The most magical things at the parks?

[barbaraann]

Most people will respond that the most magical things at the parks are the Parades and the fireworks.

Let's pretend. Disneyland Park and California Adventure have "no parades and no fireworks".

So what else is magical at the parks, that keeps you coming back, time and time again?

Now for you cynics out there, this is posted just for fun and to get us all thinking. Remember, there are plenty of days, that neither the parades or the fireworks are shown.

 

[Lynzer Torte]

I love the sounds and smells of DL- there's nothing like it anywhere and that, to me, is magical!

 

[iceskatejen]

I don't know if it's things so much as the feelings and memories DL brings out in me that are magical. The characters are magical. The street performers and musical acts are magical. The lights coming on on Main Street when the sun goes down is magical. But it's the feelings for me that really do it. It's that big, warm hug I feel (not a literal hug, but you get the idea) when I first step into Town Square. The laughter I have watching my faves, Chip & Dale having fun with the guests. Seeing other characters playing with kids is magical. It's really hard to put it into words.

 

[crazymomof 4]

For me the most magical thing is that feeling you had when you were a kid going to Disneyland. I don't think it ever truly leaves those that really love Disneyland. I feel the same way about it now as I did when I was 5 and that was 30 years ago! There is nothing like going on Peter Pan. I read that book and loved the movie so much (still do) it just makes you feel so young. Also when you first see that castle your heart skips a beat just like it did when you were a kid imagining yourself living there. But the best part for me now is when I see that same kind of magic in my childrens' eyes as they are going through the same experiences. And to top it all off my 2 year old son Shealor is as crazy as me. If anybody asks him what he wants to do, he replies" Disland Disland! This just goes to show you the the Magic of the Mouse Never Dies!

 

[AFMom]

I agree - hard to put into words. The lights coming on on Main St, the jazz band/blues band in New Orleans square, hearing the jungle sounds as you walk through Adventureland! I love just standing in a land and feeling it, experiencing it. Ususally we are all so rushed to get to the next experience - and we don't take the time to realize the best experience is just the amazing ambience. I'm a sucker for ambiance. Pay $20 for a cruddy hamburger if the view is good!
Riding the dark rides in Fantasyland really takes me back to my childhood - as well as riding Pirates and the Haunted Mansion. I LOVE riding Casey Jr and the Storybook Canal boats for that reason as well. The best part is watching my kids' faces as we go through the day - just trying to remember and capture the looks, huge smiles, the way their eyes light up like no where else.
Hard to put into words.

 

[zukeeper]

If you have little ones, especially girls, there is nothing like having a real-live princess tell you a story at Princess Storytime. Re-living the favorite rides of my childhood with my kids is awsome as well as enjoying our favorite family rides - teacups, storybook canal, casey jr., jungle cruise, tiki room, etc etc. My kids are still scaredy cats, so our best times are on rides I don't have to beg them to go on. I just wish the wait for Peter Pan wasn't so long!

 

[Judy from Boise]

main st first thing in the morning, and the castle hub at dusk and early evening. The smells, the lights, the flowers.

 

[Blackunicorn]

Walking into Tomorrowland just after dark, with the lights on. I can't even describe how beautiful it is to me.

 

[B9erSteve]

I'm brought back to my childhood each time I enter the park. I have stories for most of the rides. I'm wanting to instill those memories in my children as well. It occured to me that my son will not be very old on the parks centennial.

 

[TeachSPED]

The most magical thing for me is the Snow White wishing well. It is to the right of the castle and there is a small waterfall next to it with Snow White and the seven dwarves. When you drop a penny in the well, Snow White starts to sing her "I'm wishing" song and the well echoes back. It reminds me exactly of the movie and makes me feel all warm and fuzzy every time I hear it.

 

[ReneeB]

I have to agree with everyone else. It's not a particular ride, or a particular parade. It's the atmosphere and the feeling that comes over me when I'm at Disneyland. It's ok to be a kid there. No adult worries or concerns interfere in my time at the happiest place on earth. It is truly a magical experience . It's my laughing place.