Sunday, July 13, 2008

Disneyland 2008 Day 2

Tuesday morning, we got up to get ready for our Magic Morning, at 5:30 AM. Our plans were to be in line at about 6:30, for the early entry opening at 7 AM.


When the park opened, we headed for Fantasyland. On Magic Mornings, most of the rides in Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland are open early. The Fantasyland rides back up the quickest (besides the Nemo Subs in Tomorrowland). So we knew we needed to get those in first thing. The Peter Pan ride being the most popular, so that was our first stop. We had practically no wait, got on the ride and flew to Neverland. Sierra and I rode on the ship together, and Dan and Dallin rode together on the ship behind us.


Dallin getting ready to fly with the elephants


After Peter Pan, we went on Dumbo, then Alice in Wonderland. This was Dallin's first time riding this ride. He was brave enough this year to get on it. He said he liked it (Yay Dallin, I'm proud of you bud!). With Alice over with, we went on the Teacups, and then King Arthur's Carrousel.





In front of the White Rabbit's house

When we were finished with the Fantasyland rides, we had priority seating reservations for the Minnie and Friends breakfast at Plaza Inn. Yummy yummy buffet, and we got to meet a ton of characters. There was Tigger, Pooh, Eeyore, Chip & Dale, the Fairy Godmother, Max (Goofy's Son), Brear Fox, and of course Minnie Mouse. While at breakfast, I ran out to Space Mountain to get fastpasses. I knew the kids wouldn't go on it, but later that night Dan and I would have some alone time, to ride rides. Since his parents were arriving in Anaheim that evening and were going to watch the kids for us.

We really recommend this breakfast experience. The character interaction is great, the food is very good, and you can get a lot of it. Worth the price, in my opinion.





Once breakfast was over, we went back to Fantasyland to ride the Casey Jr. Circus Train. This ride doesn't open until the official park opening. We got to ride in the Monkey Cages. Perfect for my little monkeys.




Our plan once that was over, was to get fastpasses for Splash Mountain, and go on Winnie the Pooh. Then we headed across the esplanade to Disney California Adventure, to ride on the new Toy Story Midway Mania ride.

Unfortunately we spent about an hour in line to go on the Toy Story ride, and then it breaks down on us, with no possible idea of when it would be working again. Well even though we were about 3/4's of the way through the line, we decided we weren't going to waste any more valuable time waiting in line for the possibility of the ride being fixed, when we could be riding other rides. So we left. Poor Dallin was upset, because he was looking so forward to going on Toy Story. We told him we would try again the next day, and make sure to be super early for the park opening, so we could be at the head of the line and not have to wait very long.

So to make Dallin feel better, we rode on one of his favorite DCA rides. The Golden Zephyr. That made him feel better. :)

Afterward, we headed back across the esplanade and into Disneyland. We walked back into Critter Country, to ride Splash Mountain with our fastpasses. Unfortunately Sierra decided she didn't want to go on it. So I let Dan and Dallin go on it, while I waited outside with Sierra. I was not a happy camper, because it is my favorite ride. But what are you going to do?! lol I knew I'd be able to ride it at least once on another day.


Dallin with Brear Bear in Critter Country

When Dan and Dallin were done with Splash Mountain, we rode on Winnie the Pooh again (told ya, we rode this a lot). Then walked to Adventureland to go to the Tiki Room show. I love this show, it is so cute. And it has been around, since almost the opening of DL. I think the show just celebrated its 45 year anniversary, while we were there. Right before the show, I had to get my Dole Whip Float. This is always a must have for me when we come to DL Resort. They are so yummy! I enjoyed it, while I watched all the birdies singing, and flowers crooning. :)



We walked back to our hotel room after the show. Tuesday was our swimming at the hotel, and then nap day. So that is what we did. I love the Grand Californian's pool area. They have a huge redwood tree, water slide. The kids didn't want to do that slide, but they both enjoyed the kiddie slide. I went on the big slide once, just to enjoy the fact that I can actually SEE while I'm swimming. And don't have to deal with water on my glasses, because I have no glasses now. That was great!

After waking from our nap, we got ready to walk through Downtown Disney, to the Disneyland Hotel for our dinner reservations at Goofy's Kitchen. This is a fun place to eat. It is all buffet, and they did have some good food. And the characters are fun to meet. They do little things with the kids every half hour or so. Our kids didn't want to join the festivities though.





Some whimsical detailing of the restaurant



The one bad thing about eating here (well anywhere at DL actually) is that it was so expensive. I mean usually we think it is worth it to spend the extra money at DL restaurants, because the food is amazing, and the atmosphere is worth it. But this will be the last time we eat at Goofy's Kitchen. They've raised their prices about $20 more than the last time we ate there. It wasn't worth the amount we paid, especially when the food there wasn't that good, and the kids didn't want to even participate in the fun with Goofy.

With dinner over with, we went to the monorail station to ride the monorail back into Disneyland. We had to check in, and pick seats for our Fantasmic premium viewing and dessert buffet. We got to our check in spot, and unfortunately had to wait an extra hour before getting to pick. Check in used to be 7 PM, and that is what was on our paper. I guess they moved it to 8 PM, but not everyone is aware of the change or something. So I waited an hour, while Dan took the kids on Jungle Cruise again. The positive thing about getting there that early, was we got 3rd choice in which seats to pick. So we had an awesome view of the show.

When it was time for Fantasmic to almost start, we came back and sat down in our seats we picked. And we got our yummy, yummy dessert container, and our choice of drinks. The selection was better this year, I thought. They had not just all dessert, but also fresh fruit, and cheese & crackers. The dessert choices were fabulous though. Chocolate covered strawberries, cookies, different kinds of truffles, a little lemon custard, a mini cheesecake w/ a Mickey Mouse chocolate on top, and a brownie. The only thing I missed, that they did have last year, was the Mickey shaped rice krispie treat. Otherwise, it was fantastic.


The show was amazing, once again. And Sierra was actually awake for it this year, which was nice. lol After it was over, we just stayed in our seats, because you could see the fireworks across Rivers of America. And they do a few special effects on the water, to go along with that show. So we got a much better view of the fireworks this night, than we did the night before.

Once the fireworks were over, we walked back to our hotel to meet Dan's parents. They were to meet us in the lobby. When they arrived, they took the kids back to our room, while Danny and I walked back to DL to ride some of the ride we didn't get to go on with the kids.

We rode Space Mountain, Indiana Jones, and Thunder Mountain. Fun, fun, fun! After that it was parking closing, and we were exhausted. Another day at DL completed, and only two more to go.

2 comments:

Wendy Day said...

You guys are amazing. When we finally get around to spending more then just one day I'm calling you to help me plan our vaction.

Amber, Dan, and Fam said...

LOL I'd be happy to help. :)