I took a few videos that I'll share in the coming days, but what does everyone think of Disneyland and California Adventure?
Took a trip over there yesterday and it was a blast. Can't wait to share some photos.
...
So a bit of a disclaimer before I get started: I'm really oblivious when it comes to planning a Disney trip. In other words, I really go throughout both parks at a leisurely pace. It's a stark contrast to how I visit Universal, but there's less pressure to cover anything extensively as I do with Universal Studios Hollywood or any other Universal property worldwide. So if you're confused about my timing or pacing - that's why. It's a bit unusual, but I've purposely never planned a trip beforehand. So here we go!
...
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by
InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
1:00 PM. Parked in Micky & Friends, and away we go.
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by
InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
First park: Disney California Adventure.
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by
InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Entrance of the park. Reminds me a bit of the Grove - which is a good thing.
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by
InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
I'm sure all of you have heard about Carthay Circle and the comparisons between the Carthay and Universal Plaza, but I can assure you - they're not the same. That being said, Carthay is really beautiful. I want to say there's a bit of Art Deco, but I don't want to get ahead of myself.
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by
InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Next stop: Cars Land.
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by
InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
I've only seen the first film, so I'm not exactly familiar with the entire franchise. But from what I do remember, they did an excellent job recreating the animated film into real life. Really nice work.
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by
InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
First ride of the day: Radiator Springs.
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by
InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by
InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Really impressive queue, though I'm always perturbed at the lack of monitors littered throughout the queue. I guess that's a Universal thing, haha.
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by
InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by
InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by
InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
First impressions of the ride: pleasantly surprised. I didn't think they'd be much beyond a simple race track, but obviously I was wrong. Very fluid animatronics. If Universal is sort on anything - it's a large scale attraction like this that includes plenty of practical effects. Plus, nothing beats a good race.
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by
InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Hey, I recognize this!
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by
InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
...and this!
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by
InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by
InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by
InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by
InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by
InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Next stop: who knows! I think I'm heading towards the Tower of Terror on this one.
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by
InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by
InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Don't think I've seen this show before.
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by
InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
...and here's Tower.
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by
InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Oddly enough, I always seem to ride Tower on my visits to Disney - including Florida and Japan. It's a fun ride, but I really go in for the decor.
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by
InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
I love the theming that goes into this attraction. Spider webs, plenty of art deco, flickering lights - just a huge fan. After all, who's not a fan of the Twilight Zone?
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by
InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by
InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by
InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by
InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by
InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Next stop: Paradise Pier. I've never understood the hate for this area.
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by
InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Beautiful view from the bridge. Funny story: Goofy actually snuck up behind me and pulled the reach around as he was gearing up for a brief fountain show. That's something I can't say I'll get used to - but hey. It was fun and memorable.
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by
InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
...and away we go!
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by
InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by
InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Sadly, Toy Story Mania appeared to be offline while I was there. Shame. I hear it's a good ride and plenty of people recommended it on Twitter. Maybe next time.
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by
InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
...and finally Soarin' - my personal favorite. I'll usually not emotional when it comes to theme park attractions, but this one always hits home. Very well done.
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by
InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by
InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by
InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by
InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by
InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by
InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
At around 5:00 PM, we head on over to Disneyland.
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by
InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by
InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
What do we go on first? Disneyland Railroad of course.
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by
InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by
InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
To be honest, we really don't do much from here but walk around.
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by
InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by
InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by
InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by
InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by
InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by
InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by
InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Hope you all enjoyed the photos thus far. I'll have more photos tomorrow.