A visit to the Happiest Place on Earth

Disneyland’s 50^th Anniversary Celebration

Upon entering Disneyland, I heard the call of the Disney Railroad conductor calling - “All aboard,” and I am instantly transported back to a time when I was a child visiting the “Happiest Place on Earth.”  My dad and mom dressed in their Sunday best, my brother and I just as cute as can be. Here my parents, probably without even knowing, created childhood memories that I will cherish forever. Growing up in Southern California meant a yearly visit to the “Happiest Place on Earth.” Now that I have children of my own the annual visit to Disneyland has begun once again. But this time my family actually stays at the Disneyland resort. 

And let me say that a visit to Disneyland isn’t complete until you’ve stayed at the Disney Resort. This is by far the only way to visit Disneyland. Let’s face it when you stay at the resort you are staying in the middle of the magic. From the moment you wake up ‘til the moment you fall asleep you will be surrounded by Disney’s signature quality service, entertainment and imagination. Being within a short walk of both theme parks is pretty nice too! Who wants to get up first thing in the morning and fight the crowds by finding parking or trying to get on the first available trolley car?  

When you get to the park early you can take the youngsters on a spin with Dumbo the Flying Elephant or sail away on the many ships of Peter Pan. For the older kids why not take a journey off into space on Star Tours or climb aboard a log ride and visit the happy go lucky characters of Splash Mountain? Then after you visit Disneyland head straight to “Disney’s California Adventure” to fly over amazing landscapes on Soaring over California, and for those who dare there is the harrowing thrill of the Tower of Terror. You can see most of the major attractions by mid-morning, so the afternoon is free to watch the colorful parades, take the monorail back to your full service resort and splash around in one of the pools, treat yourself to a myriad of restaurants, shop at Downtown Disney, get a massage at the spa, partake in a strenuous workout, or just shut the drapes in your room and doze off for an hour or two. 

Spend several days at the park, I guarantee you won’t ever feel rushed. You will see all the attractions and  fabulous parades and entertainment Disney is known for. My children have seen the “Sword and the Stone” ceremony in Fantasyland, we have dined with Princesses and their royal court, seen Mickey and friends cheer on the Matterhorn climbers, and gone to the Golden Horseshoe for a country show that is sure to make you smile. We have seen the stage productions of Beauty and the Beast, Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Aladdin and various independent artists that are invited to perform in the park. If you have never seen “Fantasmic” you are missing an amazing technological entertainment feat – a water and light show that is simply, well, Amazing! This year for the 50^th celebration the “Fireworks” display is beyond words – the exhilarating performance lasts for almost 25 minutes and is featured at many different locations in Disneyland. Of course, my favorite viewing spot is right in front of Sleeping Beauty’s castle (which has been completely renovated for the 50^th anniversary celebration). Fireworks of different colors, sizes and shapes (yes they make Mickey Mouse fireworks – its Disney, remember?) are combined with a light show replete with Tinker Bell flying from the Matterhorn and around the castle all choreographed to music. This is just the entertainment that is in the park. 

Downtown Disney is a lush open air garden complex that features family-themed performances during the day and at night is transformed into a vibrant entertainment district with a myriad of dining and shopping options all within an easy walk to the Disneyland Resort hotels. In Downtown Disney you will find 13 dining locations, of which there are eight full service dining venues featuring the flavors of the Mediterranean, American Grill, Southern Italy, Mexico and Canjun cuisine. There are 17 shopping locations plus a “World of Disney” mega store. The musical performers (again invited by Disney so you can be assured of wholesome entertainment), feature a world class violinist, classical guitarist, and young kids that do a hip hop/new wave gig with horns! In fact one of the musical groups is called Alturas – whom we saw perform for the first time in Barcelona Spain! The ambience is culturally diverse and quite eclectic – great fun for everyone! Oh, and for those who like hard core rock and roll there is always the House of Blues. 

But to me, the lure of Disney is more than the rides that encompass a story theme from beginning to end; or the daily parades that entertain the young and old at heart; or the cheerful workers who smile, and say HI and wish Birthday goers a “Happy Birthday.” It is more than the daily theatrical productions; or the whimsical 3-D movies; or the incredibly detailed architecture of the seven lands that encompass Disneyland and the four lands that encompass California adventure; or the gorgeous vegetation that is so perfectly maintained by landscape imagineers all throughout both parks. 

To me, Disney is about family. It is about spending time with each other, rekindling relationships – perhaps visiting with relatives or friends you haven’t seen in awhile. You see, when you are at Disneyland the outside world will disappear - if you let it. Remember that Walt created the park because he always wanted a place where he could take his children, a clean safe environment that would amuse children of all ages – where young and old could come together to be entertained and enjoy each others company. Take a look around and watch others as they soak up the ambience and spirit that is “Disney,” and know that here is a place in America that memories are formed one generation at a time that will be handed down to future generations to be cherished forever. 

My dad is no longer with us, but every time I go on the jungle ride, Pirates of the Caribbean or It’s a Small World my dad is right there with me. It is here at Disneyland that I will always remember enjoying family. Even today when we get ready to leave the park at night I tell my kids, “See the Mickey balloons, my brother and I would always get one of those and a bag of popcorn before we left the park – this was our tradition.”  

My family’s tradition is going every summer and spending time with our close friends and family. It’s not too late to start making your own traditions – hmm what shall they be?  

Joyce – certified Disney Specialist and Disney “Fan.”