Disneyland, Anaheim

Over the years new rides and attractions open at Disneyland and older ones close. This makes return visits almost as exciting as the first visit. Though some of our favorites are familiar, there is always something new to explore.

One thing I learned after a few visits was to start the day at the back, far reaches of the Park and move forward toward the entrance. This allowed me to see almost everything, even if there wasn't enough time to ride every ride.

Of course, if this is your first visit this suggestion wouldn't be useful, especially if you only had one day. In that case start early in the morning at the "most popular rides." The lines can be very long, especially during the summer months, school breaks and weekends. Probably the best time to visit is mid-September on weekdays.

If you visit Disneyland, don't limit yourself to eating in the park. Take the monorail to Downtown Disney, located in between Disneyland and California Adventure. There are lots of places to eat and drink including the ESPN Zone, House of Blues (you can eat outside or inside-on Sundays they have an awesome gospel brunch and star performing acts in the evenings), Rainforest Cafe (a huge hit with the little ones as it has a jungle theme inside complete with simulated thunderstorms, chest beating gorilla, etc. etc. The servers are dressed in safari outfits), Brennan's Jazz Kitchen-the list goes on and on. Take a break from the park, eat, perhaps sip a glass of wine and then return via monorail refreshed! They will stamp your hand for re-entry. Be sure to hang on to your ticket.

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A fairly recent addition to Disneyland is a nice little petting zoo that was added shortly after they did "Home on the Range". The movie wasn't all that great by Disney standards, but the petting zoo is awesome for anyone with kids. (or anyone who likes animals for that matter) There is a cow, some goats and sheep, and the largest turkey you have ever seen in your life.

Apparently, this particular turkey was pardoned by President Bush a few years back and has been getting fat on Walt's dime ever since. The petting zoo is in an out of the way corner of the park, hidden behind the Thunder Mountain Railroad, so it is kind of easy to miss. But make the effort to walk over. The animals are worth it...

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"Pooh's Corner" would be easy to miss. It is hidden in the northwest corner of the park, sandwiched between the exit to the "Winnie The Pooh" ride and Splash Mountain. Unless you have a three year old who wants to get on Winnie the Pooh, you probably won't find yourself over here. But make the trip.

This candy shop has some of the most obscene creations you have ever seen. By obscene, I mean really awesome. The candy and caramel apples are like nothing you have ever experienced. They have apples covered in Oreos and dipped in chocolate and caramel. They have S'mores on a stick. They do things with Rice Krispy treats you have never seen before. And those are some of the more tame offerings. You may go into a diabetic coma just walking into the place, but it is so worth it!

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Yes, the Disney Gallery is a place to shop as well but something that may not be known about is that there it can be a nice oasis to remove oneself from the mayhem and hordes that are typical along the streets of New Orleans Square. Go up the stairs directly above the entrance to the Pirates of the Caribbean and go the right upon entering. You'll see a doorway that opens up onto a terrace with a few tables and chairs. The terrace overlooks the street out front and the Rivers of America beyond. You can take a load off and rest your ailing dogs while watching the "guests" flow by as well as the Columbia and the Mark Twain.

There is a little know area of Disneyland that not many people go to. It is toontown.

Toontown is located at the back of the park near the Small World ride. Here you can walk around and make a fool of yourself and fit right in without any problems.

Keep an eye out for all the characters and for the little slapstick that goes on in this area.

My beloved wife does not care for roller coasters. She waited for me while I rode them. Here is some thing a little out of the ordinary to do. Most rides have a camera in them that takes your picture near end of the ride. I liked going to see the pictures of people on the roller coasters. It is easy to tell who is having a lot of fun and who is wishing to get off that roller coaster right away.

I had a little walk in disney downtown,then suddenly I felt above me a kind of unexpected railways;I felt ridiculous in california because I think I was the only human being without a car