Mr. Toad's Wild Ride Through the Looking Glass

Friday, the 19th of June came finally. We began our trek into the promised land to see the Big Mick. Terry and I started the day early. Breakfast was served in the hotel, so off we went to find a seat. 

There were potatoes, turkey or pork sausages, bagels and cream cheese, fruit, cereals, scrambled eggs, orange juice, apple juice, pancakes, and other goodies. Too many to count. Nice breakfast spread when I expected a bagel and maybe a bowl of cold cereal. I grabbed a bowl and went for the mixed fruit. Terry had a pancake or two, eggs, two sausages, and bacon. Good way to begin the day. 

The plan was to eat and then meet Rick and Brenda in the park. After eating, we had to ready ourselves to go for a day in Disneyland. I was getting excited now. What would I see? What rides would shake me to the core, and which ones would be nice, calm, easy on the bones? It was going to be an adventure, that's for sure. 

We pulled our weary bodies into the car again and drove toward Disneyland. We arrived at our fun destination, and holy traffic Gods. Are you kidding me? We were back in a line that was unreal. I haven't seen this many cars in a line before, even at the busiest, most popular Duck game. I would love to say that we waited patiently but my patience was gone. Overpowering patience was excitement and the desire to be inside this place I had heard so much about. Terry sat back and waited patiently though, and I'm glad that he had enough patience for the both of us. Having been here before, it was expected for him. 

But what can you do besides wait? My heart was light and filled with joy. I was finally here, at the age of 68. I could not wait to experience it all. 

Although it felt like forever, the traffic moved forward fairly quickly. I was impressed. We showed the people in the booth at the entrance, what I was believe was going to be the time of my life, our tickets and in we drove. We parked in the huge parking garage and stepped out of the car once we were settled. Terry grabbed my hand and off we went. 

Our next step was the group of trams sitting together along the entrance. After waiting in line (😏😒), we picked a seat in the tram. 

And off we went. It felt like a ride to get to the rides. Interesting place, this Disneyland.

The crowded tram dropped us off in front of this huge place that was full of people and bright colors, and things to investigate. Oh, my. The day would be exciting and interesting; I could tell by just seeing the entrance. 

Soon we were inside the full playground of joy. I grabbed Terry's outreached hand and held tight. He would be my rock, my best bud, and my guide through this today. 

Immediately, I could see the delights inside. It was like opening a candy bar. Slowly but surely the city wrapper comes off, and you step into a delightful, sweet new world to be enjoyed by all. This was going to be a day I have never experienced before. I saw so many things to try, and places I could get into trouble. The good trouble. Let's do this!

I stood in the brick-paved center of the "city center," and suddenly felt a desire to fling my arms outward on each side of my body, then spin as though I was Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music. I was missing the mountain top though, so I kept it cool. Don't want to portray myself like a big dork or anything (ahem). I was saving that for later. 

I released my sweet husband's hand to snap some photos. This was going to be a day of photos, I could tell. 

Old fashioned buildings came into view and if you follow the blog, you all know how I feel about vintage and antique buildings, and items. This place was going to be even more amazing than I thought. 

It was an entire city built inside this little fortress called Disneyland. Walt Disney definitely had it right. He knew how to develop a place where children and adults could have a blast and make their dreams happen. 

A double decker bus was making its way around the square. Terry asked if I wanted a ride, and how can I say no to that?

We climbed aboard and enjoyed the ride through the center of this magnificent place. 

The square looked so beautiful, filled with eye candy. 

Unique shops and fun places to visit all along the way. But where was this bus taking us?

But just as I asked myself that question of where our final destination would be, I saw it. The castle. The beautiful place I have seen in pictures and on television. This castle sat prominently on the screen as I watched The Wonderful World of Disney every Sunday night since I was five. It was beautiful. It was perfect. And I was here, finally. 

***

I'm going to end this post here due to the lengthiness of the entire trip's memories. Join us on the next blog for the rides and main fun of this trip. 

Thank you so much, friend, for reading our blog. We love sharing our adventures and love having you join us. Please take care of yourself and hug those around you. Count your blessings!

Vicki & Terry Macrae

Two old people trying to be young

When you wish upon a star
Makes no difference who you are
Anything your heart desires
Will come to you
If your heart is in your dream
No request is too extreme
When you wish upon a star
As dreamers do
Fate is kind
She brings to those to love
The sweet fulfillment of
Their secret longing
Like a bolt out of the blue
Fate steps in and sees you through
When you wish upon a star
Your dreams come true