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By Root 1457 0

the city surrounding Disneyland, undertook a staggering $4.2 billion revamp and expansion, cleaning up run-down stretches where hookers once roamed and establishing the first police force in the US specifically to guard tourists (they call it ‘tourist-oriented policing’). The cornerstone of the five-year effort was the addition of a second theme park in February 2001, Disney’s California Adventure (DCA). Adjacent to the original park, it’s designed to pay tribute to the state’s most famous natural landmarks and cultural history. Also added was Downtown Disney, an outdoor pedestrian mall. The ensemble is called the Disneyland Resort. In Anaheim, access roads near the park have been widened, landscaped and given the lofty name The Anaheim Resort.

In 2007 Anaheim’s city council dared nibble the hand that feeds it by initiating plans to build 1500 low-cost housing units on land zoned for resort development. Although the land wasn’t owned by Disney, the mouse was not amused. Referenda and initiatives are still flying. Who’s right? It would be ideal for Disney employees to be able to afford housing close to work without long commutes, as is currently the case for many. On the other hand, Disney may build a third park across from the proposed housing spot and is probably envisioning higher-end surroundings. Stay tuned.

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INFORMATION

Internet Access

Unless you’re staying at a Disneyland hotel, there is no internet access in any of the parks. Most of the local hotels and inns provide internet access, usually for a daily fee.

Anaheim Visitor & Postal Center See Tourist Information Click here.

FedEx Kinko’s ( 714-703-2250; 700 W Convention Way; per min $0.20-0.50 depending on computer; 7am-10pm Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm Sat & Sun) In the Anaheim Marriott at the convention center near the corner of Harbor Blvd and Katella Ave.

Lockers & Package Pick-Up

You can check items in lockers, which cost $7 to $12 per day depending on the locker’s size. All have in-and-out privileges. There are lockers on Main St, but don’t confuse these with the free package-check areas for purchases made at the park’s shops. In Disneyland you can store packages at the Newsstand, at the south end of Main St. The same service is offered in DCA at Engine-Ears Toys. If you’re staying at a Disneyland Resort hotel, request to have packages sent directly to your hotel.

Lost & Found

Lost & Found ( 714-817-2166) To the left of DCA’s main entrance.

Medical Services

Western Medical Center Anaheim ( 714-533-6220; 1025 S Anaheim Blvd; 24hr) Emergency room available 24/7.

Money

In Disneyland, City Hall has foreign currency exchange and basic services. In DCA, head to the Guest Relations Lobby just inside the park or to the Guest Relations Window to the left of DCA’s main entrance.

Bank of America ( 714-533-4470; 1818 S Euclid St) In Anaheim.

Travelex ( 714-502-0811; 1565 S Disneyland Dr; 10am-4pm Mon-Fri) In Downtown Disney; change foreign currency here.

Post

Holiday Station post office ( 714-533-8182; www.usps.com; 1180 W Ball Rd; 8:30am-5pm Mon-Fri) Mail packages and letters at this full-service post office.

Smoking

Most parts of the park are nonsmoking. Check the maps for designated smoking areas.

Strollers & Wheelchairs

After passing through the turnstiles, look for stroller and wheelchair rentals to your right before entering Main St. Strollers cost $10 per day and wheelchairs $10 for manual and $35 for an Electronic Conveniece Vehicle (ECV) per day.

Tickets & Opening Hours

Both parks are open 365 days a year. You can access the current schedule ( recorded info 714-781-4565, live assistance 714-781-7290; www.disneyland.com) by phone or online. Park hours vary, depending on the marketing department’s forecasted attendance numbers. During peak season (mid-June to early September) Disneyland’s hours are usually 8am to midnight; the rest of the year, 10am to 8pm or 10pm. DCA closes at 10pm in summer, earlier in the off-season.

One-day admission to either Disneyland or DCA costs $63 for adults and $53 for children aged