Disneyland is my "Happy Place" and I could not have picked a more idyllic spot for Day #8 of my birthday month.
The morning began with some Park time with Laura, a wonderful friend and Disney connection.
I then spent two hours just roaming alone, delighting in everything Disney.
For many years, I had an annual pass. My friend, Cindy, and I would drop our kids off at school and go to Disneyland. Our routine was to get a coffee and cinnamon roll. I continued the tradition in her honor. Fun stuff!
While the Disney marching band played, Belle and The Beast danced.
The Straw Hatters even played "Happy Birthday" for me.
Pocahontas reminded me to "stand tall and strong".
Moana is a new character I was pleased to meet!
I took 247 photos today. I could have doubled that number if I had photographed all the amazing flowers I found. Fun facts: At the Disneyland Resort, stories grow from the ground up — literally. From carefully manicured flowers on Main Street, U.S.A., to desert plants in Cars Land, the landscape is part of the detail that tells the “story” of each land in the parks. More than 800 species of plants indigenous to 40 nations grow at the Disneyland Resort, making it one of the most extensive and diverse botanical locales in the western United States.
Eventually, Karen and David joined me on this Great Day 8. This was their first visit with Aladdin.
David loves the Tea Cups. Karen doesn't. I do. So we always get great photos by Karen while we spin.
It was a Jolly Holiday with Bert! ♫♪
One of my favorite shows, from my childhood, was Bear Country Jamboree. I was beyond giddy to see two of my old friends (which is how I view all the Disney characters).
Since this is my 55th birthday, we had to take this photo.
So the main impetus for me being there now was the fact the Electrical Parade was back for a very short run. Interestingly, the first rehearsal was a disaster; a float crashed into a building on Main Street, U.S.A., and the performers' costumes emitted sparks. Despite all these obstacles, the Parade successfully debuted on schedule on June 17, 1972. And I have loved it ever since.
As Disney does, there were Parade tie-ins to be found everything.
We migrated to California Adventure for some different kind of Disney fun.
Okay, I loved Luigi's Rollickin' Roadsters, a trackless dancing cars ride located in Cars Land. Yes, a dancing car ride with an Italian theme. What's not to love?
Karen and David spoiled me with dinner at Wine Country Trattoria. This is the best dining ever! Grazie mille amici!
As darkness arrived, we left California Adventure for our ultimate destination, Main Street's Electrical Parade.
A first for all of us was the fact that all the main characters wandered the parade route before it began. What a treat for us all.
The Main Street Electrical Parade closed at Disneyland in 1996, after a 24-year run. I don't think I have seen it anywhere since then. It truly is a flash back to my childhood and evokes such happy memories. There is just something about it that is truly magical.
Tinker Bell's float was new. It had Karen all atwitter.
Karen and David had the opportunity to watch a 'members-only' movie about the history of the parade. I returned to meet two more friends from Bear Country. Big Al, on my right, is one of my favorites. He plays an always out-of-tune guitar and is voiced by Tex Ritter from his hit album, Blood on the Saddle (1960). Tex was one of my mom's favorites, so to hear this bear sing, in a voice from when I was young, is a really intense memory. Fun stuff found in some pretty cool places.
When summing up this day, Walt said it best, "To all who come to this happy place, welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here, age relives fond memories of the past. And here, youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams and the hard facts that have created America, with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world."
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3 comments:
Can you please come back to SoCal next year, so we can do a repeat of Birthday Month Day 8 with you??? Magical, magical. Loved hanging out with a fellow Disney geek. It's a special fellowship!!!
There's nothing better than being at the Park with someone who's as appreciative as you.
I am so excited about the Country Bear Jamboree!! I had no idea it was back. I also haven't seen the electric light parade. There is so much going on... I just need to figure out WHEN to get there. :)
Keep enjoying your birthday month!
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