Not everyone visits Disneyland® Resort for the thrills. Whether you’re traveling with little ones, grandparents, first-time visitors, or anyone who prefers a slower pace, there are plenty of ways to experience the magic without stepping onto major rides.
From live entertainment and character meet-and-greets to themed dining, shopping, nighttime spectaculars, and special anniversary experiences, Disneyland® Resort is full of memorable moments beyond the ride.
As a Disneyland® Resort Good Neighbor Hotel, Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel welcomes countless guests who ask us: “What are the best things to do at Disneyland® Resort besides the rides?”
We’re here to share over 20 favorite experiences that are timeless, magical, and perfect for every Disney fan.
1. The Dapper Dans
This classic barbershop quartet brings old-fashioned charm to Main Street, U.S.A. Dressed in colorful pinstripes and straw hats, The Dapper Dans harmonize to Disney favorites like “When You Wish Upon a Star” and “Goodbye, My Coney Island Baby.”
Hotel tip: You can easily catch their performance after a relaxing morning breakfast at the Garden Court Bistro before hopping on our Dream Machine Shuttle to Disneyland® Park.
2. Silhouette Studio
If you’re looking for a magical keepsake to remember your date night, birthday, or vacation at Disneyland® Resort, the Silhouette Studio is a must-stop location for you and your loved ones!
Watch as artists create a silhouette photo at an impressive rate of 90 seconds per portrait.
The studio is located on Main Street in the park.
3. Paint the Night Parade
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One of the most exciting returning favorites at Disneyland® Resort is Paint the Night Parade, a glowing nighttime spectacular created for the Disneyland® Resort 70th Celebration. This high-energy spectacle features more than a million LED lights, beloved Disney and Pixar characters, and an upbeat soundtrack that transforms Main Street, U.S.A. into a glowing dreamscape.
You’ll see favorites like Lightning McQueen, Belle, and Mickey Mouse in a vibrant display of light and color that’s truly unforgettable. The parade will run through summer 2026 before taking a brief pause during the holiday season.
Tip: Arrive early to claim a viewing spot along Main Street, U.S.A., or near “it’s a small world” for an up-close look at this illuminating celebration of Disney magic.
4. Fireworks & Nighttime Spectaculars
No visit is complete without watching the night sky light up over Sleeping Beauty Castle. Seasonal fireworks shows like “Wondrous Journeys” or “Believe… In Holiday Magic” are truly unforgettable.
Viewing spots: In front of Sleeping Beauty Castle, Main Street, U.S.A., or along the Rivers of America in Frontierland.
Pro tip: Want to skip the crowds on the way out? Head back to Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel a little early and enjoy the fireworks from the hotel’s pool deck or upper parking lot. Here are two of the best off-site firework viewing spots near Disneyland® Resort. It’s the perfect way to end the night with a little extra breathing room (and maybe a warm drink from the Garden Court Bistro & Bar).
5. Sleeping Beauty’s Castle Walkthrough
Step inside Sleeping Beauty Castle and experience Aurora’s story through intricate dioramas and magical effects. This self-paced walkthrough lets you explore the park’s fairy tale heart, no line, no rush.
6. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
Let the Fairy Godmother Apprentices work their magic! At Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, kids ages 3–12 can become princes or princesses with hairstyling, costumes, and accessories.
This experience is especially popular during holidays, school breaks, and summer travel dates, so reservations are highly recommended. If this is on your must-do list, book as early as possible and build your day around the appointment time.
7. Character Meet & Greets
Meeting beloved characters is one of the most magical parts of any visit. From Mickey and Minnie on Main Street, U.S.A. to Princesses at Royal Hall in Fantasyland or Super Heroes in Avengers Campus, there’s always someone waiting to say hello and take a photo.
Character appearances can vary throughout the day, so the Disneyland® app is your best friend here. Check appearance times, locations, and any special seasonal opportunities before you start your character hunt.
8. Storytelling at the Royal Theatre
Step into the Royal Theatre in Fantasyland for live, comedic retellings of Disney classics like Beauty and the Beast and Tangled. With playful performers and plenty of laughs, this 25-minute show is perfect for all ages.
9. Fantasmic!
When night falls, Fantasmic! transforms the Rivers of America into a stage for Mickey Mouse’s dream-fueled imagination. This spectacular features fireworks, fountains, and beloved characters battling villains from The Lion King, Aladdin, and Pirates of the Caribbean.
Note: Check performance dates for Fantasmic! runs seasonally.
10. Avengers Campus Encounters
At Disney California Adventure® Park, immerse yourself in the action at Avengers Headquarters. You might catch Spider-Man swinging overhead, watch Doctor Strange perform mystic arts, or see the Dora Milaje demonstrate Wakandan combat training.
This area is a must-visit for Marvel fans—no thrill ride required!
11. Mickey’s Toontown Play Spaces
The reimagined Mickey’s Toontown offers new sensory-friendly zones for kids and adults alike to relax, explore, and play.
Highlights include:
- CenTOONial Park: Musical fountains and open green space.
- Minnie’s House: Whimsical rooms full of interactive details.
- Donald’s Duck Pond: A water play area that’s a splash hit with younger guests.
12. Live Music & Street Performers
Beyond The Dapper Dans, Disneyland® Resort hosts a variety of live music, from the Disneyland Band to the Royal Street Bachelors in New Orleans Square. These talented performers add unexpected magic throughout the day.
Don’t rush past the music, stop and enjoy the atmosphere!
13. Games of Pixar Pier
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Head to Disney California Adventure® Park for carnival-style games inspired by Toy Story, WALL•E, and other Pixar favorites. These classic midway-style attractions offer a fun break between shows and snacks.
14. Shopping & Themed Dining
From classic souvenirs at Emporium and World of Disney® to themed dining at Plaza Inn or Lamplight Lounge, shopping and eating are half the fun at Disneyland® Resort.
Insider tip: Guests of Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel can pre-purchase park tickets directly on our website—so you can spend more time exploring and less time waiting in line.
15. Walt’s Main Street Story Tour
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Explore the park through Walt Disney’s eyes on this guided tour of Main Street, U.S.A., complete with behind-the-scenes stories and a peek inside Walt’s legendary apartment.
This 90-minute experience offers a fascinating glimpse into the park’s history and Walt’s personal connection to its design.
16. Bluey’s Best Day Ever!
Families with little ones will want to add Bluey’s Best Day Ever! to their must-do list at Disneyland® Park. This interactive live experience brings Bluey, Bingo, music, games, and plenty of giggles together in Fantasyland for a sweet break from the go-go-go pace of the parks.
It’s especially great if your crew needs a sit-down moment that still feels exciting for kids. Come early, check the Disneyland® app for showtimes, and plan a snack stop nearby before or after the fun.
17. Tapestry of Happiness
For a nighttime moment that feels a little more relaxed than fireworks crowds, look for Tapestry of Happiness at Disneyland® Park. This colorful projection lights up the “it’s a small world” façade with music, memories, and a joyful tribute to 70 years of Disneyland® Resort magic.
It’s a beautiful option for guests who want a dazzling evening experience without committing to a long wait for a parade or fireworks viewing spot. Plus, the “it’s a small world” area can sometimes feel a bit easier to navigate than Main Street, U.S.A. at peak nighttime crowd levels.
Tip: Check the Disneyland® app for current showtimes, then build your evening around it. A slower-paced nighttime show is basically theme park self-care, and honestly, we support that.
18. The Disney Gallery
Art lovers, history buffs, and anyone who likes a quieter corner of the park should make time for The Disney Gallery. This Main Street, U.S.A. stop offers rotating exhibits, artwork, and historical pieces that celebrate the creativity behind Disneyland® Park.
It’s the kind of experience that is easy to walk past when you’re rushing to your next reservation, but it’s worth slowing down for. You’ll find details, stories, and design inspiration that give the park a whole new layer of meaning.
19. Main Street Cinema
Need a cool, low-key break that still feels perfectly classic? Step inside Main Street Cinema at Disneyland® Park. This vintage-style movie theater gives guests a chance to pause and enjoy Disney animation history right in the heart of Main Street, U.S.A.
It’s a small stop, but that’s the charm. You can pop in between bigger plans, give your feet a moment to recover, and enjoy a piece of Disney nostalgia without a long wait or complicated schedule.
This is a great add-on for grandparents, film fans, or anyone who appreciates the original spirit of Disneyland® Park. Sometimes the best park moments are the quiet ones you didn’t plan. Funny how that works.
20. World of Color Happiness!
Over at Disney California Adventure® Park, World of Color Happiness! brings fountains, music, lights, lasers, and familiar Disney and Pixar moments together in a nighttime spectacular on Paradise Bay.
This is a wonderful non-ride experience for guests who want a big emotional finale to their park day. It’s colorful, upbeat, and a great option for families, couples, and anyone who enjoys ending the night with a little wow factor.
Tip: Check the Disneyland® app for current showtimes and viewing details. For an easier evening, plan dinner before the show and give yourself enough time to find a good spot. Future you, the one not speed-walking with a churro in hand, will be grateful.
21. Tiana’s Palace
Dining can be just as memorable as the attractions, and Tiana’s Palace at Disneyland® Park is a delicious example. Located in New Orleans Square, this quick-service restaurant serves up Southern-inspired flavors with a lively atmosphere inspired by The Princess and the Frog.
It’s a great stop for guests who want a themed dining experience without booking a table-service reservation. The setting is beautiful, the menu is flavorful, and the location makes it easy to pair with exploring New Orleans Square, catching live music, or enjoying a slower afternoon in the park.
22. 70th Anniversary Guided Tour
For guests who love behind-the-scenes stories, the 70th Anniversary Guided Tour is a special way to experience Disneyland® Park during this milestone celebration. It gives visitors a deeper look at the history, details, and memories that have shaped Disneyland® Resort over the years.
This is a great option for repeat visitors, Disney history fans, or anyone celebrating a special occasion. Tours can book up, so check availability early and confirm current details before your visit.
Stay Close to the Magic at Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel
After a full day of non-ride fun at Disneyland® Resort, return to the storybook comfort of Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel.
- Spacious guest rooms (nearly 500 sq. ft.)
- Free Dream Machine Shuttle to and from Disneyland® Resort
- On-site dining at Hanagi Japanese Restaurant and the Garden Court Bistro
- Family-friendly atmosphere and castle-inspired décor
Whether you’re relaxing after fireworks or planning tomorrow’s adventure, Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel is your convenient, castle-style retreat just minutes from Disneyland® Resort.
Book your stay today and make every moment of your Disneyland® Resort visit magical, rides or no rides.