Tuesday
Nov232010
"Ears" To the Holidays
Tuesday, November 23, 2010 at 09:22PM
When I was growing up – a long way away from Southern California in more ways than one – I went to Disneyland twice. That's two times. In about 30 years. And on my first trip, I was 6 months old. My dad traded his driver's license for one of the park's strollers, which was a relatively new invention back then. My second? I was a junior in high school.
So my life as a Southern Californian began as a Disneyland-starved adult, never quite getting my fill of swirling tea cups, space-themed roller coasters and over-the-top parades. My kids have the life I used to daydream about: Living within 60 miles of the Happiest Place on Earth. Of course, as an L.A. family we are also on a tight budget and don't always have the time or wherewithall to brave the 5 on a Saturday morning. So our treks to the park are carefully planned and quite measured. We've settled upon the holidays as our favorite time
to make our big annual trek: When I need a dose of extreme holiday spirit and the kids feel as though they've been transported to our own version of the North Pole.
The park gets a holly-and-big-bow makeover this time of year, and the mood everywhere is infectious. The Haunted Mansion has enough Christmas "spirit" to haunt even the Scroogiest of visitors. The "A Christmas Fantasy" Parade routinely brings tears to my eyes, even when those silly reindeer walk by on two legs instead of four. The "Believe ... In Holiday Magic" show mixes fireworks and snow, and I still can't figure out how they get Tinkerbell to flit above Sleeping Beauty Castle. It's a Small World remains my all-time fave, and this DL standard gets decked out with snowflakes and Feliz Navidads-aplenty.
So part of your "tax" as a Southland family is to make the pilgrimage to this hallowed ground in Orange County. I recommend the holidays, but you have to find your own special schedule and create your own traditions.
In case you're in need of motivation, Disneyland Ambassador Danielle DuBois took a moment during my family's trip last weekend to chat with me about some of her favorite holiday treats and treasures in both Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure. Watch this, and see if you can resist (she had me at "giant, handmade candy canes.").
So my life as a Southern Californian began as a Disneyland-starved adult, never quite getting my fill of swirling tea cups, space-themed roller coasters and over-the-top parades. My kids have the life I used to daydream about: Living within 60 miles of the Happiest Place on Earth. Of course, as an L.A. family we are also on a tight budget and don't always have the time or wherewithall to brave the 5 on a Saturday morning. So our treks to the park are carefully planned and quite measured. We've settled upon the holidays as our favorite time
to make our big annual trek: When I need a dose of extreme holiday spirit and the kids feel as though they've been transported to our own version of the North Pole.The park gets a holly-and-big-bow makeover this time of year, and the mood everywhere is infectious. The Haunted Mansion has enough Christmas "spirit" to haunt even the Scroogiest of visitors. The "A Christmas Fantasy" Parade routinely brings tears to my eyes, even when those silly reindeer walk by on two legs instead of four. The "Believe ... In Holiday Magic" show mixes fireworks and snow, and I still can't figure out how they get Tinkerbell to flit above Sleeping Beauty Castle. It's a Small World remains my all-time fave, and this DL standard gets decked out with snowflakes and Feliz Navidads-aplenty.
So part of your "tax" as a Southland family is to make the pilgrimage to this hallowed ground in Orange County. I recommend the holidays, but you have to find your own special schedule and create your own traditions.
In case you're in need of motivation, Disneyland Ambassador Danielle DuBois took a moment during my family's trip last weekend to chat with me about some of her favorite holiday treats and treasures in both Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure. Watch this, and see if you can resist (she had me at "giant, handmade candy canes.").
Reader Comments (3)
What a great video. Great experience for you and your family. I really enjoyed that. Thank you for taking the time to post it and do a fun interview! NEAT!!!
Carolyn that video is sooooo cute! You are so great on camera...and your kids too!
I really enjoyed the mix of the business and personal views...well done.
Happy Holidays!
Cannot wait to go in two weeks. Am so psyched after reading this!