Page 20 - AAA Every Day – AAA Hudson Valley – July/August 2020

Disneyland App
Downloading the Disneyland App makes
finding your way around Disneyland property even more accessible. It offers
many similar features
to the Florida version and can be a great time saver. The app can be
used for park admission, advance mobile order at quick service meal
locations, park map viewing and attraction wait times. Purchasing the MaxPass feature makes it easier for guests to download all the professional park and attraction photos, as well as make FastPass selections from your smartphone instead of having to use a kiosk. While I missed the convenience of having everything accessible via my MagicBand like at the Florida parks, I did like that everyone had an equal chance to get
on any ride that day. After using the Disneyland app, I found myself wishing I had this feature to find my way around at the airport. Be aware, relying on the app also can use a lot of battery power on your cell phone. There are FuelRod stations throughout the parks that allow you to recharge your cell on the go.
The Events and
Entertainment
In addition to the World
of Color, Disneyland Park
has lots of exciting shows,
parades and special events.
New this year is the Magic
Happens Parade. I was
lucky enough to get to see
this colorful fiesta of fun a
day before its official debut. Magic Happens includes new music and characters you don’t get to see often like Coco’s Miguel. Disneyland has several seasonal events throughout the year, which can help you decide when to visit. My trip was at the very beginning of the California Adventure Food and Wine Festival. Other celebrations that take place throughout the year include the Lunar New Year, Halloween and Winter Holidays. These events feature limited-time décor, merchandise, food, beverages and award-winning entertainment.
The Attractions
I had a lot of “bucket
list” items going into
this trip, including
several things that
Florida does not
have like Guardians
of the Galaxy –
Mission: BREAKOUT!,
Incredicoaster, Radiator
Springs Racers, Indiana
Jones Adventure and Matterhorn Bobsleds. Occasionally, Disney will change the Soarin’ Over the World experience into the exclusive Soarin’ Over California, which I got to experience on my last day. While in line for the exhilarating Guardians of the Galaxy ride, you can spot the old Yeti from the Matterhorn, which has since been replaced. I also fell in love with the thrilling yet adorable Incredicoaster
in Pixar Pier, featuring what it’s like to babysit super
baby, Jack-Jack. The classic Matterhorn was an exciting experience, but even more so at night! If you’re used to
the Magic Kingdom in Florida, riding the monorail will take you to the front of the park. In Disneyland, the monorail drops you off in Tomorrowland. Something I noticed is that even if a ride is on both coasts, there are subtle differences in either the ride experience or the queue. For example, unique to Disneyland is the elaborate façade of the It’s a
Small World attraction. One of the unique things about Disneyland
Park is the Disneyland Fire Department on Main Street,
where Walt had an apartment on the second floor. They
still keep the light on in the window in memoriam.
See You Real Soon!
Disneyland Resort in California is on a smaller scale than the
Walt Disney World in Florida, but being the original park,
it is full of classic nostalgia as well as new and innovative attractions. The size does make it easier to get around, as everything is within decent walking distance. Another positive thing about the location of Disneyland Resort is its proximity to other famous sites and cities in California, which allows guests to maximize their West Coast vacation.
I had a fantastic time in “The Happiest Place on Earth” and I can’t wait to go back!
All photos: ©Disney
Ashlee Romero is a AAA Hudson Valley Travel Agent and Disney Parks Enthusiast. To speak with Ashlee about a future trip to Disneyland, call 518-426-1000 ext. 2111 or email aromero@aaahv.com.
20 I JULY/AUGUST 2020