Do This if You Want a Great Day in Disneyland

As the original Disney Park, Disneyland tops as one of the best places in the world to be. After all, it’s the “Happiest Place on Earth.” If you’ve never been to Disneyland or if it’s your 100th time going, we think these tips will help you have a great day in the park.

Soak Up the Disney History

Disneyland opened its gates in 1955. Back in those days, the park was far more different than it is today. After all, this is the only finalized park that Walt Disney himself stepped foot in. Imagine that. One single step on Main Street will immediately give you all the feels. Look to your left and you’ll see Walt’s apartment right above the Disneyland Fire Station. Also on Main Street U.S.A., in the Opera House, is the bench that Walt was sitting on when he was watching his girls play and the idea for Disneyland was first conceived.

Along with the infamous Griffith Park bench, the Opera House also features a carousel horse from the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round, a model of Disneyland as it looked on its July 17th opening day, models of attractions, artwork, and other Disneyland artifacts. If you’re a Disney lover, you can’t miss out on Disneyland’s rich history.

Enjoy the Original Attractions

Disneyland is not too far off from celebrating its 70th birthday! And while so many great rides have opened in those near 70 years, there are a number of attractions that were there on opening day in 1955 that you might want to check out.

• Autopia
• Disneyland Railroad
• Jungle Cruise
• King Arthur Carrousel
• Mad Tea Party
• Main Entrance
• Main Street Cinema
• Mark Twain Riverboat
• Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
• Peter Pan’s Flight
• Snow White’s Enchanted Wish
• Storybook Land Canal Boats

It’s really incredible to think of the attractions and aspects of entertainment that have been in Disneyland since the beginning. These original attractions can be so much fun and are timeless.

Keep an Eye out for Disney Secrets

There are a ton of fun secrets and Easter eggs in Disneyland! There are way too many to share here, but these are just some of our favorites:

Morse Code Telegraph Office in New Orleans Square

Near the New Orleans Square Train Station, you will morse code being clacked out from a Telegraph Office. The message is said to be part of Walt Disney’s original dedication to Disneyland on opening day.

Wishing Well Echo near Sleeping Beauties Castle

To the right of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle is a wishing well. If you listen into the wishing well, you will hear an echo of Snow White singing. She was not singing when we went.

Coca-Cola Light Bulb Pattern

One of the lightbulbs at the corner of the Coca-Cola Refreshment Corner at the top of Main Street is painted half white, half red. The reason is that there were two lightbulbs of the same color next to one another and Walt didn’t like the inconsistent pattern. So, he had one lightbulb painted in half to keep things consistent.

The Gold Stake in Fantasyland 

Right through Sleeping Beauty’s Castle (walking towards Fantasyland), you will notice a gold stake in the ground. It was said to be a maker of the exact center of Disneyland, however, it is a survey marker. Its purpose was to make sure that Main Street was perfectly aligned with the castle.

These are just a few fun facts and we’ll have lots more to share in the future.

Buff Up Your Knowledge of the Park Before Going

As you’ve gathered, there is a LOT of information about Disneyland out there. Secrets, tips & tricks, recommendations, and to-dos. We recommend buffing up on your Disneyland knowledge before going to the park on your next vacation. Check out vloggers like Provost Park Pass or Ordinary Adventures. And, as always, you can listen to The Parks Academy and subscribe to our weekly shows.