Disneyland

Hi all!

Last night, we headed out for a burger and chips at Wendy’s (in your honour, Mum!). We had a laugh at the fact that the soft drink was so huge. I forgot how big meals are here!

We checked out the Christmas lights on the way back and then went to bed. Considering our jet lag, we slept pretty well. I slept from 7-12 and 2-5. Then we got up at 5 and ordered an Uber to Anaheim. The traffic here gets exponentially worse throughout the day, so it’s worth getting up at crazy o’clock to avoid it. We were lucky - when we woke up the Uber said $90 US. We waited slightly and it dropped to $45. Not bad for a nearly one hour drive!

The early get up was worth it, as when we arrived at our motel the kind lady on reception let us check in even though it was only 6.30am. Our room is awesome! And a buffet breakfast is included which we can’t wait for. We are staying next door to where I did in 2017, so it’s only a ten minute walk to Disneyland too.

At 7, we walked over to Disneyland for opening. Before we came here I had researched a lot, and the crowd predictors for this time of year are insane. Disneyland do so much for Christmas. Pair that with the fact most people gets holidays at this time, and you have crazy long queues. Most of the online forecasters said “forget about it”, and I was concerned we would hardly get on any rides. We did everything we could - arrived early, bought fastpass max pass (which means you can book fast passes on your phone instead of having to visit the ride), and bought a three day pass. If you’re coming here at a busy time, I would highly recommend the $15 US for max pass per person per day. Using this with some rides in between, we had been on eight rides in the first two hours. It was amazing! We couldn’t believe it.

As we walked in, I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. I love coming here because it’s fun, it’s nostalgic, and it makes me feel like Mum, Dad, Nan and Pa are walking right beside me. I got so overwhelmed with excitement that I had the same moment I did at Petra - a couple of excited tears ran down my face!! It’s the only place in the world that takes me back and makes me fully experience that ‘childhood excitement’ feeling.

We headed straight for Pirates of the Caribbean and were on the first boat of the day. It’s my favourite, and Rob loved it too. It doesn’t have a fastpass which is why we went first, as the queues build later in the day. Then we went on the Haunted Mansion, decked out in all its Halloween/Christmas glory. It was closed when I visited in 2017, so I didn’t know what to expect. My only memory as a 12 year old was the lift. We loved it! It turned 50 years old this year.

Next was Splash Mountain (we got wet!), then Winnie the Pooh (we got dizzy!), Thunder Mountain and then on to Indiana Jones. We even ended up on the front for Indi!

We did the Jungle Cruise, and then checked out the new Star Wars land which opened earlier this year. I’m not even a ‘Star Wars’ fan and I thought it was cool! We ditched the 40 minute wait for Mission Space and split up into the single rider queue. Five minute wait instead - win!

Then we did the Matterhorn Bobsleds and Star Tours, before having some lunch. Rob had a chimichanga and I had corn on the cob.

We headed to Toon Town and rode the Goofy Coaster, before going into Mickey’s house and meeting Mickey. The other awesome part about max pass is that any professional photos taken here are free for you to download that day onto your phone. They usually cost $15 each!

Next was the Roger Rabbit ride, before we randomly stumbled across the Disneyland marching band with Mickey, Minnie and co. Disneyland has a funny way of just working out perfectly. You walk around and magic happens wherever you go!

Next we waited for the Enchanted Tiki Room and enjoyed a pineapple soft serve while we waited. It’s one of the 50+ year old original attractions from when Walt Disney designed the park himself, so it’s special. The animatronics in it are amazing.

We then got our photo taken in front of the Walt and Mickey statue (the castle looks SOOOO beautiful at the moment all decorated for Christmas!) before going to the Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters and Space Mountain.

We took a seat on Main Street and waited for the 3.30 Christmas parade. While sitting, we people watched and took in all the beautiful Christmas decorations. They’ve really gone all out here, it’s so festive and beautiful. We also reflected on how well we had done to see so many attractions in just seven hours so far.

The parade was magical, Disney never spare any expense. The costumes and the floats were amazing and so detailed. We really enjoyed it. I’ll let the photos below do the talking!!

Then we headed to It’s A Small World, which is currently in Christmas mode. Afterwards, we decided to hit some of the classics in Fantasyland so we went on Mister Toad’s Wild Ride, Pinocchio’s Daring Adventure and the carousel.

Finally, we went on Thunder Mountain again which was ride number 20. I can’t believe that on our first day we fitted in so many rides! Knowing my way around without a map definitely helped.

Then we had a look at the castle lit up and had dinner in the French quarter. After dinner, we sat and waited for about two hours for the ‘Fantasmic’ show. We needed to do this one tonight because it looks like it might rain Sunday night. We had a fastpass for this too, so we got to stand in a special area. We did have to wait in about six different queues though which was weird.

The wait was worth it and the show great, but we got quite cold. The best part was the Mark Twain Riverboat and the Black Pearl sailing through all lit up!

It’s been a fantastic day, but we are sure going to sleep well!!! We’ve been up for over 16 hours and have done 25,000 steps.

Love to all
Claire
Xoxox