The Year of A Million Dreams
Disneyland Resort, California
by Ruby Elbogen

We began our visit to Disneyland Resort by checking into the Grand California Hotel, and this alone was worth the trip to Anaheim. Staying in the park makes the adventure even more pleasurable, and being in a log cabin grand lodge that would fit perfectly in Yellowstone or the Grand Canyon was, indeed, a pleasure. It’s close proximity (out the back door) to the California Adventure park was delightful, as was walking down the hall, and around the corner to Downtown Disney. Rooms are quite large, have incredible views and are surprisingly quiet. The massive lobby is a great place to relax or people-watch.

Since I had never been to Mickey’s Downtown, it was a complete surprise to find a variety of restaurants, shops and places to browse right outside. We were joined by family who live in the area, and partied at every kid’s favorite eatery, the Rainforest CafÄ. The best part about Downtown Disney is it’s free. So, even curmudgeons who accompany family accompany family to the park, don’t actually have to pretend to have a good time by tagging along. They can hang out downtown - dine, browse, shop, read a book, visit the hotel bar without even walking through the park’s gates. 

The California Adventure Park is a tribute to our state, and fun to traverse. The roller coaster, a cross between Santa Cruz and Mission Beach was clearly a crowd favorite. Everywhere we looked, and walked was a treat and looked so familiar. The Disney Imagineers did a truly magnificent job replicating so many California landmarks to fit in one park.

Disneyland was as much fun as ever, but updated, and is still the happiest place on earth. We were there to watch our granddaughter march in the Disneyland Parade, with the Cupertino High School band. Since she had been in band for all her high school years, and will be off to college in fall, this was her last band hurrah. Disney’s program for letting school bands lead the parade is wonderful, and  leaves students with a great memory.

Anyone who hasn’t visited Disneyland Resort for a while, will enjoy the new venue’s: Finding Nemo, the submarine voyage; the Space Mountain re-do; the Pirate’s Lair at Tom Sawyer Island, and of course - High School Musical. Disneyland Resort has something for everyone, and is still California’s premier attraction.