8 Reasons Walt Disney World fans should visit Disneyland Resort

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Date Posted April 8, 2025

By ATG Agent Wendy Gonzalez – Walt Disney World is a magical place that keeps all Disney fans visiting. With 4 theme parks, 2 water parks and over 26 on property Disney Resorts, it truly is a vacation destination to be desired. But let’s talk about Walt Disney’s original park, Disneyland – over on the West Coast and discuss 8 wonderful reasons why visiting Disneyland should be on your next vacation plan

1. Walt Disney’s original design

Disneyland theme park located in Anaheim was Walt’s impossible dream that turned into a reality and is the only theme park that was under Walt’s supervision along with the only park that he was alive to see.

When you first arrive to Disneyland Park, you will notice the fire station to the left in Town Square on Main Street, U.S.A. that draws inspiration of Walt’s childhood. The second floor was designed as an apartment for Walt to live in while Disneyland Park was being constructed. To this day, you will see a small antique lamp in the window that is lit, symbolizing Walt’s presence in the park. This apartment can be visited during Walt’s Main Street Story Tour that can be a great add addition on your next Disneyland vacation.

2. Walkable Parks

Disneyland Resort is known to be a “walkable park” with Disney’s California Adventure located just across the main esplanade with the 3 on-site Disney resorts just a quick 5-to-10-minute walk away. No buses or boats needed here, this park is very easy to tour due to the closeness of everything, making it a more convenient and enjoyable experience.

3. Disney Character Sightings

For those that enjoy meeting Mickey Mouse or the fantastic five, you will find their meet and greets at the very front entrance to Disneyland Park, without using a lighting lane or having to schedule a time to visit.

You will also notice beloved Disney characters throughout, walking around the park randomly, making it easy to grab a quick selfie or autograph. You truly never now who will walk up behind you, such as the Mad Hatter, or the Genie from Aladdin, or my favorite Moana – it’s such a nice perk that also keeps you guessing.

Having access to the characters makes it fun and easy to still visit with them without devoting time waiting in a long line while touring Disneyland Park.

4. Original and Classic Dark Rides

Disneyland Park is home to the classic “dark ride” attractions located behind Princes Aurora’s castle in Fantasyland and are very popular to every Disney fan.

A Dark Ride is an attraction based in an enclosed area with dim to no lighting, and while there are no scary elements, it can be spooky to some young ones. A good example is the Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom. During the ride, which is rather slow, characters do pop out at you while you are riding the actual story of the ride.

These Dark rides include the following:

– Pinocchio’s Daring Journey

– Snow Whites Enchanted Wish

– Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride

– Peter Pan’s Flight

– Alice and Wonderland

– Storybook Land Canal (while not scary, you do go through the opening of a whale’s mouth)

5. All your favorite WDW attractions in one park

All Walt Disney World guests will be excited to know that most of their favorite attractions at each of the 4 theme parks are also at Disneyland Park, and all in one place, making it easy to visit. What’s more, is some of them are an even better version, whether it’s the ride queue or ride itself, than its counterpart over at Walt Disney World, making it an even better experience for all WDW fans.

Some of these attractions include Big Thunder Mountain, Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion and It’s a Small World.

6. Mickey’s Toon Town

Do you have little ones that want to experience what it would be like to visit Mickey Mouse in his home town? Or are you a HUGE fan (like me) and want to visit his home along with seeing Minnie, Goofy, Donald and Daisy? You will enjoy seeing Mickey’s Toon Town, home to the classic five!

Mickey’s Toon Town recently went under a fun refresh and has reopened with the addition of a fan favorite,- Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway – along with reimagined elements to the land itself, including the addition of CenTOONial Park with a brand new fountain of Mickey and Minnie and a Dreaming Tree that was inspired by Walt Disney as a child.

7. Disney’s California Adventure Park
Let’s not forget about the second park over at Disneyland Resort, Disney’s California Adventure or DCA as most locals and repeat visitors call it. This theme park is directly adjacent to Disneyland Park across the esplanade making is easy to park hop and explore both parks in one day. At DCA you will find amazing attractions and theming such as the newly reimagined Pixar Pier, with Pixar elements and attractions such as the Incredicoaster, and Toy Story Mania along with the very popular Cars Land!

Cars Land is extremely immersive to the town of Radiator Springs, and you will recognize many familiar scenes such as Flo’s V8 Café and the Cozy Cone Motel. Attractions at this popular land include Radiator Springs Racer, which is similar to Test Track over at Epcot, but with Cars theming elements and is fun for all ages. You will also see fun rides perfect for the little ones such as Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree and Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters.

Marvel fan? The new Avengers Campus is now open, with attractions such as Web Slingers and Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout, a more intense version of the previous ride Tower of Terror. Marvel characters do walk around the campus quite often during the day, along with fun side shows such as Doctor Strange: Mysteries of the Mystic Arts. Marvel Campus truly is the perfect land to visit for any Marvel fan

8. Disney On-Site Resorts
All Walt Disney World guests understand the importance of being on-site at a Disney Resort, and while Disneyland Resort may not have as many on-site options, it is always worth visiting and staying to not only be IN the magic but also gain some of the benefits.
The 3 on-site Disney owned resorts are located within walking distance from both Disney theme parks and are the Disneyland Hotel, with a brand-new extension of The Villas at Disneyland Hotel. Disney’s Grand California which has its very own entrance into Disney’s California Adventure and the newly renovated Pixar Place Hotel.
All 3 options offer early access admission into the theme parks, along with being just a quick 5-to-10-minute walk away. Making it easy for those mid day breaks! The theming at each resort is catered to Disney elements allowing you to celebrate that family vacation the Disney Way!