The resort in Anaheim, California is home to two parks (Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure), three hotels, a bustling downtown district and a host of fantastic eateries. For 2007, Disneyland (along with Walt Disney World in Florida) is celebrating the Year of a Million Dreams, granting Disney guests with 1.2 million dreams through October of this year. Prizes include everything from express entrance to Disney attractions, a night in a special Mickey Mouse Penthouse at the Disneyland Hotel, to a trip around the world to visit all of the Disney parks! If you’ve always dreamed of taking a trip, now is the perfect time—especially as newlyweds.
The Parks
Disneyland is where the magic began. The park that Walt built occupies 34 hectares and was the only one at the Anaheim resort for 47 years. On opening day, Disneyland featured five themed lands and 18 attractions; today, more than 60 are spread throughout the park’s eight lands. Anchoring these lands is a magical landmark located in the heart of the park: Sleeping Beauty Castle.
What are the must-sees and must-dos at Disneyland? Of course try to conquer the entire park, but definitely don’t miss the attractions that are key to the Disney experience: the Enchanted Tiki Room (one of Walt’s favourite attractions), Indiana Jones Adventure, Pirates of the Caribbean, Splash Mountain, Peter Pan’s Flight, Matterhorn Bobsleds, It’s A Small World, Space Mountain and the just opened Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. On opening day (June 11, 2007) guests queued for over four hours to experience this incredible 15-minute attraction, where you explore the undersea world in a bright yellow submarine and become immersed in the adventurous world of the famous clown fish. Also, don’t’ forget to catch the fireworks show, “Remember…Dreams Come True”—this brilliant show will dazzle and romance you as it lights up the sky above Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Located directly across the way from Disneyland is Disney’s California Adventure. Opened in February 2001, this 22-hectare park is located directly across from the Disneyland gates and celebrates the spirit of California. Packed with over 30 attractions (many of them big on thrills!), the park is divided into four themed lands: Golden State, Paradise Pier, Hollywood Pictures Backlot and A Bug’s Land. Since the park is smaller than Disneyland, it’s easy to cover it in a day—line lengths permitting.
To get the quintessential California Adventure experience, there will be a few attractions you want to hit more than once. For daredevils, a ride on the California Screamin’ roller coaster is a must. It catapults you from zero to 86 kilometres per hour in four seconds and includes major twists, turns and dramatic drops. For the ultimate drop, the recently opened Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is an elevator ride you won’t forget, taking you 48 metres up in the air, only to plunge you to the ground multiple times. Once you’re breathing again, visit Soarin’ Over California to continue your adventurous tour. During this simulated hang-glider ride, you are suspended mid-air, feet dangling in front of a giant Omnimax projection dome and flown over some of the state’s most spectacular sights.
Resort Hotels & Downtown Disney
The Disneyland Hotel was the first one on Disney property and houses 990 rooms, including 62 suites. For a special treat book the Honeymoon Suite or the Pirates of the Carribean Suite to get a taste of the pirate life. Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel overlooks Disney’s California Adventure and features a beachfront theme throughout its 489 guest rooms. If you’re looking for a plush, luxurious stay, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel is sweet-dreams choice. This deluxe hotel will captivate you with its stunning architecture, which celebrates the romantic and rustic Arts & Crafts movement of early 20th century California. Packed with 705 standard rooms, 36 Artisan suites, two vice-presidential suites and two presidential suites, the property also has a Mandara Spa, a five-star eatery, Napa Rose and its own private entrance into Disney’s California Adventure!
If you find yourself needing a break from the parks, but don’t want to hang at the hotel pool, head to Downtown Disney, located smack in the middle of the parks and hotels. Indulge in a little retail therapy at over 20 shops, including cosmetic wonderland Sephora and the gigantic World of Disney. If you can’t find the Disney merchandise you covet here, chances are they don’t make it!
Also located in the Downtown area are some of the resort’s best eateries. For great Italian fare try Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria; for a taste of New Orleans mellow out at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen; or if you want down-home southern-style cooking, try the House of Blues.
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Posted by Lisa Sablan on July 29, 2011 at 11:52 a.m.
I noticed while walking into Downtown Disney, there is a wedding gazebo to the left. I was wondering if I could receive information regarding having my daughter's wedding there.
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