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This post is all about the best tips for an adult trip to Disneyland.
Disneyland is often considered a destination for kids and families, but that doesn’t mean that adults without young kids can’t enjoy the magic of the park. In fact, an adult trip to Disneyland can be the perfect way to indulge in your childhood nostalgia and have some fun with friends or a significant other.
The Disneyland Resort is a place of imagination, wonder, and magic. The park has everything from thrilling rides to beautiful views for an unforgettable experience. So, why not embrace your inner child and explore Disneyland with your sweetheart or best friend this year?
To ensure your experience is perfect, I’ve rounded up a few tips to make your adult trip to Disneyland truly magical.
Plan Ahead for Your Amazing Adult Trip to Disneyland
The key to a successful adult trip to Disneyland is planning. Things to decide in advance:
- Which rides and attractions are must-dos?
- Do you want to hop from the original Disneyland to Disney California Adventure Park?
- Do you want to eat in the parks?
- Do you want to partake in the live entertainment throughout the parks?
- Do you want to Visit Downtown Disney?
Disneyland Park has long been known as the happiest place on earth, and there really is no perfect time to visit. Typically, September through March are great times to go because of the mild temperatures in Southern California. However, no matter what time of year you plan to visit, you will encounter long lines and wait times on the most popular rides. Despite this, though, a full day at a Disney Park is still a really good time.
What is the Disneyland Park Hopper Ticket
For those who just can’t get enough Disney magic, the Disneyland Park Hopper is the perfect way to experience all the parks have to offer. With access to both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, visitors can hop back and forth between the two parks as much as they please in a single day.
Whether you’re in the mood for classic rides like Space Mountain or want to experience the newly revamped Pixar Pier, the park hopper option allows you to create a custom itinerary that perfectly suits your needs. So, if you want the ultimate in flexibility during your visit, grab your Mickey ears and get ready for a day full of Disney magic with a Disneyland Park Hopper ticket (sometimes called a Magic Key pass).
It’s the ultimate way to maximize your time at the Happiest Place on Earth and make the most of your Disney vacation.
The Must-Sees for Adults
Main Street is the retail center of the original Disneyland Park. There are cafes, ice cream parlors, and souvenir shops lining both sides of this iconic place. Don’t miss a chance to partake in a Chocolate Chip Cookie Sundae at Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor.
Main Street is also the site of the twice-daily character parade. If you plan to watch the parade, get to one of the park benches that line the street early to get the best viewing options.
Best Disneyland Rides:
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – one of the two parks’ many roller coasters.
- The Haunted Mansion – Especially spectacular, decorated for Halloween
- Indiana Jones Adventure ride – Although so much fun, this ride is bumpy, and you will be jostled around quite a bit.
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance – a must for Star Wars fans.
- Pirates of the Caribbean – a boat ride in the dark with minor drops. (This classic ride is one of Disney’s most popular attractions of all time). Don’t let the darkness, water, and drops scare you; it is entertaining and mild.
For those who enjoy learning about history, visit “The Disneyland Story Presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.” This is an inspiring look at our 16th president and the obstacles that he encountered as he tried to abolish slavery.
Best Rides in California Adventure:
- The Incredicoaster – A twisty roller coaster with loops, spins, and drops, an excellent option for those who love thrilling roller coaster rides.
- Pixar Pal-A-Round – Swinging – a giant Ferris wheel in Pixar Pier with a unique twist.
- Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission BREAKOUT! A thrilling drop ride. This ride is my absolute favorite; it is scary but so much fun.
- Radiator Springs Racers – Although based on the cartoon Cars, Radiator Springs Racers is a great ride for adults. The animation is just amazing.
- Soarin’ Around the World – A simulator ride that takes you around the world, where you will experience the sights and smells of the African continent, the sparkling Eiffel Tower, and the Great Wall of China, among many other attractions. A great way to sit back and relax and enjoy all the beauty our world has to offer.
You do not have to purchase lightning lanes passes to access specific rides quickly. The extra cost of Genie + is not necessary if you download the Disney App. On the App, you can monitor wait times and then proceed to the rides with the shortest times. You can also take advantage of rides with a single-rider line. My husband and I were able to ride some of the most popular rides with virtually no waiting. Remember that if you choose the single rider lane, you will be riding with individuals you don’t know.
For a pleasant respite and to get out of the crowds for a bit, see Mickey’s PhilharMagic. It is an absolutely delightful 3-D animation short film, and I highly recommend it.
There are many other attractions in each of the parks that you might enjoy. To discover what each park offers, visit the Disneyland Website.
Disneyland Special Events
If you’re an adult looking for a unique and unforgettable experience, consider attending one of the special events Disneyland offers on select dates throughout the year. From the “Disneyland After Dark” nighttime parties to the annual “Dapper Day” celebration of vintage fashion, there’s something sure to appeal to every adult visitor.
Take a break from the crowds and ride lines during these exclusive events, where you can enjoy after-hours access to attractions, themed entertainment, and fantastic food and drinks.
Make your adult only tip to Disneyland a truly special one with one of these can’t-miss events!
Enjoy the Nightlife
Disneyland is often considered a destination for families with young children, but don’t let that reputation fool you—adults can have just as much fun at the happiest place on earth!
In fact, one of the best ways to enjoy your adult trip to Disneyland is by experiencing the nightlife. With so many options for after-hours entertainment, you may be reluctant to leave the park. Disneyland has something for everyone, from live music and dancing at the Tomorrowland Terrace to grabbing a drink at the Oga’s Cantina in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Plus, watching the nightly fireworks or projection show over Sleeping Beauty Castle while sipping on a cocktail is truly a magical experience.
So, if you are looking for a new way to experience the park, don’t forget to explore the nightlife—it’s one of the best-kept secrets for adults!
Fine Dining in Disney
Dining at Disneyland isn’t just for kids; it’s also a culinary adventure for adults! If you’re taking an adult trip to Disneyland, don’t just stick to the typical quick-service meals. Plenty of delicious restaurants throughout the park offer quality food and a unique ambiance.
An adult trip to Disneyland would not be complete without these gourmet experiences; check out Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, which serves up farm-to-table dishes paired with some of the best wines in California. If you want something international, explore the world’s flavors with the World of Color dining package.
Or, indulge in classic comfort food at Blue Bayou, where diners can enjoy meals overlooking the Pirates of the Caribbean ride or Carthay Circle in California Adventure.
These restaurants and experiences fill up fast, so if you want to partake in any of these, you will want to make reservations well ahead of your planned trip.
Also, there are several places throughout the two parks where you can purchase alcoholic beverages, but you must consume them within the establishment. Alcohol is not allowed to be carried openly in the park.
And finally, for a quick treat, don’t forget to indulge in some of Disneyland’s famous goodies, like churros or Dole Whip.
Take it Slow
For anyone planning an adult trip to Disneyland, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and rush from attraction to attraction – but sometimes it’s worth taking it slow.
The park is full of hidden gems and subtle details that can be easily missed while rushing around.
Take the time to enjoy the ambiance on Main Street, grab a bite to eat at a sit-down restaurant, or people-watch in one of the many designated areas. Slowing down can also help reduce stress and fatigue, ensuring a more enjoyable experience overall.
Plus, who knows what magical surprises you might encounter along the way!
Stay Late
Disneyland is known for its magical atmosphere, exciting rides, and delicious food. It’s no wonder that people from all over the world make the trip to experience the magic. But what about people looking for a little more Adventure?
For adults visiting Disneyland, staying late can offer a completely different experience. The crowds dwindle slightly, the lights become more vibrant, and the nighttime entertainment is electrifying.
From spectacular fireworks displays to rides illuminated in neon lights, staying late in Disneyland is a must-do for any adult trip to the park. So grab a churro, find a spot on Main Street, and take in the beauty of Disneyland after dark.
Summing up My Tips for a Perfect Adult Trip to Disneyland
Overall, a trip to Disneyland will surely be an experience of a lifetime. Even adults will enjoy stepping back into their childhood for some much-needed fun. Not only does Disneyland have wow-worthy attractions, but they also offer delicious treats that are favorites of children and adults alike.
Plus, it’s the perfect place to take Instagram-worthy photos that everyone will be jealous of!
So go ahead and purchase your Mickey ears, plan the perfect vacation for you and your significant other or closest friends, and then prepare to get the whole adult experience at Magical Disneyland.
Here’s hoping you’ll find yourself surrounded by cheerful music and laughter as you wander through the Magic Kingdom on your next adult-only trip. Don’t wait too long – it’s the ideal opportunity to create wonderful lifelong memories with those closest to you. So c’mon – do it this year!
Let me know in the comments below what you think the best things to do in Disneyland are.
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