I’ve been watching a lot of Disney Parks videos recently, and I really love the parks more so than any other part of Disney. So I wanted to just have a fun post about some of my favorite memories of Disneyland (and DCA by association) and how to make memories for yourself in those parks.
Finding Hidden Mickeys
This goes back to the very, very start of my Disneyland visits as a small child. My uncle, who is a big Disney fan, taught my brother and me about the Hidden Mickeys. For those of you that don’t know, across every park, there are Mickey Mouse shapes hidden in attractions, stores, restaurants, and just everywhere. So it’s like a scavenger hunt to find them during your visits. And some of my favorite rides in Disneyland have these hidden mickeys and I love seeing them every time I ride them.
Watching Someone Experience Disney for the First Time
When I was in high school, I got to go on a band trip to Disneyland and my best friend had never been to the parks before. So I got to be a guide of sorts to the park. I honestly do not remember my first trip to Disneyland personally because I was five years old and my memory is not great that far back. So getting to experience someone’s first time is pretty cool.
Sword in the Stone Photos
So one of my all time favorite trips was the summer after my senior year of high school. My brother is my favorite travel buddy cause we work well together and enjoy the same things and enjoy each other’s company. During that trip, we took photos at the Sword in the Stone like the nerds we are. And we repeated this on our most recent trip this past September. It’s kind of a symbol of great Disney trips now for me.
Halloween at the Parks
I have done a couple of trips to the parks during Halloween, and one trip actually on Halloween itself. Fall is one of my favorite seasons and I do enjoy Halloween, so getting to spend that time in Disney is pretty great. Plus there are special changes they make for that period and only in Disneyland, such as Haunted Mansion Holiday.
So, how do you make magical memories in the Disney Parks?
Well the short of it is, you can’t force the memories. You may be able to plan every detail, coordinate the perfect Instagram shot, but the truly magical memories are not plannable. However, there are a couple of things that help make good memories.
Who You Go With
Most of my favorite memories are tied to the people I was with. My favorite trips were with my brother. My first memories are with my uncle. There are some people who will make a trip great for you and you will have a really good time with. And those are the people you’ll make memories with.
Being Flexible
While I do recommend having a list of what you want to do and making plans, it’s also good to have the flexibility to change your plans or wander into a short line ride or an experience you may not have planned. Those moments could become the cherished memories.
What are your favorite Disney memories? Let me know with a comment below.
I’ve never been to Disney but I’ve been playing Disneyland Adventures on my Xbox and one of the tasks is discovering & photographing all the hidden Mickeys. 🙂
It’s been so long since I’ve been to Disneyland, but I remember the hidden Mickeys – they were so much fun to find. Like a movie Easter egg, but in real life.
Emma | https://geekytourist.com
This makes me want to go back to Disney! I went a couple times with my high school band/choir, we got to perform which was pretty cool but being there with friends are some of my most cherished memories <3