The Happiest Place on Earth

Last weekend we went to Disneyland.  I was very skeptical, because I find a lot of this kind of stuff cheezy and I thought it would be a bit childish.  However, I went with an open mind and I was rather surprised with the results. 

Prior to this trip the last time I went to Disneyland was 18-20 years ago.  I have been to EPCOT and Disney MGM in Florida, but never to Disneyworld (even that trip was about 13-14 years ago).  As the trip drew closer I found myself getting excited and reading about the park thinking about the classic rides I wanted to go on (Pirates, Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, etc.).  The day we went to the park I was very excited.  Once we went into the park the first thing I noticed when I saw the castle (I don't know whose castle, but it's the one you always see) was that it looked as though it had shrunk.  I clearly remember seeing the castle and thinking it was the biggest thing ever.  I also remember the park being enormous.  Again not the case.  There was still a certain degree of awe and amazement at this place, but it was different.  It was interesting riding the rides as I noticed how good the special effects were.  I noticed how good the animatronics were and when things looked fake they really looked fake.  On the first ride, Pirates, I was right away trying to break down the illusion (can you see the roof in there even though it looks like the sky).  I guess that's the engineer in me.  There were plenty of surprises though.  I met my oldest memory of fear head on: Space Mountain.  My first trip to Disneyland I very clearly remember going on Space Mountain against my will and being scared out of my wits.  I didn't ride another roller coaster for 8-10 years. 

We also ate in the park, which I think is a remarkably improved experience.  I don't remember, but I would bet in the late 80s and early 90s the food was burgers, hot dogs, and pizza.  God help you if you were vegetarian.  This time we found 8 dollar vegetarian sandwiches (not the greatest price, but not astronomically expensive) and they were actually quite good.  You can also buy fresh fruit as snacks (of course it's not farmer's market stuff, but fruit in Disneyland?!?!?). 

So there you have it.  I went to Disneyland.  I enjoyed it.  Don't tell anyone.