[geeman]

My Disneyland Adventure

As I had previously posted, my nephew Rich, who is moving back to New York after a few years out West, invited me to come out for one last blast. Fresh from my trip to Disney World in May, I immediately suggested we go to Disneyland, since there would be no compelling reason for me to travel out that way once he moved. We made our trip plans and after a day in San Francisco and Silicon Valley, we made the trip to Anaheim on the morning after the Angels had won the World Series.
We were faced with a 5-6 hour drive from San Jose, so we were on the road by 5:30 am! Thankfully, traffic moved well and we rolled up to the Disneyland Hotel entrance by noontime. I was thrilled to see the hotel I'd picked come into view, after so much planning. Check-In was a breeze, and we ended up getting a wonderfully spacious room on the 7th floor in the Sierra, facing Downtown Disney. I couldn't believe the proximity of the place to the park. In fact, I could see the peaks of the famous Disney "Mountains" from the balcony, as well as most of Paradise Pier.

After a quick lunch at the Rainforest Cafe (which was oddly empty for lunchtime), I took in the small food and attraction area which is called "Downtown Disney". Much smaller than its Orlando counterpart, it was still a welcome way to fall right into the magic straight from the hotel. We decided to walk right in instead of taking the Monorail, as I wanted the experience to begin from the main gate.

The park was refreshingly spacious. We casually strolled through the main area, taking in The Walt Disney Story and Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln straight off. Rich had been here many times before, but had never even noticed that attraction right at the entrance! The "aural" experience of this show, which is oddly executed through headsets, was a bit dated. Anyone who's been to the Sound area of MGM studios has already experience an audio-phonic "haircut". However, catching the bespectacled animatronic Mr. Lincoln in motion was a treat.
Walking down Mainstreet, it is difficult not to take in the majesty of the Matterhorn mountain in the distance. While this ride was closed, it's "presence" seems to follow you about the park, and is quite memorable. We decided to head onto the rides that aren't found on the East Coast first. The incredible Indiana Jones Adventure, which definitely gets your heart pumping, was first and foremost on our list. The vastly different Pirates of the Caribbean was also a treat. I had read that there was a surprise waterfall drop on the ride, but I didn't realize it would be so steep!
The highlight of the day, indeed of the trip, was the holiday inspired Nightmare Before Christmas revamping of Haunted Mansion. The tone was far from grim, with bright florescent oranges and reds abounding, but the theme-ing (and the timing, with Halloween but days away) was brilliant. While on line, spectators are treated to Christmas "Scarols" sung by cast members from the movie. Themes from the Tim Burton film were ingeneously woven into the familiar Grim Grinning Ghosts theme. The ride was decorated from the gates to the exit. It was truly an interesting way to celebrate two holidays in one. We wound up visiting that about 4 times during the week.

After a few more rumblings through Disneyland, we decided to visit the California park, which was hours away from closing. I was glad to find the entrance was literally a jump from the main gate, and I thought the grandeur of the California themed park was spectacular. Especially since it felt it was open just for us! We took in "Soaring Over California", which was a high-flying, foot dangling trip throughout the Golden State, which I thought was just breathtaking. While it seems intimidating at first, you grow comfortable in the seat as you soar over (and breathe in the scent) of orange fields and oceans. Quite grand.

We also sat in on WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE PLAY IT, which was more fun than I thought it would be. I decided to leave the rest of the attractions for a future visit.

Rich tricked me onto a mini-coaster - the Mulholland Madness. I didn't particularly enjoy this one, but moreso because I wasn't prepared for it. I hate high drops...

We finished the night with a trip back into Disneyland, where we picked up where we left off. I was already having a great time and I had only been there for half a day. After parks close, we had a late dinner at Hook's back at the Resort. Food was tasty, and the decor was tasteful. A nice cap to the evening. I would have loved to have braved the pool, as some folks had, but somehow, the thought of jumping into the water on a day in which I needed to wear my coat did not seem like a bright idea. But braver souls did take advantage of it, though.

DAY TWO

We spent the entire day at Disneyland. Rich seemed anxious to go to the newer park, but I was so comfortable in the land the Walt built that I didn't really want to leave it. At first we were concerned- We were alerted by Guest Services that a parade would be held on Main Street for the California Angels World Series team. While the thought of being there on a historic day was exciting, the sight of hundreds of red-clad Angels fans suddenly taking over the whole of Main Street was a bit alarming. In contrast to the vacant streets of the day before, Disneyland was jam packed with red jackets and red plastic bats, as Angels fans swept in to see their team! Even though we got there as early as possible (the park opened at 9am that day) it was elbow to elbow all the way up to the castle, where we stopped and made plans for the day. We decided to take advantage of the distraction and took in as many of the popular attractions in Fantasyland as possible, such as the Teacups and Dumbo (two that I have never ever ridden before!), and the Wonderful Alice In Wonderland (another one Rich had never even noticed before). We also hit what seems to be the most crowded attraction at both this and the Florida park : Peter Pan's Flight. There is ALWAYS a line for this one!

Oddly enough, by noontime, the crowd had waned. There was enough time to do anything and everything. We stopped at Innoventions for a bit, where we got to have a humorous telephone discussion with everyone's favorite blue alien, Stitch, who responded to us via videophone (and snapped a picture of us).

Feeling giddy, I jumped onto Space Mountain, which was less dip-filled than I remembered the Florida one being, and an awful lot of fun. That was great. I had now gotten over one mountain. It was time to attempt the others. As night fell, we hit Big Thunder Mountain, and then I decided to go for the big one on my own--- Splash Mountain. I quietly resolved to myself, that since I did not know when I would return to this wonderful place, that I had to do whatever I could while I was there. It was interesting to note the variations in the rides from the ones I am accustomed to (though I hate coasters and dips, my sweetheart Jennifer and I had ridden Splash Mountain at WDW four times during our stay last May).

We caught the Tikki show, which was interesting because it's still the original show and not "Under New Management" like the Florida one is. We climbed up Tarzan's treehouse (Speaking of which - I wonder what happened to the pictures I took there?!) We went to Toontown and visited Mickey and his friends (and I am HOW OLD this week????? :-)

I also took some time to sit again at the spot where Walt's "apartment" is supposed to be, and took in the view of the park from there, trying to imagine, as he must have, how much joy this place has brought to its visitors.

DAY THREE

We decided to have a big breakfast, and the best way to do this was with the characters, of course. We headed on over to Goofy's Kitchen, and were entertained by the Goofster himself, Snow White, Alice, Baloo, and Donald. At one point, the characters went into a little dance that got me feeling all sappy. In the eyes of the children, I could see the excitement that I once felt about being in a place like this with characters such of those. I could see their memories being made through their eyes. And it touched me.

We started off the last day there at California Adventure. Interestingly, when I was planning this trip, I thought three days might be too much. I actually could have stayed three more and not have been bored at all.

We took in the Grizzly River Run while it was still sunny and mildly warm out, which was a good thing because I got pretty soaked. That was pretty exciting, fast paced, and well, wet!

We saw the wonderful "Golden Dreams" which featured Whoopie Goldberg as the Spirit of California. It was reminiscent of the "America" attraction at EPCOT, but themed to the Gold Rush and the plight of Japanese and Mexican immigrants.

We stopped for a free Tortilla and sour dough bread at the factories, and took a quick walk through the new kiddie area based on A BUG'S LIFE.

Armed with the courage of the day before, I went on a myriad of the dizzying rides at Paradise Pier, though I could not see myself being able to deal with the Golden Ferris Wheel with moving cars on it.

However, the final challenge, California Screamin', the huge rollercoaster which loops in the shape of Mickey Mouse's face, was staring at me all week. I knew that if I had left California without trying it, I'd probably regret it. Though I hate coasters and fast falls and especially loops, the older I've gotten, I tried to get myself into the mentality of a kid, when riding things like this was FUN rather than scary. Rich got some interesting shots of me nervously giving the thumbs up from within the coaster, and then of my car looping around. It was exhilarating to say the least. At times I felt as if death was moments away. Then I just shouted it off. I was actually more concerned I'd lose my glasses, as I'd forgotten to remove them in time. I don't think I'll do that one again, but it's quite astonishing to know that I did.

We wrapped up the day with some quieter rides at Disneyland (I had been shaken up enough!), and took in one more character breakfast before we left on our long drive the next day.

In short, the Magic is still captivating. Still exhilarating. There are always thrills around every corner, and the "original" theme park is quite possibly still the best.

I really look forward to returning some day. In fact, at the foot of the castle lies a time capsule indicating that in the year 2034, it will be unearthed, with memories from the '70's and '80s in it. I wonder if now is too early to be pondering to return that year to celebrate my 70th birthday :-)