Trip Report: Disneyland with My 81-Year-Old Mom watching my son march on Main Street
Travel Companions:
My 81-year-old mother, who first visited Disneyland in 1955
Spotted throughout the parks:
My son, who marched with his school band down Main Street playing alto saxophone
Parents and students from our hometown.
Trip Highlights:
A nostalgic return for my mother
Watching my son perform in the park
Slowing down and soaking up the magic
Booking Info:
Booked through: Walt Disney Travel Company
Lodging: Good Neighbor Hotel – Motel 6 Anaheim Maingate
Pros: Clean sheets, towels, and rooms; very affordable
Cons: Shabby, showing its age, too far for midday rests
Recommended for: Budget-conscious couples or groups of friends
Not ideal for: Families with young kids or travelers with mobility/stamina challenges
Tip: Request a room facing the courtyard for a quieter experience
Day 1: California Adventure + Disneyland Park Hop
Morning Magic at California Adventure
Arrival: Saturday morning, in time for rope drop at DCA
Avoided: Radiator Racers rope drop (long waits even for front-of-line guests)
Enjoyed:
Soarin’ Over California (limited-time for Food & Wine Festival)
Ride delayed, but Disney service came through with a Lightning Lane for our group
Midway Mania – Waited <5 minutes
Incredicoaster:
Yes, my mom braved it! A priceless ride photo captured the moment
The Little Mermaid: A calmer change of pace
Radiator Racers (Single Rider): <10-minute wait
Tip: If your group is all over 7, this is a huge time-saver!
Lunch at Carthay Circle
Type: Prix fixe menu, fine dining
Ambience: A tribute to the original Carthay Theater where Snow White premiered
Bonus: Costumes from the upcoming live-action Snow White on display in the lobby
Disneyland Park Adventures
Star Tours: New scenes! Always a surprise.
Big Thunder Mountain: Classic fun
Haunted Mansion:
Used Lightning Lane
Note to Disney: The area between elevators and Doom Buggies is a bottleneck nightmare
Rise of the Resistance:
Line reopened just as we walked by – 30-minute wait with no passes
Dinner: Docking Bay 7 – Mobile ordered, great vibe and solid food
Final Ride: Minnie & Mickey’s Runaway Railway
No Lightning Lane, but we still managed it
End of Day:
9 rides on a busy weekend = win
Fireworks in the distance as we tucked into bed by 9:30
Day 2: Disneyland, Lightning Lanes, and a Proud Parade
Early Start and Fantasyland Fun
Arrival: Entered at opening
Purchased: Lightning Lane Multipass
Morning Rides:
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
Snow White & Pinocchio
Minnie & Mickey’s Runaway Railway
Jungle Cruise
Pirates of the Caribbean
Late Morning Thrills
Used LL for: HyperSpace Mountain (after earlier closure)
Lunch: Café Orleans on the terrace – a relaxing sit-down break
Afternoon Strategies
Rented a push wheelchair for my mom (next time: get a powered option!)
Radiator Racers (Single Rider): Slightly longer wait (~30 mins)
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure:
Gorgeous design
Warning: Expect to get very wet
Tips:
Wear waterproof shoes, pants, poncho
Bring a change of clothes
Consider a locker if you don’t have someone to hold your gear
Evening Highlights
Hot drinks + cookies before the parade
Watched our Marching Band: Bellevue High School — unforgettable!
Huge thanks to cast members for helping us find the perfect viewing spot
Shoutout to fellow guests for your kindness and encouragement – you brought tears to my eyes
Final Night in the Parks
Star Tours again
Shopping + Dinner while Mom rested
Mission Breakout: I rode, she shopped
Lightning Lanes used for:
Midway Mania
Soarin’ Over California
Big Thunder Mountain
Haunted Mansion
Wheelchair = more park stamina for my mom
Home by bedtime, but so full of memories
Day 3: Downtown Disney + Departure
Slept in
Checked out but stored bags
Explored and shopped in Downtown Disney before flying home
Final Reflections & Tips
What I’d Do Again
Mobility Aid: Next time, a powered chair so I’m not pushing all day
Early Start: Be through security by 7:40 AM
Tip: Security/ticket lines move fast
No need to line up 45 mins ahead of time unless:
You want to ride Peter Pan, Rise of the Resistance, or Radiator Racers right at rope drop
Single Park Focus:
Skip park hopping unless there's a special event (like a band performance)
Spend money on Lightning Lane Multipass instead
Lodging Advice
If not staying at a Disneyland Resort hotel, invest in a Good Neighbor hotel across the street
Ideal for:
Families with small children
Those needing midday breaks
Travelers with mobility/stamina needs
Final Thoughts:
This trip was packed with emotion, nostalgia, and just enough thrill. From watching my son march down Main Street to seeing Disneyland through my mother’s eyes 70 years after her first visit—it was truly unforgettable.
Remember: You're in the Happiest Place on Earth. Expect lines, laugh through the hiccups, and soak up the magic.
