Within the Disneyland parks, there are 9 distinct themed lands. While you don’t specifically need to understand each of the themes before your visit, it is helpful to have a basic understanding.
Main Street USA
As you enter the park through the main entrance, you’ll be in Main Street USA. This area of the park is reminiscent of a turn-of-the-century street. It offers shops and restaurants including the popular Emporium gift shop.
Tomorrowland
Tomorrowland is one of my favorite lands in all of Disneyland. This land is focused on our visit of tomorrow from the past. While some of it feels very modern, it’s also very nostalgic.
Fantasyland
Fantasyland is the most magical of the Disneyland lands. If you are visiting Disneyland with small kids (or are a huge Disney fan), this is where you’ll spend a lot of time.
Toontown
Although I don’t have young kids, I love visiting Toontown at Disneyland. I still miss its (much smaller) counterpart at Walt Disney World – Mickey’s Toontown Fair. Toontown offers a few rides and some fun areas for younger kids to explore.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
The newest land at Disneyland, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, is a must-visit, even if you aren’t a Star Wars fan. It’s an immersive land featuring character interactions, rides, shops, and restaurants.
Critter Country
Note that this land, which is unique at Disneyland and doesn’t exist at Walt Disney World, is currently closed for renovation. When it is open, however, the highlight will be Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, which is opening later this year.
Adventureland
This Disneyland land is similar to the same-named version at Walt Disney World. This is the most exotic of the lands and the most exciting. Rides and attractions in Adventureland include the Jungle Cruise and Indiana Jones Adventure.
Frontierland
Frontierland is another Disneyland land with a counterpart at Disney World. Like the WDW version, this Frontierland is reminiscent of the old pioneer days. Some of the attractions in Frontierland are the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and the Mark Twain Riverboat.
New Orleans Square
New Orleans Square is another unique land to Disneyland. Like Critter Country, some enhancements are coming to New Orleans Square, requiring some sections to be temporarily closed. Popular rides include Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion (currently closed). Read more about the 9 Disneyland Lands in our post.