Why You Need to Drop Everything and Plan a Disneyland Trip Right Now
Let’s face it, we all came into 2020 with big visions and lots of hope. Which — as every year — that hope probably quickly imploded in on itself. As the “tale-old-as-time”-proverb goes, why don’t you “treat ‘yo self” in return? There’s lots of places you could go, but you should be going to Disneyland — and here’s why:
5. Fun rides and attractions for all ages.
When I bring up my love of Disney Parks to new people, one of the most common reactions I receive is “Isn’t that place for kids?” Which, sure, it was created with kids as the main focus. However, it was also created for everybody in the family — mom, dad, the brother filled with teen angst — there is genuinely something for everybody. As a 21 year old, childless, adult, I find myself enjoying the “kiddie” rides just as much as the higher thrill ones. I have the same level of excitement going on Mr. Toads Wild Ride as I do Space Mountain. Maybe you don’t even really enjoy rides, that’s okay! There’s still something for you. With lots of incredible theming and walk around attractions, you don’t need to step foot on a coaster to have fun. There’s plays, parades, water shows, and fireworks every day for people to sit back and enjoy.
4. Delicious food.
Who doesn’t love a good snack while taking a stroll down the walkway, or while enjoying a relaxing sit-down on a riverboat floating down the Rivers of America? Disney has you covered on the food department no matter where in the park you go. One of my favorite things to grab while I’m visiting is a Mickey pretzel and a churro, the classic Disney snack food combo. It’s not just the quick-grab snacks either, the meals you can buy are delicious as well! Each trip, I make sure to stop by Jolly Holiday for a breakfast or lunch I know will be great. If you feel like splurging, I suggest making a reservation for the Blue Bayou too. Set inside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, this higher dining option has no need to get dressed up to dine in. I can say with confidence that this was the best dinner experience I’ve had in Disneyland — or maybe even just my whole life! The ambiance as you sit in a dimly lit room, closed off from the rest of the park, the sounds of the serene beginning of Pirates of the Caribbean, stacked with amazing surf and turf. Disney has also been rolling out more and more vegetarian and vegan friendly options in their parks recently, so everyone can get in on the delicious treats!
3. “Leave today, and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy.”
That famous plaque on top of the tunnel under the railway as you enter Disneyland. It’s something that’s easy to miss, but the saying on it rings true — “Here you leave today and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy.” I’m a sucker for theming, and I have yet to find somewhere that themes their property like Disney. When I’m standing in the middle of Fantasyland waiting to hop on Peter Pan’s Flight, I genuinely forget that I’m in the middle of Anaheim and there’s roads with frustrated commuters just a few hundred yards away. Not to mention, the cast members are always amazing, making sure everybody is having a magical time. When I enter the park, all my worries melt away. No longer am I stressing about graduation and the millennial/gen z cusp dream of finding an actual salary job. Even if it’s just a day, I have that day where my only worry in the world is getting a fast pass for my favorite ride. There will always be a smile plastered on my face the second I walk through those front turnstiles.
2. Great place to make memories and take some fire pics.
Another benefit that comes with the great theming around the park is the awesome photo opportunities. Disneyland is one of the most photographed and Instagrammed places in the United States — and honestly, that statistic isn’t surprising at all. As a hobby photographer I always have my eye out for fun spots to take pictures of my friends, and Disney has began to catch on. There are numerous places in the park set up just for photos, and some are even just walls that have a nice coat of paint! Whether you’re all dressed up in your Sunday best, or wearing a tank top and shorts, there’s no bad place to take photos and make fun memories at Disneyland.
1. Going solo can be just as fun as going with friends and family.
Who says taking a vacation alone is a bad thing? Sometimes, that’s exactly what you need to recharge and feel absolutely refreshed. That idea isn’t excluded when it comes to a Disneyland trip either! Maybe the thought of walking around a theme park alone as an adult sounds awkward, but it only is if that’s what you make it. In reality, some of my best memories come from splitting off from my group while they go on Splash Mountain and just sitting on a bench and people watching. You don’t need to feel rushed through a short shopping spree in one of the stores, and you can use the single rider line to hop to the near front of lots of popular rides! During my last trip I even got to have a wonderful conversation with the family in front of me while alone in line for a ride. Don’t be scared to go solo!
So what are you waiting for? Start booking that self-care Disneyland trip ASAP!
