9 Thoughts I Had During My First Ever Trip To Disneyland

It’s no secret that I love nothing more than when the Kardashians or the Beckhams go to Disneyland for the day and document the entire saga on Instagram, not to mention when North West wears Micky Mouse ears.

But despite this being one of my favourite pastimes, I’d actually yet to ever be to any kind of Disney related theme park, let alone the original California one.

So I decided that now was the time to put an end to that, and hopped on a plane to LAX to visit Disneyland California to see what all the fuss was about. And it turns out the fuss is completely necessary, to the point where I’m now going to preach to you why you should book a trip there right this second.

1. You feel like you’re in an entirely different world…

No really, it’s like time stands still at Disney. Whether it’s because everything just puts a huge smile on your face or because your thoughts are occupied only with what tasty snack you’ll have next, there are no bad days at this place.

2. Everyone is so nice you’ll want to hug each and every human you meet…

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While this goes for most tourist attractions in America, Disney is on another level when it comes to their customer service. Whether you’re simply asking someone where Space Mountain is or trying to figure out how the Fast Track system works, there’s always a ridiculously lovely human there to help.

3. Mickey Mouse doesn’t just wonder about waiting for a hug…

Before our trip we had visions of Mickey just wondering around aimlessly as he met his biggest fans, but it turns out that’s not quite the case. Instead there are times and places where you can meet your favourite characters, which actually makes a whole lot more sense.

4. People eat turkey legs like it’s no big deal…

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One of the aforementioned tasty snacks is a turkey leg, which for us Brits was a real sight to behold. While we stuck to the Mickey shaped ice creams, others opted to chow down on some tasty turkey all while looking like they’re in some sort of zombie apocalypse film. Casual.

5. Adults can ride the kids rides and not be judged for it…

We won’t lie, the rides we were most excited about were the ones made for 4-year-olds. But despite being 21 years too old, it turns out it’s not frowned upon whatsoever for grown adults to be screaming their head off on Dumbo The Flying Elephant ride. Which is good, seeing as that was our fave.

6. You’ll do some serious steps as the park is massive…

What with there being two parks at the California Disney you’ll get in a real workout if like us you try and take on both in one day. Luckily there are more places to stop and chill out than we could have hoped, so it really doesn’t feel like you’re walking the equivalent of a marathon despite the fact that you are.

7. The Pirates Of The Caribbean ride is way scarier than anticipated…

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Upon seeing that there were quite literally new born babies in the queue for the POTC ride, I figured it can’t be too terrifying, right? WRONG. I’m not sure if it was the creepy af wax figures with equally as weird sound effects playing, or because there was an unexpected drop in the pitch black, but I was beyond relieved to be back on solid ground afterwards. Yes, I’m a wimp.

8. It’s A Small World is a right of passage…

When I was told that I simply HAVE to go on It’s A Small World I figured that’s because it’s a super thrilling ride, because why else would someone go on about it that much? Only I soon realised that it’s actually because it’s like the craziest dream you could ever have, as well as the kind of ride that has you singing along the theme tune by the end.

9. Broadway comes to Disney with surprise performances…

Over at the Disney California Adventure Park you’ll find the Newsies rocking up on a bus ready to perform their socks off, as they provide a much needed break from having the It’s A Small World theme tune stuck in your head.