Hello, here is the fourth and final report from my recent California trip so no better place to end than in Disneyland. Not Paris, but the one that started it all, which Walt built and set foot in. 

Opening in 1955, the park and resort marks for one of the first and oldest theme parks (not amusement parks) around, which perfectly boasts and balances traditional character, but also modernity as well. Unlike its French and Floridian counterparts, this one (at least in landmass) is much smaller, hence the existence of Disney World. But that’s another topic. All things considered it still boasts a vast selection whilst still being photogenic too. The outside hub of the resort weirdly reminds me of Efteling for some reason. Downtown Disney is much smaller but cosy than Florida’s and the parking situation is weird, as the Toy Story lot is like a 7 minute bus ride away from the rest. 

Disneyland Park/ 

I won’t be the first to say this (and perhaps not the last), but I was actually astounded about how much smaller the scale of this park is to the other parks, especially the mainstreet, which is 1/3 shorter in length than the other ones I’ve seen. The paths/routes are also noticeably smaller, which again would be expected as being the first park. The castle although small, is still adorable and a charming spectacle to see. 

 

Adventure Land/ 

Relitively small area but packed with some awesome rides. 

Jungle Cruise- this was my first jungle cruise I experienced and likely fitting to be the first one. I love the cheesy cliche jokes and witty humour throughout the ride, plus that “backside of water” joke never gets old. 

 

Indiana Jones Adventure- There were two things I knew about this ride before riding, 1- it has the same layout as dinosaur and the ride’s queue cleverly takes you out of the park. Words can’t describe how mind blowing this dark ride is, like wow! The effects, the fire, the dynamic ride vehicles and everything. It really felt like a complete adventure and package during the whole attraction and is easily one of my favourite dark rides I’ve done. 

 

New Orleans Square 

Not really a square, but the buildings and facades are full of charm, but most importantly two of my favourite Disney attractions. 

Pirates Of The Caribbean- I’m absolute sucker for anything pirates, so riding the original POTC in Disneyland was something I was massively excited about. Once you traverse through the dense outdoor queue, you reach the loading station and begin your adventure. At 15 minutes, this ride holds a longer duration than the others, but never gets boring. The ride is the perfect mix between mystery and action scenes, classic pirates and movie plush ups. And of course that awe iconic soundtrack. It’s a close call, but I think this might just be the best of the three I’ve done. Magic kingdoms the worst without doubt 

Haunted Mansion Holiday- Disneyland’s version of this ride is interesting in the most contrasting ways, it is the original, but also receives a festive overlay, based on the film, The Nightmare Before Christmas. Despite some differences, the changeover works really well, with changes of music, scenes and characters. Kidnap the Sandy claws is surprisingly similar musically to grim grinning ghosts. The mixture between both was delightful to see, even things like jingle bells playing in the Graveyard. The ride was on virtual queue, due to the plaza being renovated. 

 

Frontier Land

Whilst it lacks the grand setting as the one in Paris, it does have an organic styling around the whole area and the rivers of America in the middle looks delightful, which hosts the Mark Twain riverboat and the nighttime show Phantasmic. Magic Kingdom’s really wont hold a candle to this when it is criminally demolished. 

Big Thunder Railroad- Always a pleasant coaster to ride and experience, especially with its entertaining lift 3 finale. It doesn’t compete to Paris’s incredible variant, but I still prefer it to Floridas to be honest. 

 

Fantasy Land/

It feels like a rougher less refined version of the Paris version, however this one is better, because it has a whole array of classic dark rides and also boasts an exclusive ride. The Matterhorn Bobsleds. The areas received its fair share of updates overtime, including a large update in the eighties, where several rides were either expanded or rebuilt. 

Matterhorn Bobsleds- I’m not lying when this was probably the most anticipated Disney coaster on this trip. Being a striking centrepiece even after this time, it’s great to look at as well as riding. This ride beats Everest, by not only having one, but two working Yetis. Plus the area music gives me Europa Park vibes. The two racing tracks, relentless fly down the mountain delivering one heck of a wild ride. It’s no smooth coaster, but then again it was the first ever steel one. At night it is something else! 

Alice In Wonderland- To those who have ridden this, you have no doubt ridden the Blackpool version first. I have for sure. It shouldn’t really be a comparison but it is. One version is a refined and updated attraction variant, with story dialogue and direction. The other a cheesy but iconic experience with an amusing song from a different movie. I like both for different reasons and whilst Disney’s is obviously better, I can’t help but say the Blackpool one is weirdly more distinctive for its quirky characteristics. 

The other dark rides- Four other classic dark rides reside in this area, one of which is exclusive to this park. Mr Toad’s Wild Ride is a short but snappy experience, from a film most are probably less familiar with (Disney’s mr Toad). Though perhaps the weakest, I can’t help but be amused by the remnant of the ride ending in hell. Which especially being in a Disney ride is just remarkable. 

Peter Pan’s flight was the usual setup of nursery, flying over London and neverland. I preferred it to Florida’s even if there was no interactive queue, but Paris might still win just. Pinocchio was just as delightful as the Paris one and Snow White’s Enchanted Wish was a delightful plush up from the original ride. Shame the queue was very messy, for Disney standards. 

 

It’s A Small World- Disneyland, home to the original 1964 world’s fair boat ride, which is probably one of the most famous and iconic rides ever made (for better or worse). However unfortunately we would t get to see this as the ride was closed for refurbishment. It’s a small park after all. 

 

Everything else- There was an adorable canal boat ride, with various Disney diorama scenes. It was like the one in Paris, except you get a cast member onboard giving you descriptions of each of those scenes, which was a nice touch. The teacup ride was fun but short, boom. 

Tomorrow Land/ 

Anaheim’s version is honestly such a divisive version of the ‘supposedly’ futuristic area. In my eyes it has some of the best versions of attractions you’ll find in one, but lacking the substance the other two have. No doubt due to its smaller size and the long dead Rocket Rods dominating the area (probably forever). 

 

Space Mountain- Probably my favourite version, I love the cheesy atmospheric space setting and the way the ride just winds around its layout in the dark. The operations on this ride were amongst the best I’ve ever seen at a theme park. 

 

The Monorail- though it’s route lacks the scenic views of the railroad, it gives an interesting detour between the park and Downtown Disney, especially if you fancy some shopping or dining there. Napoli Pizza is somewhere I recommend for decent pizza. 

 

Buzz Lightyear Blasters- Better than WDW’s because the ceiling doesn’t look like it belongs in a Merlin park 

 

Star Tours- Just like the others I’ve done, but it still rocks (literally) 

 

Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage- For those that ask, yes it is better than the ride at Legoland, and was quite the surprise with scenery and animatronics on there. It’s quite an old ride apparently but the Nemo update fits for the ride. 

 

Other Park Areas/ 

There is Bayou county, housing the new Tiana ride. Which was open only to Passholders and cast members, so we missed out! A shame really. There was also the Winnie The Pooh dark ride was charming, the hefflelump segment was the best part. 

 

Star Wars Land was pretty much the same as the one in Hollywood Studios in Orlando, except being in this park rather than the Studios. That said, it was still impressive and delightful to visit, especially with the awesome Rise Of The Resistance and dynamic Smugglers Run. Not to mention they’ve blended this with Frontier Land is actually a genius move on the imagineering part. I guess you could say it’s a space western! 

Mickey’s Toontown hosted two notable dark rides. The first of those was the Rodger Rabbit ride, which being a fan of the movie I should’ve liked. Sadly it just fell a bit flat for me, probably largely unhrlped by the spinning function not working properly. Whilst Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway lacked the grand facade of DHS, the ride was still a delight to experience, hosting its usual stunning tricks, from a separating train carriage and scene separating throughout. 

Disneyland also boasts the classic railroad which circles the original park circumference, since extended several times. Interestingly all seats face into the park in attempt to hide the outside world, also delivered a large berm. The dark ride segment between tomorrow land and mainstreet was mesmerising to watch. 

 

Several shows were watched too, including Fantasmic on the river. This was honestly phenomenal to watch, from countless effects to music and characters. Seeing the many Disney heroes on the mark twain boat at the end was a spectacular segment to watch. Twice. The spooky illuminations on the castle were enjoyable enough to watch, but still gutted I missed the original fireworks.

 

And with that, I’ve probably covered my experience with the original Disney Park. I’ll cover my thoughts on Disney’s California Adventure as well as concluding of Disney and this trip in my next and final part. Until then, see you real soon.