The Happiest Place on Earth

So, after about 2 hours of sleep (I was either super excited about going to Disneyland the next day or super worried about missing my bus, not sure) I got to the bus station for my 6am trip to Anaheim. I would be spending the day at Disneyland. I got to the hotel and was luckily able to check in when I showed up at 8.30am. I got into my room and prepared for my day at Disneyland. I could see Disneyland from my hotel so I didn’t have far. Upfront, I will say this. As someone who is somewhat of a cynic, I stand completely corrected. Disneyland really is the happiest place on earth. I had an amazing day, but let’s go back to the beginning.

Hoards of people descended the gates of Disneyland, and what looked liked from a distance, a stroller army. You wouldn’t credit the amount of strollers I saw. Insane. So I got my map and tried to map out what & when to do all the attractions. My anal side continues to show.

My first ride was the Star Wars tour (Andrew you’d love this) it was way cool. What I quickly realized after going on this ride was the ridiculously long lines for rides. They have what is a fast pass system where you get a ticket for a certain time and you go off and do other tings whilst waiting. With a fast pass you’ll wait about 15 minutes, without, you’ll wait up to 70 minutes on popular rides. The clincher, not all rides have fastpass. Next ride, the toboggan, was great and I started chatting to a father and daughter in line who offered to show me around for the day. They some what insisted, even after I tried to (subtlety) tell them I’d rather do my own thing. I ended up going with them on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, which was totally awesome. I split up from them and checked out the Nemo Submarine Adventure ride and the Toy Story ride. I’m such a grown up! I got my fastpass ticket early on for the Indiana Jones Adventure ride as it was exceptionally busy at the moment thanks to the movie coming out. Well worth it in the end, as hands down best ride I’ve ever been on. For about 5 seconds, it actually felt like I was in the movie. I know I am lame and stupid for saying that, but true story.

I left Disneyland at 9pm and only because my feet were absolutely burning soar from walking around all day. I could have stayed later. I checked out Downtown Disney which was basically a Disney shopping delight, as if Disneyland itself isn’t (I may have gone overboard on the Disney merchandise, I’m sure my family are shocked).

I got back to the hotel with a message waiting telling me my Tijuana tour for tomorrow had been canceled, due to lack of interest. That was just the pickle in the crap sandwich. What will I do tomorrow in Anaheim?????

What I learnt today in Anaheim:

• There are a serious amount of Bail Bonds shop fronts around Southern CA, I saw at least a dozen on my bus trip.
• Disneyland really is awesome, even for the oldies.
• Members of the Greyhound patronage continue to scare me just a little.
• Anaheim is actually in Orange County. Can’t believe I was that dumb not to realize.

The entrance to Fantasyland. One section of the Disneyland Park & one of the more recognisable sights.

Meeting Jessie from Woody's Round Up.

Meeting up with Goofy in Toon Town whilst on the hunt for Mickey or Minnie Mouse.

Meeting Jake Sparrow, who was checking out my jewels. I'm secretly wishing he was really Johnny Depp.

The photo above is of the New Orleans quarter of Disneyland. The Mark Twain Steam Boat.