EM
Elvira Martinez
Apr 25, 2026
Honestly some of the best days of my life! Disneyland is pure magic from the moment you walk in. Everything feels so special—the music, the rides, the characters, and just the overall atmosphere. It really does make you feel like a kid again.
I went with my three kids, all under five, and I won’t lie—it was definitely challenging at times. There were moments we were tired, dealing with snacks, diapers, and little meltdowns, but it was so worth it. Seeing their faces light up, getting excited over the rides, and meeting characters made every stressful moment fade away. Those memories are something I’ll never forget.
We used a stroller which helped a lot, and taking little breaks made a big difference. The staff (cast members) were also super kind and helpful, which made the experience even better. The park felt clean, organized, and very family-friendly.
I also loved all the little details—from the food options to the shows and just walking around and taking everything in. There’s always something to do, no matter the age.
Yes, it’s tiring, especially with little ones, but the magic, the joy, and the memories you make make it 100% worth it. I would do it all over again without even thinking twice!
JW
Jesse White
Apr 23, 2026
This place is far from magical. The park feels hollowed out and overly corporate...there’s nothing personal or immersive about the experience anymore.
Yes, ticket prices are high, but that’s expected at any major theme park. What’s frustrating is how everything beyond that feels like a constant upsell. You can pay extra for the Lightning Lane system...but even that doesn’t deliver the experience you’d expect.
From the moment you walk in, something feels off. There’s no real sense of arrival...no music pulling you in, no cast members creating energy, no characters out and about. Compare that to Universal Studios Hollywood, where the park at least feels alive. Disneyland, by contrast, felt flat and honestly a bit depressing.
We brought two young kids expecting excitement, characters, and memorable moments. Instead, the entire day felt like a logistical exercise. You have to manage everything through the app...booking rides, navigating the park, planning your next move. It’s less “magic” and more “project management.”
There’s also a noticeable lack of staff presence. Need help? Good luck finding someone quickly. Even basic things like locating a bathroom can become a hassle if you’re unfamiliar with the layout...again, you’re pushed back to the app.
The ride system is another letdown. Even after booking, you’re still waiting. You can only reserve one ride at a time, and once you use it, the next available slot...especially for popular rides...is often hours out. Not every ride is even included. If you manage to get on a handful of attractions in a full day, you’re doing well.
With it being the 70th anniversary, you’d expect a celebration of the park’s history and legacy characters. That wasn’t the case. It almost feels like the past is being minimized rather than celebrated. Even Mickey Mouse feels like a shadow of what he once represented.
At the end of the day, it’s not about perfection...it’s about experience. Bring back the energy. Bring back the characters. Make it feel alive again. Stop nickel-and-diming families at every turn.
The food? Not great...but that’s not even the point. I wasn’t looking for fine dining. I just wanted a fun, comfortable, genuinely magical experience for my kids.
This wasn’t it.
NQ
Natalia Quiroz
Apr 22, 2026
Disneyland is truly the happiest place on earth and a magical experience for all ages. From the moment you walk down Main Street, U.S.A., you’re transported into a world full of nostalgia, joy, and imagination.
The park is beautifully maintained, with incredible attention to detail in every corner. Classic rides like Pirates of the Caribbean and Space Mountain never disappoint, while newer areas like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge make the experience even more exciting and immersive.
The atmosphere is what really makes Disneyland special—seeing families, kids, and even adults enjoying the magic together creates unforgettable memories. The parades, shows, and fireworks are absolutely stunning and worth staying for.
Food options are plentiful, and while prices are on the higher side, the quality and variety are better than most theme parks. The staff are always friendly and helpful, which adds to the overall positive experience.
It can get crowded, especially on weekends and holidays, but with a little planning, it’s still an amazing day.
Overall, Disneyland is a must-visit destination that brings magic, fun, and happiness in every moment.
AH
Andreas Habranke
Apr 20, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Disneyland Los Angeles – kleiner, aber beeindruckend inszeniert
Wir waren im Disneyland in Los Angeles und waren insgesamt wirklich begeistert. Man merkt sofort: das erste Disneyland überhaupt, etwas kleiner als Paris, aber unglaublich gut gemacht.
🏰 Erster Eindruck:
Als Europäer, die Disneyland Paris kennen, waren wir zunächst überrascht, dass das Schloss relativ klein und überschaubar ist. Das tut dem Erlebnis aber keinen Abbruch – im Gegenteil, der Park hat seinen eigenen Charme.
🌌 Highlight – Star Wars Bereich:
Für uns das absolute Highlight! Besonders der fließende Übergang vom Wartebereich zur eigentlichen Attraktion ist sensationell – man ist sofort mitten im Geschehen. Das ist ein absolutes Muss und sollte man direkt als Erstes machen!
🎢 Attraktionen & Shows:
Klassische Achterbahnen sind hier eher weniger im Fokus. Dafür sind die Shows und Attraktionen mit 3D-, 4D- und Hologramm-Effekten extrem hochwertig. Hier wird Inszenierung auf höchstem Niveau betrieben – mehr Erlebnis als Thrill, aber perfekt umgesetzt.
⚡ Fast Pass / Planung:
Das System hat uns etwas enttäuscht. Man muss Zeitfenster buchen und sich gut organisieren. Gerade am Anfang ist es schwer, sich zurechtzufinden – und viele Top-Attraktionen sind schnell ausgebucht. Ohne Vorbereitung kann das frustrierend sein.
⏱️ Tipps zur Planung:
Früh da sein! Am besten ca. 30 Minuten vor Öffnung
Verkehr in LA unbedingt einplanen
Tickets vorab online kaufen (alles digital organisiert und sehr gut umgesetzt)
Ein Tag reicht grundsätzlich aus, wenn man gut plant
🚗 Parken:
Sehr gut organisiert mit verschiedenen Kategorien. Wir hatten eine nähere Variante gewählt – im Nachhinein aber nicht zwingend notwendig. Die Wege sind gut geführt, teilweise sogar mit Rollbändern – sehr angenehm.
👨👩👧 Für alle Altersgruppen:
Ob Kinder, Jugendliche oder Erwachsene – es ist wirklich für jeden etwas dabei. Sehr schön gestaltete Themenbereiche und insgesamt eine tolle Atmosphäre.
🎆 Hinweis:
Das Feuerwerk konnten wir leider nicht mehr erleben – soll aber auch ein Highlight sein.
✅ Fazit:
Ein sehr gut organisierter Park mit einzigartigem Flair. Etwas kleiner als erwartet, aber dafür perfekt inszeniert und absolut sehenswert. Wenn man in LA ist, sollte man sich das nicht entgehen lassen!
I'm coming at this as someone who visits Walt Disney World in Florida once or twice a year for the past 5 years or so. I'll compare Magic Kingdom and Disneyland here in hopes of helping people out who are only familiar with Disney World, as I was. I figure you know that Lightning Lanes are, how expensive all the parks can be, and the general culture and vibe of Disney World. Also I'm a rides person, so that's most of my focus. And, as always, this is all just my opinion. You do you.
Top line for me is that I enjoyed Disneyland every bit as much as Magic Kingdom. Galaxy's Edge being inside of this park (as opposed to at Hollywood Studios in Orlando) was a big plus for me. That alone pushes it over Magic Kingdom for me ...until Piston Peak and Villain's Land open in a few years.
Space Mountain Disneyland - or v2 as I call it - is just better than the original. The ride is faster, better track track layout, shorter queue just as well themed.
Big Thunder Mountain is the better version that I've ridden. Smoother, working effects, more shaded queue. Of course we'll see what comes later in 2026 at MK.
I really love that Disneyland still has Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, Pinocchio's Daring Journey, and Snow White's Enchanted Wish. I love those creepy little carnival haunted house track rides.
Similar love for Indiana Jones - that's a great ride. Though I prefer the Japanese ride. And we'll see how it goes in Florida when that new one opens.
Toon Town is a great addition and that Gadget Coaster is a fun 30 sec kid coaster.
Jungle Cruise was closed when we were there, but I assume it's lovely.
IMO, MK wins over DL in Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean. I'm sure there are plenty who disagree, just my opinion. The ride flow is better on both in Orlando. Though I really wish Magic Kingdom had a New Orleans themed area as I just like that style.
Star Tours is, of course, the same. But why oh why were wait times up around 60 minutes basically both days we were there? All day. I'm glad folks are giving that ride the same love I do. I guess I got spoiled on walk on 4 - 5 times because you had some time to kill.
And Matterhorn. It's a classic. It's a piece of history. It's a fun ride. It has a couple actually moving Yeti animatronics. But it will beat you up. It's not a gentle ride. I wouldn't recommend this for anyone fragile. I really hope they retrack it and get new ride vehicles for it.
As for overall park vibe, I think Disneyland wins here, too. Yeah it's smaller. It generally has smaller crowds, so it works out, IMO. Plus narrower pathways with more trees, means more shade, and that's definitely something MK doesn't have much of. It's got a more intimate feel that I like. I really enjoyed seeing where it all began, and the design of the park really gave it that authentic vibe.
And Disneyland has better food. The whole resort does - from parks to hotels, to Downtown Disney. Some of it is having better options - love them dill pickles. Some of it is having actually spicy food. ❤️Bengal BBQ❤️ The beignets at Mint Julep bar are actually really good. Not really part of this - but Hearthstone over at the Grand Californian has the best Manhattan I have ever had.
Overall for me, I think Disneyland is a little better than Magic Kingdom for now. But Disneyland Resort is no match for Walt Disney World.
Also - why is Disneyland hardly selling Magic Bands? I get not everyone wants them, and I only saw a couple other groups using them when I was there. What gives? Maybe if you gave them options, some people would use them, and I wouldn't have to wait an interminable 10 extra seconds while someone scans in their whole family on one phone...? (sarcasm in case you missed it)