Gone are the days when theme parks were the dream time of children. Over the past sixty years, Disney magic has transformed the humble adventure park into a bucket list holiday destination for everyone. With the trend to low-priced flights to the USA here for a while and the popularity of inter-generational travel on the rise, there is no better time than now to head to Disneyland Resort in California and experience it's two theme parks, Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. Whether a family, group of friends, romantic couple or solo traveller, Disneyland really does have it all.  

Something for Everyone: Character Meet & Greets, thrill rides, night-time spectaculars, and Fine Dining

We all know that a Disneyland adventure comes with childhood hero meet-and-greets and adrenaline-fuelled rides. But did you know that Disneyland Resort also boasts Broadway-style musicals, fine-dining restaurants, wine-tasting, parades and fireworks displays alongside its over 100 Disney, Pixar, Star Wars and Marvel attractions. 

The young (and young at heart) will light up at the sight of their favourite characters. Guests can enjoy breakfast with Donald Duck or meet the four-wheeled stars from Cars at their hometown of Radiator Springs. New to the park in 2018 is Pixar Pier, a Pixar themed neighbourhood featuring your favourite Disney.Pixar characters as well as the thrilling new Incredicoaster. 

Teens and adrenaline junkies will love the thrill of rides such as Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission BREAKOUT! - get ready for some breathtaking fun starring one rag-tag crew of heroes; Space Mountain - a pitch-black otherworldly rollercoaster that reaches rapid speeds and the fiery explosions, collapsing bridge, and rolling boulders of Indiana Jones Adventure. Insider tip: the teacups at the Mad Tea Party ride in Fantasyland might look like a leisurely ride, but if you jump into an orange diamond-encrusted or purple cup, you're on the fast track. 

Age-old Disney favourites are reborn in a plethora of rides that introduce new generations to timeless heroes: Snow White’s Scary Adventures, Peter Pan’s Flight and Pinocchio’s Daring Journey not only thrill the older family members but enthrall the youngsters too.

It has never been easier to visit: Disneyland Resort Hotels and FASTPASS convenience

There are three Disney hotels located within the Disneyland Resort providing guests the incredible experience of staying within the magic. Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is a premium choice with its own entrance to Disney California Adventure Park, while Disneyland Hotel located in the park's original lands is the perfect base in between both parks. Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel embraces the Californian beach lifestyle and charm. 

Beating the Californian traffic may be one good reason to stay on site, but don’t forget that a Disneyland Resort hotel allows access to one of the parks one hour earlier than the general public each day of your stay with Extra Magic Hour.

We recommend that you take advantage of the FASTPASS queuing systems to make the most of your time in the Parks.  Or upgrade your ticket to include MaxPass which allows you to book in your FASTPASS selections via your mobile phone. In addition, make sure to download the Disneyland app and organise your entire itinerary before you arrive: make restaurant reservations, locate your favourite characters and find your way around the park. As an added tip, board the Disney Monorail to familiarise yourself with the park layout and create a list of must-dos over your four-day itinerary. 

There are magic and secrets everywhere to be found

The parks are full of secrets; Disney Imagineers have scattered hidden Mickey's around hotels, restaurants and attractions. Interacting with your favourite character goes beyond taking a selfie. Whether you ask Cinderella if she would like to trade one of your shoes for her glass slipper, let Cruella de Vil know her fur is out of fashion, or ask Aladdin and Jasmine if they can take you on a magic carpet ride, the Disney magic spell is already cast. 

Walt Disney really did put thought into every aspect of the park. The window signage on Main Street, Frontierland and Toontown is an inscription in honour of past employees, while the Morse code that plays on repeat at New Orleans Square Train Station is the same message Walt spoke on Disneyland's opening day. "To all who come to Disneyland, welcome. Here age relives fond memories of the past, and here youth may savour the challenge and promise of the future". 

It is the Happiest Place on Earth

Disneyland Resort in California is lauded as the 'Happiest Place on Earth' for good reason. From adrenaline rushes, night-time spectaculars and classic Disneyland attractions to Mickey Mouse shaped foods and Disney character encounters, every section of the theme parks have been designed to make you smile. 

Meeting Spiderman, Woody and Buzz Lightyear, and Mickey and Minnie Mouse will make you feel like you are the character in a movie. However, you can also be a member of the audience: head to the Royal Theatre to watch live shows where there are unique twists on the classics of Beauty and the Beast and Tangled. The Hyperion theatre, meanwhile, showcases a Broadway-style version of the global phenomenon of Frozen, which has enchanted people old and young around the world.

Even the food is a fairy tale. From Mickey-shaped Pretzels available throughout the resort to the classic pineapple soft-serve Dole Whip served at the Tiki Juice Bar and French-style macarons resembling the aliens from the Disney Pixar Toy Story films, there is something deliciously fun for everyone to enjoy. 

Disneyland Resort really is the Happiest Place on Earth. 

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