Disneyland Pictures: Day 1, pt 1 -- Disneyland Hotel and Disneyland

Rajah · Nov 23, 2002

Hopefully these will work for everyone. If they don't on the first try, try hitting stop and refresh and that should fix the problem.

I'm posting this same message on the Disneyland board, but I wanted to make sure no one missed it.

I'm working on a full trip report as well, but this will summarize the trip through pictures. All of the pictures were either cropped or resized from images that are 1024x768, so if you want a larger version of any of the pictures, just let me know

Also, I did do retouching on several of them that were too dark or whatever, but I tried to get the colors as true as possible (except in the case of the sky when it was smoggy).

For the most part, the main image editing I've done was to sharpen the images since none of the resized pictures were as sharp as the full-size image

<img src="http://www.stardustdreams.net/DLNov02/DLR_Nov02_001.jpg" width="300" height="400" alt="" border="0"> 
Entrance to the Disneyland Hotel where we would spend the next 4 nights! We were given room 2223 (standard view, 4th floor) of the Marina tower, which is where you check in.

 
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The veiw looking to the right out our glass door.

 
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The headboards of our two queen beds both featured these nice pictures of the castle.

 
<img src="http://www.stardustdreams.net/DLNov02/DLR_Nov02_004.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="" border="0"> 
And the bureau that held both the TV and the mini-fridge (both of which I forgot to take a picture of

) had an etching (or whatever you would call that style of applying picture to wood) of the original map Walt used to introduce the park concepts to those watching the Disneyland TV show. The real picture is downstairs near the conference rooms.

 
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Tink flew around the room in the wallpaper boarder near the ceiling, leaving a trail of pixie dust that would glow in the dark for a few minutes after turning the lights out.

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The bedspreads both had a lot of pictures of the park attractions like the Haunted Mansion...

 
<img src="http://www.stardustdreams.net/DLNov02/DLR_Nov02_007.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="" border="0"> 
...Matterhorn...

 
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...Main Street Train Station...

 
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...Mark Twain Steamboat...

 
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...Casey Junior Circus Train...

 
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... Pirates...
 
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...Dumbo...
 
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...Teacups...
 
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...Astro Orbiter...
 
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...Carousel...
 
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...Jungle Cruise...
 
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... and Jolly Trolly (yes, I took a picture of every picture on the bedspread

)
 
<img src="http://www.stardustdreams.net/DLNov02/DLR_Nov02_011.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="" border="0"> 
There were two pieces of artwork on the walls, both concept artwork. One of the pictures was of the Golden Horseshoe Saloon.
 
<img src="http://www.stardustdreams.net/DLNov02/DLR_Nov02_012.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="" border="0"> 
The other picture was of Adventureland, focusing on the Jungle Cruise.
 
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Even the lamps were themed with hidden Mickeys.
 
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Looking out the window once again, we had a nice view of the parking lot (wasn't bad), some trees, and in the distance, the mountains were visible when the smog was low.
 
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On to the bathroom, where Mickey's hands helped out by holding the lamps for us. (But unless he was watching through a one-way mirror, the rest of Mickey was nowhere to be seen, offering us the privacy needed for a bathroom

)
 
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Well, nowhere except in the topiaries in the wallpaper, anyway.
 
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I just thought this topiary was cute.
 
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Minnie had her own topiary...
 
<img src="http://www.stardustdreams.net/DLNov02/DLR_Nov02_026.jpg" width="300" height="400" alt="" border="0"> 
...as did Daisy and Pluto...
 
<img src="http://www.stardustdreams.net/DLNov02/DLR_Nov02_027.jpg" width="300" height="400" alt="" border="0"> 
...and, of course, Goofy.
 
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Sneezy made sure to point out where the kleenex were.
 
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A larger view of the main room for the bathroom (commode is off to the right in the bathroom, behind its own door. Bathtub is to the left)

Through exploring the room, we started out toward the parks.

 
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Mickey greeted us just as he had as we entered the hotel. He's to one side of the elevators.
 
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And Minnie's to the other side.
 
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This little gift shop was open most of the time when we left and returned. It didn't have a large selection, but had better hours than the larger Fantasia gift shop to the other side of the elevators.
 
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As we stepped out into the pool courtyard, Mickey yet again greeted us, this time as a topiary (a real one, not a drawn one

)
 
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In the pool area, they've recreated the classic story of Peter Pan. Those familiar with Disneyland history might recall the restaurant that was a Pirate Ship and its accompanying feature of a skull rock. Skull Rock is now a slide.
 
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Back inside to view some of the artwork that fills the walls of the Disneyland Hotel. This one is of the Grand Californian.
 
<img src="http://www.stardustdreams.net/DLNov02/DLR_Nov02_036.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="" border="0"> 
And this, of the Grizzly Peak area of Disney's California Adventure.
 
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Between them was this model of the Jungle Cruise.
 
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Tomorrowland artwork
 
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Sleeping Beauty Castle, complete with swan
 
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In one hallway, the walls are lined with black and white photos of Walt, various celebreties, and Disneyland history. This was from the first Disneyland TV show, the one in which Walt introduced both the park concepts and the TV series at once. Here he's showing the map that was on the bureau doors in our room.
 
<img src="http://www.stardustdreams.net/DLNov02/DLR_Nov02_041.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="" border="0"> 
And here is *the* map, found just around the corner. It's larger than I expected, though I don't know why -- for years I'd seen Walt standing next to the picture, so you'd think I would have realized the scale.

It's very neat to see in person.
 
<img src="http://www.stardustdreams.net/DLNov02/DLR_Nov02_042.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="" border="0"> 
On the other side of the hall from the map is a wall filled with Disneyland memorabilia.
 
<img src="http://www.stardustdreams.net/DLNov02/DLR_Nov02_043.jpg" width="430" height="259" alt="" border="0"> 
This plaque explained that all the memorabilia was created into the "assemblage" shown above for the 35th anniversary of Disneyland. There are some interesting things in that display! One of these days I need to spend more time looking at the Display and not be in a hurry to get to the park

<img src="http://www.stardustdreams.net/DLNov02/DLR_Nov02_044.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="" border="0"> 
Continuing around the corner and up the escalators, we came upon this wall mural of Peter Pan. I think the same mural is painted in the loading zone of Peter Pan's Flight in Disneyland.
 
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Back outside again, we found this cute setup for pictures over near the quiet pool. There were several of these areas set up around the hotel grounds, this was just the one I thought cutest.
 
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Right outside the Bonita tower (the one opposite the Marina tower where check in is found. I've never been in the Bonita tower) there's a Koi fish pond with huge Koi. Behind it and not really visible in this picture (and we didn't actually go down to explore so I *gasp* didn't get any pictures of it) is a waterfall area that is rather neat.
 
<img src="http://www.stardustdreams.net/DLNov02/DLR_Nov02_047.jpg" width="300" height="400" alt="" border="0"> 
Finally, having made our way around the grounds of the Disneyland Hotel, we crossed under the giant Sorcerer Mickey's hat and entered Downtown Disney.
 
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Rainforest Cafe.
 
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The Monorail coming into the Downtown Disney/Disneyland Hotels monorail station. The monorail only has two stops. One here, and the other in Tomorrowland in Disneyland.
 
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This dinosaur in the lego shop caught my eye. The little dalmatian lounging at its feet must be really brave!
 
<img src="http://www.stardustdreams.net/DLNov02/DLR_Nov02_051.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="" border="0"> 
Okay, finally, into the park. I can't start any trip to Disneyland without taking a picture of the Disneyland Railroad Station and the flower Mickey.
 
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I absolutely love this sign. Wish I could do that every day!
 
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As we wandered around Town Square (noting how much smaller things are in Disneyland -- smaller, but more charming to me!) we caught sight of two famous characters in their holiday garb.
 
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At the other end of Main Street, the Wonderland group had gathered around Rod Miller's piano in Coke Corner and was teasing a young boy.
 
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Our first stop was for lunch in Tomorrowland, where I couldn't resist these two pictures of the Matterhorn and the Observatron.
 
<img src="http://www.stardustdreams.net/DLNov02/DLR_Nov02_056.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="" border="0"> 
Just another slightly-different angle. It's not showing up well in these pictures, but the lighting was rather dramatic.

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On our way back to Main Street, we stopped in the Space Experience to check out what they had there. The current display is on future Mars exploration plans.
 
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Stepping into the hub from Tomorrowland, the dramatic early-evening lighting on the castle (small, but charming!) caught my eye.
 
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Had to stop at the dedication plaque at the base of the flag pole in Town Square. The park was all dressed up for the holidays already, and the poinsettias were very pretty. Especially with the occasional white poinsettia scattered in among the red.
 
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Disneyland's Christmas tree, unlike Disneyworld's trees, is actually a *real* tree that has been flocked to turn it white. You can tell -- the scent of live tree filled that corner of Main Street.
 
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I was trying to catch the tree trunk along with the needles, but it didn't come out well, and we were interrupted before I could try again.
 
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Interrupted by a very nice CM asking if we'd like our picture taken -- first with our camera, then with his camera (which was the big big brother to ours

) We ended up getting one of the two pictures he took.

<img src="http://www.stardustdreams.net/DLNov02/DLR_Nov02_065.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="" border="0"> 
And to end this set of pictures, I leave you with what happens when you try to take a picture of what's through a window when the lighting conditions are right for good reflections.

This is one of the windows in the Main Street Emporium depicting one of the scenes from Treasure Planet. But since I didn't use a polaroid filter, I also got the reflection of guests and the Main Street Cinema and other shops across the street. I thought it was a neat effect, so kept it

I'll have more pictures for the rest of the evening later this weekend.

shep · Nov 23, 2002

Nice pictures...
Thanks for sharing...

catsrule · Nov 23, 2002

Great pictures, Rajah!

Jeff in BigD · Nov 23, 2002

I guess you made the choice...

As the knight in Last Crusade said..."You chose wisely"

KimRaye · Nov 23, 2002

Rajah!! I don't think I've ever seen a pic of you before!!

GREAT pictures and wonderful narrative as well!

I could tell the tree was real with the needles on top of the packages!

(Although it wouldn't surprise me to hear that Disney 'made that up', too!)

I've never been inclined to visit DL but, your pictures are great! I look forward to the rest!

Jeff in BigD · Nov 23, 2002

Kim, you really should check out DL if for Indy alone.

#1 Disney Fan · Nov 23, 2002

Wow Rajah, what a wonderful picture post! I loved this so much! Brought back so many memories of my one and only trip to Disneyland (and staying at the Disneyland Hotel...Bonita tower) when I was 11.

Do they still let people feed the koi fish? I remember getting to hold the fish food in a fist in my hand and they'd let the fish come eat it right out of the hand. I remember the waterfall as well, that you didn't get pictures of. Pretty neat... next time take a walk down there.

What an absolutely amazing bedspread! Too cool! Love it! Such details everywhere in the room!

KimRaye · Nov 23, 2002

Originally posted by Jeff in BigD
Kim, you really should check out DL if for Indy alone.

Jeff, you know me & my family TOO WELL!

DS & I would sooo like to take a ride on Indy rather than see the show, for a change!! We've seen the show at least 6 times and, DH was an extra once so, we know the 'behind the scenes' with that! Give me the ride and.... I don't normally DO the rides.

Rajah captured a beauty I never saw before. Great pictures! :smooth:

I'm reconsidering.

Jeff in BigD · Nov 23, 2002

You don't do the rides? :confused:

Tony-NJ · Nov 23, 2002

those were great pics! thanks for sharing!

Tinkbell · Nov 23, 2002

Great pictures! I love the new look of DL Hotel. My grandma took me there way back in 1978. I remember we had this really bright yellow bedspread. A lot has changed since then. Thanks for sharing.

KimRaye · Nov 23, 2002

Originally posted by Jeff in BigD
You don't do the rides?

Nope, just the baby ones.

Micca · Nov 23, 2002

Terrific pictures. The DL hotel room is awesome :cool:

helenabear · Nov 23, 2002

Great pictures Tammi!!! Enjoyed them all so far and your hotel looked amazing!

RoutemanDan · Nov 23, 2002

Rajah · Nov 23, 2002

Originally posted by #1 Disney Fan
Do they still let people feed the koi fish? I remember getting to hold the fish food in a fist in my hand and they'd let the fish come eat it right out of the hand. I remember the waterfall as well, that you didn't get pictures of. Pretty neat... next time take a walk down there.

I don't know if they still let people feed the fish, but I suspect so since it has "Koi feeding times" posted.

I've just never been at the hotel during the feeding times, I've always been in the park instead.

I did get to see the waterfalls on a prior visit and really enjoyed them. This was DH's first time to the Disneyland Hotel, though, and he was anxious to explore the rest and didn't want to walk down in the water. I expected us to go back and see those better on Saturday (when the park would be more crowded), but we ended up napping instead.

Rajah · Nov 23, 2002

Originally posted by KimRaye
Nope, just the baby ones.

You'd *love* Disneyland, then, Kim! The only rides I don't think you'd ride in Disneyland proper (not counting DCA) are maybe Thunder, Space, the Matterhorn (which really are all "baby" coasters), and maybe Star Tours. Since you said you'd do Indy. The rest of the rides in Disneyland are family rides, and Disneyland has more of them than the Magic Kingdom.

FairyGF · Nov 23, 2002

Wow! Rajah thanks for the excellent report and fantastic pictures!

Disneyland is just "magical"! Very cool pictures of the bedspread, and all the other details.

DixieDreamer · Nov 23, 2002

Ah Disneyland! It definitely is smaller in scale then WDW... but one of the benefits of this... is that when you are in a particular "area" you don't "see" the other areas... so it is easier there to get immersed in the land that you are in. No distraction of what is on the other side!

Can't beat the matterhorn and the Indiana Jones adventure either! I have not been there for quite a while... feeling the need! LOL!

Great pictures Rajah!

(I have a picture of Rajah and it is going on a button pin this weekend.... so I can take her with me as I play at DIS CON!)

Rajah · Nov 23, 2002

Very true, Dixie! Small as Disneyland is, it still is my favorite individual park. You can't get the atmosphere in Disneyworld that you have in Disneyland -- everything just falls barely short.

Disneyland Pictures: Day 1, pt 1 -- Disneyland Hotel and Disneyland

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