I’ve spent more than a decade visiting Disney World and Disneyland with my family, and when they were small, my kids were game for the hustle and bustle. Now that they’re teenagers, visits to theme parks with them are rare, and when they do tag along, there’s not much they’re interested in doing.
Recently, I spent a day at Disneyland alone and, in the words of Rapunzel, had the “best day ever.” I visited the park from early morning until late at night and did the things my kids would have complained about having to do if they’d been with me. It was a great reminder that grown-ups need to do “kid things” by themselves sometimes, and I can’t wait to do it again.
I did everything my kids complain about doing when we visit
At Disneyland, I prioritized rides I love but that often have long lines, especially old dark-ride-style attractions like Pinocchio’s Daring Journey and Snow White’s Enchanted Wish. You can’t use Lightning Lane, Disneyland’s skip-the-line pass that costs extra, on these rides, so my kids are usually out.
I did use the Lightning Lane pass I purchased to ride other attractions my kids claim to be sick of, like It’s A Small World and Pirates of the Caribbean. Experiencing these longtime favorites whine-free was magical.
My kids also complain about parade-viewing at Disney parks, since you usually need to find a spot along the route at least 30 minutes before the parade starts and sit still to keep your place. On the day I visited, Disneyland had two parades, The Celebrate Happy Cavalcade during the day and Paint the Night — an incredible lighted parade — at night. For both, I grabbed myself a treat, found a seat, and thoroughly enjoyed waving to characters like Duffy Bear and the Disney Princesses from my front-row vantage point.
The day reminded me that grown-ups need to let loose sometimes, too
There were other little things I found delightful during my day, from being able to try snacks my kids may have turned their noses up at, like a chicken pot pie-topped baked potato that’s part of Disneyland’s 70th anniversary celebration menu, to standing in long lines to meet characters like Minnie Mouse. I rode more than 10 rides, met several characters, saw two parades and the evening fireworks show, and enjoyed yummy treats, like a mint julep and a green sugar-covered Gator Tail Churro.
I also faced a Disney fear — riding the new Tiana’s Bayou Adventure attraction (formerly Splash Mountain). I never liked the 50-foot drop at Splash Mountain, so I’d put off riding the new version. Because I was alone, I decided to be brave. The ride was incredibly beautiful and I would absolutely face the drop (and getting soaked) again to spend more time with Princess Tiana and her friends.
Doing things I love to do helped me recharge and unwind
My day acting like a kid at Disneyland was a much-needed break from the responsibilities of mom life. What’s more, the following day, as I flew home, my husband had an emergency appendectomy, and I landed amid a bit of chaos. It just goes to show that it’s important to take little moments for yourself when you can, so you’re ready to jump when the inevitable stresses of life show up.
Recharged and armed with a bit of pixie dust, I arrived home from Disneyland ready to support my husband and kids during a stressful time. My husband joked that I already deserve another Disneyland trip since mine ended with his medical emergency. While he’s on the mend and doing great now, I just may take him up on that one day.
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