After waiting two-plus years, working multiple jobs, making multiple trips to the recycling center and winning a few fantasy football leagues; my family and I made it to Disneyland. This past week; my wife and kids and I packed up and headed south for Anaheim for a week.
The drive down was smooth, very little traffic, kids did not constantly ask “Are we there yet?” and only stopped once for gas. Upon arrival we made it to our hotel; which is the usual hotel for us across the street from the main entrance. Following unpacking we made our way to Downtown Disney. I have never been to Disneyland during Halloween or any holiday, for that matter. When we passed the security check we began our journey toward Downtown Disney. I stood there, between Disneyland and California Adventure, and just enjoyed the view. When we made it to Downtown Disney the lights and decorations were incredible. It put a smile on the whole family’s face. It truly felt magical. We ate, went shopping and then went back to our room to prepare for our first day at the park.
We spent five days in the park, three days in Disneyland and two in California Adventure with the hopper pass. For my oldest son, it was a time of firsts. He got to ride The Incredicoaster for the first time. He was very nervous because of the speed and the loop that goes upside down. He and I rode it together and the little guy did not like it. He also rode Grizzly River Run. He absolutely loved it. It was the first time for all of us on Web Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure. What an experience that was. I highly recommend it if you have not gotten to go on it. In Disneyland he got to ride The Matterhorn Bobsleds and Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway for the first time. He liked both of them.
Our youngest son (three years old) was very excited about the characters, the music, the food and the rides. His favorites were Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, The Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh, Pirates of the Caribbean and The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Undersea Adventure.
My wife’s favorite show is Fantasmic. We watched the show near the water after purchasing our tickets. We were joined by more members of our family to watch it (they were on vacation as well). Another fun show that took place in California Adventure; Plaza de la Familia. Story telling of Coco with singing, dancing and audience interaction. It was so well done.
My oldest son and I enjoyed the Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit. This was a scavenger hunt that took place in Downtown Disney, Disneyland and California Adventure. We participated in the Downtown Disney hunt. There were 13 pumpkins that were painted like Disney characters hidden throughout the area. When we completed the hunt, we turned in our card with proof of where the pumpkins were, we received a Pluto shaped pumpkin sipper. It was a lot of fun. Even though it is Halloween time at the park, one night we noticed that the top of the Castle had snow on it. We wondered why they decorated it early and then later that night we saw the sign “Recording tonight. Please be mindful of security and large crowd.” That night they were recording their holiday sing-a-long concert that featured John Legend.
We look forward to returning to Disneyland in 2026. We are thinking spring time but not 100 percent sure yet. Back to the drawing board for our Disneyland fund.
Dennis D. Cruz is a staff reporter for The Oakdale Leader, The Riverbank News and The Escalon Times. He may be reached at drcruz@oakdaleleader.com or by calling 847-3021.
