OnWithTheShow
No Entangling Alliances
- Joined
- Sep 20, 1999
Well I just returned from the Disneyland resort. Here are my observations.
Disney's Grand Californian Resort -
A absolutely fabulous resort that would be right at home in the same group as WDW's Deluxe resorts (Grand Floridian, Wilderness Lodge, and Animal Kingdome Lodge). It appears as if no expense was spared in the creation of the resort. From the grand and impressive lobby to the lounges and restaurants it is tip top. The little details were also there, Bambi and Thumper on the shower curtains and hidden Mickeys on the lights in the lobby lounge. The pool area is great and well themed, it even has access control to prevent non resort guests from using the pool. The entrance to California Adventure is also definitely a perk. Speaking of perks the resort offers complimentary turn down service as well as free copies of the local paper and USA Today. Oh and...the monorail runs throught the resort!
Downtown Disney -
A good addition I think. I love ESPN Zone and the rest at least gave me something to look at during the walk from Grand Californian to Disneyland.
Disneyland -
It really is the small things that make the difference. The small castle, the small monorails, the small space mountain, the small pathways, etc etc. The castle was somewhat dwarvish (quaint for all you Disneylanders) and totally unimpressive. The walkways were small and overcrowed. The cast while excellent was not up to WDW standards. While I was there the following attractions were closed: Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Pirates, Fantasmic, Sailing Ship, Carousel and I think Pinnochio and Snow White (or I just couldnt find them) Needless to say this huge list of closed attractions started me off with a negative view of the resort. They were also totally unprepared from a staffing perspective for the crowds that were there. Also I really wanted some Indy merchandise yet the Indy shop was closed all three days I was in the park. Now on to individual attractions:
The Railroad:
Small, someone please get rid of the Grand Canyon and pimevil world.
Main Street:
Small, I like the fact that the shops still have that individual feeling. The cookies aren't as good as WDW's. There are a few more vehicles that in WDW.
Great Moments with Mr Lincoln:
The cast here was blantantly disdainful of the fact that Walt's office was packed up and sent to the Studios. To that I say "well you got our electrical parade, wanna trade back?"
The attraction was good and the 3D audio fits seemlessly with the show (though the show could be a little gory for the little ones)
Astro Orbitor:
Not as cool on the ground.
Autopia:
I like the "off-road" section and the cars seem a little quieter.
Monorail:
Small, I banged my head getting in. Does anyone know if the beamway is thinner than in WDW?
StarTours:
Virtually identical.
Alice in Wonderland:
A good dark ride
Mr Toad:
I like Pooh 10 times better.
Small World:
You have us beat on the inside a much closer more personal experience. We have you beat on the outside. Somebody better get out their paint brushes, geez.
Matterhorn:
Fun but must have been invented before the discovery that banking turns reduces g-forces
Toontown:
I prefer Toontown Fair to Toontown in the condition it is now. I don't think they have painted the place since it opened. Why is the Toontown train station not in Toontown?
Roger Rabbit:
I had no idea it was going to be soo scary. My brother and sister were terrified. It was a great dark ride though and I love the spinning action.
Gadgets Go Coaster:
Goofy's Barnstormer
Thunder Mountain:
Virtually identical.
Haunted Mansion:
I like the better hanging man effect, otherwise the same.
New Orleans Square:
The DL version of the upstairs of Columbia Harbour House. A very relaxing place to take a break and people watch.
Tiki Room:
I think it is time for new management.
Jungle Cruise:
We had a poor skipper.
Indy:
Wow, what an attraction! Bring on a clone!
Prepare for Part II Disney's California Adventure!
and
Part III Meeting Another Voice
Disney's Grand Californian Resort -
A absolutely fabulous resort that would be right at home in the same group as WDW's Deluxe resorts (Grand Floridian, Wilderness Lodge, and Animal Kingdome Lodge). It appears as if no expense was spared in the creation of the resort. From the grand and impressive lobby to the lounges and restaurants it is tip top. The little details were also there, Bambi and Thumper on the shower curtains and hidden Mickeys on the lights in the lobby lounge. The pool area is great and well themed, it even has access control to prevent non resort guests from using the pool. The entrance to California Adventure is also definitely a perk. Speaking of perks the resort offers complimentary turn down service as well as free copies of the local paper and USA Today. Oh and...the monorail runs throught the resort!
Downtown Disney -
A good addition I think. I love ESPN Zone and the rest at least gave me something to look at during the walk from Grand Californian to Disneyland.
Disneyland -
It really is the small things that make the difference. The small castle, the small monorails, the small space mountain, the small pathways, etc etc. The castle was somewhat dwarvish (quaint for all you Disneylanders) and totally unimpressive. The walkways were small and overcrowed. The cast while excellent was not up to WDW standards. While I was there the following attractions were closed: Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Pirates, Fantasmic, Sailing Ship, Carousel and I think Pinnochio and Snow White (or I just couldnt find them) Needless to say this huge list of closed attractions started me off with a negative view of the resort. They were also totally unprepared from a staffing perspective for the crowds that were there. Also I really wanted some Indy merchandise yet the Indy shop was closed all three days I was in the park. Now on to individual attractions:
The Railroad:
Small, someone please get rid of the Grand Canyon and pimevil world.
Main Street:
Small, I like the fact that the shops still have that individual feeling. The cookies aren't as good as WDW's. There are a few more vehicles that in WDW.
Great Moments with Mr Lincoln:
The cast here was blantantly disdainful of the fact that Walt's office was packed up and sent to the Studios. To that I say "well you got our electrical parade, wanna trade back?"
The attraction was good and the 3D audio fits seemlessly with the show (though the show could be a little gory for the little ones)
Astro Orbitor:
Not as cool on the ground.
Autopia:
I like the "off-road" section and the cars seem a little quieter.
Monorail:
Small, I banged my head getting in. Does anyone know if the beamway is thinner than in WDW?
StarTours:
Virtually identical.
Alice in Wonderland:
A good dark ride
Mr Toad:
I like Pooh 10 times better.
Small World:
You have us beat on the inside a much closer more personal experience. We have you beat on the outside. Somebody better get out their paint brushes, geez.
Matterhorn:
Fun but must have been invented before the discovery that banking turns reduces g-forces
Toontown:
I prefer Toontown Fair to Toontown in the condition it is now. I don't think they have painted the place since it opened. Why is the Toontown train station not in Toontown?
Roger Rabbit:
I had no idea it was going to be soo scary. My brother and sister were terrified. It was a great dark ride though and I love the spinning action.
Gadgets Go Coaster:
Goofy's Barnstormer
Thunder Mountain:
Virtually identical.
Haunted Mansion:
I like the better hanging man effect, otherwise the same.
New Orleans Square:
The DL version of the upstairs of Columbia Harbour House. A very relaxing place to take a break and people watch.
Tiki Room:
I think it is time for new management.
Jungle Cruise:
We had a poor skipper.
Indy:
Wow, what an attraction! Bring on a clone!
Prepare for Part II Disney's California Adventure!
and
Part III Meeting Another Voice