Eye of the Passholder

Fast Pass Photo: Maiden Voyage

Sailing Ship Columbia ~ Frontierland
Disneyland ~ September 30th, 2010

My favorite place to be at sunset is over by the Rivers of America.
It's truly the most magical light show at Disneyland.

...and I finally sailed on the Columbia!

Even after thirty years of going to Disneyland,
there are still attractions I've never been on.
I'm not the only one, right?

Fast Pass Photo: Music Man

French Market ~ New Orleans Square
Disneyland ~ October 5th, 2008

Cast Member Rob Verdi has been playing the sax at Disneyland since 1985. Here he is with the Royal Street Bachelors at the French Market in New Orleans Square.  It's always great to see his familiar, friendly face!

Fast Pass Photo: Trailing into Twilight

Rivers of America ~ New Orleans Square
Disneyland ~ November 6th, 2008

The Rivers of America is a sparkling sight at sunset.

Music That Moves You

New Orleans Square ~ Disneyland
October 28th, 2010

Last fall I was a full-time student in the fashion program at Fullerton College. Since Marissa was seventeen and home-schooled, most mornings I'd drop her off at Disneyland at seven o'clock on my way up Harbor Blvd.

On several occasions classes would be canceled when I got on campus. I'd jump back in my car and call Marissa (who'd be kickin' back in the lobby of the Grand Californian) to clue her in that I was coming to the Park!

Being one of the first guests to go through the main gates during the off-season is breathtaking! The sun casts a glow over the entire land that is surreal. My favorite spot to be on those mornings is over in New Orleans Square. The jazz band begins to play for only a handful of people who make their way to the attractions around The Rivers of America. You can almost imagine you are part of a private audience.

Marissa and I missed those mornings when plans changed and I was no longer taking classes on campus. The seventeen-mile trip from the beach to Disneyland is challenging during morning rush hour traffic and can take up to an hour; therefore, it's not very often that we enjoy the early entrance anymore.

Over the past few weeks we've taken a hard look at our priorities (as most of us have during these money-starved times) and determined when it comes to Disneyland, it's where the majority of our time and disposable income is spent (on annual passes, gas). Taking into consideration many other personal and financial reasons, we came to the conclusion that moving closer to Disneyland makes the most sense!

We're currently looking to move into a particular residential neighborhood less than two miles away from the Resort. Of course it's not all about being so near Disneyland (yes, it is), but also a strong desire for a change in community and a change of pace.