Explore Disneyland California: Parks, Rides & Attractions

Quick Information

ADDRESS

Anaheim, CA 92802, USA

RECOMMENDED DURATION

5+ hours

Timings

08:00–23:59

VISITORS PER YEAR

30000000

NUMBER OF ENTRANCES

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD

2+ hours (Peak), 1-2 hours (Off Peak)

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - SKIP THE LINE

0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

Plan your visit

Did you know?

Disneyland Park opened on July 17, 1955, making it the first-ever Disney theme park in the world.

Walt Disney had a private apartment above the Disneyland Fire Station, and its lamp is kept lit in his memory.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is the largest single-themed land expansion in Disneyland’s history, spanning 14 acres.

What’s inside?

Disneyland Park

The original park, opened in 1955, is where nostalgia meets innovation, with both Walt-era originals and new worlds. It is divided into nine themed lands:

Main Street, U.S.A.: Classic charm, shops, and the entrance to the park.
Adventureland: Jungle Cruise, Indiana Jones Adventure.
New Orleans Square: Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion.
Frontierland: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
Critter Country: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.
Fantasyland: Sleeping Beauty Castle, “it’s a small world,” Peter Pan’s Flight.
Mickey’s Toontown: Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, kid-friendly fun.
Tomorrowland: Space Mountain, Star Tours.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, Rise of the Resistance.

Disney California Adventure

Opened in 2001 and expanded in 2012, this park celebrates California, Disney-Pixar films, and Marvel heroes. Its eight themed areas include:

Buena Vista Street: A tribute to 1920s Los Angeles.
Hollywood Land: Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!, Frozen – Live at the Hyperion.
Avengers Campus: WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure, character encounters.
Cars Land: Radiator Springs Racers, Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree.
Grizzly Peak: Soarin’ Around the World, Grizzly River Run.
Pixar Pier: Incredicoaster, Toy Story Midway Mania.
Paradise Gardens Park: Family rides, festivals, dining.
Pacific Wharf: Inspired by Big Hero 6.

Downtown Disney District

This is Disneyland’s shopping, dining, and entertainment hub. It connects the two theme parks with the resort hotels. Unlike the parks, Downtown Disney stays buzzing long after rides close, making it a favorite spot for evening hangouts.

The district is divided into themed areas and anchors:

World of Disney: The largest Disney store on the West Coast.
Dining Pavilion: Restaurants like Naples Ristorante, Black Tap Craft Burgers, and Ballast Point Brewing.
Entertainment zone: Live music, Splitsville Luxury Lanes (bowling & dining), and the House of Blues.
Specialty shops: From LEGO Store to Disney Home and WonderGround Gallery, this area offers themed shopping beyond the parks.
Seasonal & event spaces: Rotating pop-ups, seasonal decorations, and cultural celebrations add fresh experiences throughout the year.

Things to do

Meet Disney characters

From Mickey and Minnie to Elsa, Spider-Man, and Chewbacca, character encounters are a highlight of the parks. You never know who you’ll bump into, so keep your camera ready for those magical moments.

Ride the classics

Hop aboard timeless attractions that made Disneyland famous, like Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, and “it’s a small world.” These rides capture the park’s original charm and are just as enchanting today as they were on opening day.

Enjoy parades & shows

Catch the Magic Happens parade, watch nighttime spectaculars like Fantasmic! and World of Color, or see seasonal performances. These shows bring the parks to life in a way rides can’t, mixing music, lights, and storytelling that feels straight out of the movies.

Dine with Disney flair

For iconic park snacks, try churros, turkey legs, and Dole Whip. If you’re after something memorable, sit down at Blue Bayou or Lamplight Lounge—it’s dining with a view and plenty of Disney detail.

Shop the stories

Pick up lightsabers in Galaxy’s Edge, Pixar plushies on Pixar Pier, or unique collectibles at the World of Disney store in Downtown Disney. Shopping here feels like an extension of the rides themselves, with merch that lets you carry a piece of the magic home.

Celebrate the seasons

Halloween overlays, holiday fireworks, and Lunar New Year festivals transform the parks into something new almost every season. Each visit feels different, so returning at another time of year can be a whole new adventure.

A brief history of Disneyland California

Disneyland Park opened on July 17, 1955, in Anaheim, California, and quickly became the blueprint for theme parks worldwide.
In 2001, the resort expanded with Disney California Adventure, offering more thrills alongside California-inspired settings.
Over time, lands like Cars Land, Avengers Campus, and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge have redefined what a theme park can be.
Today, Disneyland California continues Walt’s vision as a place where imagination never stops growing.

💡Fun Fact!

Walt Disney had an apartment built above the Fire Station on Main Street, U.S.A. His lamp is still kept lit as a tribute to his presence in the park.

Frequently asked questions about Disneyland California

How many parks are in Disneyland California?

Disneyland California is home to two incredible parks: Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure. Each offers its own unique experiences, so visiting both gives you the full mix of classic Disney magic and modern thrills.

Is Disneyland California the same as Disney World?

Not at all. Disneyland California is located in Anaheim, California, while Walt Disney World is in Orlando, Florida. Disneyland has two parks, while Disney World is much larger, with four theme parks and two water parks. Both are magical, but Disneyland is the original park Walt Disney himself oversaw.

How many rides are at Disneyland California?

Across both parks, you’ll find over 60 rides and attractions. From nostalgic favorites like “it’s a small world” to modern hits like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, there’s something for every age group and thrill level.

What’s the best time to visit?

If you prefer smaller crowds, the sweet spot is mid-January to early March or late September through November. Weekdays are usually lighter than weekends, while summer and holidays bring peak crowds and higher ticket prices.

Can I see both parks in one day?

It’s possible if you have a Park Hopper ticket, but it makes for a very packed schedule. Most people recommend two or more days to really enjoy the rides, shows, and dining options without feeling rushed.

What makes Disneyland California special?

Disneyland is unique because it’s the only park Walt Disney personally designed and opened in 1955. It has one-of-a-kind attractions you won’t find anywhere else, like Radiator Springs Racers and the original Pirates of the Caribbean.