stuff i learned at disneyland.

This past weekend, I went on a vacation. It was like a mid-winter break. Since I think I should still get spring breaks and summer vacations. I will admit, sometimes I do not want to accept that I am in fact an adult with bills and responsibility. This doesn't mean I don't enjoy my job - I do. A lot. That doesn't mean I need a break sometimes!

Anyway.


On my vacation, I went to Disneyland. The happiest place on earth!

Sleeping Beauty's castle (source)

I've been to Disney World, once, when I was nine. For those of you keeping track, that was 1996. It was a long time ago. I don't really remember a lot, except that it was fun and tiring and I didn't want to ride Splash Mountain because I was scared.

While on my trip, I realized some stuff. And I wanted to share it with you.

1. Have you ever heard of "stroller parking"? I'm not sure how to explain how insane it is to be in line for a ride and see a million strollers lined up along the fence. It seems to me that Disneyland is quite fun for a single 25-year-old and I actually will remember the trip this time, compared to the time I was at a Disney park when I was 9. My friend Sarah says you have to watch out for "death by stroller" at Disney, which is quite true. I was unaware that having a stroller meant you didn't need to pay attention to other guests - you apparently can just walk wherever you want.

2. Walking around Disneyland (and California Adventure) for two days will make your feet hurt. When you are there for 14+ hours one day, it will feel similar to running a half marathon. But not quite as rewarding.

3. Disney might be considered "the happiest place on earth" but there are sure a lot of crying kids everywhere you look. You can tell when it's nap time or when someone didn't get the ice cream she wanted.

4. Mickey Mouse pretzels are delicious. But cotton candy is only good in small amounts. (Read: you should not eat nearly an entire bag even if you are on vacation. Not that I did that or anything...)

5. The best ride in all of Disneyland is Toy Story Midway Mania. You get to spin around, wear 3D glasses and shoot at targets. You may develop a case of Midway Mania shoulder after riding this ride multiple times in one day.

6. It is perfectly acceptable to be in line for a photo with your favorite character, but you might feel a tiny bit awkward being the only adult in line with no child. It's fine.

7. Just because you are 25 and at Disneyland does not mean you will like roller coasters any more than you ever have. I rode Space Mountain and realized my favorite part was exiting the ride and not looking back. This is probably part of the reason I still have never been on Splash Mountain. (Note: Please do not make me ride a roller coaster with you, ever.)

8. Why did they go to Disney World on Full House when Disneyland is obviously closer? This is not stuff I learned but it is a legitimate question.

9. Disney really understand the importance of the guest experience. When you walk around the park, you notice that there is no trash on the ground, and everything is in excellent condition. The cast members are pleasant and can point you in the right direction, and Fast Pass is probably one of the most brilliant creations ever. Yes, a trip to Disney is expensive, but I think it is worth the cost.

10. You probably should not expect to be a functioning member of society the day after a trip to Disneyland. I am glad I had a buffer day and time to take a nap. I don't know how people with kids do this. This is probably why it's a good thing I do not have any yet.

Have you ever been to a Disney park? What have you noticed about the experience? If you went as a kid, do you remember it? And who is your favorite character?