Theme Park Insider

Disneyland reviews

Written by
Theme Park Insider Editor
Posted: October 8, 2011

Disneyland, in Anaheim, California, is America's second-most popular theme park, behind its younger sibling, the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. While Disneyland is much smaller than the Magic Kingdom, it packs many more rides and shows into the theme park, including superior versions of classics such as Pirates of the Caribbean and Space Mountain.

Disneyland premiered a new version of its popular Star Tours ride on June 3, 2011. This is a 3-D simulator ride, based on the Star Wars movies, and frequently has long lines. Arrive early and get a FastPass reservation for the ride, but avoid the crowds by heading to the other side of the park while you wait for your return time. Enjoy Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blasters in Tomorrowland later in the day.

If you have very young children, make Fantasyland your first stop and start with Dumbo to avoid long lines later in the day. (Note that Snow White's Scary Adventures can be just that for the very young.)

Disneyland is open every day; check Disney's website for hours and to buy tickets in advance. If you'd like to eat lunch or dinner at the Blue Bayou, inside Pirates of the Caribbean, call 714-781-DINE several days in advance for reservations.

Disneyland is located just off Interstate 5 in Anaheim, about one hour south of downtown Los Angeles. You can get driving directions on our Google Map of America's top theme parks.

Scroll down to links for Theme Park Insider readers' reviews of Disneyland attractions and restaurants. Or search our archives for more news about Disneyland.

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Readers' Tips for Visiting Disneyland

[1160 + / 203 -] If it is hot, or crowded, go sit in the Tiki Room... A great place to cool down and rest the feet.

[310 + / 48 -] Riding the steam train to the Main Street station can be a great way to get out of the park when Main Street and the hub in front of the castle are packed during parades and fireworks.

[265 + / 117 -] The best time to go to Disneyland is the week after Thanksgiving till the week before Christmas. Its themed for the holidays and has the lowest attendance!

  • Read, and vote on, more tips for visiting Disneyland.

Where to stay at Disneyland

Readers' reviews:

Attractions
Adventureland(Rating)(Height)
Indiana Jones Adventure946
Enchanted Tiki Room8
Jungle Cruise8
Tarzan's Treehouse5
Critter Country(Rating)(Height)
Splash Mountain940
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh7
Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes7
Fantasyland(Rating)(Height)
Peter Pan's Flight8
King Arthur Carrousel8
Alice in Wonderland7
Snow White's Scary Adventures7
Storybook Land Canal Boats7
Mr. Toad's Wild Ride7
Sleeping Beauty Castle7
Pinocchio's Daring Journey7
Casey Jr. Circus Train7
it's a small world7
Mad Tea Party7
Dumbo the Flying Elephant6
Matterhorn Bobsleds35
Frontierland(Rating)(Height)
Fantasmic!9
Mark Twain Riverboat8
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad840
Sailing Ship Columbia8
Tom Sawyer's Island7
Main Street USA(Rating)(Height)
Disneyland Railroad8
Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln7
New Orleans Square(Rating)(Height)
Pirates of the Caribbean9
Haunted Mansion9
Tomorrowland(Rating)(Height)
Star Tours: The Adventures Continue940
Space Mountain940
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters8
Captain EO7
Disneyland Monorail7
Finding Nemo: Submarine Voyage7
Autopia7
Innoventions6
Astro Orbitor5
Toontown(Rating)(Height)
Roger Rabbit's Car-Toon Spin7
Mickey's House7
Minnie's House6
Gadget's Go Coaster635

[Add a missing attraction]

Dining
Adventureland(Rating)
Bengal Barbecue7
Critter Country(Rating)
Hungry Bear Restaurant7
Harbour Galley6
Fantasyland(Rating)
Troubadour Tavern8
Village Haus Restaurant6
Frontierland(Rating)
River Belle Terrace8
Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue8
Rancho del Zocalo8
The Golden Horseshoe7
Stage Door Cafe7
Main Street USA(Rating)
Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe9
Plaza Inn8
Refreshment Corner6
Carnation Cafe
New Orleans Square(Rating)
Blue Bayou Restaurant8
French Market Restaurant8
Cafe Orleans7
Club 33
Tomorrowland(Rating)
Redd Rockett's Pizza Port7
Tomorrowland Terrace5
Toontown(Rating)
Pluto's Dog House5
Daisy's Diner5

[Add a missing restaurant]

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