Disneyland Esplanade - Anaheim (CA)

5 /5 Noir: I had not been to Disneyland for a while and it’s so different and beautiful. So much to do for the whole family. Tickets are pricey, but it’s is an adventure you’ll never forget. I absolutely love it!

3 /5 Andrew Rich: The Disneyland "bag check" zone is a frustrating bottleneck that feels embarrassingly outdated compared to the rest of the park experience. Guests are routinely subjected to excruciatingly long lines, followed by intrusive manual bag searches performed by disinterested, and occasionally rude, staff in safety vests—hardly the warm welcome one might expect from "The Happiest Place on Earth." It’s baffling and frankly inexcusable that Disneyland refuses to implement the same efficient, touchless security technology already in use at Walt Disney World. This clumsy and unpleasant checkpoint sets just about the worst possible first impression for visitors, souring the magic before it even begins.

5 /5 OWN USER888: The Disneyland Esplanade is the open plaza that connects Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure in Anaheim, California. Its a common area where guests pass through when entering either park, purchasing tickets, or using the security checkpoints. Here’s a quick review of the Esplanade experience: Pros: ✔ Iconic Atmosphere – The music playing in the background sets the mood for the day, with classic Disney tunes enhancing the excitement. ✔ Spacious & Well-Organized – Plenty of space for guests to gather, take photos, or wait for others. It also allows for easy movement between the two parks. ✔ Great for Park Hopping – Since the two Disneyland parks are right across from each other, hopping between them is extremely convenient. ✔ Photo Opportunities – You get clear views of the Main Entrance of Disneyland with its floral Mickey and the entrance of Disney California Adventure, making it a great spot for pictures. Cons: ✖ Crowds & Bottlenecks – Especially during peak hours (park opening and closing), it can get congested with guests queuing for tickets, security checks, and entry. ✖ Lack of Seating & Shade – There are few benches and limited shade, which can make waiting uncomfortable on hot days. ✖ Ticket Booth Lines – If you need to buy tickets or fix an issue with your reservation, the wait at the booths can be long. Overall Verdict: The Disneyland Esplanade is a necessary but enjoyable part of the Disney experience. While it can get busy, the energy and anticipation make it a magical start to your adventure. If youre visiting, try to arrive early or during off-peak hours to avoid crowds.

5 /5 Toon Tran: Disneyland Esplanade is the magical gateway that connects the two iconic theme parks — Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park — in Anaheim, California. It’s the first space you step into after passing through the ticket gates, and it truly feels like youre standing on the threshold of dreams. The Esplanade is wide, open, and always buzzing with energy — filled with excited families, Disney music floating through the air, and the anticipation of a day full of wonder. From here, you can see the grand entrances of both parks: Sleeping Beauty Castle peeking in the distance on one side, and the stylish art deco entrance of California Adventure on the other. It’s also where youll find the famous brick pathway with engraved names of Disney fans — a quiet tribute to the community that makes Disneyland special. Whether youre grabbing photos before entering, waiting for friends, or just soaking in the energy of the happiest place on Earth, the Esplanade sets the tone for the adventure ahead.

5 /5 Shawn Boone: Its Disneyland, who doesnt like Disneyland! Lol We went to the Oogie Boogie Bash. It was a warm 90° day but it cooled down at night and the kids could put their Halloween costumes on. Got a lot of candy and got to see a bunch of villains. It was a fun first time experience. We even paid the money to do the dessert party while watching the parade. Probably not something I would do every year unless youre a huge Disneyland lover but I would go back again in a couple years probably to do it again.