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Taking the Kids: To the new improved Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park

By Eileen Ogintz, Tribune Media Services on

Goofy, dressed in a zoot suit, entertains the crowd in front of the new popular spot for photos -- a statue of a young Walt Disney with his suitcase and Mickey Mouse.

Check out the Red Car Trolleys inspired by the historic Pacific Electric Red Cars with the singing Red Car News Boys and the Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge, adorned with historic Hollywood photos, designed to look like the place Hollywood elite would have gone after a premiere. The Carthay Circle Theater, of course, was where the film "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" debuted in 1937 -- Disney's first feature-length animated movie and, despite dire predictions, it was such a smash hit that it financed Walt Disney Studios.

Parents will love that they can watch the parade or Disneyland's fireworks from the Terrace while they sip an artisanal cocktail. They'll love the sophisticated seasonal menu (watermelon salad and Jamaican Jerked King Fish) and casual ambiance (everyone comes in shorts from the park!) and the fact that the kids' menus are healthier (think fresh fish and smashed potatoes, sorbet pushpops). Downstairs in the Lounge, share "small bites" (lamb meatballs, anyone?) Many dishes are designed for sharing, notes Executive Chef Andrew Sutton. "Come here and have some fun!"

Certainly, they were doing that in the park. Families oohed and aahed at the evening World of Color spectacular, which offered 1,200 fountains interspersed with their favorite Disney characters, including the latest princess, Merida, the heroine of the new Disney-Pixar film "Brave."

They laughed at the Mad T Party, with music, games, dancing and the Pixar Play Parade.

"I like this park better than Disneyland," declared Kirsten Peppers, 10, here for her first visit.

"Plenty to keep you busy for a couple of days," added Brenda Randolph, here from Salem, Ore.

That's the point. Disneyland, which boasts many season pass holders who come just for the day, now wants to attract visitors who will stay at one of the resort's three hotels where they can indulge in a spa treatment or a gourmet meal at signature restaurants like Napa Rose at the Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Spa. (For those who want to know everything about this place, check out Chris Strodder's new "Disneyland Encyclopedia" that includes more than 500 entries, www.santamonicapress.com.)

Adventures by Disney (www.adventuresbydisney.com), which already offers a multi-day escorted trip to Southern California, has added a one-day "Lights, Camera, Magic! Tour to Hollywood," complete with a visit to the Walt Disney Studios, which aren't open to the public.

 

The Disneyland Hotel, meanwhile, has just completed a huge two-year renovation. Kids will love the new water play area and the carved headboards that light up like the fireworks over Cinderella's castle. (Read my trip diaries of a multi-day visit at www.takingthekids.com.)

I love that the entire resort is so navigable on foot. Walk out of the Disneyland Hotel and you're at the Downtown Disney District with more than 50 shops (design your own custom ride at Ridemakerz), restaurants (I liked the Tapas at Catal http://www.patinagroup.com/restaurant.php?restaurants_id=52), movie theaters and more.

At Cars Land, despite the ridiculously long lines, visitors were all smiles as they soaked up the vibe at the nearly six-acre tour of Ornament Valley, which turns into a race through the mountain range at Radiator Springs Racers (kids love going through Taillight Caverns at the end). There's also a chance to cozy up to popular "Cars" characters Lightning McQueen and Mater at the Cozy Cone Motel (get everything in a cone from ice cream to chili), as well as DJ's Dance Party and rides on Luigi's oversized Flying Tires (tire hats seem the most popular souvenir) and baby tractors at Mater's Junkyard Jamboree.

Chris Peppers, who is in the Army stationed in Texas, wasn't complaining. He could have taken his three kids to Orlando for their first Disney foray, but decided to bring them here instead. "This is the original," he explained.

Thanks, Walt!

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For more Taking the Kids, visit www.takingthekids.com and also follow "taking the kids" on www.twitter.com, where Eileen Ogintz welcomes your questions and comments.


(c) 2012 DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.

 

 

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