Why DVC Members Should Visit Disneyland

So you’re a DVC member and you’re loyal to Disney World. There are many out there like us. However, I was surprised recently how many of my Disney World-loving DVC friends have never been to the OG out on the west coast. Especially for those who love Disney so much that they they own a real estate interest in the resorts. If you haven’t had a chance to visit Disneyland, you should start planning!

Here are some reasons why you definitely should consider a trip out west to visit The Disneyland Resort:

Historic

Disneyland is the park that Walt actually opened and even lived in at some point. Whereas he never saw Disney World (aside from the land), you can actually walk in Walt’s footsteps down Main Street USA in Disneyland. You can see the firehouse where Walt actually had an apartment to live in during the construction and later to entertain guests during park visits. In the window of the firehouse, you can still see the lamp in his apartment that stays lit.

Intimate

Disneyland feels so similar to Disney World, yet so different. It’s smaller, everything is walkable, and it just feels so much more intimate. In Disneyland, you’re much more likely to see characters just roaming around saying hi and skipping around with park guests without giant lines of people.

Great Attractions & Holiday Overlays

There are s many rides that Disneyland has that Disney World doesn’t that I love so much. The Matterhorn, Guardians of the Galaxy Mission Breakout, Incredicoaster, and Radiator Springs Racers are some of my favorites. There are also Disneyland versions of rides that are in Disney World, but in many cases, the Disneyland version is superior. For example, on Space Mountain, you can ride by side, Big Thunder has an extra special scene, and Pirates of the Caribbean has two drops. In addition to this, Disneyland does some of the most impressive ride overlays for holidays and other special occasions such as Haunted Mansion Holiday where Nightmare Before Christmas takes over this ride favorite, Small World Holiday with an impressive Christmas theme, and HyperSpace Mountain where Star Wars meets Space Mountain.

Amazing Themed Lands

Disney theming can be amazing, especially when it comes to special lands within the parks such as Galaxy’s Edge. While Disneyland and Disney World both share the enjoyment of Galaxy’s Edge, there are some special lands in Disneyland you won’t find out east. In Avenger’s Campus, you’ll step into the world of Marvel like never before. We were so blown away by the entertainment in this land. During our two days in Californian Adventure, we saw every character we could possibly think of from the Marvel Cinematic Universe just walking around or entertaining guests. Our favorite, however, is Cars Land. You will really feel like you are part of Radiator Springs straight out of the move. Cars Land is one of the best-themed lands Disney has to offer and it is amazing at night as the lights come on.

Lots of Great Entertainment and Events

Disneyland is a locals’ park, so the entertainment is always changing and it’s jam-packed throughout the day and night. They do bring back popular shows for short runs so it’s easy to catch some of these amazing entertainment offerings. While we were just there in August of 2022, in one night Disneyland Park had two runs of the Main Street Electrical Parade, two showings of Fantasmic, and Disneyland Forever Fireworks. In Disney’s California Adventure, you could also catch one of two showings of World of Color. That’ size’s a lot of entertainment opportunities in one night between two parks. This year, Pixar Fest is coming back. They always have different events going on. In addition, there are bands and other shows throughout the day and a ton of character interactions.

Food

Disneyland has some great food. Their quick service and snack offerings are particularly good. We especially love the hand-dipped corn dogs from the Red Wagon on Main Street, the freshly made sourdough bread offerings from Aunt Cass Cafe (formerly Pacific Wharf) in DCA, and just about everything else we ate. The food at the newer Tina’s Palace quick service in Disneyland Park is also a new favorite. There are so many great snacks and quick service foods as well as some good table service locations to try.

Let us know your favorite things about Disneyland Resort! Stay tuned to dvcfan.com for the latest on all things Disney Vacation Club. Join in the conversation in the DVC Fan Facebook group. For exclusive content, check out our Patreon at patreon.com/dvcfan.