The Happiest Place on Earth ~ Disneyland Park California

by Tsvete Popp
Woman at Disneyland California near Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse statue.

When I was in France, I refused (consciously) to spend a day in Disneyland Paris, because I was desperately hoping to visit the “original” Disneyland in California someday … and to feel the “real” magic in “The Happiest Place on Earth”!

Girl poses at Disneyland Park California for 60th celebration in front of Main Street Station.

Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Park California with visitors walking nearby.

As a child, I used to watch the Disney movies each time I had the chance to. Actually, it used to be my favourite kind of reality and as somebody, born in a communist state, dreaming about visiting Disneyland was kind of bold but unrealistic activity. As a child, I used to dream. I used to ask my parents about how the future will turn out for us.

Disneyland Park California ~ Tips and Tricks


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I used to ask if I will ever visit Disneyland in my life… For the 80’s and 90’s kids from Eastern Europe, the Disney movies and characters were something more than just some fairy tales and magical stories. For me, the Disney World was a symbol of freedom and hope… A hope that the future will bring us a world full of colour and joy. And as I used to ask again and again, if I will ever visit Disneyland in my life, my father told me – “Yes, if you’re working hard enough” …

Happy visitor at Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland Park, California, USA for 60th anniversary.

Girl with Minnie Mouse ears sits in teacup ride at Disneyland Park California, USA.

On Friday, 24th of June and 24 years later, I was standing at the entrance of Disneyland California and I knew – I had been working hard enough. And this was one of those exceptional moments when I felt proud of myself and thankful, that my parents never set some borders to my dreams. So happy, that I never heard “No”, “Be Realistic”, “Probably not” …

 

And of course, I’m not having only Disneyland in my mind… Dreams are something magical. Dreams motivate. Dreams encourage. Dreams make us better people. Dreams are good for our health and spirit. Please encourage your children and yourself to dream! It costs nothing and it takes us one step further …

Donald Duck statue in a garden at Disneyland Park California, USA, surrounded by flowers.

Chip and Dale bronze statue in Disneyland Park California, USA garden setting.

Tall ship surrounded by lush greenery at Disneyland Park California, USA.

Woman wearing Minnie ears poses by an open book at Disneyland Park California.

Riverboat on a scenic waterway at Disneyland Park, California, USA, surrounded by trees.

Woman with Mickey ears smiling in New Orleans Square at Disneyland Park California, USA.

Entrance to Haunted Mansion at Disneyland Park California, featuring ornate Gothic architecture.

Critter Country sign with animal statues in Disneyland Park, California, USA.

Woman waving from Fred Gurley train at Disneyland Park California, USA.

Mickey and friends on a stone bridge at Disneyland Park California, USA, surrounded by greenery.

Bibbidy Bobbidi Boutique sign at Disneyland Park California, USA entrance.

Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Park California under a clear blue sky.

Bronze sculpture of a dancing couple at Disneyland Park California.

Colorful teacup ride at Disneyland Park California, USA, with vibrant lanterns overhead.

Enjoy your day and let your dreams come true!


Visitor at Disneyland Park California with Disney statue and castle backdrop.