There's no hiding it, nor would I ever want to, I'm a Disney Adult. I love wearing the Mickey Ears, bounding through the parks, and being in the Disney bubble. But one thing that's been missing throughout my Disney experiences is that I had never been to Disneyland.
For theme parks, I've always been a Walt Disney World girl, up until now. This year, I FINALLY made it to the West Coast and got to see where it all began. This place, which inspired so much magic, continues to be the happiest place on earth.
When planning the trip, I focused on the experiences I can't get at WDW, and built my bounds around the uniqueness that Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure offer. Here are my top three new-to-me lands from the trip.
#3 Avengers Campus
Located in Disney California Adventure, this Avengers Campus is full of superheroes, futuristic designs, a PYM Testing Lab (with delicious beverages), and the chance to save the Guardians of the Galaxy.
A bit of extra fun: keep an eye on the ground as you roam throughout this land and see if you can find the Hidden Mickey amongst the energy goo.
Avengers Campus also gave me the chance to compare two rides that have the same blueprint but different stories. Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: Breakout is the same layout as the Tower of Terror at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Having now done both, I can confidently say that Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: Breakout is my favorite! With its upbeat music and energetic atmosphere, the attraction focuses on the fun, rather than the scariness that the Tower of Terror is known for.
I chose a Scarlet Witch bound for when I was exploring the campus, as there's nothing that compares to this land at WDW, and I wanted to focus on a Marvel character.
Scarlet Witch Bound:
- Red long-sleeve tunic
- Burgundy cardigan
- Black skirt
- Black leggings
- Black shoes
& - Black sunglasses
For superhero fans, this land is where you want to be.
#2 Pixar Pier
From the Incredicoaster that has you chasing after Jack-Jack to the iconic Pixar Pal-A-Round – Swinging Ferris wheel, this land is fantastic!
Note: If you're uncomfortable with heights, the Swinging Ferris Wheel is not for you. I'd suggest sticking with the traditional non-swinging gondolas or basking in its beauty while keeping your feet firmly on the ground.
Having grown up on Pixar movies, it was amazing to be in a place that features the characters who had such a pivotal impact on my childhood.
It was also my chance to bound as the most imaginative character I know: Bing Bong.
Bing Bong Bound:
- Brown flat cap
- Pink dress
- Purple bow
- Brown suit jacket
- Multi-color flower brooch
- Yellow leggings
- Pink socks
& - White shoes
This land is one of the busiest areas of the park, and I understand why. It has top-level attractions and a multitude of dining options.
&
#1 Mickey's Toontown
I have a fuzzy memory of Magic Kingdom's Toontown from when I was a child. I remember being in Mickey's house and seeing Pluto's dog bed, but that's it.
So, when the trip was booked, I was thrilled knowing that I'd be seeing Toontown for what felt like the first time. From the moment I walked under the sign and up that little hill, it felt like I'd been transported into a cartoon. Bright colors fill the land, and I couldn't help but smile.
The Mickey and Minnie fountain in the middle is a spectacular focal point.
For bounding, I chose Mickey in his Toontown Casual Look, which he wears to meet guests outside of his house (usually the first 30-60 minutes after park opening). Once Mickey heads inside for photos, he returns to his more traditional look with the black tuxedo jacket or sometimes a specialty outfit.
Toontown Casual Mickey Bound:
- White and black striped t-shirt
- Yellow long-sleeve zippered hoodie
- Black jacket
- Red pants
- White sunglasses
& - White shoes*
*Mickey's shoes are yellow, but I adjusted the bound based on my inventory of shoes and how many I can pack in my suitcase
This little land was a highlight of the trip; I found myself being drawn back to visit it multiple times during the vacation. From meeting Mickey, walking through some of my favorite characters' homes, and riding Chip' n' Dale's GADGETcoaster, it made me feel like a kid experiencing the magic of Disney for the first time.
While this was my first visit to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, it definitely won't be my last! The happiest place on earth truly lives up to its name, and new magical memories were made. In fact, I'm already daydreaming of my next trip. 😉
~Kelly