The Svendsens at Disneyland

The Svendsens at Disneyland; Christmas 2003

"The Happiest Place on Earth" is the slogan touted by the Disney Corporation.  We were there for Christmas, 2003.  Admittedly it was a very good time.  There were a number of things which I learned though; things that should be passed on to fellow travelers who hope to enjoy the place where joy knows no bounds.

First off, go early.  Another slogan which the megacorp could extol to the multitudes is "The Busiest Place on Earth."  Notice the photo above; we got this picture within ten minutes of entering the gates, right at opening time.  We got Goofy, Mickey, and Pluto to pose with us - not something that would be easily achieved during busy times.  Also, have a look at the background - it's empty of people.  If we showed up a few hours later the end result would be totally different.

Then there is the idea of going during low season.  The crowds are smaller, the fares are cheaper, and the weather is still warm and reasonable.  You can see in the photo the fact that it had just rained.  Imperfect weather means better deals and less crowds.  I find that joy and sunshine are not always corresponding parameters.  Long lines, hot days, and empty wallets have a way of significantly decreasing the joy factor. 

Some parents take their kids out of school to go to such destinations.  Going during spring break, the summer, or even as we did over Christmas may not be the most affordable option.  Some may look down on the idea, but the reality is that it may well be the best time to ramp up that joy factor.  The long term impact of missing a week of school, elementary especially, is minimal.  Not everyone can get holidays during summer; most true for those working in service industries or who are low on the seniority list.  Consider going in the fall.  The combination of low fees, time off school, with the prospects of fair weather will augment expectations.

Don't bring a tripod.   I love using these three-legged stands in my long exposure photographs.  Their value seems to be underappreciated by members of Disney's staff, and they will likely insist on you putting it away.  In fact, selfie sticks, monopods, and probably questionable looking walking sticks are all likely to be banned.  Apparently, they are notorious for tripping people.  As sad as it is to say, be sure you are permitted to bring one.  IMPORTANT:  Do yourself a favour - have written permission OKing you to have one.  The lines of communication are short.

If you lose something, contact lost and found.  I left my Australian hat on "The Pirates of the Caribbean" ride.  When I went back for it, it was gone.  I gave it up for lost but decided to approach the missing stuff department.  They had not seen it but had me fill out a form stating what it was that I had lost, where I lost it, and whatever other information I could give them.  Two weeks after we got home it showed up in the mail. 

We stayed at off-site at a hotel, but were close enough to walk to the park.  The hotel was twelve stories high or so, and had an elevator which was on the outside of the building.  Its walls were made of glass and you could see the ground disappear beneath you as you climbed into the sky.  The city would come into view and we were in awe of the spectacle.  After finishing our time in the theme park, we asked the kids which ride they enjoyed the most.  Their unanimous answer was the hotel's elevator.  We could have saved a lot of money and just spent our days traveling vertically in the hotel's lift.

All in all, it was a good visit.  I would have liked my daughter to have been a little older so that she remembered more of the experience.  However, it was a destination which was nice to have visited and the shared memories will last a lifetime.  How can you go to "The Happiest Place on Earth" and not leave with some fond recollections?