Barb D
07-15-2003, 06:00 PM
I did the other parts of my trip report but I wanted to get the Magic Kingdom written about.
First when you approach Disneyland you walk on the same kind of blocks you do in Florida. They sell them here too. Its pretty neat looking. As you approach the parks you encounter many ticket booths. Then on one side is the entrance to California Adventure and the other side is the entrance to Disneyland. I can remember when the parking lot was where California Adventure and Downtown Disney is today.
When you enter the gates it much different from Florida. This park has been around along time and the tress and landscape is really nice. But first you walk into a court yard type entrance. All you see is the Train station raised above the ground. You have to walk under it before you really see any Disneyland. I remember many days there were characters waiting to greet you as you entered and then after you go under the railroad station you can often find many characters in the square area. On the right as you enter is an attraction called Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. The pre show area is where you see many of Walt’s memorabilia almost like a mini museum of Walt. They have a lot of things to see and read and one thing there is a replica of Walt’s exact office with the furniture and piano on loan for this exhibit. Then right before you go into the big screen you get a head set. In the show they do the sound in your headset so you get realistic sounds. The show does show ho Lincoln was and the times. It showed his compassion to people and how he became a leader. Anyway it ends with him reciting the Gettysburg address. It’s a nice show in an air-conditioned room. I have never seen it busy but it’s a great place to rest when its hot and crowded.
After you leave this attraction you walk down main street. It’s a lot like the one in Florida but the order of stores is much different. One main difference in Florida is when you walk down Main street you have perfect unobstructed view of the castle. In California you see a lot of trees and a partial view of the castle. This really makes Fireworks viewing much different than in Florida too. (I can attest the street was completely full every night we watched them anyway.)
If you go left you go to Adventure land. First is the Enchanted Tiki Room. You know this and Pirates are a couple of attractions Walk personally supervised. I heard this was his favorite.
Then you come to Indiana Jones ride. It’s a lot like the dinosaur ride at Animal Kingdom for those who know what that is. I remember them building this when I went to Disneyland back in 1993. It must have opened about 1994 I think. Its one of those rides you better get to early as it’s a couple hour wait later in the day. Next ride is Jungle Cruise. I guess that one speaks for itself. One thing a cast member told us Walt wanted live animals but then conceded that safety for the animals and people who ride the ride make it impractical to do. That’s why they went mechanical. Last think in this land is the tree house. I can’t say I have ever done it but it looks fun. My husband has some physical problems with that sort of thing so we avoid it. Oh there was a lot of small boutique shopping located in between Indiana and the Tiki room too.
Next Land New Orleans Square:
First thing you start to encounter is lot of buildings as if you were in New Orleans. In the middle of the day sometime you might catch someone standing on a balcony throwing beads like they do in Marte Grau . It was fun but I never caught any. The Pirates of the Caribbean Ride is located in this area. The queue is in front of the buildings sort of. It’s much different from Florida. I notice in Florida it’s more like going into a warehouse. Its much different in California for this and Small World. New Orleans Square also has Haunted mansion and several places to Cajun type food. We did get to eat at the Blue Byau. It’s a restaurant over looking the ride much like the Mexico one in Epcot. It’s very nice but I thought very loud. I had a Monte Cristo Sandwich and split it with my husband. Glad I did because it was a big sandwich. It wasn’t greasy or anything like I expected.
Next Land Critter Country
The queue for Splash mountain can start in the beginning of this country if the line is long and the actual ride entrance is at the far end for it. We often saw a 2 or 3 hour wait for it too. But early in the day you got on with barely any wait. Across from the entrance to Splash is the new Winnie the pooh ride. I think it’s a great idea because so many kids cant or won’t ride splash and now they have something to do while the designated parent waits with them. Winnie the pooh is very tame calm ride for the youngest of kids.
They also had Pooh, Eyore and Tigger there all day long. They often took 2 or 3 minute water breaks but were right back for pictures. Oh one other thing is the canoes. I have never done this before so this trip I tried it. It was so much fun but hard to keep going. I never realized how tiring paddling a canoe is. Our guide told us in a joking manner we weren’t to look at the sites. They were for the people smart enough to get on the powered boats and we was to keep rowing. Was very funny.
Next Land: Frontier Land
Frontier land can be gotten too in many ways but if you follow around after Critter Country you naturally end up at the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Its much like Florida’s but I think a bit faster. I ride this one back in 1993 so it’s been around for a little while. Other things in this land include the big Ship, Mark Twin River boat, A sailing ship Columbia and a way to get onto Tom sawyer Island. I only ever saw one ship going the whole week we were there. They have a Golden Horseshoe stage show and there are two different acts. We made it to the Horseshoe revue. I was disappointed because this is no longer a can can type show with dancing girls and variety humor. It was a variety show with two men but they were funny. We didn’t get a chance to catch the other shoe (Bill Hill and the Hillbillies)
Next Land: Fantasy Land
We didn’t spend a lot of time in this land. I did in 2001 ride almost everything and decided this time not to as it was very crowded and many small children waiting. I decided to ride the faster things instead. Fantasy land includes Alice in Wonderland ride, Casey Circus train, Dumbo the flying Elephant, the Carousel, Tea party tops (I don’t do spinning), Mr Toads wild ride, peter pans flight, snow whites scary adventure and of course Small world (Rode it as it is so cuit the Castle is so huge). Also it includes Matahors (We rode that many times each day) This is like a roller coaster similar to Space Mountain but out doors. The there is an attraction that has been closed every time I went (In 1993, 2001 twice) and its called Storybook canals. We rode this twice so we could get a lot of pictures. I remember this one form when I was a small child and we had to have tickets to ride each ride. It’s a lot of miniature houses and settings with a lot of bonsai and other miniature trees. The guide talks in a voice a 3 year old likes but the sites you see are so good. Its been updated because Little mermaid and some others weren’t around in the 1970’s when I was younger but are there now.
Next Land: Toon Town
I think Florida needs to take a look at Toon town in California and see how it should be done!! All the buildings are like walking into a movie set for Toon town. They are very well done and a lot of them. We did walk through it but again very crowded. They have a trolley you can ride up and down the street, Rogers car spin, a tree house, boat ride, a mini coaster a bounce house and of course Minnie and Mickey’s house with many character interactions available. It’s a fun place to take kids for sure!! It doesn’t open right away and closes early since the fireworks shoot off from that area. I got to go when it first opened in 1993.
Last but not least Tomorrow land
Disneyland really needs to look at Florida on how to improve this area. It has a lot of empty, or rehab going on so maybe it will get better. Space Mountain is closed until 2005 according to their signs. They have a Honey I shrunk the audience show (Exactly like Florida’s) and StarCade (Also like Florida) There is an Astro Orbiter which takes you high in the sly to ride it, it looks like a high flying dumbo ride to me. They also have the Autopia and the ride sure seems double the length of the one in Florida. The last thing is called Innoventions. I remember many years ago this was called America Sings or something like that. Anywya it’s a lot like going into Epcot Innoventions and doing a lot of those things there. They have many games and kiosks to do things with and you could potentially spend hours there but most people seem to move on fairly fast.
I hope this shows a little about Disneyland. Its a lot like FLorida but so different. I knwo I didnt talk much about each ride and maybe I can do that next time.
Barb
First when you approach Disneyland you walk on the same kind of blocks you do in Florida. They sell them here too. Its pretty neat looking. As you approach the parks you encounter many ticket booths. Then on one side is the entrance to California Adventure and the other side is the entrance to Disneyland. I can remember when the parking lot was where California Adventure and Downtown Disney is today.
When you enter the gates it much different from Florida. This park has been around along time and the tress and landscape is really nice. But first you walk into a court yard type entrance. All you see is the Train station raised above the ground. You have to walk under it before you really see any Disneyland. I remember many days there were characters waiting to greet you as you entered and then after you go under the railroad station you can often find many characters in the square area. On the right as you enter is an attraction called Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. The pre show area is where you see many of Walt’s memorabilia almost like a mini museum of Walt. They have a lot of things to see and read and one thing there is a replica of Walt’s exact office with the furniture and piano on loan for this exhibit. Then right before you go into the big screen you get a head set. In the show they do the sound in your headset so you get realistic sounds. The show does show ho Lincoln was and the times. It showed his compassion to people and how he became a leader. Anyway it ends with him reciting the Gettysburg address. It’s a nice show in an air-conditioned room. I have never seen it busy but it’s a great place to rest when its hot and crowded.
After you leave this attraction you walk down main street. It’s a lot like the one in Florida but the order of stores is much different. One main difference in Florida is when you walk down Main street you have perfect unobstructed view of the castle. In California you see a lot of trees and a partial view of the castle. This really makes Fireworks viewing much different than in Florida too. (I can attest the street was completely full every night we watched them anyway.)
If you go left you go to Adventure land. First is the Enchanted Tiki Room. You know this and Pirates are a couple of attractions Walk personally supervised. I heard this was his favorite.
Then you come to Indiana Jones ride. It’s a lot like the dinosaur ride at Animal Kingdom for those who know what that is. I remember them building this when I went to Disneyland back in 1993. It must have opened about 1994 I think. Its one of those rides you better get to early as it’s a couple hour wait later in the day. Next ride is Jungle Cruise. I guess that one speaks for itself. One thing a cast member told us Walt wanted live animals but then conceded that safety for the animals and people who ride the ride make it impractical to do. That’s why they went mechanical. Last think in this land is the tree house. I can’t say I have ever done it but it looks fun. My husband has some physical problems with that sort of thing so we avoid it. Oh there was a lot of small boutique shopping located in between Indiana and the Tiki room too.
Next Land New Orleans Square:
First thing you start to encounter is lot of buildings as if you were in New Orleans. In the middle of the day sometime you might catch someone standing on a balcony throwing beads like they do in Marte Grau . It was fun but I never caught any. The Pirates of the Caribbean Ride is located in this area. The queue is in front of the buildings sort of. It’s much different from Florida. I notice in Florida it’s more like going into a warehouse. Its much different in California for this and Small World. New Orleans Square also has Haunted mansion and several places to Cajun type food. We did get to eat at the Blue Byau. It’s a restaurant over looking the ride much like the Mexico one in Epcot. It’s very nice but I thought very loud. I had a Monte Cristo Sandwich and split it with my husband. Glad I did because it was a big sandwich. It wasn’t greasy or anything like I expected.
Next Land Critter Country
The queue for Splash mountain can start in the beginning of this country if the line is long and the actual ride entrance is at the far end for it. We often saw a 2 or 3 hour wait for it too. But early in the day you got on with barely any wait. Across from the entrance to Splash is the new Winnie the pooh ride. I think it’s a great idea because so many kids cant or won’t ride splash and now they have something to do while the designated parent waits with them. Winnie the pooh is very tame calm ride for the youngest of kids.
They also had Pooh, Eyore and Tigger there all day long. They often took 2 or 3 minute water breaks but were right back for pictures. Oh one other thing is the canoes. I have never done this before so this trip I tried it. It was so much fun but hard to keep going. I never realized how tiring paddling a canoe is. Our guide told us in a joking manner we weren’t to look at the sites. They were for the people smart enough to get on the powered boats and we was to keep rowing. Was very funny.
Next Land: Frontier Land
Frontier land can be gotten too in many ways but if you follow around after Critter Country you naturally end up at the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Its much like Florida’s but I think a bit faster. I ride this one back in 1993 so it’s been around for a little while. Other things in this land include the big Ship, Mark Twin River boat, A sailing ship Columbia and a way to get onto Tom sawyer Island. I only ever saw one ship going the whole week we were there. They have a Golden Horseshoe stage show and there are two different acts. We made it to the Horseshoe revue. I was disappointed because this is no longer a can can type show with dancing girls and variety humor. It was a variety show with two men but they were funny. We didn’t get a chance to catch the other shoe (Bill Hill and the Hillbillies)
Next Land: Fantasy Land
We didn’t spend a lot of time in this land. I did in 2001 ride almost everything and decided this time not to as it was very crowded and many small children waiting. I decided to ride the faster things instead. Fantasy land includes Alice in Wonderland ride, Casey Circus train, Dumbo the flying Elephant, the Carousel, Tea party tops (I don’t do spinning), Mr Toads wild ride, peter pans flight, snow whites scary adventure and of course Small world (Rode it as it is so cuit the Castle is so huge). Also it includes Matahors (We rode that many times each day) This is like a roller coaster similar to Space Mountain but out doors. The there is an attraction that has been closed every time I went (In 1993, 2001 twice) and its called Storybook canals. We rode this twice so we could get a lot of pictures. I remember this one form when I was a small child and we had to have tickets to ride each ride. It’s a lot of miniature houses and settings with a lot of bonsai and other miniature trees. The guide talks in a voice a 3 year old likes but the sites you see are so good. Its been updated because Little mermaid and some others weren’t around in the 1970’s when I was younger but are there now.
Next Land: Toon Town
I think Florida needs to take a look at Toon town in California and see how it should be done!! All the buildings are like walking into a movie set for Toon town. They are very well done and a lot of them. We did walk through it but again very crowded. They have a trolley you can ride up and down the street, Rogers car spin, a tree house, boat ride, a mini coaster a bounce house and of course Minnie and Mickey’s house with many character interactions available. It’s a fun place to take kids for sure!! It doesn’t open right away and closes early since the fireworks shoot off from that area. I got to go when it first opened in 1993.
Last but not least Tomorrow land
Disneyland really needs to look at Florida on how to improve this area. It has a lot of empty, or rehab going on so maybe it will get better. Space Mountain is closed until 2005 according to their signs. They have a Honey I shrunk the audience show (Exactly like Florida’s) and StarCade (Also like Florida) There is an Astro Orbiter which takes you high in the sly to ride it, it looks like a high flying dumbo ride to me. They also have the Autopia and the ride sure seems double the length of the one in Florida. The last thing is called Innoventions. I remember many years ago this was called America Sings or something like that. Anywya it’s a lot like going into Epcot Innoventions and doing a lot of those things there. They have many games and kiosks to do things with and you could potentially spend hours there but most people seem to move on fairly fast.
I hope this shows a little about Disneyland. Its a lot like FLorida but so different. I knwo I didnt talk much about each ride and maybe I can do that next time.
Barb