Paradise Pier & Golden State

Paradise Pier

California Screamin’: This was the first and last ride we went on. Unfortunately, I forgot to take a picture. It was closed the first time we came here, so I was relieved it was running this time. This is a really good roller coaster. In the beginning, you feel like you’re being shot out of a cannon! From there, it is an unbelievably smooth ride and even the upside down part is not bad.

Sun Wheel:

We chose to go on the non-sliding part because that made me sick last time (and the wait is shorter). The thing is so big that they only let you go on one full rotation before starting to unload/load again. We only went on it because we had time to kill before using our Fast Pass for California Screamin’.

Mulholland Madness:
Unlike California Screamin’, this ride is so jerky! It pretty much gives you whiplash.

Orange Stinger:


I’m not sure why, but this ride is more fun than it looks. I read somewhere that you’re supposed to smell oranges, but I never have. It was difficult to get a good shot of D while we were both swingin’ around.

King Triton’s Carousel:

Another ride we went on just to kill time…and the line was really short. Remember when you used to go on a merry-go-round, and then wave at your parents every time you passed them?

Golden State

Soarin’ Over California. D gave a detailed description of this in a previous post. The second time we rode it he made a conscious effort to remember every city so that he could list them on our blog.

Redwood Creek Challenge Trail:

The rope bridges were fun. They had a zip line, but only for kids.

Seasons of the Vine:

Disney’s version of Napa. We watched the short movie about Robert Mondavi, mainly because we were tired.

Pacific Wharf:

This is where the Mission Tortilla factory and the Boudin factory tours are located.

The only major attraction we skipped was Grizzly River Run. It was overcast and we did not feel like walking around with wet clothes.

Disney’s version of Yosemite. Can you see the rock shaped like a bear’s head on the upper left?

One thing that I find funny about amusement parks is seeing people buy things that they will never again use. OK, I can see how some would think the mickey ears are cute (especially the golden ones), but when are you ever going to wear them again, unless you happen to be going to Disneyland? Also, we saw three year old girls running around in Cinderella costumes that I later saw cost $55! D kept on joking he wanted Goofy “hands” and a Goofy hat, so I had him try one on, just for kicks:

Our chosen souvenir? A “D (+) L” keychain for our mail key!

So, that’s the end of our Disney posts. D read that Disney is considering building a third park, which would be crazy. I can’t believe how much it has changed since I worked there. The end.