Disneyland

This year (2005) Disneyland Resort celebrates 50 Years of Magic. Now's the best time to come! Disneyland Resort is actually two parks, Disneyland Park and Disney's California Adventure.  You can enjoy attractions, parades, and shows throughout the Park.  Access Disneyland Resort Hotels via the Disneyland Monorail or park in one of the two parking lots and take the tram to the main gate and Downtown Disney.

Parking for Disneyland Resort and Downtown Disney may be reached off of Harbor Blvd or Disneyland Drive.  Parking is expensive ($10) but you may leave and return the same day without having to repay.  A tram takes you from the parking area to a drop off area in between Disneyland Park and Disney's California Adventure.  Downtown Disney has its own parking area located off Disneyland Drive just past the Disneyland Resort Parking Structure.  The parking structure is so large it is supposed to be able to hold over 10,000 cars. 

Disneyland Park (The Magic Kingdom) has over 50 rides and attractions for all ages.  Fast Passes are available for the busiest rides.  A Fast Pass allows you to move the head of the line at a specific time.  Without Fast Pass some rides have waits times measured in hours.  The park hours vary depending on the season and the holiday time frame.  During the Christmas season, the Haunted Mansion and It's a Small World go through an interesting transformation.  The Haunted Mansion is redecorated with characters from Tim Burton's "Nightmare Before Christmas".  On the It's a Small World ride, the characters and song are changed to a winter wonderland.  The song "It's a Small World Afterall" is replaced by Christmas Carols.  Disneyland has a wonderful family atmosphere and truly is the "Happiest Place on Earth"

Disney's California Adventure is the mildly successful park located next to Disneyland Park.  California Adventure has over 30 rides and attractions based on the California lifestyle.  There is even a working vineyard and winery on the Park grounds.   While not as popular at Disneyland Park, California Adventure offers some great entertainment and new rides are being added to draw in more tourists.  It offers a great roller coaster and a cool hang glider - Soaring over California.

Downtown Disney is the shopping and eating mecca located between the Disneyland Hotel and the Disneyland Resort.  It is a very nice place to spend the evening.  The main attraction is the House of Blues that boasts great food and live bands.  Try the Sunday Gospel Brunch and you won't be disappointed.