Disneyland for Disney World Experts

I recently wrote about how to to plan a Disneyland vacation for Disney World Experts. I'm continuing that theme here by explaining how to visit the parks. Here's a tip right off the bat, don't spend your time contemplating the differences. If you find yourself going there, remind yourself this was Walt's vision, his handy work is everywhere and he had apartments in the park. His spirit is much stronger here and that along is reason to visit for any true lover of Disney.

Here's some highlights of what you'll notice:

• Parks are all in one place
• Castle is tiny in comparison
• Rides are different but named same
• Food offerings are a lot different
• Lots of locals are visiting
• No bus from airport(s)
• Characters are roaming around apparently aimlessly

When approaching Disneyland, you'll see that Downtown Disney is behind you about 200 yards and if you turn left you see Disneyland entrance, turn right and you see California Adventure entrance. No further apart than the goalposts on a football field. Everything with the Parks is right here. Disney Hotels are at the other end of Downtown Disney, as well as the parking garage, but hey there's still a tram. 

The closeness of everything makes it extremely easy to Park Hop, so hop on over and between, hit the hotel for a nap and head back.

You've arrived at the park and here's the first thing you'll immediately realize, the size of Disneyland Park Resort area is small compared to WDW. What was once a bunch of fruit trees and strawberry fields, Walt Disney purchased enough land to build his dream. Complete with parking and some extra fringe space. Apparently, he wasn't prepared for the city of Anaheim to expand right to the doors of Disneyland. It took many years and many dollars to buy the extra space needed for them to expand enough for California Adventure. In fact, the Haunted Mansion ride goes outside of the boundary of the park! That's how much they've had to utilize what space they have. You've been to the vast Walt Disney World area and seen many square miles of open space. Walt was a smart man and learned from Disneyland how to purchase more than you need so you can always grow. 

Don't laugh at the castle. This was huge in 1955! It may seem small but there's a lot of Disney packed into Sleeping Beauty's castle. 

You will fall in love with Pirates of the Caribbean all over again. I won't spoil it for you but you will start to think you've never done this ride before. 

The food choices are a completely different experience! Disneyland food isn't made to appeal to every culture and person from around the world, it's more local and more flavorful to me. Disneyland food is better in my humble opinion. Disneyland also offers a lot more quick-service meals than sit down meals. However their quick service has a lot of great healthy choices. You can even find some amazing pickles and fruit throughout the park. Delicious fresh oranges. Yummy! 

I'll eat at Plaza Inn for breakfast because I get to see some of the best characters there. There's so many choices I can't go into them all, but there are very few that would disappoint. If you have questions ask a qualified Disneyland Specialist... I may know one you could ask... He'll probably refer you here for sure though!

Disneyland is a local family park. It's not uncommon for locals to visit Disneyland to have a meal for the night, ride a ride and then head on home. You will find that everywhere you go you will be asked if you are an annual passholder. They rule the roost in Disneyland and receive discounts on food, merchandise and more. Just be prepared to answer, no I'm not a passholder everywhere you buy something.

There is no Magical Express. Don't ask... But there's tons of options, from rental cars, to Anaheim Resort Transfers, at Good Neighbor Hotels, and city busses. Transportation is usually best done by car and walking when heading to Disneyland. 

There isn't an underground tunnel system at Disneyland, so characters have to walk through the park to get anywhere. As such they will spend the time to stop, get pictures, autographs and more on their way to their scheduled location. This is also a touch of history as it's always been done this way at Disneyland, no one wants to change it now. 

One last tip you should know is that Disneyland and California Adventure are best visited over a 3 or 4 day period. One day at each park with an extra day for follow up with favorites or missed items. Once you've done that, then you can explore the rest of Southern California. Hit up San Diego and see the zoo, or go to Universal Hollywood. Skip another theme park and just hit the beach at Santa Monica. All wonderful and completely different experiences than you'd have in Florida.

Contact DisneyDaniel today to book your First, Next or Best Disney Vacation!

Daniel is a self-proclaimed Disney Geek, Disney Vacation Planner and a Disneyland Specialist. When he’s not adding to the plethora of Disney Trivia in his head, you can find DisneyDaniel on his Facebook Page, follow him on Twitter or shoot him an email at: Daniel@destinationsinflorida.com

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