I have been to Disneyland 5 times total. The last time I surprised my two young boys, boy was that hard to keep in.

We went to San Diego first, did Seaworld, then drove to Anaheim, checked into our hotel, and slept restlessly. Tossing and turning, excitement fluttering through me like electricty. The next morning I was up before the alarm, getting everyone ready, fortunately we were close enough to walk, able to hold in the surprise for just a few moments longer. The closer we got, the more mickey, goofy, and various other disney character paraphanelia started to pop up. The second we crossed the road and started to head down disney way, my sons started to get suspicious.....

"Are we in Disneyland mama?" My oldest son asked.

"No honey, this must just be a disney mall or something." I answered.

Through security we went, and when we walked up to the mickey mouse flower bed, I announced with great excitement, "We're in Disneyland!!!!!"

At first my sons said nothing at all, stunned into silence, they both looked around them, not quite sure what to say or think. And then we walked through the arch ways, and onto main street. Their eyes lit up, and their faces stretched from ear to ear in what I could only describe as "disneyface."
I had acheived my ultimate goal. We scurried from one ride to the next, pointing, laughing, skipping, holding hands. It was something I will remember for the rest of my years.

I understand that not everyone shares my love of Disneyland. Ive never been to Disneyworld, so I have nothing to compare it to. I like to size of Disneyland, the intimateness, if thats a word. I like being a part of an original dream of Walt Disney. I dont care if theres chipped paint, or a little mildew, or if a few rides are closed down for repair. Just the simple fact that I get to be in such a place, to get away from reality even if just for a day, is worth it all. I suggest, at any age, to experience disneyland. Young, or old, it will be my favorite place on earth!!

This year I hope to surpise my husband, and my youngest son, who have never been. Heres to secrets!!!

We visited Disneyland back in March 2008. This was my third time taking a trip to Disneyland and just as good, if not better : ) Disneyland is one of my favourite places but I will state a few common obvious annoyances:

-The lines are crazy, we all know that and are well aware before going in but seriously, it didn't bother us (there were four of us traveling together). The lines didn't bother me because I was so excited to be there, I am 23 and the other three people I was traveling with are the same age.

-Yes, it was VERY crowded, again, what else do you expect...Disneyland is like a little city designed for everyone. I swear, people didn't notice me walking or I must be invisible because a person would come crashing into me with their stroller or walk right in front of me. That bothered all of us, A LOT! It's like when people are in Disneyland, they don't have any sense of personal space because they are so excited to be there and don't want to waste any time! Like in lines for example, they would crowd behind us and step on our heels, I am not kidding. Anyways, just wanted to mention that. Very annoying but it wouldn't stop me from returning there, it's just something you come to expect when visiting.

-The tickets are so expensive. It cost me and my husband $265 for the both of us for two day park hopper tickets, that didn't include food. But again, it wouldn't stop me from returning. I am just thinking about families who take their little kids there...just know it's going to be an expensive trip.

-The fast pass issue. Hmmm, where to begin with this one. It is a fast pass BUT we got our tickets for Indiana Jones at 11am and couldn't get on until 3:30pm, that is because everyone and their dogs got fast passes and they just issue too many so therefore, the system doesn't really work when you have a whole bunch of people all coming around the same time, someone's gotta wait in line! And when we got there, we still had to wait in a line for about 30 minutes. However, we got fast passes for the Soarin Above California (in the Adventure Park), or whatever it is called and that was worth it. We had to wait for about an hour before we could go to the ride but we passed all these people and it really did work. It works when there are only a certain # of tickets given out or the # of people coming back is relatively small.

There are a great selection of restaurants, all really good and some really expensive, expect to spend about $75 a day on food just at the park for two people (assuming you are eating lunch and dinner and a few snacks here and there). The park was tidy, garbage cans everywhere! And the "cast members" were all so friendly. Make sure you go on every ride! Even the little ones, they are so much fun.

Anyhow, Other than those three obvious things which we all know to be true when visiting Disneyland, it's so amazing. It was seriously the most fun I have had in years. We had a great time! I love Disneyland and hope to return many more times!

Disneyland in Anaheim really is the most magical place on earth.
It doesn't matter how old you are, there is always something going on that will entrance you.
We gave ourselves 3 days to experience Disneyland and California Adventure, so we split the time between the two.
Next time I would allow 5 days!
We also arrived late September and found that to be a great time
to visit the parks, because there were virtually NO queues. Yay.
We saw and did most things but I reckon we still missed a lot of things happening on the sidelines.
The new rides at California Adventure are amazing. Our 9 yr old kept up with us and did everything too.
Food was very expensive and the advertised price then had TAX added to it, after you had selected.
We stayed at the Howard Johnson which couldn't be more convenient - 5 minutes walk.

Went on a Thursday and it was great! Lines were short but had to wait about 45 minutes for Nemo. Went to the bookstore before I left and browsed through the Unofficial Official guide to Disneyland. My husband and I went without kids so they had a "day planner" suggestion. We were able to do everything we wanted in one day! You can bring in food and drinks which is helpful