TRAVEL: Vacation in sunny California; the wonderful world of Disney is still the pinnacle for kids…and adults
Credit: Disney
by Albertha Joseph
Disneyland, located in Anaheim, California, offers a magical getaway for adults revisiting childhood nostalgia and young children meeting beloved Disney characters for the first time. With endless activities from fireworks, parades, and meeting Mickey Mouse and friends, Disneyland is a must when vising southern California.
Things to See and Do
Both Disneyland and the Adventure Park face each other with only a short walk between the two. Before visiting the park, be sure to reserve your visit prior to arrival to ensure access to the park. Using the Disneyland app to plan this will help for planning the entire day. Rides have to be reserved also, so be sure to explore the app and choose ahead of time to avoid excessively long lines for your favorite rides.
The park has many attractions to choose from, and with a total of 54 rides, the choices are endless. Mind-blowing thrill rides with Buzz Lightyear to visiting Disney princesses like Anna and Elsa, kids and adults will want to explore every inch of this dazzling park. Get a great view of the park by taking the Disneyland railroad. Stream along the rivers of America and see the rugged landscapes inspired by the Mississippi, the Columbia, the Missouri and the Rio Grande. There are 4 stations that offer easy hop on and off access around the park. End a magical day with spectacular nights filled with the fireworks show in front of the Sleeping Beauty Castle for a stunning view of amazing wonder and stirring music.
Until August 15th, Disney is celebrating their 70th anniversary. Book before then and enjoy the guided tour. This 2-hour journey explores the history of Disney, its original attractions, and gifts tour members with a keepsake at the end to remember this incredible experience.
Dining
Credit: Albertha Joseph
For a Disney-inspired meal with popular Disney characters, Goofy’s Kitchen is a great stop for families. With breakfast, brunch, and dinner options for the whole family, Goofy’s kitchen gives great entertainment, while having wonderful choices, including Mole chicken, Mickey Mouse pancakes and smoked salmon blini. Prices range with $33 for children and $55 for adults.
For a distinguished option, Disney Adventure Park is home to Carthay Circle restaurant. Inspired by the Carthay Circle theatre, this restaurant features rare Disney artifacts and scenes of Snow White painted on the interior. The menu offers and array of choices from the maple leaf schnitzel to the chicken shawarma. Dinner starts at about $54 for adults and $17 for children. Hang around after a remarkable meal as the parks fireworks can be seen from the outdoor terrace. While this restaurant may seem upscale, attire is casual and no dress code in enforced.
Lodging
Disneyland offers resort hotels such as Disneyland Hotel and Pixar Place Hotel. With standard rooms and views that can fit up to a family of four, the choices range from exciting to wondrous. Modern meets Disney fantasy with the Disneyland Hotel. Located near the Monorail to Disneyland Park, rooms range from standard studios to premium king beds. The Disney fantasy doesn’t stop at just the park, with offerings of 1–3-bedroom character-inspired grand villas, this option is perfect for families who want to enjoy each other with access to spacious bedrooms, a washer and dryer, and a private full kitchen. Other exciting offers include the Adventureland suite, equipped with two king beds and a daybed. The Mickey Mouse suite, a cool modern aesthetic, offering 1 king bed, a double bed, and 1 queen-size sleeper sofa, perfect for a family of four who want a classic appeal with just the right hint of personality.
Adjacent to Disneyland is the Disney Adventure Park, holding the Pixar Place Hotel. The rooms range from standard rooms and views to playfully decorated suites with views of the pool or the theme park. Booking a room here gives families the opportunity to see many characters in the park and also enjoy in-room celebrations. The Tenya Stone Spa is nearby as well as a short walk to the marvelous Downtown Disney District.
