MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- Beautiful water falls, bobsleds, Peter Pan, pirates, ghosts, cotton candy, Tigger and the Seven Dwarfs, entice the child from within at "the happiest place on earth" - Disneyland.
The "Disney Armed Forces Salute" began in June, and the salute continues for one more week, ending Dec. 19.
Active duty and retired members of the U.S. military can receive one complimentary 3-day ticket valid for admission to both Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure. Military personnel may also make a one-time purchase of up to five 3-day Disney Armed Forces Salute companion tickets for a special price of $39 each.
"We had a free day from work, and I wanted to get away and relax," said Lance Cpl. Victor Quezada, administrative clerk, Headquarters and Service Battalion, School of Infantry, Camp Pendleton, Calif. "It's nice to get away from the hustle and bustle of work and think about something else."
Disneyland has some special features this holiday season, including a new twist on its Haunted Mansion ride.
A ghostly voice welcomes Disney goers to the Haunted Mansion as usual, but Jack Skellington and his pals from the movie "The Nightmare before Christmas," add a new dimension to the classic ride.
Disney's California Adventure Park is one of the latest additions to the wonderful world of Disney in Southern California, opening a whole new world for Disney enthusiasts to enjoy.
The park takes patrons on a journey to Bug's Land, Hollywood's Back Lot, the Paradise Pier and many other adventures.
A hop, skip and jump away, the drive is less than two hours from San Diego. The entrance is straight off Interstate-5 and parking is $8.
Trams pick up park patrons every few minutes from the parking area and the front gates.
Restaurants inside the park offer everything from burgers to steaks. On sunny days, patrons can spread out a blanket, pour some cola and have a picnic.
Service members must act fast to take advantage of Disney's Armed Forces Salute before it ends Dec. 19 and make use of the adventures and dreams Disneyland offers.
Disneyland:
Disneyland's holiday attractions
- The new Haunted Mansion Holiday
- Believe ... in Holiday Magic (nightly)
- "A Christmas Fantasy" parade (nightly)
- "It's a Small World" Holiday (daily)
- "Holiday Time at Disneyland Park" tour (daily)
- Radio Days (Saturday)
California Adventure's holiday attractions
- Santa's Beach Blast
- Disney's Electrical Parade (weekends)
- Magic of Brother Bear show