Disneyland-marketed as The Happiest Place on Earth. Does that apply to adults? It seems a lot harder to be happy than when I was 5 and satisfied with an autograph from Cinderella. Disney magic couldn’t be just for the kids, riiiight? lol was about to turn 29 and figured it’s also for kids that don’t want to grow up. Sup Peter Pan. Disneyland in Anaheim is full of cute themed spots with giant plushy cartoons (hi Pooh) and opportunities to stuff my face with all-american theme park food. I needed to go asap. I tried to look online but there weren’t a lot of posts about a Disneyland day (without kids). random side tangent: did you know you can’t visit Lego Land without kids? Like you literally have to take an under 18 year old if you’re trying to visit. Anyway-main attraction- I visited with my childhood bestie, who’s been like 20 time- so she helped narrow down the most efficient way to go through the parks. 

Short Version: Definitely buy your tickets beforehand- you need to have a reservation in order to get into the park. Different days have different pricing. Get Genie+ and Park Hopper.

Longer Version: Read about my entire adventure to see what you actually want to experience. Disclaimer: I like thrill rides, Star Wars, Pixar but skipped princess vibes and toon town (under reno) this time. You can download the original maps and my route below.

Disneyland Park Map
California Adventure Map

My Route map  – Heads up that it only includes the rides. The Disney characters wander around and I usually just ate what I found nearby since we didn’t get reservations anywhere!

Start out by getting in line for Galaxy’s Edge Rides

1. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
2. Millenium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run

Quick food @ Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge

Ronto’s Roasters
Oga’s Cantina
Milk Stand

Other vegan options on a great blog here

Critter Country

Stopped by because we saw Pooh bear at his Thotful Spot 😍
*The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (had no line)
*Splash Mountain was closed, it’s currently being transformed to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and will be reopening in 2024! The ride still has it’s iconic 50ft drop, Disney is just updating the theme

End your day at Disneyland at World of Color!

Don’t forget to make a reservation, there are usually 2 showtimes (9:30 or 10:15pm) People usually start lining up at Pixar Pier waterfront by 9.

I’m actually so glad I went back to Disneyland as an adult(ish). The thrill rides were fun AF. I skipped the character and parades so I’ll def want to visit Toon Town next time after renovations. Idk am I internally aging backwards? lol more like regressing mentally-more animations, less words kinda vibe. I’m still thinking about the food at Disneyland- the macaroon and corn dog was just IT. The creative directors at Disneyland make everything SO on theme- like Cars Land is unreal. I know the actual Route 66 can’t be that cute. Well, Radiator Springs doesn’t actually exist anywhere outside Disneyland lol I lowkey wanna visit again already.

3. Jolly Holiday Bakery

Treat yourself to a taste of nostalgia at Jolly Holiday Bakery in Disneyland. This charming bakery pays homage to the classic film “Mary Poppins” with its whimsical decor and delectable menu offerings. Indulge in freshly baked pastries, sandwiches, and signature sweets, all served with a sprinkle of Disney magic. Whether you’re craving a quick bite or a leisurely meal, Jolly Holiday Bakery is the perfect spot to enjoy a delightful dining experience in the heart of Disneyland. Map

Get Park Hopper

Genie+ Benefits

1. Lighting Lane Access
This is like making a reservation in line and holding a spot. So if you don’t want to wait in line- you can pick a time at like 2:45pm for Space Mountain and just show up to get on the ride. It saves a LOT of time. The list of eligible rides are below and updated here.

2. Photopass downloads
There are dozens of spots to take photos and Disney employees are posted at popular spots waiting to take professional photos of you and the family. These cost money to buy but with Genie+, you get unlimited photo downloads-without watermarks!! (Am I the only one that prints out photos anymore?)
Also with Genie+, these photos have augmented reality technology where fun characters and backdrops adds a sprinkle of Disney *magic*. How cute is it when tinkerbell shows up or the Cheshire cat’s floating above your teacup? ADORBS.

3. Audio Tales
There are behind the scenes stories about about Disneyland Park’s attractions -like exclusive tales about Sleeping Beauty’s castle. It integrates it via your Genie itinerary and you find them marked on the map.

How to get Genie+?

Buy your Genie+ service when you get your ticket reservation. It’s usually $30 (depends on the day) just like your reservation. Each ticket holder needs to buy their own Genie+ add on.

1. Log into your account on the Disneyland Park app
When you’re logged in, you can link your entire party’s Genie+ service so that you can book the same lighting lane experiences at the same time.

2. Book your first lighting lane experience
To book, go to the Disney Genie service when you log in, click on Tip Board and check next available window. Select the number of your party for the booking and confirm your reservation. The app lets you only reserve a Lightning Lane entrance **one at a time**, so you **have** to make your reservations before booking the next one. The only exception is that if your reservation arrival window is longer than 2 hours away, you can book another attraction. Each person can reserve one ride per visit- so your party can get on Space Mountain multiple times if you stack your itinerary right.

3. Scan your pass on the park app
When you arrive at the Lighning Lane entrance, scan your pass on the app so Genie+ tracks your attendance. This lets your book the next Lighthning lane reservation without any delays!

It’s *so* worth it if you’re trying to make the most of your time at the park. There’s limited availability so it’s not like everybody can just sign up for Genie+ so it’s best to buy when booking your ticket! Once you get to the park, have someone in your party stay on top of the lightning lane availability and check the app periodically. Genie+ helped us maximize time at the parks when it got crowded and made us so efficient since we only had one day.