Page 36 - Explore Magazine Autumn 2018

A TRIP TO THE
34

HAPPIEST PLACE

ON EARTH

Elizabeth Sherry of helloworld Mount Maunganui, took her
six-year-old daughter on a once-in-a-lifetime visit to Disneyland Resort California.
The magic of Disney, she says, did not disappoint.

Last July I asked my six-year-old daughter, Amelia, if spotted a seal sunbathing next to some boats and
she knew what Disneyland was. She said, “It shows stopped for pancakes followed by more cycling and
movies and there are lots of people watching the a well-deserved swim. It was nice to be in a city
movies and Frozen is there, they sing songs and we but with the freedom to cycle. I enjoyed seeing the
watch them sing.” Little did she know that soon she Baywatch-style lifeguards and long stretches of
was about to embark on an adventure of a lifetime to coastline. It’s best though to start your cycle ride in
Disneyland, California, and to learn that there is so the morning before the crowds and heat build up.
much more!
Having adjusted to the time zone and now ready and
A few weeks before we left I let her in on the surprise prepared for our Disney adventure, we arrived at
and I also asked her cousins and my colleagues’ Disneyland Resort California in Anaheim at midday.
children to talk to her about what happens at It was hot, so lunch and refreshments were a must
Disneyland. She was now excited about teacup rides before we embarked on seeing the sights. The
and princesses. On 7 September we departed Tauranga Disneyland Resort Hotel we stayed at offered direct
via Auckland and headed to LA. For our first stop we access to the Downtown Disney District dining,
enjoyed three nights in Santa Monica at the Hotel entertainment and shopping promenade where you
Shangri-La on Ocean Avenue, which has a pool and a can enjoy numerous themed dining experiences.
safe, easy-access location. Close nearby is the famous
Santa Monica Pier, a lively place as it’s the home of The World of Color light and
Pacific Park amusement park with a number of rides:
our thrill of choice was the Pacific Wheel Ferris wheel, water show was a symphony
which is only US$8 and offers amazing views. It was very of music projected over
good value as it went around three or more times and
we also indulged in the biggest lollipops ever. the water with water jets
The restaurants in Santa Monica were really good and and backdrops of classic
Amelia fell in love with the basic American hamburger.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Company Restaurant (inspired by Disney stories.
the Forrest Gump movie) on the pier has great views
and generous servings of shrimp and seafood. Now Amelia was set, wearing her Disney costume from
In Santa Monica we also hired a tandem bike (US$20 home, a light dress and sneakers for comfort plus
for a day) and cycled along the paths on the white an ice cream in hand to keep her cool. As we walked
sandy beach. Not far away of course were Venice through the entrance gates with the themed music
and Muscle Beach, as always a rather colourful and playing in the background I could see the amazement
entertaining area! At adjacent Marina Del Rey we and wonder in her eyes as she entered “The Happiest
Place on Earth”.
Walking through Main Street U.S.A., we arrived just
in time for Mickey and Friends’ performance with
a brass band in front of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle –
what a backdrop! Donald Duck spotted Amelia and
took her hand and twirled her around for a dance
– she was delighted. Now it was time for some rides
and top of the list of course was the Mad Tea Party
teacups. After that, because it was so hot, we aimed
for undercover rides like Alice and Wonderland