1st timer no more but hardly a pro...

So I went to Disneyland for my first time today. I have lived in California since 2001 and have never been. Wow. Why did I carry a deprived childhood into a deprived adulthood? I guess I was just having too much fun doing other things. So really, you should have no pity for me. But I will understand your amazement at my late timing in making a first visit to "the happiest place on earth".

I had a great time overall. I was in the park exactly 2 hours after leaving my house. The lines at entry were no worse than Sea World. The $72 for a single day single park ticket took me aback though.

Let me back up. One, who carries any cash around with them anymore? Can't anything and everything be taken care of with plastic? I roll up to park and they want $14. I tell the lady "I only have plastic..." and she just smiles and says "ok, well here ya go, just go park anyways" and hands me a validated pass.

My next interaction is at the ticket booth. The girl looks at my drivers license and says, "wow, you are really smiling in your pic. were you happy then?"

To which my reply was, "I'm always happy when I am able to get my drivers license"

"Well, do you think you will be smiling like that now that you get to go to Disney Land?", she said.

"Uhhh, I guess so," and I took my ticket and went in the park.

So pretty much right after I walk in an older guy asks me where I am visiting from and I just rattle off my zip, 92120 and he gives a quick reply "Well then! We would love to have you work here then." Dude, it's a San Diego zipcode! It would take Walt Disney money to get me to drive that far to work. Either that or I better get to be in a cool costume and be a character right off the bat. (Donald Duck being my first choice)

So I got to park free, was questioned about my smiling ability and then quasi offered a job. Magical? I am not sure, mysterious yes.

I do have to say I was very impressed with just the overall vibe. I was smiling and happy. I really liked just 'being there'. Things were easy to find and the rides I went on were fun. I was with my hermano and his familia so it was cool to watch his little ninos having a great time. Their parents had been to DL before but it was all new to their kids. I am sure they had a great time, especially since they are taking two days to do the park.

Things I didn't like? Waiting in line for over a hour for a two minute ride. I am not sure that is entirely worth it at all. It was hard to find a place to sit and eat. Too permissive parents letting their grubby little ankle biters anywhere near me. And I got some odd looks the times I was just walking around by myself, like I had broken some rule but not being part of a 'couple' or whatever. No single men allowed in Disney Land!

So I got to be with kids during their first time. I got a pair of classic MM ears. I saw Donald Duck. (whom I am actually taller than. surprised me....) I rode Star Tours, Space Mountain, Indiana Jones, Haunted Mansion (a let down). I saw the big Xmas parade through the park. Hmmm... I can't remember what else.

But it was a fine time!! I am soo glad I went. All of the memories I had of Disney stuff as a kid and all the time that went by without going to the park, well none of that detracted from it. Will I go again, sure. Is it something I like better than a Slurpee and a handful of licorice... tough call.

Now for some pics!