Places to Go and Things to Do in Northern Orange C

On a hot summer day we needed a respite from the weather and a place to get a meal. Not wishing to again frequent the ever popular "chain restaurants" found in Orange County, we opted for something different. The Olde Ship is British owned and Operated and is quaint. It is located in downtown Fullerton on Harbor Blvd. just north of Chapman Ave.

Off street parking is located behind the restaurant reached via side streets. There is a back door entrance also. Upon entering you are tranported to an English Pub with all it's dark tables, booths, and large bar. The walls are covered with British artifacts and memorabilia. The bathroom even has a British colored toilet seat and British news clippings adorning the walls.

Menu items are typically British ranging from Fish & Chips to Bangers and Mash. We sampled both The Olde Ship's Fish & Chips ($8.95 with one large piece of fish or $11.95 with two) and Plymouth Seafood Platter ($11.95. The Icelandic cod was moist, flaky, and lightly beer battered. The "chips" or fries were thick cut English style. The seafood platter included Icelandic cod, calamari, scallops, and chips. Both the scallops calamari was sweet and tender. We had to ask for replacement for our diet Coke since its carbonation was minimal and were told it always was and they didn't know why. They gladly replaced it with a regular Coke. The atmosphere at lunchtime on a Saturday was quiet and relaxing.

The menu consists of appetizers, soups and salads, sandwiches, British entrees and desserts. Entrees run from $8.95 to $14.95 for Sovereign's Lamb Shank. Signature British dishes are: Churchill's Roast Beef & Yorkshire Pudding, Corned Beef & Cabbage, Bangers & Mash, Steak & Kidney Pie, Paul Jones' Scottish Birdie, Drake's Chicken Pie, Nelso's Cottage Pie, Collingwood's Cornish Pasty, Ploughmans's Lunch, and Mariner's Meal. There is a $2.00 fee to split a meal. A full page menu of daily desserts changes and all cost $4.95. The full bar carries 20 British draught beers.

The restaurant is open 7 days a week. More information can be found at www.theoldeship.com. A second restaurant owned by the same proprietors is located at 112 W.17th St., Santa Ana, CA (714) 550-6700.

Just down the street from Disneyland is a restaurant that serves the largest portions I've ever seen. I was introduced to Bellisle many years ago when business people were to meet there for a breakfast meeting. We ordered one cinnamon roll for 5 people and all had plenty.

A Coke is approx. 32 ounces and a hamburger is enough for 2-3 people. The entrees are served on large platters. Cakes are 8 layers tall. It's just an adventure to go for the novetly, but the food is very tasty as well. They have been in business since before Disneyland was built in 1957 and was a stopping off spot along the unpaved road leading to the park. Now it is nestled among the other restaurants and hotels lining the streets leading up to the theme park. All you need do is look for the hot pink older building and then remember to order about half of what you think you can eat. Prices range from $6-24.

What can't you say about Disneyland? It is one of the first theme parks in the U.S. and the start of the Disney empire. The entire economy of Anaheim, California and southern California now revolves around it.

The park is set up with different theme areas, such as Tomorrowland and Fantasyland, each including multiple rides, attractions, and eateries to go along with the theme. Costumed characters roam the park bringing fairy tales and movies to life. Upon entering the parking lot, you can ride a tram to the front entrance and then walk down Main Street, U.S.A. lined with shops and characters and end in front of Sleeping Beauty' Castle.

There's so much to see, you best plan several days. Park Hopper passes provide admittance to both Disneyland and it's newer companion park, California Adventure. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time at a Disney Store or on-line. Three types of annual passes are also available for frequent visitors.

A great guide for first time or out of the area visitors to maximize their visit is Birbaum's Unofficial Guide to Disneyland. It gives tips and suggestions for planning your visit.

If staying at one of Disney Hotels, you can enter the park via the monorail earlier than the front gates open and have an hour or so with diminished people. Plan on a lot of walking and standing in lines. The new fastpass system helps you get on more rides during the day.

Disney's slogan for Disneyland is "The Happiest Place on Earth" and after visiting Disneyland countless times, I have never seen anyone not agreeing with that assessment. It truly is a magical place.