I always enjoy going to Disneyland in Anaheim because Walt walked in this park and spent countless hours examining each crevice and nook in the place, enjoying what he had done and always thinking how to add on or change this place of magic.
For those who have never gone, I encourage you to do so if ever in the area. Yes, it is much smaller than Walt Disney World, but very personable and unique. Some of the rides are the same as in Florida, but they have many special to California. California Adventure is directly across the way from Disneyland and has it's own feel. A ride or two are taken from Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. The World of Color, a spectacular water, and light show is part of their summer lineup, with projections from some popular Disney movies. But it is a hot ticket, so one must try to get a fastpass at Grizzly Falls or dine in the park to obtain reserved viewing for the show. There is also a boxed picnic lunch available that will also get you a reserved spot.
My husband and I had gone out to California for the Disneyana Convention, which has also been known as the NFFC for the past 25 years. Between the seminars, we visited the parks and were able to help Disneyland celebrate their 55th Anniversary. This was a special one since Disneyland opened in 1955. We were able to obtain some special merchandise and witness the rededication on July 17th.
This time of year is hot, humid and very busy at the parks, perfect weather for ice cream, if you can eat fast enough before it becomes a puddle at your feet.
The convention always ends with a show'n sale of disney everything! Author signings, pins, items from Toyko, albums, stuffed characters, cels, buttons, clothing, posters, tickets, vinyls you name it! Now to ship my treasures home.
After leaving the show'n sale early, I joined three friends on a journey to San Francisco to visit the Walt Disney Family Museum, which I found very well done and full of history on the man who started it all, his family and the legacy he created. Three hours was not enough for me, but I will return. We also visited Fentons which is the ice cream place in the end of the movie "UP". They also serve food as well and we were not disappointed. We stopped at Pixar at the security gate just to see something there. We then proceeded to the Silverado Winery in Napa were we tasted wonderful wine and took in the beautiful view. Also on our visit we checked out the Golden Gate Bridge and stayed at the Cypress Inn which is owned by Doris Day. It is always nice to spend some time with the girls.
So again, to those of you visiting California, I would recommend for that Disney fix to go and visit Disneyland, California Adventure, The Walt Disney Family Museum, Fentons Ice Cream, Silverado Winery and good luck with seeing any of Pixar.