Cleo, second from left, celebrates her 90th birthday in Disneyland with daughters Pam, Kae, Jann and Tami.

“Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.”

Those are the words of Walt Disney, the creative genius who more than 70 years ago imagined a theme park that children and adults would enjoy.

His dream continues to attract millions of people each year—28 million to Disneyland and California Adventure Park.

Long since Disney’s death in 1966 the company has been expanding, changing and re-imagining the parks in California, Florida and elsewhere.

Last spring, the city of Anaheim approved DisneylandForward—which will be a nearly $2 billion multi-year project bringing new attractions and other amenities to the current parks in this Southern California city.

California Adventure Park is magical at night. (Image: Kathryn Reed)

It literally had been decades since I last visited Disneyland. California Adventure Park didn’t exist at the time; it opened in 2001.

Disney has always been about family, and that’s why I was there—to celebrate mom’s 90th birthday at the end of December. She wanted to take her four daughters to the two parks to have a slumber party to mark her milestone.

What fun!

What surprised me the most is adults far outnumbered little kids. So, clearly the five of us fit right in.

Just after Christmas the holiday lights continue to illuminate Main Street Disneyland. (Image: Kathryn Reed)

We logged more than 6 miles of walking each day as we went from ride to ride, scouted out spots to view entertainment, unexpectedly watched marching bands that would later participate in the Rose Bowl Parade, witnessed shows indoors, and navigated our way to make our dinner reservations.

We made it back to the room in time for a cake shaped like Mickey Mouse ears to be delivered for mom; then we popped open a bottle of Prosecco to toast her.

Lighting of the Disney castle is worth the wait. (Image: Kathryn Reed)

Staying at the Grand California Hotel meant never needing to get into a vehicle. We walked right into each park and into Downtown Disney.

Downtown is free to everyone. In many ways it feels like being on Main Street in Disneyland with the shops, restaurants, entertainment and all things Disney. Just no rides. It, too, opened in 2001, so was another first for some of our group.

Cleo Reed celebrates her 90th birthday at California Adventure Park.

Happy Birthday wishes were bestowed upon mom seemingly every few feet from the various cast members—another name for a Disney employee. Upon check-in she was given a bright button telling everyone it was her birthday.

The four of us girls had similar buttons saying we were celebrating mom’s birthday.

No one could believe she was 90. I still can’t.

These little touches added to the special occasion.

It’s like Disney puts on one big party day after day. It was fun to think it was about us and not the thousands of other people we were sharing the parks with.

Disney certainly has the service piece dialed in. Now if they’d only work on their app to make it more user-friendly.

Kae Reed on a favorite ride from her childhood–Dumbo. (Image: Tami Jordan)

Long gone are the E-ticket coupons that allowed guests to ride the top tier attractions. While Disneyland opened in 1955, the E-ticket came along four years later. By 1994 they were a thing of the past.

Today people pay one price for the park, though they can upgrade to get into attractions without waiting hours in line. Definitely pay for the Lightning Lane pass to skip the wait at many of the rides.

Being at Disneyland was a bit nostalgic, as one ride in particular stirred childhood memories—Dumbo. Based on the 1941 Disney movie with the same name, the ride was part of the park when it opened 70 years ago. We all rode it even though it caters to preschoolers and kids.

I’m not embarrassed to admit it’s still a favorite. Who doesn’t like the idea of a flying elephant?

Cleo Reed with her special cake. (Image: Kathryn Reed)

The Incredicoaster at Adventure Land is a must-ride for anyone who loves roller coasters. Even my sister who isn’t a big fan of them went on this twice and said she was glad she did. The pictures of her demonstrate her progression—first it’s sheer terror, then exhilaration.

If the line for Radiator Springs Racers had been shorter, we definitely would have been on it more than once. Mom remembers when she was at the park with a friend in the last decade that was one they both enjoyed.

While there is no gas pedal or steering wheel like at Autopia in Disneyland, it’s a much more entertaining experience at Adventure Land because you are racing the car next to you.

Matterhorn at Disneyland entertains years later. (Image: Kathryn Reed)

“Car buffs may notice the six mountain peaks look like tail fins of classic Cadillac models from 1957 to 1962. The mountains are inspired by the iconic Cadillac Ranch public art installation along Route 66 near Amarillo, Texas,” Disney’s website says.

My one regret is not binge watching Disney movies before going to better appreciate the themed rides and characters who were strolling about. But not knowing didn’t dampen the fun and excitement.

However, I might start watching now; starting with Dumbo, of course.