Disneyland Memories

Why I love Disneyland...

I first visited Disneyland when I was about 8 years old. My family went in a van, which honestly I have no idea who it belonged to. With my family were my Aunt and her children. It was a fairly large group of us traveling from Missouri to California, in that weird van. We stayed along the way in some fantastic K.O.A. campgrounds… Well fantastic may be a strong word for the accommodations, but we were going to DISNEYLAND! I couldn’t wait; I had wanted this trip for as long as my young 8-year-old self could remember.

(photo courtesy of Vintage Disneyland Tickets)

I’m not sure I could tell anyone anything specific about our visit. I have memories of just being overwhelmed with excitement, with a bit of fear mixed in.  It could have been the SkyWay that caused the fear to be honest. When you first saw it, it went into a mountain! What is going on there? There are of course bits and pieces of memories but overall I know it completed my love of all things Disney and that lives with on with me to this day.

It took me over 11 years until I got to visit Disneyland again. This time from Seattle, where we had moved when I was 12 but had never made another family trip to Disneyland, I’m quite certain that is a form of abuse. Anyways, I had just gotten out of high school and my girlfriend (now wife) and I took a road trip down in my very Blue Ford Escort. What a trip just driving down was!

(photo courtesy of Vintage Disneyland Tickets)

This was the trip that sealed it for both of us. We were hooked and there was no going back! Unlike my first visit, this one is etched into my memory forever. Every detail. Even if it wasn’t permanently imprinted on my mind, we have 1000’s of pictures, so I could always be easily reminded.  Matter of fact I think they are still in the Costco White envelopes. Perhaps I should go on a Picture Treasure Hunt!

Through the years our lives have progressed, and our pocketbooks. So we have made it a must to visit Disneyland a few or more times a year. Heading down from Seattle for a weekend is one of our favorite ways to spend our entertainment dollars. I almost hate to admit this, but my wife and I at times have ditched our son with grandparents and jaunted down to Disneyland for a weekend away for just us. Please don’t send me hate mail over that. :)

In the end, I can simply say that I just love visiting Disneyland (and Disneyworld!). It truly is a magical place for my family and I. When I walk under the trestle bridge and see Main Street USA, I let go of any stresses I might have had, any troubles and I look upon Disneyland with my 8 year old eyes once again.

And really, is there anything greater than that?

I hope you find this information helpful. To find out more about me please visit my profile page here:  DisneyDan 

Daniel Mullarkey

daniel@destinationsinflorida.com

Disney World, Disney Cruise, Disneyland, Disney Hawaii, and Adventures by Disney Specialist 
Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure SpecialistOrlando Travel Consultant

Destinations in Florida Travel is your PremEAR Disney World and Orlando Vacation Planners - Top 2009 Disney Destinations Sales Performer and 2010 & 2011 Universal Studios Travel Agency Partner of the Year

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I Visit Art of Animation Resort

'Art of Animation' 

Visit Experience

After staying in Art of Animation for almost a week I have determined it has a few flaws that ruined the experience overall for me. While they may not keep me from returning to stay here, I certainly will think twice and see what other resorts are available. 

When I visited Art of Animation last November with my wife and son, I was thoroughly impressed with the Lobby and entrance to the main hall (See picture below). The decor, colors and sketches were so welcoming. Of course the cast member who assisted us was pleasant, friendly, accommodating and had a vast array of knowledge. 

Right off the main lobby area is the 'Landscape of Flavors' quick service restaurant. This quick-service restaurant offers five different 'Food Shops'. There is also Pizza Delivery options for room service. 

Additionally, off the lobby is the Arcade, and a small computer area where you can check in and print your return flight boarding passes. I've found this is becoming more common, but I have yet to see any Disney Resort do this as well as the Disney Aulani Resort in Hawaii. (I'll write a blog on this soon and link to it here)

When we arrived at the resort it was far too early in the morning for us to receive a room, so we checked in as far as we could, even receiving keys to a room. Rather than wait for a minimum of 5 hours (yes we were there REALLY early), we left our luggage, went out to the bus pick-up and headed off to Magic Kingdom. 

When we returned we were able to head straight to our room from the bus drop-off.  Little did we know that this walk would be longer than any we had done that day. After about 15 minutes of walking from the bus stop we arrived to our building. As most people recall when you visit the parks, especially with children, your legs are exhausted at the end of the first day. We had to walk through Find Nemo area, The Lion King area and finally arrived at The Little Mermaid area. It was easy to know this area was ours with the massive (at least 3 stories tall) King Triton out front. 

However, we were unaware of where our room was located. A search ensued until we discovered it located on the bottom floor, facing the parking lot with the door on the outside of the building. I only point this out as I know many people are uncomfortable with staying in rooms that are not in a hallway inside the buildings, feeling less protected. However, don't let that persuade you from staying here. The Lion King building has the doors to the rooms on the inside of the building. 

The other big concern for me was the dining area. The Art of Animation Resort is so big that the Landscape of Flavors quick-service food area was just over run with vacationers and understaffed with cast members. Everything was sticky, there was no cream for our coffee, although a young lady was near sweating trying to keep up with the beverage area. She refilled all the coffee, creamers and sugars as quickly as possible. I'm not fully aware of how many people were staying at the resort during our visit but it was fairly busy. However, with a resort that could easily have 10,000 people staying at it I'm not sure the dining area will ever truly be big enough. Had the young lady I saw had someone else assisting her it would have gone better I'm sure, but the only other person in the dining area was trying to keep the tables bussed. Unfortunately, they weren't successful either, resulting in floors, tables and most everything being sticky. 

While I am split on my enjoyment of this resort, I stand my my previous assessment that I'd personally look to a different Value Resort or move up to a Moderate Resort over staying here again.  

However, if Disney considered a possible transportation system at the resort it could improve my overall impression. Especially as there are rumors that the resort will continue to expand.

I hope you find this information helpful. To find out more about me please visit my profile page here:  DisneyDan 

Daniel Mullarkey

daniel@destinationsinflorida.com

Disney World, Disney Cruise, Disneyland, Disney Hawaii, and Adventures by Disney Specialist 
Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure Specialist
Orlando Travel Consultant

Destinations in Florida Travel is your PremEAR Disney World and Orlando Vacation Planners - Top 2009 Disney Destinations Sales Performer and 2010 & 2011 Universal Studios Travel Agency Partner of the Year

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Disney's Art of Animation Resort Info

Walt Disney World 'Art of Animation' Resort

Information

Although Art of Animation has been open less than a year at this time, it has become one of the most talked about resorts at Walt Disney World. For many great, and some not so great, reasons. It is designed around the history of Disney Animation.

We should start with some background information on the resort itself. There are 2000 rooms available, 864 Standard Rooms and 1,120 Family Suites. Art of Animation has 4 different themed areas. These are Finding Nemo, Cars, Little Mermaid, and The Lion King. It boasts 3 pools. One large Finding Nemo pool, which is the largest pool in Walt Disney World Resort. This pool area has underwater speakers, a first for any Disney World Resort, and a smaller splash area for younger kids. There are also 2 smaller pools on the outsides of the resort. 

The room sizes are on par with the other Value Resort rooms. However, Art of Animation offers Family Suite rooms as well. These include a bedroom with a living area with fold out couch, kitchenette, dining table that converts to a third bed. Sleeping Six people comfortably. Here's an image of the Cars Family Suite: 

One thing I would caution against is that you will probably prefer to avoid the Finding Nemo Family Suites. When I was searching for our rooms, I came across this picture of the room. Needless to say, I was imagining waking up in this room with a massive anxiety attack. Fear of drowning would ensue and I'd probably end up sleeping outside.

You probably want to know about the food too? It was standard Disney World food. We ate here for breakfast so had the dry cereal options, yogurt, donuts, bagels. They did have hot breakfasts as well although we didn't chose them. We went with the cold breakfast items and coffee. For me personally, I've always been ho hum about the food at Disney World, as it's not nearly as good as the food at Disneyland for me. However, it was decent enough and satisfied our hunger just fine.

Overall, I would say this resort has a lot of bonuses including the pool and the family suites. However, if possible I would suggest looking at either All-Star Movies, or moving to a Moderate Resort such as Port Orleans - Riverside.

I hope you find this information helpful. To find out more about me please visit my profile page here:  DisneyDan 

Daniel Mullarkey

daniel@destinationsinflorida.com

Disney World, Disney Cruise, Disneyland, Disney Hawaii, and Adventures by Disney Specialist 
Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure Specialist
Orlando Travel Consultant

Destinations in Florida Travel is your PremEAR Disney World and Orlando Vacation Planners - Top 2009 Disney Destinations Sales Performer and 2010 & 2011 Universal Studios Travel Agency Partner of the Year

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DisneyDaniel's Must Do's at Disneyland

I'm Going to Disneyland!

Hey all you fans of Mickey Mouse! So you've planned a visit to Disneyland! You've made it known to everyone you are going, you've contacted a Disney Specialist travel agent to do all the boring booking part for you, including booking your 'Priority Seating' dinner reservations. Now you are on your way!

You have arrived at the 'Happiest Place on Earth', what should you do first? last? That's what I'm here to help you with. Well at least share DisneyDaniel's Must Do's for any one visiting, and you should take note. I've been to Disneyland more times than I should admit to. We will cover Disney's California Adventure in a later blogpost. Find it here: California Adventure

First things first - Get in front of the floral arrangement in front of the train station and get yourself a picture! Collect your PhotoPass so that you can use it for the rest of your trip. Don't worry the photographer will also take your picture with your personal camera. Do It! You will love having the Photo's available later on to purchase, sometimes making excellent Christmas Cards. Also know that you can pre-order the PhotoPass CD. If you do this and you make sure to take advantage of all the photography opportunities you can score an excellent deal!

Once you've walked under the train trestle, follow my lead and look to your left. Right next to the City Hall is the FireStation. The top floor was Walt Disney's apartment. Give him a quick hello, friendly wave, and perhaps a Thank You. If you are close enough you will notice that there is a oil lamp in the window. This lamp is always on, symbolizing Walt Disney's spirit is always around. Quick note, don't freak out if it's out, that only means that one of the Disney Family is visiting the park and Walt's spirit resides with them.

Down Main Street towards Sleeping Beauty's Castle, I always save the shops for on the way out, however if you want to stop now, feel free. I personally always buy more than I should and would end up having to carry it through the park with me, or stopping to fill out the resort drop off information. I don't want to be held up, there's things to do and see!!!

Now the old rule was always head to the left side of the castle to start your adventure. The reason was that at one time almost everyone went right, so the left was less busy. However, that is not true anymore and either way you go will be just as busy. I now just have a list in my head of the rides I'm doing first. Typically I head towards the left to hit up Jungle Cruise and Indiana Jones first. 

What rides are the must do's??

• Jungle Cruise
• Indiana Jones (FastPass)
• Big Thunder Mountain (Fast Pass)
• Splash Mountain (Fast Pass)
• Space Mountain (Fast Pass)
• "NEW" Star Tours (Fast Pass)
• Pirates of the Caribbean (Save this till around dinner time)
• Haunted Mansion
• Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
• It's a Small World (of course - sorry for the song being stuck in your head too)

So you have your rides in mind, and are ready to get those FastPasses. Hint: Soon you'll be able to schedule a time for the rides before even arriving at the Parks!!  We'll talk about My Magic + another time as well. Well I should say I'm hoping Disney will extend it to Disneyland as well. Currently it's on track to be rolled out to Disney World in the next few months. 

Where should we eat?

I am generally satisfied with any meal I have at Disneyland. This park tends to have pretty darn good food when you go looking for it. My favorite restaurant overall is the "Blue Bayou". It sits inside the Pirates of the Caribbean overlooking the ride itself. This is why I suggest saving the ride till dinner time! This is always a MUST DO for me.

So I think I've made it clear that I always go to Blue Bayou when I visit Disneyland, but where else is good? 

• Cafe Orleans - Excellent Gumbo
• Plaza Inn - Great Breakfast buffet with Characters
• Big Thunder Ranch BBQ - Includes Show and you can see some Presidential Pardoned Turkeys
• The Golden Horseshoe - Get yourself a Sundae here!
• Carnation Cafe - Good breakfast spot

As a frequent visitor to Disneyland I never truly feel I've done it all until I see a Parade, Fantasmic!, and the Fireworks. Without these magical pieces of the visit I would be incomplete. I fully encourage, almost demand, that you see at least one parade, the Fantasmic! show and stay for the Fireworks!

After the Fireworks, head back to Main Street and get yourself some souvenirs.

There are of course many many many more things to do at Disneyland, however this list is simply DisneyDaniel's MUST DO's!

I hope you find this information helpful. To find out more about me please visit my profile page here:  DisneyDan 

Daniel Mullarkey

daniel@destinationsinflorida.com

Disney World, Disney Cruise, Disneyland, Disney Hawaii, and Adventures by Disney Specialist 
Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure Specialist
Orlando Travel Consultant

Destinations in Florida Travel is your PremEAR Disney World and Orlando Vacation Planners - Top 2009 Disney Destinations Sales Performer and 2010 & 2011 Universal Studios Travel Agency Partner of the Year

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