For most children, Disneyland is a place that evokes magic and wonder. As a child, I was no exception to that rule. Early on, I was Disney obsessed and begged my family to take me to every movie, purchase every toy, and more importantly, go the Happiest Place on Earth. Unfortunately, life happened as it so often does. My family divided and I ended up having two households, but predominately living with my mom. Bills and food 
took higher priority and that beloved trip to Disneyland got pushed back year after year. We still went to the movies and I had no shortage of mouse themed toys. While I harbored some disappointment, in hindsight, I appreciate all the sacrifices my mom made to keep 
us afloat.
took higher priority and that beloved trip to Disneyland got pushed back year after year. We still went to the movies and I had no shortage of mouse themed toys. While I harbored some disappointment, in hindsight, I appreciate all the sacrifices my mom made to keep us afloat.Fast forward to 2009, at the ripe old age of 24, my dream was fulfilled. My then boyfriend – now husband knew that Disneyland was my dream vacation and decided that it would be perfect for our anniversary. I’m not going to lie, stepping through those gates and under that archway onto Main Street, tears flooded my eyes. Call me
cheesy, but there is something truly magical about the whole atmosphere; my standing theory is that it is pixie dust. We immediately stopped at the Town Hall where I proudly proclaimed it was my first visit and obtained a
shiny new button as proof of that exciting milestone.
cheesy, but there is something truly magical about the whole atmosphere; my standing theory is that it is pixie dust. We immediately stopped at the Town Hall where I proudly proclaimed it was my first visit and obtained a
shiny new button as proof of that exciting milestone.From that first visit to meet Mickey to the amazing, all senses encompassing rides, I was instantly addicted. I squealed with delight on the Flying Dumbo ride and gasped with excitement during the drops on Space Mountain. Even the food seemed to contain some of that pixie dust. From the crispy shelled corn dogs to the
warm, doughy beignets and the creamy-fruity dole whip, my stomach was left just as satisfied as my spirit. My senses were overloaded at the incredible detail that was perfectly laid out for the guests to immerse entirely into the experience that is pure
Disney enchantment. I left with more than my signature Mickey ears and stuffed Pluto; the memories from that first trip are a reminder that fun and magic do not disappear with age and that you don’t have to be a child to find yourself enraptured with the magic that is Disneyland.
warm, doughy beignets and the creamy-fruity dole whip, my stomach was left just as satisfied as my spirit. My senses were overloaded at the incredible detail that was perfectly laid out for the guests to immerse entirely into the experience that is pure
Disney enchantment. I left with more than my signature Mickey ears and stuffed Pluto; the memories from that first trip are a reminder that fun and magic do not disappear with age and that you don’t have to be a child to find yourself enraptured with the magic that is Disneyland.Since that fateful visit 6 years ago, I have been back once or twice a year and the initial excitement has never faded. I was proposed to at Disneyland a year later and the year after that, I was able to bring my mom for her first trip as well. Next year, I plan on bringing my daughter for her second birthday so that she can get started early with her Disney love. Disneyland is not just a place, but an experience as well. With each trip to Anaheim, I am left with new memories and happy moments that I will always cherish forever.
-Sarah D.
Thank you everyone who participated in this contest! It was wonderful seeing everybody’s photos!!
