With so much to experience at Disneyland Resort, how do you choose what to do while you’re there? From rides to shows, dining options and special events, there is truly something for everyone. We have our friends from Get Away Today to thank for helping us come up with a list of the top things to do in Disneyland. Keep reading to find out what we recommend!

Laughter is timeless. Imagination has no age and dreams are forever.

-Walt Disney

It probably goes without saying that the new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge expansion is one of the top things to do in Disneyland as soon as you can. However, we’ll go into more details about Galaxy’s Edge in another post. For today, we’ll share our other favorite things to do at the Disneyland Resort, from classic attractions to new rides.

1. Pixar Pier

In Disney California Adventure Park, the four neighborhoods of Pixar Pier are developing at a rapid rate. New in 2019 alone are two family-friendly rides. Inspired by Toy Story, Jessie’s Critter Carousel brings a bit of the wild, wild west to life for riders of all ages. Choose which cute critter calls to you and climb aboard for a spin.

Opening summer 2019, Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind is inspired by all the many feelings featured in the Inside Out film. With colorful, hot-air-balloon inspired components, riders will experience a whirlwind of emotions.

2. Guardians of the Galaxy

While the Guardians of the Galaxy ride in Disney California Adventure Park isn’t necessarily new, it is one of the top things to do in Disneyland! The ride itself is a thrill, but did you know you can also take part in a Guardians of the Galaxy dance party? Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Dance Off! is inspired by Peter Quill’s love of sweet mix tapes. In addition to Peter, Gamora and Groot will be in attendance.

3. Shows

Some of the amazing shows in Disneyland Resort are only around for a limited time, but we can’t recommend them enough! For summer 2019 there’s Tale of the Lion King, which showcases amazing talent in both performance and set design.

Others have a longer running time, such as Disney Junior Dance Party!, which features characters like Vampirina, Doc McStuffins, Timon and Mickey himself. You can also catch seasonal fireworks, Mickey and the Magical Map, seasonal parades and more. Just check the Disneyland app for dates and showtimes.

4. Rides

Disneyland has so much entertainment and amazing things to do but some of the best things are the good old fashioned rides.

In Disneyland, my favorites for adults and teens are Hyperspace Mountain, Indiana Jones, Thunder Mountain Railroad, and The Matterhorn. For families, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Splash Mountain, Jungle Cruise, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blaster. For smaller kids Dumbo, Tea Cups, Peter Pan, Finding Nemo, and It’s a Small World.

5. Animation Academy

Of all the top things to do in Disneyland, Animation Academy is probably the most underrated! With no additional cost and no age/height restrictions, it’s open to anyone who would like to see how the masters create some of our favorite characters on paper.

Plus, with the guidance of the artist, you can create your very own sketch to take home! Also in the Animation Building is an interactive experience with Crush from Finding Nemo and an opportunity to create some simple animation in the Beast’s Library using the Magic Mirror Realm.

6. Frozen LIVE at the Hyperion

Also in Disney California Adventure Park is the Broadway-caliber show Frozen – Live at the Hyperion. With a run time of 60 minutes, Frozen on stage is dazzling and heartwarming. See your favorite characters brought to life as they perform beloved songs from the Frozen franchise. It’s the perfect show to get you hyped up for Frozen 2 this November!

7. Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party

Disney California Adventure Park is definitely the place to be, as the new attractions keep coming! Beginning in 2019, Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party will replace Mickey’s Halloween Party in the parks. And for the first time ever the Halloween Time party will be hosted in Disney California Adventure Park!

Oogie Boogie Bash will feature some of your favorite Halloween Time experiences such as trick or treating, the huge Mickey pumpkin on Main Street, U.S.A. and the chance to catch villains walking the streets of the Resort.

Additionally, this separate ticketed event will have all-new attractions. World of Color will be transformed into “Villainous,” and there will be an all-ages dance party inspired by the Descendents franchise. Tickets for this event can be purchased directly from Disney at the link HERE.

8. Dining

Hands down, one of the best things to do in Disneyland is try the food! Whether you try a seasonal churro offering, attend the springtime Food and Wine Festival or just enjoy a classic Dole Whip, Disney food can’t be beat.

Some of our favorite options include Café Orleans and Blue Bayou in New Orleans Square, Hungry Bear Restaurant in Critter Country, Bengal Barbecue in Adventureland, Flo’s V8 Café in Cars Land and Lamplight Lounge in Pixar Pier. Plus, with mobile ordering in the Disneyland app it’s easier than ever to preorder and prepay for food at select vendors and avoid long lines.

9. Character Meet and Greets

One of the funnest things about Disneyland especially for kids is seeing all the characters walking around. It is convenient that you can find many of them on the Disneyland app so you know who is where and for how long. But what is especially exciting is keeping your eyes out for the ones not listed. You never know who you might see walking around! Kids will love getting autographs in an autograph book you can find in the park or bring one before you go.

10. Fantasmic and Fireworks

Nobody does fireworks like Disney! They have such amazing and magical fireworks shows that never disappoint. I recommend getting a spot in front of the castle because they have projections and other amazing things from that vantage point.

My absolute favorite things to do at Disneyland is Fantasmic. Part of it might be nostalgia but there is just something so magical about it, that every time I see it, it just makes my Disney trip! I love that they recently added fast passes for Fantasmic so you aren’t having to camp out for spot forever.

Click here for the top 3 splurges at Disneyland.

If you’re ready to try these top things to do in Disneyland, book your trip at the best price with Get Away Today! You can hold your vacation with their Layaway Plan for just $175 down, and make flexible payments up until 5 days before you travel. All their vacation packages are online at www.getawaytoday.com, or you can call an agent directly at 855-GET-AWAY. Let them know We Get Around Travel sent you and use code WGAT for an additional $10 in savings on any Southern California vacation package!

Head here for more ways to go to Disney on a Budget and the ultimate Disney Packing guide with all the items you need on your Disney vacation.