UNLEASH YOUR INNER CHILD
Here are five good reasons to be a kid again at Disney’s California theme parks
You don’t have to be a kid to create magical moments at a Disney theme park.
Disneyland, the original Disney theme park, opened in California on July 17, 1955. Since then, more than 700 million guests — of all ages — have visited the renowned resort. Young and old alike can enjoy the Disneyland and Disney California Adventure theme parks. There’s something for every age and interest.
If you’re an adult visiting Disneyland “sans kinder,” here are five must-dos to maximize your magical moments:
1. Stay on site
You’ll find it convenient. There are three Disney hotels to choose from:
■ Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa, which is the flagship hotel of the Disneyland Resort, features 948 rooms and 50 Disney Vacation Club villas. It has two restaurants — Storytellers Cafe and the Napa Rose, which has approximately 35 sommeliers.
■ Disneyland Hotel, which was “re-imagined” in 2012. The 969-room hotel, which includes specially themed Disney character suites, has a new restaurant and bar — Tangaroa Terrace and Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar — as well as a water-play area with monorail-inspired water slides. The hotel also houses Goofy’s Kitchen and Steakhouse 55.
■ Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, a “casually elegant” 481-room hotel with a day-at-the-beach theme. It features the whimsical Disney’s PCH Grill restaurant, with a character buffet.
2. Explore Disneyland Park
Attractions include everything from a Mark Twain Riverboat cruise or tour of Storybook Land in a canal boat to a ride on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad or Space Mountain.
Be sure to get your picture taken with your favourite characters — whether that’s Anna and Elsa from Disney’s animated movie Frozen or Captain America or Thor.
Don’t miss Mickey’s Soundsational Parade. Fabulous floats and costumes. Be sure to watch Mickey and the Magical Map at the Fantasyland Theatre. And grab a spot early to watch Magical, the spectacular nighttime fireworks show.
3. Explore Disney California Adventure
Make a point of seeing Disney’s Aladdin, A Musical Spectacular at the Hyperion Theater in Hollywood Land. And don’t miss World of Color, a show that combines water, colour, fire, music and animation. You can become part of the show by wearing Glow with the Show Mouse Ears, with colours that change instantly to complement or harmonize with the show.
4. Visit the Downtown Disney District
This admission-free district features an array of shops — including a giant World of Disney store — and lots of restaurants and nightclubs. It’s located between the Disneyland Resort theme parks and hotels. Be sure to check out the WonderGround Gallery, where you can watch Disney artists at work and purchase some art. You can even commission a personalized piece.
5. Relax and enjoy some down time poolside or take a day trip to nearby SoCal beaches
A Disneyland vacation doesn’t have to be all go, go, go! Take time out of your day to relax by the pool. Or visit the beaches of Southern California for a day. Many Canadians don’t realize how close the ocean is to Disneyland. For fun, consider renting a convertible and enjoy a seaside drive.