what is your favorite thing at DL or DCA?

[laurasvwee]

my 9 year old son asked me this question this morning. he said not just your favorite ride or character. your very favorite thing of all. Well I must say he stumped me I'm not sure that I have a all time favorite. So I thought I would ask all of you and he will really enjoy see your answers. We will be in the parks in October for his 2nd trip. the first time he was 5 and he has forgotten some of it.

 

[Jkpark]

Grizzly River Rapids.
Something about it not being a full on thrill ride, making friends with any new people on your raft, not knowing who is going to get soaked, the laughter, etc. I could not be happier now that both my girls are tall enough.

 

[furb & dez]

Forgetting the outside world and succumbing to fantasy.

 

[4th Gen Disney Fan]

Always and forever: Pirates of the Caribbean. That is my all-time favorite thing about Disneyland. I HAVE to ride it at least twice per trip.

 

[tinkermomma]

Peter Pan.

“Come on, everybody, here we goooooooo!"

 

[DisneytheKid]

That is a good one. I have to go with New Orleans Square (I proposed to my wife there.) Lots of great memories!

Forgetting the outside world and succumbing to fantasy.

 

[Patrick in Oregon]

Forgetting the outside world and succumbing to fantasy.

Just being there.
I've done the rides, I've seen the shows (most of them). These days I like to take in the surroundings, be in awe of the engineering and imagineering, people watch etc.

Think about this - nothing in Disneyland is designed by accident. Next time you walk through the parks, take in some details and think about the fact that everything is done with a purpose. For example, we walked into CL from the Pier. I noticed the road we walked on was a pretty standard concrete road with road signs, no big deal. But once we stepped foot into Radiator Springs, route 66 was perfectly new black top - just like in the movie. Seriously, this is one of the first things I noticed specifically, everything else was a visual assault lol. But then I realized that road we walked in on was more than what I first thought. I then appreciated that crappy little road leading into Radiator Springs, the faded paint on the roads and beat up road signs. Then you realize even the cracks in the pavement were purposeful because you know its a brand new land and the pavement isn't that old.

Cliffnotes version:
When my group goes to Disneyland we get "I'm Celebrating" buttons. When a cast member asks what we are celebrating, the answer is always "being in Disneyland."

Also Hidden Mickeys, because I know an Imagineer purposefully put a secret there for me to find and can only be found by appreciating the details.

 

[Eclectic Goddess]

My favorite thing is walking along Main Street right as the park opens. The music is playing and the CMs are greeting everyone that passes by. Even if we were there the day before, everything seems fresh and new. The entire day of magic is ahead of us, full of potential. It's pretty special, and totally worth getting up early for.

 

[milan15]

Giggling like a little kid while I watch World of Color or ride on Indiana Jones.

 

[SomeDude78]

Leaving the park at closing during Xmas and seeing the decorations and tree all lit up, plus the full cast of characters waving from up on the train platform.

 

[DharmaLou]

Dumbo. It's been my favorite since I was 5.

But I'm pretty sure it will soon be replaced with the look of wonder on my DD's eyes when she goes for the first time this fall and meets her very first princess.

 

[rowan1813]

My favorite thing is walking along Main Street right as the park opens.

Completely agree with this! There is just something special about it.

My other favorite thing is leaving at the end of the night, passing by the firehouse and looking up at the light in the window. Just knowing that he will always be there and saying a thank you for the amazing memories that I have.

 

[mybestieismickey]

Another Main Street lover here

I love strolling the shops in the morning or the middle of the day, looking at all the things that I don't need but can't live without. I love checking out the cool window displays and watching them make candy through the window.

But most of all, I love to get ice cream from Gibson Girl with DH and finding a piece of curb to people watch and wait for the parade. Not sure if it's the people watching or the memories that it evokes, but no trip is perfect without doing this. :

 

[hootey]

CRUSH....diffrent show everytime ya see it. Always funny...

 

[JaibuJenn]

I love the fact that as soon as you walk toward the esplanade, you are immediately transported. Disneyland is such an immersive experience and one that cannot be beat. I especially love the music. Everytime I come back home, I miss not having background Disney music everywhere I go.

Close second would be Peter Pan...*sigh*

 

[Bungle]

My favorite thing is that it is OUR time. No calls from work, chores, or any other responsibilities. It's just our family and fun.

 

[lorieintucson]

i don't know why, but when the Holiday Lighting comes up on the castle with the music...i just cry. each and every time. after the third time i'm laughing and crying because of how silly it is to be automatically teary-eyed at the same thing over and over again.

 

[SA mom]

Space Mountain...it really is better than WDW.

 

[SilentFeline]

This is an interesting question. After giving it some thought I guess I would also have to say entering on Main St., especially for the first time on my trip. It transports me to a different world and the feeling of excitement as I approach the castle and know what fun is ahead of me is indescribable. It makes me feel like a kid again!

 

[laurasvwee]

thank you all so much for replying. my son enjoyed reading your replies. I asked him what his favorite thing at DL was and he said he was sure it was going to be Cars Land but right now its space mountain