8 Reasons Why I Still LOVE Disneyland

I have a close connection to Disney World nowadays. I consider Disney World mine and my husband’s place, especially since we got married in Orlando. But my first love was Disneyland.  

Cue Shania Twain’s song “You’re Still the One”

Growing up in California I went to Disneyland every year as a kid. When I went off to college in Southern California, I got an annual pass and trekked to the parks between classes. My Disneyland love runs deep!

I was shocked when I moved to Texas and discovered that most people prefer Walt Disney World in Florida to the California parks. Now that I’ve been to both coasts and have researched just about everything there is to know about the Florida parks, I can better understand each perspective. Though, nothing can replace the Anaheim original in my heart!

Here are 8 reasons why I STILL love California’s Disneyland:

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1.      History

Disneyland was Walt Disney’s dream. Because of this there is something authentic and personal about it. The quality and love in every aspect of the park is evident in Disneyland. Everything from the hand painted signs, to the original animatronics, you can feel how special this park is. After reading The Disneyland Story by Sam Gennawey I appreciate even more how much work and drive it took to make Walt’s dream a reality. You really can feel his presence in Disneyland!    

2.      Convenience

Though Disney World has that whole “Disney Bubble” thing going for it, Disneyland is VERY walkable. The Disney owned resorts in Anaheim are expensive, but there are plenty of “good neighbor hotels” within walking distance to the parks. These hotels are more affordable, so there is no need to shell out the extra cash if you don’t want to! This is great if you need to go back to your hotel mid-day for a nap or want to go off property to eat. Even park-hopping is easy since the two parks are right across from each other!  

3.      Disneyland Hotel

You don’t HAVE to stay on property, but after staying at the Disneyland Hotel… it may be hard to go back to off-property hotels. There is something about it that feels so uniquely Disneyland and special. It is classy, while still being whimsical. The bedding is comfortable, and you can’t beat that fun headboard that lights up and plays music!

The added convenience of having the monorail nearby is a huge plus. Just hop on and you are dropped off in Tomorrowland! I have not stayed at the other hotels on Disney property, but hopefully that will change so I can compare them all! The food options nearby are tasty, plus the drinks are great which brings us too…  

4.      Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar

I love a Tiki Bar. So when I went to Trader Sam’s for the first time I was SO EXCITED! It’s a tropical getaway, right in the heart of the Disneyland hotel. The drinks are great, but the atmosphere is what gets you. They have special chants and interactive “events” when you order specific drinks. It’s small inside, so make sure you have plenty of time to wait for a spot if you want to go!

 I haven’t been to the Disney World’s version at the Polynesian hotel, though I have heard it isn’t as well done as Disneyland’s. I need to go for comparison reasons 😉  

5.      Rides

So many of the rides they have at Disneyland are just better versions of the ones they have at The Magic Kingdom (in my opinion). Examples are, Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, It’s a Small World, Haunted Mansion Nightmare Before Christmas overlay, the TRAIN…

Hear me out, Space Mountain is so much smoother, the sound system is enhanced and it is just a fantastically thrilling ride. Pirates of the Caribbean has an extra underground feel with TWO drops and a climb at the end making it feel more remote and immersive. The outside of It’s a Small World is GORGEOUS! At Christmas time it is decorated so spectacularly, it’s a must-see! The Haunted Mansion when it’s all done up in the Nightmare Before Christmas overlay is so much fun! It is hands down my favorite version of the Haunted Mansion between both coasts.    

Also, the train! You gotta ride the train! It isn’t just a mode of transportation, it has that fun diorama of the Grand Canyon and primeval world. This feature has been around in the park since July 1, 1966, after debuting at the World’s Fair in New York. It’s a Disneyland classic!

This is all personal opinion (but I’m right =p ), so let me know in the comments if you prefer the rides in Florida better!       

6.      Food

Food has become a HUGE Disney attraction for me. I know there are TONS of great food options in Disney World, so that is not in question here. It is those special places in Disneyland that I have to get each time I visit. Café Orleans is my go-to restaurant and has been for years. It is in New Orleans Square, which is such an immersive area of the park. Eating at Café Orleans makes you feel like you are in New Orleans, enjoying a beignet and watching the world go by.

Carnation Café fried chicken! I’m not gonna lie, I just had this for the first time and enjoyed it! Full disclosure, everyone told me that it was so much food that you should share… I did, but kind of wished I had my own! Disneyland also has plenty of specialty snacks that are always unique and tasty. Hand-dipped corn dogs! Pretty much anything at Jolly Holiday. Yum, the list could go on forever =)   

7.      Fantasmic!

I still cannot bring myself to see Fantasmic in Hollywood Studios in Florida. It holds such a special place in my heart at Disneyland! From what I have heard the show is MUCH better in California. It was new when I was a kid and I have fond memories of the scary, yet magical and ultimately distinctively Disney experience. Plus, the dragon is pretty sweet.  

8.      The Cast Members & Guests

Many of the cast members have made Disneyland their career. There is a sense of pride from the cast members for the park. There are plenty of folks who have worked there for years or have retired at Disney to give back to a place they hold dear.

The guests also have made Disneyland their “home”. Many of the attendees these days are annual pass holders. Because of this, the park is full of “regulars” who take pride and create a sense of community in Disneyland. The vibe at the park is completely different than its sister park in Florida. I enjoy the feeling of community and love what these locals bring to Disneyland!

Overall, Disney parks are special places no matter which coast you go to! Hopefully, I have inspired anyone who has ever thought “Disneyland is just a smaller version of Disney World” to reconsider! With so much to love about Disneyland, it’s about time you checked it out for yourself! I know I miss it terribly. Hopefully, I will get back “home” soon!

Do you prefer Disneyland? Why or why not? Let me know in the comments! =)

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