The disneyland expedition.

Words by Shaun
So, in between all the excitement and fun-filled shenanigans of finding a place to rent, a job to work and a life to live - it was high time for a little side-adventure. Paul's birthday was looming, and rumors of another kiwi in California were spreading throughout the nation. To be honest, I had absolutely no clue on what do to
for Paul's birthday. I mean, I have been travelling with the guy for 11 months now...it's almost wierd how well I know the little fella. And since we hang out all the time, it seemed extra-wierd to give him a card and a tacky birthday present.Therefore, when I heard that Disneyland offers a free day pass for any birthday boy (or girl), I figured that this was a great opportunity to get out of my dillemma. So I seized it.

...We arrived at Disneyland on the saturday morning, at approximately 10:47am. Not too early, but not too late. A buddy of mine by the name of Alan Joe - another New Zealander - was interestingly in the area at the time, so I gave him a buzz and asked him to join the adventure. He happpily agreed, and met us at the park.

The atmosphere of the place was electric. The Disney town, as you walk in, resembled a 1920's era community down to the last minute detail. A couple of disney characters were wandering about, destined to be swamped by the bumper Easter Weekend crowds.Paul Snagged a couple of quick photos of them amidst all of the commotion, and we set off to explore more.
Our good friend Crazy Christina kindly showed us around the place, as she works as as a cast member at Disneyland. I expected myself to be running about madly, looking for the nearest attraction with the smallest line, in order to fit in as many runs in as possible. However, this was just not the case. With so much just to look at, we all found ourselves taking a third person perspective of the place, and, by the fourth hour, we had only been on one ride. But that was just fine.

When we did find the time to go on the rides however, they were nothing short of amazing. I was expecting pretty lame stuff, really - like a whole bunch of attractions resembling the famous 'teacups' - where you only have the nerve to ride as a 21-year-old if you are A) taking your girlfriend, or B) taking your kid. Forunately the latter doesn't apply to me...but unfortunately, neither does the girlfriend part. Anywho, they were great.All of them. Oddly enough, even the lines were entertaining...full of moving bits and pieces, buzz lightyears and R2D2's. Our highlights were without doubt the Indiana Jones ride (sweet!) and Space Mountain. Pirates of the Carribbean was pretty epic, too.

In between observing and thrill-seeking, we thought we'd better get all the touristy stuff done - as well as get as many photos with the Disney characters as we could. You know, the stuff you dream of doing as a kid. Yet our plans hadn't changed...we were now just bigger, badder kids.
We ended up meeting quite a few: The Fairy Godmother, Pluto, Chip n' Dale, Woody, Goofy - and, of course, the mother of them all - Mickey! As a real fan favourite, there was a bit of a line for Mickey. But, we did it. Got our photo, even had a little dance. What kid could ask for more?
..We also figured we'd better go and fulfill every little girls' (and every pubescent boys') dream, and go and see the princesses of Disneyland. I'm not gonna say how long we lined up to see them, but I will say that it was a fair while. I mean, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity...right? Needless to say, we got the photos - and they speak for themselves.

Paul, Alan and I ended up staying at Disneyland the whole day. And, to finish things off, decided it would be great to see the fireworks display in front of the Disneyland Castle - another childhood dream. The place was packed out and we were late (as usual), but managed to squeeze through some unsuspecting families and invade their space. After about 15 minutes of anxious waiting, it all began. Tinkerbell flew across the sky and lit up the castle via being hung off of a giant flying-fox contraption.Moscow circus? Meh. She was immediately followed up by a number of themed fireworks displays based off all the classic disney films, ranging from Cinderella to Star Wars. Needless to say, it was all amazing. Topped off a great day for us all, and was a particularly killer/totally sick/flippin radskis birthday for Paul. All his words.

If you made it this far, thanks for reading this particularly long essay. We love you all, and will soon be back with another exciting episode from the life of one man...ShaunPaul.