JourneysPhotograph

Holiday Kickoff at Disneyland in November 2017

·Disneyland Park·#california#family#holiday#disneyland#amusement-park
A bearded man smiles at the camera in front of a blurry, white, castle-like building under a blue sky.

We made our annual trip to Disneyland in mid-November of 2017 to catch the start of the holiday season. The park was already fully decorated, with Mickey and Donald in festive sweaters and giant Christmas trees on display. The girls got their Minnie Mouse ears on, and we were ready for the day.

It was a bright, sunny day, perfect for hitting the rides. We took a spin on the teacups under the shadow of the Matterhorn before wandering through the park.

The crowds were intense, especially along the main drag—a sea of people and Mickey balloons under a partly cloudy sky. It's always a bit of a shock navigating that many people in one place.

As the sun went down, the park lit up. The sky over California Adventure turned pink and purple, which made for a nice view of the Ferris wheel and coaster over the water. It’s those moments, when the light changes and the park transforms, that tend to stick with you after a long day.

An adult in a Santa hat and two children in Minnie Mouse ears smile, all wearing Disney-themed clothes.A Ferris wheel with a Mickey Mouse face and a roller coaster are illuminated against a pink sunset sky over water.People ride in colorful teacups under hanging lanterns, with a snow-capped mountain in the background.Two young girls in Minnie Mouse headbands and themed shirts look at the camera, with a blurred outdoor background.A festive outdoor scene with a large Christmas tree, two mouse mascots, and a duck character figure on a snowy wooden structure.A crowded street with a person holding Mickey Mouse balloons, colorful buildings lining both sides, and a large Christmas tree.A child in Minnie Mouse ears and a Mickey Mouse shirt looks down at their clasped hands in sunlight, with a blurry background.A smiling man in a white cap and Santa shirt stands in front of a blurry, ornate white building.