No trip to Southern California is complete without a visit to Disneyland Park. The only Disney park both designed and completed by Walt Disney himself, it changed the game for modern theme park design and remains near the top of the list of most popular parks globally, just after Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in Orlando. Not bad for a former Anaheim orange grove. With just two parks and an array of hotels, most within walking distance, Disneyland is arguably easier to visit than its Florida counterpart and can be an ideal add-on to your Southern California vacation—or a destination unto itself. Whether you’re just popping in for the day or are planning an extended visit, here’s all the must-have info you need to plan your trip.
If you only have one day to visit, spend it at Disneyland Park. This is where you’ll find classic attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean, Matterhorn Bobsleds, and Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride (yes, the one about the drunk-driving toad who winds up in hell)..