Disneyland opened July 17, 1955 and in 2019 welcomed nearly 19 million visitors, making it the second-most-visited theme park in the world, followings its younger sibling, Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom.
Walt's original park is considered by many the "original" theme park, inspiring countless imitators around the world. Visitors to Walt Disney World may find Disneyland tiny in comparison, but this park is jam-packed with attractions, including the new Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge land as well as the original Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, and the world's first tubular steel roller coaster, Matterhorn Bobsleds. And if you manage to do everything here, the Disneyland Resort's second gate — the Disney California Adventure theme park — lies just steps away from the park entrance.
Disneyland will reopen April 30, though some locations may not be available due to Covid-19 restrictions.
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Our recommendations below come from our annual survey of Theme Park Insider newsletter subscribers. Locations with star ratings ★ ranked especially highly among our readers. Click here to subscribe to our free, twice-weekly email of theme park news and to participate in the next ranking survey.
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Other notable attractions include the Disneyland Railroad, which stops on Main Street USA and in New Orleans Square, Toontown, and Tomorrowland; the Tarzan Treehouse walkthrough in Adventureland; the Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes and Winnie the Pooh dark ride in Critter Country; the Alice in Wonderland, Pinocchio's Daring Journey, and Mr. Toad's Wild Ride dark rides, Dumbo the Flying Elephant and Mad Tea Party spinners, Casey Jr. Circus Train, Storybook Land Canal Boats, and King Arthur Carrousel in Fantasyland; Gadget's Go Coaster and the Roger Rabbit's Car-Toon Spin dark ride in Toontown; and the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, Disneyland Monorail, Autopia mini-cars, and Astro Orbitor spinner in Tomorrowland.
Upcoming rides include the revamped Snow White's Enchanted Wish in Fantasyland in 2021, and Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway in Toontown in 2023.
Top recommendations
Disneyland's daily parade is Magic Happens, which ran only for two weeks before the park closed due to the pandemic.
Other notable shows include the Fantasy Faire Royal Theatre next to Sleeping Beauty Castle and the Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse meet and greets in their houses in Toontown.
Top recommendations
If you want one of Disneyland's famed Dole Whips, try The Tropical Hideaway in Adventureland.
Disneyland is located in Anaheim, California - about 25 miles south of downtown Los Angeles and 30 miles from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
We will be back with our visiting strategy when the park reopens — whenever that might be. Get vaccinated, everyone!
