I love thrill rides. But one of the things that makes Disney theme parks unique is the fact that they aren’t just about those rides. Even if you don’t like riding roller coasters, you’ll still find plenty to do in Disneyland. The entertainment at Disneyland options are extremely impressive – honestly, some of the shows we saw when we were there in September blew me away. I wanted to talk about some of the amazing highlights from our trip.
Aladdin the Musical
Sadly, this show is closing this month. It’s set to be replaced by a Frozen musical, which I only hope will be just as good. I’ve heard that Disneyland gets better talent than many other theme parks because of its location so close to Hollywood, and at least from the performance we saw this seems to be true. The music and singing was all fantastic, and the dancing was great. But the genie in particular blew us away. He was a great singer, hilarious, and was obviously doing a lot of improv. The fact that this caliber of show is included in your admission is just fantastic.
Paint the Night parade
I enjoy parades, but I don’t usually love them. Paint the Night had to be the best Disney parade I’ve seen. I think the nighttime parades are really cool with all of the lights, but this one just took it to the next level. Some of the technology involved was so impressive, and it even got my (sometimes hard to impress) husband interested in it. Plus we loved all of the characters in this parade.
Fireworks
It would be hard for anything to beat Wishes in my book. But these special anniversary fireworks at Disneyland were pretty darn close. The fireworks themselves were amazing in a way that only Disney fireworks can be. But the emotional aspect of this show really hit me. It started with a voice over, talking about how the very place where we were standing was once just orange groves, but one man had a vision for it to be something so much more. And yeah, I might have started crying then.
World of Color
I like the fact that this is something unique and different – not a fireworks show, but a sort of neat water fountain/projection show. I wasn’t totally blown away by it though. Maybe because you have to stand around so long for it to start, and I was chilly that night. I’ve heard some people say that the version before the 60th was actually better. It’s still a great show, but perhaps not one of the absolute standouts for me.
Character Meet and Greets
Meeting Disney characters is a big part of the trip for many. And it was just a different experience than in Disney World! The actors seemed to be more into their characters, and there were just more of them around with shorter lines. We had a fantastic time at the Plaza breakfast, where we got a ton of character interaction. We even watched Chip (from Chip and Dale) and Captain Hook have a duel! And then one morning we just found the Evil Queen wandering around and grabbed a picture with her. Great character experiences.
Sadly, we didn’t get the chance to see Fantasmic since it was only playing on select nights. Just means more things we’ll have to look forward to when we go back someday!
Have you been to Disneyland? What’s your favorite entertainment at Disneyland?
Wow, this makes me really excited to visit Disneyland! We’re planning a trip for next year, and I’m definitely keeping your site bookmarked! Thanks 🙂
That’s so exciting that you have a trip planned! If you have any questions or want to know anything, feel free to contact me!
Great photos! I haven’t been to Disneyland since I was a kid, and my children have honestly had NO interest in ever going so in all of our travels, we’ve never taken them, but the fireworks and the World of Color look great!
Wow, how surprising that you’re kids don’t show an interest in it! There is so much to see at Disneyland aside from the rides – the fireworks truly blew me away.
Love that huge Slinky Dog! So awesome!
All of that parade was incredible, it was so fun to watch!
I was definitely surprised the first time I went to Disney at the fact that so much of what makes Disney special are the things besides the rides or the overall experience of each ride. I especially love the nighttime parades and fireworks! We didn’t make it to world of color last time we were there cause we didn’t feel like standing around, but caught Fantasmic and it was awesome!
Yes, exactly Libby! I agree that the standing around waiting for World of Color was a bit rough. Glad to got to see Fantasmic though, I hope to get to it when we go back!
I LOVE the fireworks show at Disneyland! They’ve definitely stepped up their game these past few years. I went on July 4th and they did an extra firework show, so good!
Penn&Quill || Robin
I saw the July 4th fireworks at Disney World one time and they were incredible! Non-Disney fireworks can’t even begin to compare.
I’m afraid of Roller Coasters, so I always look for other entertainment . I love watching the shows, and kiddie rides are good enough for me 🙂
Yes, that’s why Disney is such a great theme park! They truly have something for everyone (and not just something but lots of things!). You could easily spend a day in Disney without doing a single actual ride and still have a great time.
Have not been to Disneyland in so very long—we are quite overdue! Kind of want to stay away though, until the Star Wars construction is all done.
I understand that! I hope the Star Wars stuff doesn’t take too long 🙂
How fun… I LOVE Disneyland! The firework shows are my favorite!!
I agree, the fireworks are incredible!
How fun! Would love to go to Disney Land soon!
There are so many great things to do! I hope you get the chance to soon Claire!
This increases my wish to go to Disney again soon. Being in Oklahoma we are about right in the middle between Disneyland and World. My husband hasn’t every been to Disneyland though and I grew up going there often since my family is from California. I can’t wait for him to go!
Oh yes, you should definitely get him to Disneyland! I was surprised but my husband enjoyed it even more than Disney World!
PAINT THE NIIIIIGHT
But yes, I’m obsessed with that parade. OBSESSED.
It was amazing! I wish we would have had the time to see it again! I hope it sticks around for awhile.
I’ve never been to a Disney Park, but it is definitely on my to-do list. Thanks for sharing some of the highlights from your visit.
You’re welcome Latonya! If you ever decide to visit a Disney Park let me know and I’d be happy to help you!
Aladdin being over breaks my heart so much. I didn’t even get fastpasses for the last day because the line was so long. But Paint the Night and Disneyland Forever are what I will forever love!
I know, I’m so thankful we got the chance to see Aladdin before it ended. It was amazing and it would be something I would have totally gone to over and over again if I had the chance.