Fav 5 Disneyland {Travel Guide}

Recent posts include Disney Parks basics and a travel guide for Disney's California Adventure Park. Today includes my favorite 5 things from Disneyland!

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Disneyland. The first Disney park, the OG. Walt Disney even had an apartment in the park, just above the "Fire Department." t's the most classic, charming, and nostalgic of all of the parks, in my opinion. It is nestled in Anaheim, California and just next door to Disney's California Adventure.

A sunny visit to Disneyland in October 2017

During my recent visit to Disneyland we spent a full day in the park, beginning at 9:00 am and ending at 9:30 pm. Our crew was, as pictured above, myself, my sister-in-law, her Mom, a 7 year old, and a 1 year old. We had a wonderful day and I'm excited to share the highlights with you.

My Fav 5 at Disneyland include:

1.  Sleeping Beauty's Castle - the centerpiece of the park 
2.  Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe -  home to the most beautiful and tasty treats
3.  Mickey Pretzel - a must have
​4.  Dole Whip - refreshing pineapple soft serve 
5.  Teacups at Night - the classic ride after dark

Sleeping Beauty's Castle at Disneyland

1.   Perhaps my favorite part of Disneyland is Sleeping Beauty's Castle. It's the centerpiece of the park and, unlike Cinderella's Castle at Walt Disney World, you can actually spend time inside of Sleeping Beauty's humble abode. While smaller than Cinderella's, Sleeping Beauty's Castle is similarly located directly at the end of Main Street. It's pretty pink shade, stunning detail, and charming architecture will draw you right in!

​The very best part is the little tour of the castle, which my niece was proud to lead. Her name, like Sleeping Beauty's, is Aurora so this is "her" castle. As you climb through the castle there are story books showcasing the tale of Sleeping Beauty guiding you along the way. There are windows featuring the characters and some special effects, just check out Maleficent (the witch) below. 

The tour is very well done it's and quick, it won't take you more than 5 minutes. I highly recommend this sweet and classic feature of Sleeping Beauty's Castle. Be sure to go before evening, as it closes for the fireworks show. 

Entering Sleeping Beauty's Castle at Disneyland

The story book pages inside of Sleeping Beauty's Castle at Disneyland

Then 6 year old Aurora listening to "her" story inside Sleeping Beauty's Castle at Disneyland (from a 2016 visit)

Maleficent makes her appearance inside Sleeping Beauty's Castle at Disneyland

2.  My absolute favorite place to eat at Disneyland is the Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe. It's an ode to Mary Poppins, a Disney classic and one of my favorites, and the cafe truly couldn't be any cuter!

The line to order is typically long, although they've always got plenty of Cast Members (Disney-speak for employees) inside and it moves along quickly. You order inside then find a table outdoors to claim. It's a great idea to send half of your group inside to order while another patiently waits outside for a perfect table.

Jolly Holiday serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Their menus include healthy eats and kid-favorites alike. I've had the caprese sandwich on focaccia bread before and, this time, the Jolly Holiday salad complete with a fresh breadstick. My niece orders, and loves, the kids macaroni and cheese every time. 

The real claim to fame of Jolly Holiday are the beautiful and tasty treats and baked goods. Theirs are truly the best desserts in quality, flavor, and over the top Disney-adorableness. For starters they've got a Raspberry Rose Mickey (French) macaron with fresh raspberries inside and a brush of beautiful and edible shimmery gold paint on top. They've got coconut (Italian) macaroons to match the matterhorn mountain found nearby in the park. I was giddy to find a Halloween-themed Mickey mummy macaron during my October trip. I was blinded by its adorable looks and didn't even ask the flavor before purchasing. It was SALTED CARAMEL, I win! If you weren't already convinced to visit this wonderful and charming eatery, they also have espresso.

​((Drops Mickey shaped microphone.))

Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe at Disneyland

Jolly Holiday Cafe, at Disneyland, has Mary Poppins decor everywhere

The Raspberry Rose Mickey Macaron from Jolly Holiday Bakery at Disneyland is beautiful, delicious, and includes fresh raspberries

Disneyland's Matterhorn + the Matterhorn macaroon

Tons of goodies from Jolly Holiday Bakery in Disneyland: a seasonal mummy Mickey macaron (salted caramel), a Matterhorn coconut macaroon, and the Jolly Holiday Salad

I'm so happy to be drinking an iced latte at Jolly Holiday at Disneyland, all great things!

3.  No trip to Disneyland would be complete without a Mickey Pretzel. They're a must have snack and you can find them at pretzel trucks all over the park, plus in a handful of other restaurants. You'll find mustard and cheese for dipping them in, plus tons of other drink and snack options.

A glorious Mickey soft pretzel at Disneyland

4.  With meals and snacks taken care of it's time for a cool and refreshing dessert! Aloooooha Dole Whip, the pineapple soft serve treat of your dreams.

Find it at the Tiki Juice Bar in Adventureland. You can get the soft serve by itself, as a float, or with fresh pineapple spear. My nephew kicked back in his stroller and enjoyed his first taste of Dole Whip like a king. It was just what we all needed on a 90 degree day in the park.

Dole Whip used to be found only in Disney Parks and at the Dole Plantation (in Hawaii) but has recently been popping up all over the place! 

My 1 year old nephew enjoying his first Dole Whip at Disneyland

5.  Finally, do not miss taking a whirl on the Teacups at Night. The classic ride, formally called the Mad Tea Party, is always a great one but you'll find it even more magical after dark. Taking a ride under the colorful lanterns on a warm California evening will bring out the kid in you!

​I don't mind the spinning, too much, but recently learned that you can ride without spinning your teacup! It's fully comical to glide across the floor while watching the others spinning round and round around you. 

The teacups, at Disneyland, after dark are so enchanting!

As always, a day spent at Disneyland is magical. I hope your next visit is great and that this guide is helpful! 

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