5 Things I Miss Most at Disneyland

It’s been almost a year since The Happiest Place on Earth closed its doors due to the coronavirus pandemic. With the good news that it may be opening again soon, I thought what better way to celebrate than to talk about some of the things I’m looking forward to most when I’m able to go back.

1. Walking Down Main Street

There’s nothing better than when you arrive for a day at the park and are greeted by Main Street, USA. The smell of popcorn and churros wafting around you from nearby carts, the slow chugging sound of the Disneyland Railroad as it pulls into the station and the announcer shouting “All Aboard!” and, of course, Sleeping Beauty Castle glittering in pink and blue at the end of the street. The excitement and magic in that moment never gets old. Honestly, it’s crazy how the smallest things are truly what makes the whole experience so amazing.

2. Ronto Wrap at Ronto Roasters

OK, I know you might be thinking, this is just a hot dog wrapped in pita bread — why don’t you just make it at home? Listen, you’re right. I probably could do that. But, just like everything else, it wouldn’t be the same. Also they put that amazing, tangy slaw on top and I just know I wouldn’t be able to do it justice. If anyone has a recipe I can try, I am more than happy to! But I think I should leave this one to the pros.

3. World of Color

My favorite show at Disneyland! Yes, I love Fantasmic too. There’s just something about this show that’s so special to me. I don’t know if it’s because I went for my birthday in June 2010 and it just happened to be opening night. We stood in the front row and when those multi-colored fountains shot up in the air, my jaw dropped. (We also got soaking wet, so fyi don’t stand in the front unless you’re prepared for that.) Whatever the reason, I can’t wait to be able to watch this show again.

4. Indiana Jones

I didn’t realize how much I missed this ride until recently, but I think it is probably my favorite ride at the park. There’s just something so unique and special about it. The fact that there is no other ride exactly like it at any other park (the closest being Dinosaur at Disney’s Animal Kingdom) makes it feel like a can’t miss. Did you even go to Disneyland if you didn’t ride this ride?

My honorable mention here has to be the Matterhorn, which is basically tied with Indy for my favorite ride or comes in close second. This is another classic attraction that you can’t find anywhere else. So again I’ll ask did you even go to Disneyland if you didn’t ride this ride?

5. Chicken Sandwich à la Lumière

I’m putting this in here 1. because it is really good and 2. it’s the closest thing I can get to the chicken sandwich I actually miss the most, but disappeared long before the park closure.

The sandwich I would love to come back more than anything is the Jedi Order Chicken Sandwich from Galactic Grill in Tomorrowland. It had five spiced chicken, fried green beans (which is the only part I didn’t like), pickled red onions, watercress, and wasabi mayo. It was amazing! The wasabi mayo wasn’t too spicy, but had just the right about of kick. All the flavors blended together so well. I was always so impressed that I was eating something so unique at a theme park. I will never get over it and I’ve never found anything like it again. Well, until the chicken sandwich I listed above showed up.

The Chicken Sandwich à la Lumière is grilled chicken breast, apple slaw, onion-bacon jam, and fried cherry peppers on a toasted roll. It’s not the same, but it’s just good enough to make me happy.

Honorable Mentions

Alcoholic Beverages

You know I couldn’t leave out all the amazing drinks that can be found around the Resort. From Trader Sam’s to Lamplight Lounge to Oga’s Cantina. All of these places have some of the most amazing drinks. Two of my favorites are the Neverland Tea from Lamplight Lounge and the Takodana Quencher from Oga’s Cantina. Both of these are secret menu items, so they won’t be listed on the menu. But trust me, they’re worth it. I can’t wait to be able to have them again and also try some new drinks that I maybe wouldn’t have before all of this happened.

EVERYTHING ELSE

I honestly just miss the whole experience! There are so many good rides, shows, and dining that I keep remembering while writing this list. I could make this post pages and pages long and it still wouldn’t fit everything. Incredicoaster, Radiator Springs Racers, Popcorn, The Tropical Hideaway, New Orleans Square, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and The Grand Canyon/Primeval World on the Disneyland Railroad, just to name a few! I can’t wait to be able to see it all again. Fingers crossed we don’t have to wait too much longer.

What do you miss most? Let me know in the comments and tell me what you are looking forward to doing first!