dana posing in front of minnies house at disneyland wearing a pink coverall
I visit Disneyland all the time.Dana Bisbee
  • I moved a few minutes away from Disneyland after falling in love with the place as a child.

  • I love watching the nighttime parade and riding in the junkyard jamboree.

  • The mac-and-cheese cones are my favorite park treat.

Disneyland has been a part of my life since I was a child.

dana posing in costume working at disneyland
I worked at Disneyland through the Disney College Program.Dana Bisbee

I've been to Disneyland many times. I was accepted into the college program at Disneyland in the fall of 2016 and I jumped at the chance.

Main Street in Disneyland was where I worked.

I wasn't able to stay away from the magic after my program finished. I try to go to the parks as often as possible since I live six minutes away.

When I visit, these are my favorites.

First thing in the morning, take an empty stroll through the peaks.

shot of an empty grizzly peak at disneyland first thing in the morning
There's hardly anyone else there right when the park opens.Dana Bisbee

Most park guests go to Cars Land first thing in the morning, but I like to take a moment and appreciate the peace of the empty park.

The section between Soarin' Around the World and the Undersea Adventure is usually empty in the morning. It's a great spot to stroll before you get caught up in the business of the day.

I like to start mapping out my day when I collect my thoughts here.

Churros are a must during the season.

hand holding a catering boat of smores churros at disneyland
S'mores churros at Disneyland.Dana Bisbee

Churros are one of the most popular snacks at Disneyland.

There is a churro stand next to the challenge trail. It has seasonal churros, as well as classic flavors.

I enjoy riding the junkyard jamboree.

The cute ride is in Cars Land.Dana Bisbee

I can only ride one attraction in California Adventure.

My favorite ride in the park is the whirly square dance in Cars Land.

The wait time, which is usually one of the shortest in the park, is one of the highlights of it.

You might want to sit this one out if you don't like spinning rides.

There is a bacon-mac-and- cheese cone at the motel.

The Cozy Cone Motel has a rotating menu of sweet and savory snacks.Dana Bisbee

I love going to the Cozy Cone 3 stand at the Cozy Cone Motel to get a bacon-mac-and- cheese cone.

There are a lot of flavors of the treat. The bread cone has mac and cheese and bacon bits.

The cone is portable and easy to eat while waiting in a line.

Disneybounding is one of the things I like to do.

I've bounded as Jack Skellington.Dana Bisbee

Disneybounding is a way for fans to honor their favorite characters by wearing costumes that look like them in the parks.

Disneybounding is when you take normal clothing and wear it in a way that resembles a specific character. If you've ever seen someone running around the parks in a red polka-dot dress and mouse ears, they are most likely Disney bound.

I like Disneybounding because it makes me feel like I'm in Disneyland.

You can get a michelada from the brewery.

It's a refreshing cocktail on a warm day.Dana Bisbee

If you're over the age of 21 you can get an alcoholic beverage. One of the larger selections of beer can be found here.

A mango-cart michelada is a Mexican inspired drink made with beer, lime, and spices. When you need an afternoon break, it's the perfect refreshment.

If you want to save time, I would recommend ordering the drink on the phone.

The animation academy can teach you how to sketch.

I learned how to draw characters from "Luca."Dana Bisbee

I enjoy learning how to sketch Disney characters at the animation academy.

The employees teach you step-by-step how to draw your favorite characters in the free classes.

You can take your sketch home with you at the end of the class.

At the hottest time of the day, the Animation Academy is an excellent place to do this activity.

I like to take pictures with my favorites.

Character interactions can be a lot of fun.Dana Bisbee

I like to hunt at the parks. I like interacting with the characters the most on the day.

You never know who else you might find while roaming around with Mickey and the gang.

I like the haunted mansion ride.

I love riding Haunted Mansion any time of year.Dana Bisbee

My go-to ride at Disneyland is the haunted mansion.

I never miss the classic attraction, whether it's the haunted mansion holiday or the Nightmare Before Christmas.

I love that I get to relive my childhood memories of riding haunted mansion as an adult.

You can go to a Disneyland parade at any age.

There are parades throughout the day.Dana Bisbee

It's great to wave at the different characters in the parade.

The nighttime parades are my favorite. It's wonderful to sit on Main Street and watch the lights.

If you don't want to wait, you can usually find a spot closer to It's a Small World.

I like to end my nights at the park with fireworks.

The fireworks show never gets old.Dana Bisbee

I don't get sick of the firework shows at Disneyland. I still get teary eyed when I watch them.

Don't discount Fantasyland or It's a Small World if you want to see the fireworks behind the castle.

You can see the fireworks from the front of It's a Small World.

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