In last place on our list is Mickey’s Toontown. Opened in 1993, the land is based heavily on the 1988 Touchstone Pictures film Who Framed Roger Rabbit. And its centerpiece attraction, Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin, is a fantastic dark ride that is also based on this movie. Beyond this attraction (which is a decent enough dark ride), the rest of the land is really just a very well-done kid’s area. There are a few rides and walk-throughs, but these are all geared toward the toddler set. There is no table service or counter service restaurant to speak of at all. The theming is fun – often times even charming – but the substance is lacking. This will all change drastically when Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway debuts in the coming years, as that attraction will give the land the true headliner it’s always needed. But today, it’s by far the least impressive of all of Disneyland’s lands – and it’s at the bottom of the pack.

In eighth place is the land that has unquestionably been changed and altered the most during its existence – and unfortunately most of those modifications have not been for the better. Tomorrowland was once a vision of the future – inspiring, optimistic, even educational. Today, it’s a mish-mash of different themes – many of which have little or nothing to do with its original mission statement. Autopia is dated, smelly, and fun for only those who have yet to get a driver’s license. Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage is underwhelming and has nothing to do with the future. Even Star Wars Launch Bay is based on “a long time ago”. And don’t get us started on the Peoplemover/Rocket Rods track, which has been empty for over two decades. Yes, there are a couple of true gems here – Space Mountain is fantastic, and Star Tours: The Adventures Continue has enough variation to keep it interesting each time. But there is just so much wasted opportunity. Add to this the fact that entertainment is almost non existent, and the food options are among the worst in the park, and it becomes very clear why Tomorrowland ranks so low. It needs a complete overhaul, and until that happens, the land of the future is going nowhere fast.

To be clear, Critter Country is a fun and immersive land. It really does convincingly transport visitors to a back-woodsy area that is well isolated from the lands that butt up against it. The star here of course is the legendary Splash Mountain flume ride, and there’s no denying this headliner and its stellar status among Disneyland’s best attractions. The land is complimented by The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, and Davey Crockett’s Explorer Canoes – both of which are a decent supporting cast. The Hungry Bear Restaurant is not half bad, and Pooh’s Corner is our personal favorite bakery at the entire resort (sorry Main Street!). The problem with this land is how truly small it is, and its lack of entertainment or dining options. And that’s really not its fault – Critter Country began its life as the Indian Village area, and really was never given a proper footprint when compared to the other lands in this park. As a result, it is a great little area, but can’t hold its own with the leaders of the pack, and seventh place is as good as it can do.

The entry land of the park comes in at sixth place on our list. Main Street USA is at a bit of a disadvantage as it was never meant to be much more than an opening act – albeit a fantastic one. The details and theming here are plentiful, transporting visitors to a bygone era, inspired by Walt’s childhood town of Marceline, Missouri. The vehicles, both horse-drawn and motorized, add a fantastic kinetic energy, and the Dapper Dans, bands, and other impromptu entertainment can’t be beat. The shopping options are among the best in the resort, with an unmatched variety of offerings. Food-wise, there’s no denying a meal at the Carnation Café, or even the Plaza Restaurant. Attractions are anchored by the Disneyland Railroad, which departs from its primary station perched over Town Square. And Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln remains a classic – if a bit dated. There are also several nods to the great Walt Disney himself, including the Partners statue in the hub, as well as his personal apartment in the second story of the Fire Station. It may be lacking any e-ticket attractions, but Main Street USA is a wonderful way to start – and end – any day at Disneyland Park.

The largest land at Disneyland Park is Frontierland, and it’s easy to spend several hours exploring its offerings. The land is anchored by a fantastic version of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and it has several great vantage points both on and off ride. The Rivers of America are a major attraction here as well, with both the Mark Twain and Sailing Ship Columbia making the journey regularly through a wonderful themed water way full of sights, sounds, and immersive theming. Central to these waters is Tom Sawyer Island, which houses a myriad of trails, caves, and pathways to explore. Food in Frontierland is anchored by Racho del Zocala – one of Disney’s best in-park Mexican restaurants, with a fantastic location next to Big Thunder. River Belle Terrace is no slouch either, with great food and an equally impressive atmosphere. There are shops galore in Frontierland, and the Golden Horseshoe houses delicious treats and fantastic entertainment. But the real king of entertainment – for the entire Disneyland Resort – is the incredible Fantasmic show that makes its home in this land, and is a do-not-miss experience if there ever was one. There is a lot to see and do in the massive footprint of Disneyland’s Frontierland, and it’s the fifth best land in the park.

In fourth place, Disneyland’s Adventureland may have the smallest amount of walkable square footage in the park. But in true Disneyland fashion, good things often come in small packages. Walking through its entryway from the Hub, guests are immediately thrust into the sights, sounds, and smells, of the Enchanted Tiki Room, tribal drums, and irresistible Dole Whip. Around the corner is the Tropical Hideaway – perhaps the best dining area the resort has added in years – with fantastic eats and a riverfront setting that rivals the greatest in the resort. Shops and food stands have an authentic jungle feel, and Tarzan’s Treehouse winds overhead, adding a great layer of immersion. The land is anchored by two of the best attractions in the park: the world famous Jungle Cruise, and the Indiana Jones Adventure. These are both must-dos for any proper Disneyland trip, and neither disappoints. It’s impressive and convincing that both only offer a small glimpse of what is in store from the main walkways. The bulk of these two attractions are kept out of sight from non-riders, and that gives Adventureland a depth that is unrivaled in the resort, creating a sense that the jungle indeed goes on and on for days. All these characteristics give tiny little Adventureland all it needs to compete with the other leaders as one of Disneyland’s strongest lands.

Matterhorn. Is there any need to say more? The Matterhorn mountain and its bobsled attraction are among the most impressive creations Imagineering has ever come up with, and are a true rite-of-passage for Southern California residents. Yes, the ride is bumpy. But that’s half the fun here, as you zip through a thrilling intertwined two-roller-coaster-track course with several encounters with the very realistic (and scary!) Abominable Snowman. Beyond this attraction, Fantasyland at Disneyland is the single most attraction-heavy land in any Disney park, anywhere in the world. There is of course the castle itself, a world-renowned symbol that has almost earned a religious sort of status for theme park fans across the globe. Five fantastic dark rides live within the walls of the castle, as well as the Sleeping Beauty walkthrough attraction. Storybookland houses two wonderful intertwined adventures with Casey Jr. Circus Train and the Storybookland Canal Boats. Dumbo flies, carousel horses gallop, and teacups spin to provide kinetic energy and plenty of options for the young-at-heart. And of course It’s a Small World and its beautiful promenade are Disney legends that will have you humming that infamous tune all the way back to your home. The Red Rose Tavern gives the land a much improved dining experience, and the Fantasyand Theater is a fantastically themed place to catch hilarious princess tales re-told in a truly unique and entertaining way. Truly, there are more attractions in Disneyland’s Fantasyland than there are in some of Disney’s entire theme parks, and its this solid lineup that makes Fantasyland the third best land in the park.

We agree with Tony Baxter: Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge doesn’t belong in Disneyland Park. It’s a complete misfit of a land, and should have been built either in Disney California Adventure park, or even better, a completely new third gate. With that out of the way, let’s talk about the land itself. It is a home run. Tucked away beyond trees and out of sight with the exception of its beckoning spires, this land is immersive in a way that is on par with the offerings in the masterful Tokyo DisneySea park in Japan. The planet of Batuu, and Black Spire Outpost, are absolutely convincing lands that truly transport guests to a completely different time and place. They are so well-done that it’s hard to believe that the rest of Disneyland park is nearby. After traversing the immersive transitional paths and tunnels, guests are swept into a land with fantastic entertainment as characters from the Star Wars franchise roam freely, rather than pose for dialed-in meet & greets. The two attractions here are both high-calliber and highly convincing experiences. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run takes the standard simulator and puts it on steroids. And Rise of the Resistance is Disney firing on all cylinders to create the world’s first “experience” attraction which immerses guests inside a full-blown Star Wars adventure. Beyond the rides, Docking Bay 7 offers some fun and unique flavors, and Ronto Roasters is home to one of the best snacks in all of Disneyland park – the Ronto-less wrap. Oga’s Cantina is a fantastic and fun spot to grab a unique and exciting drink. And the shopping options are incredible. From the well themed creature stall to the Droid Depot to Savi’s Workshop, it’s 100% Star Wars through and through. Even the cast members speak the language and act their parts. So while the debate will forever rage about whether this land “fits” Disneyland park, there’s no denying the unprecedented level of immersion and theming, and it’s why Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is the second best land in Disneyland Park.

At the top of the list is a true masterpiece of Imagineering: New Orleans Square. It’s fascinating that this land hasn’t been duplicated at any other Disney park, but its uniqueness only adds to its draw. This is Disney immersion at its finest. Perched along the banks of the Rivers of America, the land beckons guests to explore its winding, narrow streets, exploring the various pathways, nooks and crannies. There are fantastic retail outlets here – often carrying unique-to-this-land merchandise. Sounds heard from the second level of the buildings give realism to the “residents” of the land, while the smells and sights below entice and invite. New Orleans Square is home to three of the best food offerings in the park: Blue Bayou is a full-service masterpiece of theming, Café Orleans serves fantastic creole cuisine, and the French Market is the best counter service restaurant at Disneyland. Live music happens on a regular basis here, as do appearances from various characters including Princess Tiana, Redd the Pirate, and a pair of Jacks – Skellington and Sparrow, to be precise. The land is home to a gorgeous train stop on the Disneyland Railroad, and the sounds of the steam engine passing by give the land an even greater quality of immersion. And of course, there are the headliners: two of the single greatest attractions that Disney has ever produced. Pirates of the Caribbean is a fascinating experience on every level, and in many ways has never been surpassed by any other animatronic-based attraction. The Haunted Mansion is also Imagineering at its finest, creating an engaging attraction that still holds up to this day. Perhaps the strongest feature of these two e-tickets is their wide appeal – everyone can ride, from infants to elderly, and they are able to fully captivate and entertain anyone of any age. It may be the deepest and most convincing land Disney has ever built, and it certainly is the best in this park. Disneyland’s New Orleans square is exactly what every themed land should be: engaging, immersive, and convincing, with a well-rounded offering of attractions, entertainment, food, and shops. The top spot on our list is well deserved.