Welcome to the magic Disneyland and California Adventure Parks! The happiest place on Earth and where your dreams come true! In this post, I’ll be sharing my last visit using a Park Hopper ticket to be able to attend both parks on the same day.
My love story with Disney
Since I was a little girl (until nowadays) I’ve always being a huge fan of Disney. In other words, I know all the songs, I’ve watched all the movies and I have Mulan as my favourite princess. No! wait! Sleeping Beauty. No, Mulan! OK, I really can’t decide (haha). The fact is that Disney has been part of my life since I can remember.
I’ve been to Disney World 4 times (and counting) and this was my second time at Disneyland and first at the California Adventure Park. Therefore, I was extremely excited for this visit since my last time at any of the Disney Resorts was to celebrate my bday in 2018.
I was initially going to California for a helicopter show called HAI that happens every year in the U.S. Every year is in a different location and this year it would be in Anaheim. That being said, I was going to be in Anaheim for a few days so how could I possibly miss the happiest place on Earth???
Partnership with Disneyland
I’ve partnered up with Disneyland (YES, I couldn’t believe it either) and Fred and I got each a 1 day Park Hopper ticket that allows you to go to both parks on the same day (Disneyland & California Adventure).
On our visit, we chose to go to Disneyland Park first just because it’s the one with the famous Sleeping Beauty Castle and the one with the most attractions. In addition they have the new Star Wars Rise of the Resistance attraction at Star Wars: Galaxy Edge. Bellow I’ll give you some tips on how not to miss this amazing and new Disney attraction.
Did you know? Disneyland Park, originally Disneyland, is the first of two theme parks built at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, opened on July 17, 1955. It is the only theme park designed and built to completion under the direct supervision of Walt Disney.
Disneyland – Anaheim, CA
California Adventure – Anaheim, CA
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
This is the most wanted attraction at the park nowadays therefore it’s busiest one. I’ll tell you a few things you should know about before your visit.
Firstly, you cannot attend it if you don’t have a group. It’s not like a regular attraction that you just go in line and wait for your turn. So the question is: what you need to do?
You will have to download the Disneyland APP and in there you will find a link named “Access by Boarding group” that will allow you to get into a group.
Click here for the Disney Star Wars website.
Most importantly, at 9:00am this Boarding group will be open for a virtual line. BE FAST! Everyone at the park will be on their phones trying to connect and this is your only chance to make it!
After you’re able to get a group number you will then have to wait for your turn.
That means, they will be calling out the group numbers (you can check that on the APP) and that’s your queue to go to the attraction and stay in line as you would for any other attraction.
As I did not search about this before, my group number was the 82 and I didn’t stay longer enough at the park to be able to go. Bummer! That can only mean I need to go back to Disneyland soon! 🙂
Disneyland APP
Star Wars: Galaxy Edge at Disneyland.
Star Wars: Galaxy Edge at Disneyland.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Disneyland is the only theme park designed and built to completion under the direct supervision of Walt Disney himself.
California Adventure Park
Another amazing Themed Park that’s part of the Disneyland Resorts is California Adventure. Since 2001, Disney’s California Adventure has grown a lot. I’m a really huge fan of roller coasters and at California Adventure you will find the Incredicoaster, my favourite attraction at the park.
This Spring (2020) California Adventure will launch Marvel land: Avengers Campus. A new place for Marvel’s fan. On our visit Fred, who is a marvel fan, actually thought this was already open. That can only mean one more motive to get back soon!!
On our visit, we went to California Adventure after spending the whole morning at Disneyland. As I mentioned before, Disneyland is the busiest park so for us it made more sense to go there first.
Already at California Adventure at lunch time, we chose the ‘Lamplight Lounge’ at Pixar Pier to stop for lunch. Good food with a fantastic view of the Mickey’s Fun Wheel and Incredicoaster. We’ve got a Lobster nacho (YUMMY) to share and it was for sure a smart choice.
Click here to check Lamplight Lounge menu.
LampLight Lounge at California Adventure
Lamplight Lounge
My Favourite Attractions
At Disneyland Park I love to stare at the Cinderella Castle and take thousands of pictures around it. It’s so dreamy!! You feel like you’re in a fairy tail. I must admit that I have the dream to go inside for a dinner or a sleep over. I’m still waiting for Cinderella’s invitation (haha).
My favourite attraction at Disneyland Park is the Space mountain. The idea of a roller coaster in the dark is something that really catches my attention! 🙂
At California Adventure Park my favourite attraction is the Incredicoaster (You can see I love roller coasters). It was my first time there and I didn’t actually know what to expect. WHAT A BLAST! That all I can say! I laughed so hard the whole ride! It’s a must do when visiting there. If you like roller coasters, of course.
Skip the long waits: get a FastPass
Fast passes are a good option for those who want to shorten their waiting time. They allow you to go into a separate line and save you a lot of time. There are two different ways you can get FastPass.
You can buy the first option at Disneyland’s website or a ticket window.
Your second option is to get it for free for a specific attraction. Near almost all attraction entrances, you will see a machine, like an ATM, and you can get a fast pass for free for that attraction only. However, The downside about this type of FastPass is that you need to choose a specific time to attend that attraction, and you can only pick up one fast pass at a time window.
In conclusion, FastPasses are not always cheap, but they are worth it! Plan yourself and think about an investment to make your visit better. You will surely be able to go to more attractions using the FastPass.
Disney Park Hopper Ticket
Hitting the two parks in a day is not a small task. If it is your first time there, your better option is to spend one day at each park but if you don’t have enough time or if it’s your second visit is doable.
Click here to buy your tickets.
Final Highlights
One thing that I can’t stress enough is to stay hydrated and don’t forget to eat! Don’t forget to bring your water bottle or buy one as soon as you get to the park. Inside the Parks, you can easily find water fountains to refill during your visit. You’ll have plenty of options for food at both parks. I can easily say that choosing the restaurant you want to eat at is part of the fun too.
Another great tip is to wear comfortable shoes. At Disney, you will be walking and standing up the whole day. Comfortable shoes are not just only a must but also they will make sure you have the best time there. You will thank me later.
The Fireworks
At the end of the day, at Disneyland, there are lovely 16 minutes fireworks around 9:30 pm that you can’t miss. Check Disney’s website to see the full schedule.
Check here for the daily events schedule.
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In conclusion, it’s hard to leave when the park closes and say goodbye. Well, it’s never a goodbye. It’s a see you later and hopefully soon.
What do you think about Disney? Have you ever been there? Still, have questions about it? Leave your comments below, and I’ll be happy to answer you.
See you on my next adventure. XO Luana.
