My Coast-to-Coast Journey: Why the Original Park Holds My Heart, and How a Travel Agent Made Orlando Possible.
I'm Bella — a Disney veteran who watched Disneyland transform throughout the 2000s. Join me as I reveal a few evolutions and share my best mom tips for planning a magical vacation.
Coming from small-town Arkansas, my first visit to Southern California was a dream. I soaked up the San Diego beach, listened to the crash of the waves, and then, just a short 1.5-hour drive north on coastal Highway 5, I reached Disneyland.
At 20, my head was filled with excitement to ride the Matterhorn and take that classic snapshot on Splash Mountain. I wasn't disappointed. With a $99 three-day pass, our group of five soaked in every moment like kids in a candy store.
The Original Magic: Disneyland
Walking through the gates, the sight of the train station above and the Mickey Mouse flower bed below was the original "world" opening up to me. Main Street was full of treats and history. I had to touch the wall of Sleeping Beauty's castle to believe I was finally there.
We quickly learned the park's layout: left for the rugged side (Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion), right for the spacey side (Star Tours, Space Mountain), and straight ahead for Fantasyland.
A few years later, my husband and I became temporary residents of California. With Camp Pendleton just 45 minutes away, we became Disneyland Annual Passholders. For $299, we could visit anytime, and with children under three free, it was perfect for us as new parents.
I loved the dedicated kids' aid stations with little toilets and nursing mom rooms.
Then the simple pleasure of an evening trip just for fireworks, night shopping at World of Disney, or a quick dinner.
My favorite traditions:
- The creamy, cheddary French Quarter Mac and Cheese.
- Space Mountain — still the best rollercoaster experience with its amazing lights inside.
- The nightly, seasonal parade — a must-see.
Disneyland at Christmas:
- It's the best time of year to visit.
- Such soothing and magical twinkling lights.
- The parade is heartwarming and a true inspiration for the season!
- Ready-made hot cocoa is available when the night air falls in.
- All you needed was a sweatshirt, ready to go in your backpack.
The Rise of California Adventure
In 2004, California Adventure opened, adding a whole new element. We upgraded to Hopper Passes for an extra $100. This is where the adult fun truly began!
- Screamin' Launch: I was caught off guard by Disney’s first looping coaster, which launched to 60 mph (a countdown was wisely added later!).
- Sensory Flight: My all-time favorite was Soarin’ Over California, a full sensory experience with dangling feet, mid-air seating, and the fresh scent of orange groves.
- Magic Key Terrace: Alcohol was introduced throughout California Adventure, whereas the Blue Bayou was one of the few places in Disneyland that served it.
We enjoyed special experiences like "Dining with the Princesses" at Ariel's Grotto for my daughter's 5th birthday, where every princess offered a picture and a hug.
Before moving back South in 2009, I saw the park evolve thanks to the movies based on the rides.
- Captain Jack Sparrow was all over The Pirates of the Caribbean. My favorite Jack lingered over the Wench in Red.
- The Haunted Mansion only changed a few details. But, during the holidays, Jack Skellington took over the Mansion with his holiday cheer.
How Can a Travel Agent Create Your Dream Vacation Before You Know It's Your Dream?
East Coast Immersion: Disney World
My Disney adventures didn't end there. In 2021, my daughter used a travel agent to arrange a 6-night Orlando adventure. I was amazed: $2100 booked our hotel, flight, van, and tickets for one adult and one child nine months in advance! A HUGE MONEY SAVER!
We stayed at the Disney Coronado Springs Resort. The setup was fantastic, with a pool in every cul-de-sac and a $5 service fee for room delivery of Amazon groceries—a huge budget saver!
Magic Kingdom was a different world from Disneyland. Be prepared for 20K steps, plenty of water, and splurges on food. We booked a meal with Beauty and the Beast and watched Tink fly to the castle as part of the fireworks show from a completely new angle.
We explored Animal Kingdom (mini safari via tram, the Avatar flights), and Hollywood Studios was a Star Wars fan's dream (Blue Milk and free staff photos by the Millennium Falcon). The Tower of Terror never disappoints!
Beyond the Mouse: Florida Adventures
Our Orlando package included a day at Universal Studios. Seeing the Back to the Future DeLorean was marvelous, and as Harry Potter fans, we paid the extra fare for Diagon Alley. Butterbeer, authentic Fish and Chips, and flying on broomsticks made it worth it.
If you go to Orlando, you must visit EPCOT! Nothing beats heading there during the Wine and Food Festival (late August to mid-November).
Come with an appetite for six different countries, waterproof walking shoes, and a poncho — it's Florida, and it rains!
We finished off our trip poolside with a well-earned margarita.
Your Disney Trip Checklist:
Whether you choose the original charm of Disneyland or the sheer scale of Disney World, my 15 years of experience come down to this:
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- Passes for several days! - Spread the love. Come and go as you please.
- Pack your best walking shoes and comfy shorts/pants -- Chaffing is real!
- Take a loaded waterproof backpack - all of your family's goodies.
- Hydrate constantly with a little salt in your water (potassium and sodium electrolyte balance with sweat).
- Bring your own stroller!
- Let the kiddos nap when they need it, it's a long day for them.
- Keep your appetite big - lots of walking!
- Take breaks when you need them!
- Don't be afraid to ask questions.
- Ask a cast member their favorite things to do.
- BOOK A TRAVEL AGENT! - They have tips and tricks to create your dream vacation!
- Have Fun in the Sun!
I hope my story resonates with your travel dreams.
The planning for a Disney trip can be complex, but working with a travel agent can help you save money, book early, and focus on the fun — not the logistics!
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