Hello Wandering in Disney fans!

I have been super busy with the beginning of a new school year, organizing some things in my personal life, and PLANNING A TRIP TO DISNEYLAND! I know it is a little crazy that I just was there not even a year ago, but crazy doesn’t matter to me when it comes to Disney. Now that the crazy is dying down a little I am finally back to share my trip preview with you.

This trip is really special to me because I get to share it with my boyfriend Tyler. When we met, we instantly bonded over a shared love for Disney. While I was in the parks this past February we had only been seeing each other for a few weeks and were already discussing how much we wanted to be able to enjoy Disneyland with each other. Now, we are leaving in just a week to finally make that dream come true!

In honor of the occasion and the fact that I am lucky enough to be dating a fellow Disney “nerd” I asked Tyler if he wanted to contribute some of his thoughts on our upcoming trip. He gladly obliged, so without further ado – here is our trip preview!

How many days will you be there and how many people are you going with?

I (Melissa) am personally super excited for this trip because I get to have a whole four days in the parks. During my last several trips I have had to cut my time in the parks short due to my work schedule, so this trip I made sure to plan accordingly so I could get as much time as possible in the parks. Total, we will have 6 days, 2 traveling days and 4 days visiting Disneyland Resort.

As for how many, we will be traveling with a group of 13, making two trips in a row with a large group. This trip our entire group is composed of huge Disney fans, most of us having gone to the parks enough times to probably qualify as tour guides. This trip will be my family (parents, brother, and my cousin/best friend Kathryn), our close family friends who might as well be family (the Judkin 4, plus one boyfriend), and my boyfriend Tyler and his parents. We are excited to have a fun filled trip together!

Do you have a basic plan of what you are doing? If so, what does that look like?

Our major plan for this trip? – Relax and have fun together.

The logistics of going with a big group can be tricky, so we really want to make sure that everyone gets a chance to make their trip a good time – even if that means that we aren’t spending the entire vacation as one group. We have some general ideas of things that we might do (watch Fantasmic! together, have a lunch at House of Blues in Downtown Disney, take a trip to eat at my family’s favorite pizza place outside of the parks, etc.). Luckily, the group that we are traveling with has all been to Disneyland and we are all pretty laid back, so it should be a great time.

One thing that I know is on most of our radars is Toontown since we will have to say goodbye (editors note – maybe, but probably not!). This section of the park holds a special place in our memories, so we will be sure to spend one last trip taking some pictures and riding some rides back here.

Is there anything specific you want to do on this trip that you don’t usually do at Disneyland?

Melissa: While it may sound kind of crazy, something that I really want to do (that I don’t usually) is make time to see the Disneyland Forever Fireworks… TWICE. Usually, I only feel the need to sit and watch each of the individual shows once during a trip. After seeing footage of the Disneyland Forever show, I really want to take some time to watch from several different vantage points. With all of the projections and everything going on, I think it would be amazing to watch the show once from the middle of Main Street, and once closer to the center hub and Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, with a good view of the Matterhorn. I also just really want to soak up the special things going on for Fall and the Diamond Celebration too!

Tyler: I want to take some time to watch the Paint The Night Parade that debuted as part of Disneyland’s 60th Anniversary Celebration. Generally, I don’t take the time to stop and watch the parades at the park. I am usually focused on getting to a ride, trying to visit attractions I haven’t been to yet, etc. and the parades are not really a priority for me. One of my favorite Disneyland memories is the Main Street Electrical Parade and because of the similarities between the two parades I am excited to take some time to sit down and watch.

What are you most looking forward to, even if you do it every time you are there?

Melissa: Oh gosh… This question was a tough one for me last time too. I am really looking forward to trying out some of the seasonal treats that they have at Disneyland. I am really looking forward to being able to get onto some of the rides that were closed during our last visit. Most of all though, I am looking forward to getting to sit with Tyler and watch Fantasmic! It is something that we have done together on the computer or listened to together in the car, but never had the opportunity to sit and watch it together. Since it will be closed for at least a year starting on January 10th, 2016 I really want to make the time to do this.

Tyler: I am probably looking most forward to watching Fantasmic! This is a must-see for me on every trip to Disneyland Resort. I think it is probably the most amazing show that Disneyland has to offer and that is a combination of the visual effects, and the music. It is a great piece of Disney magic!

Do you have any special activities planned since it is your first trip together?

Melissa: We are going to try to eat at The Blue Bayou together as a special way to celebrate being there. One of the special things that I really want to do is take time to get good pictures together around the park.

Tyler: I really want to make a point of watching the fireworks together. Also, taking lots of goofy pictures all over the parks so we can look back at the memories for years to come.

Is there anything else you want to share about this trip?

Melissa: I am just so incredibly excited for it! For some reason, I just feel like this is going to be one of the best trips to Disneyland ever. I don’t know if it is because it’s the 60th Anniversary, because we are going with a fun group, or because I am just excited, but I just feel really great.

Tyler: I am just excited because I have never gone for an anniversary year, so being able to take part in the 60th Anniversary is really cool!