A Disney Diversion

Sometimes you need a break, a break that’s an actual break not just doing homework somewhere else. This December, after my semester ended, that is exactly what I needed. So, per my demands, Jason and I took a few days off from life and headed to Disneyland.

We bought ponchos around the time the rain tapered out.
We bought ponchos around the time the rain tapered out.
This 1,350-pound gingerbread house took up a large space in the lobby of the Grand Californian Hotel.
This 1,350-pound gingerbread house took up a large space in the lobby of the Grand Californian Hotel.

Our first hour in Disneyland it rained a lot. I was under the impression that California never received precipitation anymore but, apparently, that isn’t exactly true. We got completely drenched and then waited in a long line to buy ponchos just in time for it to let up.

Cars Land has an inviting nostalgic feel.
Cars Land has an inviting nostalgic feel.
I got a warm hug from Olaf.
I got a warm hug from Olaf.

I was also under the mistaken impression that Decembers at Disneyland were warm because they have been for us on every other occasion. However, this time, the shorts I packed did not get used. If it looks like I’m wearing the same thing in all of this post’s pictures, it’s because I am wearing the same thing… everything I brought with me. Yes, in the evenings I wore a t-shirt, a sweatshirt, a sweater, a hoodie, a jacket, one of Jason’s jackets, a scarf, and gloves. One afternoon I did strip down to a t-shirt for about an hour though.

Disneyland is celebrating their 60th anniversary this year. They have photo spots like this one placed around the park to commemorate.
Disneyland is celebrating their 60th anniversary this year. They have photo spots like this one placed around the park to commemorate.
You can't beat the glamour of a fake open road.
You can’t beat the glamour of a fake open road.

So my preconceptions about weather and precipitation were off. Now, let me address your incorrect preconceptions. People often have a notion that Disneyland is no fun without kids. That is false. Jason and I have been there on many occasions as a couple and we consistently have a fabulous time. Sorry, your kids really aren’t as useful as you think.

Disneyland adds a lot of holiday cheer to their parks in December.
Disneyland adds a lot of holiday cheer to their parks in December.

You can always find new amusements at Disneyland, no matter how many times you’ve come. During this trip, we discovered Disney Animation, a whole interactive area in California Adventure we didn’t know existed. There, in addition to talking with Crush the turtle, we learned what Disney characters we would be. I would be EVE from WALL-E and Jason would be Syndrome from The Incredibles. (Jason a villain? No surprise there.)

Forget princesses, I wanted to meet Chewbacca.
Forget princesses, I wanted to meet Chewbacca.
Wookiees give soft hugs.
Wookiees give soft hugs.

The Force Awakens was opening just days after our visit and Disneyland was hopping like a cantina party in anticipation. Tomorrowland had been converted to Season of the Force. Hyperspace Mountain traveled to a galaxy far, far away. Instead of sparkly princesses, you could get cozy with Darth Vader, Chewbacca, or Boba Fett at the Star Wars Launch Bay. As we are sci-fi nerds, we were totally down with all of these galactic alterations. I might have bought a little too much Star Wars merchandise… or I might not have bought enough really. Would you call a dress, a couple t-shirts, some Christmas tree ornaments, a few comic books, a wallet, a book, and a Luke doll enough?

Everyone loves Pluto.
Everyone loves Pluto.
You have to get a picture in the dog pound when you're in Toontown. It's required.
You have to get a picture in the dog pound when you’re in Toontown. It’s required.

We always have a long list of places and foods we need to eat when we go to Disneyland. Jason made sure we had reservations at Napa Rose, Storytellers Café, and Blue Bayou. We also devotedly chowed corn dogs, churros, pineapple floats, asparagus and bacon skewers, and hand-dipped ice cream bars. You know, just the healthy stuff.

Mickey's Toontown is a vibrantly interactive section of Disneyland.
Mickey’s Toontown is a vibrantly interactive section of Disneyland.
Big Thunder Mountain here I come!
Big Thunder Mountain here I come!

Disneyland wasn’t exactly paradise this trip. It was cold and occasionally wet. However, it was also a much needed breather from the occupational and scholastic summersaulting I’ve been doing the last six months. Twenty layers or not, we had a great time being the big little kids that we are. Plus, it snowed back home the whole time we were gone so that made Disneyland’s disagreeable weather seem far less nasty.

2 comments

  1. “People often have a notion that Disneyland is no fun without kids.”

    Umm- who are these people? Anyone who has ever gone to Disneyland WITH kids would know right away that it would be WAY more fun WITHOUT kids (and much cheaper).

    “Sorry, your kids really aren’t as useful as you think.”

    Again, who are you hanging out with? Who are these people that think kids are useful? Insane.

  2. I can’t say it looks like very much fun pushing kids around Disneyland in a stroller while they scream about the princesses they haven’t met. But, for some reason, many people really do have the misguided notion that there’s no point in going to Disneyland without kids. And yes, they probably are insane.

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