[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 :-)

[dab]

Geeman it sounds like you had an amazing trip! I've never been to Disneyland but would love to someday. Your report has made me much more interested!! Thanks for sharing! :)

[mickey]

Great trip report, and you were wise to miss the Golden Ferris Wheel, it was the scariest ride that we went on. So glad you had a great trip, and I am glad that the Disneyland Hotel worked out for you. So, did you get to ride the monorail at all when you were there?

[geeman]

Actually, Mickey, we did get to use the Monorail during the course of the stay. It especially helped when returning to the park. I do think, though, that first time visitors should enter through the main gate. Being left off at Tomorrowland is a little disorienting. But it sure helps on the feet. We did an awful lot of walking.
I forgot to mention that another new favorite of mine was "Autopia". I had completely missed this one during my one previous four hour trip to the park in Y2K. When I bought the Disneyland Archive DVD, and it included a collector's card featuring Autopia, it prompted an inner need to return, as I had no idea such a thing even existed, and it was one of the park's first attractions!

[trishb]

Great trip report, G...
I visited Disneyland 3 years ago, before they opened California Adventure. It was a very different experience than WDW. I'm glad that I went, but I am truly a Walt Disney World Fan. 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.

What can I say? I am an East Coast girl!:p

[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.


:)

[geeman]

I'm still on vacation (though at home), and still on a Disney kick, so forgive me for being so verbose today. I am glad Disney Central exists (Happy Birthday to you as well, DC!) so that there is someplace to share the joy!

I spent some of the day preparing pictures which I hope to post imminently.

Just had one more note about the hotels ---
If anyone is planning to visit Disneyland, California, I would strongly suggest staying IN the parks if possible. As the monorail circled the park, I took a look at the surrounding area and spotted the (non Disney) hotels that I almost selected, and not only did they not look as inviting, but they also claimed to be "across the street" from the park, when in reality, they mean - across the way. You'd have to walk quite a distance if you missed your shuttle.

For the ultimate in convenience, the Grand Californian led directly INTO the new theme park (right in front of Grizzly Peak), so that would be a unique experience for those plotting a trip. But I really enjoyed my stay at the Disneyland Hotel. I woke up early one morning to just stroll through and take some photos - and sat in the lobby listening to classic Disney tunes for a while.

Oh- to top off the "Magic" - I bought a souvenir booklet that nicely covered every attraction, so that I could remember the things I might have forgotten ;-). Among the photos is a picture of the Disneyland Hotel building that I stayed at-- AND in the picture, the LIGHTS are on in the very ROOM I was in. So that's what I'd call that a souvenir and a half!
:)

[dianedisney]

:) Hi geeman....
We must have just missed each other. We arrived at The Disneyland Hotel on October 30th late at night. We were in Sierra Tower but on the 8th floor. Ours was a pool view which was nice to watch the Dancing Fountains Show from. In my opinion Goofy's Kitchen is the best character breakfast for the four they have at DLR. I have been to WDW about 4 times but I still love the original magic feeling I get when I walk down Disneylands Main Street knowing Walt walked there and over saw the entire building process of this "Magical" park. Glad you hear you had a great time.:) :D :)

[Cinderellafifi]

Sounds like you had a great trip! As a Floridian, I of course get sucked into strictly WDW but I would love to take a trip to Disneyland, too. Actually, all the Disney parks worldwide! :laugh

Thanks for posting so much info!

[geeman]

>>We must have just missed each other. We arrived at The Disneyland Hotel on October 30th late at night. We were in Sierra Tower but on the 8th floor. Ours was a pool view which was nice to watch the Dancing Fountains Show from.<<


Wow- Diane that's too funny. I guess it IS a Small World After All!!! You were checking in the night before I checked out. Did you stay long? And did the crowds get better?
Darn- I forgot about the fountains! Oh, well. We were probably having dinner while they were going, anyway.

>> In my opinion Goofy's Kitchen is the best character breakfast for the four they have at DLR.<<

On Oct 30th, I actually woke up so early that I had a chance to walk around the resort -- this was before 7 am. It was very relaxing just taking some solo breathing time at that place. I spotted Goofy - already wearing his chef's hat- coming out of the kitchen before 7 am! Boy they started early!

Hope you enjoyed yourself as much as I did.

[dianedisney]

:) As a said we arrived Wednesday night and had 4 wonderful nights at the resort leaving Sunday afternoon. The crowds on Halloween, Thursday were real light so we had no problem with rides. And yes, we had a magical time, I am very lucky my teenage (19) daughter still wants to vacation with us. Looks like I will be heading back (just husband and me) in late Feb or early Mar. Depends on my bosses vacation schedule. Since I work in a travel agency we have to juggle our trips so were are not gone at the same time.

Have a Disney :) Day!!

[geeman]

So glad you also had a magical time.
I had so much fun that I am doing everything possible NOT to run and join my girlfriend who is about to return to Disney World this year (this time with her parents) for a couple of days in a couple of weeks (luckily I'm just about done with my time off for the year, otherwise I'd be there!). I thought it would be better to hold off until our trip there sometime next year.

I mean there ARE other places in the world to visit...aren't there? :p

:)

[dianedisney]

:) I guess there are other places to visit but I haven't found any that make me as happy as a Disney Vacation. My next trip is in January and it will be a Disney trip on their cruise line. The closest to Disney I could get would be Hawaii, Maui, on the beach or by the pool, yeah what a hardship. I am hoping to do WDW in the next two years. Since I live so far away (Washington State) it is hard to find the time off and money but I will succeed.

Have a Disney :) Day !!!

[PhantomBantam]

I just had to add my comment on such a great report! SUPER!