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What to Check Out at Disneyland This Year

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So you’re headed to the Disneyland Resort (or thinking about it) this summer/fall and you’re wondering what to put on your “must do” list. We’ve pulled together a fun list of things we think you definitely need to check out when you’re there!

Star Wars Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland

In no particular order:

1.  The Haunted Mansion! They added the best ghost of all – the hatbox ghost! If you don’t know who the Hatbox Ghost is, he was a part of the attraction originally but the effects weren’t quite what the imagineers wanted. He’s finally back and so very cool! On the ride you can see him just after the bride in the attic scene. he’ll be on your right hand side.

Hatbox Ghost at Disneyland Hatbox Ghost at Disneyland2.  The Matterhorn Bobsleds. A long time fave of mine and my boys has been improved once again and this time with an all new Abominable Snowman along with some other changes. We rode both sides (they are a bit different) and it’s just as fun (if not a bit scarier) than ever!

New Matterhorn at Disneyland New Matterhorn at Disneyland3.  Peter Pan’s Flight. I had the pleasure of talking to Larry Nikolai (Creative Director, Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Entertainment) who is the creative director for the new magic elements that were added to Peter Pan’s Flight. He gave us some insight to the updated attraction and while we didn’t get a chance to see it while we were there last, we’ll definitely be checking it out on our next visit! It’s such a classic and has always been a family favorite.

PETER PAN’S FLIGHT PIXIE DUSTED WITH ‘NEW MAGIC' (ANAHEIM, Calif.) – Featuring a variety of special effects and a reimagined nursery scene, the classic attraction continues to delight guests on a flight to Never Land. (Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland Resort)
PETER PAN’S FLIGHT PIXIE DUSTED WITH ‘NEW MAGIC’ (ANAHEIM, Calif.) – Featuring a variety of special effects and a reimagined nursery scene, the classic attraction continues to delight guests on a flight to Never Land. (Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland Resort)

4.  Soarin’ Over California and the new Grizzly Peak Airfield. This newly renovated area of the park is SO perfect. You feel like you’re on a National Parks vacation and there are fun little details along the way. Soarin’ Over California has had updates to its screen and projection system (the scent seemed to be updated as well!) so it’s better than ever. The Redwood Creek Challenge Trail is a fun spot for active kids if you’ve never been, definitely check it out! Even my older boys loved it!

**Tip – this is a fun hidden mickey attraction. On the golf course instead of ducking from the golf ball, look closely as it travels towards you!

Grizzly Peak - California Adventer, Disneyland Resort

5.  Diamond Mad T Party. I’ve said it before, but the Mad T Party is so much fun! Whether you (or your kids) like to dance or just people watch it’s such a fun place to take in the sights, music and let loose!

MAD T PARTY MAKES A DAZZLING RETURN (ANAHEIM, Calif.) - Combining the fantastical spirit of the Mad T Party with a tribute to Disney’s past, the Diamond Mad T Party invites guests down the rabbit hole featuring live music, a dance crew, interactive games and more at Disney California Adventure park. (Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland Resort)
MAD T PARTY MAKES A DAZZLING RETURN (ANAHEIM, Calif.) – Combining the fantastical spirit of the Mad T Party with a tribute to Disney’s past, the Diamond Mad T Party invites guests down the rabbit hole featuring live music, a dance crew, interactive games and more at Disney California Adventure park. (Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland Resort)

6.  Merchandise! There are all kinds of fun things to choose from to commemorate Disneyland’s 60th Anniversary. Lots of blue (my favorite color) and silver/diamond. We loved the interactive ears and paintbrush! You can change the color of yours or other guests ears with the wave of your paintbrush! Plus, it interacts with the amazing new shows!

Disneyland 2015 Diamond Celebration merchandise

Disneyland 2015 Diamond Celebration merchandise7.  New Photopass spots. There are some new 3D super fun Photopass spots around the parks. Use Photopass or your own camera, but don’t miss these fun photo opps! See how many you can find.

New photopass spots at Disneyland8.  Paint the Night Parade. A new amazing LED electrical parade definitely worth the time to watch. With older kids it seems we’re always rushing to the rides, but this show is super visually attractive with great music and something everyone will love.

Paint the night - Disneyland9.  Disneyland Forever Fireworks. Wherever you are when the fireworks start stop and take them in. The show is so much more than fireworks! Check out this post on our favorite spots to see it from.

6 great spots to view 'Disneyland Forever' the new fireworks spectacular at Disneyland Resort 6 great spots to view 'Disneyland Forever' the new fireworks spectacular at Disneyland Resort10.  World of Color – Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney. If you’ve never seen a World of Color presentation, you must! If you’ve seen it before you’re in for an awesome surprise. The show is new and incredible. Our favorite part of the show is a tough call between Walt Disney’s appearances and Star Wars!

World of Color11.  New Enchanted Windows. Take a few extra minutes walking down Mainstreet USA and check out some new magical windows. I alway love how Disney can create something new without making it feel different. It’s like a new added bit of magic to the same sites you remember as a kid.

MAIN STREET, U.S.A WINDOWS PIXIE DUSTED WITH NEW SCENES (ANAHEIM, Calif.) – The scenes in the windows of Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland park have been updated to feature dazzling new displays of classic Disney films, including "Peter Pan" and "Cinderella." The windows now feature two scenes, transforming every few minutes to reveal more of the beloved stories. (Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland Resort)
MAIN STREET, U.S.A WINDOWS PIXIE DUSTED WITH NEW SCENES (ANAHEIM, Calif.) – The scenes in the windows of Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland park have been updated to feature dazzling new displays of classic Disney films, including “Peter Pan” and “Cinderella.” The windows now feature two scenes, transforming every few minutes to reveal more of the beloved stories. (Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland Resort)

12.  New Diamond Celebration Pressed Coins (or, as we like to call them, squished pennies). These are a favorite souvenir of ours. For just $.51 you can create and collect a fun souvenir from different spots throughout the Disneyland Resort.

**Tip – stop by  City Hall in Disneyland park, Chamber of Commerce at Disney California Adventure park and select merchandise locations throughout the Disneyland Resort to pick up your own location guide for free! See more on the Disney Parks blog.

Disneyland Diamond Celebration Pressed Coins Disneyland Diamond Celebration Pressed Coins Disneyland Diamond Celebration Pressed Coins Disneyland Diamond Celebration Pressed CoinsI think I’ve made myself want to go back already! What are you looking forward to checking out on your next visit?!

List of awesome new updates and things to check out at Disneyland this year during the Diamond Celebration!

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Allison Waken is a wife, mom of boys and Phoenix, AZ native. She has been creating inspiring content for All for the Boys since 2011. Allison loves travel, movies and spending as much time as possible with her family while she can!

2 Comments

  1. Love this list! I can’t wait to check out some of these attractions. I love your sparkly Minnie ears and coffee mug! A coffee mug is on my list to get since I didn’t get a souvenir last summer.

    • Oh! Definitely check out the new decades collection. They have the “D” handle like this one but some SUPER cute artwork for each decade. The first one they released is my favorite and will be available when you’re there!

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