As someone who passionately aspires to be a journalist and media personality, dreaming for the brightest future is held very close to my heart. Speaking of dreams, thanks to Walt Disney and his good ol' pal Mickey Mouse, I'm on my way to my goals of being a media and communications extraordinaire!

In fact, those two magical chums granted another very special dream for me: To go to Disneyland Resort and celebrate its 60th Anniversary!!

"But wait, Haley - isn't that gonna be over at the end of the month? Why didn't you go when it was all the rage when it first started!?"

I know, I know... But it's okay! I finally got to go to the original Disney motherland, and my first visit there was everything I wanted and more. Additionally, I must say I'm very lucky this was my second trip to a Disney Parks & Resort this year (my first was at Disney World over spring break!).

So what was different this time and what was the last-minute experience like, you ask? Alright then!

Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls! I present to you... Haley's First Review & Experience of Disneyland Resort!!!

Downtown Disney

Unlike Disney Springs down in Florida, the magical non-park shopping district is sandwiched right next to the parks! And oh boy, did that save SO much time during my travels!

All in all, besides the park distance, both Downtown Disney and Disney Springs are quite similar! Same quantity restaurants, same shops, same AMC Theater, and so on and so forth. However, I must say I was very excited to see the Build-A-Bear Workshop. I used to collect stuffed animals there like a madman! The Lego store was pretty awesome, too - especially with that HUGE model of the "Aladdin" characters inside the store! Hashtag-Aladdin-Is-The-Best-Disney-90s-Movie-Ever, am I right!?

*cough cough* Oops, excuse me about that...

Oh, and did I mention how deadly World of Disney can be? If you're a hardcore Disnerd like myself, then you DEFINITELY know what I'm talking about... Don't you dare lie about how you think you can walk away from that store of heaven empty handed!!

Disney California Adventure

I decided to talk about this park first because I want to save the loveliness of the main parkas the best for last! ;)

Wow, this place was quite... An adventure!!

Haha, sorry about that one - I couldn't resist. Anyway, DCA was the bomb dot com. When I first arrived at this park, I got to meet Walt's original bae Oswald the Lucky Rabbit He was pretty darn cute, and he's such a flirty, little guy! If you're a thrill seeker, then this park is definitely for you! From California Screamin' to Toy Story Midway Mania, there are thrills in every nook and cranny. Can I also mention this is your last chance to ride the original Tower of Terror before it switches out to Guardians of Galaxy? I was extremely brokenhearted to hear this news, so I rode it twice and it was totally worth the two rides (and to be honest, I think this version is better than the one at Hollywood Studios!).

Speaking of superheroes and Hollywood movies, I got to meet Captain America AND Spider-Man. I never expected to meet my top two favorite Marvel Universe characters in Disney, but I met them and it was pretty awesome! Spidey was definitely one of the best meet and greets I've had since we both have NYC souls and can agree LA's pizza will never win against the beauty of a New York slice.

To finish the whole day off, my group of friends and I saw the ever-so spectacular night show "World of Color." Now get this, the area around Paradise Pier was massively crowded when we were trying to find a decent spot... HOWEVER!

A couple came to us and asked if we wanted their extra FastPass tickets because the other half of their group bailed on them. You wouldn't have believed the amount of shock, surprise, and excitement that poured out of us. 'Twas a Disney miracle thanks to those guys!!!

And yes, I did cry during the show's awesomeness. And yes, I did get a bit wet! Before seeing "World of Color," I didn't expect the performance to be that good. But whether it was the cinematic memories of Walt Disney or the incredible serendipity we received, it definitely proved that California Adventure is absolutely worth it!!

Disneyland

Thanks to the very first visit I had here, I couldn't be more than thankful to have July 29, 2016 and July 31, 2016 as great introductions to the very first Disney Park.

While Disneyland is quite similar to WDW's Magic Kingdom, the California version has its own set of treasures such as the remainders of Toontown and the alternative version of everyone's favorite Tomorrowland attraction: Space Mou--I mean, Hyperspace Mountain. Oh my gosh, that coaster was the best! It was such a good ride that I rode it three times during my stay there (thank goodness for the beauty of FastPass, and one of them was a bonus FastPass we got from a Cast Member right before the park closed!!).

And during my time at Disneyland, I had an absolutely sweet prince charming with me! It was an absolutely wonderful date on the first day - holding hands, sharing sweets, exchanging too many kisses to count, and OH I JUST CAN'T HANDLE IT, YOU GUYS!! But now that I was able to have a date there, I bet the next time I go there or Disney World will be even more romantic than this one. Snow White was right, if you use her wishing well just like I did, then "someday your prince will come!" <3

But of course, the main mission of going to Disneyland this summer was to enjoy the final weeks of Disneyland Resort's 60th Anniversary. And what was one thing I was super duper excited to do during my stay for the Diamond Celebration, you say?

Four words: Diamond. Minnie Mouse. Ears.

...I'm kidding, I'm kidding! There was definitely more than that! Such as...

The dazzling park tickets, Mickey & Friends dressed up to the nines, "Paint the Night" illuminating the classic and cool of Main Street, and of course, the beautifully revamped Sleeping Beauty Castle. If you get the chance, see the castle during the day AND the night for pictures (you will not be disappointed!). Just basking in the wonders of Princess Aurora's home is absolutely breathtaking. I remember right before leaving Disneyland the first day I was there, I was absolutely glued in front of it and couldn't stop looking! I blame "Disneyland Forever" for making it look a million times prettier!!

So thank you, Disneyland Resort! You made my Disney dreams come true, and reminded me why I keep running on positive energy to a brighter tomorrow. Seriously, this trip gave me so such hope for my future job hunt, new project ideas, and changed my whole perspective on Disney. After all...

"I only hope that we don't lose sight of one thing - that it was all started by a mouse." - Walt Disney