Another good value for you all. My wife and I went to Disneyland without our kids. Our kids are grown and doing their own things now. We have no grandkids yet, so we wanted to just spend a day together. We have not been to Disneyland in a very long time even though we just live a few miles away. My wife was there maybe five years ago, and I have not been since the two oldest kids were little, about twenty-five years ago. The biggest stoppage we had was the price of admission. A couple hundred dollars per person! I always try to look for discounts so I can experience this magical place without breaking the bank. I found a southern California resident discount ticket for $69- each. I could not pass that up so, we went. I knew it was going to be quite different from the last time I went. Heck, the Disneyland parking lot is now another theme park, California Adventure. We arrived at one of two parking garages that they have. We opted for the one that had a free tram to the entrance to the park. The parking garage is huge, and you have to go through a TSA type of station to make sure we are not bringing anything in that, we should not. Walking was paramount on this day so, keep that in mind. The weather was 102 degrees so, hydration and sun protection are a must. I wanted a ball cap with the Disneyland logo too for one, keep me cool and two, to add to my collection, too. We got that first. My wife needed a pair of sunglasses to go over her eyeglasses, but we could not find anything. I gave her my sunglasses, why not? I had a hat and she s my life partner. I got to take care of her.
We are in our late fifties, and I kick myself for not taking care of myself when younger. I am fat and out of shape, but I try to own it. Walking, walking, walking. My wife’s favorite character is Winnie the Pooh so, that was a must to see and do. Even got a photo of her and Pooh bear. We did Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion because those are favorites. Going on a Monday in summer, the wait in lines was very minimal, 5-10 minutes. Then, more walking. My wife showed me Galaxy’s Edge. Very impressive even though I am a Star Trek fan, I do like Star Wars too. We ate lunch at the Docking Bay eatery, good food. We did Smuggler’s Run. A magic motion machine. That was fun, the wife was the gunner, and I was the engineer. Even after almost thirty years, I still enjoy times with her. Walking Walking, Walking. We went to ‘It’s a small world’ because we can. A good rest and keeping cool. Did I say it was hot out there? Taking breaks while walking and buying lemonade icees was a must. Unfortunately, you do spend money at Disneyland so, budget accordingly. ‘Jungle Cruise’ and ‘Mark Twain’s paddleboat’, too. The last time I was on Mark Twain, I was a baby so, a very long time ago. We ate at the Red Rose Tavern in fantasyland. It was good and great customer service. We thought about going to Tomorrowland because I am a sci fi geek, but we were very hot and tired. We thought about staying for the fireworks show, but we were exhausted, and work was tomorrow. Walking, walked, walked through the park, down Main Street USA and out through the exit, onto the tram back to the parking garage. We got there at 12 noon and left at eight o’clock so, well worth the discounted price.
Going without kids was very enjoyable. We did a lot of walking, close to 20,000 steps, whew. We came prepared with a backpack and water bottles. However, spending the money on drinks and food, every so often, was worth it and needed. Disneyland is expensive so, budget as best as you can. The biggest plus for me was the restrooms were air conditioned! Kudos to Disneyland on that. Go, if you can, it is the most magical place on earth.
My wonderful wife with Winnie the Pooh
Sleeping Beauty Castle
Galaxy’s Edge Falcon
Haunted Mansion
