Guest Author - Denise Hoffman

The famous theme park, Disneyland, located in Anaheim, California, is one of the most popular sunny escapes in the world. Disneyland challenges you to join the world of mice, dogs, ducks, and other mythical creatures. Welcome to the world of Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Goofy, Donald Duck, and Tigger, among its many residents. It can be equally exciting for children and adults (with or without kids). Be sure to take your time when enjoying the imaginative vision first designed by Walt Disney.

Today, the original park is named Disneyland Park, to differentiate it from the entire complex, Disneyland Resort. The Resort encompasses Disneyland Park, the California Adventure theme park, Downtown Disney District, and it operates hotels within the property.

Disneyland Park
The 85-acre Park is currently divided into sections with the following themes: Main Street, USA, Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, Adventureland, New Orleans Square, Critter Country, and Mickey’s Toontown. Each section includes exhibits and rides relevant to its theme. The kids really enjoy Dumbo The Flying Elephant, Buzz Lightyear, and the Indiana Jones rides. For a great, hair-raising experience, try to get in the front car on the Space Mountain ride. Take family pictures with your favorite characters.

California Adventure
Only the Walt Disney Company could create a masterpiece 55-acre park based on California land and its history. There you can find the Sunshine Plaza, Hollywood Backlot, Paradise Pier, Golden State, and Bug’s Land. For a tour of the entire state of California, check out the Souring over California ride in a simulated hang glider.

Downtown Disney
A retail area adjacent to the theme parks which includes shops and restaurants. No admission is charged to enter this area.

Accommodations
The Grand Californian, the Disney Hotel, and the Paradise Pier hotels are within the Disneyland resort and are convenient to the parks. Some advantages for staying within the resort are: no rental car is required, and you can easily return from the park for an afternoon nap.

There are numerous other hotels surrounding the resort and shuttles are available. Be sure to check how often a shuttle runs to Disneyland, otherwise, you may be waiting a long time with tired, grumpy family members.