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14 November, 2024

REVIEW: A day at Disneyland Resort in California – our magical adventure

Edited by Travel Weekly

When we decided to embark on a day trip to Disneyland Resort in California, we braced ourselves for the delightful chaos that is theme park life.

However, contrary to our expectations, the parking and entry process felt like a miracle – maybe there’s some pixie dust involved, or just a lot of practice. Before we could finish our first cup of coffee, we were ready to dive into the madness!

Entering Disneyland Park is a sensory overload in the best way. Sure, there’s waiting – whether for rides, food, or a photo op with a giant mouse – but you’re always on the move. With cheerful characters and spontaneous musical numbers, it’s like being part of an endless show.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Park in Anaheim. (Supplied)

We raced to the brand-new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, where I, having never seen a Star Wars movie (I know, I know), found myself unexpectedly captivated. The sights, sounds, and oh, those smells! I almost hugged the giant animatronic Chewbacca. I half-expected him to hand me a lightsaber!

With our young kids in tow, we spent a lot of time in Fantasyland, a magical haven perfectly tailored for little adventurers. If I could bottle that joy, I’d be rich! But let’s be real: there was a moment when the excitement turned into a wild chorus of “I’m hungry?” Fortunately, Disney’s magic came to the rescue with a pop-up snack cart offering churros that could silence even the most restless little ones. As the sugary goodness disappeared, so did the complaints!

The queues moved quickly, which was a relief. One minute we were solving hunger, and the next, we were enjoying the whimsical charm of Peter Pan’s Flight. The joy on their faces was contagious, reminding me how much fun it is to relive childhood moments through their eyes.

Fantasyland at Disneyland. (Supplied)

After a whirlwind tour, we ventured to Disney California Adventure Park. Thrill-seekers and families alike will find enchantment here! We hopped on the Incredicoaster, where I may or may not have screamed louder than the kids. The twists and turns had us laughing and holding on for dear life. At one point, I turned to see a look of sheer joy on their faces that made every rollercoaster-induced scream worth it!

One of the highlights was the Grizzly River Run – a relaxing blend of gentle currents and whimsy. Floating along felt like we were inside a Disney postcard, offering a delightful break in our busy day. I almost expected a character to float by and hand us lemonade!

As the day wound down, we geared up for the grand finale: the nighttime show. The fireworks were stunning, painting the sky above Sleeping Beauty Castle. The projection mapping brought the castle to life in ways I never expected. I found myself both laughing and tearing up – probably from the sugar overload, but also from the sheer beauty of it all. The kids were completely mesmerized, and honestly, so was I. Surrounded by glowing faces and gasps of wonder, it truly felt like we were in ‘The Happiest Place on Earth’.

Sleeping Beauty ‘s Castle. (Supplied)

So, if you ever find yourself at Disneyland Resort, embrace the chaos, forget your adult worries, and keep your eyes peeled for hidden gems. It’s a world where childhood dreams come true – even for someone who can’t tell a Wookiee from a Jedi. You’ll leave with a heart full of joy, a few extra churro calories, and plenty of funny stories about the magical madness that made it all worthwhile!

To book Disneyland Resort Park Tickets and accommodation, speak to your preferred local travel agent.

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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