The Magic Kingdom

Writing about Disneyland is sort of like going there, I have no idea what to do first. It is like Christmas when all the presents look so mysterious and inviting that I have no idea which one to open first. So, like Christmas, it is best just to start.

Unlike Christmas, with Disneyland there was no disappointed let down of "is that all?" Disneyland is, well, magical. I also found that Disneyland rewards those who take the time to appreciate and pay attention. In many ways, Disneyland is all about the little things. But seriously, that isn't what I want to write about.

After much deliberation and asking around, by the time I got to Disneyland, I had decided not to ride on any of the roller coasters. Ha! I did go on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Oddly enough, because of the meds I've been on since the aneurysm repair, I don't think I react to roller coasters the way I used too. Since my heart doesn't respond to adrenaline the same way, I don't get the rush and the thrill. It was still great but not a heart pounding, breathless experience. And that is fine.

We rode on Mickey's Fun Wheel. My Disneyland Companion, in spite of her many, many trips to Disneyland, had never been on it. She is not a fan of Ferris Wheels. But she bravely consented to ride the Wheel with me. We rode in a stationary car. I admit to a case of the schadenfreude giggles as I listened to the screams coming from the swinging cars. And the "never again" faces of those coming off of the swinging cars said it all.

We did Pirates a couple of times. We did Indiana Jones, and Star Tours, and the Railroad around the park. We rode Small World twice - the second time because Becky missed the dragon from Mulan in one of the tableaus and wanted to see it. We rode the Little Mermaid ride - perfect around noon on a really hot day. We soared over California - ahhh inducing especially with smell-o-rama - and raced cars in Radiator Springs. We flew with Peter Pan and took a Wild Ride with Mr Toad. The Enchanted Tiki Room was another great escape from the heat. We didn't get Dole Whips though - next time!

I watched kids battle evil at the Jedi Academy (thanks for the tip Martha!). I found the Evil Queen but didn't get my picture taken with her.

The best iced tea, in my opinion, was the Berry Iced Tea at Jolly Holiday. And we drank a lot of tasty beverages. It was Labor Day weekend... and it was hot and crowed. I had the ultra fabulous rice krispie treats and peanut brittle. We had s'mores brownies at Big Thunder Ranch BBQ. I bought pins and hats. We had bacon wrapped asparagus and I had a fried green tomato sandwich.

It was all so brilliantly fun and amazing and at times, overwhelming.

But far and away, my favorite ride was the Tea Cups. I love the extravagant spontaneity of them. The first time we went, while we were waiting in line, I looked out at the cups spinning around. There was a woman all dressed in orange, sitting in the orange tea cup, a smile of serene contentment and happiness on her face. She was alone in the cup and well, and seeing her
was probably the most magical of all the magical moments for me.

I saw crows playing and bathing in one of the waterfalls on The Matterhorn. I was fascinated by the fact that the crows have chosen to roost in the trees at Disneyland. I watched them fly in in the evenings. It was amazing to think that they have gotten used to the hubbub and the fireworks and the noise.

I understand why people go back over and over. Although, I hope I never approach the gates of Disneyland with the grim determination I saw on some faces - Disney Commandos Becky called them. Disneyland, while not necessarily the happiest place on earth, as the 4 pm children's melt downs can attest too, but it is amazing. I'm already making plans to go back.