Sixty-four years ago today, on July 17, 1955, Walt Disney stepped to a microphone and uttered these immortal words:
"To all who come to this happy place, welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here, age relives fond memories of the past, and here, youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams and the hard facts that have created America, with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world."
All these years later, Disneyland maintains its reputation as being "The Happiest Place on Earth" - somewhere people can go to have fun, escape the worries of the world and, even if temporarily, become a kid again.
It is my all-time favorite vacation and one of my favorite places in the entire world. So today, in honor of the park's birthday, I came up with a list of 64 of the very many things that I love about Disneyland. (For the record, this list is only about Disneyland - not California Adventure, and not Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, which I haven't been to, at the time of writing.) I've tried the best I could to put the numbers in order as if you were walking in a loop through the park from entrance to exit. Close your eyes and come with me on a journey. Actually, on second thought, keep your eyes open. I actually want you to be able to read this blog.
Anyway, here we go:
1. Ball Road, Katella Avenue and Harbor Boulevard
Ok, so this one isn't technically inside the park, but when you see street signs for Ball, Katella or Harbor, that means you're only a couple blocks away from Disney Way. The excitement is real!2. The Ticketing Area
The first of many, many lines to come... But you can't help but be excited while waiting to get inside Disneyland for a day full of adventure!3. Magic Morning
The "Magic Morning" is an opportunity to get into the park an hour before the rest of the peasants that surround you. It's a great opportunity to hit up some rides that typically have longer lines later on in the day. Make the most of this time!4. The Mickey Flowers Photo Op
What would a trip to Disneyland be without a classic tourist photo in front of the flowerbeds below the train station? Say cheese!
5. "Here you leave Today and enter the World of Yesterday, Tomorrow and Fantasy."
This iconic sign sits above visitors' heads as they walk below the bride that leads from the entrance to Main Street U.S.A.6. Retro Attraction Posters
Immediately after passing beneath the plaque in #5, visitors will see posters advertising Disneyland's most popular attractions on both sides of the brick walls below the railroad bridge. The unique art style evokes a sense of nostalgia and nods to the park's historic roots.
7. The Music on Main Street
Upon entering Main Street, park-goers are greeted by the musical stylings of Disneyland's classic soundtrack - a ragtime mixture of a 1950's big band, ukulele and xylophone.8. Mickey Ears
Gotta give a shoutout to one of the most recognizable pieces of apparel in the entire world. Who hasn't donned one of these caps, complete with their embroidered name on the back?9. Main Street Candy Shops
There are a lot of delicious treats to be found on Main Street. My personal favorite are the bags of sour candy from Goofy Candy Co.10. Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln
While certainly not one of the most popular attractions in the park, "Mr. Lincoln" was a technological marvel at the time it was created, and the animatronics hold up to this date. The first time I actually remember seeing him stand up during his speech, I think my jaw dropped. Did not see that coming! It's also a nice place to beat the heat and give your legs a rest if you're in the area later on in the day.11. The Walt and Mickey Statue
At the end of Main Street is the glorious statue of the creator, himself, alongside his lovable rodent pal. Walt and Mickey stand, hand in hand, overlooking the park with watchful eyes.12. Hidden Mickey Hunting
There are hundreds of "Hidden Mickeys" around the park, camouflaged in buildings, queues, architecture and all throughout the attractions. How many can you find?13. Sleeping Beauty's Castle
While I've never really been one to go out of my way to go inside the castle, I can't deny that it is one of the most beloved buildings anywhere in North America.14. FastPasses and the MaxPass
Back in my day, we actually had to wait in line if we wanted to go on the attractions! The development of the "FastPass" ticket in 1999 truly changed the way that we experience amusement parks. Essentially, it's a legal way of cutting in line. Grab yourself a FastPass and come back within a given time to have access to a shorter line and a minimized wait time. The roll-out of the MaxPass feature made FastPasses available through your smartphone, meaning that my brothers and I no longer need to run all the way across the park to reserve a time for a far-away attraction. Now, you can book a FastPass for Space Mountain while taking the kids through Toontown with the Disneyland mobile app. Throw in the fact that the MaxPass gives you access to digital copies of any pictures of your party taken on rides or by Disneyland photographers and you've got yourself a real deal! The MaxPass comes with a daily fee, but it's incredibly worth it if you're planning on riding the biggest rides and if you want some high quality, professional photos to remember your vacation.15. The New Star Tours
I loved the original Star Tours ride, but the changes that have been made in the past 10 years - namely, 3D technology and the addition of multiple ride combinations and on-screen locations - are a blast.16. Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
Though its popularity has diminished since the arrival of its sister-park counterpart "Toy Story Midway Mania," Buzz's Astro Blasters remains a game-changer in terms of on-ride interactivity. Here are 10 tips for reaching a new high score!
17. Space Mountain Fast Passes
In terms of Disneyland attractions, this is the one most in need of a FastPass. That line takes forever if you're waiting stand-by. You've got to claim the FastPass early in the day because they'll always sell out in the afternoon, but you'll be glad if you can hop on Space Mountain a couple times without having to wait 90 minutes.18. Captain EO / Honey, I Shrunk the Audience
Rest in Peace. These shows were so fun.19. Sneak Previews
Although "Captain EO" and "Honey, I Shrunk the Audience" are no longer in operation, Disneyland will occasionally show sneak previews of upcoming movies in certain areas or theaters around the park. In recent years, I've seen special promotions of movies like "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides," the live-action "Cinderella" and "Incredibles 2." If you're there during a time when they're showing something like that, make sure you go.20. The Constant Smell of Churros
Churros. A must-have snack on any Disney trip.
21. Darth Vader and Stormtrooper Procession
If you're lucky, you'll see occasionally see Lord Vader and his minions march through Tomorrowland.22. The .GIF of Darth Vader Riding the Astro Orbiter
23. The Sword in the Stone
Another classic photo-op. I've never pulled the sword from the stone, but one of my siblings did once. True story.
24. Short Lines at Pinocchio's Daring Journey and Snow White's Scary Adventures
Two scary rides located in the heart of a land meant for small children. You can almost always walk right onto either of these attractions at any point during the day.25. "Driving" on Mr. Toad's Wild Ride
Mr. Toad is arguably the most fun ride to "drive," as the steering wheel isn't slowed down by mechanics like on Roger Rabit or the Teacups.26. Going on Peter Pan - But Only Once
That line is way too long and way to slow to justify standing in multiple times. This is Destination #1 for most of my Magic Mornings. Get there before all the kiddos.27. The Alice in Wonderland Music in Fantasyland
The "Unbirthday" song is one of the catchiest tunes in any Disney movie. That thing will get stuck in my head for hours after walking through Fantasyland, and I don't entirely mind.28. Cranking the Wheel on the Teacups
Unlike the steering wheel on "Mr. Toad," you can't spin the teacups to your heart's content - and that's probably a good thing - but that won't ever stop me from trying.
29. "Sit-Down" Rides (Storybook Land Canal Boats, Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, it's a small world, Pirates of the Caribbean)
While they aren't all the most exciting of attractions, it's occasionally nice to find a 10-minute ride where you can just sit down and take it easy.30. Bigger, More Comfortable Seats on the Matterhorn
The Matterhorn was never my favorite ride, thanks in large part to the old bobsleds that were probably the most uncomfortable vehicles ever designed. They also gave you the awkward experience of sitting with another person in between your legs. Not great. Now, the Matterhorn bobsleds are bigger, wider and intended for individual riders in each seat, which is a much better time than what I grew up with.31. Watching My Brother Eat a Turkey Leg
He really wanted one, so he bought it. Then he ate it. With his bare hands. It was a sight to behold.
32. it's a small world
I'll say it: I like the song. I think the ride is creative. I love that they've added classic Disney characters to it in recent years. In 2018, I got to see it decked out for Christmas, which was a first for me, and that was great, too. It also has a short line with a good deal of shade that moves faster than almost any other queue in the park. Can't complain about that!
33. Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin
This spinning ride through the narrow alleys of Toontown was added to Disneyland in 1994. It's, far and away, the best attraction in that area of the park and would, apparently, give you a great view of any extended family brawls that might break out.34. Toontown Photo Ops
There are a bunch of fun spots to grab a picture, including the TNT factory, jail and the homes of many of your favorite cartoon characters. I always love snagging a pic with the dumbbell.35. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad's Utah Theme
The ride itself is great; realizing that it was designed to resemble Southern Utah makes it even better.36. Riding Thunder Mountain During a Fireworks Show
It happened by accident once. And it was glorious. Gotta time it just right, but if you can make it work, you won't be disappointed.
37. Rancho del Zocalo
I've eaten there a couple times. Food quality (it's not bad) and pricing (pretty typical) notwithstanding, that is a tremendous name for a restaurant.38. The Fantasmic! Soundtrack
The final song of the show is particularly good.39. Extremely Short Lines During Fantasmic!
If you've seen Fantasmic! once or twice, you've seen it a thousand times. While everyone else is standing around watching the show and blocking foot traffic, hit up Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion. If you don't mind potentially getting drenched late at night, it would be an ideal time for Splash Mountain, too.40. New Orleans Square
New Orleans Square is possibly my favorite "land" in the park. I usually try to find at least a couple minutes during my visit to walk around and take in the sights and sounds of old school Louisiana.
41. The Smell of Pirates of the Caribbean
It's not the smell of dirty water. It's not the smell of dirty water. It's not the smell of dirty water.42. The Addition of Jack Sparrow and Captain Barbosa
I suppose I'm somewhat of a traditionalist when it comes to stuff from my childhood. I don't like when they mess with the classics. But I do like what they've done by adding stuff from the "Pirates" movies to the Disneyland ride.43. The Royal Street Bachelors
Whenever possible, I like to take some time to listen to the live music in New Orleans Square. It makes me miss playing my trumpet in the high school jazz band. Also, that is a sweet name for a music group.
44. Caricature Artists
In 2018, I finally did something I had always wanted to do: I got an artist to draw a caricature of me. The results were incredible.
45. The Blue Bayou
It's expensive as heck and, in my experience, generally way too much food for a single person to eat in one sitting. But it is one of the most immersive experiences you could ever have when dining out.46. Re-riding the Haunted Mansion
My sister and I went to Disneyland with our mom for our "senior trip." She was graduating from high school and I was graduating from college. It was one of the best vacations I have ever taken. We worked that park, day and night, for the entire trip. One of my favorite parts, believe it or not, was going on the Haunted Mansion a whopping six times. It has never been one of my favorite attractions, but on this particular vacation, we lucked out and got some really short lines for it. We spent each new run looking for new details and hidden trivia on the ride. It really was a highlight of the trip for me.
47. When Splash Mountain Isn't Undergoing Refurbishment
Along with Indiana Jones, Splash Mountain is one of the rides that seems to have be most frequently closed down during my trips. So, when it's not being worked on, it's easily one of my favorite attractions - especially when I can manage not to get my shoes and socks wet.48. The Mini-Drops in Splash Mountain
Yeah, the big drop is awesome, but there are a couple other drops in Splash Mountain that are completely underrated.49. Winnie the Pooh's Permanently Short Line
Location, location, location. Winnie the Pooh got the short end of the stick, as far as park placement goes, but that practically guarantees that it won't be busy if you make it out to that corner of Critter Country.50. The Swiss Family Robinson Easter Egg @ Tarzan's Treehouse
I'm an O.G. Swiss Family Robinson fan, so I was genuinely sad when I heard the treehouse was being re-themed. The Tarzan stuff is fine. My favorite part is definitely the phonograph that plays the "Swisskapolka."51. Jungle Cruise Skippers
Honestly, I want this job.52. Riding the Jungle Cruise at Night
A few years ago, I realized that I could only remember ever having ridden the Jungle Cruise during daylight hours. I decided to make a point to ride it after sundown, and I was pleasantly surprised. Riding the river under the cover of darkness almost made it feel like a completely different ride. Check it out if you get a chance.53. The Indiana Jones Adventure Queue
I think this is one of the coolest queues in any theme park. It really helps guests feel like they are deep in the jungle of an Indiana Jones movie, and there are some fun aspects to the ride, like the "Do Not Pull" rope and the tourism video, to help make the wait more enjoyable. Also, #NeverForget these decoder cards they gave out when the ride first opened in 1995:
54. Sallah's Presence Throughout the Indiana Jones Ride
Having John Rhys-Davies lend his voice in his reprised role of Indy's friend Sallah is a great touch that makes the ride feel authentic.55. Driving an Indiana Jones jeep
It's always an honor to land in the driver's seat.
56. Air Conditioning in the Enchanted Tiki Room
Like Fantasmic!, this isn't something you need to do every time you visit the park, but if you need to take a load off for half an hour and get some sweet relief from an air conditioner, this is a great place to do it.57. Disneyland Pins
I'm by no means a hardcore pin collector, but I've got a few of them and I'd like to start an actual display for them one day.58. The Dole Whip Float
Perhaps the best dessert ever invented. If you haven't had one, you need one. Quite simply, it is heaven on earth in a cup.
59. Cast Member Uniforms
I don't know what it is, but I love the uniforms that cast members wear, and I love that they're different, depending on which area of the park you're in. (My all-time favorites are the old Tower of Terror bellhop uniforms. Those things were awesome.)60. Frozen Bananas
Second only to the Dole Whip, the frozen banana is a treat you've got to try while in Disneyland.61. Character Autographs
At a certain age, you kind of grow out of this aspect of Disneyland, but the joy and excitement that these characters bring to young visitors is undeniable. I remember having an autograph book as a kid, and I always looked forward to getting new signatures with each trip to the park.
62. Main Street Parades
Here, again, is something that is good on occasion. They're a bit problematic because they clog up traffic and restrict paths to certain parts of the park, but they're fun presentations (especially at night, like the Main Street Electrical Parade). Years and years ago, I randomly got the chance to be part of one of the parades with my mom and siblings, which was most likely a once-in-a-lifetime experience. My parade buddy was Gideon from Pinocchio. Not my first choice of characters, but it was what it was.63. Window Shopping on the Way Out
There's a lot of really cool stuff in those shops. Clearly, you can't buy most of it, but that doesn't mean you can't look.64. Saving Money by Buying Stuff Online
Pro tip: Take a picture of the stuff you want and look for it at a discounted price online. A couple years ago, I saved myself $40 by buying a couple art books and a shirt from Amazon and Walmart after I got home.
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Surely, I could have made a much longer list of all the things I love about Disneyland, and surely I have forgotten or otherwise had to leave off others. What do you think? What are your favorite parts of the park? Let me know in the comments below, on Facebook or Twitter. We'd be happy to hear from you.
See ya real soon!
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