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I recently returned from a magical adventure to the original Disney theme park in Anaheim, California – a place that’s hard not to love! As we all know, Disneyland is the happiest place on Earth, and it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement just thinking about it. Did you know that Walt Disney himself walked around the park, ensuring that every guest had an unforgettable experience? It’s no wonder that even talking about Disney can put anyone in a great mood! I was lucky enough to visit with my friend Annika and we made the most of our trip by exploring both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure. The resort is home to two unique parks – Disneyland, where all the magic happens, and Disney California Adventure, where you’ll find all your favorite Pixar characters. We had a blast at both parks and discovered new wonders around every corner. Our trip started with a stay at the impressive Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. The hotel exceeded our expectations with its award-winning dining and easy access to Disney California Adventure Park. But it wasn’t just the rides that made our trip special – the hotel itself was an unforgettable experience! With spectacular views of fireworks displays, parades, and shows, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Even the kids will love the character dining options at the hotel restaurants, where you can enjoy breakfast with Princess Tiana herself! On our first day, we were given early access to Disneyland Park, allowing us to capture all the magical moments before the park opened to the general public. We took advantage of this rare opportunity to explore Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and even convinced some Storm Troopers to back off from my elite Jedi training. A huge thank you to Brooklyn for capturing our adventure through her amazing images and for joining Annika and me on this special trip.
My Disneyland Trip – The Food
We had the extraordinary opportunity to sit down with a Disney chef who crafts scrumptious sweet treats and innovative plant-based meals daily at the Resort. While it’s true that you can’t miss out on classic churros and Dole whips during your Disney adventure – they’re an integral part of the experience, after all! However, Disney’s culinary offerings extend far beyond those iconic snacks. In both parks and resorts, fine dining experiences await, with plant-based options becoming increasingly prominent on their menus to cater to a broader audience. What’s more, for our friends living with celiac disease, gluten-free dining at Disneyland is surprisingly effortless.
Gluten Free Options I Tried this Disneyland Trip:
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In the realm of sweet treats, Caramel apple, Rice crispy, and gluten-free vegan waffles from Storytellers Café at Harvest Market are some of my indulgent favorites. Napa Rose’s ‘Paella’ got a delightful chicken twist when I added it to the mix. The Dole Whip remains a classic, while Salt & Straw in Downtown Disney offers delectable vegan and gluten-free ice cream options that have won me over. Meanwhile, Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante serves up mouth-watering tacos that are sure to satisfy. As an added bonus, Disney Parks now boast numerous plant-based choices, which is a wonderful development.Spending the first day with Annika was all about experiencing the park’s iconic attractions like the Matterhorn, Space Mountain, and Indiana Jones. We even saved some time for a thrilling evening display – Fantasmic! – where brave heroes and legendary villains clash in an awe-inspiring nighttime spectacular, starring none other than Mickey Mouse himself.
My Top Tips for a Magical Disneyland Trip
As you navigate the Disney parks, be sure to take advantage of Fast Passes for rides that offer them. These perks will help you breeze through lines and maximize your time for exploring, riding, or simply enjoying the magic. Additionally, look into MaxPass, a digital tool that allows you to book Fast Passes on your smartphone – it’s a game-changer! When planning your trip, consider staying at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Not only is it centrally located amidst the fun and excitement of both parks and Downtown Disney, but you’ll also enjoy exclusive perks like park hopper deals and prime viewing spots for parades and events. Plus, this hotel serves as home base for Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, and the newly launched Avengers Campus! I’m grateful to have had the chance to experience a dream vacation at Disneyland, and I look forward to sharing more travel tips and insights with you soon. Disneyland is truly a place where everyone can be young at heart – it’s a reminder of simpler, happier times when worries were few and far between. Speaking of which, did you know that Canadian residents can save 20% on theme park tickets for 3-day or longer Disneyland Resort theme park ticket purchases until February 16th, 2020? This value option is an amazing way to experience the magic – for more information, visit Disneyland.ca/tickets.