The World Report
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As I promised, or threatened depending on your point of view, I am back to finish my report on my visit to the Disneyland Resort. Just a reminder that I was at the Resort over the Veterans Day holiday and I had my 12 year old son with me. Also, this was my first visit to Disneyland in over 6 years so you can imagine how much has changed since I was last here.

First thing I have to comment on is how much the area around the Disneyland Resort has changed. The changes around the perimeter of the park are fantastic with landscaping, expanded roadways, and improved signage. I understand Disney played a big part in this project outside the gates and they should be applauded for doing such a great job.

A view from DCA with the Disneyland train station in the background

Where did the parking lot at the front entrance of Disneyland go? It was a shock to see the extended walkway, bus parking and tram loading areas from Harbor Blvd. But even more surprising was standing in the esplanade between Disneyland and California Adventure and seeing how close the two parks are. I am envious of how easy it was to park hop between the two. The monorail in Florida  is always fun but when you have to ride a bus or drive your car to park hop, it takes some of the fun out the experience. Add the Downtown Disney Area and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Disney has made a great beginning to becoming a multi-day resort.

The Grand Californian Hotel would remind frequent visitors to Walt Disney World of Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge. Familiar wooden beams and large lobby areas can be seen at all three hotels and all three hotels are very lovely. A nice bonus of the Californian Hotel is the entrance at the hotel into DCA. I am not talking a Contemporary or Beach Club close. I am talking an entrance from the hotel directly into the park. I guess this shouldn’t have been surprising since the hotel is the backdrop for Grizzly Peak Recreation Area. One thing Disney continues to do well are hotels (I can say that until Pop Century opens which is just plain ugly).

The Redwood Creek Challenge Trail with the Grand Californian Hotel in the bacground