Disneyland: The Happiest Place on Earth

‘The happiest place on earth’! That’s a tall claim to live up to, but even in recessionary times, the queues snaking outside Disneyland, California, don’t shrink very much. Obviously, whether you’re five years old or fifty, seeing your favourite toons come alive is a huge, huge thrill. And that’s only scratching the surface – besides attractions galore, there’s entertainment, rides, dining and shopping…the list is endless! Here are the things you have to experience while you’re in Disneyland:

Main Street, USA

There’s a choice of vintage vehicles, from horse-drawn streetcars or carriages, a fire engine or a 1920s omnibus, to transport you to stops at Town Square or the Sleeping Beauty Castle. Alternatively, ride on a Victorian-style train with a bright red engine to Mickey Mouse’s Toontown and Tomorrowland.

Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln

This is Disney’s tribute to Abraham Lincoln, a show recreating the great American President’s life. Using futuristic Audio-Animatronics technology, the show features highlights of Lincoln’s famous speeches, a thrillingly realistic experience.

Main Street Cinema

This old-style movie theatre that opened in 1955; even today, you can only get standing room to watch classics like Steamboat Willie, the movie that shot Mickey Mouse into stardom.

Fantasyland

This is where the fun really kicks in. Sit in a teacup and enjoy the Mat Hatter’s tea party ride. Hop into a 4-seater caterpillar and chase the White Rabbit. On this Alice in Wonderland ride, you’ll meet the Cheshire cat, Tweedledum and Tweedledee and – shiver! – The Queen of Hearts. An aerial journey in a pirate galleon takes you from London to Neverland, the home of Peter Pan. Visit Pinocchio’s charming village. Swoon over lovely Disney Princesses – Cinderella, Belle, Pocahontas and Jasmine!

Tomorrowland

This part of Disneyland is all about futuristic rides and far-out architecture. Explore the edge of the universe on Space Mountain, find Nemo on a submarine voyage. Star Wars aficionados can join the Jedi Training Academy and fight Darth Vader’s stormtroopers!

Tips for Your Disneyland Vacation

• Disneyland is fun – at a price! Before you go, explore online discount options for Disneyland tickets.
• At the Disney website, check which rides are closed for maintenance. You may want to change dates if your 10-year-old’s favourite ride is shut down.
• Carry sweaters and extra socks, in case you feel cold after a water ride or the evening turns windy (you can a rent a locker at the entrance for the day).
• Pick up snacks and bottled water before getting in. You’ll be working up quite a thirst and water or soft drinks from vending machines have hefty mark-ups.
• At the Disneyland entrance, join queue numbers 13, 20 or 21 – these move fastest!
• Food options at the park are aplenty, but they can be expensive (and fat-loaded, too). Pack a picnic lunch from home.
• If you’re an adult with kids and want to go without them on a ride, present yourselves together to the attendant; he will fast track you to a shorter queue.
• Restless toddler? Take her to Toon Town, where she can run around. Make her day at Playhouse Disney Live, where she could get to meet a well-known character from Disney TV.

Yes, dreams do come true at Disneyland. And to think it all began with one man’s vision of a bright-eyed little mouse!