Every child’s dreams include meeting Mickey Mouse and friends and experiencing Disneyland. It is one of the happiest places for kids, and even for those “kids at heart”. The idea was conceptualized after Walt Disney visited numerous theme parks with his kids. After a year of construction, Disneyland was opened on 17th of July 1955. Various extensions and improvements were made since then and it's become one of the most famous and frequently visited amusement parks in the world.
There are things you should know that might help you to enjoy your visit in this amazing place and make the experience even more unforgettable. For one, additional surprises await those who are celebrating their birthdays. Upon arrival, it would be best to inform the crew about your special day. They will escort you to City Hall and you will meet the cast members. They will award you a special sticker that will tell everyone it is your birthday and this sticker will allow you to enjoy some perks and special items that they prepare for birthday celebrants all throughout the theme park.
Disneyland is composed of various themes and there are 57 attractions that you can choose from. Upon entering the park, on Main Street, guests can take the Disneyland Railroad that will take them to different parts of Disneyland. It is said that this particular theme represents Walt Disney’s childhood town, Marceline in Missouri. If you are observant enough, you might notice the vanilla scent all around the place. During holidays, it is replaced by peppermint. Here you can find the Disney Art Gallery and the Opera House where they exhibit Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. There are also lots of shops and stores in this area where you can buy candy, jewelry and Disney collectibles. There is even a shop that sells hats where you can create your very own and customized one. Here you can also find Central Plaza, or the Hub, for it serves as a gateway to the other theme lands.
Adventureland features recreations of tropical places that are found in Africa and Asia. For a different kind of experience, check out The Indiana Jones Adventure or Tarzan’s Tree House, and do not forget to make a quick stop at Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room. Upon visiting the Indiana Jones Adventure, you might look for Eeyore, Winnie-the-Pooh’s donkey friend, at the Temple of the Forbidden Eye. It is said that it was originally the Eeyore parking lot before the Indiana Jones Adventure was established and it was a tribute to Eeyore.
Frontierland is a tribute to Native Americans. It includes the popular Mark Twain Riverboat which you can actually ride if you’re in luck. You can also have the privilege to sign their special guest book, where the names of the people who drove the riverboat is listed. Isn’t it amazing? You are part of Disneyland’s history! Other attractions are the Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island, Sailing Ship Columbia and the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
Fantasyland is home to the King Arthur Carousel and Peter Pan’s Flight, one of the original attractions that still operates today. This area is perfect for children for there are lots of rides here. You can opt to either enjoy a wonderful day with Dumbo, or join Pinocchio on his daring journey. You can even get acquainted with Snow White and her dwarfs or go for a wild ride on Casey Jr.’s Circus Train. If you are still up for it, experience Wonderland as Alice did and meet three of the Disney princesses in Disney Princess Fantasy Faire.
New Orleans Square includes the famous Haunted Mansion, where guests experience thrills by riding Doom Buggies that will transport them all throughout the mansion. The mansion features different special effects to stimulate the guests’ imagination and make the experience almost real. The music is also superb and you get to feel scared and terrified. It is believed that the sounds inside the park never cease even when the rides are already closed. Creepy, right?
Roaming the park, it's easy to stumble upon Disney characters and take photos with them. The cast members are accommodating and enjoy interacting with the guests. You might also want to find all those hidden ears of Mickey Mouse. It is said that they are present everywhere, strategically located where you can’t spot them easily. And if you are worried about your security, be informed that Disneyland employs almost 300 people to make sure that the place is secure and safe so you can enjoy your visit. |