Here's Your Queue

As anyone who's visited Disneyland will assure you, waiting in line is a huge part of the Disney experience. But do you ever really look around to see where exactly you're doing the waiting?

The waiting areas of attractions in the park, typically called "queue areas" or simply "queues," are designed to hold hundreds of guests in a neat line while simultaneously keeping them entertained. So how does Disney do it?

Indiana Jones Adventure isn't considered the best queue in Disneyland for nothing. Brian Rechenmacher on Flickr.com, 2007.

One of the more popular queue areas, Indiana Jones Adventure (pictured above), is nearly 1/2 a mile long, and undoubtedly one of the most well themed. Along the way, there are plenty of surprises and details to keep guests amused. I'll let you figure them out for yourself, though!

Another interesting queue is Space Mountain, where you can observe guests as they board the ride cars. This can be viewed as a negative aspect, however, since many guests become distracted and don't move forward in the line!

My personal favorite queue is Indiana Jones Adventure, and I get the feeling I'm not alone. What about you all? Which queue is best, and which is in dire need of improvement?

Poll Results: What's Your Favorite Land in Disneyland?

The architecture in New Orleans Square is a key factor in its popularity. jericl cat on flickr.com, 2008.

I apologize for not updating in recent weeks. I've been in San Francisco recently (which is nowhere near Disneyland, unfortunately), so I haven't had the chance to post here. But I'm back home, so be prepared for plenty of updates!

Well, the results are in, and you've all made it clear: New Orleans Square is the preferred land of my readers! Fantasyland came in second, with only half the votes, while Main Street and Adventureland tied for third.

Thanks for voting in the poll, and be sure to check out this week's new question!

The Views from Disneyland Hotels

When deciding on which Disney hotel to stay in, some people first compare prices. Others look at the room sizes, amenities, and location. But what about the view a particular hotel has to offer? Does this thought ever cross your mind when planning a vacation?

The three hotels in the Disneyland Resort - the Disneyland Hotel, Disney's Grand Californian Hotel, and Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel - all share differences in pricing and special offers. But the biggest difference comes when you compare the view outside their windows.

The Disneyland Hotel

The Disneyland Hotel: Is that Space Mountain I see? wdwinfo.com, 2008.

When you stay at the Disneyland Hotel, you're greeted with fantastic angles of every area in the Resort: Disneyland Park, Disney's California Adventure, and Downtown Disney. You can observe people as they hop on the Monorail just as easily as you can watch the fireworks in Disneyland at night. It's the classic hotel, so it's only natural to have the classic views.

Disney's Grand Californian Hotel

Grand Californian Hotel: The perfect way to end a day in Disneyland. Personal photo, 2007.

It's famous (infamous, even) for having some of the highest prices in Disneyland Resort, so technically Disney's Grand Californian Hotel should have some of the best photo opportunities, right? Well, yes. Depending on where you're at in the hotel, you've got the chance for some amazing views. You can see the entire DCA layout, watch the Disneyland Monorail whiz by, or observe the nightlife in Downtown Disney.

I've stayed at GCH three times in the past, so I've been able to experience each of these (well, except for the Monorail - I haven't been able to see that yet), and can easily say they're well worth the price. Plus, at night you've got a front row seat of the fireworks in Disneyland!

Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel

Paradise Pier Hotel: Wow, I think I can see my house from here! startedbyamouse.com, 2005.

And lastly, the often forgotten Paradise Pier Hotel. Cons aside, this hotel has some amazing views of not only DCA, but Anaheim as a whole. It wasn't named after the section of DCA for nothing, after all! In addition, guests are able to have a bird's-eye view of any parade happening in Disneyland's sister park.

So, what's your verdict? Tell me which hotel you think has the "best" view for the price!

What's your favorite land in Disneyland?

Frontierland is just one of your options for this poll! Personal photo, 2005.

In case you haven't already, here's a friendly reminder to vote on the new poll feature concerning your favorite land in the Happiest Place on Earth. Do you prefer the classic Fantasyland, or are you more attracted to the cinnamon smells of Main Street, U.S.A.? Vote now!

After the poll is over, I will write up a post discussing the results and what my answer would be. I plan on creating a new poll every two weeks, so if you've got any ideas for questions, leave me a comment!

New look, same blog

As you may have noticed, the Disneyland Expert has a shiny new look. Finally, there's some color! And a background! Plus, I've added a neat Digg button, so you can recommend my posts to people all over the Internet. It'd be much appreciated!

Let me know your feedback on the updated layout. Also, I'm looking for interesting story ideas, so any of those would be welcomed as well.