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But not just as a visitor ticking something off my bucket list. I got to experience it as a travel professional, learning what actually goes into creating the magic that Disney is famous for.

From Disney University to Disneyland Resort

My Disney adventure actually started before I even packed my suitcase.

As part of a Helloworld Travel initiative with Disney Destinations Australia & New Zealand, I joined a group of travel professionals from Australia and New Zealand for Disney University — a four-week learning experience where we dove into everything Disney.

Each week we learnt about the parks, attractions, entertainment, dining, Disney Resort hotels, and all the little details that make a Disney holiday so special.

It wasn’t just learning about what rides are where — it was learning why Disney creates such memorable experiences and what goes on behind the scenes to make every guest feel like part of the story.

After completing the programme, eight graduates were selected to head to Disneyland Resort and experience everything we had learnt firsthand.

When I found out I was one of those eight, I was honestly shocked.

Going to Disneyland had always been a lifelong dream of mine, and suddenly I wasn’t just getting to visit — I was getting to experience it through my career. It was the ultimate combination of two things I love.

The Moment It Finally Felt Real

When we arrived in Anaheim, I don’t think it truly sunk in that I was actually there until we were driving towards Pixar Place Hotel and I saw the street sign for Disneyland Drive.

After years of seeing Disneyland through photos, videos and other people’s memories, seeing that sign felt completely surreal.

Walking into Pixar Place Hotel made it even better. The Disney magic started before we even reached the parks. From the Pixar character mobile in the lobby, to hidden Pixar details everywhere you looked, there was always something new to spot.

And then, as if the universe knew I needed the perfect welcome, Dug from Up was just wandering around the hotel greeting guests.

Why Staying at a Disneyland Resort Hotel Is My Top Recommendation

Staying at Pixar Place Hotel — or any Disneyland Resort Hotel — is honestly one of my biggest recommendations for anyone planning a Disneyland holiday.

It completely immerses you into the Disney experience. The magic doesn’t stop when you leave the parks; it follows you back to your hotel.

The convenience is also a game changer.

A Disney day is AMAZING, but it is also a big day. You’re walking thousands of steps, standing for hours, and especially during the California summer, the afternoon heat can really catch up with you.

Being able to easily head back to your room for a swim, a nap, or just a quick rest makes such a difference.

You don’t want to waste precious holiday time travelling back and forth, and staying close means you can enjoy the parks at your own pace.

Pixar Place Hotel was incredible because of all the little details. The Pixar character mobile in the lobby, characters hidden in the floor tiles, and even clay models from Pixar’s development process — there were surprises everywhere. And I’m sure I still didn’t find them all!

What Disney University Taught Me

The biggest thing I took away from Disney University was just how much thought goes into every single part of the Disney experience.

The sheer scale of Disneyland Resort is something you honestly cannot understand until you are standing there.

Before this trip, I probably would have thought a couple of days would be enough. After spending a week across Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, I think at least three full park days across the two parks is enough. That gives you enough time to experience the big attractions, enjoy the atmosphere, and still have time to go back and do your favourites.

By the end of our five days, we were happily jumping back on the rides we loved most — and that’s exactly what you want from a Disney holiday.

The attention to detail is what makes Disney so different. Disney doesn’t just build rides. They create entire worlds.

The parks even use scents to help immerse you into the experience — from fresh churros along Main Street, U.S.A., to the rubbish bins matching the land you’re in. The Cast Members even have different uniforms depending on where they work, and the way they interact with guests matches the story of that area. Every single detail has a purpose.

One of the coolest things we saw was just how quickly Disney can transform the parks. While we were there for Halloween, the Disney Christmas special was filmed overnight one evening. The next morning, everything was back to normal. You would never have known a huge production had happened.

That level of organisation is honestly mind-blowing.

The Disney Moments I’ll Never Forget

The rides were amazing, but it was actually the little moments that made this trip so special.

One of those moments was watching Paint the Night with reserved viewing.

Seeing Mack and Lightning McQueen from Cars drive past was a moment I’ll never forget. There may have been a few tears (okay, maybe more than a few). It was one of those moments where you stop and think “I cannot believe I’m actually here.”

Another completely unexpected moment happened as we were leaving the park one night. We spotted Minnie Mouse heading back to her house for the evening.

Instead of just waving goodbye, she stopped and danced around with us — and even complimented my nails!

It was such a random, silly, magical Disney moment. The kind you can’t plan for, but you’ll remember forever.

But the moment that got me the most? Meeting Winnie the Pooh.

I genuinely don’t know why I never thought about the Hundred Acre Wood being at Disneyland, but seeing Pooh standing there in front of me completely got me. Realistically, you know the characters aren’t real… but in that moment it didn’t matter.

I was instantly transported back to childhood and I was absolutely sobbing.

And honestly, that’s Disney. It’s not just about the rides. It’s about nostalgia, memories, and making you feel like a kid again.

My Disneyland Must-Dos

The best thing about Disney is that everyone’s perfect trip looks different. Whether you love rides, characters, food, entertainment or just soaking up the atmosphere, there really is something for everyone.

A few things I think everyone should experience:

Rise of the Resistance

I have never even seen the Star Wars movies, but this attraction was incredible. The storytelling and immersive experience are next level.

The nighttime entertainment

The parades and evening spectaculars are those iconic Disney moments you picture when you think of Disneyland.

A Dole Whip

A Disney classic and absolutely worth trying!

Cars Land at Disney California Adventure

Hands down, no questions asked, my favourite part of Disney California Adventure.

Walking into Radiator Springs felt like stepping straight into the movie. Seeing Flo’s V8 Café, Mater’s Junkyard and the Cozy Cone Motel brought to life was incredible. Radiator Springs Racers was the highlight — the perfect mix of scenery, storytelling and excitement.

World of Color Happiness!

Featuring the characters from Inside Out, this show was incredible. The way Disney brought Joy, Sadness and the emotions to life through water, lights, projections and music was just next level.

My Tips for Planning Your Disneyland Holiday

My biggest advice? Give yourself enough time.

For an international Disneyland trip, I recommend at least a week in Anaheim. Your arrival and departure days are usually limited, and having extra time means you can explore beyond Disneyland too.

It gives you time for things like Knott’s Berry Farm, outlet shopping, or simply having a slower day to recharge.

Another tip — consider flying into Santa Ana (John Wayne Airport) rather than LAX.

For a Disneyland-focused trip, Santa Ana is such a great option. LAX can be chaotic, and then you still have the journey to Anaheim afterwards. Depending on traffic, that drive can take up to two hours.

Flying into Santa Ana means you arrive at a smaller, easier airport that is much closer to Disneyland. You’ll clear US customs and immigration at your first US connection, meaning once you land in California you can collect your bags and head straight to your hotel.

You can start your Disney holiday sooner!

Also, be prepared for big days. There will be lots of walking, lots of steps and plenty of time waiting in queues.

But the magic is that even the queues are part of the experience.

My biggest tip?

Don’t rush. Look around. Take in the details. Enjoy the little moments.

Why I Now Recommend Disney With Confidence

Before this trip, I honestly thought Disneyland was mainly for kids.

Now? I couldn’t disagree more. Disneyland Resort is for everyone.

It’s for families, couples, friends, Disney fans and even people who think they aren’t Disney people.

After completing Disney University and experiencing Disneyland Resort firsthand, I now have absolutely no hesitation recommending Disney to my clients.

Being there myself means I can help with all the little things that make a big difference — understanding Lightning Lane, knowing how to plan your days, navigating the parks, where to eat, and all those little tips that make your holiday easier.

A Disney holiday can feel overwhelming because there is so much to see and do, but the right planning means you can spend less time worrying and more time enjoying the magic.

Disneyland Resort exceeded every expectation I had.

I left with a much deeper appreciation for the creativity, detail and care that goes into every guest experience.