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Six of the Most Magical Moments at The Happiest Place on Earth
Written by Felicia Arhontissas
Shake hands with Mickey Mouse, experience thrills like never before and see the sky light up with fireworks: the magic is never-ending at the Disneyland Resort.
Whether you’re a bright-eyed youngster or a grown-up yearning for the nostalgia of childhood memories, few are exempt from the power of Disneyland’s magic. The original Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California – created by Walt Disney – first enchanted the world in 1955, yet is an ever-evolving experience. As Walt said himself, ‘Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world’.
Read on to discover the six most captivating moments to share at the Disneyland Resort in California.
New lands to explore
One of the newer additions to Disneyland Park is the immersive land of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge®, where fans can live out their wildest Star Wars adventures on the remote planet of Batuu. Join the Resistance in a thrilling battle on Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, or take control of the fastest hunk of junk in the Galaxy aboard Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.
Over at Disney California Adventure Park, little ones will delight in a chance to team up with the Avengers and explore the themed campus dedicated to recruiting the next generation of superheroes. You can even enjoy super-sized and super-shrunk foods using Ant-man and The Wasp’s growing and shrinking technology at PYM Test Kitchen.
The fireworks show
Finish your Disneyland day with a bang under the glittering lights of the legendary fireworks display. While still riding the high that comes with character encounters, exhilarating rides and Disney-themed snacks, secure a place on Main Street U.S.A. for the fireworks show. Watch as dancing lights of magenta, emerald and gold burst over Sleeping Beauty Castle – there is no better way to cap off a day at The Happiest Place on Earth.
Please note: The Disneyland Resort fireworks schedule runs nightly subject to weather during peak seasons (summer) and around the holidays. Off season, fireworks are Friday through Sunday.
Encounters with your favourite characters
Delight your little ones with unforgettable encounters with their favourite Disney characters throughout your time at the Disneyland Resort. Bring along your camera (and autograph book) to capture the joyous moments between your kids and their heroes. High-five Goofy, give Minnie Mouse a big cuddle, and visit favourite Disney Princesses to share a dance and a wave. Moments certain to form lifelong memories, these encounters are the perfect fuel for a fun-filled day at the Disneyland Resort.
Shopping on magical Main Street, U.S.A.
Can you really say you’ve been to the Disneyland Resort if you don’t have the signature Mickey Mouse ears to prove it? Shopping along Main Street U.S.A. gives all visitors a chance to take home some of the magic. Discover Mickey Mouse ears in every possible variation, find your favourite character in plush form, enchant your kids with dazzling princess costumes and adorable character outfits (even for pets), or treat yourself to themed costume jewellery and statement t-shirts… there’s something for every Disney aficionado.
The nostalgia-inducing classic rides
Simultaneously indulge your childhood nostalgia and thrill-seeking tendencies with a turn on the Disneyland Resort’s classic rides. There’s a multitude to captivate every type of adventurer, from gentle carousels for little ones to family-friendly whirligigs and adrenaline-junkie jaunts. For a step back in time, all aboard the Casey Jr. Circus Train, a 1955 original ride that winds its way through miniature fairy-tale locales, from Frozen’s Arendelle village to the cottage from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. For something a little more mysterious, visit the 999 Happy Haunts of The Haunted Mansion, or get your heart racing on Big Thunder Railroad.
Exciting thrills at Disney California Adventure Park
Only a short walk, and directly opposite Disneyland Park, is Disney California Adventure Park. This is the perfect addition to your trip if you’re looking for even more fun, more rides and more unmissable moments. Fans of the popular Cars movie franchise will delight in a visit to Cars Land Area, where you can zip across familiar scenes on a racing track, buckle up for a lively ride at Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters Attraction, and stop at Flo’s V8 Café for a Route 66-inspired diner experience of milkshakes, cheeseburgers, mac’n’cheese and more.
Come nightfall, a breathtaking light and water show takes the spotlight at Paradise Gardens Park for World of Color – ONE. Watch in wonder as jets of water shoot into the air while laser beams cut vivid paths through the night, projecting scenes from your favourite films onto a grand fountain during this magical nighttime spectacular.
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Both Theme Park reservations and valid admission for same Park on the same day are required for Park entry. Theme Park reservations are limited and subject to availability. Attractions, experiences, services, and offerings may be modified or limited in capacity or availability, and are subject to restrictions, and change or cancellation without notice. Park admission and offerings are not guaranteed. Visit Disneyland.com.au/updates for important information to know before visiting the Disneyland Resort, including updates on required face coverings.
As to Disney properties, artwork: © 2022 Disney, © 2022 Marvel, © 2022 & TM Lucasfilm Ltd.,© 2022 Disney/Pixar.
