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?

Heading Up Grizzly Peak

A raft heads for the upper reaches of Grizzly Peak, on course for a date with waterfalls, mine shafts, and the wildest rapids in Anaheim.

Disney California Adventure received a lot of well-deserved criticism when it first opened in 2001, but nearly everyone agreed that Grizzly River Run was a first-rate attraction. For years, it stood as an oasis of great theming and landscaping, showing just how beautiful the rest of DCA could be with a proper budget.

It took eleven years, but the rest of the park has finally caught up.