It's hard to believe it has been a year already, but I did go to Disneyland in February 2020. (Mere weeks before the entire world went into lockdown.) So, I'm especially glad I took the opportunity to go when I did. Who knew at that point how different our world would become? Anyway, let's hop back to this time last year, shall we?
I was at a breaking point to be honest, and I desperately needed a vacation. I needed sunshine and to take a step back from my environment to regroup myself. It also needed to be a place that was familiar to me to not add any stress to my situation, so I ran away to California for a few days. The morning I left it was 5 degrees F where I live. (That's -15 C for those of you that use Celsius.) That's cold. The temperature in California was in the 60s when I was there, which isn't necessarily hot, but I appreciate that it was warmer.
This time around I took an Uber from LAX. It was exciting to be back there to try new things and see what had been added since my previous visit to Disneyland, like Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. Rise of the Resistance had just opened a couple weeks earlier as well. That was definitely the hot ticket attraction. Getting a boarding pass was like winning the lottery. Anyway, after going through security, I walked through Downtown Disney to the esplanade where I essentially got ready in front of the mirror at the exit of the women's restroom so I would look more awake and presentable after my journey from below-freezing Colorado. Then I put my belongings in a locker so I could go about my day more freely. :)
I spent most of my morning in Fantasyland. I rode the teacups (Mad Tea Party.) and It's a Small World. - If that song wasn't in your head before, it is now! I walked around for a while and decided to get lunch at the Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe. I ordered the Jolly Holiday combo which is grilled cheese and tomato basil soup, -it's absolutely delicious by the way- practically perfect punch, and a Matterhorn macaroon. This meal was really perfect for the weather. After lunch I went on Pirates of the Caribbean. I know it sounds silly saying this as an adult, but I was a little nervous because I didn't know how scary it was going to be. This was my very first time on the ride, and they put me in the very first row. (It was fun, by the way.) I actually sat in the first row of nearly every ride I went on! They must have taken me to be a brave person, haha! Maybe I am a little braver than I thought I was. <3 Afterwards I headed to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge (Batuu) where I immediately saw R2D2 and stormtroopers walking around. One of the things I find exciting about Galaxy's Edge is the ability guests have to build their own droids. It just feels like such a futuristic thing, and the whole idea is very cool. During this first visit to Batuu I went on Smuggler's Run, which is an interactive simulation ride of the Millennium Falcon with 6 roles. (2 pilots, 2 gunners, and 2 engineers) One of things I love about Disney is their attention to detail. I used the single rider line - or should I say tunnel- to get to the ride and it was kind of intimidating to walk through it, honestly. It was so realistic to the Star Wars universe that it felt like I was in that world. It's incredible.
Anyway, after that I needed to check into my hotel. On my way out of the park the Straw Hatters were playing music on Main Street, so I stopped and listened for a little while. I got my stuff from the locker and headed for the hotel. I stayed at the same hotel from the last time I was in Anaheim, so I already knew where I was going. So that was great! I was definitely very sweaty by the time I got to the hotel and was very grateful they had a water pitcher in the lobby, haha. (Is that too much information?) The walk is beautiful though. I took some time to rest once I was checked in. I put on my bathing suit and went to the pool. I attempted to go swimming, but the water was a bit too cold for me. The hot tub on the other hand was perfect. I spent a solid amount of time in there.
About an hour later I walked back to the park. When I got there I heard music in the Town Square where they were holding a flag retreat ceremony. I stayed to watch and listen. It was beautiful and patriotic and I teared up while we were singing "God Bless America". I love how it honored those who have served our country and it was beautiful to see them step forward. I did not expect to be crying at Disneyland because I was feeling so patriotic, but it was a special moment. <3 After it was over I walked around for a bit then went into one of the shops and purchased one of my favorite articles of clothing that I own. It's a black pullover sweatshirt that has Disneyland written across the front and down the sleeve in bold silvery letters with Sleeping Beauty's Castle on the other sleeve. It also has a shimmery rainbow glisten in the sunlight (really any kind of light) that I really love as well. For dinner I ate at the Carnation Cafe. I ordered a cheeseburger with fries and a cherry shake. (I have a post dedicated to that cherry shake coming out very soon! It was delicious!) It was dark by the time I was finished, so I took an Uber back to the hotel and settled in for the night.
After a good night's sleep I woke up the next morning and got ready for the day. I woke up to a beautiful sunrise, ate breakfast, and headed to the park. I got in line for security before the park opened, but by the time I got through security, cast members were putting signs up saying that all boarding passes for Rise of the Resistance had been distributed for the day. (I might have taken a little too long at breakfast, but that's okay, haha!) My first stop was Indiana Jones. I think this is my favorite line for any ride in the park. It actually feels like you are in the jungle. I love it. Next I headed to New Orleans Square to get mickey beignets and a mint julep at the Mint Julep Bar. (Finally!) I told you I would try them the next time I went to Disneyland. :) It was such a relaxing morning. It probably wasn't the best idea to be wearing black as powdered sugar likes to get everywhere, but it was an enjoyable experience nonetheless. After my midmorning snack break I rode the Matterhorn. Then space mountain. Then I headed back to Batuu and tried the blue milk. It had such a unique flavor that I'm not really sure how to describe... For lunch I ate at the Tropical Hideaway. I got a bulgogi beef bao -SO GOOD- as well as sweet lumpia. It felt like the first day of school walking around with my tray trying to find a place to sit, haha, but eventually I found a seat. By the early afternoon I was getting sleepy, so I decided to go on the Jungle Cruise and the Disneyland Railroad to take it easy. I walked around a little longer, then decided it was time to head back to the hotel so I could rest for a little while.
Once I was fully rested I headed back to the park for the evening. (via Uber) I met Mickey Mouse, ate dinner, walked around some more and got some souvenirs for my family. I also stayed to watch Mickey's Mixed Magic. When the show was over I got a Mickey pretzel with cheese and a gingerbread man to go on my way out. This was my last night, so I basically got ready for bed and packed all my belongings when I got back to the hotel so I was ready to head to the airport in the morning.
Now I have to be very honest about how my experience coming back home was. It was straight up awful. I did have a matcha when I got to LAX, so at least there's one highlight. The weather had caused some delays in flights for Denver, so I had to rearrange the plans I had to get home. That was annoying, but fine. I thought I had it figured out, but once I got off the plane I learned that THOSE plans had fallen out from under me as well. I am usually very level-headed and flexible when it comes to things like this, but something about this situation pushed me over the edge and I completely broke down at the airport. It was not pretty. And it was a very embarrassing experience to go through. I know this probably isn't the high note you were expecting this post to land on, but it would feel like a major elephant in the room for me if I didn't acknowledge the parts of this trip that were more difficult. -I would, however, like to give a shout out to my friend, Bruno. He's probably never going to read this, but he was literally the only person to check up on me to see if I was okay that day, and I'm really grateful to him for that.-
Ultimately I am very glad I chose to go on this trip and had the opportunity to go to Disneyland while it was open last year. I know so many of us miss the magic, and I hope that they (as well as many other places) will be able to open up again in the near future. In the meantime, I plan on sharing some recipes with you that have been inspired by some of the treats I had at the park, so watch this space! :) Thanks for reminiscing with me!
-Allie
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