Don't forget about the world of magic in California! There's nothing like the original.

The Disneyland Resort has come a long way from Walt Disney's original theme park. At the time considered a large undertaking, Disneyland has undergone several expansions. The resort now includes 2 theme parks, a Downtown Disney area, and 3 Disneyland resort hotels. This post will focus on the Disneyland Park.

Disneyland Park is the only Disney theme park that Walt Disney himself lived to see realized. The park opened on July 17, 1955. Walt Disney's opening day speech is still one his most famous quotes. See a video of this speech below:

The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World was designed after the original Disneyland Park, so frequent visitors to Disney World will recognize the hub layout of the Park. There are a several differences in lands and rides. See a map of the Disneyland Park.

Sleeping Beauty Castle

The main entrance to Disneyland Park opens onto Main Street, USA with a view of the Sleeping Beauty Castle (in comparison to Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom). The Disneyland Railroad has several stops within the Disneyland Park.

Disneyland Train Station

There are four lands at Disneyland that have the same names and themes as the Magic Kingdom: Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland. However, each of these areas contains some differences:

Adventureland: In addition to the original Tiki Room and Jungle Cruise, Adventureland at Disneyland also includes Tarzan's Treehouse (instead of the Swiss Family Treehouse) and Indiana Jones Adventure (which is a ride as opposed to the show at the Hollywood Studios in Disney World). Lovers of the Dole Whip will be pleased to note that this delicious pineapple concoction is also sold at Disneyland Park.

Indiana Jones Adventure

Frontierland: Visitors to Frontierland at Disneyland Park can ride on the Sailing Ship Columbia in addition to the Mark Twain Riverboat. Disneyland's Frontierland also includes the Pirates' Lair on Tom Sawyer Island and the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Entertainment and dining options include the original Golden Horseshoe Saloon (soon to stage a tribute to the original Golden Horseshoe Revue) and the Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue.

Sailing Ship Columbia

Fantasyland: This land seems to have the most differences with the Magic Kingdom. Rides that are the same include: King Arthur Carousel (different name), Casey Jr. Circus Train (different name), Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Peter Pan's Flight, Mad Tea Party, and it's a small world. Disneyland's Fantasyland also hosts the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. However, there are several differences. There is a Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough, as well as Pinocchio's Daring Journey, Snow White's Scary Adventures (recently closed at Magic Kingdom as part of the new Fantasyland), Mr. Toad's Wild Ride (closed at Magic Kingdom years ago to be replaced with Pooh), Alice in Wonderland, Pixie Hollow (where you can meet the Fairies), Matterhorn Bobsleds, and Storybook Land Canal Boats.

Matterhorn Bobsleds

Tomorrowland: Similar attractions to Magic Kingdom include: Space Mountain, Autopia (different name for the Speedway), Astro Orbiter, and Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters (different name). Also found are: Innoventions and Captain EO (at Epcot in Disney World), and Star Tours - The Adventures Continue (at Hollywood Studios). The Jedi Training Academy is also here (at Hollywood Studios). Different attractions include the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage and Starcade (game arcade).

Finding Nemo's Submarine Voyage

Disneyland Park is also home to 3 differently named lands, though some of them have similar themes to current or former Magic Kingdom lands, and there are many of the same attractions.

New Orleans Square: This land is similar to Liberty Square in Magic Kingdom. The attractions here are similar to attractions in the Magic Kingdom: Haunted Mansion Holiday and Pirates of the Caribbean (found in Adventureland).
Critter Country: This land is home to Splash Mountain (in Frontierland at Magic Kingdom) and the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (found in Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom). A unique attraction is Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes.

Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes

Mickey's Toontown: This land is still alive at the Disneyland Park, though it was demolished at the Magic Kingdom in favor of the new Fantasyland expansion. Here you can meet Mickey at his house, as well as visit Minnie's House, Goofy's Playhouse, Donald's Boat, and Chip and Dale's Treehouse. Rides include Gadget's Go Coaster and Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin.

Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin

As you can see, the Disneyland Park includes many of the favorites found at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom (and a few from other parks). However, there are many attractions that have been discontinued at Disney World that can still be found at Disneyland. In addition, there are several attractions unique to the Disneyland Park that make this park worth the visit.

This post only covers the adventures found at the Disneyland Park. There is still another world of magic found at Disney's California Adventure. Disneyland Resort's second theme park and other areas of the Disneyland Resort will be covered in future posts.

So stay tuned, and as always...have a magical day!