Hello there, Lance, and welcome to planDisney!
Thank you so much for your question and your devotion to Disneyland Park since the mid 1960s! I consider myself a bit of a relic because I've been going to the Park since the early 1970s, so I too appreciate the Park's history and my Park visiting habits have definitely changed since I was a child. With my motion sickness worsening as I age, no more ultra thrill rides!
When you purchase a
Theme Park Ticket for admission to Disneyland Park and/or Disney California Adventure, it is an all-inclusive ticket which entitles the buyer to all the attractions, shows, entertainment, and experiences found within. There is no lower ticket tier for Guests who opt not to experience any attractions or rides. However, I would urge you to look beyond just the rides and see how much the Disneyland Resort has evolved in the past 40 years. The thing I've always loved about Disney is how skillful they are at the art of illusion and being able to fully immerse you in their story. Where else can I go from a sunny Southern California day to entering a building and suddenly feeling like I'm about to have an evening meal on the patio of a Louisiana plantation as boats slowly drift by with Guests about to go on a Pirate adventure?
The Disneyland Resort has redefined itself as a Foodie destination as well. Just check out some of the Foodie Guides on
Disney Eats at the Disney Parks Blog. Menu choices and selections have truly expanded to cover a variety of palates and tastes. I remember a time when I took my younger siblings to Disneyland Park and their kids' meals were limited to chicken nuggets and burgers. Nowadays, the available selections are so much wider and some of the dishes are truly inspired!
Pixar Fest will be going on over your visit, so consider watching Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular. There will be new scenes included this year and you'll get to see fireworks on select nights. There's nothing quite like a show over Sleeping Beauty Castle!
There's so much more to the Parks than just rides and if you truly look around and appreciate what the Imagineers have achieved, the value of that ticket will become apparent. I hope that you have a truly memorable and magical visit to the Disneyland Resort!
Lance, thanks again for your question and allowing me to wax poetic and reminisce about Disneyland Park's history. Please feel free to write again anytime you have more questions for us. You're always welcome at planDisney and we'd love to hear from you!
Wishing You a Great, Big, Beautiful Tomorrow!
-Al