#I know it’s feeding capitalism but if capitalism will delight me like that….well…..🫠😂

[stephaniejuhnay]

What do you specifically usually do at disneyland, like do you go for the same rides or switch it up or just go for the shops/atmosphere? I am so curious what people with passes do each time haha

Oh Anon. ANON. I don’t think you understand JUST how much you’ve delighted me with this ask. This will be long, but you asked and I must answer thoroughly lol!

OKAY. SO. I am a not a big shop person when I get to Disneyland/DCA (Disney’s California Adventure) bc time is of the essence there. If something catches my eye or I just need something for the trip, then sure. But mostly I’m there for the attractions and the food. Maybe the food more at this point and using walking to the attractions as justification for all the food bc all of the calories I burn 😂 I mostly try to hit my favorite attractions but depending on how busy it is, I may do more, I may do less. I may throw in some things I don’t usually do if it’s slow enough just to be a completionist, lol. Food is where I TRY to switch it up just bc there are so many great options, but even that’s hard bc some places are just TOO good and menus change regularly so there’s always something new to try even at places you’ve been before.

Attractions:

In all seriousness, I really am constantly delighted by the attractions. Ive seen some of them a million times but it’s genuinely equally delightful to me every time. It’s a mix of nostalgia and awe for me bc Disneyland really does create a fully immersive experience in their rides but also in each land (especially Galaxy’s Edge; legit feels like being in a Star Wars film). So I love seeing those things over and over again bc there is always something new to notice. They update things pretty regularly so while it’s the same it doesn’t stay exactly the same forever. Plus they’re in the midst of rebuilding some stuff right now. They just opened the remodeled toon town with new rides and some refurbished ones and it looks great. Next year Tiana is getting her own area where splash mountain used to be which I am THRILLED for. So yeah. PLUS depending on time of year, rides change slightly (like haunted mansion during Halloween time turns to Nightmare Before Christmas), so that’s always fun.

A trip to Disney for me is not complete without having gotten on the following:

Disney side:

Indiana Jones

Pirates

Space Mountain

Haunted Mansion

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

Rise of the Resistance

Star Tours

Honorable mention to Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, Roger Rabbit, Big Thunder Mountain, and Peter Pan.

DCA Side:

Radiator Springs

Monster’s Inc

Soarin’

Webslingers

Little Mermaid

Honorable mention to Toy Story. I actually love that ride but that wait is always crazy long and there’s not single rider option (great tip if you wanna get on things fast, even with a group; some rides are worth riding together and some are worth just having the experience, so just hop in the single rider line and be done in 20-30 or less instead of 45+)

Now for food. That is the even bigger delight of Disneyland, and honestly, it’s DCA with the best food. They also serve alcohol on that side and are not shy with it, lol. But there is INCREDIBLE culinary throughout both parks, but DCA? Outstanding. And not just “good for theme park food,” just straight up amazing food period. The quick service food places are fine, but the restaurants are where you get the real amazing dining experiences. Carthay Circle is by far the best food I’ve had, there’s also a winery that’s very good, and pass holders get access to a terrace restaurant that is amazing. Lamplight lounge and Boardwalk Bar are also very delicious.

On the Disney side, Carnation Cafe and Cafe Orleans are incredible. Absolutely incredible. There’s pretty good food elsewhere but a lot of it is quick service, so you won’t get too much that is just mind blowing. You can also dine at the hotel restaurants which are also pretty amazing from what I hear.

Lastly, there are some cool parades and shows that I don’t mind seeing, especially if it’s one I haven’t seen before. Fantasmic is always great and it’s cool to see how it’s updated over the years. They also do shows at night in front of the castle which is always very pretty. DCA has world of color which is gorgeous, and they JUST started doing a full Rogers: The Musical show which I haven’t seen but am dying too bc I heard it’s hilarious but also kinda great?

DCA’s also good for different events like the food and wine festival or Lunar New Year. They decorate the park, they have food vendors specific to the event, and offer special food items at their food locations around the park based on the event, and even have parades or celebrations around them. This year was my first time experiencing lunar new year there and I was blown away. They also do something called Disney after dark where they’ll shut down the park early and have events for those who bought tickets to it. I’m going to one of the most popular ones this year called Oogie boogie bash. VERY excited to see what that’s all about, and special food or merch they’ll have, etc.

So yeah. There really is soooo much to explore at both parks and having a pass allows that. Bc you can’t do it on one trip. And with how much tickets for a day cost, a pass actually starts to pay for itself after the 2nd or 3rd trip. Plus discounts and parking perks.

I know that was a lot LOL! And that’s not even including all the things you can do and eat at Downtown Disney, lol! But again, a ton to do, so having a pass gives you time to do as much of it as you can without having to pay so much every time. If you go and ever need suggestions, hit me up! 😊