Call me "the rookie and the vet" (yes, I am quoting Drake). Because in total, I've been to Disneyland close to twenty times - (that is not even including the five this year) - in my entire life. It does not matter how many times I go or how I basically know the park with my eyes closed - every time I go, I feel like it's my first time all over again.
I don't know what it is about Disney, could it be the magic in the air, or something they put in the churros? Either way, I feel like a kid all over again with every ounce of blissfulness and joy. This is the the magical kingdom after all and this is why I believe it has a special place in my heart.
The Food
Let's get straight to the point..every day spent at Disneyland is a cheat day, because there is no possible way to leave Disney without eating something completely unhealthy. But, also, super-cala-fragilistic delicious! I always have a hard time choosing from my personal favorite foods, so I get them all!
Whether that be the corn dogs from the Little Red Wagon!
Or the beinets from Ralph's Brennan's Jazz Kitchen in Downtown Disney.
Or the Pomegranate Piranha Lemonade at the Bengal BBQ bar
All these foods (plus more) - including, yes, the famous dole whip ice cream are one of the reasons why I continue to comeback to Disneyland every year. As they say, a way to a man's heart is through his stomach.
The Attractions
The Rides
Exhilarating Joy, that is what I feel on every ride everything from "Space Mountain" to yes, the most loved ride by them all, "It's a Small World." (The only ride my mother gets on). One of my guilty pleasure rides of Disney so happens to be the Alice in Wonderland Tea Cups.
I don't know if the love comes from spinning the wheel till I leave the ride feeling nauseous (with a hint of amnesia) or the high pitched kid laughter that consumes me throughout the whole ride. I probably enjoy the tea cups more than an actual kid on that ride. My personal favorite is Hyper Space Mountain, but that's just the Star Wars fan boy in me.
For those moments in time, where the world can be in utter chaos - those precious seconds in/on a ride, I feel like a kid. There are no worries, only euphoric joy and embody what Disneyland is and that is happiness.
The Parades
If you don't see me stuck in some line for food or find me on a ride, you'll probably most likely find me happily parked and sitting on floor waiting for the parades. I really do get too hyped singing the Disney songs; if you ever see an overgrown man singing with such a horrible tone deaf voice, that's me.
The Shows
If you have you never experienced the fireworks show in the Disneyland park, get up because we're going immediately! No, seriously, it's by far one of the best things to do at the park. My family/friends really dislike waiting patiently for the fireworks as we have watched them numerous times. But, not me, for some unearthly reason it leaves me in awe and as cliche as it sounds, it leaves me with this magical feeling that all my dreams are possible.
Feeling like a kid again, to dream endlessly without limits, that is what I enjoy the most. I have learned that you have to do things that make you experience great joy and exhibit happiness, watching these fireworks certainly does that every time.
Can't forget about the World of Color Show!
- or the Fantasmic Show!
Which are both fantastic must see shows. Watching all these theatrical, yet spectacular shows always leaves me awestruck. The shows always leave me wondering how every minuscule detail was thought and synced together to make something - dare I say it - magical.
Everything from the rides, parades, shows and down to the cast members themselves, they all capture the essence of Disney. While feeding our extraordinary imaginations and our drive to dream. That is what I love.
The Memories
Lastly the memories, yes that's me above in the front (Quick note: my hat flew off right after this picture, so it was a quick and sad goodbye to an old friend). Whether it be with friends, cousins or family - memories are bound to be made at Disneyland. Anything from racing to the ride or churro line to having a stomach ache at end of the day from all the junk we ate, I remember them all.
Having my companions (my sister and cousins) be apart of the many trips to the magical kingdom, honestly it's what made the trip more enjoyable. Who better is there to laugh, sing and lastly eat all the food with, than family.
One day we'll all be grown up, with our own separate lives, not as frequently going on trips together - during that future, these memories are what I'll cherish the most.
Conclusion
Whether it be the food, attractions or lastly the memories this is why Disneyland has and will continue to always have a piece of my heart. With the summer ending and my busy schedule starting with school/work, I wanted to bid adieu to Disneyland for now.
So till next time Disney, farewell my friend; for distance only makes the heart grow fonder.
