Why a Trip to Southern California is a Must for Any Disney Fan!

Walt Disney World may bear Walt’s name, but to truly experience “Walt’s park,” you need to head to sunny Southern California and see the original—Disneyland! Even though Walt poured his heart and soul into the creation of Walt Disney World, he never saw it open. Disneyland on the other hand, he was able to see the park brought to life and you can still see his touches on the park today!

Walt’s spirit is everywhere at this magical park, to the point that you almost expect to see him waving from his apartment above the firehouse on Main Street, U.S.A. Here are just a few reasons why every Disney fan needs to make the pilgrimage to Disneyland.

A Walk Through History

On opening day in 1955, Walt famously said, “To all who come to this happy place, welcome. Disneyland is your land.” But it was Walt’s land too, and he spent countless hours here walking the pavement, interacting with guests, riding attractions, and Imagineering new ones! When you pass under the plaque with his opening day speech—“Here you leave today and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy”—you know you are on sacred ground.

Ride the Originals

Many of the opening day attractions are still in use today, and it is absolutely magical to take a spin on them! The original attractions still open today include Autopia, Casey Junior Circus Train, the Disneyland Railroad, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, the Jungle Cruise, King Arthur Carrousel, Mad Tea Party, Main Street Vehicles, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, Peter Pan’s Flight, Snow White’s Enchanted Wish, and Storybook Land Canal Boats!

More Manageable Magic

One of the great conveniences awaiting guests at the Disneyland Resort is just how much easier it is to navigate than WDW. Walt couldn’t afford as much land when he first embarked on this project, so the overall footprint of the resort is smaller and walkable. Attractions are close together, and the overall feel is charming and quaint. And while you may need to make some of the most coveted reservations in advance, it is often easy to find dining options and other activities the day of. If you’re staying on the Disneyland Resort, you are within a 10 minute walk to the front gate of Disneyland AND Disney California Adventure! For those of you who have been to WDW, you’ll know this is rare to find in Florida!

Little Treasures Everywhere

From names on Main Street windows to the initials of Walt and his brother Roy entwined on the balcony of Pirates of the Caribbean, there are little bits of history everywhere! You can spot Hidden Mickeys, see nods to bygone attractions, and enjoy some of Walt’s favorite recipes at the Carnation Café.

More Magic Nearby

The sites aren’t limited to Disneyland. I highly recommend checking out Walt’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, eating at his favorite restaurant, Tam O’Shanter, and visiting the Walt Disney Studios.

I would love to help you plan your trip to the Happiest Place on Earth, and I think you’ll find it just as enchanting as I do! Connect with us and get planning today! Let Pinks & Greens Travel Company turn your Disney dreams into reality!