Disneyland Trip: Where the Magic Feels Like Home

Day 1: Arrival at the Happiest Place on Earth

After leaving Santa Monica, we headed to Anaheim for our next adventure. Entering Disney’s world always feels like walking into a storybook. The atmosphere changes, and your inner child awakens, eager to believe once more.

My sister and I share a cherished tradition, a small, sacred promise to visit Disneyland each year. It’s our special place, a little sanctuary for sisterhood, reminding us that happiness can still be simple and pure.

This year, we stayed at the Disneyland Hotel, a dream years in the making. The moment we walked in and heard “Welcome Home,” I felt that quiet kind of magic that doesn’t ask to be explained.

The hotel’s Frontier Tower became our home for two nights, and our Deluxe Sleeping Beauty Room felt like it was made just for us. It was elegant and nostalgic, soft pinks, golden light, and that light-up Sleeping Beauty Castle headboard that glowed like a lullaby. The rug whispered “Once Upon a Dream,” and I couldn’t help but smile. Every corner held something enchanted: Aurora’s crown, sketches from the film, the fairies dancing across the bathroom mirror. Even the window, when sunlight poured through, cast a faint rainbow, as if the room itself was blessing our stay.

After unpacking, we strolled through Downtown Disney, feeling the night’s gentle vibe around us. We grabbed some snacks for later and arrived at the Palm Breeze Bar, a lively poolside venue that instantly evoked the essence of summer. The area was spacious and luminous, decorated with desert succulents and filled with laughter. The vibrant colors, lively music, and warm atmosphere all created a lively and energetic atmosphere.

We ordered cocktails, sandwiches, and, of course, beignets, warm, soft, slightly doughy, filled with chocolate and mixed berries, accompanied by dipping sauces that melted in your mouth. Each bite served as a reminder that joy can be found in the smallest moments.

We discussed the rides we hoped to experience, the memories we aimed to create, and the versions of ourselves that still cherished this place. Afterwards, we returned to our room, feeling satisfied, joyful, and eager to wake up to more magic.

Day 2:  Embracing the Magic

I slept peacefully on the pull-down bed. It’s amusing how comfort can appear in unexpected places. I woke up feeling refreshed, energized, and grateful.

Wearing my donut-topping Minnie ears (because sometimes you need to embody joy), we headed to California Adventure Park. The morning sun shimmered over the rides as we screamed and laughed through The Incredicoaster, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Web Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure. There’s a healing quality to laughter that comes from deep within, the kind that asks you to be present.

We got drinks at PYM Test Kitchen and burgers to boost our energy before heading into Disneyland Park, the heart of the magic. It never loses its charm, no matter how many times you pass through those gates.

We enjoyed rides like Haunted Mansion Holidays, It’s a Small World, Indiana Jones Adventure, and Star Wars: Smugglers Run. After Haunted Mansion, I felt overwhelmed by the heat, and my body signaled me to slow down. My cycle began, and although I tried to proceed, I understood that being present involves listening even when your body urges you to rest.

So we wandered slowly and gently. I chose a cozy Halloween sweater and a Disney bag, small tokens of happiness to remember this trip by.

Before heading back, I stopped for beignets again, soft, sugary clouds that felt like the perfect ending to a full day.

That evening, we found the Broken Spell Lounge tucked away inside the Disneyland Hotel. Its dark, velvety atmosphere was like entering a scene from a Disney Villain's tale. Dim lighting cast a soft glow, cocktails shimmered like enchanted potions, and the entire vibe was mysterious and sophisticated, the kind of magic you sense rather than observe.

We shared small plates, reminisced about childhood memories, and let the evening gently lead us into stillness. Later that night, I ordered wings (because comfort food always calls me), curled up in bed, and drifted off to sleep with the soft hum of happiness.

Day 3: Slow Goodbyes

Morning sunlight spilled softly and golden through the curtains. I stayed in bed for a bit, savoring the final glow of the room. When leaving Disneyland, it’s like parting with a piece of your heart and yet, it feels right.

That morning, we moved at a gentle pace, packing, recalling memories, and savoring each detail once more. Before leaving, we went back to the Palm Breeze Bar for lunch. It was quiet, a serene moment after the busy holiday period. I enjoyed a Caesar salad and one last serving of the flawless beignets. The atmosphere was tranquil, as if the entire place was taking a moment to pause with us.

As we sat there, I shared more about my blog, Presently You, which focuses on being present and finding meaning in simplicity. She laughed and offered to help me practice this. Now, whenever I get distracted scrolling TikTok, she gently reminds me, "Be present.”

It’s interesting how love consistently reminds us of what truly matters, that each laugh, each bite, and each silent farewell can serve as a reminder of gratitude.

This trip was more than just a visit to Disneyland. It was about forming connections, slowing down, and recalling that life’s magic doesn’t vanish when the fireworks end. It resides in every moment we decide to observe.

“Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age, and dreams are forever.” – Walt Disney

Always dreaming,
Deja 🤍