Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
are already hard at work designing a DCA-specific role-playing game, which
should go live in in late 2014 or early 2015, just in time for the kick-off of the
Disneyland Resort's 60th anniversary celebration.
UNHERALDED TREASURES
at
DCA
TREASURE:
Cove Bar |
LOCATION:
On the bridge to Paradise Pier
ARIEL'S GROTTO IS A FIXED-PRICE character-meal restaurant on the span connecting
Paradise Pier to the Golden State area. Instead of heading downstairs to the restaurant from the
entrance, though, go around the walkway. There, you'll find the Cove Bar, where you can en-
joy a full-service bar and a small selection of food. For some, the thought of a cocktail at the
end of a long day might be enticement enough, but this is a good spot even for teetotalers—it's
one of the best places to enjoy the view. It's a bit too sunny during the day, but as the sun sets
and the evening lights come on, the Cove turns into a mellow hideaway where you can enjoy a
beautiful view of Paradise Pier. In the background, you hear music, laughter, and the occasional
sounds of a roller coaster. You look out and see the small waves lapping against the pier that
houses a brightly lit carousel—enough to make you forget that you're sitting in the middle of a
completely artificial environment.
TREASURE:
Redwood Creek Challenge Trail |
LOCATION:
Opposite Grizzly Peak
MAYBE A VISIT TO A THEME PARK was your kid's idea, and you prefer going on a quiet
walk in the woods or enjoying a hike in a national park. If you just want to take a break from
the hectic rush of a trip to DCA, hop over to the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail. Looking at
the park map, you probably assume that this is just a playground designed for little kids, but
the area is actually a good representation of a wilderness park. OK, so you don't really need
to bring your bird-watching book, but there are various nooks and crannies, as well as a few
”ranger buildings,” that are very well themed (down to the wildlife books on the shelves). You
could easily spend a portion of your day just enjoying the decidedly rustic feel of Redwood
Creek.
TRAFFIC PATTERNS
at
DISNEY
CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE
ONE OF THE PROBLEMS
that Disney had at DCA early on was that there was no traffic
to create patterns. Attendance figures were far less than projected, though guests on
hand did stack up daily at Soarin' Over California and Grizzly River Run. On the re-
latively few crowded days (mostly weekends), the park didn't handle crowds partic-
