When Walt Disney opened Disneyland in 1955, he gave a 26 second speech, "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."

How succinct and a true description of why I love it so... it is a source of joy!
Karen is my Disney buddy and the proud owner of an enviable annual passport. When I informed her that while I was in Florida, my friend, Erline (a Walt Disney World retiree) had gifted me a one day Park pass, she asked, "So when are we going?"
We could not have picked a more perfect day. Lovely weather and Christmas everywhere.
We began our day at Disney's California Adventure. For those who don't know, this park, opened in 2001, where "you’re invited to explore seven exciting lands with timeless entertainment showcases like World of Color, seasonal celebrations and transformations throughout the year."
A must for me was the ride Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! "Showcasing all-new special effects, appearances by popular characters, music inspired by the soundtracks from the films, and “big thrill” drop sequences with a free-fall sensation that’ll have you screaming for more, this is one adventure you won’t want to miss." This use to be Tower of Terror, which I loved. Happily, this new ride definitely did not disappoint. Wow.

Our timing was perfect for culinary reasons as well. The Festival of Holidays was happening where we were able to "Embrace a seasonal celebration filled with multicultural music, food and fun for all—November 9, 2018 to January 8, 2019!" compliments of my girlfriend, Laura (a recent Disneyland retiree- man do I know some awesome women).
Laura had food coupons she wasn't going to be able to use so she passed them on to me. Karen and I dined very well indeed.
Each of the seven lands was decorated uniquely for the holidays. What a joyous time to be there.


Live entertainment was occurring all over but these guys, the Holiday Toy Drummers, delighted as they marched to their own beat while drumming up smiles wherever they went. So very entertaining.

This cracked us up so I have to include it for people who know DCA. Located across from Grizzly River Run is this Warming Hut. For $5, up to 5 people can dry their clothes (and themselves) after getting soaked. It was pretty chilly at the time I took this photo. What a fantastic idea. AND quite funny to watch.


The final stop of the day was the main attraction: Disneyland.

Is there anything so magical as the Castle illuminated?

Karen has two special rides that were her musts. "Decked Out for the Horror-Days. Explore the estate at its eeriest with tons of frightfully festive touches—courtesy of Jack Skellington! This winter, the Haunted Mansion will be transformed with jack o’ lanterns and wreaths, terrifying toys and kooky characters from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. It’s a creep-tastic classic you won’t want to miss! Experience all your favorite frights plus scary seasonal surprises—all thanks to Jack himself. Sally, Oogie Boogie and other nightmare nasties will also be on hand to wish you Season’s Screamings!"
"Celebrate the splendor of the season with a festive yuletide version of this classic attraction. A Joyful Seasonal Serenade. Wishes for peace on Earth come to life in jubilant children’s choruses from around the world. As you approach, you’ll hear a medley of the iconic "it's a small world" song along with traditional holiday tunes and you’ll be dazzled by thousands of shimmering lights adorning the attraction’s iconic façade. Then, set sail along a wintry, wondrous waterway, adorned in regional decorations as you tour a world of festive wishes and holiday cheer!"
Karen's enthusiasm for it all was infectious. I will never look at these rides the same!

Space Mountain was a scream!


While in Toontown, we visited Mickey on the set of Steamboat Willie, the film that made him a star. This was a first for both of us. Very special indeed.
Karen saw this popcorn tub and just had to add him to her collection. What a cute, themed item to take home for a souvenir.
And as a thank you to Erline, I got her her own Disneyland Mickey ears. My intent is to give her incentive to visit me in SoCal so we can go to the happiest place on Earth together.

And to end our most amazing Disney day, we had the opportunity to "Behold the magic of the holidays as festive fireworks, stirring music and a sprinkling of snow bring the season to life with the Believe in Holiday Magic Fireworks extravaganza."

"Feel your spirit soar during this splendid pyrotechnical spectacle. As the sky overhead lights up with dazzling color, more than 80,000 twinkling lights illuminate Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle with sparkling icicles and shimmering snow-capped turrets."