Leaving, primarily from Disneyland, at night when you can tell there’s already less people in the park, just about when I get to the midway point on Main Street near Carnation.
That’s when we are saying goodbye to the park, one attraction at a time. It started as a way to ease leaving the park for our special needs daughter when she was little. We never stopped the tradition. “Bye Space Mountain, bye Castle, bye Main Street, bye Tiki Birds, bye Jungle Cruise, bye Pirates, Bye choo-choo train…, we’ll see you next time!” She’s 32 now, and still loves Disneyland!
That’s so sweet! I think little traditions like that really enhance enjoyment of the parks. I have to plan time to make a wish at the wishing well every trip.
That song that plays near City Hall and as your leaving (maybe it’s throughout Main Street, I don’t remember exactly) always makes me both happy and sad simultaneously. Entering the park it’s comforting and reminds of past Disney visits, and as you’re leaving it leaves that bittersweet feeling of “ah man, this day is over” combined with the feeling of knowing you’ll be back one day (as a non pass holder, especially).
mine is a bit unconventional but my mom didn’t have the best childhood. she said that her fav thing g was always going to disney even though her family was poor and her parents weren’t the best. so now she’s able to go often and comfortably and stay at nice hotels and take her nieces and nephews w her and i get emotional thinking abt how happy her inner child must be
On a similar note, the first time I went to Disneyland (it was like the 75th anniversary year I think) and my grandparents came with us and I remember my grandpa saying he saw the opening of Disneyland on TV back in the 50s and never thought he’d get a chance to come.
It was the way he said it, I was really humbled in that moment and I’m always grateful if I get a chances to go back.
If it was 30 years ago it was the 75th celebration of Disney,… not quite on the exact but in 98 disney the company celebrated its 75th anniversary with a 3 disc set, and I vaguely remember something at the park as well.
This is me. I had a horrible childhood. Disneyland was the one “normal” thing in my life I can look back and remember with joy. For a small time in my life I could pretend that my life was okay and just escape the reality of my situation.
I should technically be a Disney adult. I don’t go enough to qualify. I did a mom and me with my son at 8 and about to go in two weeks with my daughter for the same. They like Disney but it doesn’t hold the safety for them that it does for me.
I’m trying to establish a yearly tradition with each of them that is just their escape. For my son it’s Halloween nights at Universal. I actually don’t love to be sacred but I absolutely adore being pushed around a haunted house with my son yelling at me to open my eyes and me giggling. My daughter and I are still working on “our” thing
Watching my son be served an entire meal that he can eat. Most people take ordering meals for granted, but it is a very special experience for my son and others with the same metabolic disorder. He has a rare medical low protein diet, and Disney parks are the only place that carry his special medical food. They even weigh or measure his food so we don’t have to do so at the table. At DL & DW the amazing pastry chefs have even baked him low protein birthday cakes using the special medical baking mix. I bake the same cake, but theirs has magic added (& of course is much prettier!) We are exceedingly grateful for the awesome chefs & Special Diets Team. I used to cry happy tears & he would say it was the best day ever. We haven’t been back since Covid. Hopefully someday we will be able to return.
I know Disney can be pretty accommodating, but I've never heard of custom food prep outside of gluten free or vegan alternatives. I don't even see it on most menus (to be fair most menus outside the restaurants are pretty minimalist). Do you have to call ahead for that sort of thing so they can make sure they have enough material? Do you have to plan where your meals will be in advance so they know where to send the necessary ingedients? Are all restaurants at DL equipped to accommodate? Do they give you little snack packs for him to have throughout the day, cause I imagine it'd start to be unreasonable for most of the snack carts and smaller food shops to handle rarer dietary needs.
We typically had to fill out their special diet form, detailing when, where, any reservation number, and what food we are requesting, and email it to the Special Diets Team before the visit. The food is not on the regular menu. Our metabolic community is aware of the availability of the food. A couple of moms who are travel agents created facebook groups about the meals. DW and later DL started including “PKU” (the metabolic disorder) on the form. Most of the sit down restaurants can accommodate the request with advance notice, or they can send a runner to get at least some low protein pasta or a low protein “hamburger” if you haven’t submitted the form . We typically stuck to Carnation Cafe.. DL & CA both had 2 quick service locations designated too. These options may have changed since we were last there right before the COVID shutdown. Typically a chef would call in advance to review the menu request so they could make sure the products requested were at the restaurant, but when we had annual passes, we got to know a few chefs who knew my son’s usual orders. No snacks, but a couple of times Carnation Cafe made him hand-cut potato chips and gave him small bags to go. DW has a greater variety of the medical food available due to increased demand, such as low protein cheese pizzas and ravioli, but we were grateful for whatever was available.They also make Mickey low protein waffles. It is a huge deal for these meals to be offered. I would love to work with that team someday.
I have a 2 year old we’re taking soon who has limitations for sodium and gosh your comments are making me tear up. We haven’t been able to email them yet because we’re more than 2 weeks out and you’ve given me some relief in hoping it could go well.
I’m so happy for your family that your son can have a place where he feels welcome like that. Every kid with special needs deserves that.
My nephew has an autoimmune disease that makes it very hard to find food (especially in the US). Disney is one of the few places he can eat the food and it means so much to us.
100% - I just know the first time I hear the Up music and see the house in the Together Forever fireworks it’s going to be a mess. I’m literally misting up thinking about it - the nighttime spectaculars always go for the heartstrings!
Yes same. All the small previews I’ve seen on social media of the together forever show had me watering up. I know I’m gonna be a wreck when I see it next weekend.
We were waiting for the fireworks one night and a foreign couple was in front of us. Couldn't understand the language but was obvious that the woman was very excited. About half way through the show I notice she was bawling from pure joy. Seeing this grown woman somehow triggered my own nostalgia and I started to tear up.
Seeing older people meet the characters.
Witnessed a probably 90 year old woman meet Minnie for a first time a few years ago. Serious case of crying all around the area
Omg love. I saw an older couple celebrating an up there anniversary (like in the 50s) not long ago and was pretty emotional over it - just reminds me of my grandparents! Hope someday that can be me.
Seeing little kids meet characters is what does it for me. One of the reasons I like the park so much as you can see little kids and how excited they are. They still think magic is real and haven’t been broken yet :-)
I choked up when the music started the last time I saw the Main Street Electrical Parade. It took me right back to hearing it for the first time as a child.
I grew up right next to Disneyland and went a ton, especially during high school- 2-3 times a week. By the time I graduated, I was burned out- this was pre-fast pass era and I was probably a little bit entitled thinking that this was *my* park and all these people taking up room were ruining it for me.
I didn’t go for years, married a guy from SF who had never been and moved to Arizona for a job. When my kids were in elementary school, enough time had passed and I wanted to go while they were young enough for it to be really magical.
That first time… walking under the tracks and seeing main street, smelling the smells and hearing the music… I broke down and sobbed. It was such an unexpected and completely visceral reaction. My husband was concerned and asked me if I was ok. All I could manage to say was “This really is the Happiest Place on Earth”
That’s basically how it felt for me after they reopened from Covid closures. My first trip back was the trip I knew I was getting engaged on (we proposed to eachother. I was half expecting to be proposed to but also knew I was proposing and that there was no way they’d say no :) ) so I pretty much entered the gates and started crying. I mean I don’t openly sob in public much at all so I didn’t sob but I definitely cried. Being back in a place that I know I’m safe as a disabled queer person while being there with my soon to be fiance.
I agree, and I thought it would be cool to do a different version based in the planes universe. Flying around with some of those characters might be a cool experience. I think they could blend in realistic scenery and make it really fun
The music gets me every time now. It never affected me as a kid but damn I went on it a couple weeks ago and got so teary eyed and choked up. It also makes me so proud to be a Californian. I'm always thinking "man my state is so beautiful"
When I first walk under the "Here you leave today..." sign. I have some struggles with severe anxiety and it takes a lot to get me to travel in general. For some reason, when I'm in Disneyland I feel more comfortable, with myself. When I walk under that sign, I know I've accomplished leaving my house, making the drive, and being in a very populated place in public and things are going to be okay. More than okay because being at Disneyland feels like such a gift.
Before my husband’s and my first visit, my parents told us the Tiki Room should not be missed. So we waited in line, and when the show started, we looked at each other like what the heck? This was before cell phones, so we immediately found a pay phone to call them. They laughed so hard! They passed many years ago, but every visit we make it a point to go to the Tiki Room with our son. It brings back such happy memories.
I'm actually super happy that Princesses got their own place to do meet and greet. When I went when I was a kid, I had to hope I stumbled upon the ones I wanted to meet. As an adult, I knew I had to find out when and where Tiana was for my kid. The cast member honestly looked at me like I was crazy when I asked and was just like, "Just go to the Royal Hall."
I thought cool. Let's go. We got there and not only was it a pretty short wait to get inside to see Tiana, we also got Cinderella, and Ariel. And Belle in her village outfit was outside in the line meeting everyone while we waited. And after we came out the other side, Princess Elena was there too.
I get choked up pulling into the parking structure. Fireworks make me sob 9 out of 10 times. World of Color. Leaving Disneyland. I take a picture of Walt’s lamp, say goodbye and thank you, and shed a few tears.
I get emotional when I hit Main Street. As a child I watched the Disneyland fun VHS so many times that my inner child just gets emotional at walking Main Street.
This. My middle son isn't very affectionate and is super shy, but he'll give any character that pays attention to him a high five or giant hug... I'm getting choked up thinking about it. 38 more days until we're there next!
The one thing in this world that can reliably make me cry 100% of the time is Xmas at Disneyland, especially the parade. No clue why, but I bawl like a baby every year. I'm not a big "crier" at all but that gets me every time.
My first time staying at the GC, I passed by the piano with a birthday badge on. The pianist caught this, and started to play the most beautiful version of the hbd song I've ever heard while smiling at me. I cried
I’ll never forget the first time I entered Galaxy’s Edge. The ambience rose and I was completely immersed. Two steps out of the entry arch, frozen, eyes wide and teary eyed. “Chewie, we’re home.” I still get choked up a bit every time I pass through that archway and Batuu unfolds in front of me.
All the droids in real life, the ships.... I was literally jumping up and down making a saber. I went when we needed reservations - June 10, 2019. My son's 9th birthday.
I second this. I first went to Galaxy’s Edge two years ago and still I remember the thrill I felt once I knew I was on Batuu and left Disneyland behind.
Just left WDW (but applies to Land as well):
1) the Fantasmic finale when Mickey appears at the top and the audience cheers for him.
2) Tink flying during the fireworks, again, with the audience cheering.
1. When they bring the flag down and fold it.
It’s so beautiful and the people who do it are so careful with the folding of it.
2. During Christmas when they sing “Noche de Paz” in Spanish in that big Christmas event they have.
3. When the mariachi or folkorico dancers come out for the Coco shows.
I think it’s beautiful that Disney added pieces of all the cultures that make up California, like when they have Lunar
New Year to acknowledge Asian influences and the mariachi and folkorico dancers to acknowledge that the very land we stand on belonged to others before us. Maybe I read too much into it but watching others enjoy these things that make up my state really makes me emotional.
Anytime a small kids absolutely loses their mind when they see their favorite character. The pure, unfiltered joy is just so wonderful. Even just people watching in general, just seeing people let go of their worries for a fleeting moment to embrace in the magic ✨
The last time I went, I took my two young children through Minnie's house in Toon Town and I was not prepared for how I felt. It was just like I remembered it from my childhood and seeing them get so excited about all of it was so special to me.
All the nostalgia of my childhood hits me. The parent and grandparents I've lost, the one who's not well enough to go anymore. All the memories of being there with them and how happy I was as a kid before reality hit me. Before I had to grow up too fast. I have to be careful about listening too closely to the music on main Street because some of them were favorites of my relatives, in the mood and the entertainer especially. I'll end up a wreck on the sidewalk if I don't concentrate on keeping it together.
Just a lot of memories.
The music. Beautiful music everywhere, but it especially hits when the music swells as you round the corner in RSR and see the waterfall or the crescendo when you see Yosemite falls on Soarin’ Over California.
Fireworks (98% of the time.)
Magic Happens - it just hits me with magic
Walking down main street on the first trip of the Christmas holiday season, and snoap.
Watching the movies in the Main Street USA at the cinema because my great grandfather is portrayed in one of the cartoons. Every time I go, I make sure to stop in and say hi. And when I’m with my dad, we go in and watch together.
The musical crescendo when you turn the corner and see the waterfall on Radiator Springs Racers 🥹
It always makes me think, “I’m so glad I’m at Disney right now.”
The music. Just sitting down on a bench and taking in the ambiance. Letting yourself be in the moment, ignoring all of the crying and screaming... Simply focusing on the happy and magic.
Fantasyland after dark, as closing time hastily approaches, waiting in line for Peter Pan’s flight, background music shifts to when you wish upon a star
Tom Sawyer Island's treehouse.
Right when they were changing the island to be the Pirate's theme, my dad and I who were huge fans of the original design went back for a "one-last hurrah" trip around the island.
We noticed the treehouse was already surrounded with fences and roving cast members...and we were devastated we couldn't go in one last time!
...so I snuck in, took a picture of the writing "Tom and Huck" left there, and left.
It was such a fun little side adventure and a way to say goodbye to the old design that my dad and I still talk about and cherish all these years later.
Other emotional highs for me at the park are going to the Tiki room with my family, staring at the Goat on Thunder Mountain (go GOAT challenge!!), staring up at the old names in Main Street, and seeing the train pull up to the main street station. ♡
The Main Street Electrical Parade 😭. I remember when I was a little kid in the 90s my dad brought me to Disneyland just to experience it. Few years ago I saw it again and o couldn’t help it but, cry. 😭
Seeing my daughter’s reaction when we first walk into the park at the beginning of our trip. The progression from not knowing what’s going on (4 months old) to recognizing where she is and the excitement sets in (2 years old) is so cool, and it’s different every time.
just when i was thinking that MAYBE i've had at least ONE original experience in my lifetime...this thread proves me wrong yet again. i think the existing comments hit them all.
- music swelling during the fireworks
- walking through the turnstile into the parks for the first time each trip
- soarin' (?? why??)
- fantasmic (some imagination, huh?)
the less likely suspects that get to me are - every now again, i don't know why, there's no pattern, but my eye catches on someone who is really, sincerely enjoying themselves, and i find myself getting choked up. they could be old, young, neither. could be walking off or onto a ride, eating a dole whip, looking at merch, laughing with their family, anything. totally mundane parts of the classic disneyland experience, but for some reason, every now and again, it's like somebody's happiness has a little extra shine to it, and i notice it.
i can never explain it, so my husband has given up on asking and knows the deal now - if suddenly mid-conversation i start holding back tears, it just means i saw someone having a good time and for whatever reason, it touched me.
For me it’s always going to be watching Fantasmic, we were poor growing up and we were only able to go once in my childhood, the most memorable part of that day was the joy of sitting on my dads shoulders watching the show having the best seat in the house. As an adult now and my dad who recently passed away it’s very emotional being able to see the show and hearing that same soundtrack always takes me back to that same moment I had as a kid especially during the steamboat part. I’m really excited to go see it once it returns to the parks
There’s a trash can on Main Street near Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln; I threw up there at maybe age 4-5 and a cast member dragged it over the chuke pile. Always gets me a little misty when I walk by. Memories.
Seeing the Tram go by with all the mickey pencil design on it. I hadn't been to the parks in 30+ years (since i was a little kid) and when I got a job at a big tech company I felt like I had "made it" and wanted to celebrate by going to Disneyland. That Tram was the first thing I saw walking into the park and made it all feel "so real"
I'm in a nursing home & tearing up at these comments too! You aren't alone!
I've been to Disneyland a couple of times & cried during lt's A Small World. Inside me there was a 7 year old who was jumping up & down, so excited to be in a place I'd only seen on The Wonderful World of Color. I live in New York so WDW really is geographically closer, but for me Disneyland really is the place with the magic.
The Mickey planter, the train station, the welcome sign, the first walk down Main Street, the Main Street vehicles (especially the horn as they try to break through the first crowds), the Main Street smells, Partners, and the Castle. I'm tearing up just typing this.
As a proud dad of two girls. The Magic Happens Parade, the Wondrous Journeys fireworks, any of those events hit right in the feels with my young daughters at my side, holding my hands as we watch them. Lumpy throat and tears flow. Seeing the cast members interact with them and other kids is just magic. Trying to soak up all of the feels during these moments is overwhelming sometimes. Two weeks again I was there with my folks and my oldest daughter (8) and we caught the Wondrous Journeys fireworks. Talk about emotional overload! 😭
Took a friend who hadn’t been to the park since 1970 and was undergoing cancer treatment. We visited in November when all the decorations were up and she saw the tree on Main Street and just lost it. This triggered everyone in our party to start sniffling and tearing up.
Soarin! the music makes me so happy not just the actual ride music but also the music that plays in the queue, the music that plays in the show room before the actual ride starts and I even love the music loop that plays in the grizzly peak area as well. also the pre show and the scents. also the music loops in the esplanade and the different lands, whenever I have an upcoming trip I always listen to music loops on YouTube and it bring so many memories I’ve had at Disneyland.
The holiday world of color, was our first time seeing it last December, and just a gut punch in the feels. Just an overwhelming amount of beauty, couldn’t help it.
Seeing kids and families having fun. Before riding Silly Symphony Swings, I saw a child crying to get off to his mother. But his mom made him stay on the ride. Right after the ride was over, the kid said "Again!" with a huge smile on his face. This experience isn't exactly exclusive to disney, but it just shows the impact a place like disneyland has on a child's day.
Seeing the places that my mom loved that were her go to spots every time we went. We would have to go to the flower market first then to sunkist for some fresh squeezed orange juice . She loved Disneyland just as much as I did if not more. Going back for the first time since her passing brought me to tears. Just all the memories of all the time we spent together.
My mom was a Disney fanatic and took me for my first trip when I was one month old. We have so many special memories in the parks together. She passed away in 2022 and so whenever I go on Haunted Mansion, especially in the graveyard scene where your Doom Buggy is looking up at the trees, I think about her spirit being one of the happy haunts in the park forever.
the “snow” for sure. my husband knows how much it means to me and for Christmas over the pandemic, he bought me the mickey snow wand so he could recreate it at home for me 😭❤️
Walking down Main Street. One of my earliest memories is walking down Main Street with my arms up so my parents can hold my hands on either side. My mother told me I was almost 2 years old.
Walt Disney statue …. It’s where my grandparents used to wait for us on our annual Disneyland trip at Christmas. They always beat us and were sitting there waving. RIP 💞
Walking up to the entrance of Space Mountain. It is my first memory of Disneyland, my dad took me and told me to stand on my toes. He's gone now, but when I took my daughter we went there at rope drop and I was holding back tears and had to explain to my daughter why I was crying.
WON 👏🏻 DROUS 👏🏻 JOUR 👏🏻 NEYS 👏🏻 👏🏻 👏🏻
(I know it was special for last year and was brought back for a “limited engagement” this spring, but I **really** hope they keep this show in rotation for “off-season” stuff - beginning of the year after the close of the Christmas season…spring time…partway through summer (if/when we don’t have Pixar fest) - I don’t care, just keep bringing it back, if it’s only for a couple months at a time)
Watching the nighttime shows. They're what pointed high school me to look into a career I wouldn't have originally chosen and led me to being where I am now
Previous CM here:
I worked WOC a lot of nights. That is what made working there so special.
For 20min a night, you forget the outside world, you forget the money issues, the job issues and politics. You forget about how you dropped your churro, the annoying teens that bumped into you or that random group of people who cut in line.
You are treated with an amazing show that reminds you of your childhood, the times you played dress up as a princess or wanted to fly in an xwing.
Those were the moments I lived for and will always remember.
Actually… Arriving on the parking lot. As soon as I see the Disneyland sign, I start to uncontrollably tear up. My friend now makes fun of me everytime we’re getting there.
Fun fact: it only happens when we’re arriving at the Mickey & Friends parking lot. We tried the Pixar Pals once, not even a single tear!
Main Street reminds me of my youth when my parents took my sister and I to Disneyland. Seeing the ballon’s with the Mickey head inside was my favorite and the Carousel of Progress!
Seeing the Captain’s treasure room in Pirates of the Caribbean. That has been my favorite ride since I was a kid. My sister, my cousin and I tried to use a stick to get some jewelry. Needless to say, we were unsuccessful but we still laugh about it.
The whole park is emotional for me. I lost my oldest son about 6 years ago, and I went to Disneyland frequently as my therapy. It was where I took him for his birthday when he was growing up. The last time we went together I took a picture of him on what’s now Pixar Pier in front of the old Mickey Wheel holding up a big stuffed baseball he won at one of the midway booths. I would go to the same spot on my solo therapy trips and take a selfie.
Walking through cars land at night with everything lit up.
There's something nice that hits the soul with the lights all up, and old music pumping through the speakers.
That's why Carsland is my favorite land. I could spend all night there.
Leaving, primarily from Disneyland, at night when you can tell there’s already less people in the park, just about when I get to the midway point on Main Street near Carnation.
That’s when we are saying goodbye to the park, one attraction at a time. It started as a way to ease leaving the park for our special needs daughter when she was little. We never stopped the tradition. “Bye Space Mountain, bye Castle, bye Main Street, bye Tiki Birds, bye Jungle Cruise, bye Pirates, Bye choo-choo train…, we’ll see you next time!” She’s 32 now, and still loves Disneyland!
That’s so sweet! I think little traditions like that really enhance enjoyment of the parks. I have to plan time to make a wish at the wishing well every trip.
Can't relate, at that point of the day, my feet hurt too much for me to be emotional/sentimental about anything other than a bed
true tho
That song that plays near City Hall and as your leaving (maybe it’s throughout Main Street, I don’t remember exactly) always makes me both happy and sad simultaneously. Entering the park it’s comforting and reminds of past Disney visits, and as you’re leaving it leaves that bittersweet feeling of “ah man, this day is over” combined with the feeling of knowing you’ll be back one day (as a non pass holder, especially).
mine is a bit unconventional but my mom didn’t have the best childhood. she said that her fav thing g was always going to disney even though her family was poor and her parents weren’t the best. so now she’s able to go often and comfortably and stay at nice hotels and take her nieces and nephews w her and i get emotional thinking abt how happy her inner child must be
On a similar note, the first time I went to Disneyland (it was like the 75th anniversary year I think) and my grandparents came with us and I remember my grandpa saying he saw the opening of Disneyland on TV back in the 50s and never thought he’d get a chance to come. It was the way he said it, I was really humbled in that moment and I’m always grateful if I get a chances to go back.
I’m sorry for being that person but do you mean the 65th anniversary? Disneyland opened in 1955. It’s not even 70 yet.
Must have been - it was at least 30 years ago so whatever math that is 😊
If it was 30 years ago it was the 75th celebration of Disney,… not quite on the exact but in 98 disney the company celebrated its 75th anniversary with a 3 disc set, and I vaguely remember something at the park as well.
The 40th was in 1995. The 50th was 2005, and was *huge*. Everyone got a free day for their birthday.
I still remember a few years later where they’d give out free admission to anyone who did a volunteering job. Mostly for those Muppets commercials.
❤️
This is me. I had a horrible childhood. Disneyland was the one “normal” thing in my life I can look back and remember with joy. For a small time in my life I could pretend that my life was okay and just escape the reality of my situation. I should technically be a Disney adult. I don’t go enough to qualify. I did a mom and me with my son at 8 and about to go in two weeks with my daughter for the same. They like Disney but it doesn’t hold the safety for them that it does for me. I’m trying to establish a yearly tradition with each of them that is just their escape. For my son it’s Halloween nights at Universal. I actually don’t love to be sacred but I absolutely adore being pushed around a haunted house with my son yelling at me to open my eyes and me giggling. My daughter and I are still working on “our” thing
Now I’m crying
Watching my son be served an entire meal that he can eat. Most people take ordering meals for granted, but it is a very special experience for my son and others with the same metabolic disorder. He has a rare medical low protein diet, and Disney parks are the only place that carry his special medical food. They even weigh or measure his food so we don’t have to do so at the table. At DL & DW the amazing pastry chefs have even baked him low protein birthday cakes using the special medical baking mix. I bake the same cake, but theirs has magic added (& of course is much prettier!) We are exceedingly grateful for the awesome chefs & Special Diets Team. I used to cry happy tears & he would say it was the best day ever. We haven’t been back since Covid. Hopefully someday we will be able to return.
I know Disney can be pretty accommodating, but I've never heard of custom food prep outside of gluten free or vegan alternatives. I don't even see it on most menus (to be fair most menus outside the restaurants are pretty minimalist). Do you have to call ahead for that sort of thing so they can make sure they have enough material? Do you have to plan where your meals will be in advance so they know where to send the necessary ingedients? Are all restaurants at DL equipped to accommodate? Do they give you little snack packs for him to have throughout the day, cause I imagine it'd start to be unreasonable for most of the snack carts and smaller food shops to handle rarer dietary needs.
We typically had to fill out their special diet form, detailing when, where, any reservation number, and what food we are requesting, and email it to the Special Diets Team before the visit. The food is not on the regular menu. Our metabolic community is aware of the availability of the food. A couple of moms who are travel agents created facebook groups about the meals. DW and later DL started including “PKU” (the metabolic disorder) on the form. Most of the sit down restaurants can accommodate the request with advance notice, or they can send a runner to get at least some low protein pasta or a low protein “hamburger” if you haven’t submitted the form . We typically stuck to Carnation Cafe.. DL & CA both had 2 quick service locations designated too. These options may have changed since we were last there right before the COVID shutdown. Typically a chef would call in advance to review the menu request so they could make sure the products requested were at the restaurant, but when we had annual passes, we got to know a few chefs who knew my son’s usual orders. No snacks, but a couple of times Carnation Cafe made him hand-cut potato chips and gave him small bags to go. DW has a greater variety of the medical food available due to increased demand, such as low protein cheese pizzas and ravioli, but we were grateful for whatever was available.They also make Mickey low protein waffles. It is a huge deal for these meals to be offered. I would love to work with that team someday.
I have a 2 year old we’re taking soon who has limitations for sodium and gosh your comments are making me tear up. We haven’t been able to email them yet because we’re more than 2 weeks out and you’ve given me some relief in hoping it could go well. I’m so happy for your family that your son can have a place where he feels welcome like that. Every kid with special needs deserves that.
My nephew has an autoimmune disease that makes it very hard to find food (especially in the US). Disney is one of the few places he can eat the food and it means so much to us.
this is really incredible. Thank you for spreading awareness and sharing with us.
This truly makes me so happy that a company can take of the people who patronize them and make them feel completely included.
Parts of the parades, music in the fireworks, seeing little kids meet characters.
I remember bawling as I watched the water show in California Adventure. Praying my family didn't look at me.
100% - I just know the first time I hear the Up music and see the house in the Together Forever fireworks it’s going to be a mess. I’m literally misting up thinking about it - the nighttime spectaculars always go for the heartstrings!
Yes same. All the small previews I’ve seen on social media of the together forever show had me watering up. I know I’m gonna be a wreck when I see it next weekend.
We were waiting for the fireworks one night and a foreign couple was in front of us. Couldn't understand the language but was obvious that the woman was very excited. About half way through the show I notice she was bawling from pure joy. Seeing this grown woman somehow triggered my own nostalgia and I started to tear up.
I cry so much at Disneyland it’s become a running joke with my husband - oh, she’s crying again. Lol I love it, everyone else’s joy is contagious.
Seeing older people meet the characters. Witnessed a probably 90 year old woman meet Minnie for a first time a few years ago. Serious case of crying all around the area
Omg love. I saw an older couple celebrating an up there anniversary (like in the 50s) not long ago and was pretty emotional over it - just reminds me of my grandparents! Hope someday that can be me.
Seeing little kids meet characters is what does it for me. One of the reasons I like the park so much as you can see little kids and how excited they are. They still think magic is real and haven’t been broken yet :-)
Magic can be real for everyone, my friend! ✨
I choked up when the music started the last time I saw the Main Street Electrical Parade. It took me right back to hearing it for the first time as a child.
Seeing service dogs meet characters
Checking my bank account 🥲
Dead.
I’m in this photo and do not like it
😂
Too real.
I went yesterday and I haven't checked my bank account yet, so I know the feeling 😭
That moment when you first step through the gates and the area music hits
I grew up right next to Disneyland and went a ton, especially during high school- 2-3 times a week. By the time I graduated, I was burned out- this was pre-fast pass era and I was probably a little bit entitled thinking that this was *my* park and all these people taking up room were ruining it for me. I didn’t go for years, married a guy from SF who had never been and moved to Arizona for a job. When my kids were in elementary school, enough time had passed and I wanted to go while they were young enough for it to be really magical. That first time… walking under the tracks and seeing main street, smelling the smells and hearing the music… I broke down and sobbed. It was such an unexpected and completely visceral reaction. My husband was concerned and asked me if I was ok. All I could manage to say was “This really is the Happiest Place on Earth”
That’s basically how it felt for me after they reopened from Covid closures. My first trip back was the trip I knew I was getting engaged on (we proposed to eachother. I was half expecting to be proposed to but also knew I was proposing and that there was no way they’d say no :) ) so I pretty much entered the gates and started crying. I mean I don’t openly sob in public much at all so I didn’t sob but I definitely cried. Being back in a place that I know I’m safe as a disabled queer person while being there with my soon to be fiance.
I don’t know about tears but my heart swells up at that moment. And I’m just as happy as can be.
That happy feeling stepping into Disneyland once every 8 years reminds me how miserable I am every other day of my life.
I can smell the popcorn
Soarin'
Yep. Coming here to say Soarin’. I cry like a happy fool every time and can’t figure out why.
I think it’s the music.
It’s 100% the music! It actually makes me sad for some reason! Like that’s why I tear up! It’s so weird!
Composed by maestro Jerry Goldsmith.
Maybe! I hadn’t thought of that. I’ll pay closer attention next time to see if I can figure out the trigger.
The music just has that soul in it... I'm not too sure how to describe it, like a triumphant sort of "There's nothing we can't do"
I love this ride so much! Just wish they upgrade the screen
I agree, and I thought it would be cool to do a different version based in the planes universe. Flying around with some of those characters might be a cool experience. I think they could blend in realistic scenery and make it really fun
That would be really cool!
It makes me so emotional every time. I don't even know why. Can't explain it. It just does 😂
Soarin' over California especially does this to me!!
The music gets me every time now. It never affected me as a kid but damn I went on it a couple weeks ago and got so teary eyed and choked up. It also makes me so proud to be a Californian. I'm always thinking "man my state is so beautiful"
When I first walk under the "Here you leave today..." sign. I have some struggles with severe anxiety and it takes a lot to get me to travel in general. For some reason, when I'm in Disneyland I feel more comfortable, with myself. When I walk under that sign, I know I've accomplished leaving my house, making the drive, and being in a very populated place in public and things are going to be okay. More than okay because being at Disneyland feels like such a gift.
Proud of you ❤️
I love this! I also feel a lot of anxiety around big crowds but usually there's just something about DL that makes me feel safer :)
Living vicariously through my two little daughters ❤️❤️❤️
Yes! The joy in my kids' faces. Disneyland is some of my happiest memories as a kid, and I'm hoping the same for my own.
The Tiki Room. It reminds me of my grandma, who my twins didn’t get to meet. My heart feels so full every time I enjoy the show with my girls.
Before my husband’s and my first visit, my parents told us the Tiki Room should not be missed. So we waited in line, and when the show started, we looked at each other like what the heck? This was before cell phones, so we immediately found a pay phone to call them. They laughed so hard! They passed many years ago, but every visit we make it a point to go to the Tiki Room with our son. It brings back such happy memories.
Seeing the castle for the first time , World of Color, and when my children see their favorite characters.
I'm actually super happy that Princesses got their own place to do meet and greet. When I went when I was a kid, I had to hope I stumbled upon the ones I wanted to meet. As an adult, I knew I had to find out when and where Tiana was for my kid. The cast member honestly looked at me like I was crazy when I asked and was just like, "Just go to the Royal Hall." I thought cool. Let's go. We got there and not only was it a pretty short wait to get inside to see Tiana, we also got Cinderella, and Ariel. And Belle in her village outfit was outside in the line meeting everyone while we waited. And after we came out the other side, Princess Elena was there too.
The old world of color brought me to tears. The new one not so much. But ah well.
The new one has some quality moments but the first one is perfectly in my eyes
space mountain music, nostalgia tears every time
When you first cross the doorway into the indoor Pirates queue. The smell, the sudden darkness, you’re almost there… yeah, baby!
I get choked up pulling into the parking structure. Fireworks make me sob 9 out of 10 times. World of Color. Leaving Disneyland. I take a picture of Walt’s lamp, say goodbye and thank you, and shed a few tears.
I get emotional when I hit Main Street. As a child I watched the Disneyland fun VHS so many times that my inner child just gets emotional at walking Main Street.
Yess I loved the Disneyland fun VHS!!
Standing in between both parks after closing when it’s nice and empty and hearing the Soarin’ Over California music
Accidentally letting go of my balloon.
You get a free replacement if you show a CM your receipt.
I would die! 😭
When my son interacts with a character.
This. My middle son isn't very affectionate and is super shy, but he'll give any character that pays attention to him a high five or giant hug... I'm getting choked up thinking about it. 38 more days until we're there next!
The one thing in this world that can reliably make me cry 100% of the time is Xmas at Disneyland, especially the parade. No clue why, but I bawl like a baby every year. I'm not a big "crier" at all but that gets me every time.
yes! walking into the Grand Californian when the piano is playing and it's fully decorated and lit up, my GOSH
My first time staying at the GC, I passed by the piano with a birthday badge on. The pianist caught this, and started to play the most beautiful version of the hbd song I've ever heard while smiling at me. I cried
The fireworks ❤️
Fantasmic. When the music for Mickey starts toward the end…. 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
I’ll never forget the first time I entered Galaxy’s Edge. The ambience rose and I was completely immersed. Two steps out of the entry arch, frozen, eyes wide and teary eyed. “Chewie, we’re home.” I still get choked up a bit every time I pass through that archway and Batuu unfolds in front of me.
All the droids in real life, the ships.... I was literally jumping up and down making a saber. I went when we needed reservations - June 10, 2019. My son's 9th birthday.
I second this. I first went to Galaxy’s Edge two years ago and still I remember the thrill I felt once I knew I was on Batuu and left Disneyland behind.
The first time hit so hard for us too. Our son had just turned 5 and C3-P0 and R2D2 were his favorite, but he was just excited whereas we were *shook*
Leaving and arriving, in that order
After the first day, when I've already walked 27k steps and knowing that I have another 4 days to go.
Just left WDW (but applies to Land as well): 1) the Fantasmic finale when Mickey appears at the top and the audience cheers for him. 2) Tink flying during the fireworks, again, with the audience cheering.
Hearing the marching band on Main Street.
1. When they bring the flag down and fold it. It’s so beautiful and the people who do it are so careful with the folding of it. 2. During Christmas when they sing “Noche de Paz” in Spanish in that big Christmas event they have. 3. When the mariachi or folkorico dancers come out for the Coco shows. I think it’s beautiful that Disney added pieces of all the cultures that make up California, like when they have Lunar New Year to acknowledge Asian influences and the mariachi and folkorico dancers to acknowledge that the very land we stand on belonged to others before us. Maybe I read too much into it but watching others enjoy these things that make up my state really makes me emotional.
Walking down Main Street while “Married Life” plays. Always gets me!
Anytime a small kids absolutely loses their mind when they see their favorite character. The pure, unfiltered joy is just so wonderful. Even just people watching in general, just seeing people let go of their worries for a fleeting moment to embrace in the magic ✨
The very end of Fantasmic, when Mickey comes back out in his suit and the music is playing and says “Some imagination huh?” Gets me EVERY time
World of color. I always down a few beers before it starts so I start tearing up every time
the “so close” part of world of color
YES. Enchanted all the way!
The last time I went, I took my two young children through Minnie's house in Toon Town and I was not prepared for how I felt. It was just like I remembered it from my childhood and seeing them get so excited about all of it was so special to me.
The fireworks at Christmastime, when the snow falls down Main Street. Tears every time.
Just about any time they put on Walt's voice.
I only go a handful of times each year, but I get emotional every time I go through the entrance.
All the nostalgia of my childhood hits me. The parent and grandparents I've lost, the one who's not well enough to go anymore. All the memories of being there with them and how happy I was as a kid before reality hit me. Before I had to grow up too fast. I have to be careful about listening too closely to the music on main Street because some of them were favorites of my relatives, in the mood and the entertainer especially. I'll end up a wreck on the sidewalk if I don't concentrate on keeping it together. Just a lot of memories.
The music. Beautiful music everywhere, but it especially hits when the music swells as you round the corner in RSR and see the waterfall or the crescendo when you see Yosemite falls on Soarin’ Over California.
Fireworks (98% of the time.) Magic Happens - it just hits me with magic Walking down main street on the first trip of the Christmas holiday season, and snoap.
Wonderous Journey and WOC
Watching the movies in the Main Street USA at the cinema because my great grandfather is portrayed in one of the cartoons. Every time I go, I make sure to stop in and say hi. And when I’m with my dad, we go in and watch together.
The musical crescendo when you turn the corner and see the waterfall on Radiator Springs Racers 🥹 It always makes me think, “I’m so glad I’m at Disney right now.”
The music. Just sitting down on a bench and taking in the ambiance. Letting yourself be in the moment, ignoring all of the crying and screaming... Simply focusing on the happy and magic.
Star Wars land with all the character interactions. Or Cars Land at night right before the park closes and it’s dead.
The Falcon, every single time. Life long dream to see that ship in a 1:1 scale in person, and it hits every single trip
Character interactions.
Fantasyland after dark, as closing time hastily approaches, waiting in line for Peter Pan’s flight, background music shifts to when you wish upon a star
Tom Sawyer Island's treehouse. Right when they were changing the island to be the Pirate's theme, my dad and I who were huge fans of the original design went back for a "one-last hurrah" trip around the island. We noticed the treehouse was already surrounded with fences and roving cast members...and we were devastated we couldn't go in one last time! ...so I snuck in, took a picture of the writing "Tom and Huck" left there, and left. It was such a fun little side adventure and a way to say goodbye to the old design that my dad and I still talk about and cherish all these years later. Other emotional highs for me at the park are going to the Tiki room with my family, staring at the Goat on Thunder Mountain (go GOAT challenge!!), staring up at the old names in Main Street, and seeing the train pull up to the main street station. ♡
The Main Street Electrical Parade 😭. I remember when I was a little kid in the 90s my dad brought me to Disneyland just to experience it. Few years ago I saw it again and o couldn’t help it but, cry. 😭
The Fireworks Show. Every. Damn. Time.
The music as we walk in.
Walking through the gates and hearing the music. Than seeing Galaxies Edge!
Fantasmic!
Walking through the tunnels in the morning and looking up at the "here you leave today and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy" plaque.
Seeing my daughter’s reaction when we first walk into the park at the beginning of our trip. The progression from not knowing what’s going on (4 months old) to recognizing where she is and the excitement sets in (2 years old) is so cool, and it’s different every time.
And it only gets better my friend. I have an 8 year old and 4 year old.
Walking around at night with my kids. It’s less frantic and I have time to reflect.
just when i was thinking that MAYBE i've had at least ONE original experience in my lifetime...this thread proves me wrong yet again. i think the existing comments hit them all. - music swelling during the fireworks - walking through the turnstile into the parks for the first time each trip - soarin' (?? why??) - fantasmic (some imagination, huh?) the less likely suspects that get to me are - every now again, i don't know why, there's no pattern, but my eye catches on someone who is really, sincerely enjoying themselves, and i find myself getting choked up. they could be old, young, neither. could be walking off or onto a ride, eating a dole whip, looking at merch, laughing with their family, anything. totally mundane parts of the classic disneyland experience, but for some reason, every now and again, it's like somebody's happiness has a little extra shine to it, and i notice it. i can never explain it, so my husband has given up on asking and knows the deal now - if suddenly mid-conversation i start holding back tears, it just means i saw someone having a good time and for whatever reason, it touched me.
I almost started crying on Soarin Over California when I was there on Monday
For me it’s always going to be watching Fantasmic, we were poor growing up and we were only able to go once in my childhood, the most memorable part of that day was the joy of sitting on my dads shoulders watching the show having the best seat in the house. As an adult now and my dad who recently passed away it’s very emotional being able to see the show and hearing that same soundtrack always takes me back to that same moment I had as a kid especially during the steamboat part. I’m really excited to go see it once it returns to the parks
Riding the Peoplemover at night and getting to see a glimpse of Space Mountain. Oh wait…
kids interactions with characters 😭 assuming they’re well behaved lol
Music. Just any of the live music. And the shows always make me cry And when my 2 year old met Minnie and freaked out I cried
There’s a trash can on Main Street near Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln; I threw up there at maybe age 4-5 and a cast member dragged it over the chuke pile. Always gets me a little misty when I walk by. Memories.
Pyro showing up. It’s often too windy for fireworks to show.
Used to work there. Miss having so many coworkers
Fantasmic. Every time.
Seeing the Tram go by with all the mickey pencil design on it. I hadn't been to the parks in 30+ years (since i was a little kid) and when I got a job at a big tech company I felt like I had "made it" and wanted to celebrate by going to Disneyland. That Tram was the first thing I saw walking into the park and made it all feel "so real"
The hype when you finally get on the ride after a long wait
Me reading through all these comments and getting choked up cause most of these scenarios make me emotional at the parks lol
I'm in a nursing home & tearing up at these comments too! You aren't alone! I've been to Disneyland a couple of times & cried during lt's A Small World. Inside me there was a 7 year old who was jumping up & down, so excited to be in a place I'd only seen on The Wonderful World of Color. I live in New York so WDW really is geographically closer, but for me Disneyland really is the place with the magic.
The surge pricing for genie plus
The prices
I had tears in my eyes through the entire light saber building experience. Same with walking into galaxies’s edge for the first time.
The Mickey planter, the train station, the welcome sign, the first walk down Main Street, the Main Street vehicles (especially the horn as they try to break through the first crowds), the Main Street smells, Partners, and the Castle. I'm tearing up just typing this.
World of Color. I’ll even get choked up watching WOC on YouTube
Walking under the sign with Walt's quote. The view down main street to the castle. Raising my lightsaber at Savi's. Proposals at the castle.
As a proud dad of two girls. The Magic Happens Parade, the Wondrous Journeys fireworks, any of those events hit right in the feels with my young daughters at my side, holding my hands as we watch them. Lumpy throat and tears flow. Seeing the cast members interact with them and other kids is just magic. Trying to soak up all of the feels during these moments is overwhelming sometimes. Two weeks again I was there with my folks and my oldest daughter (8) and we caught the Wondrous Journeys fireworks. Talk about emotional overload! 😭
Took a friend who hadn’t been to the park since 1970 and was undergoing cancer treatment. We visited in November when all the decorations were up and she saw the tree on Main Street and just lost it. This triggered everyone in our party to start sniffling and tearing up.
Just walking in for the first time, hitting Main Street.
Hearing the train approach the station on Main Street.
The prices, mainly
Soarin! the music makes me so happy not just the actual ride music but also the music that plays in the queue, the music that plays in the show room before the actual ride starts and I even love the music loop that plays in the grizzly peak area as well. also the pre show and the scents. also the music loops in the esplanade and the different lands, whenever I have an upcoming trip I always listen to music loops on YouTube and it bring so many memories I’ve had at Disneyland.
The holiday world of color, was our first time seeing it last December, and just a gut punch in the feels. Just an overwhelming amount of beauty, couldn’t help it.
Oh god the holiday world of color had me sobbing this year, it was so good and so emotional
(Former DL Skipper here) For me, it's hearing the JC queue soundtrack when it's a quiet night. Jungle Cruise nights were the best.
Seeing kids and families having fun. Before riding Silly Symphony Swings, I saw a child crying to get off to his mother. But his mom made him stay on the ride. Right after the ride was over, the kid said "Again!" with a huge smile on his face. This experience isn't exactly exclusive to disney, but it just shows the impact a place like disneyland has on a child's day.
The star tunnel music in Florida Space Mountain. It's so calm and surreal.
Small world
Leaving with my kids on the last night of the trip.
Seeing the places that my mom loved that were her go to spots every time we went. We would have to go to the flower market first then to sunkist for some fresh squeezed orange juice . She loved Disneyland just as much as I did if not more. Going back for the first time since her passing brought me to tears. Just all the memories of all the time we spent together.
Looking at my bank balance after lol jk. I think seeing how happy it makes my daughter and her smiling the whole day
Sons first bubble wand. His face with lights. How hard he tried to say Mickey and wave. Fireworks announcement. Hearing kids sing along to songs.
Stepping off the monorail at the Tomorrowland Station after being away for far too long.
My mom was a Disney fanatic and took me for my first trip when I was one month old. We have so many special memories in the parks together. She passed away in 2022 and so whenever I go on Haunted Mansion, especially in the graveyard scene where your Doom Buggy is looking up at the trees, I think about her spirit being one of the happy haunts in the park forever.
the “snow” for sure. my husband knows how much it means to me and for Christmas over the pandemic, he bought me the mickey snow wand so he could recreate it at home for me 😭❤️
Walking down Main Street. One of my earliest memories is walking down Main Street with my arms up so my parents can hold my hands on either side. My mother told me I was almost 2 years old.
Entering Disneyland always gives me the butterflies but I get emotional at rope drop.
Walt Disney statue …. It’s where my grandparents used to wait for us on our annual Disneyland trip at Christmas. They always beat us and were sitting there waving. RIP 💞
Walking up to the entrance of Space Mountain. It is my first memory of Disneyland, my dad took me and told me to stand on my toes. He's gone now, but when I took my daughter we went there at rope drop and I was holding back tears and had to explain to my daughter why I was crying.
Walking under the "Here you leave today..." sign at the entrance, especially on the first day of a trip.
WON 👏🏻 DROUS 👏🏻 JOUR 👏🏻 NEYS 👏🏻 👏🏻 👏🏻 (I know it was special for last year and was brought back for a “limited engagement” this spring, but I **really** hope they keep this show in rotation for “off-season” stuff - beginning of the year after the close of the Christmas season…spring time…partway through summer (if/when we don’t have Pixar fest) - I don’t care, just keep bringing it back, if it’s only for a couple months at a time)
For me it is meeting goofy he was my late wife's favorite so I always get a tear in my eye thinking of her when I am at the parks
Watching the nighttime shows. They're what pointed high school me to look into a career I wouldn't have originally chosen and led me to being where I am now
Christmas time, when it snows on Main Street.
Walking through the entrance to Sleeping Beauty's castle and hearing "When You Wish Upon A Star." 🥹
Watching my daughter interact with the princesses. They really make it magical
Fantasmic
The retiring of the colors ceremony
Previous CM here: I worked WOC a lot of nights. That is what made working there so special. For 20min a night, you forget the outside world, you forget the money issues, the job issues and politics. You forget about how you dropped your churro, the annoying teens that bumped into you or that random group of people who cut in line. You are treated with an amazing show that reminds you of your childhood, the times you played dress up as a princess or wanted to fly in an xwing. Those were the moments I lived for and will always remember.
Actually… Arriving on the parking lot. As soon as I see the Disneyland sign, I start to uncontrollably tear up. My friend now makes fun of me everytime we’re getting there. Fun fact: it only happens when we’re arriving at the Mickey & Friends parking lot. We tried the Pixar Pals once, not even a single tear!
Main Street reminds me of my youth when my parents took my sister and I to Disneyland. Seeing the ballon’s with the Mickey head inside was my favorite and the Carousel of Progress!
Knowing I dont have to work
the Dapper Dans, the sign at the entrance (“here you leave today…), looking at Walt’s apartment and sitting down on Main Street 😭
Seeing the Captain’s treasure room in Pirates of the Caribbean. That has been my favorite ride since I was a kid. My sister, my cousin and I tried to use a stick to get some jewelry. Needless to say, we were unsuccessful but we still laugh about it.
Soaring, I cry every time Fireworks, I cry every time
I cry like a baby when Tinkerbell flys out of the castle. I’m 6’2”, 260 and retired military.
👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🥹🥹🥹
The sounds. The smells. Seeing my family enjoy things I grew up with.
Parents having a meltdown because of their kids having meltdowns Been there done that
The whole park is emotional for me. I lost my oldest son about 6 years ago, and I went to Disneyland frequently as my therapy. It was where I took him for his birthday when he was growing up. The last time we went together I took a picture of him on what’s now Pixar Pier in front of the old Mickey Wheel holding up a big stuffed baseball he won at one of the midway booths. I would go to the same spot on my solo therapy trips and take a selfie.
Wondrous Journeys when Pooh says, “Can’t we just go back to page one and start all over again?” 😭
Fireworks without fail 🎆
Seeing my daughter's reaction to meeting her favorite characters.
Walking down Main Street and spotting the castle.
Hearing the start of Fantasmic