A Guide to Disneyland
Disneyland has forever been a favorite of mine and my family. My parents grew up taking trips with their siblings and parents, and I took my first trip at just a year old. Although, I was afraid of Mickey Mouse. That quickly changed though. Just about every year, growing up, we'd end up at Disneyland for our vacation, and I was perfectly happy with it. It was my happy place. It was the place where wishes and dreams came true, where everything seemed within reach. I did a lot of my best thinking there and still do. It's a land of imagination and creativity.
Now, I'm a working adult and own a season pass, which I've always wanted. So, I've made several trips in the last year with one of my coworkers, as well as relatives and friends. Each time has been different than the last, and I've loved every minute of it. It's also funny how each person has a Disney routine or plan of their own - attractions or stops they just HAVE to make while visiting.
Check out a few of my favorite things...
Main Street:
There's nothing more magical than the first step into the gate and walking down Main Street, USA and catching a glimpse of Sleeping Beauty's Castle. Walk past the singing quartets, trolley cars, fruit stands, the smell of coffee at Starbucks wafting down the way and all of the bright and chipper cast members buzzing about. Even if you do nothing else in the park or rides just aren't your thing, grab a treat at one of the many restaurants or food carts and take a few minutes to stop and observe. It's a step back in time to simpler days and reminds us to slow down. It's okay to unplug for awhile. It's the perfect stop for all of your souvenir needs, as well.
Also, don't forget to ask one of the cast members holding the balloons if you can take a picture with the bunch. I was finally able to do this on my birthday and it brought me so much joy!
Disneyland Railroad:
I'm not sure why exactly I love the train so much, but I do. It's rare that I don't ride at least once during a trip to the Magic Kingdom. Even though I have the ride memorized from the Grand Canyon to Splash Mountain, each trip around Disneyland feels new. I also appreciate the changes they've made to the Rivers of America/Frontierland area, and crossing over the bridge at night is breathtaking. It also helps to take a break from all the walking and gives a chance to people watch or sneak a peek at a land you might not have stopped in yet.
Rivers of America:
Rivers of America/Frontierland is probably my favorite spot in the park. Maybe it's the country girl at heart in me that is drawn to the peaceful and serene setting and the western feel. It might also be that the crowds aren't usually as packed over there. It's a slower pace. Take one of the boats, like the Columbia or Mark Twain or learn to canoe with fellow park-goers. I also LOVE Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. I always ask for the very back, because it's just a lot more fun that way...Oh, and faster, too! It has always been my favorite ride.
Food:
Yes, Disney has some nice restaurants with beautiful scenery and top notch food, including Blue Bayou or Plaza Inn, but it also has some of the best snack foods around. I always joke that one of these days I'll just skip meals and eat all of the snack foods. But, when I mentioned this to a friend the other day, it occurred to us that it wouldn't be very cost effective. It still isn't cost effective, but it sure is tasty and always worth it.
ALL OF THE CHURROS
Mickey Mouse pretzel with cheese
Large pickles
Mickey sourdough bread (California Adventures)
Mint Julep beverage
Decorative chocolate covered marshmallow on a stick
Popcorn
Mickey beignets (especially on your birthday) in New Orleans Square
Disney at Night:
If you haven't experienced Disneyland at night, you're doing it wrong. Disneyland literally transforms right before your eyes as the lights switch on along Main Street, the twinkling lights fill the trees and the castle practically glistens with a purple and pinkish glow. If you're with that special someone or your best pals, pull them close and watch a show or two, like Fantasmic or the parade, or catch the fireworks, which are Pixar-themed right now. I'm a sucker for the enchantment and fairytale-like feel of the theme park at night. There just isn't much better than that. After all, Disney sure knows how to pull off enchantment and wonder.
Tips for Visiting the Park:
Buy the MaxPass. Not only does it allow you to cover more ground with rides, but it also gives you the digital download of the photos taken on rides. I probably wouldn't be able to ride half the rides that I do without this thing. Last time I visited, I rode Guardians of the Galaxy four or five times. I credit that to the MaxPass.
Don't forget to take a break. If you're going to be there for a few days or have a pass to go anytime you want, don't forget to take a break. Usually by mid-afternoon, you're just about spent and need a sugar rush or to go back to your hotel (if staying longer than a day). That way you can be rested for the second portion of the day and don't end up fighting with your group.
Do try all of the treats. With Pixar Fest, the Disneyland Resort is offering many Pixar-themed treats and it's a good idea to take advantage of them. Whether it's the frozen parfaits in California Adventures or the Churro Challenge in both parks.
Download the Disneyland app. The Disneyland app is practically your lifeline while at the park. You can scan your ticket to keep handy, check showtimes, download the MaxPass add-on, get FastPasses, and the latest addition, which is ordering and picking up food from various restaurants in DCA or Disneyland. It was quick and efficient. It's all at your fingertips now!
Make time for a few shows. Yes, for the most part, you are there to ride rides. But, Disney has so much to offer, you don't want to miss those either, like Fantasmic, World of Color, the Paint the Night parade
Whatever you decide to do, be sure to bring great company. Even when the lines are long, the fireworks are canceled or it's just too hot, at least you'll have a buddy to make new memories with and laugh with throughout the day. To me, that's what it's all about.
See ya real soon, Disneyland!
(as said in Mickey Mouse voice)