Hannah and I started our day off early since we had big plans, going to Disneyland Park! This was my very first visit to Disneyland and I was so excited! The park was different but similar to Disney World in many ways. Being a slight Disney World snob, I was disappointed in Sleeping Beauty’s castle, she was cute, but Cinderella’s is the moment. To me, there is no better feeling than walking down Main Street and being immersed in the magic. While I found Disneyland to be less magical overall compared to Disney World, the feeling walking down Main Street was still the same.
Hannah and I’s ultimate Disneyland Park game plan began with getting raspberry rose Mickey macarons with raspberry-rose almond filling and fresh raspberries for $6.49 from Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe. This was serious business as they tend to sell out of this delicious treat. I really enjoyed my macaron, and it gave me the energy I needed to begin my day. The first ride we went on was the Haunted Mansion located in New Orleans Square. Haunted Mansion was decorated as the Nightmare Before Christmas and I felt so lucky that I got to experience this iconic seasonal change. The ride broke down while we were in line, but we waited it out. The ride was not down for too long and it was well worth the extra wait. I loved the seasonal Nightmare Before Christmas theme, it was done so well and looked awesome! After, we went over to Fantasyland and rode Alice in Wonderland, which was cute, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, which was fun, Pinocchio’s Daring Journey which I did not care for, and “it’s a small world” which I loved because it is iconic and had so many Disney characters incorporated.
Hannah and I then decided to take a park break and went to eat in Downtown Disney District. We decided to eat at Tortilla Jo’s, which features authentic south-of-the-border specialties. Hannah and I shared Endless Fresh Salsa and Chips (crispy corn tortilla chips with fresh homemade salsa Roja and Verde) for $4. I ordered Jo’s Baja Salad Bowl (steak, Mexican rice, lettuce, Monterey Jack cheese, Pico de Gallo, fresh guacamole, corn, sour cream, Mexican Romesco dressing) for $23 and a Strawberry-Mint Margarita (ALMA de Agave Blanco tequila, freshly muddled strawberries and mint, organic margarita mix, Cointreau) for $17.50. We enjoyed our experience, food, and drinks a lot - Definitely a spot I would recommend. After that we got another drink at Uva Bar and Cafe. This was a fun outdoor spot. I am happy that we chose to spend the majority of our dining experience at Tortilla Jo’s since it was inside and air conditioned whereas Uva was outdoors and in the center of the walkways, I felt like I was in a fishbowl. Regardless, both experiences were enjoyable and a much-needed break from the park.
Hannah and I took it easy when we went back into Disneyland Park and headed again to Fantasyland. We went on Casey Jr. Circus Train which was cute and Storybook Land Canal Boats which was adorable and romantic with all of the twinkling lights. After, we headed to Adventureland for Jungle Cruise which was fun and slightly different from Disney World. I got Chips and Guac from Tropical Imports before we headed to Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage in Tomorrowland which was a little claustrophobic and long but overall fun. Next, we headed over to the castle to watch the nighttime light show Halloween spectacular. The show was a reasonable length and I enjoyed it, nothing crazy special but it was new to me and fun!
Our journey continued by going on Indiana Jones Adventure in Adventureland. This ride was awesome, and we walked right on it after the show, we did not have any wait. I was told that the track was similar to Dinosaur’s in Disney World, but I found this track to be longer, it also did not have the weird smell that Dinosaur has. It was nice to see everything going on with the ride as well since Dinosaur is a dark ride. It was the perfect amount of thrill for me, and I would definitely go on it again! After all of that thrill, I was ready to have some DOLE Whip at The Tropical Hideaway. I ordered a DOLE Whip Swirl with the flavors of mango and watermelon for $6.49. I am a big fan of DOLE Whip; it is one of my favorite Disney snacks.
The DOLE Whip gave me the energy needed to go over to Critter Country for The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh which was cute but less storybook than Disney World. From Critter Country we took the Disneyland Railroad over to Tomorrowland. This train ride was a nice break for my feet, and I enjoyed going behind the scenes for the attraction Splash Mountain. In Tomorrowland, we went on Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters which was fun, even though I did terrible. From Tomorrowland, we went back to Fantasyland to ride Snow White’s Enchanted Wish, King Arthur Carrousel, and Dumbo the Flying Elephant. These were all fun and nostalgic rides. We ended our magical day by shopping on Main Street before dragging our tired bodies home.
Hannah and I had a loaded day filled with entertainment and excitement. Unfortunately, we did not get to some of the rides that I wanted to such as Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (it had too long of a wait), Mad Tea Party (we were scared of getting nauseous), Matterhorn Bobsleds (we were scared it would be too painful on our bodies), Space Mountain (I was just plain scared of the ride), and Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin (this ride was closed). I was so proud of all we were able to accomplish in just one visit. I can’t wait to come back again someday!
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