It always happens that when my nieces and nephews come to visit from the Midwest, they always want to go to Disneyland. https://disneyland.disney.go.com/ I guess that is to be expected since I am one of the few family members living in Southern California.  I did grow up going to Disneyland yet whenever I walk into the Magic Kingdom, it still feels exciting and new.  It is a place where fun is effortless and everyone seems happy.

The park first opened on July 17, 1955.  Walt Disney got the concept of Disneyland when he was visiting Griffith Park in Los Angeles with his daughters.  Watching them ride the merry-go-round, he imagined a place where adults and their children could come together for a day of fun.

I first started going to Disneyland in the late 70’s.  At that time, there were only a few big and exciting rides. Matterhorn Bobsleds modelled after the mountain in the Alps is a roller coaster that twists and turns throughout the mountain. Space Mountain is a high-speed roller coaster that takes place in the dark. You do not know when the next turn is coming. Later, in the 80’s, came Splash Mountain which is a log flume dark ride featuring characters and songs. Some may say the best part is at the end with a 52 feet drop.  Fast forwarding to 1995, Indiana Jones Adventure was the latest ride.  This is a fast-paced vehicle ride which takes you through the Temple of Doom.  It is nonstop action from beginning to end with brilliant visual effects.

In 2001, everyone got a treat when California Adventure opened. https://disneyland.disney.go.com/destinations/disney-california-adventure/ At California Adventure, the fastest ride (top speed being 55 mph) is California Screamin’. Many roller coasters are made of wood which are rickety and leave me with a bit of a headache at the end.  California Screamin’ is made of steel and is super smooth. Soarin’ Over California was one of my favorite rides.  It is currently going through a facelift and will be renamed Soarin’ Around The World.  You will feel the wind blowing across your face as you see the breathtaking wonders of the world while you take flight in this hang glider simulation ride.  Another great ride is Toy Story Midway Mania.  This is a 4-D interactive ride where riders take aim at moving objects and try to get a higher score than the person sitting next to them.

When I go with my nieces and nephews, I will be sure to bring some Penless Postcards.  The kids always love to take pictures and videos of themselves.  It will be fun for them to upload some of the pictures and videos onto the

QRcode of the Penless Postcards and mail them to their friends.  Once the friends get the postcard, they just have to scan the QR code to view.  What a fun way to receive mail!

“To all who come to this happy place: Welcome.  Disneyland is your land.  Here age relives fond memories of the past, and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future.  Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams, and the hard facts that have created America, with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world.” – Walter E. Disney