Written By: Travel Advisor, Caitlin Smith

I knew I would enjoy Disneyland Resort. I didn’t expect to fall completely in love with it.

As someone who knows Walt Disney World well, I went into this opportunity excited to learn, tour resorts, experience attractions, and better serve my clients. But somewhere between the views of Sleeping Beauty's castle, a relaxing meal overlooking the views at Paradise Bay, taking a ride on the Disneyland Railroad, and walking down Main Street, where Walt Disney himself once stood… it became something more.

Disneyland feels intimate in a way that’s hard to explain until you experience it yourself. One of my biggest (and most pleasant) surprises was just how incredibly walkable everything is. Park hopping is easy, the resorts are conveniently close, and Downtown Disney is so accessible that you can pop in for some amazing shopping just as easily as you could visit a hotel gift shop. Not to mention, there’s a charm woven into every corner that feels nostalgic and alive at the same time. You can feel the history here. And not in an outdated way, but in a way that makes the magic feel personal, where timeless charm reigns supreme and becoming a kid again feels almost inevitable.

I can't overstate how effortless my time at Disneyland Resort was. Moving between the parks and resorts was seamless. We could go from an attraction, to a great meal, to nighttime entertainment without spending half the day in transportation. For families, especially those with younger kids or shorter trip windows, that convenience is a game changer.

My journey began at rope drop in Disneyland Park. As I bounced from ride to ride through Fantasyland, I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. I got to ride in the nose of the Monorail with the Monorail Pilot — a uniquely Disneyland experience — and enjoying the original, it’s a small world, gave me all the heartwarming feels. By the end of the night, the dazzling magic of the Paint the Night Parade was the perfect ending to an unforgettable day.

And then there’s Disney California Adventure, which completely exceeded my expectations. From the energy of Pixar Pier, to the incredible storytelling in Cars Land and the original concept of my favorite ride at Walt Disney World, Soarin' (Over California), it offered such a fun balance to the classic magic of Disneyland Park.

The resorts each had their own personality too. There's Disneyland Hotel with its vintage elegance and then the unbeatable location of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa (where I was lucky enough to stay). And finally, there is the newly themed Pixar Place Hotel with its playful charm and even a visit from Bing Bong in the lobby. I walked away with such a better understanding of which experiences fit different families best.

But more than anything, this trip reminded me why I love this job. What a dream to be able to see and experience all of this magic through the eyes of my clients. There’s something special about stepping into a place that allows people to slow down, reconnect, laugh more, and experience wonder together. And getting to learn it firsthand so I can help other families experience it too? That’s something I don’t take for granted.