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Take your family to Disneyland during your next visit to southern California

by Gloria Rzucidlo

gloria1025@yahoo.com

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- I was very impressed on my first visit to Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure on Monday. It was a beautiful sunny day about 75 degrees. My husband and son accompanied me to the theme parks in Orange County.

As we entered the Disneyland park, there was Main Street USA. On the right was Disneyland's story presenting Great Moments with Abraham Lincoln. It started with his life story from birth to his Presidency. What a patriotic display of America's greatest President. Walking down Main Street were shops, restaurants and a Cinema playing Steamboat Willie.

Tomorrowland was next on our agenda. We rode the monorail around the park and also the Disneyland Railroad. Innoventions was an interactive experience of products, vehicles and science of the future. Other rides in Tomorrowland are: Astro Orbitor, Autopia, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, Finding Nemo Submarine, Space Mountain, Captain EO and Star Tours.

A bit north was Mickey's Toontown where you will find Goofy's Playhouse, the Chip and Dale Treehouse, Minnie's house and of course, Mickey's house with an opportunity to meet the famous mouse himself.

Fantasyland is one of my favorite places. We went to "It's a small world" which is a boat ride presenting dolls from all over the world singing the same song "it's a small world after all." Storybook Land is a canal boat ride taking you on a journey of settings of Disney animated films recreated in miniature. There is also the Mad Tea Party, a ride in teacups, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, Peter Pan's Flight, Pinnochio's daring journey and the Matterhorn bobsled, among others. Then there is the most famous place of all, Sleeping Beauty's Castle. Many people were taking pictures in front of this magnificent Castle.

In Frontierland, we went on the Mark Twain Riverboat. There were three levels on this riverboat and we were on the top deck. We went around Tom Sawyer's Island in the rivers of America. Another ride was a roller-coaster type ride called Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

Critter Country hosted Splash mountain, a log flume attraction that goes through tunnels and steep drops. You better be prepared to get very wet!

Adventureland had the Jungle cruise, Tarzan's treehouse and Indiana Jones Adventure. The Indiana Jones Adventure ride consisted of riding in an open-air jeep driving fast over rough terrain. What an adventure that was.

New Orleans Square had the Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted House. These two rides are a must see, in my opinion.

Many of these rides and attractions had no wait or a maximum of a five-minute wait when we were there. You move rather quickly through the passageway towards the ride.

There are several dining choices in every "land" depending on your tastebuds. There were also many shops everywhere so you can find the perfect souvienir to take home.

My day spent at Disneyland was one I'll never forget. It is truly "the happiest place on earth."

One day tickets are $74 for ages three to nine and $80 for ages 10 and up. Park Hopper tickets for one day are $99 for ages three to nine and $105 for ages 10 and up. Visitors from southern California can receive discounts on two or three day tickets. In addition, monthly payments are also available for SoCal residents. Click here to purchase your tickets online.

For more information about the Disneyland theme park, visit disneyland.disney.go.com.