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Between attractions, delicious food, and unforgettable sights, it’s hard to go to the “Happiest Place on Earth” without a plan! Whether it’s trying something new or recapturing the magic of an old favorite, I’ve included a bit of both in this Top 10 list.
10. Cars Land
(Source: Visit California)
No matter how many times I visit California Adventure, this part of the park never gets old.
The first time you set your eyes on it, it’s striking to see just how accurately they brought Radiator Springs to life. It really does look like you’ve just stepped into the movie Cars! Radiator Springs Racers is a must-see (if you can score the Fastpass), and stopping over at Flo’s for an easy lunch and a beer is a nice way to grab some downtime before you’re catapulted back into the excitement of your day(s) at the park.
9. “Get Your Ears On” Snacks
If you spend your time on Instagram pouring over Disneyland-goer accounts like I do, you might have noticed the increased number of snacks that sport Mickey’s classic ear shape. Right now, Disneyland is showing their appreciation for Mickey and Minnie in their “Get Your Ears On” promotion. Through this, they’ve made available some of the most delicious looking Disney snacks I’ve ever seen.
They’re not limited to, but include:
Mickey Cookies & Cream Shake at Schmoozies!
(Source: WDW News Today )
This looks like a sugary novelty that might take more than one person to eat! I’m aiming to buy one at the park, but I will definitely be sharing it with my partner.
Raspberry Rose Macarons at Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe
(Source: Disneyland)
So cute, and the color is gorgeous! (Not to mention the mouthwatering raspberry filling.) I will be taking this one all for myself.
"Share Your Ears" Cheeseburger at Smokejumpers Grill
(Source: Disneyland)
Something I could see our whole group eating. It looks funny (and is admittedly practical for feeding a family). Probably the most “Instagrammable” of all the snacks. Check out the full list on the Disney Parks blog.
8. Disneyland Cats
It's Emmett in his natural habitat, Trader Sam's.
It’s a magical experience when you see your first Disneyland cat. There’s a blog and an Instagram page dedicated to these very special dudes. I waited for years to glimpse one for the very first time, and in total I’ve seen three. (Not too bad for frequenting the park once a year, I have to say!)
If you’re looking to meet a cat buddy in Disneyland, try the queue near the Matterhorn Bobsleds where I've spotted Francisco, or even the area around Trader Sam’s where Emmett and Ned often hang out.
You can always attempt to track the others via their Instagram.
7. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
This ride is a classic – and one I enjoy in both Disneyland and Disney World.
My favorite details of the Disneyland ride lie in the town of Rainbow Ridge (that fictional Western setting you pass throughout the ride). Big Thunder Mountain Railroad was built on the land of the now defunct Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland. (More about that on YouTube from one of my favorite amateur Disney historians.)
It’s the setting and the fun of an easy thrill that make waiting in line for this ride worth it each time I visit the park.
6. Lunar New Year Celebration
There are two parts of this special few weeks in Disneyland that I know I don't want to miss.
Sip and Savor Pass
This is a great idea if you want to try all the delicious bites the Lunar New Year Celebration has to offer. Though I will be going straight for Longevity Noodle Co., there are plenty of dishes to enjoy as part of this celebration.
If you think you’re going to want to check out the full spread of what’s offered, the Sip and Savor Pass might just be for you. For just $39, you'll be able to eat your way through all the special treats themed to the Lunar New Year Celebration.
Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession
Mulan and Mushu have their own mini parade in California Adventure for the entirety of the Lunar New Year celebration. You can check the Disneyland website for times the procession takes place on the day(s) you’ll be visiting.
I adore Mulan and am going to prioritize catching a glimpse of this event at least once during our visit.
5. The Tropical Hideaway
That new Dole Whip swirl via Disney Parks Blog.
We all knew Aladdin’s Oasis wasn’t really working out. I am glad Disneyland is utilizing its former space with the new Tropical Hideaway. Plus, now you can get Dole Whip swirl with new flavors like orange and raspberry! I’m imagining this may become one of my new favorite places to take a break from the craziness of the park and enjoy a cool treat.
4. New Merch
From just a bit of preliminary searching in the past few weeks, I've put together a small list of merchandise I know I'll want to be on the lookout for during my visit.
The merch in question via WDW News Today.
Scented Pillows
These are another thing I’ve been seeing all over Instagram. There’s a pizza slice, a Minnie ears donut, Dole Whip – all scented pillows that you can buy in the park gift shops. Imagine taking a scented piece of the park home with you! I’m interested to see what these are like up close (and may not be able to resist bringing one home).
Donut Ears
The creativity behind the novelty ears never ceases to amaze me. As part of the snack merch line-up, you can now buy a pair of ears that looks like a large donut. I know many of you out there are avid ear collectors, so this might be a piece that is essential for your collection. Dole Whip Purse & Tumbler
Both of these are beyond adorable. I will definitely be purchasing my own tumbler, and most likely the purse as well. I always try to bring home Disney merch that is practical for use in my daily life, and I think I can justify both of these as fitting into that category.
New Pins
I purposely never do research on this before I get to the parks. Crazy, right? Well, I'm always afraid pins I have my eye on will sell out, so I like going in with no expectations. I tend to find a pin or two that I end up loving and adding to my collection. I’m sure this year will be no different.
3. Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout
Just a few pictures from the ride that I captured last year.
It's hard to catch everything because there are so many details!
Since I’ve only had the pleasure of riding this attraction once since its opening, I will be visiting it on this trip at least once (if not twice). The sometimes long lines are worth waiting in because of the immersive theming and the fact that I laughed throughout the entire ride!
I may make this one a priority on the Fastpass list this visit.
2. Pixar Pier
Ignore that this is an older picture of Paradise Pier. I just love these views and couldn't resist.
(This one is really just about getting the opportunity to ride the Incredicoaster...)
I only manage to get out to Disneyland once a year (the consequence of living in Chicago and traveling everywhere else the rest of the year), so Pixar Pier wasn’t yet completed when I paid my last visit.
One of my favorite attractions, The California Screamin’ has now become the Incredicoaster. I can’t complain. The Incredibles is my favorite Pixar film, and I’ve heard only great things about the change.
1. Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye
(Source: Disneyland)
I apologize in advance to those of you who have heard me gush about this ride time and time again.
Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye is my favorite ride in any of the Disney parks. I still remember the magic of riding it for the first time in the summer of 2004. Yes, I had seen the stunt show in Disney World years before, but this ride is nothing compared to it. I dare you to ride this one for the first time and not want to go again and again!
I applaud you for getting through the list! Maybe this will help fill you in on things you've been missing in the parks, or even help you plan your next visit. Feel free to leave me a comment below (or on the Instagram post you might have been directed here from) if you think I should see/eat/experience something new I've left out here!
Until next time.