A brrrrry Disney start to 2015

Jet-lagged and giddy: Rob, Nicole and me

LOS ANGELES—It is cold over here! I don’t normally expect Southern California temperatures to dip down into freezing territory. I’ve had my share of cold Los Angeles winters from my years of living here, but this one is particularly chilly. No matter, we’re still having a great time on this little vacation.

Day after Christmas, we decided to do something really crazy, given that it would be the day after our arrival—meaning, monumental jet lag. All that didn’t matter. We were going to the happiest place on earth: Disneyland!

We arrived at the Grand Californian Hotel on the Disneyland property at around 11:30 a.m., and were met by our handsome tour guides Robert and Esteban. We were a large group of 16 (Rob, Nicole, Rob’s cousins Paul and Renee, plus Renee’s husband Adrian and their two kids Christopher and Kelynn; our friends Donna and Gina, Marivic and her son Jonas, Cezar and Mary Ann plus kids Xander and Cassie).

Repeat visits

The attractions we visited over the course of the whole day—“Soarin’ Over California,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,” and “Toy Story Midway Mania” among many others—were repeats. I’ve done “Pirates,” “Midway,” and “Soarin’” at Disney World in Orlando, Florida, but everything was worth a repeat performance.

“It’s a Small World” was covered in colorful lights; the ride itself, holiday-themed; “The Haunted Mansion” was changed to “A Nightmare Before Christmas,” with Jack Skellington, his trusty dog Zero, lovely Sally, and Oogie Boogie, and a huge gingerbread house is erected within the ride, filling the place with amazing aroma.

“It’s a Small World” at Christmastime    Contributed Photos

Another attraction, “World of Color” (only in Disneyland in Anaheim) was all about “Frozen.” It seems that, wherever we looked, it was all about the phenomenon that was Elsa and Anna.

One brand-new attraction that just opened this season is “Frozen Sing Along,” where nonflash photography and singing at the top of your lungs are strongly encouraged! Everyone in the theater is treated to a history of Arendelle, courtesy of two of its royal historians. Elsa, Anna, and Kristoff also make appearances.

The movie’s greatest hits are played, with lyrics at the bottom, videoke-style. The whole audience was singing really loud (especially families with little girls). It was a perfect way to spend time with the family, and get a little rest from all the walking that Disneyland requires.

Exhausted, happy

Rob, Nic, and I avoided the scarier rides, save for the couple of turns on the large ferris wheel. We enjoyed the gorgeous sunset, and took a couple of photos along with our friend Gina, who rode with us.

All in all, we spent 12 hours going between Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure, and we all headed home exhausted, but really, really happy.

Here’s hoping you all had a fantastic New Year celebration! Let us all have a fantabulous 2015! Claim it! It shall be ours!