I lost my only child in January of this year- my 47 year old son. I've looked for ways to keep my sanity throughout the year. One of the latest was a trip to play in Disneyland for three days and then a few more days exploring areas around Los Angeles, all with my good friend Audrey. The drive to the airport and packed flight were uneventful although it was so packed I wore my mask to prevent catching the flu, RSV, a cold, or covid. I got to LAX, a very intimidating airport for little old me, and navigated it fine. Got my bag and waited outside for the shuttle to pick me up and take me to my hotel near Disneyland. I got the Mercedes Sprinter shuttle all to myself. Blue lights, enough room for 9, and quite the stereo system- travelling in style! Once settled in my hotel I went downstairs for fish tacos and a great discussion with Standel, my young waiter. Except for a couple of guys at the bar, I was the only one there. It was a pleasant evening. Off to bed to get up early for big days ahead.
I'd never been to Disneyland before so I decided this would be a good year for a first- especially during the holidays to help me get through the hell that is the holidays without my son. It was a great idea and allowed me to laugh hysterically and scream loudly, letting out the stagnant energy. Now, anyone that knows me wondered what I was doing. Theme parks are not something I do. I camp and sit in the natural world, but there was a calling within to go play in a new way in a new place with friends. So I followed that calling aka intuition.
Yes, walking around for 12 hours, standing in long lines for 5 minute rides, and sharing space with soooo many humans was challenging. It was worth every minute! My favorite area was Galaxy's Edge, a replica of the planet Batuu and Black Spire outpost. The Millennium Falcon and Rise of the Resistance rides are located there as is the outpost marketplace. The realism was uncanny. The cast members dressed like stormtroopers, the Mandalorian, Kylo Ren, and others. You felt like you were really there!
Due to having a brief issue with nausea on the first ride we did- Star Tours - the Adventure Continues (too realistic!), Audrey and I split up so she could fly the Millennium Falcon and I could hold our place in line at the Rise of the Resistance (generally a 75 minute wait!!). As I walked to the ride, I was accosted by Kylo Ren and two stormtroopers on patrol. Wow, it was quite intimidating and exciting. I was told to calm down several times. I was so nervous. Then as they started to leave I told one of the stormtroopers I had too much caffeine so I couldn't, and laughed. LOL The whole area is immersive and very different from the rest of the areas of Disneyland.
Rise of the Resistance broke down while I was waiting in line- standing for like 35 minutes! We were turned away to come back later if they could repair it. Off we went to California Adventureland to the Radiator Springs Racers. We even paid extra to get in faster- less time standing in line. The ride starts out slow going through the auto shop and after the tires are "changed" the car goes outside and sets up to race another group. Then off you go, flying 40mph up and over hills and around tight curves. Laughing and screaming the whole time Our car won!
Back to Disneyland and Rise for a 75 minute wait in a long sinuous line (all rides were long sinuous lines). Was the burning pain in my feet worth it? The limping I had to do the rest of the evening? A resounding YES! My health clearly needs some work hence, foot, ankle, knee, hip aches. Back to the ride- this is all new technology which is why it tends to break down, and it's the most immersive ride at Disneyland. I took no photos because I wanted to completely immerse myself in the story (sadly plenty of people have posted it on YouTube. Watching it won't be anywhere near as cool as being immersed in it) . Once again I was singled out by the First Order- this time a Lieutenant (definitely must have "rebel" across my forehead LOL}. Once we were caught and separated, awaiting interrogation, he asked me if I had any darkness in me. I looked at him and said nope, not a bit. Off to the interrogation area and escape! If you want to know about the technology just look it up. If you are a Star Wars fan, you need to go here and play.
Back to the first ride we went on- Star Tours. Once inside you put on a seat belt for the realistic bumpy ride and then your 3d glasses- getting ready to hit hyperspace, fly at tremendous speeds through the valleys, over mountains, and on and on. How do I know? I did squint and removed the 3d glasses, and breathed deeply to try and stop the nausea. It abated but after the ride we looked for somewhere to buy ginger ale. Unfortunately, Disneyland only sells coke products so we found a nurses station. I got to flirt with the male nurse while he asked me questions and gave me a Dramamine tablet and a puke bag. Fortunately, my inner ears calmed down and I didn't have too many issues after that.
We went on many rides every day and shopped. I'm not a big Mickey Mouse collector so I didn't buy a ton of stuff. I did decide to get it in on the fun by buying a lanyard and some collectible enamel pins. Apparently, this is a big deal with fans. I picked a Tinkerbell lanyard and a sampling of pins. Fans collect and trade them. Like everything else in Disneyland, souvenirs and food are expensive and overpriced. But soooo much fun!
They also give out pins for celebrating. I was celebrating my birthday albeit late, my retirement 11 months later, and of course, my 1st visit. These pins get you a lot of attention. A common comment was "you've got a lot going on there." You bet! And you have no idea. They even got us a second trip on Peter Pan's Flight! The kid was so sweet to let us go twice after my friend asked. It's a 45-minute wait for a 3-minute ride so going twice was a treat!
What did we ride on?
Star Tours- the Adventures Continues- hyper space in 3d; so real and nausea-inducing
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance- immersive, amazing, and fantastic
Jungle Cruise- so many bad jokes/puns
it's a small world- holidays around the world celebrations
Pirates of the Caribbean- I watched for Johnny Depp
Indiana Jones Adventure- like riding over rough terrain boulders coming at ya, fast, thrilling, and screaming
Haunted Mansion holiday- Nightmare Before Christmas-themed
Mr. Toad's Wild Ride- so much whipping around and screaming
Snow White's Enchanted Wish
Storybook Land Canal Boats- I love tiny stuff
Pinocchio's Daring Journey
Disney monorail
Disney Railroad
Sleeping Beauty Castle walk-through
At California Adventureland-
Radiator Springs Racers- we win!
Mater's Junkyard Jamboree- so much laughter
Things learned- you really need a minimum of 3 days and someone who can help you navigate this 500 acres of shopping, eating, and riding. Take snacks to offset spending and a water bottle. Don't bother with anything that will hold hot water- they're not allowed to give it out. You have to buy tea. Strollers are everywhere! If you have more than one food sensitivity, you will really need to bring food. Avoid backpacks; a crossbody bag is easier to maneuver in and out of rides with.
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