We talk a lot about Walt Disney World® on this blog, and it’s true that Walt’s second park is thought of first among many people, including me. I’ve yet to visit Walt Disney’s original park in California, but a couple of MousePros agents visited recently, and I’ve been living vicariously through their pictures and stories. Over the next couple of weeks, I’ll spend more time covering Disneyland® in detail, starting with this post, in which you can discover all the various lands of Disneyland® Park.
(Photo Credit: MousePros Agent Emily Milligan)
Disneyland® Park is separated into eight lands: Main Street, U.S.A., Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Mickey's Toontown, Frontierland, Critter Country, New Orleans Square and Adventureland. Each land includes sights, sounds, attractions, entertainment, and dining that fit the theme.
Main Street, U.S.A. is the gateway to the rest of the park. It is inspired by Walt Disney’s hometown of Marceline, Missouri, and is a throwback to a turn-of-the-century American town. City Hall serves as Guest Relations, the train station is home to the Disneyland Railroad, the cinema is where you can watch Steamboat Willie, and you can find shopping and dining all along the street. This land is also home to Walt Disney’s apartment, located just above the fire station. (Ask a Cast Member about the lamp in the window.) At the end of Main Street, U.S.A. is the spectacular sight of Sleeping Beauty’s castle.
(Photo Credit: MousePros Agent Emily Milligan)
Tomorrowland is where guests can explore the future through attractions such as Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, Astro Orbiter, and Star Tours – The Adventure Continues. Young Star Wars fans can join the Jedi through Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple, and Disney® Visa® Cardmembers will have the chance to meet a Star Wars™ character at select times.
Fantasyland puts guests inside their favorite stories. A ride on King Arthur’s Carousel or the Matterhorn Bobsleds will transport you to the European villages where Disney fairytales take place. You can board an enchanted pirate ship and fly over London with Peter Pan on Peter Pan’s Flight, which is one of Walt Disney’s original rides from when the park opened in 1955. Fantasyland is home to a few of the original 1955 rides, including Snow White’s Scary Adventures, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, and Dumbo the Flying Elephant. Princess fans can also meet some of their favorite characters in Fantasyland at Royal Hall.
(Photo Credit: MousePros Agent Emily Milligan)
Mickey’s Toontown is a fun land to check out if you’re traveling with little ones or anyone who isn’t ready to experience thrill rides, as all but one of the attractions are safe for any height. Hop on a spinning car at Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin, visit Chip ‘n Dale’s Treehouse, or check out the interactive experience at Minnie’s House. You can also stop by Mickey’s House for a chance to meet the main mouse himself. Don’t forget to see the rest of the gang at Daisy’s Diner, Pluto’s Dog House, and Clarabelle’s and grab a quick bite to eat.
Frontierland is home to one of my family’s favorite Walt Disney World® attractions: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Pirate fans may enjoy a trip aboard the Sailing Ship Columbia or a visit to Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island. There are some great dining options in Frontierland, including The Golden Horseshoe, and this is the land to be in to view the nighttime spectacular Fantasmic!
(Photo Credit: MousePros Agent Emily Milligan)
Critter Country resembles the great American Northwoods and is inspired by the 1946 Disney film, Song of the South. One of my favorite thrill rides, Splash Mountain, can be found in Critter Country, along with The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. The Hungry Bear restaurant is a great Quick Service restaurant that also offers a Fantasmic! On The Go dining package.
New Orleans Square is home to two of my favorite classic attractions – Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean. These are always on my Walt Disney World® must-do list, and I’d love to check them out at Disneyland® someday! With multiple options for dining, this looks like the land to be in when it’s time for lunch or dinner.
Last but certainly not least, Adventureland is for brave explorers. Discover the Temple of the Forbidden Eye on the Indiana Jones Adventure and travel into the depths of the jungle on The Jungle Cruise. Experience the exotic magic of The Enchanted Tiki Room before heading over to the Tiki Juice Bar for a Dole Whip!
(Photo Credit: MousePros Agent Emily Milligan)
Which land has you most excited for a trip to Disneyland® Park? For me, it’s a toss-up between New Orleans Square and Fantasyland. I miss some of the original attractions that used to have Walt Disney World® counterparts, like Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride. I’d love to experience them again.
You don’t have to wait to book a trip to Disneyland®! MousePros can send you a free quote on a 2018 trip so you can experience Disneyland® for yourself.
More to come soon on Disneyland®, including a look at the lands of Disneyland’s California Adventure and how Disneyland® celebrates the holidays!