congestion and foot traffic. It can also be a great time to take some photos without other guests in them!
At Disney's California Adventure Park, guests can make reservations for a secret 2-mile walking tour of the Theme Park. The tour is led by a Cast Member who also provides some trivia and Disneyland Resort history. This tour is available to any Disneyland Resort hotel guest - but just remember that advance dining reservations are required. To make a reservation, stop by Guest Services.
New Hotel Announced for Disneyland
O have some exciting news to share with you about the Disneyland Resort in California. For the first time in almost two decades, Disney will open a new Four Diamond hotel! Set to open in 2021, this hotel will transform the west end of the Downtown Disney District and anchor a new gateway to the Disneyland Resort.
The stunning 700-room hotel will feature a sophisticated design, extensive landscaping and water elements that will create a resort oasis, showcasing nature on every level of the hotel. The hotel’s location embraces the iconic Disneyland Monorail with a dedicated platform inside the hotel for direct transport into Disneyland Park.
The ground level of the hotel will include shops and restaurants opening onto an expansive landscaped plaza complete with playful water features, creating a gathering place for guests and visitors. The new hotel also connects all four Hotels of the Disneyland Resort through lush gardens and beautifully landscaped walkways, transforming the gateway on the west side and creating a welcoming entry.
By Darren Wittko
Classic Space Mountain Returning to Disneyland
On June 1, 2017, the classic Space Mountain returns to Disneyland Park. Just days after we mark the 40th anniversary of this Tomorrowland favorite, space travelers will blast off once again for their intergalactic adventure.
A variation of a concept Walt Disney developed in the 1960s, Space Mountain first opened at Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort in 1975, and construction on Space Mountain at Disneyland Park began soon after. The attraction went on to become a Guest favorite, seeing special themed versions such as Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy and Hyperspace Mountain.
You are clear for launch starting June 1, 2017 with the return of Space Mountain at Disneyland Park!
By Darren Wittko, Specializing in Disney Destinations
New Disneyland App Offers PhotoPass Service
With access to wait times, Disney FASTPASS return times and where to find favorite Disney characters, the Disneyland App is a great tool to enhance your Disneyland Resort visit. And now, this great app allows you to experience Disney PhotoPass Service in a whole new way.
New Disneyland App Offers PhotoPass Service
Link Photos
Instead of collecting Disney PhotoPass Cards during your visit, you can now link cards to your account by entering the 16-character PhotoPass ID or by using the QR code scanner available in the app. You can also link attractions by enter the 8-character ID found on the preview monitor at the exit of a participating attraction.
View and Purchase Photos
You can also view your memories and purchase them in the Disneyland App! You can purchase an individual photo, or download all your photos captured during a one-day visit to Disneyland Resort, and linked to your account, for $39 with Disney PhotoPass+ One Day.
Disney PhotoPass+ One Day includes all your Disney PhotoPass photos including select attraction and dining photos and NEW Animated Magic Shots.
Download and Share
Once you have purchased your photos, you can download and share them with family and friends via text, email and some of your favorite social media sites.
If you have an Annual Passport that includes Disney PhotoPass downloads, you can link your pass to your account so you can download and share your photos using the Disneyland App too!
Disney PhotoPass Service and Disney PhotoPass+ are subject to the Disney PhotoPass and Disney PhotoPass+ terms. Online registration required. Disney PhotoPass Photos in your account will expire pursuant to the expiration policy. Photos linked to a qualifying Annual Passport will expire 365 days from the date of capture and are subject to the Annual Passport Terms and Conditions. Downloads are restricted to personal use only. Not responsible for missing, lost or damaged photos. Subject to restrictions and change without notice.
Related:
New Walt Disney World Website just for grandparents
Darren Wittko is the creator of Save at Walt Disney World and a Disney Destinations Specialist at Magical Vacations Travel. Voted "best of the best Disney travel agent" by readers of the 2015 Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World. He is also the creator of The Best of Walt Disney World blog.
Insiders Look: New Rivers of America at Disneyland
The Rivers of America and the Disneyland Railroad at Disneyland Park are temporarily closed as Walt Disney Imagineers prepare to make room for the all-new Star Wars-themed land.
Rivers of America | Disneyland Resort
When these areas reopen, the north bank of the Rivers of America will feature a beautiful new waterfront. The new riverbank will also include an elevated trestle over which the Disneyland Railroad will travel. Take a look at this Walt Disney Imagineering artist rendering for a sneak peek!
Darren Wittko is the creator of Save at Walt Disney World and a Disney Destinations Specialist at Magical Vacations Travel. Voted "best of the best Disney travel agent" by readers of the 2015 Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World. He is also the creator of The Best of Walt Disney World blog.
Guide to virtual queues at Disney World