Are you looking for the most fun and unique things to do at Disneyland Resort for adults?
Well, look no further!
The Disney Parks are not just kids.
With two impressive theme parks, three resort hotels and the exciting Downtown Disney, there is so much for grown ups to do at Disneyland Resort.
As the park that Walt built, Disneyland Park is overflowing with charm and nostalgia while California Adventure is packed with action and exhilaration.
Today I’m super excited to give you the top 10 best things to do at Disneyland Resort that you can’t miss!
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1. Explore Walt’s Main Street Story Tour
Perfect for lovers of the Disney parks and Disney history, Walt’s Main Street Story Tour allows you to explore Disneyland through Walt’s eyes.
Based on his hometown of Marceline in Missouri, this guided tour of Main Street unlocks the secrets of his vision.
The highlight of the tour is a visit to Walt’s iconic apartment.
Nestled above the Fire Station on Main Street USA, Walt’s apartment was where he retreated to after long park days, spent time with his family sharing his creation and admired his enchanting world.
This is truly on of the most inspiring and magical things for Disney adult fans to do at the park.
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2. Go on an Adventure Star Wars Land
Have you ever wanted to have an epic journey through Star Wars Land at Disneyland?
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is one of the newest land expansion at Disneyland and one of the best things for adults to do at Disneyland.
I love how immersive the land is and when I’m there I always feel like I’m truly in a Land, Far, Far Away…
Here are a few of my favorite must-do’s:
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance: Disney’s most immersive ride is an attraction full of thrills as you try to escape the First Order.
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run: Become the pilot, gunner or engineer of the Millennium Falcon as you enter the cockpit for a journey through space.
- Savi’s Workshop: Build your very own lightsaber and continue the tradition of the Force.
- Droid Depot: Design, build and interact with a droid of your creation.
- Oga’s Cantina: Head to Oga’s Cantina for out-of-this-world cocktails.
- Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo: Indulge in a galactic feast at Docking Bay 7.
- Ronto Roasters: Taste exotic meats from across the galaxy at Ronto Roasters and make sure to try the Ronto Wrap.
- Milk Stand: Sample Batuu’s most iconic drink, Blue Milk.
3. Experience the Opening Day Attractions
While the Disneyland Resort is a destination that is constantly developing, Disneyland Park is still home to some opening day attractions.
Rides that Walt designed and that have been residents of the park since the doors opened in 1955, these opening day attractions are full of nostalgia and represent classic Disney.
There are lots of opening day attractions still in operation at Disneyland Park such as:
- Autopia
- Canal Boats of the World (Storybook Land Canal Boats)
- Explorer’s Boat Ride (Jungle Cruise)
- Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- Snow White’s Adventures (Snow White’s Scary Adventures)
- King Arthur Carrousel
- The iconic Disneyland Railroad
You do not want to miss ANY these incredible attractions so make sure that you hit them up on your Disneyland adult vacation!
4. Create Your Own Disney Food Tour
I know there are a lot of foodies out there so I’ve rounded up some top picks for restaurants at Disneyland.
My recommendation is to also check the menus beforehand and select your own restaurants, creating a specific “foodie tour” that’s personalized for your tastes.
Your Perfect Foodie Tour Itinerary for Disneyland Resort:
- Cozy Cone Motel (Disney California Adventure): Chili Cone Queso that comes with Beef Chili, Cheddar Cheese and Corn Chips served in a Bread Cone
- Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe (Disneyland Park): Jolly Holiday Combo which is a toasted cheese sandwich and a cup of tomato basil soup
- Mint Julep Bar (Disneyland Park): Mickey Mouse Beignet which is a classic New Orleans inspired dessert top it off with the famous Mint Julep drink
- The Plaza Inn (Disneyland Park): Try the fan favorite Fried Chicken
- Lamplight Lounge (Disney California Adventure): Lobster Nachos or the Potato Rolls
- Tangaroa Terrace Tropical Bar and Grill (Disneyland Hotel): Pineapple and coconut-topped French toast
- Blacktap Craft Burgers and Shakes (Downtown Disney): The Cakeshake which comes with vanilla frosted rim with fruity pebbles topped with a fruity pebbles rice krispy treat, strawberry pop-tart, laffy taffy, whipped cream & a cherry
5. Celebrate the Haunted Mansion Holiday
If you time your trip for the last quarter of the year, you can experience the holiday overlay of the classic Haunted Mansion.
This merry makeover is inspired by The Nightmare Before Christmas and is one of the best festive additions to Disneyland.
There is a continuous debate over whether Tim Burton’s movie is a Halloween or a Christmas movie and with the overlay in place from September to January, it is perfectly timed to cover both holidays.
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6. Avengers Campus
The land is themed to the Marvel Cinematic Park Universe and is on the former shared grounds of Stark Industries and the Strategic Scientific Reserve Complex.
Below are some of the things you don’t want to miss:
- Conquer Web Slingers: A Spiderman Adventure: You are invited to WEB’s headquarters for an open house to experience a Tony Stark
- Eat at Pym’s Test Kitchen and Shawarma
- Watch the Incredible Dora Milaje from Black Panther
- Visit the Ancient Sanctum with Dr. Strange
- Check out the incredible Spiderman Stunt Show
- Take a Ride on Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout
7. Indulge in a Delicious Beignet
There is no doubt that a huge part of the Disney experience is the food with Disneyland arguably having the best dishes and snacks of all Disney parks.
New Orleans Square is the go-to dining spot in Disneyland, boasting exquisite Creole cuisine, including mouthwatering beignets.
Available from Mint Julep Bar, beignets are an iconic Disneyland treat that you simply must try.
And I wouldn’t a great Disney expert if I didn’t tell you to pair your beignet with a Mint Julep while you’re at the bar 🙂
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8. Visit Tiana’s Palace
The restaurant was brought to life from the Princess and the Frog film.
Here you can place yourself directly inside of the story where Tiana is bringing her late father’s dream life by creating a restaurant and serving some incredible cooking to all walks of life!
The Food at Tiana’s Palace that You MUST Try are the:
- House Gumbo – Braised chicken, andouille sausage, and heirloom rice
- 7 Greens Gumbo with Chicken & Andouille Sausage – White beans, okra, yams, sweet potatoes and heirloom rice
- Cajun Spiced Half Chicken – brushed with BBQ sauce served with baked macaroni and cheese & coleslaw
- Muffuletta Sandwich – Mortadella, salami, rosemary ham, cheddar, provolone, and house-made olive relish on toasted New Orleans sesame seed bread, served with red beans & rice and house-made pickles
- Beef Po’boy Sandwich – Slow-cooked beef in gravy dressed with shredded lettuce, tomato, pickle, and mayonnaise on a toasted New Orleans French bread, served with red beans & rice and house-made pickles
- Gulf Shrimp and Grits – simmered in creole sauce with cheesy grits
9. Fantasmic!
Set on the Rivers of America, Fantasmic! is a magical show of Characters, projections, storytelling and fireworks.
Here you can join Mickey in dreamland as he takes on villains in this spellbinding nighttime show.
With the help of everyone’s favorite Disney Characters, Mickey’s battle of good and evil is an enchanting evening spectacular that captivates all audiences.
10. Have a Drink a Trader Sam’s
While you’re on your grown up Disneyland vacation, you’re going to want to head over to the Disneyland Hotel.
The easiest way to get there from either park is to walk through the Downtown Disney District.
Here is where you’ll find Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar, which is home to yummy tiki-inspired drinks, zany antics, and a good time.
The bar has limited seating so you might have to wait, but it’s worth it to have a late night drink at the classic Disneyland bar.
A Few of My Favorites Dishes on the Menu at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto
- Tonkotsu Ramen: Rich Pork-based Broth, Wavy Noodles, Pork Belly Slices, Fresh Green Onions, Shiitake Mushrooms, Sambal, Soft-boiled Flavored Egg, and Nori
- Hawaiian Platter: Choice Of Braised Kalbi Beef Short Rib or Teriyaki Chicken Thigh served with Steamed Jasmine Rice, Stir-fried Vegetables, Steamed Baby Bok Choy and Sweet Teriyaki Glaze
- Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Rum: Pyrat XO Reserve Rum, Cream of Coconut, and Pineapple and Orange Juices dusted with Cinnamon and Nutmeg
- HippopotoMai-Tai: Coruba Dark Rum, Bacardi Superior Rum, Orange Curaçao, Orgeat (Almond) Syrup, Agave Nectar and fresh Lime Juice
- Uh-Oa: Plantation Original Dark Rum, Bacardi Superior Rum, Orange, Passion Fruit, Guava, Pineapple, and Grapefruit Juices, Falernum, Cinnamon, and fresh Lime Juice.
11. Play games at Pixar Pier
Fun for all the family, Pixar Pier is an exciting spot where you can play classic boardwalk games.
While you’re there, be sure to enjoy the seaside and funfair attractions with a whimsical Disney twist while taking in the views of Paradise Gardens Park.
Join Wall-E on a space race, Bullseye on a stampede or shoot candy corn into the mouth of a hungry caterpillar from A Bug’s Life.
12. Dine at Carthay Circle Lounge
When it comes to Disneyland dining, one of the best spots is undoubtedly Carthay Circle Restaurant.
This signature dining restaurant in Disney California Adventure is the ultimate dining destination.
Set inside a lavish Golden Age movie palace, Carthay Circle Lounge has a delicious menu of sophisticated cuisine with a selection of incredible, retro cocktails.
Based on a movie theater that was pivotal in Walt Disney’s life, Carthay Circle is full of history and nostalgia while boasting some of the best food on Disney property.
Just be sure to book your dining reservations in advance and the reservations can be hard to get!
Thinking about making a trip out to the Disneyland Resort in California, then be sure to get your Discounted tickets here!
13. Head into The Enchanted Tiki Room with a Dole Whip
Combining one of Disneyland’s most iconic snacks with a classic Disney attraction is a true Disney experience.
Before you go on this attraction, make sure you grab some pineapple soft serve from either The Tiki Juice Bar or The Tropical Hideaway before being serenaded by the charming singing birds.
Whether you enjoy a swirl, float or a classic Dole Whip, this refreshing ice cream sorbet tastes best when accompanied by the sounds of Jose, Michael, Pierre and Fritz.
14. Take an Art Class
If you are in search of unique ways to experience Disneyland, taking an art class is a great way to test your creative flair.
At Animation Academy in Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure, you will learn how to sketch a classic Disney Character and take home your artwork as a souvenir of your trip.
It’s a great activity for all adult travelers and you will learn the secrets of drawing from a Disney animator before visiting the Sorcerer’s Workshop to create your very own Disney animation.
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15. Experience Disneyland’s Seasonal Events
While Disneyland is a magical destination to visit year round, it has an extra touch of sparkle at seasonal events.
The highlight on the calendar is undoubtedly Disneyland’s Oogie Boogie Bash, an after-hours Halloween party bursting with mischievous fun. You can also enjoy:
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Final Thoughts on Planning Your Disneyland Resort Vacation
No matter which time of year you visit Disneyland Resort, there is likely to be a fun-filled and exciting event taking place in at least one, if not both, of the theme parks.
Just make sure you indulge in seasonal treats, limited edition souvenirs, rare Character meet-and-greets, plus, exciting entertainment that is guaranteed to enhance your Disneyland experience.
What’s one of the best things to do at Disneyland for adults? Let us know in the comments section below.
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
Contributors to This Article
About the Author
My name is Nikky. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!
Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.
Connect with me on Instagram!
About the Author
Steph is a UK-based freelance travel writer and theme park enthusiast.
She currently lives in England with her partner and son but is passionate about exploring the world.
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