Why I Spent My 30th at Disneyland

Ever since I was a young girl, I’ve had a fascination with Mickey Mouse. One year, I received a gift that was a personalized and signed photograph from Mickey. I couldn’t rip my mom’s photograph out of the frame quick enough to replace it with my new pride and joy (sorry, Mom). Mickey’s photo was then placed next to my bedside. To this day, it’s one of the most memorable gifts I’ve been given.

The Disney Company knows what it’s doing – every single detail of every single is meticulously thought out. I’ve visited Hong Kong Disneyland, Disney World (twice), and Disneyland California (numerous times) with zero regrets. On each visit, I’ve been delighted by something new and continuously enchanted by the old, but still awesome, traditional aspects of the park.

Turning thirty is one of those special birthdays, and I couldn’t decide where I wanted to spend my special day. I spent the past three birthdays traveling, and I wanted to do something different that made me feel youthful. Then it dawned on me. Disneyland. It’s American. It’s incredibly fun. It makes you feel like a kid again, no matter what your age.

While I’ve been to a Disney park during the winter holidays, I’ve never spent any special celebration at a Disney resort, but I was aware of the special buttons that people celebrating receive. Upon check-in to Disney’s Paradise Pier hotel, I received my birthday button and couldn’t have been more excited. Little did I know that this button was powerful – nearly every Disney cast member wished me a Happy Birthday. The desired effect worked – I felt like a queen.

It had been years since I had visited Disneyland, and I was impressed with the changes made to the park. My favorite improvement was that Star Wars was everywhere in the Tomorrowland section – I couldn’t keep my excitement under control. In typical Disney fashion, the Star Wars accents and displays around the park were impeccable. This year, they're celebrating the 60th anniversary of Disneyland (I'm half as old!), and the luxurious blue and silver decor is displayed all over the park. Happy Birthday to you too, Disneyland!

Mickey Mouse wasn’t hard to find, and this was one of my fondest memories from this trip to Disneyland. During previous trips to Disney parks, I felt like a stalker trying to get a photograph with Mickey. This visit was much different, and I felt the presence and love of Mickey all around the park. It was great to see all of the favorite characters interacting with people of all ages. You’re never too old or too cool for a pic with Mickey.

While I really enjoyed my time at Disneyland, there were a couple of drawbacks that I should mention:

1. The cost. Wow. For what I spent in one day at Disneyland, I could budget travel in certain areas of the world for an entire month (or more)! Let’s break a few things down: Single Day Park Hopper Ticket $155, one night stay at Disneyland’s Pixar Place Hotel $389, 2 hot dogs and one Coke $28… and so on. EEK!
2. In my opinion, Disney’s California Adventure closed a bit early. I understand that many children go to bed early, but this park has exhilarating rides and unique restaurants and I would have loved to enjoy dinner with a glass of wine while watching the roller coaster and fun wheel.

I left Disneyland with sadness. I wouldn’t be riding Hyperspace Mountain or Star Tours that day. I wouldn’t be eating hot dogs at the Refreshment Corner or indulging in Mickey-shaped macaroons. Even with the expense, Disneyland is worth it – I just hope that prices don’t continue to increase. I’m glad I chose to spend such an important birthday in California at Disneyland.

This was definitely a 30^th birthday for the books. I’m still young and life keeps getting better.

I’m still dying to go to Disneyland Paris and Tokyo. So maybe I’ll see you soon, Mickey.