First International Disney Park Visit Is a Go!

 I know I've said this before, but I am finally visiting Disney outside of America! I was suppose to go to Tokyo Disney Resort in May of 2020, hoped to get there by May 2021, then October 2021, but maybe December...alas, it is not meant to be.

However, I just booked my flight and hotel to Disneyland Paris! This was actually suppose to be my last international park visit, but world circumstances have bumped it up the list! I'm pretty excited now that the trip is actually booked.

Barring any last minute policy changes, I will be on my way to France in October to celebrate my birthday and Halloween!

Chrismas in Disneyland for the first time in forever!

Christmas 2006 in Disneyland with Mickie and Minnie!

 

I have not been to Disneyland during the holiday season since 2006. Fifteen long years! Nearly half my life! It's not that I haven't been to Disneyland, because I have.

Summer 2007. Halloween 2016. Halloween 2017. Summer 2019.

But no Christmas! And I've never been for Easter, or really any other time of year, but that's a post for another day...

So now that the parks are open again, I am going! I'm so excited! I had my dates selected before the parks even opened, or knowing what the procedures were going to be. And I'm going far enough out that I still have no idea how things are going to look!

Will fireworks and parades be back? Can I hug my husband, Goofy? Do I need to wear a mask on Splash Mountain? Is Haunted Mansion Holiday happening?

All major questions that I don't have answers to, and likely won't until closer to my trip. I desperately want pictures with characters, but I feel like that will be the last thing to return. Likely early 2022.

I'll also be making a day trip to Universal Studios Hollywood which I haven't been to since...I can't even remember. But It's been around twenty years!

I can't wait!

My Disneyween 2020 Must-Do List!

Photo by Brian McGowan on Unsplash

I caved and booked a trip to Disney World for mid-October. I was going to wait for more news about my home park, Disneyland, but then I got a great offer from Disney World and just went for it. Of course, I'm still disappointed that a lot of things aren't going to be available, but then I thought about it. I still have a pretty long list of attractions and foods that I didn't get to on previous trips! I can focus on those while crowds are low, and when the parks are fully functioning, I can go back and do everything else!

So here are the things I must do on my upcoming trip to Walt Disney World.

Disneyween 2020 Might Be a Go!

 I was reading Disney news, as I do most days, and the Halloween food and decorations for Disney World are scheduled to be up September 15th. This, of course, made me look at hotel, park, and flight availability for my birthday weekend. Everything is available! The hotel is a bit more than I'd want to pay, but that's due to the lack of Value Resort offerings. It's not out of my budget, though. Mostly because I'd only stay for four days rather than five or six. As for the flight...OMG so cheap! $287 round-trip with an upgrade?! That is wild!

I'm going to wait a bit before booking, because anything could happen in the next seven weeks. But probably within the next two to three, I'll be ready go make my final decision. I just need to go somewhere! Disneyland would be preferable. I don't mind paying full price for a reduced experience there. Disney World is a different story, but at this point, I'm willing to make the sacrifice!

The 2020 Vacations That Never Were...

I'm sure we've all had disappointments in 2020 thus far. For me, it was my vacations that I had to cancel. I was suppose to leave the country for the very first time in my life! Then I was suppose to have an epic birthday voyage! Neither of which, nor my replacement vacation, happened.

Photo by Roméo A. on Unsplash

Slow Travel Through Hawaii (Including Disney's Aulani Resort)

Photo by Ethan Robertson on Unsplash

Like most of my random life choices lately, this one was inspired by an episode of ChooseFI. There have been lots of interviews with people who do slow travel, or move to new places every few months, but for some reason Trip of a Lifestyle really stood out to me. This couple took a 6 month honeymoon in Hawaii and didn't spend much more than a one or two week trip would take. It's all about making smarter choices to get the most out of your time and money.

Hawaii is one of the few places that I have any strong urge to visit, but I always think cruise. That might just be because cruises are what people do, and I do really want to go on a cruise somewhere. Also, I'm not big on beaches, and felt like I'd be obligated to hang out on the beach if I flew there and got a hotel. But if my "hotel" was a ship, I could stay on the ship when I wasn't doing non-beach excursions. Of course, this is totally silly and irrational. It's my vacation, I can do whatever I want. Like visit volcanoes!

After listening to this episode, I was inspired to look at this trip in a different way. Who says I have to spend a week at a beach resort, or take an overpriced 15 day cruise? I would love to visit Disney's Aulani resort, but I wouldn't want to spend a whole vacation there. The solution? Take a longer vacation and live like a local. I can get an AirBnB or even just rent my own apartment like this young couple did. It's genius! I can stay for a month or longer for the same cost as a week at a resort!

I certainly have enough money in my savings to cover a trip like this, and since I don't currently have a job, I don't have to worry about vacation time. However, if my plans to work remotely and for my self come to fruition, I could ideally make some money while I'm away and possibly cover a longer stay!

I just need to work hard now, so I can work less later.

I want to visit all the USA Amusement parks by road trip!

Photo by Christina Boemio on Unsplash

I love amusement parks. I love rides. I especially love rollercoasters. I also love meeting characters, watching shows, and eating special food. Oddly, I've only ever been to 11 amusement parks, and only 8 of them within the last 5 years.

This trip was inspired by Trip of a Lifestyle's cross-country roadtrip to visit all of the US National Parks. I was listening to their episode of ChooseFI and immediately got excited. I'm not big on nature, but I am big on rollercoasters! Why not do a similar trip that follows my own interests? My first task was to find out exactly how many parks there are with in the US and where they are. This was easy, since a website exists for that!

Now for problems that I need solutions for.

1. I don't know how to drive. I had driving lessons when I was 16, and then a friend tried to teach me last year at 30, but I never went further than that. My first step is going to have to be learn how to drive and get my driver's license, or else, how the heck am I suppose to have a roadtrip?!
2. I'll need a van. What kind would be best? What's available in my area? How much will it cost? What work will it need to make it roadtrip ready?
3. My mom is going to think I'm insane. She was uncomfortable enough when I went to Disneyland by myself for the first time. She was okay when I went to Disney World alone. She was nervous to let me go to Japan solo, but thanks to COVID-19, that was cancelled. How is she going to react to me driving back and forth across the country, sleeping in a van?
4. Making money while on the road. This one, I did have an immediate idea for. It was just a matter of actually getting the work.

Once I can get through these barriers, this trip is totally possible. When will it happen? I have no idea. Most of the parks are currently closed due to the pandemic, so it's anyone's guess as to when everything will be open and fully operational.

Visiting All 12 Disney Parks in 2022

In Fall of 2022, I want to visit all 12 of the Disney parks worldwide in one trip. Crazy? Yes. But I've been thinking a lot about this, and I want to do it. I'd love to do it this year, but of course, with the pandemic going on, that is not going to be happening.

I'm still trying to get to Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea after my May trip was cancelled. 2021 would be a good time to reschedule, but will travel restrictions be lifted by then? Will the parks be fully operational? Who knows, but I doubt it.

My tentative plan for now is to start in Disneyland on my birthday in mid-October and spend two days there. Then I'll fly off to Shanghai and Hong Kong and spend two or three days in each park, before arriving in Tokyo at the end of October.

I'll go to Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea for Halloween, then sightsee for the next week or two before the park switches to Christmas. This will help me with my ultimate goal of visiting all of the parks for all major seasons. In mid-November, I'll go to Paris and spend three or four days there, and then end my trip with 4-6 days in Disney World for Christmas! Depending on exactly how many days I spend in each park, I should be home by Thanksgiving. Or the week after at the latest. That's about 6 glorious weeks of Disney vacation magic!

This trip is going to be exhausting, but probably the most fun I'll ever have in my life.

Tokyo Disney 2020 is a Go!

I just booked my trip to Tokyo, Japan! I've been obsessing over Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea for months, and now it's really happening!

I'll be staying on-property at the Hilton Tokyo Bay, which was unexpected. It was the main hotel I was looking at based on recommendations from other blogs, but I felt it was too expensive and a little boring. However, it popped up as the Travelocity deal of the day (I know, I know, they do that to get you to book!), so I just went for it. My mom also feels much better knowing I'll be staying on-property rather than somewhere cheaper a little further away. I must admit, I feel a little better too.

But, I'm super nervous now! This is really happening! I'm going to Japan! I've never been out of the country before, so this is going to be a whole new experience for me. And if all goes well, I'll book that HalloXmas trip for later in the year. But definitely staying somewhere cheaper and more centralized, since I'll be sightseeing.

Reflections on Blogging From A to Z Challenge

I almost survived! I totally dropped the ball on the last two letters. Partly because I didn't have topics, and partly because I went back to work and completely forgot that I never came up with topics. Oopsie. But I'm proud of what I did finish! 24 posts on my favorite places in the world!

Will I participate again next year? I'm not sure. Probably not. I honestly don't think I could think of 26 new topics that fit my blog theme. But I mainly participated just to get this blog rolling and build up content. It was fun while it lasted and served its purpose!

HalloXmas Plans

Either in 2020 or 2021, I will be taking a two week trip to Japan in order to enjoy the Tokyo Disney Resort during Halloween and Christmas! Hence, HalloXmas (thanks to DisneyTouristBlog for that term). I've always wondered if it was possible, and it is! It just takes a little planning. Of course, I originally wondered about it in regards to Disneyland. But given my quest to visit every single Disney park during every season, I think it makes sense to do this at the park furthest from home.

My current plan is to spend 4 days at the parks for Halloween (10/28-10/31), then spend a week or so sightseeing and exploring Tokyo and the surrounding areas. Then I'll head back to the parks around 11/7 for four days of yuletide bliss!

Have you ever experienced two seasons in one trip at a Disney resort?

World of Color (California Adventure)

World of Color has to be Disney's best show. I've only seen it once, but I was absolutely blown away. And I had actually stumbled upon it one night by accident. I was walking past while it was already going and could just hear the music from the bench I decided to park on, and knew I was going to have to try to catch it the following night, which I did! It's set on the water and it's basically a huge laser light show with water and fire and smoke and music.

It plays iconic scenes from Disney films including The Little Mermaid, Pocahontas, The Lion King, Pirates of the Caribbean and so many more! The lights and water all change to match the music, and it's really an incredible experience. I cried during the The Lion King portion, because it just evokes so much emotion! And the Pirates of the Caribbean part was absolutely epic! This is not a show to miss. Make sure you grab a Fast Pass for it if you're ever in California Adventure! There's even suppose to be a new special Halloween edition this year!

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (Magic Kingdom)

I was lucky enough to be able to attend Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party last year at Walt Disney World. For those who don't know, this is a special ticketed event that happens after normal park hours in Magic Kingdom. The ticket also lets you access the park a few hours before the party if you don't have a regular ticket (I did, so I was there ALL day). There's special treats, a parade, fireworks, character appearances, and more!

Under the Sea - Journey of the Little Mermaid (Magic Kingdom)

Meet Ariel in her grotto! (2018)

Under the Sea is a pleasant little ride. I knew going into it that it wasn't going to be all that exciting, but it was part of the experience. If you're a fan of The Little Mermaid, you're sure to enjoy it. It's basically a condensed version of the movie. You hop into a seashell a la Haunted Mansion style, then take a tour of Ariel's underwater playground.

My one complaint is that the ride looks severely outdated, which was distracting. At least to me. It's not one that I'd wait more than 20 minutes for, although the queue is quite pretty. But it's a natural stop after meeting Ariel right next door.

Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (Hollywood Studios)

Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is probably the ride that I've been on the most, despite it being relatively new. At least in Disneyland. One year, on Christmas Eve, my BBF and I rode it like 30 times back to back until we had to meet her parents for dinner. It's also the only ride I'll wait in line for 2+ hours. To say I was upset when they changed it to Guardian's of the Galaxy would be an understatement. Although, I have to admit the change was a fun one. But my beloved ride is still Twilight Zone themed in Florida! I just hope that lasts...

I am not a fan of elevators. I avoid taking them whenever possible. Which probably makes it weird that I absolutely love this possessed elevator that shoots up and down making riders squeal in fear and delight. I'm of the latter group, and usually giggle like a maniac as the elevator slows to a stop. I seriously cannot get enough of this ride! I rode it a few times during my recent trip to Disney World, and was lucky enough to be able to walk on a couple of times due to people fleeing the park to escape the rain.

The only difference between the Anaheim and Orlando versions (pre-Guardians) is that in Orlando the elevator comes out of the shaft to move forward into another room. I was not expecting that, but it as a fun little detour even if it didn't really add anything significant to the actual thrills and chills.

Slinky Dog Dash (Hollywood Studios)

Slinky Dog Dash was my first stop on my first day at Disney World. I had seen the outrageous wait times on the app before my visit, and I didn't manage to snag a Fast Pass for it, so I made sure to head there first. Well, that's everyone's plan. The park opened a little early, but two cast members corralled us until exactly 9AM, and then slowly escorted us to Toy Story Land. Then all hell broke loose, and people are getting their feet stepped on, and pushing past people moving slower than them. It was insane.

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster (Hollywood Studios)

Roll 'n' Roller Coaster is hands down my favorite ride at Disney World. I mean, I didn't get to ride every single ride there, but I did ride this one four times. In a row. After being awake for 30+ hours. In the rain. In fact, the rain was my main reason for continuously getting on. I'd exit, scurry back to the Single Rider entrance, and do it all over again. And I wasn't the only one.

This coaster is like if Screamin' at California Adventure and Space Mountain had a baby, and then that baby's nanny was Aerosmith. It's super fast and twisty and just OMG good time! I could not get enough of it! Unfortunately, when the weather is nice and there's more people in the park, even the Single Rider line can be upwards of an hour. It's totally worth it though.

My Ultimate Disney Quest!

I am on an epic quest. Upon completion, I will...I don't know. I'll feel pretty awesome and have lot of great stories and pictures to share! What is this quest you ask? To visit every Disney park during every season! Of course, the main seasons are Halloween and Christmas which every park does. Then there's the special ones like Easter and Tanabata Days in Tokyo, Chinese New Year in Hong Kong and Shanghai. Then there's the events like the Flower and Garden Festival in Orlando, and things like that. I plan to do it all!

Halloween in Disneyland and California Adventure? Check!
Christmas in Disneyland and California Adventure? Check!
Christmas in Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Epcot? Check, check, check, check!

Halloween in Disney World is up next, along with the Food & Wine Festival in Epcot. Next May will be Easter in Tokyo, followed by Halloween and Christmas in October through November!

Pirates of the Caribbean (Disneyland vs Magic Kingdom)

It's time for the ultimate pirate battle! Or at least, me answering the question of whether Anaheim or Orlando has the superior Pirates of the Caribbean ride. My very quick answer is...Anaheim! Disneyland wins easily over Magic Kingdom, and not just because the former has been my favorite ride since I was like 4. Orlando's just seems like a knock-off. A good one, but still not quite up to par.

My main reason is the opening of the ride. In Disneyland, you take a slow tour of the bayou with crickets chirping, banjos playing, and the Blue Bayou diners enjoying their meal (depending on what time you go). Then you're greeted by the talking skull before he sends you to your fate. In Magic Kingdom, you get on, meet the skull, and then are sent on the rest of the ride. There's no build up. It's like they're trying to get you on and off as quickly as possible. It's no wonder I look so puzzled in my ride photo.

Once Upon a Time (Magic Kingdom)

Once Upon a Time is Magic Kingdom's nighttime spectacular following the fireworks. I caught this one by accident, not knowing when it was showing. I went shopping, and as soon as I stepped outside, the ultra-amazing fireworks started. Once they ended, I scurried across the park to grab a Dole Whip, and on my way out, BOOM! Another show! And I had a great view despite being last minute. I literally just stopped where I was.

Once Upon a Time combines pyrotechnics, music, and a full castle projection. Mrs. Potts is telling Chip some of Disney's most beloved tales, while scenes are shown against the castle. I was in awe at the details of this show! I don't know how long it's going to run, but if you get the chance, definitely stick around to watch it.