Julie R. - October, 2005

October 22-24, 2005:

I have to tell you that it was the perfect time of year to go. Only Small World was down for Holiday refurbishment. I was so thrilled to ride the Haunted Mansion when I saw that it had been redone for the Holidays. This is the first time I have been to DL during the holidays. The weather was perfect. My mom and I went alone for 3 days. We were able to get right on all the rides. 3 days was more than enough. We even braved the Tower of Terror. Our family thought that was really funny.

In California Adventure I would suggest going into the Animation building. We took a "drawing class" We both came home with excellent drawings we had done of Goofy." Also don't miss talking with Crush. It is amazing. Crush actually talks to the Audience. Amazing technology! Go into the Sorcerer's Den. You can make your own animation drawing. Then go further into the Beasts Library. There are books that you sit at and take a personality test to see which Disney character you are like. After that you can exit into Ariels area where Ursula steals your voice and places it into a film clip.

Nothing like "Soarin over California." A tip.. get your fastpass for this ride first thing. It is to the left of the entrance. Or, take this ride during the parade should you not care to miss it. Even if the lines are long they won't be during the parade.

In 2006 they will be opening a new ride in the Hollywood backlot. It will be for Monsters Inc.

In Disneyland take the train around the park to save your feet. It stops at New Orleans,Mickeys Toon Town-Fantasyland area, Tommorowland, and Mainstreet U.S.A.

Another tip: A cheap place to eat, Croc Bites at the Disneyland Hotel. You can fill up for around $8. Once you have entered Disneyland you can get there by taking the Monorail from Tommorowland to Downtown Disney. Croc Bites is to the left of the entrance to the hotel. After you have eaten you can catch the Monorail back into Disneyland as long as your hand was stamped on exit and you have your ticket. This will save you from walking through the check point and the entrance with the crowds. You will be plopped inside the gates.

Don't miss the Innoventions building. If you pick a hot time of year to go this would be a great cool off period. It is the circular building next to the Autopia in Tommorowland. There is a show right now called Assimo presented by Honda. It is upstairs. It is so amazing. Honda has created a 4 foot tall robot that can walk,dance and so much more. Its really creepy just like in the movies.

I have gotten a price for a Disney area hotel on priceline for 35 a night twice. One of the hotels was the Hyatt Regency with free shuttle service.

We had so much fun that we plan on going to Disneyworld next October with the entire family. Which leads me to this site for your tips on hotel,time to go without crowds,weather and such. I look forward to reading the tips on this site.