Friday January 27 – Last Day at Disneyland

Since we went to sleep so early last night we are awake early and we are determined to get there early today. But first I am craving pancakes – weird I know.  I rarely eat pancakes but today that is what I want. 

We decide to catch the ART bus early and go to the IHOP right across the street from the main gate. It works out perfectly and they even let me order a three stack of pancakes. 

As soon as the park opens (9 am) we are in! We have a game plan.  First California Adventure for the Radiator Springs Cars ride Fast Passes but the queue just to get the fast passes is like 100 long! So we decide to just take our chances and head to the ride and we go in the singles line and we wait maybe five minutes and most of that was walking there.  

Next stop is Toy Story ride again and it is a long queue but 40 minutes passes as we chat with others in line.  Bernie woops my butt again! 

I head to Paradise Pier Roller Coaster and as a single I have no wait at all.  Boy that run is fun!

We wander along the pier enjoying the sites and the sounds enjoying a few bits of entertainment throughout. It’s Tough to Be A Bug is our next stop as we didn’t make it last time as the ride had technical difficulties.  I really enjoyed it! So cute and loved all the effects.

Okay we are done with California Adventure and we cross the parks to Disneyland – it is CRAZY busy.  

Maybe not as busy as the holidays but it is twice as crowded as it was on Tuesday for sure. With the train down for refurbishment it forces those to walk to all areas and it does create pinch points.

We head to Frontier Land to get fast passes for Thunder Mountain and we don’t have to wait too long. Just enough time to get a coffee and sit and watch people go by. 

The only other area I want to see is Fantasyland which of course is crazy with all the young kids. We ride Pinocchio’s Daring Journey and then the Storeybook Land Canal Boats. 

But after all the lines, crowds, we are ready to head out. We have been here for 7 hours and we are hungry and want to sit down and enjoy a good meal.

We catch the #1 ART bus down Harbour Boulevard to Joe’s Crab Shack and this time we can get in. We enjoy a great meal with great service. We catch the bus back to the park and then the #12 bus back to the hotel.

It is 5 pm and I wish I could say we still were heading out for the night but both of us are tired. 

I do some ironing – many of our dress clothes for the cruise (well all of them) are very very wrinkled. 

Bernie is still suffering with that cold but it looks like the worst is over. 

Tomorrow we board the Ruby Princess!  Really looking forward to it.

Thursday January 26 - Day Three at Disneyland

We wake and Bernie is suffering with a cold. Not really surprised after all that travel and flying and then being in contact with so many people (especially kids) in the last few days. 

We are a bit slow to get up and ready and after breakfast downstairs at the hotel we dress and head to the park for around 10 am.

We head into Disneyland first and go to get Fast Passes for Indiana Jones.  We ride Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted House, Winnie the Pooh and then Indiana Jones twice.  I really want to see the Tiki Room – it is one I remember from my childhood and it is so sweet and even cuter to see all the little ones in the room enjoy it.

The Radiator Springs Racers is still down first thing this morning and when it opens it has two hour waits. We try for fast passes but they are all gone and were gone very early today.  We ride the Toy Story ride, where Bernie beats me this time.

It is now 3:30 and we are meeting Ali for a meal in Downtown Disney.  So nice to see her again and even better to catch up on how she has been and just to see her face to face is lovely.  Just wish she was cruising with us.

After we say goodbye around 5 we check the wait time for Radiator Springs and it is still 2 hours so we both agree to call it a day.  

Bernie needs some cold meds so we walk to the Wallgreens and then walk back to the hotel.  It is about a 35 minute walk to the hotel from the park but we are already 15 minutes in so we continue down the road to the hotel. 

Oh we also bought two bottles of wine to bring on the ship.  
Tomorrow is our last day at the park and there are some things I really want to see/do.

Wednesday January 25 Day Two at Disneyland

It was so nice to sleep in and boy did we need it.  We were both very tired. 

After waking we enjoy a coffee and watch tv and just relax. 

Today we are not heading to the park until later as we will be there late into the evening to catch Color of the World.

The hotel has a great breakfast for a reasonable price and while enjoying breakfast I quickly get the blog up and pictures and stuff as the Wi-Fi in the room is minimal. The router is a bit far from our room so I have to stand next to the door just to check things on line and forget about uploading pictures to my cloud for my blog as it just keeps dropping the signal. 

Not a huge issue as I accept it and I don’t need to be connected all the time.  I am also working hard at trying to focus on life around me and not on my phone/tablet screen.

Not that I had an issue with always being on line but I want to experience life first hand and that is my goal.

After breakfast Bernie does two loads of laundry. The hotel has laundry facilities but Bernie comments that it is rather confusing to find and the room is small with no where to wait. 

We didn’t pack a lot of stuff so doing laundry is one necessity and since the weather is colder than anticipated we are wearing the clothes we brought for the Andes – long sleeve shirts, pants etc.  Shorts and t shirts are staying in the bag.

Bernie trying hard to take a selfie

We head to the park later – catching the bus just after 11. 

Today we are focussing on California Adventure.

We arrive and grab a coffee and head to the Radiator Springs Fast Pass but it is down!  Ending up being down all day making many of the other rides busier.

So we get fast passes for Soaring Around the World and walk around Grizzly Peak and then around Paradise Pier. 
Riding the Fun Wheel, California Screamin, Ariel’s Undersea Adventure.  We try to get into It’s Tough to be a Bug but it is down currently.  So we wander around A Bug’s Land, Cars Land then around Hollywood Land. 

We made sure to get a sundae at Ghirardelli Soda Fountain.
Make our way to the Soarin’ Around the World and that ride is amazing!

I should add they are celebrating the Lunar New Year and have lots of things set up around Paradise Pier to reflect the celebration including menu items, face painting, lantern making, acrobats and Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession.

I really wanted to head into Disney Animation Building and we go the Turtle Talk with Crush and the Animation Academy – that was cool.

We had reserved dinner and passes to view World of Color at Carthay Circle Restaurant. We arrive at 6 pm for our reservation.  Beautiful dining venue but odd to be dressed so casually here and the couple beside us is in a Wookie Hat and she has a Tiara seems appropriate for Disney but odd for this nice restaurant.

It is a set menu and had a few choices for appetizer and entrée and two desserts for a fee of $62 per person.  We add a glass of wine and raise our glasses to a great day.  

The food was very good but nothing special but certainly better than what I expected. Dessert was a monkey bread with caramel sauce but it was cold, sure would have been better warm.  Overall it was a nice treat but I probably would not do it again.

After dinner we try to go to the bugs life show and we make it all the way into the theater but they have technical difficulties and we are escourted out.  Oh well.  

We take the long way around to the viewing area for World of Color.  It starts with a show about the Lunar New Year that lasts about five minutes then the World of Color Show starts. All I can really say is wow!  Very impressive! 
Sure glad we saw it and how we did.

One thing I have to add is the couple beside us both had their cell phones out video taping the whole thing.  So they watch this great show thru their phone. They missed so much because they are so focussed on capturing it with their camera their eyes don't get to see it and feel it.

After the show we all file out and we arrive in the transit loop and our bus is there.  There are quite a few people and there is a family with four small kids. Two little ones are tired, one is crying.  Mom has one, Dad has the other.  The other two kids are fidgeting and restless.  Dad is balancing kid and stroller.  I offer some help and offer to take stroller but they say they are okay.  But when the child in Dad’s arm cries for Mom, Mom takes him and now she has a child in each arm.  

But she can’t board the bus easily so she turns and says here can you take him.  So I gladly take the little guy who is 3 I find out later, in my arms and he cries but settles and hangs on as we all get on the bus.  While on the bus we find out they are a large family travelling together from Utah and they stayed late and the kids missed their naps.  No worries, I am glad to help.  

Back at the hotel we quickly crawl into bed and a few minutes later we are asleep.  

One thing is today I felt like I was 8 years old in a 51 year old body.  Disney brings that out in me. 

Day One at Disneyland

After a restless night I wake around 7:30 am.  How odd to wake and wonder where the heck am I?  Worst is when I went to the washroom once and came out and bumped into every piece of furniture. I think I have bruises everywhere! And Bernie didn’t even wake throughout the whole episode.

After we both woke we showered and went to breakfast downstairs.  It was quite good and reasonably priced.

To get to Disneyland Park we are a bit far to walk (well we could but we are conserving our energy). The Anaheim Resort Transport ART has a stop right outside the hotel and a kiosk to buy passes. We buy a three day pas for $12 each – single rides are $3 so after four rides it has paid for itself. 

We board and it takes around ten minutes to get to the resort.

It is only 9:30 and the park only opens at 10 so we head to Starbucks to get caffeinated – a requirement today.

We enter the park at 10:15 and it is lovely – oh what a great feeling! We focus on a section of the park today – mainly Tomorrowland. 

The weather is rather cool for LA but we are okay with it but we did require a few layers.  The park is not too busy (according to the workers) but it is busy for us. We didn’t require fast passes at any ride and when we did later in the day it was too late to get passes before we wanted to head out.

After six hours at the park we decide we have had our fill. 
We decide to catch the bus to the Target on Harbour Boulevard to pick up some essential for our stay here and on the ship.

We cross the street to head to Joe’s Crab Shack but they have a large party of around 50 there at that time and the only table available is right beside the party so we decide to not stay.  We then opt to head right next store to Oggie’s which serves pizza and craft beers. 

The pizza we had was a Polish one and it was very very good. Our server was outstanding.

To head home we opt to not take the bus as it would require two buses and a long time. Instead we order an Uber and for just $5 and ten minutes we are at our hotel.

It is only 7:30 but we are tired and are snug in our beds watching tv.

Today was a GREAT day -- Tomorrow is going to be a great day too.

Arrived in Los Angeles

Touched down at Los Angeles airport around 1900 after a very long day of flying.

Left Lima Peru at 10 am with a stop in El Salvador.  So after flying for 10 hours we arrived and requested our Uber. Within minutes our driver Richard was there!

Nothing beats Uber – get the app – our ride to Disneyland area was $51 and took about 40 minutes.  Robert was very professional, helpful (even told us what the weather would be like tomorrow), enjoyed our conversation all the way too.

We had pre reserved the Holiday Inn Anaheim Resort for five nights.  It was a good price with great reviews although a bit further away from the park than we were last time. But it is on the ART line. We were greeted by two very professional women at the front desk.  I dealt with Jessica who was so helpful with providing the best room for us.

Jessica gave us details about the hotel and was so nice about making sure to contact them if we had any questions.  

Probably one of the best check ins we have had in a while. Especially after being in Peru where it was very sterile and basic.

Boy entering a hotel room never felt so good.  We have a nice big room with such comfy beds and four pillows!  I immediately started the bath!  Oh consistent hot water.  Of course Bernie’s first thing was to turn on the tv.  Not that he really needs it but after not having English TV for a while he is ready for it.

Bernie just asked what the plans are for tomorrow and well we know we are off to Disneyland for four days but we are in no rush to head there.  Sleep, a good meal and getting settled then we will venture to the park.

Disneyland Booked

So as you have read so far we are booked on a flight from Lima to Los Angeles.  Our plan was to have this great adventure but we also need some rest and relaxation.  So we started to look at cruises we could do from Los Angeles.   
But all the cruises only left on the Saturday and well I will admit it, I really wanted to go back to Disneyland.

It may have something to do with Disneyland offering Canadians a discount when they buy a 3 day or longer pass because of our exchange rate. Then it seemed every hour there was a Disneyland commercial on the tv.  Hmm are they telling me something?

We were able to scoop up some passes from airmiles.ca at the discountated rate. Note we knew others were experiencing a lot of problems trying to redeem their points. Although we never have had an issue we weren't about to wait and find out.  We have used airmiles for a lot of things in the past but a few years ago we switched credit cards to one that provided better perks as well as better rewards so we were not really accumulating that many points with airmiles. So what better way to use them.

Once ordered it only took about five days for them to deliver to us the pass.

I started to research hotels in the Anaheim area.  Last time here we stayed at the Red Lion a block from the park. We really liked this place and would of easily have gone back but we realized the cost of that convenience meant we may have to look at a bit further away.

We searched most of the big sites for the going rates. I then went to Hotwire.com and selected the location and the star level (make sure to research what hotels are in that area and the star level first) and accepted the price.  

We were surprised to see we got the Holiday Inn Anaheim Resort.  Great hotel but not on the main drag. It is still only a half hour walk to the park but off the beaten path. But after more research I see that the ART (Anaheim Rapid Transit) stops right there and can take us to almost anywhere we need to go and their daily pass is quite affordable.   

Another great perk here is they offer free parking. Even though we are not sure if we will rent a car, it is still an option.

Day at Disney California Adventure

Can't believe it has already been three days that we have been here.  Today is our last day and we are heading to California Adventure.  

We wake and grab a quick bite to eat before walking over to the park to meet up with Angelique and Simon at the park's gate at 8 am.

Did I mention how much I love that there is Starbucks in the parks.  Oh and the Starbucks cups have little Disney symbols on them.  Love it.


As soon as we get into the park we see Oswald so I get a picture with him and I am honoured when he gives me a kiss.

We start by getting a Fast Pass for Cars Land for a later time.  We then walk thru Cars Land and I am loving this park and the theme, music, decorations and the vibe.  

It is really quiet this early and we all decide to just head into the single rider line at Cars Land and ride once and it was such a fun ride. One of my favorites.  We actually return later with our Fast Pass and ride again.

Right after Cars Land we head for Paradise Pier and Simon it is less than a five minute wait!  OMG that was fun!  I loved it!  We get off and decide to ride again and are on within a few minutes.  

We walk and ride the Mickey's Fun Wheel (in the non swinging car).

We decide to try our luck at some of the Midway games and Simon is the champ, he wins a Dumbo and Bernie is so trying to get a Woody!  We try and again and Simon wins again but decides to give Bernie the Woody... now that is true friendship.  Nothing like a friend to give you a Woody.

Here the rides we tackled today:  Toy Story Midway Mania, Jumpin Jellyfish (which the guys refused to ride but Angelique broke out into hysterics after my crazzy antics), Golden Zephyr, Ariel's Undersea Adventure, Luigi's Flying Tires, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (which really freaked me out and I screamed at the top of my lungs, ironically Bernie loved this one and said he would do it again).

We visited the Disney Animation building and love the Turtle Talk with Crush.  Make sure you take your kids to this.  Also walked thru the Sorcerer's Workshop and Character Close-Up.  

We had a meal in Condor Flats - and the food was rather good.  

The park is not crazy busy, in fact it is less that 50% full today, not bad for a Saturday.  We are fading though and as we walk around I know I am going to need a nap today.  

Our last stop in the park is Ghirardeli Soda Fountain for sundaes... I can't even finish mine!

We leave the park and we are back at the hotel around 3:30 pm for a bit of a rest.  We are meeting back up with Angelique and Simon for dinner later.

What a fun day and night... we are very thankful for such amazing friends who came to share in our excitement.

Disney Day Two

Oh boy did we have a good sleep last night…. Exhaustion works.

We wake and head out for a quick breakfast before meeting up with our friends Angelique and Simon who live in Sacramento.  We met them a few years ago while sailing on a cruise and have kept in touch and have visited them at their home as well as they have been to Vancouver and whenever we get the chance we meet up with them in San Francisco.

They came down for the weekend to share in our experience of Disneyland as they are season pass holders and they graciously are showing us the sights.

As soon as we enter the park we head straight to Star Tours with almost no line.  Simon and I agree to head to Space Mountain as again no lines!  Angelique and Bernie head over to Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters.

Anyways we roamed all over the park visiting tons of sights including:  Indian Jones, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Matterhorn, the Mad Tea Cups, It’s a Small World, Big Thunder Mountain, Gadget’s Go Coaster and Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin.  We watched a parade and caught the monorail to Downtown Disney to head over to the Tiki Lounge that they love to visit and came recommended by other friends too.

Oh my was this lounge amazing!  We had so much fun!  A few drinks, some finger food and a few more drinks and the place is packed. 

Check out the video of the two drinks we ordered and what happens when you order them!

We returned to the park to do some more rides and catch a parade and a bit of shopping. 

We finally got into It's a Small World as it was closed all day yesterday and today it was down for the entire morning.

We decide to do one more ride and take in Indian Jones ride.  Here Simon and Bernie pose with their friends.

For dinner we headed out to Joe’s Crab Shack where we all indulged in some seafood.  Angelique and Bernie had some steamer pots and got these cute bibs.

We are back in the room around 8:30 and after a solid 12 hours out and about we are tired.  Boy I need a holiday after this holiday that is for sure.

OMG My Legs Are Going to Fall Off

We wake and are both so happy to see we slept in, of course sleeping in for us is anything past 5 am, and it is 6:30 am.  We chat about what we want to do today.  One thing we have learned is it is key for us to discuss what goals we want to do that day, what are wants and what are needs.  

Bernie says he needs to buy some water as the water from the tap taste odd to us (but I guess we are spoiled with our great water at home).  He also wants to buy a bottle of wine for the room and other than that he is good, he says whatever you want to do is fine with him.

You see the last time I was at Disneyland was 1970 when I was five years old.  We came here with my parents and my younger sister – Linette.  My parents thought it would be a good idea to do one big trip (now you know where I get the bug from) before they divorced!  I know how weird is that!  I was only 5 but I still remember them sitting us on the bed in the hotel saying they were splitting up.  My sister was only 4 and I don’t think she recalls much of that trip.

So my memories here are two fold – sad cause of the news, but fond memories of our last trip together as a family.

We head over to IHOP which is right next to our hotel for breakfast.  We only had to wait for about five minutes for a table and food and service were good, certainly what we needed.

We are using our extra morning hour to get into the park today, cause the park doesn’t open until ten and we head over there around 9:00.  As I am approaching the park’s main entrance I can hear the music and see the sights and I am actually tearing up.  Yes me… yeah I am an emotional type of person.  I cry at Hallmark commercials but today I am just happy and feel like I am ten years old.  I love seeing all the kids in their costumes too – girls are dressed up as Princesses and boy are dressed in some Super Hero costumes.   Anyhow, for me with no kids, who just loves kids is enjoying this.

Once we get in the gate we walk around a bit.  Our main goal was to head to Indian Jones ride to get Fast Pass tickets but that whole area is closed off – at the entrance to Frontier Land.  Now remember I have never been here before so I am not sure what to expect or what/where to go.  So we wader around a bit more and then wait for the park to open completely.

We head right to the Indian Jones Ride and walk right in.  Bernie loved the ride.  Now remember Bernie is not crazy about rides, at least not amusement park rides.  The guy will go zip lining across a river in Costa Rica with no problem though, but something about a ride at an amusement park that he doesn’t like.  But he loved this ride and I feel hopeful.

We spend the next few hours riding rides, see shows, enjoying the atmosphere.  It is busy here but not crazy.  Here are the rides we went on today:

The Disneyland Story with Mr. Lincoln, Pirates of the Caribbean, Disneyland Railroad, Haunted Mansion, Snow White’s Scary Adventures, King Arthur Carrousel, Peter Pan’s Flight, Pixie Hollow, Disneyland Monorail, Innovations, Space Mountain (Bernie liked it but doesn’t want to do again) and Star Tours (Bernie’s favorite).

We bought a few souvenirs, I am now the proud owner of a Disney Ball Cap and a Minnie T-Shirt.  Had a great meal at Café Orleans.  We tried to get a seat at the Blue Bayou but we couldn’t get a table until 4 pm. 

Since the park was closing at 8 pm tonight, our original plan to leave and come back later was put aside and we toughed out as long as we could.  We left around 6:30 pm and went across the street to Tony Romas for dinner.

Bernie and I shared a plate or ribs and we were stuffed when we left.  We walked back to the hotel and then to Target for some things that we needed while here and while on the cruise.

In the end I logged 27,000 steps.

We relaxed and I think we were both fast asleep by 9 pm.