I don’t know if you heard, but Disneyland is 50 years old! Old favorites such as the Haunted Mansion and the signature Sleeping Beauty’s Castle have been dressed up in new finery. The new Space Mountain features “new technology, an energetic soundtrack and a sound system complete with 42 speakers on each vehicle.” I remember when I used to ride it with my walkman, playing my very own special soundtrack for the ride rather than listening to their uber-synthesizer rendition of what traveling through space at high speed must sound like. Ah well, now I’ll miss those kicky beats.

So here’s my proposal: why not be a kid for a day, forget work and just have fun in the Magical Kingdom? Ride rollercoasters, eat junk food and see what makes the “happiest place on earth” the happiest.

What with the hype of this very special anniversary, I say we avoid weekend crowds by calling in sick on a weekday, perhaps a Tuesday (November 15th), and meet there. Disneyland, not California Adventure. It’s $56 for one park or $76 for both. (A long way from the $1 entry into the park on opening day in 1955.) I didn’t see that Southern California resident discount for single-park tickets in my search. Either because of the anniversary or they’re only giving that discount for the park-hopper tickets.

In any case, it’s been awhile since I’ve visited, and I really want to see what they did to the Disneyland I grew up with. Such a reunion is best done with a large group of friends. Come on! Who’s with me?

Who’s the leader of the club
That’s made for you and me?
M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E!

Hey, there! Hi, there! Ho, there!
You’re as welcome as can be!
M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E!

Mickey Mouse! (Donald Duck!)
Mickey Mouse! (Donald Duck!)

Forever let us hold our banner high!
High! High! High!
Come along and sing a song
And join the jamboree!
M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E!

Disneyland Resort
1313 S. Disneyland Dr.
Anaheim, California 92802
Hours: 8am to 12am
Tickets

EDIT: I wish I could say that this is what I’m doing on the 15th, but instead I have to go downtown and spend a day in the IRS office. Boo! The complete OPPOSITE of a day of fun.