Disneyland, the classic staple of theme parks, added the California Adventure in February 2001, a theme park celebrating California's varied cultures, diverse natural scenery, and the glory days of Hollywood. But don't expect to see Mickey Mouse there -- instead you'll find lively parades, contemporary stage shows (Hakuna Matata is performed as a hip hop dance and there is a High School Musical performance featuring songs from the original film and the sequel) and plenty of rides for the most intrepid members of your family.  But, of course, no matter how new and fresh the California Adventure may seem, one cannot forget the tradition and fun that can be found at Disneyland.  Both of these parks will keep your family more than busy during your stay in Anaheim. 

Disneyland's $1.4 billion expansion invites families to stay at least another day with the addition of the 745-room Grand Californian Hotel and Downtown Disney. The hotel is almost within the park; a five-minute walk through Downtown Disney -- with its lively pedestrian zone full of shops, restaurants and clubs -- leads guests to Disneyland or the California Adventure.

California is the Theme

This fairly new Disney theme park is divided into five main areas: the Golden State, with Grizzly Peak as its centerpiece; Paradise Pier, which has a boardwalk atmosphere; Hollywood Pictures Backlot, where the emphasis is on animated shows; Sunshine Plaza, the entrance area of the park that makes guests feel as though they are standing in a life-size replica of a California postcard; and A Bug's Land, which is based on A Bug's Life and featured kid-friendly attractions.

Hands down, our favorite attraction was Soarin' Over California, located in Golden State. We felt as if we were on a gentle glider as scenes of California's natural beauty appeared on an 80-foot domed screen. Although we were only 40 feet off the ground, our dangling feet and slightly swaying seats made us feel as if we were skiing at Lake Tahoe or golfing at Palm Springs.

Another favorite was the woodsy northern California atmosphere of the Grizzly Peak Recreation Area. The Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, a woodland recreation site, was a big hit with my daughter Alexandra and other grade school children. Alexandra loved racing us down slides that look like giant sequoias, climbing on a small rock wall, and riding on tires, which swung quickly across a cable.

Thrill Rides & Movies

While I was not intrepid enough to ride California Screamin' roller coaster -- which travels from 0 to 55 mph in four seconds and also inverts inside Mickey Mouse's face -- my husband John braved the ride. This thriller is in the Paradise Pier section, which has the largest concentration of rides, not to mention piped-in California music (as in the Beach Boys and Mommas and Poppas.) While the Sun Wheel looks like a typical Ferris wheel, it actually is a lot more fun since gondolas are on individual tracks and in constant swinging motion. The best time to go is at night, for a bird's-eye view of the illuminated park.

There are two top attractions at Hollywood Pictures Backlot:  the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror which drops riders 13 stories on this dark elevator in the Hollywood Hotel and Animation, where we saw two short, funny films which explore the art of making animated movies; visited  the Beast's Library, where our personalities were humorously matched with a Disney character; and laughed at Ursula's Grotto, where we became the voices of Disney characters by performing songs or scenes Karaoke-style. 

Of course, Disneyland has some great movie-themed thrill rides.  An old time favorite is the Indiana Jones Adventure located in Adventure Land.  Riders will have to experience the wrath of Masa through the jungle in order to locate the lost temple and mystical powers.  However, the journey will not be easy; as various ancient traps will try to hinder the quest.  Poisonous darts and mummies will be some of the many dangerous obstacles standing in the way.  And of this happens from the safety of enhanced motion vehicles with really great sound and actions effects.  Other thrill rides at Disneyland include: the famed classic Space Mountain, the Big Thunder Mountain Rollercoaster and Star Tours, an intergalactic journey to Endor Moon in the quest to destroy the Death Star.

Attractions for Little Ones 

Although California Adventure is geared towards grade school children and older, there are some attractions appropriate for little ones: King Triton's Carousel; Jumpin' Jellyfish gentle parachute ride; and Golden Zephyr, with its slowly rotating spaceships.

Alexandra liked the water activity area at the S.S. Rustworthy, with its water cannons, and also Muppet Vision 3-D, located in Hollywood Pictures' Backlot. All ages will love the very energetic Eureka parade, which showcases California's cultures through dancing, rollerblading, and drumming. This must-see attraction is totally different from the standard Disney procession.

Disneyland's newest addition for the tame at heart is the revamped submarine voyage from 1959.  Reopened in 2007 with a Finding Nemo theme, Disney is using projection technology so that guests can see and even hear Nemo's father Marlin and the ever-forgetful Dory journey through the ocean in search for the lost Nemo.  Other new kid-friendly attractions in Disneyland are the Princess Royal Court show and a new play area on Tom Sawyer Island.

Details, Details

We stayed at the Arts and Crafts-style Grand Californian (714/956-6425) and loved the "National Park lodge" atmosphere of the hotel's huge lobby. Our favorite activity was relaxing in the classic wooden adult- and kid-sized rockers in front of the massive fireplace during storytelling time. The hotel employs wonderful storytellers who regale families with tales of the woods three times daily. Pinocchio's Workshop is an evening activity center (fee charged) in the hotel for children 5-12-years old. 

Throughout the park, there are plenty of fast food and fine dining options for lunch and dinner. Our favorite restaurant, Napa Rose in the Grand Californian, excels in fine Californian cuisine. We also enjoyed Wolfgang Puck's Avalon Cove, where seafood was served overlooking all the action at Paradise Pier. One of the most unique restaurants is the ABC Soap Opera Bistro, which is decorated like different soap opera sets. Of course, all restaurants have kids' menus.

Looking back at our visit, I suggest staying in the area for at least three nights to see both Disneyland and California Adventure; travel agents can assist you in packaging a stay. Single day passes for California Adventure are the same price as Disneyland: $63 for adults, $53 for children 3-9 years.  However,  in order to save money, I recommend the 2-Day Park Hopper Pass which allows you to have unlimited access to both park for two full days.  An adult pass is $122 and is $102 for children 3-9 years old.  At the Grand Californian Hotel, rates for a double room start around $380/N in the summer and $340/N on the off season. Suites and concierge-level rooms, with more amenities, start around $830/N in the high season and $765/N in the winter.