Here's The Ultimate Disneyland Itinerary

Disneyland can indeed be the happiest place in the world. But without prior planning, it can also be the most stressful. The popularity of this magical wonderland is no secret, and the long queues, running children, and upcoming events are a testament to this fact. But, with the right, foolproof Disneyland itinerary along with tips and tricks to match, you can have the best time of your life with no worries, and we’re here to give you just that.

No need to wonder what to do in Disneyland any longer, here’s everything you need to know before you go.

The Best Attractions in Disneyland

Haunted Mansion

The Haunted Mansion in Disneyland is a mega-popular attraction trading jump scares for dark humor and practical effects. This ghost train ride features a walk-through section as well as a ride-through tour, both of which are a hit with first-time visitors. The biggest draw of this ride comes around the holidays when the Haunted Mansion gets a Nightmare Before Christmas makeover. However, the regular version is just as iconic.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

One of the newer attractions in Disneyland, Galaxy’s Edge houses Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance which is perhaps the most ambitious ride on site. The 15-minute ride has mind-blowing illusions and effects that’ll make any other ride feel simple. The less you know about the whole ordeal, the more fun you’ll have. But, expect to snake through caves, get recruited by BB-8, and ride a droid-navigated vehicle, among other things, aboard this one-of-a-kind attraction in Disneyland.

The other ride to check out in Galaxy’s Edge is Millenium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run. Strap into the cockpit of Han Solo’s iconic spaceship and take control as you are transported on a heart-pounding journey across the galaxy. Will you and your crew have what it takes to pilot this legendary spacecraft and deliver the illegal cargo to its destination safely? If you don’t happen to know how to pilot a spaceship, fear not as Hondo Ohmala will be standing by to give you some quick on-the-job training before you're underway.

When not on a ride, spend your time immersed in a recreation of a Star Wars outpost; filled with themed shops, snacks, and cast members. It's one of the best experiences that truly shows off that trademark Disney magic.

Space Mountain 

Who wants to go to actual space when you have Space Mountain at Disneyland, which we’re positive is 10 times more fun? Regular Disneyland visitors line up for hours just to try this ride again—and trust us when we say it’s worth it. Feel the tension as the rocket climbs through a sequence of light-up tunnels until it hits a cosmic crescendo. Then, you’ll be heading back downwards into a series of sudden drops and tight turns almost out of nowhere. It’s hard to believe that this Disneyland ride barely breaks 30 miles per hour, but it’s true. And if you feel like riding it 16 more times after it’s over, don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Pirates of the Caribbean

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in Jack Sparrow’s world? Try the engaging Pirates of the Caribbean ride. You won’t be screaming at the top of your lungs on this Disneyland ride, but you’ll witness amazing storytelling, placemaking, and truly feel like you’ve transferred to another world. The firefly-lit lake, gently plucked banjo music, ship battle, and more awesome effects on this ride are top-notch, making this a staple on anyone’s Disneyland itinerary. 

Radiator Springs Racers

Even if you’re not an avid fan of the Cars franchise, you’re bound to love the Radiator Springs Racers ride at Disneyland. This adrenaline-fueled attraction takes you through the film’s Route 66 setting, complete with crags, mountains, and desert plants. With a cost of over $200 million, this Disneyland ride is the most expensive one at the park, as well as in the world. Split into three parts, this attraction in Disneyland takes you through an exciting outdoor joy ride, a manic meet-and-greet with Cars characters’ animatronics, and a super fun high octane race.

Avengers Campus

Welcome to the futuristic headquarters and training grounds of the world-famous Avengers. Explore amazing experiences and rides including Ancient Sanctum, where Doctor Strange takes you on a supernatural journey in the mystic arts. As you walk through the campus you’ll see your favorite Marvel superheroes in the flesh, including Spider-Man, who can often be found flipping atop the Stark Motors Building and effortlessly performing acrobatics feats 65 feet above the ground. Join Spidey in his adventures at WEB Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure. This interactive ride allows you to cast virtual webs and take out the Spider-Bots trying to get Spidey. 

Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout

You won’t miss this attraction because Mission Breakout is housed in the tallest building in all of Disneyland. This 183-foot-high structure in Hollywood Land used to be the legendary Tower of Terror. Now it sports an upbeat, free-wheeling aesthetic paired with iconic songs from Guardians of the Galaxy’s iconic soundtrack. In this fast-paced experience, you follow Rocket Raccoon on a mission to get his fellow Guardians out of a jam, and you’ll see plenty of wacky space aliens and oddities on the way. As Rocket’s plan goes awry you’re in a freefall, but as in the film, everything works out somehow for our plucky heroes. The cool thing about this ride is that it has multiple possible endings, so you can take this ride multiple times and have a different experience each time.

Other Awesome Things to do in Disneyland

Walk and Shop on Main Street

Themed to resemble idealized versions of small towns in the U.S. during the early 20th century, Main Street in Disneyland has so much to offer to its visitors. A gallery, railroad, cinema, library, and more shops and eateries line this iconic street, making it a must-see when it comes to things to do at Disney. Grab a cup of coffee and explore this adorable place. You’re bound to be mesmerized by all the details and love that goes into operating Main Street to its fully magical potential every day.

Visit Pixar Pier

No Disneyland adventure would be complete without a visit to Pixar Pier, arguably one of the coolest places in the entire park. It's a fascinating marvel that turns Disneyland into a beach boardwalk, just like Santa Cruz or Santa Monica. It's an amazing testament to the Imagineers' skills, capturing the feel of a beach boardwalk in the middle of a theme park.

It’s the park home of Disney’s Pixar films, which are easily some of the most popular movies ever made in the last twenty years. Here you get to see iconic characters, including the whimsical toys of Toy Story, the thoughts of Inside Out, and the Incredibles. Ride the Incredicoaster, take a spin on Jessie’s Critter Carousel, and then stop by one of the many nice dining options when you get hungry. We recommend trying Poultry Palace, a cute little fast food joint straight out of one of the Toy Story spinoffs. 

Meet your Childhood Heros

How could we forget the characters and mascots that put the magic to the most magical place in the world? You’ll run into childhood favorites and get a kick of nostalgia like no other, and they’ll be happy to take pictures and chat. Make sure to ask for interesting facts and have the cast share their favorite rides with you. After all, no one knows the ideal itinerary of what to do in Disneyland better than the heroes that make it happen themselves.

Eat and Drink Classic Disneyland Favorites 

Besides the rides, parades, fireworks, and of course the nostalgia, Disneyland is known for its oh-so-delicious treats. From Dole Whips to Mickey Pretzels, the well-known tasty snacks deserve their spots on your Disneyland itinerary. And if you can’t get enough, you can make these treats at home using tried and tested recipes.

Stay the Night at the Grand Californian Hotel and Spa

Lastly, if a day is simply not enough for you to experience everything that Disneyland has to offer, check in and stay overnight for double the dose of fun. The Grand Californian Hotel and Spa on the park’s premises is every bit as spectacular as you’d expect it to be. The hotel is filled with grandeur and otherworldly details at every turn. Conveniently located close to the adventure park, this accommodation is simply the best rest stop in between checking out things to do at Disney.

Not done adventuring just yet? Check out all the other fun things you can do in Anaheim after completing your Disneyland itinerary.