8 Must-See Attractions at the Disneyland Resort

Headed to Anaheim for a Disneyland vacation? Here are 8 must-see attractions at the Disneyland Resort!

When my daughter wrote “Have fun!” on her summer bucket list, I knew we needed to head to the Disneyland Resort. This summer there is so much happening at the Happiest Place on Earth. From the continuing Diamond Celebration to new attractions at California Adventure, there’s a whole lot of magic happening in Anaheim.

We were lucky enough to be invited to a media day at the resort, and spent the day zooming through Radiator Springs and soaring across the world. I’ve collected 8 things at the 2 parks you won’t want to miss this summer!

8 Must-See Attractions at the Disneyland Resort

Frozen Live at the Hyperion

Drive your sled over to Disney’s California Adventure for some incredible Frozen fun. I was able to attend the premiere, but this was the first time my family was able to watch the show. Not surprisingly, they were blown away. The Broadway-level show is free with park admission. I would recommend getting your FastPass early in the day and arriving at the theater 45 minutes in advance. Trust me, it’s worth it.

Soarin’ Around the World

The reimagined Soarin’ ride within California Adventure now glides guests all over the world. You’ll dip among the polar bears in the Arctic and scale the Eiffel Tower. New scents fill the voyage; I smelled cherry blossoms, ocean, and maybe even some dust from an elephant. Be on the look-out for a Hidden Mickey or two!

Tower of Terror

Recently announced, the Tower of Terror will stop dropping guests in early January so it can be transformed into Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout! Cross over into another dimension for one last time before Disney imagineers transform this fan favorite.

Cars Land

Always on our list of things to do when we visit California Adventure is to race over to Radiator Springs. Zoom over to Radiator Springs Racers early, before the line gets long. You’ll also want to meet Luigi’s cousins or “cugini” at Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters.

 

A photo posted by Melanie Walsh (@clementinecounty) on Jul 16, 2016 at 10:20am PDT

World of Color – Celebrate

I’ve got big ol’ heart eyes for Neil Patrick Harris, so the first time I saw him on the big screen (big wave???) I knew I was going to love the new World of Color. Neil guides us through a celebration of the life of Walt Disney that inspires audiences not only because of what started with a mouse, but also the majesty of the projections.

A great viewing spot is in the middle where the pictures are clearest, and towards the front (you will get wet). However, consider making reservations for the World of Color Dessert Party for a yummy presentation of treats and relaxing viewing area.

Disneyland Diamond Celebration 

The Diamond Celebration continues to sparkle at Disneyland. Your favorite characters are decked out in bling, and Sleeping Beauty’s castle glistens. The biggest birthday party will be celebrated until September 5th. You won’t want to miss the fun!

For the 61st anniversary of Disneyland on July 17th, guests were delighted to see 61 characters lined up at the entrance of the park. So much fun to see all your favorites in one place! And speaking of characters, I’ve seen Pocahontas chasing the colors of the wind and taking pictures with guests recently.

As you enter the resort, don’t forget to enter the Diamond Days  giveaways. Daily prizes, including unique in-park experiences, are awarded to guests who text the “Word of the Day” to CASTLE. Additionally dazzling, weekly prizes include vacation packages and engraved diamonds.

Paint the Night Parade 

There are attractions for everyone at the Disneyland Resort (you can read my toddler personalities here). I have the fondest memories of the Main Street Electrical Parade from my childhood, and never thought Disney could top it. They did. The Paint the Night Parade boasts 1.5 million LED lights with unforgettable performances. It’s a mix of your old favorites and the new characters quickly becoming beloved.

Disneyland Forever Fireworks 

Living in Anaheim, we have a nightly view of the Disneyland fireworks. And while my backyard private viewing area is fun, it doesn’t come close to seeing the Disneyland Forever show from within the park. In addition to the pyrotechnics, guests are surrounded with projections on the castle and Main Street. The wonderful Disney storytellers have wound an emotional tale through the dazzling spectacular.

Which one of these must-see attractions at the Disneyland Resort do you find the most magical?

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