I’m sure my Disneyland posts have inspired you. No doubt you’ve booked a trip, your bags are packed, and now you have only to plot your course. With that in mind, here are a few things to keep in mind …

My favorite ride:

Soarin' over California. I love this ride. Sigh. Actually, I have yet to meet an adult who doesn’t love this ride. If he or she is out there, I don’t even want to know!  This attraction allows you a breathtaking of tour of California – as if you were soaring over the land in a hang glider. Dangle your toes over the ocean, Yosemite, the Golden Gate Bridget. Breathe in the fresh pine scent of the forest, or the sweet citrus scent of an orange grove. Words cannot begin to do justice ... and words are my life!  It truly is awe inspiring – and the only attraction that receives a consistent round of applause upon "landing."  

My mum’s favorite:

Indiana Jones. This ride freaks me out, but my mom loves it. Actually, a whole lot of people love it. And I must admit, I can see why – it’s Disney’s attention to detail.  Step into the queue, and you're instantly transported back to 1935 and the dense jungles of India's Lost Delta.  As you snake your way through the underground ruins, beware of the ominous warnings - if you fail to take heeds, terribly consequences will ensue [Trust me I know ... the yahoos in front of us did everything they were told not to ... which means we ALL got to experience the walls shaking, or the spiked ceilings closing in.  Not so very amusing for a person with claustrophobia.  If we hadn't reached our destination when we did, I would have been forced to hurt them.]  But don't think you're any more safe aboard the Jeep.  You're adventures have just begun.  You're in for wild terrain and a ride overflowing with ancient pitfalls - poisonous darts, screaming mummies, giant insects, falling boulders, and more.   

Oh, and think you've been there, done that?  Not necessarily my friend ... each door includes a different adventure - add that to the fact that each Jeep is programmed to react differently to different circumstances, and you're ensured to have a unique experience with each visit.       

Of course, a multitude of electronic variances means more things can go wrong.  If you do face electrical difficulties don't be alarmed.  Do as I say, not as I do.  I'm just so very thankful the Jeep stopped BEFORE we entered the door.  Let's all say it together ... God is GOOD, all the time; ALL the time, God is good!   

All-time favs:

While we both agree it’s good to try everything at least once, these are the ones you mustn’t – under any circumstance – miss!

• Soarin' over California (California Adventure)*
• Grizzly River Run (California Adventure)
• Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (California Adventure)*
• Indiana Jones Adventure*
• Pirates of the Caribbean
• Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
• It’s a Small World
• Enchanted Tiki Room
• Haunted Mansion
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad*
• Splash Mountain*
• Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
• Peter Pan
• Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
• Space Mountain*

And don’t forget to …

• Take old friends.  Disneyland is meant to be enjoyed with those you love most.  There was a family from Australia in front of us on Splash Mountain - the "boys" (in their 30's or 40's) were taking their parents for the first time.  We also saw some adult sisters who took their mother, in celebration of her recovery from breast cancer.  What better way to make memories that will last a lifetime?   
• Make new friends.  For the most part, people who visit Disneyland are friendly sorts.  Half the fun is making new friends as you stand in line for a ride.  You can meet people of all ages and all backgrounds, from all parts of the world.  One morning we were wandering down Main Street when we heard, "Oh look!  It's the girls from the shuttle."  We turned to find the lady who was sitting behind us on the airport shuttle.  We chatted for a bit before she and her small son turned off for the Submarine Voyage, and we headed for the Matterhorn.     
• Pay attention to details.  Disneyland is a theme park.  And can Disney do themes!  So don't forget to pay attention to all that is around you - especially when you're standing in line.  And don't forget to read the signs.  Even for people who are  not word people, they're some good times ...  
• Save where you can.  Saving money is always a good idea!  Disney still allows you to bring in your own treats.  We brought in our own bottled waters.  Some people go as far as bringing sack lunches.  Personally, I wouldn't want to haul it all around the park, but it's an option.  Another thing to remember is counter service - they are a cheaper option.  And don't forget to check out the size.  If neither you nor your friend have the biggest of appetites, sharing is always a good way to go.    
• Take lots of pictures.  We're making memories here people!  Don't forget the pics!!!  And Disney, being Disney, thought of everything ... including the photographers.  Photographers will be camped out at all the major Disney sites (Entries, Cinderella's Castle, etc.).  Yes, the pictures they take with their camera are the same, approximate price as a small island, but they are always gracious to take a picture or two with your own camera.  Which means your whole party can be in the picture - no more Photoshop-ping the "photographer" in!   
• Visit Guest Services.  Visiting Disneyland in honor of someone's birthday?  Then don't forget to swing by Guest Services on your way into the park to pick up a Pin.  This alerts Cast members of the special occasion ... and the birthday boy or girl will receive greetings of all sorts and varieties! 
• Take in the fireworks.  I have one word to describe the fireworks display:  WHOA!  It's nothing short of spectacular!  So if at all possible, do try to plan your trip with a chance to catch the fireworks.  And take the time to camp out at good viewing spot.  Granted, you may be tempted to view this as wasted time ... but TRUST me on this one.  If you happen to be caught in limbo when the fireworks begin, you will be forced to endure a pilgrimage about the park. That's right ... you must keep moving ; cast members herd you with hundreds of others until the firework display ends.  And what fun is that?  Yeah, I can't imagine any either ...    
• Be a kid.  Every once in awhile, you'll see a person walking into Disneyland as if they were too se-xy for the park.  Please.  Leave the 'tude at home.  Disneyland is for the young at heart.  As adults, we don't get that many chances, so do take advantage.  Scream like a little girl, eat cotton candy, naw on a chicken leg, wear Mickey Mouse ears - do whatever you want to - just have fun!   

*Okay, so these you can possibly forgo if you have physical issues (heart, back, neck, motion sickness, etc).

What’s so great about Disney's California Adventure Park? What’s so great indeed!

Disney’s California Adventure is a step back in time … a time when life was simpler; when neighbors knew each other’s names; when aeroplane-flight was new and exciting; when Hollywood was young and glamorous; when vacations were spent camping or playing about on the Boardwalk.

True, this park does not have as many main attractions as Disneyland – but the ones they do have are well worth the visit!

For the little ones, you certainly will not want to miss A Bug’s Life play area or the Pixar parade – a whimsical introduction to all your favorite Pixar characters. And don’t forget the Electrical Parade – if you happen to be visiting during a peak season, the old favorite has been resurrected in the California Adventure.

That said, if you pay a visit Disneyland, don’t ignore Disney’s California Adventure. For one thing, that’s just plain rude; for another, you’ll miss out on a whole lot of fun! If you visit – even if for a day – the hopper ticket is the only way to go …

I find it hard to fathom an adult who has never been to Disneyland. Memories of Disneyland are amongst my favorite. I can feel the excitement of driving up to the gates as if it were only yesterday … walking down Main Street … buying treats from a food stand … waving to my mom, as I held my dad’s hand and headed for a “wild” ride.

As I grew older, the experience – though much the same – was different. My dad’s hand was no longer there to hold; the characters were no longer real.

Years down the road, it will be different still. I will be the one introducing small ones to the magic; yet viewing the land through their eyes, will give me the rare opportunity to see it anew.

And there lies the magic – if you allow it, Disneyland will never grow old.

I once read a review from a gentleman who didn’t think he would return to Disneyland, as “it wasn’t that great of an amusement park.” Sad really. You see, this fellow had it all wrong. It isn’t about the rides or technological advancement. Enjoying Disney is a lot like getting into the Kingdom of Heaven – you must become as a little child…

“Here you leave today

And enter the world of yesterday,

tomorrow, and fantasy.”

Enter the land with a heart of a child and imaginary suddenly becomes actual. It’s the reason grown men wear goofy ears or scream like a little girl on Splash Mountain; the reason grown women wear Minnie-mouse flip-flops or stand in line to get their picture taken with Prince Charming.

If you walk under that archway and leave the grown world behind, it doesn’t matter the number of wrinkles, you can still be a kid again.

Don’t believe me? Give it a try for yourself – walk down the fabled Main Street; eat cotton candy; make a wish at Snow White’s wishing well; sing “A Pirate’s Life” with a boatload of strangers. Who knows? Maybe some of the pixie dust will follow you home. For that’s precisely how the impossible, finds itself possible …

Hotel: Sheraton Park Hotel, 714.750.1811 

AAA Rating: 3 stars

TripAdvisor: 8 out of 101

Disney: Good neighbor - Superior

Our experience …

Check-in/checkout: Both were a breeze. I requested a non-connecting room, with a full balcony overlooking Disney, and the front desk staff did everything within their power to ensure my request was fulfilled (despite a last minute booking, I might add). As a matter of fact, she apologized for not being able to find a room higher than the 5^th floor.

The day we were set to checkout, an itemized bill was under the door including additional charges (drinks by the pool, don’t-ya-know). I had only to approve the charges. And that was checkout.

Our room: Our room was small, with enough room for two queen beds, television, desk (which included a cupboard that held a small fridge), small side table and chairs, and room to get around. Seeing how it was just the two of us, and we were there to see the mouse, it was perfect. However, if you need room for a crib, for instance, you will want to make note of the fact when making the reservation, as rooms do vary in size.

The beds … sigh … the beds were quite lovely. And with a variety of pillows, chances are you can find one that will at least come close to your preference.

The vanity area is right outside the bathroom. Personally, I think this layout is preferable for us girls. One can take a shower, while the other is putting herself together – without the mirror fogging, or getting in each other’s space. And we did so love the Bliss bath products.

And a nice perk – you receive two complimentary bottles of water each day. It is, after all, the little things …

Note:  The fridge conserves energy; so if you want something truly cold - say, your water bottle - hit the quick cool button.  Instructions are on the refrigerator.  

The pool: Here’s the funny part. I booked this hotel because of the pictures I’d seen of the pool. Seriously, the pictures made it seem like the pool area went on for miles. I was SO excited I could hardly stand it. And then I saw it in person. I kept looking for the rest of it. Finally my mom had to say, “Amy, this is it … let it go … “

Still, it is larger than most, with plenty of loungers, a few tables and chairs, and all well maintained. And with a poolside bar, what’s not to love? We had a mango colada … with fresh pineapple and umbrella I might add … and it was simply divine.

Restaurants: The hotel boasts 2 restaurants – Molly’s Kitchen (open for breakfast and lunch) and the Overland Stage Southwestern Grille (open for dinner) – and Cafasia (full service snack shop). We never made it to a restaurant, but we took advantage of the Cafasia. Upon arrival, we were so famished we could go no further, so we ordered a turkey sandwich. Very tasty. The cup o’grapes revived us every afternoon … and the coconut mocha frappe [whimper] … oh yeah, it was good.

Getting around: The hotel is one block from Disneyland – a straight shot, with only two lights between the two. Simply exit the front doors of the hotel, head left on Harbor Boulevard and take a left when you reach Disney! It’s actually a pleasant jaunt in the mornings; after traipsing thru the parks all day, it’s a bit more harsh, but still totally manageable. You can also pay to ride the shuttle; there’s a pickup stop right outside the hotel property. We, however, walked.

In a nutshell: We truly enjoyed our stay at the Sheraton Park hotel. It was a perfect “home base.” We would head for the parks first thing. Come back around 2:00 or 3:00, swing by the snack shop, pick up our grapes, and by the time we got to our room, it was clean. We’d head down to the pool for a wee dip; and once revived, we’d head back to the parks.

When it was finally time to sleep, we could rest in the fact that it was a relatively quiet hotel. There was construction going on at a neighboring property and we barely heard a thing. We were also right next to the janitor’s closet, never heard a thing. Every once in awhile we would hear the conversation of people who seemed to be camped outside our room – or the people above us moving the chairs about on their balcony, but otherwise, peace and quiet.

Last, but certainly not least, the hotel staff was courteous and efficient.

We would recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Anaheim – for business or pleasure…

For those of you who have been hearing horror stories of delayed and canceled flights every which way but up, I'm hear to tell you, it's not always the case.  We flew Alaska/Horizon Air and all four flights departed on time and arrived ahead of schedule. It was AMAZING!

Now the flights themselves were interesting ...

The first plane was a prop plane.  My first experience, I might add; and I was not feeling the love.  Now I'm usually the one keeping petrified fellow passengers calm.  But in that plane, every time the call bell would ding I would jump about ten feet in the air.  Okay, so there wasn't ten feet to jump, but you get the idea.  And who could blame me?  There's something unnerving with a whirly-gig keeping you afloat.   

And if you haven't flown out of Orange County in awhile, apparently there is a noise ordinance in effect.  Now you know it's a bad sign when the captain comes on and informs you that takeoff is going to be a bit different.  But it's a takeoff approved by the FAA.  And it's totally safe.  It's just a little different.  But totally approved by FAA.  And safe.  Totally safe.  Just different than you're use to.  Approved by FAA.  And completely safe.  Here's the drill:  you sit on the runway, gunning the power, with the breaks on.  Then you take off to 1,000 feet, pretty much straight up ... like a jet.  Good times really ... except maybe for those poor passengers who looked like they could hurl. 

Oh, and we were lucky enough to get a woman-hating-steward on the last leg.  Seriously.  We were so envious of the cute young guy sitting across from us.  He got extra treats, an Esquire magazine, smiles even.  But the smiles quickly disappeared the minute he laid eyes on eyes.  He practically threw the bag-o-treats at us.  If only WE had been cute boys ... oh, cruel fate ... sigh.