Disneyland– the ultimate happy holiday trip Story by El Don • Photography courtesy of Disneyland

May your days be merry and bright...as a kid by day
and adult by night

For a child, the Disney experience is timeless. The iconic images of the Magic Kingdom, Mickey Mouse and Snow White are so deeply etched in our collective conscious that they are as vibrant as actual childhood memories.

But the Disneyland of today is not just for kids. The resort is amped up with a new wink to sleekness, showing that those in charge are definitely interested in keeping every demographic amused. Have no fear, however—for all the Pirates of the Caribbean/Johnny Depp suaveness and Queen Calafia/Whoopi Goldberg coolness, classic Disney is still alive and well, ready to take you back to your childhood, old school style.

From the moment we entered Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel, with its spectacular redwood arches, stained glass windows, grand piano and fireplace, I really did feel like we were in a magic kingdom—designed by arts and crafts architects Greene and Greene. You would be hard pressed to find a more elegant locale. And with a bar! This is the new Disney chic. The view from our beautifully appointed rooms overlooked the California Screamin’ roller coaster, but somebody had the forethought to build the rooms with scream-proof glass—only upon opening the balcony’s French doors did the peals of happy, terrified voices reach our ears. We had the option of a quiet brandy in front of the fireplace, or the ability to tease neighboring balcony smokers who listened with deliciously disturbing anticipation to the fate they knew awaited them the next morning on that same scary ride.

The 500-acre Disneyland Resort in southern California features two amazing theme parks—the original, world-renowned Disneyland (“The Happiest Place on Earth”) and Disney’s California Adventure, where Disney magic meets California fun. There’s also the Downtown Disney District, a public esplanade of unique and exciting dining, entertainment and shopping experiences. Resort hotels include the luxurious 745-room Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel, the magical 990-room Disneyland Hotel and the surfside fun of the 502-room Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel.

Disneyland has held over its Year of a Million Dreams celebration, offering spectacular gifts to chosen winners. Every day in the Fantasyland Theater, little girls can become princesses and little boys can become knights as the Disney Princess Fantasy Faire unfolds (stage moms, dress up your little princesses and knights if you want to ensure they get onstage!)...