Claim to fame

Being the Happiest Place on Earth surely covers it. Yet Disneyland and adjoining theme park, Disney California Adventure Park, ensure patrons stay happy by continuing to expand. In the latter, check out Cars Land, inspired by 2006’s animated Pixar hit and brand-new this summer. Or view the nighttime, music-driven World of Color display, depicting classic Disney moments amid fog, fountains and fire.

Thrills for teens

Both parks deliver terrific—if not totally terrifying—adrenaline kicks. In Disneyland, the Indiana Jones Adventure and Space Mountain merit lining up for. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and California Screamin’ roller coaster leave California Adventure Park visitors gasping.

Fun for wee ones

Introduced last year, The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Undersea Adventure is like It’s a Small World for the new millennium. Hop into a giant clamshell and travel through scenes featuring animatronic film characters, including Sebastian the Jamaican crab. The joyfully psychedelic centrepiece offers a big “Under the Sea” sing-along.