|
|
Welcome to Disneyland! As you enter the gates, the cast members will help
you find your way into the park and through your first few steps. If you
arrive at the right time, you may find the Disneyland Band playing or
characters greeting you as you enter. If you need them, wheelchairs and
strollers are at the far right immediately upon entering. Even if you have
your own stroller, consider renting one at the park. The charge is nominal,
and you will not fear theft of the stroller itself (it's rare, but it
happens).
 | Entering the Gate
 | Your first view of the park starts the show. The
anticipation builds while you wait for the first guests to be
admitted. Here is where you may first notice that very little can be
seen inside the park. While inside, you'll note that very little can
be seen outside the park. |
|
| Disneyland Railroad
| Enjoy a trip around Disneyland on the trains
which, for many of us, represent what makes Disneyland the best
theme park in the world. While you can board here, at New Orleans
Square, Fantasyland or Tomorrowland, the Main Street Station is
often the easiest to board since so many people who use it as
transportation disembark here. |
| On this first leg of the journey, you'll pass by
Adventureland (be sure to watch for wild animals) and enter New
Orleans Square. |
|
| Disneyland Tour Garden
| After passing under the railway platform, the
first thing on the far left is a rather unnoticeable area where the
Disneyland tours begin. Among other things, you should be aware that
there are rest rooms at the back of the garden which are quite
useful during busy times as they are seldom noticed. Even if you're
an old pro at Disneyland, the tours can be quite enlightening. They
take a bit of time from your busy schedule, but if you have the time
consider the "Walk in Walt's Footsteps" tour. |
|
| City Hall
| Here, you'll find cast members ready to help you
with any questions you may have. Notably, though probably
unnecessary if you are reading this, if you need a translated map,
this is where you'll find it. This building is right next to the
tour garden. |
|
| The Fire Station
| Moving on down the street, you reach the building
notable for housing Walt during his stays at Disneyland. Every
Disney fan can also tell you that the light visible from the
apartment in the upper level is maintained in his honor. |
|
| Disneyland Opera House Featuring Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln
| My memories of wonder as a child include seeing
President Lincoln address me. Though laughable as adults, as a child
I bought into it. Seeing him speak was incredibly moving. Sadly,
this is among the most poorly attended of Disneyland's attractions.
I guess it just isn't thrilling enough to warrant more consideration
from our new generation, but the lack of attendance was partially
responsible for a change to the program. I hesitate to use the word
upgrade, but it is certainly a change. In the preshow area, you can
now experience highlights of the documentary put together about
Walt's life. At the appointed time, you will be given headphones to
wear to experience the attraction. Unfortunately, since the sound is
experienced only through the headphones, it is rather surreal.
Still, the reminder of our heritage is worth a look. |
|
| Main Street Cinema
| Enter a theater to see the mouse who started it
all when he started. On hot days, this is a nice break from the
hours of baking outside. |
|
| Main Street Transportation
| On this, I'm not much use. The transportation,
horse drawn buggy, omnibus, et al, will take you from the head of
Main Street to the Central Hub in unique style. Personally, I've
always enjoyed strolling down Main Street so much that I've tended
to ignore these vehicles. Perhaps, I'll have more to say in the future.
|
|
| Information Board
| As you approach the Central Hub, you'll see the
one and only Information Board for Disneyland. Here, you'll find
current waits for all of the major attractions. While this is useful
on very busy days, even moderate days never have an intolerable wait
on any attraction. Be sure to visit the Fastpass page for a
description of the program. |
|
| Central Hub
| Everything radiates from the hub. From here, you
get your best view of Sleeping Beauty Castle and the Partners Statue.
|
|
| Dining
| Main Street is home to my favorite breakfast
place in the entire resort. The Carnation Cafe serves a quick,
simple, yet wonderful breakfast in a wonderful outdoor setting.
While I love the croissant sandwich, my daughter loves the French
toast made from giant cinnamon rolls. If you have a Premium Annual
Passport, be sure to get your 15% discount here. |
| The Plaza Inn offers a character breakfast. So if
you enjoy dining with the characters, this is the place to do it in
the morning. |
| Next to the Carnation Cafe is the Blue Ribbon
Bakery. For a quick treat, slip in here. The lines can get long, but
they always move quickly. |
| The Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor offers a variety
of ice cream treats, but on busy days, this place is painfully slow.
If you're hot, consider just getting a treat from a street vendor. |
| Hidden by the lockers (go down the side street
after the Cinema) is the ice cream cone shop. This is another place
to get a quick, cold treat. If all you want is some ice cream, this
is much quicker than the Gibson Girl parlor. |
| I'm not yet a good judge of the Refreshment
Corner. This is where you can listen to some wonderful piano playing
and get some picnic style food, but frankly, I've just never made it
there for some reason. |
|
| Shopping
| The entire street seems devoted to shopping
(despite the many eating opportunities), so just keeping your eyes
open will allow you to find just about anything. Some notable stops: |
| The Magic Shop has magic tricks to buy and learn.
As with anything in a theme park, it's somewhat pricey (if you know
a local magic shop, it won't compete), but it's also fun. |
| The 20th Century Music Shop has virtually
everything related to music and Disney. They have sheet music, books
about music, CDs and cassettes as well as videotapes and DVDs. If
you've heard about their kiosks for creating unique CDs of
Disneyana, sadly this is no more. Be sure to check out the latest
version of the Official Album though. |
| The Disneyana shop carries new collectibles.
Don't expect to find an old collector's item, but these are the
things that could easily become the collector's fodder of tomorrow.
|
|
|
|
