Downtown Disney, Anaheim, California

Downtown Disney, Anaheim, California

Somewhere in the past couple of decades, Disney added something called Downtown Disney. The California version of this is a bit better than the Florida version in my opinion. Not because it’s larger, or it has better stores, restaurants and “gift shops.” No, because it’s better integrated into the larger Disney conglomerate. Downtown Disney is easily accessible from both the Magic Kingdom and California Adventure theme parks and from the multitude of Disney Hotels nearby.

Where as at Downtown Disney Orlando, one must either drive or take the monorail from the various parks. Granted, there are more dining options. A plethora of entertainment options in itself populate Disney Downtown Orlando, along with plenty of shopping and eating options. But, the fifteen minute ride slash drive to Downtown Disney in Orlando makes it less of a destination.

Downtown Disney, Anaheim, California
A picture of some monorails shadowing the pool area outside one of the Disney Hotels.

Lego Dragon at Downtown Disney
In Lego, one of the most iconic Disney movie moments.

Cars Land at Disney’s California Adventures

Cars Land at Disney’s California Adventures

I was lucky (or unlucky) enough in 2012 to end up at the new Cars Land at Disney’s California Adventures about a week after it opened. Lines were long, especially for the Radiator Springs Ride at 60 minutes, a mere twenty minutes after the park opened. Within an hour the wait had soared to 120 minutes and hovered there for most of the day with an occasional drop to 90 minutes. We ended up going in early the next day, and got into the 60 minute line.

Fast forward two years, and 60 minute waits are still quite typical of this ride. But I’d say it’s well worth it still.

The attention to detail and staying true to the Cars movie franchise is downright amazing. I had just as much fun taking pictures of the signs and scenery as I did actually riding the ride. We went again in April 2014. It was just as busy.

California Adventure

California Adventure

California Adventure

California Adventure

Radiator Springs Ride

Mater, voiced by Larry the Cable Guy

Lightning McQueen, Voiced by Owen Wilson

California Adventure

Radiator Springs!

Cars Land at Disney's California Adventures

California Adventure

California Adventure

California Adventure

Stanley's Oasis

California Adventure

The outstanding view!

California Adventure

Disney California Adventure Park Travel Pictures

Disney California Adventure Park Travel Pictures

These pictures were taken the day after Radiator Springs Racers opened in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure Park. The lines here were absolutely crazy, three hours to get on the ride itself. There were lots of people waiting in line to see the characters, so many that they were getting turned away. And the parade was absolutely crazy.

The parade was pretty cool though, and a great twist on the one across the way at Magic Kingdom.

Sully at Hollywood Studios
Sully rides a huge drum!

First up was a group of Pixar characters Continue reading “Disney California Adventure Park Travel Pictures”

Bahia Honda State Park

Bahia Honda State Park

Bahia Honda State Park is on one of the Keys along the Overseas Highway, south of Miami headed towards Key West Florida. A very popular kayaking and camping spot, the park also has a bit of history. Bahia Honda is Spanish for “Deep Bay.” The bay itself is on the North side of the Island, and was the deepest channel between the Keys before man started dredging.

Bahia Honda State Park

By 1912 the Florida East Coast Railway built by Continue reading “Bahia Honda State Park”