I'm excited to announce that this year, for the first time ever, I will be taking a solo trip to Disneyland...AND doing the 24 hour kick-off party for the 60th anniversary. I know--it seems reckless to some to go on an adventure like this by myself and leave my family at home, but I am ridiculously excited. I haven't taken a vacation without my husband in 8 years. I've always wanted to go solo as I've been to literally every other local theme park by myself, but I've never had the courage to go to this one alone since it's so associated with family. Then, with the announcement of the 60th Anniversary kick-off, I just knew I had to do. This is one instance where I think my 1-year-old twins and my 4-year-old are better off staying at home given that it will be packed and they won't be able to tolerate the long hours. My husband is not much for all the excitement, so he opted to stay home, too. So, it's just me. I'm nervous, but more importantly, thrilled.
In case you haven't seen the info, for the anniversary, Disneyland is starting a brand-new parade similar to the old Main Street Electric Light Parade called Paint the Night. It's very similar to the one currently being held at Disneyland in Hong Kong. If you watch videos for their version, it's stunning. I, for one, can't wait because the Electric Light Parade was so much a part of my own childhood memories of Disneyland. It's amazing to know that my children will have the opportunity to grow up with something similar. In addition to Paint the Night, Disneyland also has a brand new fully immersive fireworks show and California Adventure will be doing a special World of Color.
So, aside from seeing Paint the Night and the new fireworks (I don't really care about WoC) , my plan is to do all of the things I don't get to do with my family or have never done before. This means spending time enjoying Main Street's offerings like Lincoln, seeing Mickey and the Magical Map, riding on Roger Rabbit, and going on the big thrill rides like Tower of Terror and Space Mountain. In addition, there are quite a few food items I want to try that I always mean to go for, but don't quite make it. These include: the famous corn dog, skewers, stuffed baked potatoes, the lobster roll, cream cheese filled pretzels, steak gumbo, tavern nachos, the pastrami burger, and the chicken sausage in a pretzel roll. I don't expect to eat them all, but with 24 hours (plus some since I'll come in the evening before the event starts), I expect I will try to mostly eat small meals throughout to keep my energy up.
Anyway, I plan to take pictures and post information on the event and how it goes, plus tips for solo visitors once I've gone. It's going to be so different than going with friends or family, but I know it will be amazing, too.
