Greg had the idea to go to Disneyland for Spring break based on being able to find some reasonable flights out to California. This was about a month before spring break so we didn’t have a lot of head notice. We decided we were going to make it a surprise for the kids. After a little while we told them we were going somewhere but didn’t tell them where.
Last summer we went to Disney World. There you have to book dinner reservations and basically determine your high level schedule including fast passes at various parks months in advance. I guess it’s a good thing that this isn’t required at Disneyland. You do fastpasses the day of, we only made 2 meal reservations and we thought we were pretty set.
We had a flow planned out for what parks to go to each day. Then they expected some weather so that sort of went up in the air. I’m used to having several things planned but this trip we are kind of flying by the seat of our pants. We’ll see how it goes.
3/6
We had an early flight to get to California. The kids had been asking where we are going for a few weeks. We almost gave it away a few times, but kept the secret. Greg mentioned something about park not allowing umbrellas and kids asked if we were going to Disneyland and I smiled a little to much trying to not tell them.
At any rate. Greg and I were up about 4:50am. Showered and got the kids up before to long. We left the house just after 5:30 which was the plan, though maybe a bit late.
Greg dropped kids and I off with luggage and went to park. We checked our bags and headed into airport. By the time we went potty we barely had time to walk to our gate and get on the plane. We said a little prayer that our luggage would make it. We turned luggage in with about 45 minutes to spare.
Our tickets said we were going to Orange County – kids didn’t know where that was and we woulnd’t tell them the state. Landon figured out from magazine in plane that we were going to California. He was thinking beach since its close to the water
On the plane lady sitting behind Landon had a medical issue – not sure what. Sort of scary. We had drinks on the plane. Kasey watched a movie, Greg played Candy Crush, I read and Landon played mindcraft most of the time.
It was raining when we landed but it was supposed to clear up the rest of the day. Greg and I talking in code decided we’d go to Disneyland today. Its supposed to rain all day Monday. We took a Taxi to our hotel. Kids were looking around trying to figure out where we were. Getting closer started seeing signs and buses for Disneyland and they figured it out. I got a good picture of their smiles as they figured it out.
We checked into hotel, checked luggage in and walked to Disneyland. It was basically across the street. You walk to a center area and Disneyland is on one side, California Adventure is on the other and Downtown Disney is on the 3rd side.
We went to Tomorrowland first and got our Fastpass Star Tours. It was only 5-10 minute wait for Buzz light year so we all did that. Landon, Kasey and Greg all got level 3, and I only got level 2 (it’s an electronic game where you are shooting bad guys). Then it kind of became a competition with Greg and the kids. Then Landon and I went to Superhero Headquarters – saw several ironman suits, other cool movie props from Ironman, Antman, Thor and we got to meet Spiderman and take a picture with him.
We got up early Dallas time so we were hungry early. I went to wait for fast passes for Hyperspace Moutain (you can’t get them until a certain time), and Greg and kids went to get food. We had some really expensive not great pizza but we were having fun so its ok.
Then we went to use our Fast Passes for Star Tours. We’d done this at Disney world and loved it but now they had some parts from the new Star Wars Movie. To bad we couldn’t do it several times (wait is to long). It was very cool with BB-8, Millennium Falcon, Gungan city on Naboo with some of the big sea monstors. Also go to see Fin from Force awakens.
Next we went to Star Wars Launch Bay and to see Star Wars: Path of the Jedi. The Path of the Jedi was a very cool 10 minute movie talking through Jedi of all the Movies. Made all of us smile. Launch Bay is a cool set up showing several mock ups from movies – different ships, there was an assumed full size BB-8 and the speeder that Rey drove. Then there was an area that was decorated like the bar Mos Eisley in earlier Star Wars. Greg got his picture by the bar. Then the kids played some Disney infinity and we got to see and get picture with unexpected guest. BoBo Fett – pretty cool.
From there we got in line for the Matterhorn bobsled. Getting up closer in line people were getting pretty wet so Landon and I decided not to go. Of course Greg and Kasey barely got wet at all. Landon and I went to get a fast pass for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad ride. The fastpasses were the same time as our Star Tours and the wait time was 15 minutes. We waited for Greg and Kasey and got in line which of course was 25 minutes by then. Very fun ride, probably one of our favorites. Faster roller coaster.
Kasey wanted to go on Casey Junior Train. The boys didn’t want to so they went to compete at Buzz light year. Kasey and I waited a lot for the little train ride. We got to ride in the Monkey cage which Kasey really wanted and the scenery was nice.
Then we went to use our Fastpasses at Hyperspace Mountain. They have turned Space Mountain into Star Wars Theme. Star Wars Music playing the whole time, slow and fast parts in the dark trying to fight bad buys. We got done and Landon and I both said That was AWESOME!
After that we decided to go do Finding Nemo submarine. It was a bit of a wait, but cool to see pretend underwater then mini version of Finding Nemo story. It was cute.
By this time the kids were about done. Landon really wanted a double Kylor Ren light saber at build your own lightsaber. Kasey really wanted an Anna/Elsa reversible doll (after we talked her out of a $60 BB-8 purse). So we did a little shopping. Kasey and I walked through Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. Then we met up again. How do you get your children to stay for the Disney Parade – buy them a toy. I really wanted to stay and watch it and we did. Landon thought it was really cool, and Kasey got waived to by several princesses and characters. Each float came out with dancers in theme appropriate costumes and then character from key movies like Aladdin, Lion King, Mary Poppins, Peter Pan, several princesses, Mickey Minney Donald, Pluto and Goofy. I loved it too! So fun. I even saw Chip and Dale who I remember as some of first characters I met as a child at Disney.
After the parade we headed to dinner. We settled on a Cajun place where we could sit on patio. Good food, good weather and enjoyed it. We even had Beignets for dessert.
Then we walked back. Still on Dallas time the kids were in bed by about 7 (9pm Dallas time). I went to the roof to watch fireworks which are quite loud when you are across the street from the park, but I don’t think it woke the kids up. They delivered our breakfast food right before the fireworks.
What a fun day! Kids were really excited and we all had fun.
3/7
We had planned to make it an “off” day and it was supposed to rain all day. We didn’t really sleep in but got to be lazy in our room. We had breakfast in our room and chilled out in the morning.
We all got showers and headed out maybe 10ish. Tons of people getting to the park and lines to get in were long. We walked around Downtown Disney. We did a little shopping. I got a magnet and ornament. Kasey got a charm bracelet and a ring (some of which she will pay for herself). We walked all the way down going into stores here and there. We stopped to get move tickets for afternoon showing of Zootopia movie. Kids were already hungry considering they woke up at 5:15 and couldn’t go back to sleep. We decided to eat lunch at ESPN Zone. In theory there was some entertainment and food. After we ordered, Greg took the kids upstairs to the arcade. Not sure they played anything but walked around.
We stalled for a bit after lunch and kept walking vs going to play video games like the kids wanted. We ended up at Disneyland Hotel to get Eggstravaganza sheets. Kids have to look for eggs at different parts in downtown Disney. They had fun looking and finding them. They got them all and then got to get a Disney egg back at world of Disney store. Kids had fun. We had a little time so we sat and played around. Greg was wrestling with kids some and then kept hiding the eggs where they couldn’t find them. Lots of laughing and fun.
Then it was time to head to the movie. Cute show. We had a few snacks to go with our movie. But somehow as we came out the kids were starving again. We went to Tiki bar thinking to have a few drinks and dinner. The kids didn’t want to so we ended up at a Mexican restaurant. The food was good, Greg and I got to have some pretty good Sangria, and the kids got balloons made. Landon wanted a blue lightsaber and Kasey wanted a dog so she made Pluto with a pink leash for her. Very cute.
After that we headed back to the hotel. Kids got ready for bed, we tried watching a movie but had issues so we just played a few games before going to bed.
We probably ate to much, but we had a fun down day.
3/8
Kids woke up a bit after 6 which was a little later. They colored for a little while so we could rest then Greg and I got showered. We headed out around 7:30 to go get in line for Disneyland. Since we had 3 days of tickets we got in early today.
We headed straight to tomorrow land to ride Hyperspace Mountain again with short wait and Star Tours again. Hyperspace Mountain was awesome, and that whole area plays Star Wars music all the time which is awesome. In Star Tours it goes through 3 segments and they can be different each time. Somehow both days and Disneyland we saw the exact same show. Oh well.
Then we headed over to Adventure Land. The Indiana Jones ride wasn’t too long of a wait so we went on the ride. It was a fun ride, but a bit scary for the kids. Lots of weird noises mainly. We were in big jeeps moving around fast and bumpy.
After that Kasey and Greg went on Splash Mountain and Landon and I got fast passes and went on Big Mountain Railroad. Kasey got to get her picture with Winnie the Pooh, Eeyore and Tiger. Greg and Kasey talked us into all going on Splash Mountain because they didn’t get to wet. Kasey was telling us all about it all the way in line and even on the ride. She really liked this one. We didn’t get to wet, but Landon didn’t want to go again.
Then we went to Pirates of the Caribbean ride. It was a slower boat ride with a few falls. It wasn’t to bad, but we didn’t really know the stories so it was just ok. We did get to see where we were having dinner though which was cool (its inside where the ride is which makes the atmosphere fun).
By this time both kids were starving so we stopped for lunch. As usual not to much healthy but we had some apples, banana and apple sauce to go with our fish/chips, corn dog and nuggets J
There was a 12:30pm theater princess show. Kasey was kind of throwing a fit, but I knew she’d like it. We all went. Greg and Landon ran to get 1 more Star Tour Fast pass while we waited for it to start. They got back just in time. The show was great. It was Two guys telling the story of Frozen. They had help with guy playing piano, Anna and Elsa themselves, some prop help and them being every other character. They had a lot of humor including throwing in a few things from Star Wars and Monty Python. We laughed a lot. Landon pretended not to like it and sat with the adults, but we caught him a few times with a big smile on his face. Fun times!
Greg wanted to go to It’s a Small World. The line was fairly long and outside so there was lots of complaining, but we made it through and it was pretty cool to try and figure out what countries they were.
Next we went to Mickey’s area which I think it for younger kids. Kasey and Landon wanted to ride a little roller coaster. We waited in line for 30+ minutes for a little 1 minute roller coaster. It was cute and fun but not sure 30 minute waits fun. At this point the kids are starting to get on each other’s nerves in line which is always fun for us.
Then we walked through Mickeys house but didn’t want to wait an hour to meet him. We did however wait to see Minnie which took a while and required lots of whining from the kids (apparently). One of the ladies there gave us a few tricks for the next day at California Adventure.
Then we tried to get some later fast passes but it didn’t work out. Landon and I rode the Space orbiter and then we all headed to Star Tours. We got to see a different one this time YEA!
We had 5:10 dinner reservation so we needed to get there and get off our feet. Greg and kids went to big railway to get fastpasses for after dinner. They got finished but the ride shut down when we went back.
Dinner was really good. We had kinda a set menu for you. We had some good Cajun food, good atmosphere, and good dessert.
We tried to go back to Big Mountain to use our fast passes but it was closed. So we went to walk some shops waiting for the line of the reserved area we had? Once we got it all figured out it worked out well and get got good seats for the parade.
WE got to our designated spot and hung out trying to keep the kids from driving us crazy. Once the parade started we really enjoyed it. Everything was lit up. They had themes like monsters inc, Cars, several princesses including Anna/Elsa and Olaf. Fun music, dancing, lights and fun characters.
Right after the awesome parade (Kasey was super excited to see Olaf) they started fireworks. They had scenes on the buildings on main street where we were which was really cool.
Unfortunately the fireworks didn’t finish because there was too much wind up high. We’ll have to try tomorrow! After that we got through all the people we made it back to the hotel to get kids ready.
Fun Day for all!
3/9
Today we went to California Adventures. The park opens at 9am, but you can get it to get in line before that. We headed over about 8:30am and got in line. First thing there you have to get in line for the fast passes for Radiator Springs Racers. It’s the big ride in the new Cars area which looks just like Radiator Springs. We got in line and got Fast passes for 11:05 to 12:05. We then went into Radiator Springs and got in line for the new Luigi ride that opened 2 days earlier. It was a bit of a wait, but cute ride. It was cars that 2 people sat in and the cars danced as music played. It was pretty cute and interesting to think how they made it work.
Then we decided to go to the big Roller Coaster Screamin. It even has a loop that goes upside down. I love roller coasters, but everyone else wasn’t to sure. We ended up riding it twice. I love it. Kasey was super excited and Landon enjoyed it too.
Then we headed back to Radiator Springs to use our Fast Passes on the Racers ride. When we got there the ride was closed and they didn’t know what time it would open back up. We stepped into the shade and put on sunscreen. Then we saw a family we had met the night before at Disneyland. Kasey and their little girl got along and walked out of Buzz Light Year ride holding hands. As the line opened back up we got in line with them. As we got through the line we took their daughter Charlie to ride with us, and Landon went with them. It was a little weird, but figured it would be ok. We all met up after the ride and kids had fun hanging out for a bit.
We started going somewhere and it didn’t work out how we thought. We ended up taking pictures with Goofy and Mickey while Greg got fast passes for Landon and I at Soarin.
Then we headed to lunch. We had made reservations at Wine country restaurant. We got to have some wine flights with lunch and mainly Italian food. It was nice outside and worked out just right
After lunch, Landon and I headed to Soarin and Greg and Kasey went back to Screamin one more time. We enjoyed the show. It was fun to see with California landscapes. They also had some cool pictures of older planes. Landon and I texted a few pictures to Gramps.
Then we went to Goofy’s fly school with fastpass. It was a little bumpy but fun. Then we went to the big swings – one of my favorites. Flying around. Landon sat by Kasey so she felt more comfortable.
It was then time for snack – we went to Ghirardelli. Kasey wanted vanilla ice cream with chocolate syrup. Greg got a banana split, and Landon and I split cookie dough Sunday. Yum!
After that I talked Kasey into going to the Frozen First time in forever show. They basically played some of the movie showing key scenes and we all got to sing the key songs which was fun. At the end we walked out and saw Olaf so Kasey got her picture with him.
The boys waited in a very long line for the Toy Storia Mania. Shooting game. Line was crazy.
Next we met the boys at a climbing activity. It was close to daytime parade which I wanted to watch so Greg took the kids, and ended up joining to watch the parade later.
Fun parade with characters from Monsters Inc, Incredibles, Bugs life, etc, Some of the extra dancers had really cool costumes or some had extended legs that let them jump high in the air (cool).
After that we headed back to Radiator springs. I had heard it was fun to be there when they lit it up. They must have just done it because they were playing the music from the movie when they fixed everything and they were driving down the new road. So several people were singing and dancing walking down the street. We found a table at Flo’s diner which was great. We could see most of the lights and they had a few times a little dance party in the middle of the street with fun music and one of the cars that messed with MAC when he ran off the road in the movie.
We got a few drinks, then some food from different places and hung out. Kasey enjoyed doing some dancing during the street dance party. Then somehow Landon and Kasey started dancing together. It was quite unusual for them, but it was fun to watch. They were trying to make up their own moves.
About 7:30 we headed over to the area for World of Color. With our lunch we got special tickets and they let us go up front against the fence (we might get wet there). We made our space and started playing charades on my phone. Several people were playing this game in line where you showed the other people in your group a word, and they had to describe it so you could guess it. We downloaded a kids version with several categories so it was fun. There was another family near us that started playing it too. That helped us get through 30-45 minute wait.
The World of Color was an amazing show. Dedicated to Walt Disney and his vision creating Mickey, the first animated motion picture (Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs) and creating Disneyland. It was all on water. Neil Patrick Harris was the narrator and they showed images from many of the movies from Disney, Star Wars and even a little Marvel. At the end we all sang Let it Go. It was very cool and I think we all enjoyed it.
3/10
This was our last day of this vacation. We got up and Kasey wasn’t feeling great. She had some juice and got dressed. We headed across to Goofy’s Kitchen for breakfast. It was a big buffett and we got to meet Goofy, Pluto, Minnie, and Chip and Dale. We had a good breakfast and had fun meeting the characters. I got a big hug from Chip when I said that Chip and Dale were the first Disney characters I met. Fun times.
On our way back we stopped at World of Disney for a few tshirts and a 60 year pin (been 60 years since Disney opened).
It was raining in Dallas so our flight was delayed a bit. We got packed up and took Uber to the airport.
We decided to have some lunch at the airport even though we had a huge breakfast.
On the plane things were going ok until we started our decent. Kasey was a bit stuffy and her sinuses started hurting her really bad. She had big tears so I really think she was hurting. There wasn’t a lot we could do, chewing gum made it worse. Greg was holding her hand letting her squeeze hard to think about something else. Poor thing, her tummy hurt, she had tons of sinus pressure, and had fever when we got home.
Overall we had a great little vacation to Disneyland. I expect our next Disney experience will be after they open the new Star Wars parts of the park.
Some favorites:
Disneyland - hpyerspace mountain, splash mountain (Kasey), Star Tours, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Fireworks
California Adventure - California Screamin, Radiator Springs Racers, World of Color, Soarin
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