You might think Disneyland is for kids, but boy are you wrong. There’s something really magical about going once you’re older because you get the sense of being a kid and more freedom to roam around the park. But going to the parks as a twentysomething may seem overwhelming. Look no further, I have a guide for you to follow! Since having my Disney pass I’ve tried so many ways to enjoy the park. Some days I don’t even go on rides and just meet characters and watch shows. Other days I ride Tower of Terror 4 times. So let me give you tips and advice to enjoy it as a twentysomething.
Although I’m there often, I’m not a super pro so make sure to download Disneyland’s official app and it will solve a lot of headaches. Since it first came out it has greatly improved and it gives you waitimes, dining times, restrooms, and other information. Also, their Twitter always responds to questions which I think is awesome! Also, I am completely going off my opinion of a good time and what I think you would enjoy.
Disneyland
First, analyze what type of person you are. Do you like to just do rides back after back? Do you like to enjoy shows and a sit-down meal? Are parades boring to you? Do you want to be there exactly at rope drop? This is important to know beforehand because 1) you are free to roam around with no kids in tow and 2) with the big crowds Disneyland has been pulling, you have to plan ahead.
If thrills are your thing you have to get a fastpass for Space Mountain or you will have to wait in a 100+ minutes ride. That’s probably the most popular thrill ride at the park. After that, you basically hit all the big ones which are, Big Thunder Mountain, Matterhorn Bobsleds, Splash Mountain, Haunted Mansion (especially in the holidays), Indiana Jones, and Peter Pan’s Flight (although you can skip this if you don’t like slow rides, it looks beautiful though).
Don’t pass up the opportunity to meet the characters. Seems like a kid thing to do but it’s so much fun! Some of my favorite moments are interactions. They’ll actually talk to you and you can have real conversations with them so it’s not this awkward “take a picture” and leave thing.
EAT. There are two sides to Disney food. Some say it’s horrible. Some say it’s amazing. I’m obviously in the latter. You’re probably going to get the best food in more of the sit-down restaurants like the Plaza Inn or Carnation Cafe but the corn dogs are AMAZING and you won’t go wrong with any of their treats. The cake pops are amazing and ice cream at Gibson Girl on Main Street is the best.
Wear some ears! While you’re at it Disneybound as your favorite character! I feel like once we’re older we get so caught up on either looking to put together or wearing work out wear to last the day. I’ve seen people at both extremes. But it’s Disneyland! Just have fun with it! It’s the one place you can be silly, so just do it.
Also, love and enjoy Disneyland. Usually I’ll see people my age just do the big rides and just head to DCA for the rest of the day, but Disneyland has so much to do so just spend some extra time and enjoy the magic before you end your night because that will seal your day in an amazing way.
Disney California Adventure
DCA is probably where you’ll have a lot of fun if you like to get down. From Pixar Pier to the Guardians of the Guardian ride, this is where you can get alcohol (although I don’t drink so I don’t know what’s up there) and you can have a party and Paint the Night at night. You also have bigger rides like The Incredicoaster, which will get your heart pumping.
I feel like DCA is where you want to go if you want to chill. Grab a bite to eat at Carthay Circle and just enjoy their street atmosphere or watch the Frozen show. Something to anticipate is the whole Marvel takeover so it will be fun to see how the park changes in a few years. California Adventure is definitely the park for more of an older crowd.
Have you gone to the parks as an adult? Would you even go as an adult? What are some things you have noticed now that you’re older? What are things you do now that you couldn’t as a kid?