A week in the Golden State

Taylor McKenzie, Webmaster, Reporter|August 29, 2017

During the summer, I traveled to California. My week in the Golden State started with a 13-hour day at Disneyland. One of my favorite attractions was the daily parade, which featured the classic Disney princess floats. These were accompanied by a finale performance by the chimney sweepers from the beloved film “Mary Poppins.”
“It’s a Small World” is one of Disneyland’s most iconic rides. Before opening at Disneyland in 1966, this attraction was first called “Children of the World” and was a part of the 1964 New York World’s Fair’s UNICEF pavilion. Inspired by the effects of the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, Disney staff songwriters Robert B. Sherman and Richard M. Sherman wrote “It’s a Small World (After All.)” Walt Disney later named the ride after the theme song.
Fast Pass. Fast Pass. Fast Pass. That is my most useful tip for any future Disneyland adventurers. Several rides, including the Matterhorn Bobsleds, Splash Mountain and the Indiana Jones Adventure, have unbelievably long lines. You are going to have to wait an unfathomable amount of time either way; so you may as well save some time with the Fast Passes. Also, a note of caution, this ride feels a lot more violent than it looks! Prepare to feel like you’ve lost a fight with the yeti after the ride is over.
If you haven’t gone to the Dodgers Stadium before, you’re missing out. Even if you aren’t a baseball fan, or hail from Simi Valley side and are a hardcore Angels fan, you will find something of interest to you here. For my family, it was the Classic East Concert. During a two-day concert at the Dodgers Stadium several classic bands performed, including Journey, Fleetwood Mac and the Eagles.
No trip to California would be complete without seeing the famed Malibu beaches. While most people tend to go to Zuma beach, the real sight is El Matador Beach, only a few minutes past the hoard of cars at Zuma. At El Matador, you can see towering cliffs, feel freezing water and start a new collection of sea glass!