On Saturday, January 8th, I ventured back to the Disneyland Resort after a 2 month hiatus for the holidays and have returned with a new ParkSpotting adventure…
I knew it had been too long since my last trip to Disneyland when the smell of the escalator at the parking deck just about knocked my socks off. So familiar and comforting – in a weird way.I noticed the Christmas merch was gone from the windows at World of Disney in Downtown Disney, but there were still ads for Tron Legacy.The Christmas signs lining the streets of Downtown Disney are gone, replaced by the “Go Wild” signs. I figured “Let the Memories Begin” would have moved in by now. The “Go Wild” ads are on the park maps as well.
The first stop was Disneyland. Here’s a look at the wait times around 1 in the afternoon. It not a terribly busy day, but still not the ghost town I was hoping for.The Christmas decorations were gone from most of the park, but I was surprised to find that the “it’s a small world” Holiday was still running. I rode it, but it didn’t feel quite as magical this far away from Christmas. I want it back to normal.I finally rode The Sailing Ship Columbia for the first time in my life.I was blown away by the attention to detail in the lower deck.I think I’ve found my new favorite ride.The California letters are gone. I’m sad but also excited about the new direction. But I don’t know how I’m ever going to meet anyone at the parks anymore – I always said, “Meet me at the big C.”In place of the letters are highly decorated construction walls that seemingly block the park entrance.But Guests easily find their way around the walls.Another look at the construction walls covered in Disney characters.Guests walk around the walls to reach the California Adventure park entrance.I love the classic Disney characters used for the construction walls.The entrance to DCA isn’t as chaotic as I thought it would be. They’ve done a good job keeping the crowd moving.More construction walls around what used to be the giant Sun. Attention in the area is now fully drawn to ElecTRONica.Wouldn’t it be great if the Carthay Circle Theater actually showed Snow White every night? I hope it does.More area construction wall signage.More area construction wall signage.More area construction wall signage.This is my first look at Paradise Pier now that they are submerging the World of Color barges. For a long time, the pier was pretty ugly with all those gizmos sticking out of the water.And a look at the progress on The Little Mermaid attraction.From a distance, you can see how big The Little Mermaid ride will be.Check out the progress they’re making on Cars Land.The mountains have trees on them.Rockwork emerges.Could the white metal structure beside the Mission Logo be the skeleton of Flo’s?I heard The Miner ’49ers playing as I passed by the Rushin’ River Outfitters. Always nice to happen upon them.Here’s a look at the drained Grizzly River Run. I don’t think anyone was complaining that this ride was closed. The temperature was in the high 50’s during the day and quickly dropped into the ’40s after sundown.I ate dinner at an often overlooked dining location – White Water Snacks – located near the pool in the Grand Californian Hotel. It’s quiet, out of the way, and rarely has a crowd. Ricky raves over the nachos, so I had to try them. And he was right. So good.On my way out of the Grand Californian, a friend pointed out that the carpet matches the marble floor – as if it’s an extension of the marble. I’d never noticed it before. I love the Disney touches.
So that was my day (and another ParkSpotting trip) at the Disneyland Resort. This is an exciting time to be a Passholder. It is changing before our very eyes.
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