What makes Disneyland so magical? At first glance there’s nothing minimal about an entire “land” or even “world,” and yet, reflecting on my first trip to Anaheim for Sister’s birthday surprise, the “happiest place on earth” is merely the sum of many micro-pleasures:

♡ Disneybounding. Have you heard of this phenomenon? As much as I admire detailed cosplay, taking subtle fashion cues from characters is my kind of creative challenge. I worked around my yellow dress and came up with… [can you guess?]

Winnie the Pooh!

HAIRBAND, [BORROWED] | SWEATER, TALBOTS [BORROWED] | DRESS, JONES AND JONES | BLOOMERS, ANTHRO | SHOES, CONVERSE | SOCKS, BRAINTREE | BAG, [MARKET]

Extra care went into the details: my elephant handbag Jack pretended to be a heffalump, and I wore Marc Jacobs honey perfume with a Betsey Johnson bee ring.

♡ Walt’s vision. “[Disneyland] has that thing – the imagination, and the feeling of happy excitement- I knew when I was a kid.” All Walt wanted was a place where he and his kids could have fun together. While I’ve been to Disney World many times, seeing that front gate just as he imagined was something special.

♡ Kindness and compassion. Cast members and attendees alike. For some reason it’s easier to say “I like your outfit” at Disneyland. Why? The air is rife with love and appreciation. “May I see your ticket please, princess?”

♡ Waiting patiently. Embrace the long waits, and it’s an excellent practice in meditation.

♡ An unexpected rock climbing adventure. Follow the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail to be a Wilderness Explorer with Russell from Up!

♡ Attention to Style. From cake at the Plaza Inn to the Pixar Parade costumes, every detail adds up to charming fun.

♡ It’s a Small World. This was my favorite ride of the trip: a lovely Mary Blair creation with the message that we are all one. The revamped Disneyland version (way cooler than WDW, at least from my last visit!) features familiar Disney characters in their homelands; a mini hide and seek.

♡ It’s never finished. Walt left an unfinished spire on Sleeping Beauty’s Castle because “Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.” !

For an extra fix, check out my fellow Disney girls: Danielle, Megan, Gala, and Lynsay!

> monday mini adventures: making the most of one’s surroundings through conscious exploration and appreciation 

P.S. More Disney! Outfits from Walt Disney World.