Erin's First Visit to the Magic Kingdom

Disneyland ~ March, 1988 (The Very 1^st Time!)

In 1955 Walt Disney opened up a crazy little amusement park in the middle of a few old strawberry fields in Anaheim, California. He called it Disneyland, and in my humble opinion that’s just about one of the nicest things to ever happen in our small world. Much has been written about Disneyland and you will be able to find loads of books and information to help you navigate your visits to the Magic Kingdom. But brace yourself for the first time your child spies Mickey, Minnie, Cinderella, Belle, Aladdin, and those precious Seven Dwarfs for your heart will melt right along with theirs. There were 17 short miles between our front door in Lakewood and the Disneyland Main Gate (though with California traffic it always took about 40 minutes.) At just two years of age Erin was excited about her first trip to Disneyland and couldn’t wait to meet Mickey and Minnie. She was not disappointed as she sidled right up to Walt’s adorable human-sized characters just beyond the front gate on Main Street, USA. Her smile said it all as she hugged Mickey Mouse and then sat down near Minnie as if they were best pals. At just 3 months of age, this was Zach’s first visit to the Magic Kingdom as well and he happily spent his time napping in the Snugli or stroller.

We arrived early that first morning as the park was just coming to life. We have always felt that this adventure is best begun when the park has fewer visitors. Toddlers and smaller children tire out so easily and we were lucky enough to live close by so we could head out after the parade and be home in time for dinner. Head to Fantasyland first with your sweet cherubs as this is the area of the park where the lines become monumental, especially the ‘Peter Pan’ attraction. Waiting in the heat of the day with very little shade and a tired toddler can try the patience of even the most tolerant parents. After you’ve ridden all of the rides in Fantasyland, plot the rest of your day throughout the park. Try to see all of the attractions in one themed area of the park at a time so you are not traipsing back and forth across the Magic Kingdom without a set-upon plan. This is typically known as the "spoke" method - sort of like circling the spoke or hub of a wheel. Celebrate Toon-Town, Tomorrowland, Adventureland, and Frontierland spending as much time as you can enjoying the ambience of this magical place. When our children were young, we visited one day at a time but as they got older we ventured into 2-3 day trips and more.

We truly believe that Disneyland is “The Happiest Place on Earth” and have been there well over 50 times as a family. This first visit was the inaugural of many wonderful trips and the basis for plenty of magical memories we have made over the years with our children.

You will find so much information online and in books and magazines in regards to planning your visit to Disneyland or Walt Disney World (but more on that later.) We are certainly not experts but feel that we have established an ease with both as we have experienced every single attraction and eaten in just about every single dining and/or snack establishment at both of the Disney properties here in the United States. 

To plan your Disney adventures go to their website at www.disneyland.com or visit your local bookstore or library to obtain tour books to aid in planning your own magical adventure.




Experience the Magic,
Deb :)