Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
222
Sneak Preview
Tips
Stop by the “Blue Sky Cellar,” a converted “aging room” in A Bug's Land that now
hosts a terrific preview of all the changes coming to Disney's California Adven-
tures. It's updated frequently by Disney's Imagineers and provides a behind-the-
scenes look at the future development projects.
insect kingdom with bees, termites, grasshoppers, stink bugs, spiders, and a few surprises
that keep ev eryone hopping, ducking, and laughing along. (I could see ho w little kids
might find the sho w rather terrifying, ho wever.) The
Flik's Fun Fair
area features bug-
themed rides and a water playground designed especially for little ones ages 4 to 7—but
sized so their par ents can ride along, too .
Bountiful Farm
pays tribute to California 's
agriculture.
Downtown Disney District
Borrowing a page fr om central F lorida's successful D isney compound, the
Downtown
Disney District
is a color ful (and v ery sanitized) “street scene” filled with r estaurants,
shops, and entertainment for all ages. Options abound: Window-shop with kids in tow,
have an upscale dinner for two, or par ty into the night. The promenade begins at the
amusement park gates and str etches toward the D isneyland Hotel; there are nearly 20
shops and boutiques, and a dozen-plus restaurants, live music venues, and entertainment
options.
Highlights include
House of Blues,
the blues-jazz restaurant/club that features Delta-
inspired cuisine, big-name musicians, and the hand-clapping S unday G ospel B runch;
Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen,
a spicy mix of N ew Orleans traditional foods and liv e
jazz;
ESPN Zone,
the ultimate spor ts, dining, and enter tainment experience, including
an interactive game r oom with a r ock-climbing wall; and
World of Disney,
one of the
biggest Disney shopping experiences anywher e, with a v ast and div erse range of to ys,
souvenirs, and collectibles. There is also an AMC Theatres 12-scr een multiplex, the
LEGO Imagination Center, a Sephora cosmetics store, and more.
8
WHERE TO STAY
For vacation packages at any of the Disneyland Resort hotels, call the Walt Disney Travel
Company at
866/60-DISNEY
(866/603-4763).
Very Expensive
The Disneyland Hotel
Kids
The Holy Grail of Disney-goers has always been
this, the “Official Hotel of the Magic Kingdom.” A monorail connection via Downtown
Disney means y ou'll be able to r eturn to y our room anytime, whether to take a much-
needed nap or to change y our soaked shor ts after riding S plash Mountain. The theme
hotel is an attraction unto itself and is the best choice for families with small childr en.
The r ooms ar en't fancy, but they 're comfor tably furnished and all hav e balconies. I n-
room amenities include movie channels (with free Disney Channel, naturally) and ev en
Disneyland-themed toiletries and accessories such as Sneezy on the tissue box. The resort
offers several restaurants (see below for a full review of
Goofy's Kitchen
), snack bars, and
cocktail lounges; ev ery kind of ser vice desk imaginable; a video-game center; and the
Never Land Pool Complex with a white-sand beach and separate adult pool nearb y.
