The Year of a Million Dreams

Well, the 50th anniversary at Disneyland is gone. If you missed it, you lost your opportunity to see special “golden” rides and shows. But all is not lost! For a limited time, Southern California residents receive the “2fer Tickets” deal. When you buy a ticket to one park ($53 - $63), you can get into the other park for free. With tickets ranging from $102 - $122 for two day passes, this is a pretty good buy!

Disneyland has issued the “2fer Pass” every January for as long as I can remember. It really is the best time to go to Disneyland. Unlike Six Flags, which is closed weekdays during the “off season”, Disneyland is open year-round. Going in January/February makes for a pleasant Disney trip. There are not very many tourists (short lines!), just locals who are experienced Disney-goers.

With the 50th anniversary gone, Disney has started a new promotion: The Year of a Million Dreams. This is where staff members randomly hand out prizes throughout the day at both parks. You could receive a FastPass, which enables you to wait in a shorter line, or even a trip to Disneyworld! I actually received a free ticket to Disneyland! ☺

Think Disneyland is just for kids? Or that you've been to Disneyland a thousand times and seen everything? Think again! There still are a few secrets that might intrigue you to check out Disneyland sometime soon. Did you know that you can actually walk inside Sleeping Beauty's castle? Alright, that one wasn't such a big secret. Well, bet you didn't know about the basketball court inside of the Matterhorn ride. It's true (see attached photo)! Also, throughout the park, there are “Hidden Mickey's” waiting to be discovered. What?! You don't know what a Hidden Mickey is? A Hidden Mickey is an image of Mickey Mouse concealed in the design of a Disney attraction. Sounds easy to find? Well, it's not the actual picture of Mickey Mouse, it is the silhouette of his head and ears and can take on many forms. Still think you can find them? Good luck and happy hunting! :)

-Kristyn Culmone

(Check out http://www.snopes.com for other Disney rumors, and http://www.findingmickey.com for pictures of other hidden mickey's!)

Comments

[Steve C]

I got a chance to visit Disneyland last summer with my niece and nephew and did enjoyed every moment of it. The only thing that I didn’t like was the huge crowds but did take advantage of the Fast Pass that shorten the wait for the rides. We took advantage of the pass that let us to go to California Adventure park on the same day. California Adventure had some cool fun rides and there seem to be less people. The additional cost was (approx. $20) definitely worth it. I think next time as per your advise I will go off-season.

[bpalmer]

I'm glad that adults still love and enjoy Disneyland. I loved Disneyland, that is until I realized that standing in line for 2 hours for a 1 minute thrill ride just wasn't worth it anymore. I know that now I can pay for the "fast pass". I just find it hard to pay extra for my own time. At the end of the day my feet hurt, my eyes are tired, my stomach feels ill from all the fast food, I'm thirsty and tired of spending $6.00 for one bottle of good water.

Why did adulthood change me so much? Yes Disneyland keeps you young at heart but only if someone else pays for your trip. A day at the park costs a family of four about $225 for entrance fees, $20 for parking fees, a minium of $200 for cheap fast food and drinks, about $50 in souveneres and about $40 in gas to and from the park if you live in North County; that's about $500 for one day, give or take. I didn't include a hotel price because we'll just asume you leave home early and drive home late.

I don't think that spending a day with the family should cost $500 and hours of waiting for five rides. Is it really quality family time? Everyone wants to ride different rides, some want fast rides, some want slow rides and some want to just watch shows. Disneyland you say, no thank you! I'll just stay at home, pack a lunch and enjoy the Oceanside or Carlsbad beach, for free! My Disney paradox was that Disney wasn't the happiest place on earth.