The original Disney theme park opened in 1955 in Anaheim
Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, is the original Disney theme park and the only one personally overseen by Walt Disney before his death. The resort comprises two parks — Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park — along with three hotels and the Downtown Disney shopping and dining district. Disneyland Park opened on July 17, 1955, and retains its classic layout of themed lands radiating from the central hub in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle. Main Street U.S.A. sets the tone on arrival with its turn-of-the-century Americana storefronts and horse-drawn streetcars. Beyond the hub, guests move through Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Adventureland, Frontierland, New Orleans Square, and the more recently added Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. Galaxy's Edge occupies 14 acres on the western edge of the park and includes Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Rise of the Resistance — widely regarded as the most technically ambitious ride in the park. New Orleans Square houses the Haunted Mansion, with its doom buggy tour through 999 happy haunts, and Pirates of the Caribbean, a boat ride that remains among the most beloved attractions in Disneyland's history. Disney California Adventure Park showcases California themes across multiple lands, including Radiator Springs Racers in Cars Land and Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: BREAKOUT! in Avengers Campus. Buena Vista Street recreates 1920s Los Angeles as Walt Disney first experienced it. A standard visit to one park runs 10 to 12 hours; guests aiming to cover both parks meaningfully generally need two to three days. The Disneyland app provides live wait times and Lightning Lane return windows to minimize queuing. Evening parades and fireworks shows over Sleeping Beauty Castle run on most nights during peak season and are best viewed from the hub or Main Street U.S.A. around 20 minutes before showtime.
Good to know
- Best time
- Weekdays Sept-Nov
Highlights
- Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge — 14-acre immersive land with Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Rise of the Resistance
- Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean in New Orleans Square, two of the resort's most iconic original attractions
- Sleeping Beauty Castle — the park's symbol, spectacular during nightly fireworks shows
- Radiator Springs Racers in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure, consistently rated among the best rides at the resort
- Evening parades and fireworks shows running most nights during peak season along Main Street U.S.A.
Tips for visiting
- Open the Disneyland app the moment the gates open and join Lightning Lane queues for Rise of the Resistance and Radiator Springs Racers immediately — waits exceed 60 minutes by mid-morning.
- Arrive 30 minutes before official opening to be among the first into Galaxy's Edge or Fantasyland during early-entry periods.
- Weekdays in September, October, and January typically see the lowest crowds; avoid school-holiday periods if queue length is a concern.
- Single-rider lines for Radiator Springs Racers and Matterhorn Bobsleds can cut wait times to under 15 minutes on busy days.
- Reserve table-service restaurants on the app well before the visit; popular venues such as Carthay Circle and Blue Bayou fill weeks in advance.
- The Disneyland Hotel and Disney's Grand Californian Hotel offer early-entry access to the parks before public opening — a significant advantage for high-demand attractions.
When to visit
Weekdays in September through mid-November offer the lowest average wait times and mild Anaheim weather. January and February weekdays are also relatively uncrowded outside of holiday periods.
Accessibility
Disneyland Resort is broadly accessible to wheelchair and ECV users, with ramps throughout both parks and designated boarding areas on most attractions. A Disability Access Service (DAS) pass is available at Guest Relations for guests who cannot stand in conventional queues. Some attractions have transfer requirements; details are listed on the resort's accessibility page.
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Frequently asked questions
How many days does it take to see both Disneyland parks?
Two full days is the practical minimum for covering Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure without feeling rushed. Three days allows repeat visits to favorites and a more relaxed pace through both parks.
Is Disneyland suitable for toddlers and very young children?
Yes. Fantasyland in Disneyland Park is designed specifically for younger children, with Dumbo, the carousel, and It's a Small World. Most major thrill rides have height requirements of 40 inches or more.
What is Lightning Lane and is it worth the cost?
Lightning Lane is the resort's virtual queue and paid skip-the-line system. The multi-pass covers most attractions; select headliners require an individual Lightning Lane purchase. On busy days it can save several hours of queuing and is generally considered worthwhile.
Is photography allowed on Disneyland rides?
Handheld cameras and smartphones are permitted on most rides. Monopods and selfie sticks are banned throughout both parks. Flash photography is prohibited on dark rides.