by Dakota D
There is a lot of advice about what attractions not to miss when visiting Disneyland. It’s easy to figure out you need to visit Splash Mountain, Indiana Jones Adventure, the Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, the Matterhorn, and a host of other attractions whose order will vary by individual. What if you are more into appreciating the subtleties of life, or just aren’t much into rides (even if they are called “attractions”)?
Here’s a “Do Not Miss” list for you:
1. Churros – delightful deep-fried donut-like pastries that are long and filled with cinnamon-sugary goodness.
2. The Penny Arcade on Main Street – old-time movie machines with flip-pictures and a light bulb, penny smashers for low-cost souvenirs, old-fashioned sports games that were precursors to pinball, and a fortune-teller.
3. Fantasmic! – Wonderful live-action water and light show put on, literally, on the Rivers of America. Great effects and wonderful music! (Beware - if you are very close to the river's edge, you may get wet.)
4. Mint Juleps – a no-alcohol version of the southern treat, served up in New Orleans Square.
5. The Disneyland Railroad – not only a great way to get around the park, but a relaxing way to unwind as you see glimpses of various lands. Look out for dinosaurs! (Don’t worry – nothing jumps out at you, it's just a diorama.)
6. Disney Dollars – trade in your “real world” money for the local currency. No exchange fee and these dollars are fun to shop with or to save as souvenirs. They are available at all Guest Relations areas in the Disney parks, and some other resort locations. If you have a Disney Store in a mall near you, you can get them there too, in preparation for your trip. Some folks like to use them to save money - exchange "real" cash for Disney Dollars and you can't spend them anywhere else until your trip!
7. Dole Whips – delicious frozen pineapply wonders that are served outside the Enchanted Tiki Room. They are sort of a cross between pineapple sorbet and soft serve ice cream. (I used to think they were healthy. I found a list of ingredients. Uh, not so much, but they are still delicious!)
8. “Partners” Statue and surrounding mini-statues in rotunda in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle – features bronze sculpture of Walt and Mickey, and smaller statues of other Disney favorites. A wonderful tribute to this amazing team. Be sure to look around and enjoy the view from this scenic area.
9. New Orleans Square – not only the home of pirates and grim grinning ghosts, but here you will find really great architecture and French Quarter atmosphere. Enjoy a mint julep (item #4) and spend some time soaking up this small, but detail-rich area.
10. Disneyland at Night – the fireworks are great, but so are all of the lights, sounds and smells that happen after dark. It’s really beautiful – take the time to notice and enjoy the magic.
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