Disneyland

Pacific Coast Highway Travel's introduction to the Disneyland Resort, which includes both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, just a few miles from the coast.

It’s easy to visit the Disneyland Resort if you’re driving the Pacific Coast Highway. The resort is less than a half-hour drive from beach resorts like Huntington Beach and Newport Beach, if you prefer not to stay at the resort itself.

disneyland-3080005_1280.jpgWelcome to Disneyland!

Of course it’s quite an experience to stay at one of the resort’s hotels and be right there in the heart of Disneyland, but it can be just as enjoyable – and less expensive – to drive back to the coast at the end of the day and enjoy that ocean breeze.

Our Pick of the Guides

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You can also do both, of course – have one night at Disneyland and another night or two in one of the beach towns. It depends how much time you have available.

disneyland-919926_1280.jpgSleeping Beauty's Castle in Disneyland Park

Disneyland Overview

Disneyland, often referred to as "The Happiest Place on Earth," is a world-renowned amusement park located in Anaheim, California. It’s a place where imagination comes to life, where fairy tales become reality, and where memories are made to last a lifetime.

Disneyland is more than just a theme park; it is a cultural phenomenon that has touched the lives of millions of people around the globe since its opening in 1955.

mickey-mause-832112_1280.jpgMickey Mouse is Everywhere!

History of Disneyland

The inception of Disneyland can be traced back to the creative genius of Walt Disney, an innovator and pioneer in the field of animation. Walt Disney envisioned a theme park where both children and adults could enjoy a magical world of fantasy and adventure.

After years of planning and construction, his dream was realized on July 17, 1955, when Disneyland opened its gates to the public. The park was an instant success and has since evolved into a sprawling resort that attracts millions of visitors each year.

disney-2652684_1280.jpgDisney California Adventure Park

Where is Disneyland?

Disneyland is situated in Southern California, approximately 27 miles south of downtown Los Angeles and a short drive from the Pacific Coast Highway. From Huntington Beach it’s about a 25-minute drive, and about a 20-minute drive from Newport Beach.

From downtown LA it is, in theory, about a 30-minute drive but with the infamous LA traffic you can easily double that.

disneyland-2432258_1280.jpgHollywood Land at the Disney California Adventure Park

Disneyland’s Two Parks

The Disneyland Resort is home to two distinct parks: Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. Each park offers a unique experience.

Disneyland Park, the original theme park, is divided into eight themed "lands": Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, New Orleans Square, Critter Country, and Mickey's Toontown.

Each land is meticulously designed to immerse visitors in various settings, from the charm of small-town America to the enchantment of a fairy tale castle.

fairy-tale-1788209_1280.jpgSleeping Beauty and Prince Charming at the Disneyland Park

Disneyland Park is also home to iconic attractions such as Sleeping Beauty Castle, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Haunted Mansion, as well as beloved characters like Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Cinderella.

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On the other hand, Disney California Adventure Park celebrates the natural beauty, culture, and history of the Golden State. The park is divided into seven lands: Buena Vista Street, Grizzly Peak, Paradise Gardens Park, Pixar Pier, Pacific Wharf, Hollywood Land, and Cars Land. 

Here, visitors can experience the thrill of a roller coaster ride on the Incredicoaster, take a scenic tour of California on Soarin' Around the World, or step into the world of Cars in Radiator Springs. Disney California Adventure Park also hosts a variety of shows, parades, and night-time spectaculars that add to the overall entertainment.

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