Best Things to Do in Disneyland Park, Anaheim (2026)

Best Things to Do in Disneyland Park, Anaheim (2026)

Best Things to Do in Disneyland Park in Anaheim, CA


With more than 60 attractions spread across eight themed lands, Disneyland Park can feel overwhelming to plan for — especially on a first visit. Here's a land-by-land breakdown of what's actually worth your time in 2026, plus a few tips for making the most of your day.


Main Street, U.S.A.


This is your entry point into the park, styled after a turn-of-the-century American town, complete with horse-drawn carriages, the Dapper Dans barbershop quartet, and shops selling classic Disneyland treats. It's not where the rides are, but it's worth slowing down for on your way in or out, especially in the evening when the lights come on.


Tomorrowland


Tomorrowland leans into a retro-futuristic theme and has some of the park's best thrill rides.


  1. Space Mountain — a pitch-black indoor coaster with sudden drops and sharp turns. One of the most popular rides in the park, so ride it early or grab a Lightning Lane.
  2. Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters — an interactive shooter ride that's fun for nearly all ages.
  3. Autopia — a track-based driving ride that's a hit with younger kids who want to "drive."
  4. Astro Orbitor — a classic spinning rocket ride right at the entrance to the land.

Fantasyland


This is classic Disneyland, built around Sleeping Beauty Castle, and it's where most families with younger kids will spend a lot of their time.


  1. it's a small world — the boat ride through dozens of countries, recently refreshed with a holiday overlay each winter.
  2. Dumbo the Flying Elephant and Mad Tea Party — gentle, high-nostalgia rides that are a rite of passage for first-time visitors.
  3. Peter Pan's Flight — short but consistently one of the most in-demand rides in the park, worth a Lightning Lane if you can get one.

Adventureland


A jungle-themed land that's fun for a wide range of ages.


  1. Indiana Jones Adventure — a bumpy off-road jeep ride through booby-trapped ruins, one of the most detailed dark rides anywhere in the resort.
  2. Jungle Cruise — a boat tour narrated by a punny skipper, past animatronic "wildlife."
  3. Adventureland Treehouse — a walk-through treehouse with imaginative play areas, good for burning off energy between rides.
  4. Enchanted Tiki Room — a classic, air-conditioned animatronic show that's an easy break from the heat.

If you're flying in for the trip, it's worth checking the closest airport to Disneyland before you book — the "obvious" airport isn't always the cheapest or most convenient option.


If your travel plans also route you through Florida at some point this year, this guide to the cheapest city to fly into in Florida is worth bookmarking for that leg of the trip. And once you're booked, don't forget you can usually check in online for your flight starting 24 hours before departure.


Read: Planning a Family Trip to the US from Dubai? Here's What You 


New Orleans Square


Compact but packed with two of the park's most iconic attractions.


  1. Pirates of the Caribbean — a leisurely boat ride through pirate-plundered scenes, and the ride that inspired the film franchise.
  2. Haunted Mansion — a spooky-but-family-friendly stretch-and-glide through a haunted estate, which gets a Nightmare Before Christmas overlay each fall and holiday version each winter.

Critter Country


One of the smallest lands but home to a genuine highlight.


  1. Tiana's Bayou Adventure — the reimagined log flume ride now following Princess Tiana and friends through the bayou, complete with a splashy drop that's a welcome cooldown on hot days.

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge


Disneyland's most immersive land, styled as the remote outpost of Black Spire Outpost.


  1. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance — a multi-stage, large-scale attraction that puts you in the middle of a battle between the Resistance and the First Order. Arguably the headliner attraction of the whole park.
  2. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run — hop in the cockpit and pilot (or gun, or repair) the Falcon on a mission that changes depending on how well your crew performs.
  3. Droid Depot and Savi's Workshop — build-your-own droid and lightsaber experiences that are pricier but memorable for older kids and Star Wars fans.

Mickey's Toontown


A colorful, interactive land designed for younger kids to climb, splash, and explore, with low-key rides that are easy on little ones who aren't ready for bigger coasters.


Tips for a Smoother Visit


  1. Arrive before rope drop. The first hour of the day is consistently the most efficient time to knock out headliner rides.
  2. Use Lightning Lane strategically on the park's most in-demand attractions — Rise of the Resistance, Space Mountain, and Peter Pan's Flight are usually worth it.
  3. Check the Disneyland app for current wait times and showtimes for parades, fireworks, and nighttime spectaculars like Wondrous Journeys, which run throughout 2026 as part of the resort's 70th anniversary celebration.
  4. Pack for a full day. Once you're through the gate, coming back out and returning can eat up a chunk of your day.

Bottom Line


Disneyland Park rewards a bit of planning. Prioritize the headliners in Galaxy's Edge and Tomorrowland early in the day, save the gentler Fantasyland and Adventureland rides for the afternoon lull, and leave room in your schedule for the nighttime shows — they're some of the best free entertainment in the entire resort.