[geeman]

Originally posted by trishb
\ Did you find that you were constantly comparing the two? I was and I think that is what ruined the Disneyland experience for me. I was so disappointed by the castle. It seemed so small. Did you think so, too?
How did you like San Francisco? Isn't that drive amazing? I enjoyed the windmills on the hills outside of the city. I have never seen anything like that! Did you get to drive on RT 1? Did you go to Alcatraz? That was the most memorable for me.

Hi Trish,
Actually, I kept hearing that Disneyland was so small. Everyone kept telling me it was small and there wasn't anything to do, etc., etc., but I blanked that out of my mind during my first 4 hour trip there back in 2000. I thought it was fun and not so small, after all.
During this trip, I went with a new perspective, having bought a book on Disney Imagineering, as well as Koenig's Mouse Tales, and Birnbaum's newest guide, all spurred on by the DVD release of Disneyland specials. I wanted to see all of the historical stuff, and enjoy the hysterical stuff, so I enjoyed every Disney second so very much. I especially enjoyed doing the rides seen on the opening day special.

As for San Francisco - being an East Coast guy myself, there ain't nothin' like the Big Apple, so it was quaint, and interesting. We were there on an historic day as well, as the Giants were squaring off in the World Series that night, and hundreds had gathered in the park to watch the game on a big screen. Plus there were traffic tie ups in the city due to the anti-war protests (!). So it was an eventful weekend before I even got to see Mickey.

We didn't drive on Rt 1, we actually took Rt. 5. I'd seen the scenic Rt. 1 on a previous trip (we originally moved Rich there by driving across country).
Yes, the mountains and valleys are quite stunning along the way. And those windmills are like something out of a dream, aren't they?

I had no desire to visit Alcatraz, though of course, it was visible from Pier 39. (Yikes-I forgot to have clam chowder this visit!! Oh, well). California is very beautiful, and definitely worth the trip.
While California Adventure adds considerable size to Disneyland, I feel the original park is fine as is, and actually is easier to handle in small doses. The fact that it was smaller meant more could be accomplished within a day or two. And that was great in and of itself.


:)