AS a 30-something I bet I’m not alone in saying that the Happiest Place on Earth has been in my life for as long as I can remember ... I’ve literally lost count of the number of times I’ve seen The Little Mermaid.
But … I’d never actually been there. Until now.
Because thanks to some clever planning and the convenience of having an international airport on our doorstep, hubby, number one son, the little princess and myself now proudly show off our Mickey Mouse ears and say ‘we’ve been to Disneyland!’
Look, we’re not made of money and our family breaks had been trips to the Sunny Coast or to see relatives interstate, plus a week in Thailand a few years ago that basically involved laying on the beach or running around like maniacs with the kids.
But a random convo with a friend of a friend over a coffee at Pacific Fair got the cogs whirring — and sums being done.
If they’d done a week in LA for the kind of money she’d talked about, so could we.
The big clincher was being able to fly the whole family from the Gold Coast Airport to LA with Air New Zealand from $1,099 per adult and $813 for kids ($3,824 for the whole family).
We followed her online booking tips and found some of our own.
The mickeyvisit.com site, for example, is a good one with advice on not only how to visit without needing a second mortgage but also how to enjoy the whole experience with less stress. Example: Pre-booking a character dining experience (yes, you and your fave Disney characters get face time over a meal. Too good) was a winner for us and a definite highlight.
We saved by booking our room at one of the park’s three hotels as well as stuff like transport from LAX and little hints such as taking water bottles and knowing where we could fill them.
If you think that sounds tight, you haven’t seen how much a Sprite’s going to set you back when a thirst hits in Tomorrowland.
Getting there was easy done with our flights out of the Gold Coast Airport on Air New Zealand one of the main reasons we could go, not just on price but also convenience.
Mum dropped us off and picked us up without a worry — the whole trip took her under an hour — or we’d happily have parked at the airport, knowing the car was safe and it wasn’t costing us a fortune.
And as for the actual time in LA? It’s a bit hard to sum up because we seemed to cram so much in to our week … at Disneyland and beyond (Baywatch moments at Venice Beach, famous feet at the Chinese Theatre, eating in diners just like on TV, etc!).
Everyone in the family had an incredible time and we all have favourite memories.
I will happily admit being at Disneyland, riding the rides and seeing all the things I’d seen so many times on TV as a youngster had me feeling about 10 again.
But topping everything was a moment I won’t ever forget — seeing the look on our little princess’ face when she met and had her photo taken with a ‘real’ princess, Cinderella no less.
It made the trip worth every cent.
Now, thanks to how simple it was to get there from our own hometown, we’re already planning our next trip … those Maldives look all right, don’t they?
Disneyland Top 5
EAT:
— Harbour Gallery — Disneyland
You have to try a lobster roll here, they are amazing!
— Carnation Café — Disneyland
Hot tip: Aim to reserve a table around parade time and you’ll have a great view of proceedings as well as a great meal.
— Goofy’s Kitchen — Disneyland Hotel
This character meal venue for either breakfast or dinner is a hit — both are buffets that are definitely worth the price.
— Big Thunder Ranch BBQ — Disneyland
Could it get more American? This all-you-can eat BBQ place is a heap of fun.
— PCH Grill — Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel
You can’t go wrong with a place where the kids get to make their own pizzas. Also does a good character breakfast.
PLAY:
Our pick of the top 5 rides at Disneyland — you definitely want to go on these ones!
— Pirates of the Caribbean
The ride that inspired the movies now has incorporated Jack Sparrow and company into the ride. Suitable for all ages, it’s in New Orleans Square.
— Haunted Mansion
No restrictions on who can enter its hallways, this haunted house is more silly than scary — and a lot of fun. Also in New Orleans Square
— Indiana Jones Adventure
Has a 115cm height restriction. It’s a ripper ride based on the movies series and its in Adventureland
— The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Has a 101cm height restriction. It’s a free fall ride but thanks to the storyline and special effects it’s a whole lot more than that. Hollywood Pictures Backlot in Disney’s California Adventure
— Space Mountain
Has a 101cm height restriction. The classic coaster in Tomorrowland had a special effects makeover and it’s now a real mindbender!
Outside Disneyland
— A Day in LA Tours
We did a full day with them and really enjoyed it. While a lot was crammed in — all the stuff you want to see like the Hollywood sign, Venice Beach, Rodeo Drive, Sunset Strip, Griffith Park and the Hollywood Walk of Fame — it didn’t feel rushed. And they offer a free hotel pick-up and drop off, which is brilliant. Two thumbs up!
— Santa Monica
It doesn’t get much more LA than this. Surfers, yoga freaks, other kinds of freaks and us visitors mingle along a golden stretch of sand in a laid-back and always interesting mix. And a turn on the Santa Monica Ferris wheel will make anyone smile. Getting there’s easy with the opening of the new Expo Metro line, connecting downtown LA to Santa Monica. www.metro.net
— Los Angeles Farmers Market
From humble beginnings in the 1930s when it truly was a farmers’ market, this iconic market is a great way to rub shoulders with all types of Californians plus hunt for bargains.
STAY:
— Paradise Pier
Disneyland’s most affordable and laid back hotel option, it has views of California Adventure as well as Surf’s Up! Breakfast with Mickey and friends at Disney’s PCH Grill.
— The Disneyland Hotel
This is the original Disneyland hotel with a classic feel and lots of nostalgia, overlooking Downtown Disney. There are themed suites and five restaurants/cafes.
— The Grand Californian
The most luxurious of Disneyland’s hotels, it is the closest to the parks and has immediate access to California Adventure. And there are sleeping bags available on request.
— Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel and Water Playground
Right in the centre of Anaheim, this family-friendly hotel is only a block away from Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure. It is also just a 10-minute walk to Downtown Disney.
— Hilton Hotel Anaheim
Only a block from the Disneyland Resort, this Hilton offers great value with renovated guest rooms and 96 luxurious studio suites.
This content was created thanks to our friends at Gold Coast Airport
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