This past Monday I went to Disneyland Resort and California Adventure for the first time since 2003 (aka before Instagram existed). Naturally, I had to make up for lost time and make sure I got the best Instagram snaps I could. 

Sure I've been to Disney World dozens of times and even lived there, but finding the best Instagram spots at Disneyland was going to be a whole new challenge. Disneyland has quite a few things that Disney World doesn't have. (See things you need to do at Disneyland for full details.)

Since we covered two parks in one day, it was hard for me to stop everywhere I wanted and snap a photo or a boomerang, but I did manage to get quite a few good photos. Whether you're a Disneyland regular or a Disneyland newbie, check out some of my favorite Instagram ideas for Disneyland:

1. Sleeping Beauty's Castle

Naturally the first Instagram instinct is to pose in front of the castle. I was afraid a Cast Member would come and tell me to get off the bench, but luckily no one did. I absolutely had to do this pose for the gram (because Billie Lourd did the exact same thing).

2. Your Park Ticket

Disneyland isn't like Disney World when it comes to getting in to the parks. You don't get a Magic Band when you check in to your hotel. I was pretty bummed about this -- it was a bit of a hassle to get my ticket in and out of my backpack when we went back and forth from park to park and when we had fast passes for rides. 

However, the tickets you get at Disneyland are so cute and I love that they have the Cars characters on them. It's a can't-miss Instagram opportunity.

3. The Teacups

Having your phone out on a fast-moving ride isn't something people recommend. (I once did it on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and I never held on to anything harder in my life.) The teacups, however, are a good choice because they're much more leisurely and you're less likely to drop your phone. 

I always laugh really hard on the teacups when we're spinning, plus it's so colorful and looks really cute.

4. Your Favorite Land (Frontier, Fantasy, Tomorrow, etc.)

Is it possible for someone to love Cars as much as me? I don't know, that might be a slim chance. Cars Land was my one stop shop for Instagram photos and clearly Paige and I took advantage of it. I wasn't leaving without riding Luigi's Rollickin Roadsters or taking a photo in front of Luigi's Casa Della Tires. (Problems of being full blooded Italian?)

5. Meeting Your Favorite Character

When I was planning this Disney trip they had just started doing character meets with the Black Panther and I was so excited to attend one while I was there. It was the biggest thing I looked forward to doing that day. The line was long and the weather was hot, but in the end it was so worth it. 

What are your favorite Instagram spots at Disneyland?

I can't wait to go back to Disneyland now and spend more than one day there! (I missed so many places to eat, too.)

Have you taken an Instagram in any of these spots or did I miss one of your favorite spots? Be sure to share a picture with us or let us know in the comments below. We'd love to hear from you!