August 8, 2006

The happiest place on Earth — yes, that is how Disneyland Park is promoted. This magic wonderland which is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary has never ceased to attract a steady stream of visitors ever since its inaugural day! Not surprising considering the swiftness with which you are transported to another realm the moment you clear the gates and security checkpoints.

It is very easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer number of things to do and see at the park. This is where the park map comes in handy. A day is too little time to savor all the activities on offer here. Thrill rides, musicals, spectacular special effects shows, all based on famous Disney characters and fairy tales such as Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Snow White, and Pinocchio abound here. The whole park is divided into themed segments known as Main Street, USA, Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland. Tomorrowland, Critter Country, New Orleans Square and Mickey’s Toontown. Wisely, we chose to begin our day at New Orleans Square which has the park’s two most popular rides.

The first one was the famous “Pirates of the Caribbean” which has added attractions this year following the release of the second movie of the same name. The Hollywood film is based on this ride and not vice versa!  Since it was early morning, the queue moved pretty fast and soon we found ourselves in the dark, damp caverns inhabited by the wily Captain Jack Sparrow, the nasty Captain Barbossa, and their band of pirates. Pillaging pirates, drunken brawls and gunshots swooshing by are all part of this exciting ride. As we exited the ride we also got to see a group of pirates singing and dancing and the notorious Jack Sparrow himself.

The next ride was “The Haunted Mansion” which also has a movie based on it. This particular attraction has thrilled millions of visitors over the past three decades. The guides ushered us into the mansion with the warning “there’s no way out”. Constantly moving ride vehicles took us through the mansion giving us 360 degree views of the ghostly apparitions that flitted through. Shrieks, screeches and screams abounded – from the many ghosts and humans alike!  

Out in the sunshine once again we took the log raft across to Tom Sawyer Island — a must for all fans of Mark Twain’s immortal protagonist. This island has a lookout point, a tree house, a cave with narrow crevices and tunnels, a suspension bridge, a barrel bridge, and many trails. Back on the mainland, we hurried to Fantasyland to see “Snow White the Musical” where the Enchanted Forest comes alive in a fusion of spectacular special effects, beautiful sets and scenery, breathtaking costumes and enthralling singing and dancing. Though a story oft repeated and heard, it is impossible not to stay spellbound through the entire show.

Adjacent to the Fantasyland Theater is the “It’s a small world” boat ride which celebrates global unity, peace and harmony. We got to see numerous animated figures depicting the culture and traditions of different countries from all over the world. All the while, the theme song keeps playing and by the time we were out of the cool tunnel, we found ourselves humming the same tune!

Next, we walked over to Mickey’s Toontown for some lunch at the food court there. Amidst bites of pizza, we heard shouts of “He’s here” and turned around to see good ol’ Goofy strutting up and down, greeting his many fans. There was a mad scramble to get some pictures of one of Disney’s many popular characters. Donald Duck and Pluto also put in appearances as did the Evil Queen from Snow White.