Disneyland gets better with age
California theme park celebrates warmth of familiarity — yet continues to surprise
Like good friends and fine wine, Disneyland just seems to get better with age.
Not only does the venerable “Happiest Place on Earth” theme park, which opened in Anaheim, Calif. in 1955 and has welcomed millions of visitors to dozens of rides and attractions on its now 510-acre expanse, continues to exude the warmth of familiarity but, 60 years on, it also continues to surprise.
Where else can you board a bobsled and tear around the old-school snow-capped Matterhorn with an abominable snowman jumping out when you least expect it?
Then set out on a turbulent modern-day Indiana Jones adventure through an ancient cave dodging giant cobras and mammoth-sized rolling rocks in a military transport vehicle?
Where else can you bump into Snow White greeting park-goers outside Sleeping Beauty’s castle and then, not far away, sidle up to superheroes when you venture into Hollywood Land, where you’re likely to see Captain America and the web-slinging guy in the red and blue suit: Spider-Man?
No sooner will you have wrapped up a visit with Disney royalty, like the always-cheery Mickey Mouse, than you’ll find yourself at the Star Wars launch bay where you’re likely to see the lovable Chewbacca or cross to the dark side after a run-in with Kylo Ren.
And then there’s the familiar Space Mountain, which has been newly reimagined into Hyperspace Mountain, taking youngsters on an epic X-wing Starfighter battle at lightning speed, in the dark.
The Force is strong at Disneyland these days — young padawans will be flocking to the new Jedi training academy, Trials of the Temple, where they’ll learn the ways of the Force, wielding lightsabers and facing off with Darth Vader himself.
You might also find yourself aboard a yellow submarine on an underwater adventure in hopes of finding Nemo or testing your vertical limits in a darkened elevator as it drops 13 storeys at nearly 64 km/h on the aptly named Hollywood Tower of Terror.
Adventure in your blood? Take a cruise through It’s a Small World or hop on the breathtaking and newly transformed Soarin’ Around the World ride for a bird’s-eye view of the Great Wall of China, Sydney’s magnificent harbour and the majestic Swiss Alps.
Young or old, familiar or reimagined, the memories stay with you, no matter how many times you go, no matter if you prefer to stick to the familiarity of Disneyland, or spend all your time at Cars Land at Disney California Adventure Park.
There was the time you went as a youngster when seeing Cinderella mattered more than not meeting the height requirements for rides your brother could get on.
And there was the first time you took your own children and relived the magic through their eyes.
Then the trip when your child took over the planning, poring over park guides and mapping out each day to hit all the right rides, with ample pool time later in the day.
And what adult hasn’t wandered through Disneyland, remembering their own visits as a child and relishing every memory.
The ever-evolving park — wait for the much-anticipated new Star Wars Land slated to open in 2018 — is constantly switching things up.
The Cozy Cone Motel along Route 66 in California Adventure’s Cars Land, also home to the immensely popular Radiator Springs Racers, is just steps from the newest attraction: Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters where riders board whimsical Frizzante, which are open-top micro cars that whip you to and fro, sashaying and spinning along a trackless ride system performing to Mambo Italiano and other traditional Italian dances.
And if meeting Belle has your toddlers gushing, you’ll want to let them go at Frozen — Live at the Hyperion.
Making its theatrical debut last May, this Broadway-style musical brings the Disney blockbuster to life on the big stage. It features six musical numbers performed in front of a 2,200-square-foot video wall with large moving set pieces, lively dancers and a gigantic snowflake chandelier that descends from the ceiling. Elsa shines while Anna’s comedic timing is spot on and her goofy awkwardness endearing. And you’ll fall in love with Olaf all over again, while introducing your youngsters to live theatre as part of your park admission.
And, not to be missed is the nighttime spectacular with your favourite Disney characters parading through the streets surrounded by thousands of colourful lights and music. The special anniversary ‘Paint the Night’ parade is more magical than ever, as is the new ‘Disneyland Forever’ fireworks show celebrating the park’s Diamond Celebration by lighting up the night sky above Sleeping Beauty Castle.
And don’t forget the other attractions, from the myriad shops — who doesn’t covet limited edition ‘diamond-encrusted’ Minnie ears — and entertainment venues like the movie theatre and live bands on stage in Downtown Disney to a never-ending buffet of goodies for all the foodies in the family.
From churros to chili cones, from burgers to quesadillas, from all-day suckers for the little ones to high-octane drinks for the older set, from turkey legs to chimichangas, Disneyland Resort’s eclectic choice of cuisines and treats is as varied as it is satisfying.
There is even fine dining just steps from the Grizzly River Run, arguably one of the more popular rides taking thrill-seekers on a white-water rafting adventure.
Located in Disney’s Grand California Hotel & Spa, the upscale craftsman-style Napa Rose restaurant features farm-to-table fare and gives guests the option of ordering from the menu or from a fourcourse ‘Vintner’s Table’ fixed price menu. Wine lovers will appreciate the extensive selection and for those who don’t know what to pair with their meal, one of the sommeliers can make a recommendation for you.
Or step back in time to the golden age of Hollywood at Carthay Circle in Disney California Adventure. Modelled after the world famous movie house, the elegant atmosphere and smooth jazz provides the perfect backdrop to enjoy drinks and appetizers in the cosy lounge or stay for dinner in the well-appointed dining room upstairs.
Looking for a little Disney after dark? Head to Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar for a punch of island flavour.
Tucked in the courtyard of the Disneyland Hotel, it’s a great place for some late night fun where ordering a special drink will bring the bar to life with sounds of thunder, pelting rain and patrons chanting. And, it’s open until 1.30 a.m.
Disneyland may well be the ultimate reminder that everything truly does get better with age and when it comes to marking significant milestones, like the resort’s year-long Diamond Celebration on now through Sept. 5, is one not to be missed.