Disneyland – Why it’s Better as an Adult and the Secrets that Make it Better
Disclaimer: This post was done in collaboration with Disneyland. All opinions expressed are my own. All information, offerings, and prices are accurate as of time of posting. Please refer to Disneyland for the most up to date information.
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The last time I was in Disneyland I was six. My family went to LA for the very first time and despite being told we did all sorts of wonderful things the only thing I actually remember about that trip is being Disneyland. And truthfully it doesn’t come as a surprise to me as Disneyland is a pretty memorable and unforgettable place no matter what age you are or who you go with.
Trust me, I know as I was lucky enough to be invited by the team at Disneyland to experience the park again for the weekend – and let me tell you it was so much better as an adult than it was when I was a kid (and my experience there as a child was already pretty epic).
Here’s why going as an adult is better though
- You’ll actually remember being there. If your childhood memories are a little fuzzy you may or may not remember actually going.
- You’ll be tall enough to go on all the rides. Sadly on my first visit I wasn’t able to go on Space Mountain, which I finally made happen this time around. Plus there are new rides which will definitely give you a thrill no matter how tall you’ve grown.
- You can eat whatever you want! As a kid you were likely limited to whatever you parents gave you. But as an adult you can choose what and when you eat. And believe me there are both treats you loved as a kid but also some grown up indulgences to enjoy as well.
- It is one of the few places that can take you back to your childhood and make you feel like a kid again. Even rarer it is a place where as an adult you can not only act like a kid, but it is even encouraged.
Where to Stay – At one of the Disneyland Resorts
I was lucky enough to be treated to stay at Disneyland’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa. Not only only was the hotel beautiful built but it had all the magical details you would expect from Disney with a touch of grown up elegance. Beautiful nature themed murals, a pool, spa, dine dining, and character breakfast option were just some of the benefits of staying here.
But more importantly there are two MAJOR benefits of staying at one of Disneyland’s Resorts:
- Direct access to both parks. Because the Disneyland Resorts are located directly on the grounds they have their own entrances to both parks. This not only makes getting to the park easy ( talk about zero commute time, not to mention not worrying about parking) but it was nice to be able to take breaks and have somewhere quiet and private to rest during the day when needed.
- Getting into the parks one hour BEFORE everyone else. When you stay at a Disneyland Resort Hotel you get the benefit of their Magic Hour which allows hotel guests access to the parks one hour before general admission. This allows you to book your fast pass rides as well as enjoy select attractions before everyone else.
What to Eat
Special 90th Birthday Eats!
Micky and Minnie Mouse are celebrating their 90th birthday this year, and no proper birthday celebration could possibly happen without special Mickey and Minnie themed treats which will be available for the full year.
There are over 60 special Mickey and Minnie items available but here’s a round-up of some of my favourites
The Classics
In addition to the special 90th birthday treats there are of course some of the Disneyland Classics which are an absolute must while you are there:
Fine Dining
What a lot of people don’t realize (myself included) is that there are a lot of fine dining options available at the park. They are perfect for a special occasion, or for those food lovers with discerning tastes.
Be sure to check out the 24 layer chocolate cake and the prime rib at the Steakhouse 55. Both will melt in your mouth like only the finest cut of beef and chocolate truffles can.
What to Do
Rides
Well this one is pretty obvious, but when it comes to rides nobody does them quite like Disney does. There is a reason why theirs are cult classics with countless references to them in pop culture, and even some of the biggest movie franchises of all time being based off them…hello Pirates of the Caribbean!
You can re-live all your childhood favourites like Space Mountain, Tea Cups, Haunted Mansion, and It’s a Small World, but there are also some newer and incredible rides as well. My favourite was the ‘Soarin’ Around the World’ ride, which takes you on a flight simulation through some of the most famous and beautiful places around the world. You actually feel like you are flying around the globe. I must admit that I might have gone on this one multiple times.
For those of you seeking the ultimate thrill though be sure to check out ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ ride. I guarantee it is the way to find out what it feels like to have your heart, butt, and every other part of your body leave the seat.
Fireworks
Going to one of the fireworks shows is must at Disney! The music, the colours, and of course the fireworks themselves are a the ultimate sight. Be sure to check the schedule online to see when and where they will take place for the week! There is a reason why Disneyland is often credited with redefining the firework.
Parade
There’s nothing quite like seeing your childhood heroes march on by in song and dance. Guaranteed to put a smile on your face, you’ll be singing along to some of your top Disney songs.
World of Color Show
The World of Color Show is a unique presentation featuring water fountains, technicolor lighting, fire cannons, and animated projections starring scenes from their most well known films. Needless to say it is a color co-ordinated masterpiece. If there’s one show to watch while you’re at the happiest place on earth it is this one.
Escape to Paradise
The final best reason why going to Disneyland as an adult is so much better than when you were a kid? Because you can go whenever you want! As a Canadian it is the perfect little getaway as well (especially when you’re trying to avoid the snowstorms in winter).
Regardless of the time of year though it is the perfect way to escape the everyday and have fun for a few days. There is always something to see and do there and something else I didn’t realize is that they often have special deals just for Canadians. There is currently one on right now until April 11, 2019, here, where you can get a 3 day adult pass for only $207 USD ($69/day). After April 11 you can always check their Special Offers page, as they always have promotions going on.
And now that I’m basically best friend’s with Minnie I’ll want to be visiting her as often as I can.
