Today we woke early, for Simone it was like Xmas morning. She was so excited that we were going to Disneyland. After settling her down, we got in the Dodge and headed for Anaheim. Sim was adamant we get there when the gates open, so we were there at 8:30am. She did have a panic attack that we were at the wrong theme park as all the signs were saying Disney Californian Adventure Park, but sure enough Disneyland was just next door.
The gates opened and the excitement began. I must say it is really cool walking in- it's like being a little kid again. You run to your favorite rides and there is a sense of urgency and excitement about things. We ran to Space Mountain. WOW! What a cool ride. It's an indoor rollercoaster that is blacked out with starlights inside and crazy space music. Really is cool.
We then headed for the Matterhorn rollercoaster. This is my kinda ride - a rickety bumpy rollercoaster- the kind where ya think ya gonna fall off. Loved it.
We went back for another crack at Space Mountain but From then on the rides were much slower paced.
The Indiana Jones ride was ok, Pirates of the Carribbean was lame and Splash Mountain- well it was closed.
Adventureland was cool with the Jungle River Safari and Frontierland was interesting too. The rollercoaster there was actually pretty cool. Like an old train winding through the mountain.
We then headed up into Toontown, where there's all the kids rides and Disney characters and there houses were. It now felt like Disneyland. We met Mickey and Pluto and ventured into their homes. Was really cool, architecturally speaking that is. Seriously the level of detail and design into this place is incredible (I wonder if I can claim the entry as a tax deduction) it's that good.
We waited in line for the Roger Rabbit ride and went on the little kiddies rollercoaster, which were fun. This place really is magical - you do feel like you're in another world.
After chowing down on some fairy floss we headed to Fantasyland where we caught a gondola into the It's a small world ride. The outside of this place is like an intricate folder papercard/origami house. Beautiful. We checked out storybook land, then Alice in wonderlands ride, before getting on the teacups. Wow. The teacups are our favorite - really fun and s quintessential Disneyland experience.
The older Walt Disney designed parts of the park really are amazing. They say this is a place where dreams come true...but when you're here and you see the joy, happiness and magic of the place, you can't help but think that it is Walt Disneys vision and dreams that have come true. Really is a special place.
Sim and I loved the older rides with the highly detailed sets and props that moved, sung and shone. Was really quite old and raw yet somehow timeless at the same time.
Compared to all the newer rides which rely on screens, light projections and 3D technology, there was something really warming and special about this part.
It was now dusk and the lights of Disneyland lit up. Night time here is spectacular. We rode the teacups again as well as Space Mountain before it was time to leave.
We said our goodbyes to the famous castle as well as Walt, Mickey and all his friends and headed for the carpark - aka reality.
What a huge day - 12 hours of excitement and rushing around searching for the next hit of fun. I'm exhausted.
On the way home we stopped in for an In-N-Out Burger. We got the animal style double double - - oh man it's good!!!
Anyway - one more sleep left on this adventure, and it's gonna be a good one. So tired!!!
- Blog from iMat
