Can't Miss Disneyland Attractions

Searching for a family-friendly vacation spot? You can never go wrong with a trip to Disneyland. No matter how old they are, the park's many offerings will surely delight every member of your family. Located in sunny southern California, even the weather is bound to be picturesque.

The park itself is huge, and is made up of nine themed areas: Fantasyland, Frontierland, Mickey’s Toontown, Critter Country, Main Street, U.S.A., New Orleans Square, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Tomorrowland, and Adventureland. 

Fortunately, we’ve narrowed down the best highlights and attractions throughout the park. Read on to discover Disneyland’s must-see spots.

Fantasyland

Fantasyland is one of the oldest parts of California’s Disneyland theme park. As Walt Disney himself noted, “What youngster has not dreamed of flying with Peter Pan over London, or tumbling into Alice’s nonsensical Wonderland?” At Fantasyland, children can let their imagination run wild and experience things that they have only dreamed of. One of the most famous rides in Fantasyland is also one of the oldest: Peter Pan’s Flight. The ride takes guests on an adventure with Peter Pan over London and to Neverland, where they’ll see things like the Mermaid Lagoon and Skull Rock. Other attractions include Alice in Wonderland, the King Arthur Carousel and Pinocchio’s Daring Journey. You’ll also recognize Sleeping Beauty’s Castle from the iconic Disney logo as you step into Fantasyland.

Frontierland

“Frontierland. It is here that we experience the story of our country's past. The color, romance and drama of frontier America as it developed from wilderness trails to roads, riverboats, railroads and civilization. A tribute to the faith, courage and ingenuity of our hearty pioneers who blaze the trails and made this progress possible,” said Walt Disney of Frontierland. When it opened, Frontierland had few attractions, but that is far from the case today. Visitors can now experience the American frontier through attractions like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, the Mark Twain Riverboat, Big Thunder Ranch and the Frontierland Shootin’ Exposition.

Mickey’s Toontown

It goes without saying that no Disney related adventure is complete without seeing the world’s most famous mouse: Mickey. At Mickey’s Toontown, kids will get to see Mickey and experience life in his world. This unique part of Disneyland gets its theme from Toontown in the film Who Framed Roger Rabbit. Unlike many other lands, visitors can only experience Mickey’s Toontown at Disneyland and Disneyland Tokyo, making this a must see attraction during your visit. Other highlights in the park include the Chip ‘n Dale Treehouse, Disneyland Railroad, Goofy’s Playhouse and more. You can even grab a snack at Pluto’s Dog House, Clarabelle’s Frozen Yogurt or Daisy’s Diner.

Critter Country

Originally built to resemble the forests of the Pacific Northwest, this themed land is home to one of Disney’s most famous rides — Splash Mountain. Glide through the bayou in a hollowed out log, then get ready for a 5-story drop as a finale. You’ll get wet during the ride, but luckily you’re in sunny Southern California. For a more mellow boat experience, embody the pioneer spirit and paddle around the Rivers of America in a Davy Crockett Explorer Canoe. Critter Country also hosts the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, in which you ride in a giant beehive through the Hundred Acre Woods. You may even meet characters like Winnie the Pooh himself and Piglet after the ride.

Main Street, U.S.A.

Feeling nostalgic? Look no further than Main Street, U.S.A., which is modeled after a classic turn-of-the-century American town. Old-fashioned vehicles populate this bustling street, including a horseless carriage, fire engine, and horse-drawn streetcars. Visitors can also catch a ride on the Disneyland Railroad to go to different areas around the park. Wander around and you may bump into a barbershop quartet, or even an all-out Disney character parade in Main Street’s Town Square. Other attractions include souvenir shops, the Main Street Cinema, and the Disneyland Story Presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.

New Orleans Square

This themed land transports you to the vibrant streets of pre-Civil War New Orleans, Louisiana. Highlights include one of the three stops on the Disneyland Railroad and the Haunted Mansion. Contrary to its name, the Haunted Mansion ride is more fun than it is scary. New Orleans Square is also home to Pirates of the Caribbean, one of the most inventive rides in Disneyland based on the popular movies. Hungry? If you like Cajun and Creole food, definitely stop and have a meal here. From jambalaya to shrimp and grits, they have it all. They also offer French Quarter delicacies, including beignets shaped like Mickey Mouse’s head.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Immerse yourself in the cinematic land of the Star Wars universe at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, another popular themed area. This out-of-this-world land, based after the planet of Batuu, features a ride in which you fly the legendary Millenium Falcon through the galaxies. Or, you can fight in a battle between the First Order and the Resistance in Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. There’s also plenty of opportunity to pick out Star Wars-themed keepsakes to bring home. Design and build your own droid, get a custom lightsaber, or visit one of the many themed shops.

Tomorrowland

The inter-galactic experience continues at Tomorrowland, which is designed as a futuristic land based off of Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth. The legendary Space Mountain is located here, a roller coaster ride that sends you through the cosmos. Didn’t get enough Star Wars? There’s more of that in Tomorrowland. Plus, delve into the Toy Story universe in the Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters ride. More attractions that don’t exactly fit into the “futuristic” theme include the Disneyland Monorail and the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage.

Adventureland

Release your inner adventurer in Adventureland, a themed area that’s a blend of Polynesian, Middle Eastern, and African influences. Explore Tarzan’s Treehouse, then take a leisurely boat ride on the Jungle Cruise to see realistic, animatronic animals. More adventures await in the special-effects heavy Indiana Jones Adventure ride. For a theatrical experience, you can catch a show in Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, then refresh yourself with some Disneyland-famous Dole Whip soft serve at the Tiki Bar next door.

On your next family vacation to Disneyland, be sure to check out these can’t-miss highlights and attractions.

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