From Orlando to Anaheim

2,500.
That's how many miles separate Walt's biggest dream from his most daring. One started out as an orange grove in southern California. The other as a cow pasture in central Florida. People thought he was crazy when he bought the first one, and a genius when he bought the second. I think he was probably a little bit of both.

Most Disney kids in the good ole USA grow up one of two ways: The kids in the western half of the country are raised at Disneyland, and the ones in the eastern half are raised at Disney World. It's just a geographical fact of life. That's why I can count on one hand, the number of people I know that have been to Disneyland. Around here, it's a small group. And I'm about to be a part of it.
Oh. Em. Gee.

This year's family vacation to Alaska (yeah, we're driving to Alaska lol) comes with a return trip right through the heart of southern Cali, just a stone's throw from Anaheim. I was surprised at how little begging was required to get my mom to allow me a little Disney indulgence. One day. She said I can have one day. And you can bet I'm going to make every second count.
But planning a trip to Disneyland is nothing like planning a trip to Disney World. That's the lesson I am quickly learning. There are only two theme parks (both within walking distance of each other), but there is so much crammed into this tiny area that I get lost just looking at the map. The scheduling is totally different than I'm used to, and the park website doesn't have any of the handy tools that I swear by. That's when I realize that I am a WDW kid, and I am not a pro here. I am a 100% Disneyland ROOKIE!
So now I find myself in the shoes of all the friends who ask for my help in planning their first trips. I'm anxious, a little nervous, and slightly overwhelmed. But despite all that, above everything else, I am EXCITED!!
Walt Disney is my hero. His story is my inspiration to keep chasing dreams and never give up on myself. And now, like in Marceline, I will get the chance to walk in his footsteps. I will get to stand in the same spot where he stood under Sleeping Beauty's castle, watching all the magic he had created. I'll get to feel that magic for myself in Walt's original magic kingdom. I know it will be a day I'll never forget....
If I can survive the planning! :) Get ready for more Disneyland planning posts!

 

Photo from the fabulous photogs at the Disneyphotographyblog.com. They have lots of amazing Disney parks cover photos you can download. (I just added some text to this one of Sleeping Beauty's castle.) Check them out!