Okay, it's no secret that I'm a massive Disney fangirl but this place, while it is magical, is an instagrammers dream. I mean cmon, everything is so so beautiful. So here are my top places to take photos in Disneyland California main park (we didn't make it to the other one, maybe one day). So here are my top places to take pictures for those dreamy instagram pictures and tips for making the most of your day there. Be warned, this is such a long post but I lavvvv it! (Also how cute is the flatlay I took for this post - it's literally made of dreams).
The Entrance
Yup that's right, as soon as you get into the park there's a great photo opportunity - but try and get one without people in the way because let me tell you, it's a prime photo spot.
Main Street
Main Street is an absolute dream for taking pictures of those cutesy little shop pictures as the exteriors are adorable. You will probably some of the characters walking around here, as you can see I saw Donald (very exciting) although I didn't get a picture with him - le cry. But I love how American looking the theming is and the attention to detail is incredible.
The Castle
I mean, it goes without saying that the castle is absolutely beautiful and is a gold mine for taking photos. I will say that this one is tiny compared to all the others, but it was the first one ever made so bare that in mind. I captured these cute little snaps of the castle from the side - i.e. where there are less people getting in my way hahaha - and I love the flowers and little trees as it makes it look even more magical.
FantasyLand
Obviously, FantasyLand is the place to be for those cute ride photos, in particular, the magic tea cups, Dumbo, It's a Small World and the Carousel look amazing for the gram (and I did see Belle on the carousel and had a lil fangirl moment, it wasn't Emma Watson but still).
The Balloons
I believe the balloons come out towards the evening when the parades and fireworks are approaching and they look beautiful in photos.
Cute Shops & Cafes
I mean how cute are these little cafes and shops, can't be dealing. The only annoying thing is that trying to get a picture without people in it is such a challenge, I'm like hello excuse me, just trying to take some nice pictures and you're ruining them plz move thx.
Walt Disney & Mickey
And finally, the iconic duo. No explanations needed for this.
'I only hope that we never lose sight of one thing - that it was all started by a mouse.' - Walt Disney
So that's is for the first part of this post onto the next part...
10 Tips For Making The Most Of Your Day
I come from a family who love Disney and we frequently visit the park in Paris so obviously a trip to California meant we had to head over to Anaheim and visit the original park. I think it's a must do thing anyway considering it's so close and obvs, why wouldn't you want to go?!
If you're going in the summer holiday months, we went in July, it's considered to be peak time. I wasn't really sure what to expect but on the day we went it was okay and it wasn't too hectic. I think the thing with this park is the streets are a lot smaller, compared to the other Disney parks, so it can feel a lot more crowded. So anyway, here are my top tips to making the most of a day trip to Disneyland Resort California.
No.1 Do one park
If you're not going on a Disney holiday or you don't have the time to spend two days there I would recommend just doing one park instead of buying a hopper ticket and trying to do both parks. Obviously, California Adventure has some amazing rides and a life sized Cars Land/Radiator Springs and the new Guardians of the Galaxy ride (converted from the Hollywood Tower of Terror) but it if you're going for that classic Disney magic feel, go to the main park. If it's not peak time then obviously you'll probably get a lot done at both parks but don't push it.
No.2 Buy tickets in advance
It goes without saying that if you buy your tickets before the day (even if it's the night before) then you won't have to waste time queueing up in the morning when you get there.
No.3 Arrive before the parks open
I cannot stress this enough. Get there early so you have time to park or travel there etc. You want to be getting into the park just as they open so you can go on rides while there are no queues. You also avoid the security checks etc.
No.4 Download the Disney App and pay for Fastpass tickets
I think this is really essential for making the most of your day. Not only does it mean that you don't have to use the machines to get the fastpass tickets for free, but you can do it all from your phone which saves time as you don't have to walk to the ride. It literally means you'll get fast passes for almost every ride. You do have to pay per person but it's so handy. It also tells you the real life wait times for the rides and you can book restaurants as well. Just bare in mind there are a few rides you can't get a fastpass for which I believe is
Peter Pan's Flight and
Mr Toad's Wild Ride so obvs, if you want to go on those go first thing because the queues are always hella long.
No.5 Bring a portable charger
This is kind of linked with no.4, if you're using your phone for the app and obviously pictures (probably snapchat & instagram) your battery will die a death, which cannot be happening if you need the app for fastpass.. You see the tragedy in this right.
No.6 Be prepared to get soaked on Splash Mountain
So basically we went on Splash Mountain twice. The first time, everything was swell, just a little refreshing splish splash, no big deal homie. The second time, oh the second time. So we went back on in the evening cause we loved the ride and yolo why the heck not? Oh we got DRENCHED. My clothes were soaked through. This wasn't even from the main drop (there are a few smaller ones before) but oh ma daizzzz, it was like I'd come out the shower and also there was no sun to warm/dry me. So yeah, this is your warning.
No.7 Save souvenir buying til the end of the day
I think this is self explanatory, but you don't want to be lugging around loads of gifts etc so save buying the majority until the end, it'll also be quieter if you go during the fireworks.
No.8 Bring water
Again, you will do a lot of walking and it's most probably going to be very sunny so bring water with you. There are fountains in the park to refill your bottles but buying them in the parks is extortionate. Please just bring some, you won't regret it.
No.9 Wear comfortable footwear
As mentioned before, you will do a lot of walking. Do not make the mistake of wearing uncomfortable footwear because your feet will die.
No.10 Figure out if you want to watch the fireworks
Everyone will start reserving spots to watch the fireworks in the evening. Literally they will start from the early afternoon just to see them and they fill up pretty quickly. If you're not that bothered you can virtually see them from anywhere in the park or you can use the time to go on rides while people are watching them. Also, if you've had a really long day you might want to use this time to grab your bits from the shop and head home while there isn't a massive crowd rushing out to get home.
Congratulations if you made it to the end of this post! I've really enjoyed making this post and it's been so nice to share all my Disneyland photos/advice because I'm such a massive Disney nerd and most of our time in the LA area was spent in Newport Beach where it was lovely to just chill out.
'We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths' - Walt Disney
