California Screamin's Single Rider Shortcut

DCA's California Screamin' is one of the park's most efficient crowd-movers. With the ability to run five trains on the track at once, the massive coaster's wait times remain reasonable even on the busiest days. If you're touring the park solo, however (or don't mind temporarily splitting your group), the Single Rider Entry can cut your wait to just a few minutes!

The Single Rider Entrance is to the left of the Standby Line. A cast member will direct you through to this area, which is actually the ride's unloading side. A moment later, you'll be directed to the right, where you'll take an elevator up to the queue's over-the-tracks bridge.

Dark Ride Loading: Pinocchio's Daring Journey

The five Fantasyland dark rides each have a unique style to their loading area, but all aim to provide a smooth transition from the (relatively) real world to the glowing black-light realms inside the building.

At Pinocchio's Daring Journey, we feel as if we're entering a picture book that's springing to life, with three-dimensional set pieces emerging from background paintings.

Two Tips For the Matterhorn Bobsleds

Here we are, settled into our bobsled and ready to plunge into the icy caverns of the Matterhorn! While we wait, I'd like to share two great tips for this classic attraction.

A Trip Through the Radiator Springs Racers Queue

A couple of weeks ago, we gave you some tips on the Cars Land Rope Drop, where the early morning crowd is escorted in by none other than Lightning McQueen and Mater. Today, we're showing the rest of that little journey, with a near-the-front view of the early morning walk through the Radiator Springs Racers queue. The friendly Cast Member in the lead prevents stampeding.

If you've ever entered a Disney park at rope drop, I'm sure you know the incredibly fun feeling that hits at this exact moment: You're about to take the first ride of your vacation!

All three queues (Standby, FastPass and Single Rider) pass underneath the race course's Rusty Ridge Bridge (build by the Auto Corps of Engineers).

Remembering the Rocket Rods

From PeopleMover to Rocket Rods to...Pretty much nothin'....

The old tower loading platform has become the saddest sight in Disneyland. Many fans avert their eyes as they walk past it, and everyone hopes that maybe--just maybe--this will be the year that Disney announces a great new project that will finally take over the location and erase the memory of Rocket Rods.

But we shouldn't forget the ill-fated PeopleMover replacement, because--truth be told--the Rockets Rods were a lot of fun...while they lasted.

Oswald's Service Station on Buena Vista Street

Something about Oswald the Lucky Rabbit -- probably his peppy, can-do attitude -- just seems a natural fit for an old-time service station. As you enter DCA and step onto Buena Vista Street, Oswald's is one of the first things you encounter, and it's a smart design choice for setting the mood. Everyone--consciously or not--can register the contrast between this friendly little place and the stark, utilitarian fueling stations we're accustomed to. Once you see Oswald's, you're prepped for the gentle, relaxed world of trolley cars and singing bicycle messengers up ahead.

If you step inside the station, be sure to take a moment to enjoy the little radio up on the shelf as it plays an Imagineer-created homage to early twentieth century radio shows.

The Poppy Fountain in Downtown Disney

I have a confession: I walked past this crazy, wonderful fountain dozens of times over the past several years before I realized it was a California Poppy. In my defense, the petals do look more abstract up close. Ah, well.

Situated in Downtown Disney near the Parking Lot Tram station (we can see a tram in the background), this large fountain launches its water column skyward in varied bursts, creating a playful atmosphere as the stream rises and falls back on itself, up and down, loudly splashing all over the giant State Flower.

As park Early Birds know, this fountain sometimes makes the weirdest noises when it starts up in the morning. It sounds like a giant cartoon whale with indigestion. People tend to back away a few steps. Then the water starts flowing and Downtown Disney moves one step closer to fully opening for the day.

Toy Story Midway Mania

The lively atmosphere of this loading station sets the mood for a terrific ride; Toy Story Midway Mania provides one of the most intensely entertaining sensory-overload experiences in all of Disneyland Resort.

It's also one of the trickiest rides to board without a hefty wait in line. Unlike its sister attraction in Florida, the DCA Toy Story ride has no Fastpass option. The good news: without Fastpass, the line moves fairly quickly, and an average afternoon wait hovers around the 45 minute mark.

The bad news: that  line remains consistent throughout most of the day. The only way to board quickly is to hurry over to Toy Story first thing in the morning (while everyone else is in Cars Land).

Or, there's Plan B...

The Nemo Subs at Night

I love to visit the Submarine Lagoon at night. At the entry to Finding Nemo, the clean lines of the neon mixed with the activity of the Monorail Station above bring back good memories of  classic "World on the Move" Tomorrowland.

Plus, the walk along the lagoon's edge is a joy. Even the "Mine, mine" cries of the Seagulls on a nearby buoy seem calming after sundown. This is usually a good place to stop, take in the beauty of the evening and make plans for the rest of the night.

If you happen to be ready to head back to one of the resort hotels or the parking tram, the Monorail comes in most handy at this moment to shave off a lot of walking time. It's a good way to avoid the post-fireworks/Fantasmic crowds on Main Street, too.

Sunday in the Park With Casey

One Casey Jr. circus train takes on passengers at the station while, in the distance, its twin has just crested the "I think I can" chain-lift hill.

That's another Disneyland first; I can't think of any other non-coaster miniature railroads that include a chain-lift hill. Naturally, Casey chants, "I think I can" as he climbs.

I love the patchwork quilt made of succulent plants back there. Trivia time: What Disney cartoon does that patchwork garden represent?

Toontown Skyline

Happy Labor Day Weekend, everyone! In downtown Toontown, there seems to be no holiday rest for the workers at the Toontown Post Office, Fire Station, Fireworks Factory (seen in side view here), or Gag Warehouse. Things just keep right on clanging, barking, honking and booming along!

Of all the lands in Disneyland, Toontown seems to be the one designed specifically to cut a great silhouette against the blue Southern California sky.

Inside the Cavernous Radiator Springs Racers Loading Station

Cars head out into sunlight as the adventure begins

All journeys start with a single step -- or, in the case of Disney attractions, with a "remain seated" warning and a launch from a colorful boarding platform. Disneyland Resort's full of terrific loading stations; my favorites include the library of Mr. Toad's Wild Ride and the incredible Lafitte's Landing at Pirates of the Caribbean.

At 7:00 A.M., all's quiet and calm as the queue awaits the day's first riders

My new top favorite is the fantastic loading zone at Radiator Springs Racers. Once you've made your way through the scenic queue, you arrive at the sprawling stone entry to Comfy Caverns Motor Court, serving as your start and end point for the adventure.

All the railings and lights have been intentionally "rusted" to appear decades old!

The place is a whirlwind of colorful sights and sounds. The smiling vehicles, each one unique, roll up to the eager guests. As Cast Members efficiently direct folks to the next available row, the cavern air echoes with the ride's sounds -- a mixture of the actual vehicle noises, enhanced "revving motor" sound effects, and Sheriff's seat belt advisories.

To your left, cars return from the adventure. The ride begins and ends on a single track, splitting into two lanes for the outdoor race.

A side track leads to a customized load area for guests in wheelchairs.

As you step into your row, the excitement builds; these vehicles look amazing! Before you know it, the gate swings open and it's time to step into the car and strap on the seat belt. You have mere seconds to consider how comfortable the seats are before the engine revs, the car moves forward and Sheriff advises you to remain seated. The real fun's about to begin!

Not even the blurriness of this pic can hide the vehicles' charm!