Disney day 5: Disneyland

On the last day of our Disney adventure, we went back to Disneyland for the third time.

A long line of cars to get into the parking structure (and notice the song playing in our truck):

Long line of cars

Immediately after entering the park, we did a photo op below the train station (with digital enhancement):

Photo op

Photo op

Horse and trolly:

Horse and trolly

We had resisted doing the Star Tours ride, remembering how cheesy it was when we were last at Disneyland over 20 years ago, but it was actually quite good now:

Star Tours ride

Another photo op:

Photo op

Photo op

Photo op

Eeyore:

Eeyore

Castle:

Castle

Lunch:

Food

Try the gray stuff, it’s delicious:

Gray stuff

King Arthur Carrousel:

Carousel

Carousel

Carousel

Sword in the Stone:

Sword in the Stone

Raft to Tom Sawyer Island:

Raft to Tom Sawyer Island

Jenn and David on Tom Sawyer Island

Tom Sawyer Island

Tom Sawyer Island

River boat:

River boat

Canoe:

Canoe

Part of the island was closed, as they’re doing refurbishments:

Maintenance

Scenes from the raft from Tom Sawyer Island:

Raft from Tom Sawyer Island

Raft from Tom Sawyer Island

Raft from Tom Sawyer Island

Storybook Land Canal Boats:

Storybook Land Canal Boats

Storybook Land Canal Boats

Storybook Land Canal Boats

Storybook Land Canal Boats

We did the Star Wars Rise of the Resistance ride a second time:

Star Wars Rise of the Resistance ride

Star Wars Rise of the Resistance ride

Tinkerbell:

Tinkerbell

The Matterhorn Bobsleds ride:

Matterhorn Bobsleds ride

Matterhorn Bobsleds ride

Matterhorn Bobsleds ride

After that ride, there was sudden music, then a Frozen float went by:

Frozen float

Frozen float

Sleeping Beauty Castle walkthrough:

Sleeping Beauty Castle walkthrough

Sleeping Beauty Castle walkthrough

Sleeping Beauty Castle

Mad Tea Party ride:

Mad Tea Party ride

Mad Tea Party ride

Mad Tea Party ride

Astro Orbitor ride:

Astro Orbitor ride

Astro Orbitor ride

Astro Orbitor ride

Dinner at the Golden Horseshoe:

The Golden Horseshoe

Food

We hadn’t realized the stage was in use; the curtains opened and a piano player performed some songs while we ate:

Piano player

Heading towards the exit, we stopped in the Main Street Disney theater and watched Disney’s first cartoon:

Disney theater

Then we stopped by Great Moments with Mr Lincoln:

Great Moments with Mr Lincoln

A fascinating model of Disneyland as it was when it first opened; some recognizable parts, some very different:

Model of original Disneyland

Photos of original Disneyland:

Photos of original Disneyland

The Great Moments with Mr Lincoln presentation, including a movie and an animatronic Lincoln:

Great Moments with Mr Lincoln

On the way out, Minnie and Mickey Mouse:

Minnie and Mickey Mouse

Minnie and Mickey Mouse

This was a most enjoyable five days, albeit very tiring, especially with the tram from the parking structure to the parks not operating. We’ll definitely visit again in the future, hopefully sooner than another 20 years. And we’re already looking forward to visiting Disney World in Florida, probably in the winter of 2023-24.

Disney day 4: Disney California Adventure

Our second (and last, for now) visit to Disney California Adventure.

Starting with a photo op:

Jenn and David

Jenn and David

Jenn and David

Jenn and David

We grazed on some food in the lunar new year area throughout the day:

Food

Beverage

Pacific Wharf:

Pacific Wharf

Goofy:

Goofy

Pacific Wharf

Parade:

Parade

Parade

Parade

Parade

We did the Golden Zephyr ride, spinning rocket ships:

Jenn and David

Golden Zephyr ride

And the Jumpin’ Jellyfish ride:

Jumpin' Jellyfish ride

Jumpin' Jellyfish ride

David and Jenn

More food:

Food

The Tow Mater ride:

Tow Mater ride

Tow Mater ride

Jenn and David

Photo op:

Jenn and David

Jenn and David

Horn-O-Plenty:

Horn-O-Plenty

The Rollickin’ Roadsters ride:

Rollickin' Roadsters

Rollickin' Roadsters ride

Rollickin' Roadsters topary

Rollickin' Roadsters ride

David and Jenn

Rollickin' Roadsters ride

In the Avengers area, Black Widow doing a skit:

Black Widow

Sanctuary:

Sanctury

Sanctury

More food:

Food

After leaving the park, we visited the neighboring Downtown Disney district, starting with the World of Disney shop:

World of Disney shop

World of Disney shop

Shops

Something for the Portland peeps:

Shops

LEGO shop:

LEGO shop

LEGO shop

LEGO shop

Star Wars Trading Post:

Star Wars Trading Post

Star Wars Trading Post

Tomorrow, our last day at Disneyland.

Disney day 3: Disneyland

On day three of our Disney adventure, we went back to Disneyland for the second time, on Jenn’s actual birthday.

A bridge soon after the entrance, with the train going over it:

Train

The entrance of Adventureland:

Adventureland

We did the Pirates of the Caribbean ride; quite a long line. We used Lightning Lanes for most rides, but that didn’t have one — but didn’t really need one, as the line moved quite quickly:

Pirates of the Caribbean line

Captain Jack Sparrow:

Captain Jack Sparrow

The Pirates of the Caribbean ride:

Pirates of the Caribbean ride

Pirates of the Caribbean ride

Pirates of the Caribbean ride

Pirates of the Caribbean ride

Pirates of the Caribbean ride

Pirates of the Caribbean ride

Pirates of the Caribbean ride

Pirates of the Caribbean ride

Pirates of the Caribbean ride

Lunch:

Food

Raft and ducks:

Raft and ducks

We rode the train around the park:

Train

Train station

Train

Dinosaurs from the train in a tunnel:

Dinosaurs

Dinosaurs

The park entrance from the train:

Entrance from train

The old classic, the jungle cruise:

Jungle cruise

Sleepy duck:

Duck

We really enjoyed the cheesy jokes of the jungle cruise:

Jungle cruise

David and Jenn

Jungle cruise

Jungle cruise

Sticking with the Adventureland theme, we did the Indiana Jones ride:

Indiana Jones ride

Indiana Jones ride

Indiana Jones ride

A fun thing is when some spontaneous entertainment turns up, like a marching band:

Marching band

Characters

A popular snack at Disneyland, pineapple Dole whip:

Dole whip

A very popular bar in the Star Wars area, Oga’s Cantina; we managed to snag a spot via a waitlist:

Star Wars Oga's Cantina

Star Wars Oga's Cantina

Star Wars Oga's Cantina

The droid DJ was playing some classic Star Wars cantina music:

Star Wars Oga's Cantina

Star Wars Oga's Cantina

Star Wars Oga's Cantina

Star Wars Oga's Cantina

Star Wars Oga's Cantina

Rey:

Star Wars character

A quick visit to Toontown:

Toontown

Toontown

Toontown

Toontown

Toontown

Toontown

We did the Thunder Mountain ride, a rollercoaster, confirming that I don’t enjoy them:

Thunder Mountain ride

Thunder Mountain ride

Me having a rest near the castle:

David

While sitting there, we saw two marriage proposals (and a third later):

Castle

Castle

Main Street lights:

Main Street lights

Disney statue and the castle:

Disney and castle

Back to the Star Wars area:

Star Wars area

Star Wars area

Star Wars area

Star Wars area

We had dinner at Docking Bay 7:

Docking Bay 7 food

Docking Bay 7 food

Docking Bay 7 food

Star Wars shops:

Star Wars area

Jenn did a custom build of a lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop, as an extra special birthday treat:

Savi's Workshop handbuilt lightsabers

Savi's Workshop handbuilt lightsabers

Savi's Workshop handbuilt lightsabers

Savi's Workshop handbuilt lightsabers

Savi's Workshop handbuilt lightsabers

Savi's Workshop handbuilt lightsabers

Savi's Workshop handbuilt lightsabers

Savi's Workshop handbuilt lightsabers

Savi's Workshop handbuilt lightsabers

Savi's Workshop handbuilt lightsabers

Savi's Workshop handbuilt lightsabers

Savi's Workshop handbuilt lightsabers

Savi's Workshop handbuilt lightsabers

Droids:

Droids

Droids

Stormtroopers:

Stormtroopers

Jenn got some photos of her new lightsaber:

Jenn's lightsaber photos

Jenn's lightsaber photos

Jenn's lightsaber photos

Jenn's lightsaber photos

Jenn's lightsaber photos

Chewie and Rey:

Characters

Star Wars area

Star Wars area

Star Wars area

Riverboat at night:

Riverboat

Popcorn cart:

Popcorn cart

Castle:

Castle

Waiting for the evening fireworks:

Jenn and David

Lights

Fireworks

Fireworks

Mountain lights

Lights and fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

Some animated GIFs of fireworks:

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

Heading down Main Street on the way out:

Main Street

Tomorrow, back to DCA.

Disney day 2: Disney California Adventure

On the second day of our Disney adventure, we went to Disney California Adventure. This newer park is just across from Disneyland, sharing the same entry plaza.

The entrance lines were much shorter than Disneyland:

Disney's California Adventure entrance

Waterfall photo op:

Waterfall photo op

Waterfall photo op

Digital magic:

Waterfall photo op

Avengers photo op:

Avengers photo op

Avengers photo op

Avengers photo op

The Avengers campus:

Avengers

Iron Man:

Iron Man

Grizzly Peak:

Grizzly Peak

Soarin’:

Soarin'

Grizzly:

Grizzly

The Grizzly Peak ride was being renovated:

Inactive ride

Eureka:

Eureka

Selfie:

Selfie

The park was celebrating lunar new year:

Lunar new year and Goofy's sky school

Jenn adding a wish on the wishing wall:

Wishing wall

Pixar Pal-a-Round:

Pixar Pal-a-Round

Pixar Pier:

Pixar Pier

Mr Potato Head:

Mr Potato Head

Jessie:

Jessie

Pacific Wharf:

Pacific Wharf

We had lunch at Wine Country Trattoria:

Wine Country Trattoria

Salad

Steak

Our favorite part of the park was Cars Land’s Radiator Springs:

Radiator Springs

Radiator Springs model:

Radiator Springs model

Tow Mater character:

Mater

Cones:

Cones

Radiator Springs:

Radiator Springs

Radiator Springs

Back over to the Pacific Wharf area:

Cafe

And Pixar Pier:

Pixar Pier

Disney and Jenn:

Disney and Jenn

We enjoyed the Soarin’ ride:

Soarin'

Soarin'

Soarin'

The Soarin’ seats rose up into a vertical arrangement to watch the big screen, showing scenes of flying over scenic areas around the world:

Soarin'

Donald Duck:

Donald Duck

Minnie and Mickey Mouse:

Minnie and Mickey Mouse

Goofy and Clarabelle:

Goofy etc

Donald Duck:

Donald Duck

Characters

Mickey ice cream bar:

Mickey ice cream bar

Jenn with Mickey ice cream bar

Spiderman:

Spiderman

We did the Web Slingers ride:

Web Slingers ride

Web Slingers ride

Web Slingers ride

It’s 3D, so photos of that part are doubled:

Web Slingers ride

A super(hero) store:

Store

Lunar new year parade:

Lunar new year parade

Lunar new year parade

Lunar new year parade

Lunar new year parade

Back to Radiator Springs:

Radiator Springs

Cars flowers:

Flowers

Cars Land photo op:

Cars Land photo op

Cars Land photo op

A fast cars ride, Radiator Springs Racers:

Radiator Springs ride

Radiator Springs ride

Radiator Springs ride

Radiator Springs ride

Radiator Springs ride

Radiator Springs ride

Radiator Springs ride

Me and Jenn in the front (our car won the race):

Radiator Springs ride

After dark, Radiator Springs lights up in bright neon:

Radiator Springs neon

Radiator Springs neon

Radiator Springs neon

Radiator Springs neon

Mater driving off:

Radiator Springs neon

Mater

Back in the Avengers area, the glowing tesseract:

Tesseract

Doctor Strange and Thor:

Doctor Strange and Thor

Avengers

For dinner, Pym Test Kitchen food:

Pym Test Kitchen food

Macro-sized chicken patty:

Pym Test Kitchen food

Loki:

Loki

We saw Captain America a couple of times, but both times he was just leaving:

Captain America

Finishing the evening with some kiddie cheese, the Monsters, Inc ride:

Monsters, Inc ride

Monsters, Inc ride

Monsters, Inc ride

Monsters, Inc ride

Monsters, Inc ride

Heading out, Hollywood land neon:

Hollywood land neon

Tomorrow, back to Disneyland.

Disney day 1: Disneyland

To celebrate Jenn’s birthday, we spent five days at the Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks in California, alternating between the two parks. This post includes pictures from the first day, at Disneyland.

Lines to get into Disneyland:

Lines to get into Disneyland

A selfie just inside the park:

Jenn and David

Minnie Mouse:

Minnie Mouse

Mickey Mouse:

Mickey Mouse

Music:

Music

Due to the pandemic, all of the characters are socially distanced from guests, behind barriers:

Characters

Sleeping Beauty’s castle and Walt Disney statue:

Castle and Disney

Horse-drawn main street transport:

Horse-drawn transport

We did the Haunted Mansion ride first (fairly randomly):

Haunted Mansion

Haunted Mansion

Haunted Mansion

We then did the Enchanted Tiki Room, which was rather cringy cultural appropriation:

Enchanted Tiki Room

Enchanted Tiki Room

Enchanted Tiki Room

Enchanted Tiki Room

Hey look, some ducks! Oh, and a castle:

Castle and ducks

Ducks:

Ducks

We got the Genie+ option, which lets us use the Lightning Lanes (formerly fast passes) to skip lines. Another benefit is it includes photo ops, so we got some, including in front of the castle:

Jenn and David

Jenn and David

Photo magic:

Jenn and David

Heading through the castle:

Castle

Castle entrance

Shops

Shops etc

Carrousel:

Carrousel

We were keen to check out the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge area:

Star Wars area

Star Wars area

Star Wars area

We had lunch at the Galactic Grill in Tomorrowland, then afterwards decided to have a drive in Autopia:

Autopia

Autopia

Autopia

Autopia

Then enjoyed some cheesy goodness at It’s a Small World:

It's a Small World

It's a Small World

It's a Small World

Jenn and David at It's a Small World

It's a Small World

It's a Small World

New Zealand got a tiny representation:

It's a Small World

Back to the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge area; we really liked the otherworldly feel of it:

Star Wars area

Star Wars area

Star Wars area

Star Wars area

Star Wars area

Star Wars area

Star Wars area

A selfie:

Jenn and David

And photo op:

Jenn and David

Jenn and David

More socially distanced character stuff:

Star Wars area

Star Wars area

Star Wars area

We did the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run ride, which was fun:

Star Wars area

Jenn

Star Wars area

Star Wars area

Star Wars area

Star Wars area

Blue and green milk:

Blue and green milk

Jenn drinking blue milk:

Jenn drinking blue milk

Star Wars area

Star Wars area

Jenn and David

Then the Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance ride:

Star Wars area

Star Wars area

Star Wars area

Star Wars area

Star Wars area

Star Wars area

Star Wars area

Star Wars area

After that point it’s a ride in a car, so I put my phone away. A pretty easy ride, with one big drop.

Heading for some shopping:

Star Wars area

And a snack:

Food

David

Jenn

Star Wars area

Back to Adventureland, and a sighting of Captain Jack Sparrow:

Captain Jack Sparrow

Jenn collected numerous smashed pennies:

Smashed penny machine

Smashed penny machine

Jenn's penny collection

Dinner:

Dinner

Shopping:

Shopping

Finally, the castle at sunset:

Castle at sunset

Tomorrow, we head to the neighboring Disney California Adventure park.