Disneyland Bound

            Like any serious Disney fans, we have had the desire to visit the original Happiest Place on Earth in California, and we made that pilgrimage last year during the Christmas season.  We enjoyed ourselves so much that we are going back to Disneyland in just two short weeks.  Unlike our last trip, we will have three and a half days to explore the parks.  Last time, we had such a short trip that we felt so rushed.  There were many attractions and areas that we simply did not have time to visit.  This year, we are looking forward to examining all of the details that make Disneyland such a special place.

            I am most looking forward to riding the classic rides that are similar to their Florida counterparts but also very different.  For instance, Pirates of the Caribbean in Disneyland is far superior to its Florida cousin.  The attraction is so much longer and tells a more cohesive story, not to mention the level of atmosphere that the Blue Bayou restaurant creates as you first embark on the ride.  We plan on riding Pirates many times just so we can take in the entire environment that has been so meticulously created.  Of course, I am also looking forward to seeing my old friend Mr. J. Thaddeus Toad.  I loved that ride as a child at WDW, and I am always excited to take a journey down the road of nostalgia. In addition, we love walking into Disneyland and feeling right at home on Main Street; it is so similar to the Magic Kingdom in Florida, but also so very different.  It is a very odd feeling, but not an unwelcome one.

            As for rides that only exist in Disneyland, we really enjoy the Casey Junior Circus Train.  We will fight our way to the caboose because that is the best seat!  Also, the Indiana Jones Adventure is exciting and does not exist in Florida.  I also can’t wait to ride the Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes.  I know that sounds sort of boring, but I cannot help but feel like I have stepped back in time on this type of ride.  We had so much fun paddling the canoe and just seeing the Rivers of America from a different angle.  The Storybook Land Canal Boats are also such a nod to the exquisite use of tiny, intricate details that make Disneyland so special.

            On our last trip, we spent just a few hours in California Adventure, so we really did not see much of that park.  Now, with the addition of Carsland, there is so much to see and do that we will be spending more time at DCA.  We cannot wait to ride the Radiator Springs Racers as well as just take in the details of this new land.  Also, we are going to dine at the Carthay Circle one evening, so I am sure that will be a wonderful experience as well. Buena Vista Street was under construction on our last visit, so we will also be able to explore that whole new area on this trip.

     All in all, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to return to Disneyland and explore uncharted territory as well as re-visit old favorites.  We just have to wait two more weeks, and speaking on behalf of my husband and I, we are ready to go right now!  Until next time, have a magical day, and keep moving forward!