Everything Walt Disney World Park Goers Should Do at the Disneyland Resort

For Walt Disney World frequenters, Disneyland offers a familiar yet distinctly different experience, maintaining the same spirit but in a smaller, more intimate setting.

That intimacy is exactly what charms many about Disneyland. Park hopping is easier, walking is less demanding, and many buildings are smaller in scale. As the only park Walt Disney personally saw, reverence for Disneyland’s history runs deep, sometimes even more than at Walt Disney World.

Indeed, the Disneyland Resort (which includes Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure) has magic all its own that delights millions of visitors every year. Those who mainly go to Walt Disney World should prioritize seeing what makes the Anaheim parks unique.

From attractions and restaurants to parades and nighttime entertainment, we’ve compiled the ultimate guide for WDW guests planning to visit Disneyland, sure to make any trip equally fun-filled, relaxing, and unforgettable.

 

Two of Disneyland’s most enduring attractions are also at the top of any Walt Disney World goer’s list, and for good reasons. Both attractions, which are indelibly connected, have a charm and lovely quality that cannot be denied.

On the Storybook Land Canal Boats, guests enjoy a peaceful cruise past miniature houses, castles, and villages based on Disney’s classic animated films such as Pinocchio, Cinderella, and Frozen. On the Casey Jr. Circus Train, passengers board cars or cages and enjoy views of the Storybook Land villages and various plant life, all while hearing the classic “Casey Jr.” tune.

These rides are “must-dos” for their charm and because they remain the only versions of these attractions in the U.S., as they do not exist at Walt Disney World. Those who travel to Disneyland Paris and Shanghai Disneyland can enjoy them, but they are different iterations. Disneyland’s Fantasyland duo remains unique to Anaheim, California.

 

Like Storybook Land and Casey Jr., Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride is one of Disneyland’s most enduring attractions. Indeed, though it’s gone through some overhauls, this jaunty and “wild” ride to “nowhere in particular” has been delighting guests since opening day in 1955.

Anyone who enjoys classic dark rides must go on Mr. Toad’s for the fun alone. At the same time, it should be at the top of anyone’s list, especially those who typically visit Walt Disney World, because of its exclusivity to Disneyland. Indeed, this ride only exists at the Anaheim park and nowhere else in the world.

 

Many fans who consider Walt Disney World, particularly Magic Kingdom, their usual park, were saddened by the loss of the Rivers of America and the Liberty Belle Boat. On July 6, 2025, it took its final voyage, permanently closing to make way for a new Cars-themed area modeled after National Parks.

A great loss indeed, it makes Disneyland’s Rivers of America and its two ships that much more precious. Both the Mark Twain Riverboat and Sailing Ship Columbia offer peaceful, atmospheric, nostalgic rides through the Rivers, just with varied vehicles. On the Mark Twain, let the sounds of the paddle-wheel envelop you as you take in the sights or relax on a seat on one of the three decks. The Columbia feels more adventurous with authentic below-deck quarters to explore and cannons above.

Both ships proved lovely rides for decades. Today, they’ve become more special with their everlasting status.

 

Along with the Liberty Belle Boat and Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island also closed in July 2025 at Magic Kingdom. But at Disneyland, it remains a combination of Tom Sawyer Island and Pirate’s Lair. The perfect blend of theming matches the duality of its location, which is adjacent to Frontierland and New Orleans Square.

Guests will board a raft, step back in time, explore caves, cross bridges, and take in the peaceful surroundings. Some guests even enjoy having lunch at one of the picnic tables.

The perfect place for the young and the young at heart to live out childhood fantasies, Tom Sawyer Island and Pirate’s Lair remain an underrated Disneyland gem. Just note that, because the island is utilized for Fantasmic, it closes in the late afternoon. So, plan accordingly.

 

Parades and Nighttime Entertainment at any Disney Park are a cut above the rest- and Disneyland has some of the best. While Walt Disney World has Fantasmic, its setting pales in comparison to Disneyland’s on the Rivers of America. At Disney California Adventure, World of Color dazzles with fountains, light, and projections from numerous Disney films.

While the quality of fireworks shows is undoubtedly the same at any Disney Park, each one has a different show. Disneyland is no different, and they vary by season, so guests should definitely make them a priority.

Disneyland’s parades are spectacular as well, from Paint the Night to the Main Street Electrical Parade to Magic Happens. Which parade is running will change, but each has unique whimsy and fun. During the Holiday season, visitors can also enjoy A Christmas Fantasy Parade, the beautiful parade that’s been running since 1995. Walt Disney World frequenters visiting Disneyland will love this one in particular because, unlike their Christmas Parade, which only runs during the after-hours event, “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party,” A Christmas Fantasy Parade can be enjoyed by everyday guests.

 

You might be wondering why any Magic Kingdom goer should prioritize Pirates of the Caribbean when visiting Disneyland. After all, both parks feature the classic attraction with swashbuckling adventures of roguish pirates. However, there are significant differences between the two versions, making Disneyland the superior one for many park goers.

Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean is almost twice as long as Magic Kingdom’s at 15 minutes, compared to 8. It also has two drops compared to one, larger scenes with skeleton pirates, and more scenes overall.

Disneyland also eases guests into the ride by gliding past the Blue Bayou Restaurant, an immersive eatery that’s so popular, reservations fill up every day within minutes. If you can manage to obtain one, consider yourself lucky.

 

Much like Pirates of the Caribbean, Disneyland’s It’s A Small World varies from Magic Kingdom’s version, and most prefer Disneyland’s. The most significant difference is the facade. At Magic Kingdom, it’s easy to walk right past It’s A Small World with its unassuming entrance.

At Disneyland, it’s a completely different experience. The large exterior designed by Mary Blair and Rolly Crump echoes world landmarks, and features a whimsical smiling-face clock that ticks and tocks and opens up every hour to reveal dolls representing different countries. The outside also features beautiful topiaries of various animals. All in all, the ride is longer and lovelier, making it a can’t-miss attraction.

During Christmas, It’s A Small World also transforms into a spectacular light display, while the ride’s soundtrack adds holiday carols “Jingle Bells” and “Deck the Halls.” This transformation remains a tradition for the Holiday season, cementing its unique and memorable appeal.

 

Disneyland’s first steel coaster holds several other distinctions that make it a must-do for guests in search of a unique experience. Unlike other coasters found in Walt Disney World and international parks, such as Big Thunder Mountain and Space Mountain, you can only find the Matterhorn Bobsleds at the Disneyland Resort. Modeled after the famous mountain in Switzerland, the Matterhorn stands at 147 feet, making it one of Disneyland’s tallest structures. Indeed, many guests have fun trying to spot the mountain while driving up to the park or from their hotel room.

 

The coaster whips passengers through icy slopes, past waterfalls, and a frightening abominable snowman in a thrilling ride that reaches up to 27 mph. Even if you choose not to ride, the Matterhorn makes for an excellent photo backdrop among Disneyland’s icons.

 

For all intents and purposes, Galaxy’s Edge in Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios is identical to Disneyland’s. However, recent changes to the Anaheim location make it stand out, and a must-see for those used to WDW, especially for fans of the original trilogy and The Mandalorian.

For the first time since the land opened, Disneyland had made significant changes to Galaxy’s Edge. Guests will no longer only hear ambient sounds of ships and other noises, but instead Star Wars themes composed by John Williams, a definite improvement. Fans of George Lucas’s first three films will also be happy to see Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia, and Darth Vader interacting with guests in the center of the land.

Lastly, Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run has a new, exciting journey for passengers featuring the Mandalorian and Grogu. Considering the attraction’s first mission featured new, unfamiliar characters and destinations, this new adventure will surely delight fans of the Star Wars Disney+ series.

 

In Disney California Adventure, one land stands out as being a sheer blend of beauty, joy, and immersion. Cars Land, or Radiator Springs, brings the 2006 Pixar film to life in a truly remarkable way. It literally feels as if you’ve stepped inside the movie, from the striking visuals to the nostalgic music.

Imagineers went that extra mile with immaculate details in every square inch of the land. Each attraction is worth a ride, including Luigi’s Rollicking Roadsters and Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree. Of course, the grand prize goes to Radiator Springs Racers. This attraction regularly has lines up to two hours, so I recommend riding early at “Rope Drop” or splurging for the Individual Lightning Lane.

 

As one of Disney’s most underrated parks, Disney California Adventure offers many rides and restaurants unique to that park. Walt Disney World park goers will and should gravitate towards these variances, especially if they want a special experience they can’t find at any of Orlando’s parks.

Buena Vista Street transports guests to 1930s Hollywood, and while it’s mainly gift shops, the vintage vibes are impeccable. Plus, those looking to splurge on a meal can eat at Carthay Circle, the elegant restaurant inspired by the theater that premiered Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. At Avenger’s Campus, enjoy sleek and fantastic superhero fun with so many roaming characters, WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure , Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission- BREAKOUT, and Pym’s Test Kitchen.

On Pixar Pier, you’ll have that old-fashioned boardwalk experience with prize-winning carnival games, a classic coaster with the Incredicoaster, and the iconic Ferris wheel, the Pixar Pal-A-Round, which has swinging and non-swinging gondolas.

Soarin’ may not be unique to DCA, but its breathtaking location is. Indeed, Grizzly Peak feels reminiscent of a National Park with its tall trees, the beautiful Redwood Creek Trail, and thrilling water ride, Grizzly River Run.

 

Staying at a Disney Resort becomes part of the vacation experience as much as the parks, something WDW goers know firsthand. For those with the budget, staying at one of the three hotels (The Disneyland Hotel, Pixar Place Hotel, and Disney’s Grand Californian Resort & Spa) will add comfort, convenience, and a touch of magic to your trip. Each offers very different theming and accommodations, with unique pools, decor, and eateries. But they all make getting to the park a quick and easy walk in that Disney bubble.

However, visitors don’t have to stay at one of these hotels to enjoy much of what they have to offer. At The Disneyland Hotel, Trader Sam’s offers unmatched vibes, with a relaxed atmosphere outside and an energetic experience inside. The Polynesian music, fun drinks, and excellent food make it one of the best restaurants of the entire Resort. The Broken Spell Lounge is another great option with its jazzy aesthetic, live music, and scrumptious food offerings.

At the Grand Californian, you can relax in the spacious and spectacular lobby reminiscent of a wilderness lodge, and enjoy excellent meals at four different types of restaurants: the casual but lovely Hearthstone Lounge, the poolside GCH Bar & Grill, delicious buffet and character dining at Storyteller’s Cafe, or the opulent and elevated cuisine at Napa Rose.

The newest food offerings can be found at the Pixar Place Hotel: the Great Maple Modern American Eatery and the new Disney Vacation Club Tower of the Disneyland Hotel with the Palm Breeze Bar. Overall, whether you dine at one of these hotels or not, each has a beautiful ambience to enjoy.