The Disneyland you visited as a child has changed. It's bigger, it's better and there's way more to see, do, eat and drink. But if you are worried Disneyland has changed too much, don't fret. Walt Disney's original "Happiest Place on Earth" remains intact with all of the magic, rides, characters, creativity and family fun.

The history of Disneyland is legend. In 1955, famed animation pioneer Walt Disney decided to create his fantasy theme park right here in Anaheim, among its then-rural orange groves. The land was cheap, the area was growing and families came from hundreds of miles to experience a family outing in an entirely new way.

From opening day on July 17, 1955, Disneyland has been a great success. Why? Simply because Walt Disney's vision of his animated films come to life is so fascinating and so much fun. Who can resist walking down quaint turn-of-the-century Main Street, taking a ride on Pirates of the Caribbean or shaking Mickey Mouse's hand?

For decades, Disneyland was the only game in town. Today, these 150-plus acres in Anaheim are known as The Disneyland Resort. Disneyland itself has not expanded much, but there's now an adjacent second park, California Adventure, as well as Downtown Disney, an entertainment district with a bustling "city walk" vibe open to the public with no admission fee.

And Anaheim itself has grown into a rather metropolitan district with its world-class Edison Field (home of the Angels baseball team) and Honda Center (home to hockey's Mighty Ducks.) Orange County, where Anaheim is centered, is also a tourist attraction unto itself with its charming beachside towns, cool surf culture, biotech industry and busy Anaheim Convention Center, which is located directly across from Disney's California Adventure theme park.

The very best way to experience The Disneyland Resort is to stay at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. This Craftsman-style resort overlooks California Adventure and sits in the middle of lively Downtown Disney. Even if you are not staying at the hotel, make a quick trip into the cavernous lobby with its Mission-style furniture, heavy wood beams and Tiffany-style lamps. You can even sit in a rocking chair and put your feet up on the massive stone hearth by a flaming fire.

Just a block or so away from The Grand Californian are Disney's two other park hotels: The original Disneyland Hotel and Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel. Both properties are close by, comfortable and cater to families as well as fun-loving business travelers.

For less expensive accommodations that are still near the parks, try The Anabella, The Anabella, Sheraton Park Hotel, Embassy Suites Hotel Anaheim—North, Anaheim Fairfield Inn by Marriott and Candy Cane Inn.

One of Anaheim's most eclectic spots is Hotel Menage. Once a '70s-era motel, Hotel Menage is now a happening boutique hotel with a hip pool area, modern furnishings and K'ya, its contemporary restaurant with thoroughly modern décor.

It's best to plan an entire day at Disneyland and another full day at California Adventure. We recommend buying the two-day "hopper" tickets, which allow you unlimited access to both parks for a discounted price.

Before you hit the sheets for a long day at Disneyland, you may want to check Disneyland's official website (www.disneyland.com) for tomorrow's special events, parade times, entertainment schedules, ride closures and other general information.

Also, you may want to think ahead about using FASTPASS. If you arrive at your favorite ride and find the wait time is outrageously long, you insert your admission ticket into the FASTPASS machine for a time stamp. Then, you return later to the special FASTPASS line, which is usually rather short. Actually, this system gives you more time to explore each "land," to plan spontaneous trips to performances and take necessary bathroom, food and beverage breaks.

DAY 1

Consider starting the day early or late as mid morning—9 a.m.-11 a.m.—is the busiest time and the entrance is packed. Some early risers get in line a half hour or so before opening so they can eat breakfast with Minnie Mouse and her many character friends at Main Street's Plaza Inn. Or, try the Mickey Mouse-shaped pancakes at River Belle Terrace, which sits at the intersection of Frontierland and New Orleans Square.

The Haunted House

If you get off to a late start, you may want to stop for a quick breakfast in Downtown Disney either at Catal Restaurant & Uva Bar or La Brea Bakery & Café. Some start the day with breakfast at a Character Buffet, where kids mingle with Disney characters. Other good options include Storyteller's Café at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel, PCH Grill at Paradise Pier Hotel or Goofy's Kitchen at The Disneyland Hotel.

Once you have passed through security, forged through the crowds, bought your ticket and walked into the park, take a deep breath. You have arrived as a welcome guest in Walt Disney's dream come true!

Everyone strolls down Main Street as the key to getting into Disneyland's other "lands." Even though Main Street doesn't have any rides per se, don't be so hasty to rush past this turn-of-the-century re-creation of a two-horse downtown thoroughfare circa 1890. Some of Disneyland's best shopping is inside The Emporium where you can find warm clothing, souvenirs and all sorts of Disney paraphernalia.

Some families have a tradition of sitting down for an old-fashioned sundae at Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor, or buy ing some specialty sweets at Candy Palace. Others are tempted to grab a hot dog and soda at Refreshment Corner while listening to a Tin Pan Alley pianist or Dixieland-style jazz band.

Main Street is also the best place to view any of Disney's spectacular parades. Parade-goers start sitting on their slice of Main Street sidewalk up to two hours in advance of the parade, and only those directly on the curb can actually sit down. It is possible to save a few seats for friends and relatives, so you can plan to take on parade duty in shifts and still enjoy some nearby attractions in Tomorrowland and Adventureland.

As you walk down Main Street, Disney's famous white-and-blue Sleeping Beauty's Castle rises up to greet you in its royal splendor. After crossing the castle's moat, complete with white swans and a singing wishing well, you have arrived in Fantasyland.

The castle's interior is cool and dark, but then a huge and elaborate carousel with bejeweled white horses is turning round just beyond. Fantasyland is for the littlest of children, although there are some more scary rides for the older ones such as Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, Mad Tea Party, Peter Pan's Flight and Dumbo the Flying Elephant.

The sleepy, but fun-for-little-ones Small World is here, too, along with the very adult Matterhorn Bobsled rollercoaster. In recent years, Disney has built a stage in the back of Fantasyland that hosts the popular Disney Princess Fantasy Faire, an interactive photo opportunity session with some of Disney's most beloved royalty.

Go for a spin on the Mad Tea Party

Perhaps the best place in the park for young children is Mickey's Toontown. The outrageously lopsided and colorful buildings here are homes to Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Guests stroll inside Mickey's living room, kitchen and bedroom, and finally get to meet Mickey in person and take a picture in his cool screening room.

If you want to go straight to more grown-up action, then turn right on Main Street towards Tomorrowland. The big rollercoaster thrill ride here is Space Mountain. This lightning-fast ride with a Star Wars-like theme has been renovated in recent years with more speed and greater technology.

The newest attraction in Tomorrowland is Finding Nemo: Submarine Adventure. The old and dated submarine voyage ride has been replaced with a Nemo-themed underwater quest with colorful reefs, Nemo, his father Marlin and even an exploding volcano, as a throwback to the original ride. Gamers love the Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters ride as you spin in "star cruisers" and blast at the Evil Emperor Zurg to rack up points.

Just to the left of Main Street is Adventureland, Frontierland and New Orleans Square just beyond. All three lands are built around Walt's manmade riverfront with its scenic view of Tom Sawyer's Island, along with real canoe rides, a huge white paddle boat and waterfront restaurants and rides.

Adventureland is best known for the scary Indiana Jones Adventure, easy-going Jungle Boat Cruise and sit-down Enchanted Tiki Room, where animatronic birds talk and sing.

Frontierland is home to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, a thrilling rollercoaster with a precarious mining theme. This is also the docking site for the Mark Twain River Boat ride, which actually gives you a good on-the-water glimpse of what these parts of Disneyland offer.

New Orleans Square is perhaps Disneyland's prettiest piece of real estate. Pirates of the Caribbean, which as been one of the park's most popular rides for several decades, has been renovated to reflect more imagery from Disney's wildly successful films of the same name. This must-do ride even has a casual, yet rather fine restaurant inside its Bayou-themed walls. The Blue Bayou, the only restaurant in the park accepting reservations, is a dining adventure with a Southern-themed menu and unrivaled swampy ambience complete with fake fireflies. Also, don't miss The Haunted Mansion, a not-too-scary ride with some goofy moments, cool technology and a toe-tapping soundtrack.

Meet your favorite characters

When thinking about eating at Disneyland, remember this place is expensive. The fast food choices can do the least damage to your budget, but then you'll be eating so-so burgers, hot dogs, pizza, chicken fingers, fries and sodas. Some of the buffet-like meals at such places as Plaza Inn and French Market Restaurant make for a more substantial meal and the price is somewhat reasonable.

Also, it's now possible to leave Disneyland altogether for a long meal at one of Downtown Disney's more gourmet eateries such as Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen, Catal and Naples. Don't want to miss the game? You can throw back a brew and eat a steak at ESPN Zone while watching the action on huge TV screens.

Getting away from the park and the crowds can be necessary for your nerves. We recommend the ultimate relaxation of a fine dinner. Truly the best meal in the park can be had at Napa Rose. Located inside Disney's Grand Californian Hotel, Napa Rose is headed by award-winning executive chef Andrew Sutton and general manager Michael Jordan, who holds the rank of Master Sommelier.

If you can still stand up after walking all day and then drinking some of California's best wines, go back into Disneyland at night with no set plans except to take in the scenery without the crowds and to enjoy the nightly fireworks display and its accompanying killer soundtrack.

Continue to Day 2