How to Visit Disneyland in 1 Day – By A Local

Walt Disney once said “Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.”On July 17, 1955, Walt Disney’s land of fantasy, enchantment, magic and futurism opened its gates and welcomed the public to its 160-acre theme park in Anaheim, California. And the rest is history.Disneyland in 1 Day is quite ambitious and we want to help you make the most of your time at this magical place. Our family is a huge fan of Disney and visit the parks at least once a year or more. Over the years, the park Walt called “the happiest place on Earth” has expanded to what is now 500 acres, adding even more lands and attractions. And though this magnificent theme park is a happy place indeed, for those who visit for the first time or remember the low-tech days when enjoying the park was much simpler, it can be somewhat frustrating and overwhelming.That’s why our Disney family is here to offer some insider tips and sound advice for navigating the park and getting as much out of a visit as possible, along with the not-to-be-missed attractions.When to VisitThough there is no real “off-peak” time of year to visit, planning is essential because there is a vast number of locals who hold annual passes and visit often. The ideal times to enjoy Disneyland best are mid-September through mid-November (before Thanksgiving break), mid-January through mid-March and on Tuesdays through Thursdays. The crowds are less, and you’ll likely find shorter wait times for popular attractions.  Ways to Maximize Your VisitStay in a Disneyland Resort HotelIf you stay in one of Disneyland Resort hotels, you’ll have early access to the park (currently 30 minutes), before it opens to the general public. You’re not only walking distance to the park entrance, but you can knock out some of the top attractions before the crowds build up. But you need to be in line and ready to go the moment the gates open.If you’re not staying in a Disneyland Resort, be sure to get in the Disneyland Park queue early, as the longer the day goes on, the more crowds and extended wait times you’ll experience.Purchase a Lightning Lane Multi-PassIf you do happen to visit Disneyland on a busy day or a day that’s busier than expected, you have the option to purchase a Lightning Lane Multi-Pass. Yes, it’s going to cost you more over and above your already expensive park ticket, but it can ensure you have the opportunity to experience most of the top attractions that day without long wait lines. Current pricing runs about $32 per ticket per day for the upgrade. I highly recommend it to make the most of your 1 day in Disneyland. The main benefit is not standing in a lengthy stand-by line for an attraction, which can be anywhere from 45 minutes to 120 minutes or longer at peak times on a busy day.The Lightning Lane (now called Multi-Pass) allows guests to reserve a time for an attraction within a one-hour window. The caveat is that you can only reserve a particular attraction once a day, but there are many others to choose from and once you enter the one-hour window, you may choose another attraction.It should be noted however, that the absolute newest and most popular attractions are not included on the Multi-Pass. They are however available with an added Lightning Lane Single rider purchase for each ride (prices vary).Is it worth it? It depends how badly you want to get into the attraction and your tolerance for long wait lines.Get to Know the Layout of the ParkIt’s important to understand the layout of Disneyland, especially if this is your first visit or you haven’t been to the expanded park in a long while. Guests enter the park and head straight down Main Street, U.S.A. filled with shops and restaurants. Main Street ends at a circle in front of the castle with spokes leading to other lands. Adventureland and Frontierland can be accessed to the left, Fantasyland directly through Sleeping Beauty Castle and Tomorrowland to the right.New Orleans Square is located behind Adventureland, Mickey’s Toon Town behind Fantasyland and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is accessed through Frontierland.Since you only have time to explore Disneyland in 1 Day, you unfortunately can’t see everything. The age and preference of your family members and friends will determine what attractions you see as top priority, so, we’re listing the most popular (and yes, most in demand) attractions in the park.Don’t Miss these Top Rides & Activities During your 1 Day in DisneylandStar Wars Rise of the ResistanceStar Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is the newest land at Disneyland Park, and typically the newer attractions see the biggest visitor demand.You’ll want to beat feet to this incredibly immersive attraction as soon as you enter the park to access the wait line as early as possible to enjoy the experience of being recruited by The Resistance and battling the villainous First Order aboard a star destroyer. Unfortunately, the complex ride breaks down often, but you may be lucky getting there early.While here, make sure to experience this thrilling interactive smuggling adventure as a pilot, engineer or gunner in a Galaxy, Far, Far Away as part of the Millenium Falcon crew on the Millenium Falcon Smuggler’s Run.Big Thunder Mountain RailroadLocated in Frontierland, this thrilling coaster ride through a haunted gold mine is the “wildest ride in the wilderness.” Ride it during the day, then hop on again after dark for a whole new rip-roaring adventure you’re guaranteed to love.Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki RoomThough there never seems to be much of a queue waiting to get into this attraction in Adventureland, it offers a respite along with a sweet and delightful presentation. A ‘cast’ of over 150 talking, singing and dancing birds and flowers along with a magic fountain and tiki drummers and totem poles that come to life make this a favorite throwback attraction that has never grown old since it first opened in the Disneyland Park in 1963.Pirates of the Caribbean“Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate’s life for me.” You’ll never get that song out of your head after a New Orleans Square ride on a swashbuckling cruise through caves and into Caribbean waters plagued by buccaneer scoundrels. One of the most exciting parts of the cruise is spotting the appearances of the most famous pirate of them all, Johnny Depp, i.e. Captain Jack Sparrow. Fun fact: Did you know that the HMS Surprise, the ship used to film Pirates of the Caribbean, is at the Maritime Museum in San Diego?Haunted MansionThis immensely popular dark ride attraction also located in New Orleans Square takes riders on a spooky tour through a haunted plantation manor filled with ghosts, ghouls and spirits.Guests who visit during October through the end of December will be treated to a frightfully festive haunted transformation inspired by Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas. The Haunted Mansion Holiday complete with Jack Skellington, Sally, Oggie Boogie and Zero is unique to Disneyland only.Space MountainThis indoor, space-themed roller coaster in Tomorrowland opened in May, 1977 as the second coaster in Disneyland Park after Matterhorn Bobsleds.The smooth, thrilling, ride that practically takes place in the complete dark features a race through the cosmos to the edge of the galaxy with drops, sharp bends and other fascinating turns. It’s a thrill for all ages.It’s a Small WorldWe never tire of this precious whimsical boat ride that debuted at the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair. Located in Fantasyland, the song-filled journey via canal traverses the globe. Along the route, a cast of 300 audio-animatronic dolls in authentic national costumes representing children from all over the world sing the timeless classic “It’s a Small World (After All)” in their native tongues. It is a special feel-good moment of global togetherness.Peter Pan’s FlightObviously, the wish of humans to fly has made this attraction the most popular in all of Fantasyland. Though the fantasy area right behind the castle offers other fairy tale attractions like Pinocchio’s Daring Journey and Snow White’s Enchanted Wish, Peter Pan’s Flight always has a wait line. There’s just something about soaring out the window over London to Never, Never Land with the boy who just wouldn’t grow up.Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway RailwayMickey’s Toontown’s animated and colorful neighborhood celebrates Walt Disney’s original characters such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy. Playful attractions all focus on these delightful characters but the most fun and most popular of these is Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway. Climb aboard this runaway train for a zippy, zany and fun adventure through cartoon world. Even the big kids love it!Final Thoughts on a Day in DisneylandWhile Disneyland offers many other attractions and experiences throughout its various lands, we’ve covered the main ones that most visitors hope to check off their wish list.Downloading the Disneyland app will provide the best and most updated information on wait times, ride closures and more. This makes it super easy to adjust your itinerary and make the most of your jam packed Disneyland in 1 Day adventure. But for those who still like to have a paper map in hand, these are available at the gate or at many of the shops throughout the park. How to visit Disneyland in 1 Day was written by Noreen Kompanik for SanDiegoExplorer.com. Last Updated on November 5, 2024 by Maria HaaseThe post How to Visit Disneyland in 1 Day – By A Local appeared first on San Diego Explorer.

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Get Your Spook on at Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld San Diego

It’s not too late to freak yourself out this Halloween season, and if you’re a fan of chills and thrills, you can’t miss out on Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld San Diego.Howl-O Scream combines that thrill rides from SeaWorld and interweaves them with five different haunted houses designed, quite frankly, to scare the bejesus out of you. It’s similar to the way other theme parks like Knott’s Berry Farm transform themselves into something out of your nightmares, but Howl-O-Scream has its own offerings that make it stand out among the pack.How Hall-O-Sceam stands outFor one, a few of the haunted houses come with hidden speakeasies, and they post the password for them on the Howl-O-Scream Instagram stories every day. I’m sure they’re not the only ones in the world who do this, but it’s the only one out of the three of these types of theme park Halloweens I’ve been to that’s done that, so it was a win for me.There’s also the added factor of the rollercoasters being near the water. Staring at the blanket of stars elongated over the ocean sends shivers down my spine just thinking about it. I hadn’t visited SeaWorld prior to this experience, so it was my first opportunity to check out the rides, which I loved.Just one quick thing…The one negative I have, before I go any further, is that they didn’t fully honor our ticket types. Yes, the tickets were complimentary media passes, but they were ones that clearly stated — both on the physical ticket and in the e-mails that delivered them — that they were tickets that included front-of-the-line passes for both the haunted houses and the rollercoasters.After some back-and-forth and some unwillingness to show me what “they saw on their side,” the park eventually honored the front-of-the-line for the haunted houses, but not the rollercoasters. I would have argued more if we had actually paid for the ticket, but it was a little upsetting when it was all clearly stated, and would have been infuriating had I put money into the ticket. In the end, we only wound up going on one rollercoaster because of the wait times, but the one we did get to go on was awesome.Welcome to the Carnival of ChaosI digress, and even though it was a speed bump, it most definitely did not ruin the night. I recommend getting there right at 7, if you’re able, to attend the opening ceremony — or, rather, the opening SCAREmony. The host welcomes you to the Carnival of Chaos, and you get to be there when they unleash the spooks that walk among you.I understand they can’t touch you, but that doesn’t change the creep factor at all. It doesn’t matter if you tell me the chainsaw has no blade. A masked man chasing you with a real chainsaw is still scary. And in this day and age, how is anyone going to promise me he’s not going to snap?That, of course, is all part of the fun. A few of the spooks are actually great to talk to if you’re brave enough to face them head on and crack a joke. We wound up having a great conversation with the host of the Carnival, who gave us a tip on how to find the speakeasy in the Circus of the Damned.I won’t spoil all of the locations for the speakeasies (they’ll list them with the password), but they’re worth checking out, if you can. I also recommend getting the pass they wound up letting us have, the Front Line Fear, because it’s worth it to skip the lines for the haunted houses. They are the main attraction, after all, and the lines for them nearly tripled what we saw for the rides on the night we went.Take a walk through the haunted houses — if you dareMind you, if you wind up going to the Circus of the Damned, be aware that it’s a 3D Maze and it’s terrifying. I wound up running around the corners screaming the password for the speakeasy so much I wound up just getting shown to it. Outside of the Circus, it’s up to you what type of scare you’re looking for in regard to the other houses. They each offer something different and they’re all unique in their own ways.For example, in Simon’s Slaughterhouse, you’ll wind up in a bloody meat-packing maze while chased by butchers with buzz saws. In Area 64: Alien Outbreak, you’ll move through mad scientists and horrifying aliens in one of the darker houses. Over at the Nightmare Experiment, you’ll run around with patients at the botched end of an experiment, with the Doctor running around to find you. There’s also the Death Water Bayou, which might have been the scariest one for me as we faced the curse of the evil Swamp Witch.The scare zones keep you on your toesIn between the haunted houses — which will stick with you, trust me — the spooks also walk around in between locations. If you download the app for the park, it will also hightlight where each of the different “scare zones” are in between the houses. Just in case you’re afraid of dolls, be aware there’s a whole bridge of them (including a live one) that you’ll have to cross through in the Deadly Toys zone. It reminded me of the Island of Dolls in Xochimilco in Mexico City, which is great for the food but up there with the spooks.While you’re at it, be prepared to run as someone chases you in the Graveyard, face the scarecrows in the all-new All Hallow’s Harvest, hang with the vampires in the Red Moon Revelry, and join citizens in their search for the murderous Jack Ripper.Stop for some live entertainment and give your heart a breakOn that latter note with Jack Ripper, that’s actually one of the more fun things about Howl-O Scream. Outside of the scares, they also have live entertainment and “vile vignettes” for you to enjoy while you bring your blood pressure down.Among the shows is the Monster Stomp, which is a “rock and rhythm spectacular” in the Nautilus Ampitheater that explores the “menace and mystery” of Jack the Ripper. It’s the longest show available, so make sure you check for the showtimes so you don’t miss out.In between, the “vile vignettes” are smaller interactions within and between the scare zones for added entertainment. Truthfully, we mostly walked by these, as they’re predominantly just add-ons in the scare zones and outside the haunted houses. They’re still good for the entertainment, but we didn’t stop long enough to really watch any of them (though part of that was because we were afraid things would pop up behind us.)What are you waiting for?In the libations department, they’ve also got plent of specialty drinks, like the “blood” syringe, for those who enjoy a good libation in between all of the madness. Perhaps it will take the edge off, or maybe it’ll make it all that much worse — up to you to decide.Whether you’re seeking a thrilling date night for a family-filled night of scares, you don’t want to miss out on Hall-O-Scream this year. You can grab your tickets at the SeaWorld website, which start at $41.99, or check out Groupon for special deals. They offer discounts for park members, and Howl-O-Scream runs through November 2, 2024.Last Updated on October 29, 2024 by Maria HaaseThe post Get Your Spook on at Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld San Diego appeared first on San Diego Explorer.

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Where to Stay in San Diego – Ultimate Neighborhood Guide by a Local

Best Places To Stay in San Diego for TouristsAre you planning a trip to sunny San Diego and are overwhelmed with the question of where to stay in San Diego? With 1.3 million residents, San Diego claims the title of the second-largest city in California, so choosing one of the best and centrally located San Diego neighborhoods as your home base during your visit is important. Well, you have come to the right place.Greg and I are San Diego locals and we are sharing our best places to stay in San Diego for visitors – including hotel recommendations for each San Diego neighborhood. Whether you are looking for a beautiful beach resort in San Diego, a boutique hotel in La Jolla, a chic hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter, or the best vacation rentals in San Diego, we got you covered. San Diego, California, USA downtown cityscape from Point Loma.Where to Stay in San Diego, California San Diego is a pretty big city, but it is split up into many smaller neighborhoods, which makes it easier to navigate. Each of the San Diego neighborhoods that we recommend to tourists has a unique vibe and feel to them. Depending on your itinerary and personal preferences, we’ll help you find the best place to stay in San Diego. Best San Diego Neighborhoods for VisitorsGaslamp Quarter/Downtown Urban and busy, the center of San Diego is vibrant and offers a lot to locals, tourists, and business travelers alike. The Gaslamp Quarter offers excellent restaurants and nightlife and is within walking distance to the San Diego Convention Center. It is the perfect spot to explore all the things to do in San Diego.If you don’t have a car, we highly recommend you stay downtown, as many attractions are within walking distance and most others can be reached with public transport or a quick shared ride. Main attractions in and near Gaslamp Quarter/Downtown: Balboa Park | San Diego Zoo | USS Midway | Seaport Village | Gaslamp Quarter Nightlife and Restaurants | Petco Park | Convention Center | San Diego Symphony | Bay Cruises | Whale Watching | Cruise Ship Terminal | Maritime Museum | Santa Fe Station | Museum of Contemporary Art | San Diego Children’s MuseumHotel Recommendations Downtown/GaslampUS Grant San Diego | Omni San Diego Hotel | SpringHill Suites Downtown/Bayfront | Horton Grand Hotel Gaslamp Quarter, San DiegoLittle ItalyAs the name suggests, this is San Diego’s Italian quarter. You will find great restaurants, a bustling Farmer’s Market and a fun piazza to hang out with the locals, tasty food at the Little Italy Food Hall and lots more – all within walking distance to many of San Diego’s main attractions. Hotels here are mainly 3 star, small boutique hotels.Little Italy is within walking distance to Downtown/Gaslamp Quarter, so this is another great option if you don’t have a car. There aren’t many top San Diego attractions in Little Italy itself, but since it is within walking distance to Downtown and has a really fun atmosphere, Greg and I think it is a great neighborhood to stay in while you visit San Diego. Read our full guide on Little Italy here>>Main Attractions in Little ItalyPiazza Della Familia | Little Italy Farmer’s Market | Restaurants & Bars | Firehouse Museum | Waterfront Park Hotel Recommendations Little ItalyBest Western Plus Bayside Inn | Urban Boutique Hotel | Porto Vista Hotel | La PensioneOld TownOld Town is the historic part of San Diego, with a strong Wild West vibe. It is often called the birthplace of California and you can definitely still feel it the historic importance. If you are looking for some good Mexican food, Old Town also has some great offers for you. There are over 25 restaurants in just a 1-mile radius. The top attractions in Old Town San Diego are mainly historic in nature. The main sight is the San Diego Old Town State Historic Park – an open-air museum that takes you back to the Wild West of California. Another must is the Whaley House, known as one of the most haunted places in the US. Read our full guide on Old Town here>>Top Sights in Old TownOld Town San Diego State Historic Park | Whaley House | Mexican Food | Seeley Stable Museum | Mason Street School House | Historic Reenactments | Fort Stockton | Old Town Mine | Old Town Ghost TourHotel Recommendations for Old TownCosmopolitan Hotel | Courtyard Marriott Old Town | Best Western Plus Old TownNorth ParkThis is San Diego’s Hipster neighborhood. You’ll find trendy restaurants, taprooms, vintage thrift shops and dive bars galore. There aren’t many tourist attractions in North Park, but you are surrounded by fun eateries, shops, and breweries along 30th Street and Adams Avenue. Balboa Park and the Zoo are just around the corner from North Park and Downtown/Gaslamp Quarter is only about 10 minutes by car. CoronadoWhile technically an independent city, Coronado is a great place to stay, if you are looking for something a little more exclusive and quiet. Don’t stay here if you have a full itinerary that takes you all over the city. There are only three ways to get to Coronado: The Coronado Bay Bride, the loooong detour via the Silverstrand, or the ferry from Downtown. However, the great restaurants, galleries, stunning views of downtown and top-notch hotels still make it one of the top places to stay in San Diego. Top Things to Do in CoronadoTake the San Diego Ferry to Coronado | Coronado Ferry Landing ParkHotel Del Coronado | Centennial Park (great view of Downtown San Diego) Downtown Coronado (Orange Ave) | Coronado Beach/Coronado Dog BeachHotel Recommendations for CoronadoHotel Del Coronado|Coronado Island MarriottRead our full guide on the best Hotels in Coronado hereRead our recommendations on the best vacation rentals in Coronado hereHotel Del Coronado, San DiegoMission Beach/Mission BayIf you are looking for the SoCal beach town vibe, this is the spot. It is the perfect spot for travelers who want to be directly on the water, take surfing lessons, or visit Sea World, while being within a short drive from Downtown, the Airport, and La Jolla. Mission Bay is especially good for families with young children who want access to family-friendly beaches. Solo/couple travelers who are into watersports and beach culture will also enjoy Mission Beach. Things to do in Mission Beach/Mission BaySea World | Beach Walk & Beach | Mission Bay Park | Bellmont Park Roller Coaster | Watersports Activities | Beach VolleyballHotel Recommendations for Mission Beach/Mission BayThe Dana Mission Bay |Hilton San Diego Resort | Blue Sea Beach HotelLa JollaLa Jolla is one of the top choices when deciding on where to stay in San Diego. La Jolla is known for its stunning beaches, gorgeous villas, and glitzy lifestyle. You will also find the beautiful UCSD University campus there as well as the famous Torry Pines golf course and state park, which is one of our favorite hiking spots in San Diego. La Jolla offers excellent dining options, high-end shopping, and more in a laid-back yet sophisticated atmosphere. Take a look at some of the best beach resorts in San Diego, if you want sweeping ocean views and direct beach access. Read our full guide on La Jolla here>>Things to do in La JollaLa Jolla Village | La Jolla Shores | Children’s Pool & La Jolla Cove | Watch La Jolla Seals & Sea Lions | Birch Aquarium | La Jolla Playhouse | Kayaking at La Jolla Caves | Geisel Library | Shell Beach Tide Pools | Snorkeling with leopard sharksHotel Recommendations for La JollaPantai Inn | La Valencia | The Shoal Hotel | Grande Colonial | La Jolla Village LodgeRead our full guide on the best hotels in La Jolla hereLa Jolla – Southern CaliforniaHillcrest/Bankers HillJust north of downtown, this is a great neighborhood if you want to plan to visit the museums in Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo and more. It is a very hip and open-minded community, which hosts the annual San Diego Pride Parade and a great place to hang out. Greg and I used to live in the heart of Hillcrest and we loved it. This is a great neighborhood if you are looking for small eateries, laid back nightlife and an open-minded crowd. It has a very residential feel, lots of green space and is ideally located if you want to be close to, but not in the heart of things. Read our full guide on Hillcrest here>>Best Things to Do in Hillcrest & Bankers HillBalboa Park | San Diego Zoo | Restaurants & Bars | Vintage Thrift Shops Hotel Recommendations for Hillcrest/Bankers HillInn at the Park | Britt Scripps Inn | The Keating HouseOcean BeachSan Diego’s hippie beach town with a super laid-back vibe and fun atmosphere. Cute cafes, surf and smoke shops, local breweries, and a great dog beach make Ocean Beach a fun place to stay in San Diego. Read our full guide on Ocean Beach here>>Top things to do in Ocean BeachBeach & Surfing | Ocean Beach Pier | Cafés and Restaurants | Ocean Beach Dog Beach | Sunset CliffsHotel Recommendations for Ocean BeachThe Inn at Sunset Cliffs | Ocean Villa Inn | USA Hostels Ocean BeachPacific BeachThis is a fun beach town where a lot of college kids live and hang out. There are plenty of bars and nightlife options, restaurants and coffee shops to hang out for you. You are about a 15-20 minute drive from downtown and the main sights of San Diego. Pacific Beach is a popular Spring Break destination and on the weekends, many students like to party along the bars on Grant & Garnett Ave. Best things to do in Pacific BeachBeach & Surfing | Nightlife | Cafés & Restaurants | Pacific Beach PierHotel Recommendations for Pacific BeachTower 23 | Pacific Terrace Hotel | Ocean Park Inn | Beach HavenCrystal Pier in Pacific Beach, San DiegoNorth County Beach TownsFrom Oceanside to Carlsbad, Del Mar, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Solana Beach, and Encinitas, the coastal beach towns of San Diego North County are all very, very charming. Centrally located between San Diego and Los Angeles, this is a great location if you want to be within driving distance of many attractions but don’t want to stay in a big city. Best things to do in Coastal North CountyBeach & Surfing | Legoland | Premium Outlets | Oceanside PierHotel Recommendations for Coastal North CountyDel Mar | Encinitas | Solana Beach | Carlsbad | OceansideRead our full review of the Carlsbad Westin Resort & SpaWhy You Should NOT Stay at Hotel CircleYes, I know, the name sounds promising, but if you are visiting San Diego as a tourist, I would highly recommend you do NOT stay at a Hotel in Hotel Circle. This area in Mission Valley/Fashion Valley has two attractions: Mission Valley Mall and Fashion Valley Mall. Other than that, you will find car dealerships, big box stores, chain restaurants, gated apartment complexes, but not a lot of culture and atmosphere. If you stay there to just sleep, you might be ok, but you won’t get the full San Diego experience. I lived in Mission Valley during college for two years, and except for having the coolest two roommates, I don’t have many fond memories of living there. There are better options in San Diego!Of course, there are many more great neighborhoods in San Diego, but these are the most ideal for visitors. They are within short driving distance to the top San Diego sights and have good hotels and accommodation options as well as restaurants and things to do within walking distance. Where to stay in San Diego was written by San Diego native Maria Haase for San Diego Explorer. Where to Stay in San Diego – Pin for later:Last Updated on October 24, 2024 by Maria HaaseThe post Where to Stay in San Diego – Ultimate Neighborhood Guide by a Local appeared first on San Diego Explorer.

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