Find Any Disneyland Map Here

Looking for that special era map of Disneyland? Maybe you want to see how Disney California Adventure was laid out at opening. Check out when individual attractions made their debut and when they disappeared. (How long was Superstar Limo around?) Perhaps you want to know what the whole Disneyland Resort is made up of. Then take a look at this little website: DLRMaps.com. It's a treasure trove of goodness!

Take a Look at the New Disneyland Resort Hotel

Here it is- the new 700 room hotel being added to the Disneyland Resort. Right next to Downtown Disney with the Disneyland Hotel behind it. 

A monorail alone does not make a great resort hotel.

Gotta keep looking, but it seems pretty ugly so far. Waiting for a better look at what's planned...

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

$1 Billion Investment into Disneyland Resort Pending

Ready for another $1 Billion to be pumped into the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim? I am!

Will it go to Disneyland or to its new finally successful sibling, Disney California Adventure or split into both? Perhaps its even for improvements to the resort district with additionally parking and all of the above.

The answer depends on the city of Anaheim and a new gate tax.

Read about it here for full details. But know this- if the city says no new tax, construction will start after plans are announced in December. Will this delay announcing plans at D23 or is this part of a game from Disney to get benefits from what they already plan to do? Who knows.

Why I'm Choosing California Adventure Instead of Disneyland This Christmas

Was this even necessary?

There's exactly one day that I can spend this year at the Disneyland Resort. One, and I had better choose wisely. So, I'm choosing California Adventure. The "whys" behind that choice may come as a surprise.

1- Freshness. The timing of my travels and the rebirth of California Adventure means I haven't seen it during the Christmas season. That alone is a big draw. What music do they play? What special treats are available? What's the entertainment like? The decor? As much as I hate to admit it, Disneyland is feeling old these days.

Christmas cuteness!

2- Less Overlays at California Adventure. Honestly, I'm tired of Haunted Mansion Holiday. Very tired of it. I absolutely love Small World Holiday, and it is right in tune with the season.  Jingle Cruise just doesn't ring true with me. What's next? Santa's sleighs taking over Space Mountain? I've been to Disneyland many times during the Christmas season, and there are few places as charming during the holidays, but the truth is, sometimes less is more. Until the day comes that "Jingle Shells" moves over to Ariel's Undersea Adventure, I'll be thrilled to ride that Omnimover ride over and over.

3- Crowds. Yep, they will be there, that's a given. However, nothing can be worse than the "Small World Crush" of crowds after the parade. It should be illegal from a safety standpoint. If there was ever a fire, some people would not be able to leave safely. 

4- Buena Vista Street. Disney Imagineers wisely poured on the charm here, and I have yet to really explore it at a leisurely pace. The way it used to be at Walt's park decades ago. Can't wait!

5- Cars Land. This will be a major calling card for me for many years. The Cadillac Range is stunning, and everything they've done to the area is a work of Imagineering art in the old school highest degree. Toss in the mix of unique merchandise here and the pending loss of Luigi's Flying Tires (which I have yet to ride), and this a must do destination.

(Photos copyright the excellent Magic Eye website.)

Four Minnies and No Mickey

During our recent visit to Southern California with a stop at the Disneyland Resort, I ran into four Minnies- without a Mickey in sight! 

It was a great day, even if we didn't go into our old favorite park,  Disneyland or our newer favorite California Adventure. A full day or fun and relaxation Disney style.

How can that be? Well, next week, I'll be sharing about how it can be done without spending a fortune. Stay tuned.

(Photograph by Mark Taft.)

In the Cool of the Evening at Cars Land

Here is a terrific reason why I cannot wait to personally experience the new Disney California Adventure!  This photograph just draws me into the action and leaves me enough room to imagine why it would be like to be in Cars Land in the cool of the evening. Unfortunately, I cannot remember or give credit to whoever took this photo, but thank you. Yet, it feeds this obsession as well...

Ugly Duckling of DCA Becoming a Swan

Thanks to Mint Crocodile over at Magic Eye, we've got one of the first looks at the Carthay Circle Theater with the fountain in front of it. Looks like Walt Disney Imagineering was 100% determined about turning the stunningly short changed California Adventure into a park known for its beauty and charm. 

At this rate, Buena Vista Street is set to be the New Orleans Square of the second park at the Disneyland Resort. The detail is rich, the remodel tremendous even from viewing photos, and I am convinced the overall impact will bring serious money into the accounts of the Walt Disney Company as visitors are finally convinced to give the once ugly duckling another look. They will be rewarded for taking the risk!

With a mostly re-Imagined Paradise Pier, Cars Land with its thrilling Radiator Springs Racers, and a wonderful "first act" in Buena Vista Street, finally Disney California Adventure is in the first stage of giving Disneyland a run for its money as a full day park. Job well done!

(Photograph from Mint Crocodile.)

Ready, Set, Go!

Can't get your fill go photos of Cars Land and Buena Vista Street? Dying for more pics of Radiator Springs Racers? Waiting for the latest shots on California Adventure? Well, Westcoaster has them today. Now, live, and ready for your viewing pleasure. Ready, set, head over here.

(Photograph copyright Westcoaster.net)