My Disneyland Trip 23-29 May 2005

[delray]

Just returned from my Disneyland vacation, so I thought I would share some highlights with all you Disney fanatics. We had a 5-day parkhopper pass and stayed for four nights at the Paradise Pier and three nights at the Ramada Inn Maingate. This was our first trip to Disneyland since 1981. We've stayed at WDW 10 times previously, so please forgive the comparisons to WDW.
The Paradise Pier was very nice. Upon check-in they upgraded our room to a park view which was a pleasant surprise! Beats looking at the parking lot! The room was what you would expect from a Disney property, well designed with Disney touches. Can't comment on the food because we never ate at the hotel.
The Ramada Inn Main Gate is just accross the street from the main entrance to the resort. The room was okay but nothing to write home about. The location is the thing! There's a Denny's, Tony Roma's, an IHOP, and a few other restaurants in walking distance. Price point is not that much less than Disney but you might perfer them.
Our best meal at Disney was at the Blue Bayou. I had these giant grilled pork chops and my daughter had salmon filet. We had a calamari appetizer and I had to have the clam chowder. The chowder was as good as I remember it!
As far as rides go I will start with Disneyland. The Indiana Jones ride is vastly over rated when compared to Dinosaur. The preride doesn't suck you in as deep as Dinosaur does and the effects are not as scary. Just wasn't as excited as compared to Dnosaur.
New and improved Jungle Cruise wasn't, though it is nice to see them shooting in the direction of the hippo again.
Longer version of the Pirates of the Caribbean with more drops is fun as well as what seems to be a longer Splash Mountain.
The Matterhorn still rocks!
On to The California Adventure! Someone said this is a half-day park, I don't agree! You could stretch this out to a day and a half if you take your time and see everything. Soarin' Over California was the hightlight of the trip. Most of you know it's a flight simulator that takes you over some scenic vista in California. They add aromas to the ride and blow wind in your face to add to the realism. I was floored, you really feel like you are up there! Ask for the 1st row when you ride, even if you have to wait a few extra minutes. If you don't you will have other riders feet tangling in your line of vision-spoils the effect.
California Screaming and the Maliboomer are great thrill rides!
The Tower of Terror is slightly different than WDW version, but still worth the price of admission.
After all our trips to WDW, DLR makes me feel a little bit claustrophobic. WDW is spread out and at DLR everything is cheek by jowl. Makes me look forward to our scheduled trip to WDW in December even more.
Forgot to mention the entertainment in and around the Golden Horseshoe. Before every show inside a little group of 3 players does some comedy out front. See every show if you can. In side you will find Billy Hill and the Hillbillies. I understand there is more than one Billy Hill.
We had the Elvis Billy. A great show, don't miss it!
I've rambled on enough now. If anyone has any questions about anything I didn't mention, don't hesitate to ask!

Regards,
Del Meyer

[lovesdisney44]

Del - ran into your short trip report on Disneyland by accident. I liked the comparison to WDW as that's where we always go. We've never been to Disneyland (except when I was 7 maybe, but I don't remember that trip - except that my sister got sick while we were standing in line for an hour waiting to ride Dumbo. We had to leave the park - I was so mad at her When your 7, nothing matters, but you and your ride on Dumbo!)

I digress - anyway, I was wondering if a trip to Disneyland should be in the planning stages for the 50th Anniversary, but I think you've answered that question. We'll go, but I won't try to squeeze in an extra trip!