Disneyland in California is one of the best places to vacation with the family. The theme park always has something fun going on, and you can easily catch shows, special events, parades, and fireworks during your stay. With the plethora of fun attractions, it can be challenging trying to decide what rides jump on, what attractions to see, and what restaurants to dine at. To help you plan your trip, we’ve compiled the ultimate Disneyland bucket list below. Before we get into the top sites to see, let’s take a look at how you can make the most of your visit.
Start Planning Your Trip Ahead Of Time
If you wait until the last minute to buy Disneyland tickets, reserve hotel rooms, and schedule transportation accommodations, you’ll get stressed out in no-time. We highly recommend planning your trip well ahead of time. This will give you ample time to decide which 50+ attractions to visit (and we’re not including shows and shops). If you buy a 3-day Disneyland ticket in advance, you’ll be eligible for “Magic Morning.” This will let you enjoy one day of early admission to the park (often on Saturdays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays).
Dress In Comfortable Attire
You’re going to do a lot of walking at Disneyland, so make sure you dress in comfortable clothing. Comfort always trumps style at this vacation destination, so instead of wearing those 5-inch high heels, opt for your comfy old tennis shoes instead. It can get a little cool at night and early in the morning, so consider bringing layers. If you’re a die-hard Splash Mountain fan, you’ll definitely want to bring an extra pair of socks! There’s nothing worse than walking around a theme park with wet socks and cold feet!
Bring A Day Pack
While you don’t need to bring everything you own with you to Disneyland, it’s always wise to bring a day pack of essentials. Be sure to pack things like sunscreen, water bottles, and snacks that you can munch on throughout the day (eating out at restaurants can quickly add up). Bring a backup phone charger in case your phone dies mid-day and consider packing a hat and a pair of sunglasses to ward off harmful California UV rays.
The Top Disneyland Attractions
Disney’s theme park is full of exciting rides and rollercoasters, but choosing which ones to go to can be a bit daunting. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best Disneyland rides so you can be well prepared for your trip.
Splash Mountain
If you love waterparks, you should definitely visit Splash Mountain. Disney has constructed three different versions of this ride in Disneyland, the Magic Kingdom, and one at Tokyo Disney. This log flume ride is approximately 10 minutes long and was almost called the “Zip-a-Dee River Run” after a Tom Hanks movie. Dropping 52 thrilling feet, this Disneyland ride uses close to 950,000 gallons of water, guaranteeing a big splash as you hit the bottom of the drop.
Indiana Jones Adventure
Go straight into the world of archaeology and intrigue by visiting the Indiana Jones Adventure ride at Disneyland. The ride is set in the year 1935, and you’ve been tasked to tour the Temple of the Forbidden Eye. You hop on a rugged jeep-looking vehicle that will lead you through the temple. The ride is roughly three-and-a-half minutes long, and since the vehicle you’re in will jerk from side to side, it may not be the best ride for those who have neck issues.
Goofy’s Fly School
One of our favorite Disneyland roller coasters is Goofy’s Fly School. During this ride, you’ll start with a lesson from Goofy himself on how to take off and fly safely. Lead by a team of fearless instructors, you’ll want to hold on tight as you soar through three stories across 1,200 feet of track.
Grizzly River Run
This exciting whitewater raft adventure will take you soaring down the California river, all while enjoying the scenic Sierra Nevada mountains. These eight-person rafts drift along the river, passing the old remnants of an old mining company. As you take in views of the surrounding natural area, you’ll eventually reach the tippy top of the ride. From there, brace yourself for a big drop where you’re sure to get wet!
If you’re planning a trip to Disneyland and you’re flying out of the Denver International Airport (DIA), park your car with ParkDIA. We offer the closest, fastest, and least expensive off-site airport parking in Denver, including covered and uncovered options. Download our mobile app to reserve your parking space ahead of time, track shuttles, and more. If you have any questions about our parking rates and options or you’d like to learn more about our airport parking services, contact our friendly staff today.
