Forever Magical
Page 3 of 4

California Screamin'

Then it was over to Paradise Pier. I know that this area was the most ridiculed and many Disney enthusiasts feel that the company has turned its back on Walt’s vision in creating it. I must admit that I don’t feel that way. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to experience the energy and excitement of an oceanside theme park. While I would often visit Santa Monica Pier I was disappointed by how dirty the rides and area was and the poor repair of the Boardwalk games. One of my favorite songs Palisades Park describes the fun and romance of the classic oceanside park and now, thanks to the Disney Company, I have a chance to explore it. The Golden Zephyr was a lot of fun but I have to close my eyes in the queue. While you are standing inside waiting to board the zephyrs are spinning all around you. There is nowhere to look without spotting the spinning vehicles. While on the vehicles I could lock my eyes onto various objects so as to avoid getting dizzy. Mostly I enjoyed looking out over the Bay toward the large, ever-moving Sun Wheel. You can hear the guests screaming as the cars move in and out and around the glowing circle. Behind it is the glowing white California Screamin’. I love this coaster. This has become my favorite steel coaster. Rock N Roller Coaster previously held that spot but I could only ride it once a day, as it is too intense. Screamin’ is such a joy I can ride it over and over again. Doobie and I laugh and giggle as we travel along Paradise Pier in the brightly colored coasters. I especially love the camel backs. I lift up out of my seat just a little bit as we travel up and down over the hills and then into the final turns.

Mulholland Madness scared the daylights out of me. It made me as nervous as my father’s driving used to when he drove that route. We used to travel along Mulholland Drive every so often on family outings. Unlike the family trips I was all alone in the vehicle and holding on for dear life. I only hit one brake zone and hit it very lightly so I had a fairly smooth ride. I say fairly smooth because the quick sharp turns and drops this ride makes a quite violent but I was able to brace myself.

We rode Grizzly River Run at night. We wore ponchos so we wouldn’t get terribly wet which proved to be a good idea. I’ve never been on raft ride at night. It was very thrilling. The darkness and rough waters created almost a stormy atmosphere. The growls of the bears were alarming coming at us from the darkness. The raft spun around and around and due to the darkness it was difficult to see anything but the reflection off the whitewater. I was surprised by the speed and force of the spin during the final drop. The ride was a lot of fun but by the end of the ride I was a little dizzy. I look forward to riding the rafts sometime during the daylight. I have walked around the area during the day and it is very pretty which is another thing I enjoy about Disney’s California Adventure. I enjoy the ability to see friends and family go on the attractions. I was able to watch my brothers and sister ride Mulholland Madness and see them on parts of Grizzly River Run. The Redwood Creek Challenge Trail is another place where I could play and then watch. I climbed a few bridges and then stood in a lookout area for a bit and watched others experience the various elements of the trail. If you want a good workout be sure to walk along the net bridges. Doobie and I really enjoyed them but had to sit down for a break afterwards.

 
Rebekah's family on Grizzly River Run

All the food I had during my various trips to DCA was great. I loved my Beef Fajita Wrap and grapes at the Bountiful Valley. I enjoyed my Snapper Veracruz at Avalon Cove but liked the atmosphere and décor of the restaurant more. Although I must admit that I loved the banana bread pudding dessert Doobie and I split. At Paradise Pier’s Pizza Ooh Mow Mow I had a tasty surfboard shaped pizza but once again was enamored with the décor that included posters from beach movies, surfboards and other beach gear. However my favorite element was the Hawaiian print shirts, which served as lampshades.