5 Reasons Why Disneyland Is Worth the Flight From The East Coast!

Last summer, the Living With The Magic Vacations team embarked on an unforgettable adventure at the Disneyland resort in sunny Southern California.

 

For some of us, it was our very first visit, while for others, it was a heartwarming return to our beloved happy place. Each day was filled with enchantment as we delved into the wonders of Disneyland and California Adventure. We had the incredible opportunity to meet beloved characters, indulge in delicious snacks, and gather invaluable information to ensure we can plan the most magical vacations for our clients. It was a truly immersive experience that left us brimming with excitement and inspiration.

 

 

PARK HOPPING: The main entrance to Disneyland is just a short 100 steps away from the main entrance to California Adventure. This means that park hopping is not only super convenient but absolutely essential!

 

Here’s the plan: Start off in one park, where you can meet all your favorite characters and experience must-see attractions. Then, hop on over to the second park in the evening to catch an amazing show and wrap up the day in style! While we typically advise our Walt Disney World clients against park hopping due to the added expense, at Disneyland, it’s one of our top recommendations! It’s a magical way to fully immerse yourself in the Disney experience.

CHARACTERS: Guess what? Disneyland takes the character experience to a whole new level, setting it apart from Walt Disney World! Brace yourself for some extra special and magical moments. Picture this: Peter Pan and Captain Hook engaging in an epic sword fight, Belle casually strolling through Fantasyland with a book in hand, or even a delightful tea party with the Mad Hatter, Alice in Wonderland, and Merida.

 

Here’s the best part: At Disneyland, characters roam around freely and interact with guests. Say goodbye to those long, traditional character queues; here, you’ll have the chance to encounter your favorites in unexpected and enchanting ways. Although there are still a few characters you can line up for, it’s these unique character experiences that made us absolutely fall head over heels for Disneyland!

 

ATTRACTIONS: Did you know that the idea for Disneyland first sparked in Walt Disney’s mind while he was sitting on a park bench, observing his daughters joyfully riding a carousel? He had a vision of a park where he could actively partake in the attractions alongside his kids, rather than merely observing from afar. That’s why we adore Disneyland for families with little ones – there are more than 40 attractions that have no height requirements! This means the entire family can embark on exciting rides together and indulge in the pure magic and joy of it all.

 

But here’s the best part: Even if you have older kids, fear not! Disneyland and California Adventure have plenty of thrilling adventures to offer the most daring of souls. From family-friendly attractions to adrenaline-pumping experiences, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy at the Happiest Place on Earth! 

WALKABILITY: Guess what? Not only is Disneyland a stone’s throw away from California Adventure, but the Disney resorts are also conveniently located nearby! Imagine this: at the Grand Californian Resort and Spa, you have access to a private entrance that leads straight into California Adventure. How cool is that? And that’s not all. Just outside Downtown Disney, you’ll find the monorail waiting to whisk you away to your magical destination. Plus, the Disneyland Hotel is just a few short minutes away. Staying in the magic has never been easier!

 

But wait, there’s more! As a bonus, guests staying at one of the Disneyland Resort hotels get to enjoy admission to Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park a whole 30 minutes before the general public. This means you can have early access to select attractions, dining, and shopping locations, giving you a head start on creating unforgettable memories. It’s all about adding that extra touch of magic to your stay at Disneyland!

THE SoCal EXPERIENCE: While we totally understand that staying at Disneyland for an extended period would be amazing, we typically recommend that guests spend around 3-4 nights with 2-3 days at the parks. This allows for a well-rounded Disney experience while still leaving room for more adventure. We know that some families have a long journey out West and might want to make the most of their trip by adding extra attractions. Luckily, Southern California offers a plethora of exciting possibilities!

 

How about a visit to Universal Hollywood for the ultimate studio tour, where you can explore the iconic Wizarding World of Harry Potter or immerse yourself in the brand new Super Nintendo World? If you’re up for exploring Los Angeles, there are famous attractions, iconic sites, and even the chance to catch a glimpse of celebrity homes on a glamorous tour.

 

And here’s an extra special treat: You can visit the park where Walt Disney first conceived the idea for Disneyland. It’s a piece of history you definitely don’t want to miss! If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, why not take a scenic drive down to San Diego? With so much to see and do, you could easily spend weeks exploring the wonders of Southern California. The possibilities are endless!