24 Hours
For the past few years Disneyland has been opening the park for a full 24 hours to kick off the summer. This was their third year with this tradition and my third year going, but the first year where I had no school that day so we could actually go for the full 24. It was a crazy idea in the first place and crazier because I had only finished class and moved out of college the day before, getting home around 11pm, going to sleep around 12:30-1am, and then waking up again at 2am to get ready for the day at Disneyland. Wake up at 2, leave at 4, get there at 5, in the park at 6, and staying till 6am the following morning. Looking back at it, I was crazy stupid, but we did it and it was such a fun day. Totally worth all the sleep deprivation. I did my best to document the full 24 hours, but iPhones don't have the best battery life and we didn't want to spend too much of our day at random power outlets. I'll just share the little bit that I got to document what a full day at Disneyland is like.
6:00 am - 7:00 am
Getting into the park and seeing the new map cover for the parade we are so excited to see tonight and picking up our pin for the day (I've collected the one from the 24 ever year so far, it's great) and of course enjoyed all the beautiful Dimond celebration decor
7:00 am - 8:00 am
We headed over to California Adventures and went on Soaring Over California because it was just recently redone and most of us hadn't seen the update yet.
8:00 am - 9:00 am
California Screaming time. Wandered over to find a short line which is always a good time. After that we hit up ghirardelli for our first free chocolate.
9:00 am - 10:00 am
Left California Adventure for a little while to check out what's going on in Disney. Realized it was a lot more crowded very quickly and, after picking up a 60th anniversary pin, headed right back over to California Adventure.
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Made a quick stop for Starbucks. Snapped a quick pic of the new pin that I love so much. Headed over to Tower of Terror, which is a ride my best friend isn't a fan on, but was a trooper and went any way. Thanks for taking one for the team boo.
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Went on Monsters Inc and the ride broke down on us. So we had to walk off the ride rather than finish it, so close to the end. Then we went over to the Animation Studios to sit down and relax for a bit.
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Already desperately charging phones, thank the lord for outlets in Animation Studios. Then onto the Little Mermaid ride.
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
We ran into a stranger who had just bought three things of popcorn, but didn't want the popcorn so he gave it to us, score! Went on Grizzly River Rapids and got soaking wet, but then dried off on the swings.
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Went on the ferris wheel, which if you didn't know swings back and forth while on it. Kara was not a fan.
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Cars Land Cozy Cone for a little bite to eat. Then got another free chocolate at ghirardelli because we are so rebellious. Left to go to Disney again for a meet up at four and went on a couple rides in New Orleans and Critter Country before then.
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Went to a Disney meet up at 4 and got some cute buttons. Then went on a few more rides in Fantasyland and Frontierland.
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Went on Haunted Mansion to see the new ghost that came back, the hat box ghost aka hattie. Afterwards we waited for the 5:45 showing of Mickey and the Magical Map, standing there realizing that our feet were already dying. Watched the beautiful show with the beautiful man. After that we started talking about the idea of dinner.
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Got a little dinner and charged our dying phones again. Then it was time to go get ready to see Paint the Night and Disneyland Forever for the first of many times. People had been lining the streets waiting for this all day so it was a bit of a struggle to find a place to sit. Everything started at 9 and we were way too excited for it.
9:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Perfection Happened. One hour of perfection.
10:00 pm - 1:00 am
Watched Guardians of the Galaxy which was a perfect break to relax. After that we went on Matterhorn which also just redone with a new snowman and it was so much more fun! I approve of this update.
1:00 am - 3:00 am
Went back to California Adventures for the last time to see the new World of color show. Going to miss the old one because this one doesn't really compare.
3:00 am - 5:00 am
Back in Disneyland, finally starting to get tired. Met up with some other friends and went on It's a Small World because it's a small line (see what I did there)
5:00 am - 6:00 am
Final hour of our day. We went on the Carousel to take some cute pictures. Watched the sunrise on Tarzan's Tree House and went on Indiana Jones right at 6. Getting off the ride was a proud moment because we freaking did it.
It was a great day. So happy we did it. Disneyland never fails to make a magical time. Loved the little group of girlfriends we were with the entire time. I'm really excited for this summer.
Julia Carrington
ps: Here are a few extra pictures from the day.
