Disneyland 2022 - Day 2

Day 2 started off early in the morning inside Disneyland exploring the new Star Wars themed area. Here, we queued up for the new Star Wars, rise of the resistance ride. The ride is one of the more popular attractions at the park, with a long queue all day. The only way to bypass this long line is to pay $20 a person for a lightning lane reservation through the new ride reservation app system ‘Genie+’ the parks have implemented. Although confusing as a concept at first, the new reservation system is a definite must if you are visiting the parks nowadays. Using the app efficiently will save you hours waiting in lines.

The new rise of the resistance ride has become my favorite ride at both parks. The ride is the first trackless attraction at Disneyland, meaning the ride uses AI robotics to move around a predetermined path instead of using physical wheels on tracks, akin to roomba. This frees up the ride to a nonlinear path, making the ride feel expanse and unpredictable.

Oga’s Cantina

It’s a small world

Assorted shots around the park

Disneyland 2022 - Day 1

We took a trip down to Los Angeles during Thanksgiving week to visit friends and Disneyland. The last time I had gone to Disneyland was in 2012. I was excited to see all the new additions to the park, as well as the holiday theme, as I have never visited during the holiday season.

Solvang, California

On the way down, we stopped to see Solvang, California, a small danish town with unique architecture, shops, and wineries.

Downtown Disney

We met up with some of our local friends to hang out at downtown Disney, a shopping and food plaza adjacent to the Disney and California Adventure parks. Downtown Disney is a gateway to Disney hotels, trains that transport guests to the Disney parking lot, and many Disney related stores and restaurants. It feels like an extension of the parks, except it is free to enter.

Trader Sam’s

A tiki bar serving cocktails and island food.

Star Wars Trading Post

Day one at Disneyland started early at 8:00 AM when the parks opened. We had 2-day park hopper tickets to maximize our time between the two parks. We opted to start with California Adventure on Sunday, hoping Disneyland would be a little less crowded on Monday. Our first ride of the day was spider-man’s web slinger in the new Avenger’s Campus. As an adult, I could better appreciate the attention to detail that goes into each attraction.

Pym’s Test Kitchen

An Ant-Man inspired restaurant serving small snacks and drinks

Guardians of the Galaxy, Mission: Breakout

Previously the Tower of Terror, the tall free-fall elevator based attraction is now themed around the Guardians of the Galaxy.

Lamplight Lounge

We got lunch at the lamplight lounge, a sit down restaurant that could be easily missed, nestled next to the water with views of the Incredicoaster and Ferris Wheel.

The theme parks transform into a lively a cozy atmosphere at night, with Christmas lights and decorations lit up all around the grounds.

Naples

After a long day at the park, we ended the night eating pasta and pizza at Naples in Downtown Disney.