Category: Travel

Luckily we set the alarm as it woke us out of a deep sleep at 5am. We got and dressed and packed our final things before saying our farewells to our lovely room.

Our driver was waiting for us when we got downstairs and we were soon on the way to the airport. Traffic was just starting to build so it is a quite a quick trip to LAX. Once there we finished checking in (couldn’t do it all as we couldn’t print up a boarding pass) and waited in the rather long security line. It moved along though and spend time chatting to the lady in front of us. Here we had to take off our shoes and jackets but luckily we didn’t have to do the full body scan.

We spotted a Starbucks so Kevin was excited to get a proper coffee and I got tea and bagel (which I ate half off).

We didn’t wait too long before our flight on Alaskan Airlines started boarding.

Then it was a pretty quick 5 hour flight to Anchorage. I watched the last two episodes of Glee season 2 and read some of my book.

You had to buy your own food – I got a cheese platter and Kevin got the vegetarian snake pack – both of which were very yummy.

Kevin had the window seat so got to see our arrival into Anchorage.

And what I could see of the snow capped mountains looked awesome.

Once at the airport (which was really lovely) we collected our luggage and called ABC Motorhomes who came and picked us up and drove us to their offices – about 2mins away. We had our first glitch about insurance. I assumed we’d paid it as part of the cost (since we had to have it) but it was sorted out easily and cost just $10 a day which is the cheapest insurance ever (who knows what we’re covered for though!!!!).We had a little wait and were then shown around the MH (motorhome). It looks really good and I think we’re going to be very happy here for the next 8 nights.

Finally we were on our way….

not that we got very far before stopping for groceries at Fred Meyer. This store is HUGE!!!!! Nothing like it in Australia. The supermarket section would be 2-3 times the size of most Aussie supermarkets, then there’s other section (like k-mart/target).

We were really hungry as it was around 2.30pm (or 3.30pm Anaheim time) so we bought some lunch and got tea/coffee in Starbucks. We decided to buy some travel cups so we can enjoy tea as we’re driving around

Because the store is so big it took us forever to get our groceries. Such a selection!!!! WOW!!!

It was after 4pm before we were finished, had put away the groceries and were on our way…again…

Within 10mins we were surrounded with gorgeous views. Wow, oh, wow is all I can say.

We had a brief stop to make sure all vents/window were shut – they were – as the MH is rather noisy.

About half way into our 2.5 hour drive we stopped for a break. beside the river.

And made a cup of tea, which we enjoyed with a red velvet cupcake. More stunning scenery…

We got a little lost trying to find the RV Park – some signs were missing and the road sign covered by trees. But we did see our first husky – old puppy that he was.

Then finally around 7pm we pulled into the Stoney Creek RV Park. We got checked in and parked on our site.

It’s in a beautiful location surround by the snow capped mountains – which we’re in love with.

I got our luggage unpacked, played on the computer with my limited internet access and finally got myself some dinner around 8.30pm. My first Amy’s frozen meal was delicious – tasted just like homemade.

It’s so light that it doesn’t feel late but I made myself go to bed around 10.30pm. I think it finally got dark around midnight and we getting light again by 3am. Unfortunately the MH does not have block out blinds – only ones for privacy. It was also quite cold overnight and the bed is a little hard. But I got a reasoanable nights sleep.

Around 5.30pm we headed back to Disneyland for the 6.30pm parade. If I’d known there were so many benches only the parade route (at Main Street) I would have gotten there earlier. As it was we found a good spot but had to sit on the curb – which was not so good for my back. We got some popcorn (as you do) and waited.

The new parade is really good.

We were headed to Small World when we stopped to take a photo a the partners statue. Luckily a nice cast member offered to take a photo for us.

The park was rather crowded tonight and since the parade had just finished there was a quite a line up for Small World. It did move quick though.

We had a quick wander through Innoventions, then went to watch the Captain EO Tribute. Oh, it was bad – I’m really surprised Disney are still showing it. I can’t imagine anyone, perhaps a real die-hard Micheal Jackson fan enjoying it. Still it was an experience – a very bizarre experience.

It was hard when we came out and we walked over to Adventureland to get some skewers for dinner. Kevin had a beef one and I got 2 veggie ones which I shared with Kevin. It was not as expected – the veggie pieces were huge. It was very good though.

The castle is so beautiful at night but photos do not do it justice.

We sat on a bench while we ate our dinner then went to find a spot on Main Street for the fireworks. I had suggested we move further back towards the entrance – which we should have as a tree blocked part of our view :-(. Even standing on the other side of the street would have worked.

Not to worry. It was a very magical end to our time at Disneyland.

We got a true sleep in this morning – we did even set the alarm. I still woke up at 7am though. I lay in bed for a bit then got up and typed up yesterdays blog post. Eventually Kevin woke up and we got ready for the day. We enjoyed some the leftover cakes that Annie bought yesterday for breakfast – not  the healthiest, but certainly the yummiest :-). Just after 9am we headed to Downtown Disney – but no shop were yet open – so we headed back to California Adventure – which opens to hotel guests at 9.30am. We decided to head over to ride California Screamin’ when the park opens at 10am, so we were with the crowds racing to Toy Story Mania (which we never rode as we weren’t prepared to wait over an hour).

Unfortunately Screamin’ was closed (and no fast passes being given out) so we headed to Mickey’s Fun Wheel.

Since there was no-one there yet we opted for the swinging gondola – which was fun, but a bit freaky.

You get a great view from the top – check out the line for Aerial’s Under the Sea adventure about 10mis after park opening. It was around a 90min wait!!! CRAZY!!!

Screamin’ was still closed so we decided to head for Grizzly river rapids (but the fast pass machines were only working for World of Colour). We did however score a treat – Ice cream bits for me and choc banana for Kevin.

We got our fast passes (25min wait) and I made Kevin go on Heimlick’s Chew chew train which was one of Christy’s fav. rides on our last trip. It’s cute but definitely aimed at little kids.

Next up was the 4D It’s Tough to be a bug.

We loved the movie posters :-).

Time for Tower of Terror again – such a cool ride.

We then rode Monsters Inc…

Muppet Vision 3D…

and then went to see the musical Aladin. So glad we had VIP tickets with our package as we got great seats.

One fantastic show – definitely not to be missed. The Genie is just the best.

It was about 1.30pm and we were getting peakish so we got a corn cob for our lunch. It was delicious.

Finally out last ride of the day – Grizzly River Rapids. The wait was 45min so we were greatful to have our last fastpass (given with package) to use.

The sign says you will get wet, you may get soaked…

I was one of those you go soaked. So much so I had change all my clothes, right down to my underwear! Luckily we had planned for this to be our last ride before going back to our room:-). It worked out to be great timing to do another facetime with the girls as it’s 7.30am in Australia.

I’m not big on phoning home when I’m away but being able to see everyone as we talk is wonderful. Christy has taken to pulling this face whenever we use facetime. Not sure why but it sure does crack us up :-).

I then headed down to Downtown Disney to visit Sephora – a makeup shop we don’t have in Australia.

I’d heard it was good but I had no idea they carried such a huge range. With things being so much cheaper than in Australia and the Aussie dollar being so good I stocked up on a few things and picked up some new things to try.

And I love how it was all packaged up – even though I just have to throw it all in the bin :-(.

I then went over to Wetzel’s Pretzels – which both Kevin and I had been keen to try.

Kevin got a cinnamon and I got a plain salted. And, oh boy, were they good.

I did a bit of packing as we have an early departure in the morning and had a bit of feet-up time while writing up this post. Shortly we’re headed back to Disneyland to see the new parade, do a few last rides and see the fireworks. Can’t believe the first part of the trip is almost over.

We were able to sleep a LITTLE later this morning – till 6.30am! We had a quick breakfast in the room (cereal for Kevin and a bagel for me) and we were out the door at 7.15am. Waited at security till 7.30am, then the main gates till 7.45am and then rope drop till 8am – when the park offically opened. So many people were headed to Star Tours and I love how it was kept orderly – a line had to follow slowly behind a cast member holding a sign. We headed straight to Space Mountain and were second in line. We too had to follow a cast member – I guess it’s to keep people from running madly to get on the rides first.

LOVE Space Mountain. Again so good to be ahead of the queues. We then headed to Indiana Jones to pick up a fast pass but I think the ride might have just opened and it was just a 15min wait so we decided to go right on. Another fun ride. Then it was time for the famous (corny) Jungle Cruise.

I LOVE how the old original rides are still loved today. Time for another ride on Pirates.

One thing Disney does so well is attention to detail.  This is just a shop exit and alleyway.

We headed over to Critter Country.

Again we planned to pick up a fast pass but the wait was 10min so we rode.  I managed to stay quite dry but Kevin got rather wet.

Then Winne to Pooh…

And a break at the River Belle Terrace. Even though it was just 9.30 it seemed a long time since breakfast.

We shared a mickey pancake.

and sat outside on the terrace to enjoy it.

Then it was time to board to raft over to the Pirates Lair. This was still being developed last time we were here.

It’s a great place for kids (big and little) to run around and explore. I remember Amy loving this bridge when she was 1.5).

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And there was lots of babies of the feathered variety.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen the Columbia out and it was quite a sight.

Another nostalgic attraction – the Enchanted Tiki Room – forever now remembered from our trip when Amy was 18months and stole the show by dancing along to the singing birds.

While waiting I enjoyed my very first Dole Whip Soft Serve – pineapple ice-cream. Yum-o!

Still a cute show – esp. for the kids.

We headed up main street marvelling at the number of people just entering the park. Here we found the first characters of the trip – not that we worried with no kids in tow wanting photographs and autographs. We went to see Great Moments with Mr Lincoln. I particularly enjoyed seeing the Disneyland history display and video. I can still remember we had tickets similar to this on my first trip in 1979 – where you paid for attractions based on how popular they were. E-ticket rides were the best. It’s funny that you still sometimes hear rides referred to as an E-ticket attraction.

It’s a nice little show but only worth doing if you’re very into American history or have some extra time. This time it was a redone version of the very original show – which I thought was pretty cool.

We left around 12.30pm and headed to Downtown Disney. Had a look around a few more shops, including Little Miss Matched which I’ve been wanting to visit for a long time.

You buy 3 odd socks so you don’t need to worry about matching up ever again.  I think it’s a fun idea. I got some for the girls and I.

We so enjoyed yesterdays Mexican that we decided to get it again. But today we had soft tacos – Kevin had meat and I had vegetarian. SOOO YUMMY!!

We ate on our balcony again and then Kevin went off for a snooze. I relaxed for a bit and then got ready to head off to meet my online friends, Annie (whom I’ve meet before when she visited Australia) and JoAnn. I bought them both some goodies – Tim Tams, Clinkers, Caramello Koalas and some Furry Friends for their kids.

Annie was running a little late so JoAnn got a tea/coffee and sat outside the bookshop chatting until she arrived… bearing these wonderful goodies from her favourite bakery. They were all HUGE so we shared some of each (with plenty of leftovers for Kevin).

They also gave them this awesome gift basket as a birthday/Welcome to America present. How sweet was that?

Eventually it got a little hot in the sun so headed to the Grand California lobby where continued to chat in the nice, comfy lounges. We had such a great time I forgot to take photos. Kevin joined us about 6pm and after more chatting we had a photo taken before saying our farewells.

I so wished I lived closer to these wonderful ladies. We chatted non-stop for over 4 hours, and I’m sure we could have kept on going. I’m always amazed at how easy it is to meet with people you know online because you really do know them before meeting in real life. I’ve known Annie for 4 years and JoAnn for almost as long.

We headed back up to the room to drop off our goodies and put on something a little warmer and headed into California Adventure. It was now about 7.30pm

We didn’t have any plans except to ride California Screamin’. There was no fast passes left so we went standby. It said a 20min wait but it was only 10mins. LOVE this ride. Definitely a tie for top spot with Space Mountain. I “might” have bought our ride photo if it wasn’t for the guys in the row behind us!!!! We’ve actually noticed quite a bit of this – which I think is a shame for people who want to buy the ride photos. Not so important for us as we already have lots from other trips – but it could be very annoying for others.

Time to get some dinner.

We got tofu with Mandarin Orange Sauce to share. It was quite nice but not the most amazing Asian meal I’ve ever had.

We then went back over the Screamin’ to ride now that it was dark. But we were too late. The cast member had told it is closed at 8.30pm but it did just register with me how late it was. I was aware of the time, knew we hadn’t said goodbye to Annie and JoAnn till after 7pm, but it just didn’t compute. Oh, well, we need to leave some things for another trip :-).

Kevin was keen to do some more rides but I felt it was time to call it quits. I found it hard to wind down last night so thought it best to head back to the room at a reasonable time. It was 9pm and we’d been up and on the go since 6.30am. I took in another tea to have and played around with photos and video before going to sleep around 10.30pm.