Top Disney California Adventure Attractions Pt. 2

Top 10 Disney California Adventure Attractions Part 2

To honor Disneyland’s newer sibling, Disney California Adventure (DCA), we put together a list of our picks for the Top 10 DCA Attractions! This is Part 2, so make sure to read Part 1 first! Also, with so many attractions, some favorites are bound be left out. If your favorite attraction isn’t here, you might find it on our list for the Top Underrated Disney California Adventure Attractions instead! Please understand; Every effort was made to be as inclusive as possible!

[NOTE: Want to see some more Disney Parks fun? Check out our 2 lists for the Top 10 Underrated Disneyland Attractions; HERE and HERE. Also, please check out our ‘Underrated Disney’ series which inspired this post; including Underrated Sidekicks Part 1 and Part 2, and Underrated Animation!]

So, without further ado…

Toy Story Midway Mania

the vintage-looking boardwalk poster is great!

Toy Story Midway Mania is an absolute blast! There’s interactive Toy Story fun for everyone! Now you can enter the world of your favorite toys as they invite you to come play some classic Midway games that Andy owns! Become a toy and play along with Woody, Buzz, and all their pals as you try to beat your ride buddy in head-to-head competitive gameplay. Grandparents don’t have to worry about being good at video games, the Imagineers somehow designed the ride to level the playing field for everyone! It’s cute, it’s funny, it’s creative…and as the theme song says; it’s insania!

Guardians of the Galaxy-Mission Breakout

It will never live up to Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, but it’s not a bad ride either!

First things first; we at Disney Magic Fanatic really, really miss the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. There will never be any ride that can truly replace it! However, we think the new ride isn’t that bad! Guardians of the Galaxy-Mission Breakout provides a fun and irreverent journey into the heart of the Marvel Universe with a wild ride jam-packed with classic tunes, zany characters, Marvel Easter-eggs, and even new performances from the original cast! While some longtime Disneyland fans are upset about the change, and rightfully so, we understand Disney’s decision on the issue; better to change it to a Disney property now, then wait for the CBS/Disney contract to expire (CBS owns the Twilight Zone). All in all, it’s no Tower of Terror, but it’s still pretty good! Who knows, maybe DCA’s plans for a Marvel Land will be worth the change!

WE MISS YOU TOWER OF TERROR! A TRIBUTE POST IS COMING SOON!

Radiator Springs Racers

This cute poster purposefully mimics Disneyland’s Autopia poster.

Get your kicks on Route 66! The 2012 12-acre expansion was the largest expansion at the Disneyland Resort Ever (Star Wars-Galaxy’s Edge will only beat it by two acres), and Cars Land’s Radiator Springs Racers was set to be the cherry on top of it all. Disney promised us a very special ‘E-ticket’ Pixar thrill. We can say that it certainly delivered on its promise! The Imagineers spared no expense to create one of the most elaborate, technically advanced, and expensive attractions at any Disney Park. Now you can ride along with all your favorite Cars characters and then race your friends and family across a gorgeously rendered desert landscape! The Cars Animatronics are truly amazing and lifelike, the scenes are completely immersive, and the attention to detail is breathtaking! Trust us, it’s worth the 60-minute waits! JUST WATCH OUT FOR FRANK!

Radiator Springs Racers may be the best ride in the area, but all of Cars Land is great!

Soarin’ Around the World

it was originally called Soarin’ Over California.

There is no experience in the world quite like Soarin’! This ride was one of the very few things about DCA’s opening day that was truly amazing. Surprisingly, Soarin’ is a DCA original; it was created at DCA first, and then transplanted to WDW and other Disney Parks later. The reason for this becomes quite clear when a guest feels themselves launch into the sky and into the adventure of a lifetime. It’s very hard to explain why Soarin’ is so amazing unless you have experienced it; it’s indescribable. Perhaps it’s the gorgeous score, the stunning vistas, the revolutionary ride vehicles, or maybe it’s the fact that you can smell the landscapes you pass? Whatever causes Soarin’ to be such an awe-inspiring journey, it truly defines the term ‘Disney Magic’. It is EPIC!

we do miss the old California version, but the updated film is truly breathtaking!

World of Color

There is no question about it; the World of Color is the quintessential show at DCA. Disneyland has Fantasmic, and DCA has this equally-amazing spectacle of lights and imagination. This DCA original show is full of gorgeous scenes from dozens of Disney films projected onto walls of water that tower over your heads. The special effects are amazing, the colors are astounding, and the soundtrack will melt your heart! Loosely based on the TV-show Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color, this experience is not to be missed. In fact, it has been known to bring many longtime Disney fans to tears! Get a seat right at the front if you can; from there, the show looms above you and takes on an epic scale that will make you feel like you’re inside the show! Trust us, you must see this award-winning show!

Enjoy our list? Like and subscribe! new posts coming weekly! Until next time, we hope you have a magical week!

Top 10 Disney California Adventure Attractions Pt. 1

Top 10 Disney California Adventure Attractions Part 1

Disney California Adventure (DCA) may have received some bad-press in the past, but the 2012 re-dedication has really turned that around! Now it truly feels like a Disney Park. To honor Disneyland’s newer sibling, we’ve put together a list for the Top 10 DCA Attractions! Please note that, with so many attractions, some favorites might be left out. If your favorite isn’t here, you might find it on our list for the Top 5 Underrated DCA Attractions! Please understand; Every effort was made to be as inclusive as possible!

[Note: Don’t forget, this is part 1of 2! Part 2 comes next week! want to see our list for the Top 5 Underrated Disney California Adventure Attractions? Or maybe our lists for the Top 10 Underrated Disneyland Attractions Part 1 and Part 2]

So, without further ado…

Red Car Trolleys

The Red Car Trolleys are the cherry on top of DCA’s relatively recent updates. The Imagineers really outdid themselves trying to fix DCA’s problems and bring it the signature Disney Magic it so rightly deserved. Now a scenic ride on the famous Red Car Trolleys provides that extra detail that fully immerses guests into the world of imagination. Just like the Disneyland Railroad, the Red Car Trolleys have become DCA’s signature mode of transportation! Welcome to the Hollywood of the Golden Age; not exactly presented how it really was, but rather how we remember it in our hearts! Just like Main Street at Disneyland, DCA’s Buena Vista Street takes us on a nostalgic journey to something quintessentially American; torn straight out of our romantic dreams of old Hollywood. With these beautifully crafted replicas of the famous vehicles, we finally feel as if the illusion is completed. Now we know that DCA is a Disney park; with the magic that we have come to expect from one!

2 d — The Red Car Trolley Newsboy Show is a real treat!

California Screamin’

2 f — Seriously…the vintage poster theme was a GREAT IDEA!

A rip-roaring ride over Paradise Pier, California Screamin’ truly is a great experience. While not as completely immersive as other coasters at the resort like Big Thunder Mountain or Space Mountain, California Screamin’ is still one of the best attractions at DCA. Have any adrenaline junkies in your party? Then this ride is a must-see! Themed to the old beautiful wooden coasters of seaside boardwalks, Californa Screamin’ takes guests on a ride that they won’t forget. Don’t worry, the coaster only looks like one of those rickety wooden coasters. It’s really made of super-safe steel and won’t break your back with its bumps and jolts! It may simulate the clickety-clack of one of those ancient rides, but it’s much more advanced than that. Are you scared someone down on the boardwalk will hear you scream? Not to worry; the revolutionary technology of the ride has scream buffers to muffle the sound! Just trust us, it’s worth the screamin’!

disneyland — It certainly adds a lot of beauty to the pier landscape!

It’s Tough to Be a Bug

Ever wanted to see what the world looked like from the perspective of a bug? Ever wanted to talk to a grasshopper? Anything is possible at Disneyland Resort! In It’s Tough to Be a Bug, the Imagineers shrink you down to the size of an insect and plop you into the whimsical world of Pixar’s A Bug’s Life! Join inventor Flik for an educational show about how bugs aren’t that bad after all. The show is completely immersive and, via interactive technology hidden throughout the theater and the seats, really pulls you in! Originally created as Animal Kingdom’s premiere attraction (receiving the honor of playing inside the iconic Tree of Life), this show really is spectacular! The show includes a 3D film, live Audio-Animatronics (including a very advanced Hopper figure), water jets, real-time scents, live-action props, and even bugs that crawl under you right where you sit! Trust us, you won’t understand until you experience this attraction for yourself!

2 i — The Hopper Animatronic is super complex!

Frozen-Live at the Hyperion

2 m — The show is quite beautiful and elaborate.

We cannot stress enough about how good this show is! Yes, we are very sad that the phenomenal show ‘Aladdin-Live at the Hyperion’ had to go away, but the show that replaced it is just as beautiful! A little-known fact; the Aladdin show that was originally created for this theater was the main inspiration for the super-popular Broadway performance! To make way for Prince Ali to move onto Broadway, the show was replaced with one based on the ever-popular Frozen film. Now you can relive the movie again in a live performance full of high-quality sets, costumes, music, and production design. The high-caliber show will have you singing ‘Let It Go’ all day long again! With puppetry, pageantry, lights, music, and imagination, Frozen-Live at the Hyperion is a truly breathtaking show! Thaw your frozen heart with the true love and sisterhood of this Disney classic! And now that Frozen is getting its turn on Broadway, who knows might be coming next to DCA’s famous Hyperion Theater!

2 k — The actor/singers are some of the best the resort has to offer.

Grizzly River Run

2 q — Grizzly Peak, DCA’s original icon, adds a breathtaking vista to the park’s landscape!

An Opening Day attraction, Grizzly River Run was one of the few original things about DCA that seemed to avoid scrutiny. The ride was good enough that it avoided much of the backlash and disappointment of fans who had come to the park in the early days of its operation. We fully understand why it survived! This ride is a rollicking adventure on a careening river of mayhem and fun. Take a trip into the California wilderness and brave the rapids of DCA’s original icon, Grizzly Peak! Face the temperamental geysers, brave the plummeting falls, smell the fresh pines, and see if you can endure the growling winds of Grizzly Peak’s cave! Just remember, you will get wet! WE ARE NOT KIDDING!

Enjoy our list? Like and subscribe! new posts coming weekly! Until next time, we hope you have a magical week!

X Marks the Spot; A Tribute to X Atencio

In loving memory of Francis Xavier Atencio (1919-2017); today, we honor one of the greatest Disney Imagineers of all time.

This week, we were saddened by the news that X Atencio passed away on September 10, 2017; he was 98 years old.

Francis Xavier Atencio, fondly referred to as ‘X‘ by his friends, was a beloved animator and Imagineer at Disney. He served the company for 65 years ( he started at 19 years old) and knew Walt Disney personally. In fact, Atencio was favored by Walt as a show-writer at Imagineering (the Disney branch that oversees the creation of the Disney Parks). His credits in the company include, but are not limited to, animation in films as early as Fantasia, the script for Adventure Thru Inner Space, The Haunted Mansion, and Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland , and as a voice-actor in many of those same attractions. He is probably most well known to fans as the voice of the talking skull at Pirates of the Caribbean, and for penning the extremely catchy lyrics of ‘Yo Ho, Yo Ho, A Pirates Life For Me’ and ‘Grim Grinning Ghosts’. X Atencio rightfully became a ‘Disney Legend’ in 1996 (the award is the highest honor the company can bestow).

Walt Disney with a young X Atencio. Walt knew talent when he saw it!

There is no doubt that we will miss this Master Imagineer greatly , and his works will live on in the hearts of millions for years to come! Because of you, we sail with theiving pirates on the Seven Seas, dance with grinning ghosts beneath the lonely trees, and sing the songs of all your symphonies! May you Rest In Peace our Pirate Captain, our Maestro of Music, and our Great Storyteller! We miss you dearly X Atencio!

X Atencio drawing what looks to be Winnie the Pooh. We will miss you, and your creative genius, dearly!

Top 5 Underrated Disney California Adventure Attractions

Top 5 Underrated Disney California Adventure Attractions

While not as beloved as its much older sibling across the street, Disney California Adventure (DCA) is still a great theme park. And with the 2012 rededication, it now truly feels like a Disney Park. However, even with all the great changes it’s gone through, DCA still has some offerings that get pushed under the rug. Here’s our list of the Top 5 Underrated Disney California Adventure Attractions. Please note that, with so many attractions, we had to limit the list to keep it economical. Every effort was made to be as inclusive as possible!

(Note: want to see our lists for the Top Underrated Disneyland Attractions? Check out Part 1 HERE, and Part 2 HERE)

Animation Building

8b7ecfd513a532b010250d0a1bbfa8d9--disneyland-resort-disney-animation — Beast’s Library changes from cursed to restored before your very eyes!

From the exterior look of this attraction, one wouldn’t expect it to be anything more than a sideshow or passing fancy, but there is so much more to this magnificent building than meets the eye. Not only does this building host the more well-known attraction Turtle Talk with Crush, but it also features three other distinct experiences that are well worth checking out! Branching out from a gorgeous high-vaulted room which surrounds you with videos of Disney development art, as well as animations-in-progress, synchronized to classic Disney tunes, these experiences are not to be missed. Perhaps you want to learn to draw Disney style? Maybe you want to say hi to Elsa? You can! In the Sorcerer’s Workshop, you can make your own animations while listening to the real Magic Mirror. Or you could take the cute character quizzes of the Beast’s Library while the space periodically changes as the Enchanted Rose wilts before your very eyes!

38d4f190a0377398a6b4b69223272ea0 — Both Sorcerer’s Workshop and Beast’s Library are stunning examples of Imagineering craftsmanship, set-dressing, and design!

Goofy’s Sky School

e4f1dd1152dd85b1dd0a5071854fa170 — This poster captures the whimsical wonder of Goofy’s lovable clumsiness.

Replacing the cheesey Mulholland Madness Attraction, Goofy’s Sky School is a very welcome addition to the post-2012 update. Loosely inspired by Goofy’s Barnstormers at Walt Disney World, this cute coaster is a great start for small kids who are just starting to get into thrill rides. The ride, based on the famous Goofy ‘How To’ shorts, takes us on a fun and mayhem filled adventure through Goofy’s lesson’s on ‘how to fly a plane’. Obviously, with Goofy being such a lovable klutz, the lessons don’t really go as planned and result in a whimsical roller coaster of cartoon mayhem!

nfp058943LARGE — Goofy’s Sky School is loosely based on The Barnstormer at Walt Disney World as evidenced by this poster showing the similar concept. Even though WDW’s version is considered by most to be the best of the two, Goofy’s Sky School is still fun!

Monsters, Inc. Mike and Sully to the Rescue

midl2342353 — Seriously…this ride is adorable!

While not one the most popular attractions in DCA by a long shot, Monsters, Inc. is much better than most people say. If you compare it to most of the similar movie themed ‘dark-rides’ of Disneyland, you will realize that the production values of this ride are quite high, even if they aren’t the best. And since it thankfully replaced the unwanted Superstar Limo attraction, Monsters, Inc definitely improves the space it’s in! The characters are adorable, the sets are well crafted, especially regarding the limited space they’re built in. Also, most people don’t realize that the eerie wisecracking Roz Audio-Animatronic which interacts with guest in real time was a huge technological breakthrough at the time and paved the way for the likes of Mr. Potato Head at Toy Story Midway Mania. The Marvel Land that everyone is excited about is going to be amazing, but it’s sad that most people don’t care that this attraction might get razed to make way for those new offerings.

Monster's Inc. Sulley Hidden Mickey DCA (Paul Hiffmeyer, Disneyland) photo(c)Disney — It may not be the best ride, but it sure is cute!

Mickey’s Fun Wheel

386bffca6b4cfbd7a109ea3e36ca9893 — This vintage-looking poster captures the feeling of DCA’s massive 2012 remodel.

For the record, every change made in Paradise Pier has been for the better and all the rides in that refurbished land are a bit underrated. We highly recommend riding California Screamin’, The Golden Zephyr, Silly Symphony Swings, Toy Story Midway Mania, etc., and attending the jaw dropping World of Color. However, we wanted to take time to emphasize the beauty and majesty of this oft-overlooked attraction. Most people view it simply as a backdrop and show-piece for World of Color, but the ride itself is quite breathtaking. Replacing the gaudy and cheap looking Sun Wheel, Mickey’s face is a welcome addition of beauty and charm in the landscape. Taking you to a height from which you can see almost the entire park, and letting you view it at a much more leisurely pace than Guardians of The Galaxy: Mission Breakout, Mickey’s Fun Wheel will steal your breath away. It is a high-flying experience that we guarantee you will not want to miss! With its sparkling technicolor show that lights up the night like a rainbow dream, how can anyone resist this gorgeous experience?

Mickeys-Fun-Wheel — Mickey’s Fun Wheel at night, now a central icon for the newer DCA, is literally one of the most breathtaking things you will **ever** see at a Disney Park…especially during World of Color!

The Little Mermaid-Ariel’s Undersea Adventure

mermaid-attraction-poster — This poster gives us the feels!

This adorable dark-ride was made with love for you and your little Princesses and Princes; granting your wish to join Ariel and her friends under the sea! Far more advanced than similar film ‘Dark-Rides’ at Disneyland, and yet before the advantages of Walt Disney World’s Frozen Ever After ‘projection mapping’ Audio-Animatronics faces, the ride has highly sophisticated Audio-Animatronics that literally appear as if they are the actual drawings simply transplanted into real life. Because they were forced to use ‘old-school’ mechanical Animatronics, we believe it caused them to be more artistic and creative with the character’s facial movements. Following the same events of the film, Ariel’s Undersea Adventure takes you into a nostalgia fueled trip through brilliantly crafted scenes and gorgeous visuals. Sadly, due to the more popular attractions nearby, Ariel’s Undersea Adventure rarely exceeds a 5-minute wait and is usually passed by.

little-mermaid-ariels-undersea-adventure_primary3 — Under the Sea!

Enjoy our list? Like and share! Let us know your favorite DCA attractions in the comments!

Top 10 Underrated Disneyland Attractions Part 2

Top 10 Underrated Disneyland Attractions Part 2

Welcome to Part 2 of the Top 10 Underrated Disneyland Attractions! If you haven’t already, make sure to check out the first part to this list HERE. This list honors the overlooked rides and experiences of Walt Disney’s original Magic Kingdom in historical order; specifically geared towards returning Disneyland fans. With a whopping 48 total attractions, some favorites are bound to be left out to keep this list short. Please be aware that EVERY EFFORT was made to be as inclusive possible.

Note: Keep in mind that this is Part 2 of 2! Underrated Disney California Adventure attractions have their own list (HERE) and they will not be included in this post!

So, without further ado…

Alice in Wonderland (1958)

This whimsical journey through Wonderland is quite popular with returning Disneyland guests, but is often overlooked by Disney merchandising and marketing. Its thematic sibling and counterpart, the Mad Tea Party, seems to get all the media coverage and attention. The spinning cups have always been a perennial favorite among park goers, but the far more elaborate dark-ride which sits adjacent to it deserves some praise as well. Alice in Wonderland is a little longer than Peter Pan’s flight and just as magical. With extremely effective, but surprisingly simple special effects, bright and happy colors, memorable music, and a madcap style that dazzles the eye, it is worth the wait in line. And now, with the relatively recent updates such as projection mapping technology, this ride is more engaging than ever! Let yourself be drawn into the crazy world of Alice’s Wonderland and feel the child in you shout for joy.

Matterhorn Bobsleds (1959)

In 1959, the Matterhorn Bobsleds made history as the world’s first tubular steel roller-coaster in a world dominated by rickety wooden thrills. The iconic mountain which towers above everything in sight was a personal favorite for Walt. Inspired by Walt’s own trips to the real-life Matterhorn Mountain, the Matterhorn Bobsleds was an attempt to recreate the feeling of exhilaration one would get from careening down a snowy mountain in a sleek sled; including the danger! It’s a badly kept secret that Expedition Everest and its famous Yeti were directly inspired by this Disneyland original, and although the Walt Disney World masterpiece is far more famous, Matterhorn Mountain is not to be ignored. Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, and Big Thunder Mountain may get the most love, but Matterhorn Mountain lives in the hearts of millions of hardcore fans worldwide. And with the relatively recent addition of the Yeti stalking you in the tunnels alongside your bobsled as you ascend the mountain, the thrill has never felt so real!

Abominable-Snowman-Disneyland-Matterhorn-Concept — Concept art for the Matterhorn Updates. It literally feels like the Yeti is stalking you and roaring in your face!

Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room (1963)

A pioneer for the Audio-Animatronics that would one day populate Pirates of the Caribbean and so many other Disney Masterpieces, Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room is a nostalgic classic that is as endearing as it is colorful. The Enchanted Tiki Room is a blast from the past and is one of the attractions that was extremely close to Walt’s heart. He poured his creative imagination and whimsical sense of innocent fun into a beautifully realized show filled with singing plants, animals, and Tikis! Grab a world-famous Dole-Whip treat and watch as Jose the macaw and all his friends serenade you with tropical fun! Often passed up as old and outdated, much like its neighbor The Jungle Cruise, Tiki Room still commands a deep respect from Disneyland fans from around the globe. In a world populated by adrenaline junkies and savvy smartphone users, some old fashioned wholesome entertainment can be a good thing.

Tiki-RoomLARGE — The Tiki Room may not be the first attraction on everyone’s bucket list, but it certainly was one of Walt’s favorites!

Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln (1965)

Many guests pass this gem without even realizing its there in the first place. Situated amidst the shops and eateries of Main Street, U.S.A, The Main Street Opera House is home to one of Walt’s greatest accomplishments; the advent of the fully-realized Audio-Animatronic. Without Abe Lincoln, Pirates of the Caribbean and other rides like it would never have existed the way they are today. This show may be a bit outdated, and more educational than most park offerings, but it was one of the last shows that Walt personally directed and supervised completely. It is an inspirational show about Walt Disney’s love for America and its values of equality and opportunity, and his unending respect for a man who shared his beliefs. Centering around one of the most sophisticated Audio-Animatronic characters ever, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln is probably as close as any of us will get to the real Abraham Lincoln in our lives, and the result is uncannily realistic. Because of its nature, and its age, the show is not necessarily for everyone, but for those who do love it, it remains a deeply poignant performance that still brings tears of pride to the eyes of many.

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (2003)

Literally and figuratively overshadowed by its infinitely more popular neighbor Splash Mountain, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh deserves a bit more love. Due to the fact that it replaced the much-loved Country Bear Jamboree, this ride has gotten some bad press from longtime Disney fans. However, It’s actually a very good ride! For an attraction geared towards children, Winnie the Pooh offers an extremely cute journey that is not to be missed. With the beloved characters, song, and story from the animated Disney classic, the story enchants millions who ride through it. Featuring simple and yet extremely ingenious special effects, and eye-popping colors, the ride really does bring you back to your childhood days and makes you feel like you’re having a very happy winds-day with Tigger, Pooh, and Piglet! Especially if you have young children, this ride is not to be missed!

Like our list? Check out Part 1 if you haven’t already! Like and share; let us know in the comments what your favorite Disneyland attractions are!

Top 10 Underrated Disneyland Attractions Part 1

Top 10 Underrated Disney Attractions Part 1

With stories and experiences unlike any other, Disneyland is known for its world-famous attractions. However, some of these amazing attractions still seem to get overlooked when compared with the E-ticket thrills. This list honors those overlooked rides and experiences in historical order; specifically geared towards returning Disneyland fans. With a whopping 48 total attractions, some favorites are bound to be left out to keep this list a reasonable length. Please be aware that EVERY EFFORT was made to be as inclusive possible.

Note: Keep in mind that this is Part 1 of 2! You can find Part 2 here now that it’s up! Underrated Disney California Adventure attractions have their own list (HERE) and they will not be included in this post!

So, without further ado…

Disneyland Railroad (Opening Day, 1955)

91JEcUdnJCL._SL1500_ — Now loading on Track No. 1 for a trip around Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom!

Most people see the Disneyland Railroad and assume that it’s just a fancy mode of transportation which guests can use to travel around the park. However, there is so much more to this attraction than meets the eye. Believe it or not, the average guest is completely unaware that the Disneyland Railroad travels through a living-breathing Grand Canyon, and then travels back in time to when dinosaurs ruled the Earth! It’s one of the park’s most delightful hidden gems. The Disneyland Railroad was also extremely important to Walt, and was the one thing he insisted on his theme park having, even during the earliest stage of its development. With the recent 2017 update, this attraction is even more magical than ever!

Jungle Cruise (Opening Day, 1955)

World-Famous-Jungle-Cruise-1 — Absolutely breathtaking!

Considering the roller-coasters of today’s world, it is hard to believe that the Jungle Cruise was considered the park’s first ‘thrill-ride!’ It seems extremely tame by today’s standards, but at the time, it was extremely exciting. No one had seen anything like the Jungle Cruise before, and the mechanical animals were a huge technological innovation at the time. Because of its age, the Jungle Cruise often gets ignored in favor of its younger sibling; Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Forbidden Eye. However, the cute animal dioramas, corny wisecracking skippers, and complete immersion into a man-made jungle, continues to fuel an enormous fanbase today.

Trader-Sam — The infamous Trader Sam. The deals he offers will put him ahead of the competition!

Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride (Opening Day, 1955)

5706799125_78b8e5d5dd_b — This stately manor acts as a beacon for all Disneyland fans.

Ask any Disneyland fan; they will all swear by quality of this Fantasyland Dark-Ride! For some reason, millions of zealous Disney fans are obsessed over this quirky ride through the eccentric Mr. Toad’s wild adventures. Usually overlooked in favor of its more famous next-door neighbor, Peter Pan’s flight, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride does not disappoint. With a zany trip in a motorcar mishap, a courtroom, and bad dreams of punishment in the Underworld, Mr. Toad lets us climb into his own shoes for a day. Unlike Peter Pan, this attraction has proven too much for some very young children to handle, but for more mature audiences it proves to be a blast.

mr-toads-wild-ride-01 — After the ride was closed at Walt Disney World, fans of the Disneyland version rallied together to stop the same fate from befalling their version. The effort was a great success!

Snow White’s Scary Adventures (Opening Day, 1955)

maxresdefault (5) — If you look closely, you might just see the Evil Queen pull back the curtains of her lofty tower and gaze down the guests waiting to go inside!

When most Disneyland newcomers first visit Fantasyland, a trip to It’s a Small World, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, The Mad Tea Party, and Peter Pan’s Flight are always on the itinerary, but rarely do you hear them even mention Snow White’s Scary Adventures. The reason for this is in the name of the attraction. Most people visiting Fantasyland are visiting with their young children; and Snow White’s Scary Adventures has been reported by some to be too scary for some of those same children. However, if you have older kids, or love the Disney classic, we highly recommend this Disneyland classic. It’s well made, atmospheric, and very cute.

7434868574_20354237a4_z — Some scenes, like this one, have been deemed by some as too scary for small children.

Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough (1957)

The Sleeping Beauty castle, While not as ornate as the Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World, is the ***original*** Disney Park icon. it is even now the entire Walt Disney Company’s official logo!

The Sleeping Beauty Castle is without the question the central icon of entire Disneyland Resort. The original fantasy castle has been awe-inspiring since the opening day of Disneyland and has touched the hearts of millions since then. As a result, it’s hard to imagine that you couldn’t go inside the castle itself until several years after its opening. The charming interior of the castle tells the timeless story of Sleeping Beauty in kinetic, special-effects laden, dioramas like the famous Main Street store windows and is quite well done considering the extremely limited space inside. Due to a seven-year hiatus, most people didn’t even realize that it has since reopened. Considering that very few newcomers, and even a great deal of returning guests, know this self-guided attraction even exists, it deserves more attention than it has been receiving. Your dreams of traveling inside a real fairy tale castle can come true!

maxresdefault (4) — Most people pass right by the entrance which is tucked away to the side after you enter the castle.

Like our list? Stay tuned for Part 2 next week! Like and share; let us know in the comments what your favorite Disneyland attractions are!

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X Marks the Spot; A Tribute to X Atencio

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