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Normally we plan our vacations in advance, but this time it was all last minute. Last year when I retired from nursing, my daughter and son-in-law and 2 granddaughters gave me Disney Gift Cards. We were supposed to go to Disney World this past January, but it just didn’t happen. School, work for my daughter and son-in-law, they just couldn’t get the time off.
So it was decided at the last minute, my daughter, son-in-law and 2 granddaughters would go on a road trip. They first went to the Grand Canyon, then stayed in Phoenix for 2 days. I flew out to meet them in Santa Ana so we could go to Disneyland.
We went to Dana Point and Laguna Beach first day there and Huntington Beach the second day, which meant we went to Disneyland on the 4th of July. But we had the best fireworks at Disneyland
So here’s my advice if you only have 1 day to spend at Disneyland. Get up early and get there when it opens.
We traded partners, my son-in-law went with my daughter and older granddaughter so he could ride Galaxy of the Guardians, my younger granddaughter and I went to ride other rides. We decided to ride Soarin Around the World, which is a very relaxing ride. While standing in line I started to feel the building shake and the flags were moving, I told my granddaughter, Rylee, my head said “earthquake” but I told her it must be the ride making it move. She agreed. We didn’t think anymore about it, went to ride the Incredicoaster, it was closed. Went to ride Grizzly Run, it was closed. All roller coaster type of rides were closed. It wasn’t until I talked to my husband in Colorado a couple hours later, and he said “So you had an earthquake, huh?” So we really had felt tremors from the aftershock of the earthquake, even though it was about 100 miles northeast of Anaheim.
By this time we had been there since 8 am and it was now 1 pm. Time for lunch. It was time for a break, so we left for awhile, went and found lunch, we wanted Raising Canes but they were closed for the 4th of July, so we went to Inn & Out Burger. We don’t have Inn & Out Burger in Colorado! Now normally we would have gone back to the hotel and swam and cooled off, but we only had 1 day for Disneyland. So we went back.
Now we’ve been to Disneyland before, so we know our favorite rides. It was the 4th of July however, and starting to be very busy, so we rode the rides we wanted and could get on, Indiana Jones, Autotopia, back to California Adventure park for the Incredicoaster and many others.
We caught one of the many parades that day, finished riding rides and got a Churro and drinks, and were ready for fireworks when it go dark. We enjoyed the patriotic fireworks, and after 14 1/2 hours were ready to go home at 10:30 pm.
It was a Fast & Furious Day but we had a great time!
You just can’t beat Disney! Goodbye for now but we’ll be back!!
Disneyland is always fun!
It is always fun. I love it!
Good tip to use the app to check out wait times. I wonder if Disney World has the app too. Been many times but never used the app. Will check it out next time
I’m pretty sure Disney World has the app, and a lot more benefits with it for Disney World, like making dinner reservations, or ordering food and picking up at the quick food options.
You did accomplish a lot in one day. I’ve only been to Disneyland one time, Disney World 35 times and counting.
We’re still waiting to go to Disney World, Florida is a long way from Colorado.
Disney seems like a lot of fun, even with the long days!
We walked 10 miles that day, but had fun doing it.
This looks like a fun family trip!
It really was a fun family trip.
I love this post! We went to Disneyland for the first time, and we loved it! We had such a magical time!
I cant get enough Disney!
Wow…you packed a lot in one day…great tips for those who only have a day at Disney.
Looks like you had a great time!
What fun! I’ve been to Disney World dozens of times, but never Disneyland – I have got to get there someday!
I would love to go to Disneyland! Maybe one day!
Sounds like a great time at Disneyland! The photos are great 🙂
I love Disneyland! And we always do it fast and furious – that’s just how we roll. 🙂
Disneyland is so fun, but In and out burger the best. We don’t have it where we live so when we visit family in Texas we always get it. What a great day for you in Disneyland.
We’ve never been to Disney Land! It sounds like such a great time! Thank you!
Disneyland, lots of joy but boy does that place stress my wallet out. Lol.
Awwww.. love this. It sounds like you had a great day, with the exception of the earthquake. LOL!
I have always enjoyed the parades.
I experienced an earthquake too on my recent trip to CA!!! I think it’s a requirement of all visitors to the state. Ha! 14.5 hrs of Disney is not a bad thing! Glad you had a great time with family.
That’s cool that you experienced an earthquake. They are such fascinating works of nature.
I love your tips. My family also gets there as early as possible. There is something magical about being at Disney when they open and how well they do it.
Disney is always a good time! Doll whip is always priority for me though. It’s for sure important to get that app and know what’s going on!
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