Jon Fu
Editor-in-Chief Emeritus
I took a few videos that I'll share in the coming days, but what does everyone think of Disneyland and California Adventure?
Took a trip over there yesterday and it was a blast. Can't wait to share some photos.
...
So a bit of a disclaimer before I get started: I'm really oblivious when it comes to planning a Disney trip. In other words, I really go throughout both parks at a leisurely pace. It's a stark contrast to how I visit Universal, but there's less pressure to cover anything extensively as I do with Universal Studios Hollywood or any other Universal property worldwide. So if you're confused about my timing or pacing - that's why. It's a bit unusual, but I've purposely never planned a trip beforehand. So here we go!
...
![](https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2869/9432658429_1a82168b40_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
1:00 PM. Parked in Micky & Friends, and away we go.
![](https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7390/9432660991_eaa08cbe5b_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
First park: Disney California Adventure.
![](https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5531/9432670121_fd81b493df_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Entrance of the park. Reminds me a bit of the Grove - which is a good thing.
![](https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5452/9435455434_e903fe1346_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
I'm sure all of you have heard about Carthay Circle and the comparisons between the Carthay and Universal Plaza, but I can assure you - they're not the same. That being said, Carthay is really beautiful. I want to say there's a bit of Art Deco, but I don't want to get ahead of myself.
![](https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2822/9435452610_c27d7cbca1_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Next stop: Cars Land.
![](https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2828/9435448974_43b5fe8d4f_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
I've only seen the first film, so I'm not exactly familiar with the entire franchise. But from what I do remember, they did an excellent job recreating the animated film into real life. Really nice work.
![](https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3697/9432725121_1d9a4471c7_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
First ride of the day: Radiator Springs.
![](https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3684/9432737899_7caf5ce24a_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
![](https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3797/9435507284_771a122138_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Really impressive queue, though I'm always perturbed at the lack of monitors littered throughout the queue. I guess that's a Universal thing, haha.
![](https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3804/9435551748_5bdcb7ddf3_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
![](https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2870/9435561912_76d4d7968e_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
![](https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7306/9432764959_47f3c3a986_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
First impressions of the ride: pleasantly surprised. I didn't think they'd be much beyond a simple race track, but obviously I was wrong. Very fluid animatronics. If Universal is sort on anything - it's a large scale attraction like this that includes plenty of practical effects. Plus, nothing beats a good race.
![](https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3803/9432714507_87a9f61633_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Hey, I recognize this!
![](https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7366/9432716985_92827489d3_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
...and this!
![](https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3807/9435481186_ec8c3b3cea_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
![](https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5333/9432848397_577870a20b_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
![](https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5506/9435634424_022873b543_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
![](https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7322/9432863383_74842ec751_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
![](https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3698/9432867239_fcba5881f3_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Next stop: who knows! I think I'm heading towards the Tower of Terror on this one.
![](https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5498/9435647964_f1f695ff27_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
![](https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7362/9435655242_7391cd279c_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Don't think I've seen this show before.
![](https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3791/9432881867_98b943051b_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
...and here's Tower.
![](https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5506/9432891253_3647649e40_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Oddly enough, I always seem to ride Tower on my visits to Disney - including Florida and Japan. It's a fun ride, but I really go in for the decor.
![](https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5482/9435678424_63b9710fcd_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
I love the theming that goes into this attraction. Spider webs, plenty of art deco, flickering lights - just a huge fan. After all, who's not a fan of the Twilight Zone?
![](https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7415/9432908421_0a006faa77_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
![](https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3665/9432914229_f718bfa752_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
![](https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5502/9435708434_bfa12d73fb_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
![](https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5501/9435721698_2d4fa6129b_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
![](https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3673/9432952131_aa14cd38de_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Next stop: Paradise Pier. I've never understood the hate for this area.
![](https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3723/9435741186_26bf7c1106_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Beautiful view from the bridge. Funny story: Goofy actually snuck up behind me and pulled the reach around as he was gearing up for a brief fountain show. That's something I can't say I'll get used to - but hey. It was fun and memorable.
![](https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2875/9432959517_f3aba7e669_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
...and away we go!
![](https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3765/9432978081_8d9960ff3a_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
![](https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7394/9435719524_5bd484be59_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Sadly, Toy Story Mania appeared to be offline while I was there. Shame. I hear it's a good ride and plenty of people recommended it on Twitter. Maybe next time.
![](https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7339/9435763080_1d50b40891_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
...and finally Soarin' - my personal favorite. I'll usually not emotional when it comes to theme park attractions, but this one always hits home. Very well done.
![](https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3720/9433107873_0e5112c537_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
![](https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5505/9435897222_1f8cca93b9_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
![](https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7395/9433133665_9a25c98be7_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
![](https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5453/9435914878_6d99fa47b0_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
![](https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3826/9435925426_af9534d6bc_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
![](https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5332/9433011323_f2b867e8a6_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
At around 5:00 PM, we head on over to Disneyland.
![](https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7308/9435779836_43bbdca7e6_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
![](https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5481/9433031903_a30a698c72_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
What do we go on first? Disneyland Railroad of course.
![](https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5322/9433024099_614b12afd4_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
![](https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3716/9433035731_c27acebc1a_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
To be honest, we really don't do much from here but walk around.
![](https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2891/9435819724_7f326cae36_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
![](https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5477/9433049795_d0946776af_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
![](https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3823/9433058401_0f17c7452d_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
![](https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5513/9435845994_285648780f_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
![](https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3691/9435850264_7d180653a4_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
![](https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7326/9435856694_18a907532f_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
![](https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3743/9435880572_363b0dc3ba_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Hope you all enjoyed the photos thus far. I'll have more photos tomorrow.
Took a trip over there yesterday and it was a blast. Can't wait to share some photos.
...
So a bit of a disclaimer before I get started: I'm really oblivious when it comes to planning a Disney trip. In other words, I really go throughout both parks at a leisurely pace. It's a stark contrast to how I visit Universal, but there's less pressure to cover anything extensively as I do with Universal Studios Hollywood or any other Universal property worldwide. So if you're confused about my timing or pacing - that's why. It's a bit unusual, but I've purposely never planned a trip beforehand. So here we go!
...
![](https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2869/9432658429_1a82168b40_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
1:00 PM. Parked in Micky & Friends, and away we go.
![](https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7390/9432660991_eaa08cbe5b_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
First park: Disney California Adventure.
![](https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5531/9432670121_fd81b493df_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Entrance of the park. Reminds me a bit of the Grove - which is a good thing.
![](https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5452/9435455434_e903fe1346_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
I'm sure all of you have heard about Carthay Circle and the comparisons between the Carthay and Universal Plaza, but I can assure you - they're not the same. That being said, Carthay is really beautiful. I want to say there's a bit of Art Deco, but I don't want to get ahead of myself.
![](https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2822/9435452610_c27d7cbca1_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Next stop: Cars Land.
![](https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2828/9435448974_43b5fe8d4f_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
I've only seen the first film, so I'm not exactly familiar with the entire franchise. But from what I do remember, they did an excellent job recreating the animated film into real life. Really nice work.
![](https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3697/9432725121_1d9a4471c7_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
First ride of the day: Radiator Springs.
![](https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3684/9432737899_7caf5ce24a_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
![](https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3797/9435507284_771a122138_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Really impressive queue, though I'm always perturbed at the lack of monitors littered throughout the queue. I guess that's a Universal thing, haha.
![](https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3804/9435551748_5bdcb7ddf3_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
![](https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2870/9435561912_76d4d7968e_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
![](https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7306/9432764959_47f3c3a986_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
First impressions of the ride: pleasantly surprised. I didn't think they'd be much beyond a simple race track, but obviously I was wrong. Very fluid animatronics. If Universal is sort on anything - it's a large scale attraction like this that includes plenty of practical effects. Plus, nothing beats a good race.
![](https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3803/9432714507_87a9f61633_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Hey, I recognize this!
![](https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7366/9432716985_92827489d3_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
...and this!
![](https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3807/9435481186_ec8c3b3cea_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
![](https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5333/9432848397_577870a20b_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
![](https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5506/9435634424_022873b543_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
![](https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7322/9432863383_74842ec751_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
![](https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3698/9432867239_fcba5881f3_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Next stop: who knows! I think I'm heading towards the Tower of Terror on this one.
![](https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5498/9435647964_f1f695ff27_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
![](https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7362/9435655242_7391cd279c_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Don't think I've seen this show before.
![](https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3791/9432881867_98b943051b_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
...and here's Tower.
![](https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5506/9432891253_3647649e40_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Oddly enough, I always seem to ride Tower on my visits to Disney - including Florida and Japan. It's a fun ride, but I really go in for the decor.
![](https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5482/9435678424_63b9710fcd_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
I love the theming that goes into this attraction. Spider webs, plenty of art deco, flickering lights - just a huge fan. After all, who's not a fan of the Twilight Zone?
![](https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7415/9432908421_0a006faa77_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
![](https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3665/9432914229_f718bfa752_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
![](https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5502/9435708434_bfa12d73fb_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
![](https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5501/9435721698_2d4fa6129b_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
![](https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3673/9432952131_aa14cd38de_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Next stop: Paradise Pier. I've never understood the hate for this area.
![](https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3723/9435741186_26bf7c1106_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Beautiful view from the bridge. Funny story: Goofy actually snuck up behind me and pulled the reach around as he was gearing up for a brief fountain show. That's something I can't say I'll get used to - but hey. It was fun and memorable.
![](https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2875/9432959517_f3aba7e669_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
...and away we go!
![](https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3765/9432978081_8d9960ff3a_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
![](https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7394/9435719524_5bd484be59_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Sadly, Toy Story Mania appeared to be offline while I was there. Shame. I hear it's a good ride and plenty of people recommended it on Twitter. Maybe next time.
![](https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7339/9435763080_1d50b40891_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
...and finally Soarin' - my personal favorite. I'll usually not emotional when it comes to theme park attractions, but this one always hits home. Very well done.
![](https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3720/9433107873_0e5112c537_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
![](https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5505/9435897222_1f8cca93b9_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
![](https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7395/9433133665_9a25c98be7_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
![](https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5453/9435914878_6d99fa47b0_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
![](https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3826/9435925426_af9534d6bc_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
![](https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5332/9433011323_f2b867e8a6_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
At around 5:00 PM, we head on over to Disneyland.
![](https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7308/9435779836_43bbdca7e6_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
![](https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5481/9433031903_a30a698c72_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
What do we go on first? Disneyland Railroad of course.
![](https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5322/9433024099_614b12afd4_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
![](https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3716/9433035731_c27acebc1a_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
To be honest, we really don't do much from here but walk around.
![](https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2891/9435819724_7f326cae36_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
![](https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5477/9433049795_d0946776af_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
![](https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3823/9433058401_0f17c7452d_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
![](https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5513/9435845994_285648780f_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
![](https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3691/9435850264_7d180653a4_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
![](https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7326/9435856694_18a907532f_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
![](https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3743/9435880572_363b0dc3ba_b.jpg)
Disneyland Resort - August 3, 2013 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr
Hope you all enjoyed the photos thus far. I'll have more photos tomorrow.
Last edited by a moderator: