Disney 2023: Disneyland

We visited Disneyland for Jenn’s birthday last year, and were in the area again this year, so decided to visit again, this time to celebrate our anniversary (28 years, if you’re curious). And just three days at the two parks, instead of five like last year.

First up was Disneyland, on our anniversary.

We were very pleased that the trams were running again; last year, they had suspended the trams due to COVID, so we had to walk the half mile or so from the parking garage to the resort. Which is not much compared to walking around in Disneyland, but not the best way to start or finish the experience:

On the tram:

First thing after entering Disneyland is a photo op below the train station (once again we got the Genie+ service, which includes PhotoPass photos all over the park):

Celebrating their 100 year anniversary:

Main street:

Castle:

No one selfies like Gaston:

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge area:

Another photo op:

We had a lunch reservation at Oga’s Cantina:

Ronto Roasters:

Shops:

The Mandalorian and Grogu:

We enjoyed the Rise of the Resistance ride (again; we did most of the rides last year too; we used the Genie+ service to snag LightningLanes for most of the rides, where available, to minimize waiting):

Then went immediately to the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run ride:

A snack at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo:

A duck and several ducklings:

Mark Twain Riverboat:

Mark Twain Riverboat and Sailing Ship Columbia:

Sailing Ship Columbia:

Pirates of the Caribbean ride:

Splash Mountain ride:

After that, a nice gentle Jungle Cruise was just the thing:

Haunted Mansion:

Star Tours:

Then we went on the Mark Twain Riverboat for a cruise around the Rivers of America:

A duck on a moose back:

For our anniversary dinner, we had a reservation at Blue Bayou Restaurant, overlooking the start of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride:

Here’s the menu:

Castle at night:

Viewing area for the evening Fantasmic! show (included with the dinner package):

The show featured projections on water, fire (but not dragon on fire), fireworks, dancing, etc:

Mickey photo op:

A couple of days later, we went back to Disneyland a second time.

The Pixar ball at the parking area:

We bought Magic Bands, which were very useful; they can be used to get into the parks, access fast lanes, link photos, and have bonus interactions, among other things:

Main Street:

We used the lockers; a great way to bring in extra clothing, batteries, etc, but not have to lug them around all day:

The castle and Disney statue:

First stop was Toontown:

A new ride, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway:

A video of the fun entrance to the ride:

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It was rather dodgy, though; near the end of the ride it shut down, and all the lights came on. We had to wait several minutes before being evacuated:

We were given a credit to come back later, which we did. The ride seemed to go down frequently. And when we went on it the second time, it had long pauses towards the end. Some more debugging needed, I think. Still, it was a mostly fun experience, and fascinating to get a behind-the-scenes peek.

Red Rose Taverne for lunch:

Try the grey stuff, it’s delicious (it really is):

Captain Hook:

Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage ride:

Matterhorn mountain:

We went for a sail on the Sailing Ship Columbia tall ship:

Below decks:

Pirates of the Caribbean, again:

We got Dole whip snacks from the Tiki Juice Bar:

Castle:

A ride on the King Arthur Carrousel:

Going for a spin at the Mad Tea Party:

Gotta subject ourselves to the earworm of It’s a Small World:

Tiny NZ representation:

“Magic Happens” parade:

Alien Pizza Planet for dinner:

Indiana Jones Adventure ride:

Nighttime Jungle Cruise:

Why not another kiddie ride, Winnie the Pooh:

Finishing the evening with fireworks:

A fun visit to Disneyland!