Disneyland is one of the top vacation destinations in the United States. The Anaheim, California, attraction features hotels and shops to complement its two theme parks -- Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. Proper planning before a vacation to Disneyland is essential to having the best experience possible while staying within your budget.
Disneyland is the first of Disney's amusement parks. Classic rides from the park's opening in 1955, such as Mr. Toad's Wild Ride and the Matterhorn, are still in operation today, alongside newer attractions including Splash Mountain. Eight "lands" divide the park: Main Street USA, Adventureland, New Orleans Square, Frontierland, Critter Country, Fantasyland, Mickey's Toontown and Tomorrowland.
Disney California Adventure sits across from Disneyland Park. It represents important areas of the state through specially themed rides and attractions. The park consists of five sections: Sunshine Plaza, Hollywood Pictures Backlot, The Golden State, A Bug's Land and Paradise Pier. Popular rides include Tower of Terror as well as Soarin' Over California.
Downtown Disney is made up of a wide variety of shops, restaurants and clubs. There is no admission charge to enter the area. Hours for each establishment vary. In addition to those facilities, a 12-screen movie theater plays first-run films.
There are three hotels to choose from on Disney property. Disneyland hotel is within walking distance of Disneyland and the Downtown Disney District. Guests have access to a 5,000-square-foot pool area as well as monorail transportation. The all-you-can-eat buffet restaurant Goofy's Kitchen provides character meet-and-greet opportunities. In the area of Disney California Adventure sits two hotels. Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Spa carries the AAA four-diamond rating. The American craftsman style of the early 1900s includes dark wood paneling as well as a fireplace. Inside the hotel, Napa Rose restaurant was voted the most popular restaurant in a 2008 Zagat survey of Orange County, California. Three pools are onsite, and Mandara Spa offers services such as massages. Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel resembles a beach boardwalk with seashore themes. A pool is available to guests, as is a video arcade. PCH Grill offers the opportunity to meet characters among breakfast, lunch or dinner service. Disney also has relationships with other area accommodations they label "good neighbor" hotels. These hotels are located within one mile of the resort.
Vacation packages are available through Walt Disney Travel Company. Options include hotel accommodations, theme park tickets, airfare, car rental, any ground transportation and meal plans. Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Tickets allow ticket holders to visit both parks on the same day. Each of these tickets gains entrance to Magic Mornings, which gives early admission to Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure. Standard one-day tickets are also available for purchase. These tickets only gain entry to one of the two parks.
