Growing up with an annual pass, I thoroughly enjoyed spending my time at Disneyland with friends and family. Each year contained different memories with different people that will last a life time as I continue to make memories at the Happiest Place on Earth. For the first time in my life however, I chose to attend the park by myself this past week in order to understand and embrace a new experience at the dream Walt Disney had for the company for his guests. I will say that while it took some getting used to due to the fact that I am a people person and enjoy experiencing places with people, I was not disappointed at all. There is a significant experience you get out of attending the Happiest Place on Earth alone. While you can certainly wait in line for an attraction at a lesser time in the single rider's lane, there is more to experience than only attractions just by looking around your area.
1. Reading into the Disney History
When you attend with friends and family, you really overlook certain areas of the Disneyland Resort that are full of history. For example, the reasons for Main Street at Disneyland's entrance and Buena Vista Street at California Adventure's entrance is because both of those places represent the early years of Walt Disney's life and the dream he had of Disney. Main Street represents Walt's childhood city and Buena Vista Street represents Walt's early years in the 1920's when he first arrived in California with only a suitcase of what he had, the cloches on his back, and a dream to follow. It is honestly a real interesting experience to have and recognize when you are alone and analyze these certain areas. This are only just a few places that I can name that are absolutely interesting and an unforgettable experience to have at Disneyland.
2. Experiencing Food
It is one thing to have a dole whip float at home or at a restaurant, but it absolutely another experience to have it at Disneyland. Throughout the Disneyland Resort, there is a large amount of food to try that you really can only experience at the park itself. Every time my close friends and I attend the park, we cannot end the day without sitting down and having either a turkey leg or beignets together. It is a tradition that we have been doing for the past three years and has been one I have greatly looked forward to when we attend the park. When you by yourself, you really experience not just the taste but how the overall surroundings of the park play into the experience of you are eating. Having a turkey leg in New Orleans Square give a southern feeling to the taste while having ice cream or a long churro at Paradise Pier give this carnival like feel. It is a great experience I believe most should have when attending the park as you begin to realize the significance of food and how the overall surroundings place into the experience.
3. Cast Member Interaction
Take it from someone who works at Disneyland or from someone else who has worked there for a significant amount of years. Any section of the park you go to, every Cast Member is in character, whether they are portraying a Disney princess, a mail deliverer on Buena Vista Street, or even a guest relations expert. From my personal experience these past few weeks, even the Parking and Transportation Cast Members are in character when helping guests park their vehicles or helping them with directions and other questions. Whatever their location and role is, Cast Members put on their best face for all visiting guests, no matter how hot it is, how crowded it is, or how difficult the day has been. They always put their best foot forward and you really recognize this when attending the park as you analyze Cast Members from a distance and really see the positive and magical impact they make for guests to experience
Disneyland is more than simply attractions though they are important. There is so much more than one can experience on their own just by looking around them and what is front of them (food in particular). You really see Walt Disney's dream and intentions for Disneyland to be a place of fun and happiness for families at it all comes to life when visiting. The rich history behind the parks, the experience behind certain foods and desserts, the interaction with cast members, the smiles on children's faces, the laughs guests have when being entertained, and so much more. When you experience it on your own, experience it again in a small group and see the difference when interacting with your friends and family. Have a magical day!
