As I mentioned in THIS POST, Disneyland is Walt Disney's original creation.  If you want to hear more about what makes Disneyland magical, check that post out.  

Once you enter Disneyland you walk under the archways that carry the Disneyland Railroad and right into Main Street USA.  This is the iconic street that you imagine when you see images of Disneyland.  It was modeled after Walt Disney's hometown at the turn of the century.  On Main Street USA you can find shops, cafes, bakeries and treat carts. 

Once down main street you will enter the Hub of Disneyland.  From here you can choose to enter Fantasyland through the castle, Tomorrowland under the Astro Orbiter, Adventureland under its sign, and Frontierland right next to that.  These are the main "lands" of the park.  Just past Adventureland you can find New Orleans Square and then Critter Country.  Beyond Fantasyland you can find Toon Town. 

Each area has its own theming that transports you to another world.  For instance, in Toon Town  you will enter the place where Mickey and his friends live.  You walk through and interact with many parts of the town, enter Goofy's house and garden and meet Mickey Mouse in his very own house!  You will be immersed in the actual place that the fab five live.  

In Disneyland, you will also find the "Mountains" of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Space Mountain and Splash Mountain.  These are by far the most popular attractions in the park.  

You will also find many of the original rides that still are in operation today like Peter Pans Flight (one of my personal favorites) and It's a Small World.  

Coming late 2019, expect to see the opening of Star Wars Land in Disneyland Park, which will bring a whole slew of new experiences to the park.

California Adventure is growing in popularity as it has the years have gone by.  When it was originally built, it came upon a lot of criticism as it didn't have the theming and emersion that Disneyland prided itself on having.  As the park has grown and more attractions and lands have been created, it has become a place that can hold its own next to Disneyland.  

In California Adventure you will be greeted by Buena Vista Street, a recreation of an iconic Hollywood Street that captured Walt Disney's love.  From here you can enter various "lands" similar to Disneyland.  

Grizzly Peak, Hollywood Land and Cars Land can all be accessed right from Buena Vista Street.  From there you can enter Paradise Gardens Park, Pacific Wharf and Pixar Pier.

Some of the best attractions in both parks are found here at California Adventure.  Incredicoaster is the newest option which is a traditional roller coaster set in an Incredibles story line. 

 Toy Story Mania is a family favorite in which you compete with eachother for a high score.  

You cannot miss Radiator Springs Racers, arguably the parks busiest ride.  If you don't fast pass this one expect to wait at least an hour.  Set in Cars Land, there is plenty to see along the way as the land emerses you in Radiator Springs, Lightning Mcqueen's stomping ground.  You can expect plently of photo ops and will probably see Lightning Mcqueen himself or Mater his sidekick.  

It is true there is not as much to do for smaller children in this park as Bugs Land recently closed for good to make way for Marvel Land which is slated to open in 2020. 

If you do have small children check out The Little Mermaid Attraction, and Monsters Inc., along with the two family rides in Cars Land.  

 Each park has its very own distinct feel and there is plenty to see.  If you can swing it, a park hopper is a helpful way to get the most out of your visit.  I will cover more park hopper tips in my next post so look for that coming soon!