Life is a Journey

Feeling a lot better after good nights sleep we were up at 5.30am, dressed and headed for Disneyland just after 6am. Downtown Disney was deserted.

We were second in line at the security check.

But we had at least a half hour wait so Kevin encouraged me to sit and rest my feet.

At 6.30am we had our bag checked and headed over to the main gates of Disneyland.

We were again 2nd in the line and at 7am were let into the park for our Magic Morning. I love the park when it’s virtually empty. So different to what it will be later in the day.

It’s at this time that you see things like this…

Our first ride was the Finding Nemo Subs – this opened just after our last visit so it was new to us. Best of all – we were first in line to ride :-).

Cute ride – better than expected. But again, I wouldn’t want to wait very long to ride it and it’s definitely a slow loading/unloading ride.

We then rode the Matterhorn and a number of Fantasyland rides. All were pretty much walk-ons.

I wanted to ride the tea cups but Kevin wasn’t keen…

but I got sit in this one :-).

Just as the park was about to officially open at 8am we rode Space Mountian (no wait). Love this dark roller coaster. One of my favs. When we got off there quite the line forming as more people entered the park.

As per our Ride Max plan we picked up a fast pass for Star Tours. Kevin had to line up for this – probably took 10mins. I went and got a bottle of water and some grapes. We then went on Buzz Lightyears Astro Blasters.

Not sure what Kevin was doing – I beat him by a mile.

We then walked over to New Orleans Square to ride Pirates of the Caribbean – another long time favourite.

Kevin stopped to buy us a churro (so much better than what you get at the Australian theme parks) and we then went on the Haunted Mansion.

Next up we caught the train around to Main Street, where we got off to do a bit of shopping on Main Street.

We bought some sliced mango – but it tasted very different to the Mango we normally get. Kevin seemed to enjoy it though. I think it’s great that you can buy fresh fruit.

We then went on It’s a Small World (yet another favourite).

Loved the new (to us) additions of the Disney characters.

Then it was almost time to use our Star Tours Fast Passes. We had to wait about 10mins till our return time. With fast passes no longer available (ie. none left) and over a 2 wait we were glad to have the passes. In fact, I pretty much refuse to do any ride with fast pass available with a wait of over 15mins).

The new version of Star Tours (which opened yesterday) was really good. Kevin and I were very impressed. The ride was so much smoother and the 3-D effects really good.

So by 12pm we had done everything we’d set out to do – lucky since my feet were sore once more. We caught the monorail to Downtown Disney…

and got a takeaway vegetarian buritto to have for lunch.

Lucky we decided to share one as it was HUGE. We enjoyed it on our balcony…

and then I put my feet up so they would hopefully recover before we head back out later today. I took the opportunity to write up yesterdays and this mornings post. We also did a video chat with Amy – whom we accidently woke up at 5.30am – so we called back later at 7.30am so we could talk to everyone. Loved doing the video chat – so nice to see the girls (even though it’s not even been 48 hrs) and we could show them the view from our room. After a bit more a relax we’re headed to California Adventure park to see World of Colour later tonight.

Finally after our 12 hour flight we finally touched down in LA. Another advantage of being in premium economy was that were off the plane faster and had little wait at immigration. Customs was fast and easy too. Not sure if it was because we arrived in the United terminal, instead of the International terminal – but we were very surprised how quick it was. Staff seemed friendlier too. Our flight had been early so when we got out our meet and greet driver wasn’t there. We were looking for somewhere to wait when he arrived – perfect timing if you ask me.

He went to get the car and soon we were on our way.

30min later we pulling up to the Grand Californian Hotel.

And what  a grand hotel it is. We got checked in and were given some balloons & badges to celebrate our birthday.

Our room wasn’t ready yet (it was only 11am), so we left our luggage with bell services and  tried to decide what to do.

I really wanted a shower before heading out. We decided to go explore the hotel but before we had even stepped outside Kevin got a text to say the room was ready. I was a bit nervous of where our room would be but it is very central.

We were booked into a theme park view but got a pool view, with the theme park in the distance.

Kevin was exhausted as he didn’t get any sleep on the plane so while he had a nap for a few hours I got unpacked, showered and changed, and read through all the documents we were given.

I then went for a bit of a wander around. The main lobby is just gorgeous. There is a huge fireplace and a pianist playing.

I went to White Water Shacks and picked up a  vegetable burger. It was now 2pm and I was getting hungry. Loved the saying on the box it came in.

I sat outside on our balcony to eat my half.

Unfortunately the veggie patty was rather dry so it wasn’t the best burger ever.

Shortly after Kevin woke up and ate his half of lunch. We then got a taxi to Walmart.

We picked up some supplies and Kevin something he needed for our phones. We’ve been to this Walmart before but are still amazed at the sheer size of it, plus the range of things you can buy.

And we marvelled at the price of bananas. Kevin said it’s about $1.50 a kilo. For my non-Aussie blog readers… we are currently paying well over $10 a kilo or $2-$3 a banana (due to the cyclone in Queensland earlier this year)

Kevin wanted to get a cherry pie from McDonalds (can only get Apple in Australia) but they didn’t have any.

I, however, really enjoyed  a Rolo McFlurry.

My feet were getting sore but Kevin wanted to visit a phone shop so we walked over to it.

Unforunately there didn’t seem to be any cabs here so we walked out to the main street, still no cabs, so we walked all the way back to Walmart where we were able to call for a cab. My feet were not likely me by now. Back at the hotel I sat with my feet up for a while to try and give them a little rest. Then we head to California Adventure – using the special entrance. We picked up a fastpass for Soarin’ over California and saw where the new Cars Land is being built.

Kevin then wanted to visit the tortilla factory but it was closed. So he then wanted to do the Bakery Tour which we’ve never done before.

It was well done, as all Disney things seems to be. And the bread sample we had was delicious.

We would love to have bought one of these Mickey or Minnie breads but they are HUGE!!!

We then used one of the special fast passes (we got for staying on-site) and went of the Little Mermaid – which only just opened (officially) yesterday.

It was a cute ride, one which kids into Aerial would love, but we were glad we pretty much walked onto it.

My poor feet were very sore I reluctantly said I couldn’t do any more. Kevin got his first (I’m sure it won’t be his last) choc frozen banana.

And we used our fast passes to ride Soarin’. Love this ride.

Then it was time to head back to the hotel – loved the sign in the park :-).

We got back to the room and I put my feet up – they are so sore but I’m hoping a good overnight will see them okay in the morning. We ordered room service for dinner. I got a vegetable soup and Kevin got a flat bread pizza. Both were delicious, though expensive – $35! It’s times like this I’m glad we don’t eat very much :-).

I got yesterday blog/trip report written then it was lights out by 8pm.

Finally, after months of planning, it was time to head off to the USA to celebrate turning 40 – Kevin back in Feb and me just the other day. We said our farewells…

and drove to the airport. We had to meet my brother-in-law’s father-in-law and give him my car (as Kevin’s brother is it’s new owner). He then dropped us around at the international airport. The line at United was short when we joined it so we were processed quickly and onto customs. Here, I had the joy of being randomly picked for a drug test – swiping my bag, and scanning and frisking me.

We then changed some currency, browsed a few shops and had some lunch.

We then headed for our gate – which seemed to be miles away …

and finally were able to board.

We treated ourselves to premium economy – it actually wasn’t that much dearer with United and we got more leg room – which was very appreciated. I was  a little sneaky when I booked I seats and actually left one between Kevin & I. It didn’t get filled so we were able to spread out nicely.

The flight was pretty eventful. We were fed an early dinner. I watched some Glee episodes and managed to get a few hours sleep. Kevin wasn’t so lucky as the kids behind us kept banging our seats and were talking VERY loudly. Thankfully Kevin provided us both with ear plugs. 12 hours later we were in the USA.