Visits to Disneyland Resort have been more than just riding attractions from rope drop to park closing for David Vaughn. As the creator behind The David Vaughn website and the social media handle @davidvaughn, Vaughn is one of the most trusted voices in the Disneyland enthusiasts community, in which he offers expert insight and tips, while showing a deep appreciation for the magic that makes these parks special.
“I was actually talking to my mom and asked her, ‘When was the first time I went to Disneyland?’ And she told me I was in diapers!” said Vaughn to UPTOWN Magazine. “Disneyland has always been a huge part of everyone’s experience here in Southern California, and thankfully, it has been a huge part of mine, too. As a kid, Disneyland was the thing I was absolutely most excited about, and that remains the same to this day.”
Vaughn’s journey into content creation started after a less-than-perfect trip to Walt Disney World. “I planned it so incorrectly,” he recalls. “I picked restaurants that didn’t fit what I wanted, waited way too long in line for rides, and selected a resort that didn’t match my personality. Even though I had a great time, I knew I could’ve had a better one. I figured there were probably other people who were having the same experience, and I wanted to help them.”
That desire to help others maximize their experience at Disney led him to share tips online. While Vaughn had been covering Disney for roughly a decade, his reach skyrocketed when social media platforms aligned with his content. “For years, I had no followers. I would post on Instagram, and no one would see it. But when the parks were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I started talking about them, setting expectations for their reopening and engaging with people who missed them. That was a turning point.”
His expertise extends beyond general park tips. Vaughn shares the best times to visit, including as Lunar New Year in January, Disneyland’s Food & Wine Festival in spring, and HalloweenTime starting in August. As for attractions, his top picks include Indiana Jones Adventure, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. When it comes to food, he recommends the plant-based Garden Wrap at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and the indulgent Choco Smash candy bar from Pym Test Kitchen within Avengers Campus, where you can also find Vaughn’s recommended shwarma.
For those hesitant about Disney’s cost, Vaughn offers perspective: “Yes, it can be pricey, but think of it like a concert—people pay $400 per person for a few hours. A Disney ticket, at its lowest, is $104, and you get a full day of rides, shows, and immersive experiences. There are also ways to save, like visiting during off-peak times or sharing meals.”
Looking ahead, Vaughn is excited for Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe, opening in 2025, as well as Disneyland’s 70th anniversary celebrations. “I love that they’re bringing back the World of Color show and Paint the Night parade. I’ve been begging for that to return!”
Through his content, Vaughn continues to inspire and inform Disney fans, ensuring they make the most of their visits to The Happiest Place on Earth.
Hear more from David Vaughn in the video below.
