[DVC Mike]

Originally Posted by cowanfamily

Thanks for answering my questions, I am a DLR novice and I love this TR...

Disneyland Park has two lands that the Magic Kingdom doesn't have - New Orleans Square and Critter Country. Of course, Disneyland doesn't have Liberty Square.

Disneyland has some rides that don't exist at WDW, such as Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, Matterhorn Bobsleds, and Indiana Jones Adventure - to name a few.

Finally, some rides at Disneyland are just better -- Pirates of the Caribbean being one example.

[cowanfamily]

Originally Posted by WishUponAStar

Are you sure that was my TR? I never remember any rain while I was in Disneyland!?! hehehe, oh well!

sorry, I'm getting old.....maybe I just dont remember pics of the castle??

[WishUponAStar]

Originally Posted by cowanfamily

sorry, I'm getting old.....maybe I just dont remember pics of the castle??

hehe, now I know you have me confused with someone else. No castle pictures? That would be like me with no camera at all!

[jo-jo]

Originally Posted by DVC Mike

I was standing in front of Sleeping Beauty's Castle at 8:39 pm PT when I felt the 4.7 earthquake that hit. The whole ground wobbled like a big truck was driving over a bridge you are standing on. I've not felt one since I moved away from California, so it brought back memories! Oh well, I guess I'm back home.

Shortly after the earthquake in "89", we were at WDW. We met many people who while on tour of the US, was suppose to go to DL. But because of the earthquake they ended up at WDW. So while on the backlot tour (or whatever it's called) and the "earthquake" starts, people started to panic and the CM starts yelling "it's ok, it's suppose to happen".

[M5ward]

Your pictures are wonderful. I've never had a desire to go to Disneyland, but seeing the pictures makes me want to reconsider. I hate to fly, and that would be the only thing stopping me.

[cowanfamily]

Originally Posted by WishUponAStar

hehe, now I know you have me confused with someone else. No castle pictures? That would be like me with no camera at all!

LOL! You must think I am crazy!!!

I was pretty sure it was your TR - it was my first TR from DLR and it made me really want to go there....guess my mind is fuzzier than I thought!!!

Was it your WDW solo trip that it rained??? I do love your TRs, Wishy, sorry I am so muddled in the brain!

[DVC Mike]

I went over to Disneyland Park early for the "Magic Morning". Only Fantasyland and Tommorrowland are open, and only a few rides, so
it's not as nice as Extra Magic Hours at WDW. I rode the Matterhorn Bobsleds and Mr Toad's Wild Ride.

When Frontierland opened up, I headed over to the River Belle Terrace and had breakfast. Walt used to eat breakfast here. While the food is nothing special, it has a great view!







The only other place I'd consider for breakfast is the Carnation Cafe on Main St, but the view isn't as nice.



Frontierland looks kind of empty this morning




So does New Orleans Square




Pirates of the Caribbean really belongs in New Orleans Square

[DVC Mike]

Fantasyland isn't all that busy either







I love being able to enter Fantasyland by walking through the castle!



Mine! Mine! Mine!

[DVC Mike]

I left Disneyland Park and headed over to grab a Peet's Coffee near the GCH. I really like the GCH!



Here are a few pics of the GCH lobby. The whole place reminds me of the Wilderness Lodge (same designer).






I existed the GCH right into DCA using the special entrance for Disney hotel guests.




For those of you who haven't been, you might be surprised at how close together Disneyland Park and Disney's California Adventure are. Here's a look from within DCA towards the DCA entrance. Notice the entrance to Disneyland Park in the background? Sweet!



Map of DCA



It's Food & Wine time!

[DVC Mike]

I head straight to Toy Story Mania, and am just the 10th person in line. No waiting!




The Grizzly River Run is MUCH better than the similar (but wimpy) ride at DAK in Florida!






Grizzly Peak



Paradise Bay is still being refurbed for the new World of Color debuting next year.





Paradise Pier area

[DVC Mike]

More DCA...






Wine Country Trattoria (where I had lunch on Sunday)



Blue Sky Cellar (where the DCA expansion plans are detailed)



Condor Flats





The Villas at Disney's Grand Californian won't have much of a view until Paradise Bay is ready in 2010!





Here is a view of my room at the GCH

[DVC Mike]

Hollywood Pictures Backlot

[WishUponAStar]

Originally Posted by cowanfamily

Was it your WDW solo trip that it rained??? I do love your TRs, Wishy, sorry I am so muddled in the brain!

haha, no, it's ok. It POURED during my 'solo trip!' That was during a Tropical Storm, I don't think I saw very many 'dry moments' during that trip, it rained from start to finish. I'm not sure I've ever even seen it rain in Disneyland.

[WishUponAStar]

Originally Posted by DVC Mike

Here are a few pics of the GCH lobby. The whole place reminds me of the Wilderness Lodge (same designer).

I think that Peter Dominick (architect) & I would have gotten along very well because he designed my three favorite Disney resorts EVER; WL, AKL, and the GC. Unfortunately he passed away pretty recently so I guess those 3 resorts will be his only Disney legacies; unless he left undeveloped plans with them or something [doubt it].

Anyway, I personally appreciate the 'arts & crafts movement' inspired design & the nod to Frank Lloyd Wright in the GC over the simplistic 'National Parks' vibe of the Wilderness Lodge. Both are gorgeous but the intricacies & elegance of the Grand never stops taking my breath away.

Gosh, your DL TRs always kill me! I know I was just there in January but it feels like FOREVER ago.

Love all of your pics as usual!

[jo-jo]

Mike, are you paying people to stay out of the pictures??!!! Out of all your pictures (which are wonderful) there are 5 with lots of people, 279 with nobody.