Bucket list experience:
Disneyland
It’s smaller than Disney World, but Disneyland is no less magical. Located south of LA in Anaheim, it was the first of the Disney-branded theme parks to be built (the design was directed by Walt himself). Nowadays, the vast complex includes Disneyland Park, the Disney California Adventure Park, the Downtown Disney dining and shopping district, and three hotels. A must for any young LA visitor – and it’s pretty fun for adults too.
Getting there & doing it
Anaheim is located 30-60 minutes south of Los Angeles by car (dependent on traffic). Going to Disneyland needs careful planning and there are some great websites packed with insider information, from timing tips to dining secrets. One of the best is Disneyland Vacation Tips.
You’re definitely not going for the food. Surrounding suburban Anaheim is littered with fast-food chains. Theme park dining is patchy and overpriced.
For the full experience, stay at the Disneyland Hotel, where characters roam and rooms come with early-morning access to selected park attractions before they open to the public.
When to do it
The Park is open all year round, seven days a week.