Lucky Kid visits the Happiest Place on Earth **COMPLETED**

[Lyn-CA]

I was able to sleep in today because the power walk started at 7 am. I joined about a dozen other people by the entrance to the park. We all had to sign waivers and then we all waited for security to lift the gate. At 7:00 sharp, we took off. It was a brisk pace but thankfully I was able to stick right by CM Dave’s side the entire walk. I enjoyed walking around California Adventure and saw areas that I’ve never seen before like the Redwood challenge area. We zigzagged around the tables at Taste Pilot’s Grill and returned to the hotel entrance at exactly 7:30 a.m.

We had interesting conversations during the walk. Someone started out asking about the feral cats at Disneyland. I asked about future plans now that Carslands is a proven success. Dave mentioned plans for a possible third park. He also elaborated on how each park is allotted so much acreage (100 if I recall correctly) and how much each existing park has used up. Someone else asked Dave to share a little known fun fact. He said that there was a CM break room with a basketball half court halfway up Matterhorn mountain.

When I got back to the room, my guys were dressed. I got ready and we all had cereal out in the balcony again.

We got to the Disneyland gates and while standing in line, we were sweating already. Yuck.

As we headed toward the castle, I took lots of pictures to remind myself why we go during the off season.

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Everyone else takes pictures of the front of the Partners statue so I took this to be different.

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We took our time getting to the castle.

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We even took a break as I've been wanting to sit right here. L.K. is practicing sliding the pole.

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L.K. made it clear that he didn’t want any dark rides today. We stumbled upon the door for the castle walk through but somehow we did it in reverse.

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On the way to Dumbo, I told Rob to wave to the evil Queen.

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L.K. tried to pull out the sword.

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Rob took L.K on Dumbo.

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I ran off to ride the Matterhorn via single rider line. I did not enjoy this ride. At each turn, I went ‘ouch’, ‘ooh’, ‘ahh’ as my poor body was jerked about. At the end of the ride, the lady behind me said, “I remember this ride being a lot more fun.” I told her, “same here but maybe it's because I'm getting old.”

I warned Rob that it was a jerky ride but he wanted to see and feel for himself so off he went while I took L.K. on the teacups.

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Next, we lined up for Storybook Canal boats.

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The woman in front of us was fanning herself with a real fan as opposed to my pathetic makeshift paper fan. I asked her where she got her fan so she showed it to me. Turns out, she got the black and white polka dotted Dapper Day fan. She said to check the Dapper Day booth at the Grand conference area. We got to talking and discovered that we're both from the Bay Area. It’s a small world indeed.

She told me that she bought the Premiere passport and was planning a first time trip to WDW. I had her show me her pass as I was curious to see what it looks like. I oohed and aahed because the Premiere passport was gold! In return, I shared some tips for WDW.

Our turn finally came. This turned out to be one of the longest we've had to wait, second only to the Princess meet and greet. I took a bunch of pictures because I decided we'd only ride it this one time as the wait wasn't worth it.

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[Lyn-CA]

In keeping with our promise to ride the monkey cage, we rode Casey’s train and had the cage to ourselves.

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We wanted to get out of the sun so we headed to Innoventions.

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On the way there, L.K. saw the submarines and wanted to ride.

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We told him it was a dark ride but he insisted on riding anyway so we did.

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L.K. did not say a word about it being dark. Maybe because he knew it was his idea to go on the subs.

We got some water and watched a little bit of the Jedi Training Academy.

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I just love this.

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We waited for Innoventions to open and headed in.

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We spent a lot of time in the dream home.

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L.K. helped out during the telling of Peter Pan when the CM asked him to set off the cannon.

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He was only supposed to do it once or twice but he kept pulling on the cord which made everyone around us laugh.

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Next on our list was Mickey’s Magical Map.

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We picked out seats then Rob got some pretzel bites to snack on.

The show started on time but about 10 minutes into it, the show stopped due to technical difficulties. Good thing they were able to fix them and resume the show.

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After the show, we ended up at the wishing well.

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L.K. kept asking both of us for coins so he can throw them in and make a wish.

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When we ran out of pennies, I teased L.K. and told him to stop making Disney even richer.

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[Lyn-CA]

It was lunch time once again so off we went to Bengal BBQ.

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There was no line to get food but the nearby tables were all occupied. We bought our skewers and tiger tails and sat at Riverbelle Terrace.

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The skewers were good but we definitely needed the bread to help satiate us.

We wanted beignets and mint juleps for dessert so Rob went to the Mint Julep bar. Out of the blue, I smelled cigarette smoke. I looked around and saw this older woman smoking not 10 feet away. I tried to get her attention but she ignored me. I called the nearest CM I spotted and asked her if she could direct the woman to the smoking area and the CM did.

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Rob came back with the goodies but there was a catch before he would let us have any. We had to move to French Market because he wanted to see the Royal Street Bachelors perform. The band was setting up as he waited in line at the Mint Julep Bar. We wanted beignets so we transferred to French Market. The instant we sat down, the band was done with their set. Lucky for Rob, I had a mouthful of beignets and powdered sugar so I wasn’t in a position to chew him out (pun intended).

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We parked the stroller and climbed Tarzan’s tree house.

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We took our time looking through the exhibit.

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L.K. had fun exploring the different things he could get his hands on.

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We went back to the hub and took the Omnibus to Main Street.

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The CM was so nice, he told us to leave our stroller and he’ll take care of it. We sat on the top deck and enjoyed the view.

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We watched the Hook and Ladder band again and spoke with the same CM after their set.

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I took some parting shots on our way out.

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We walked across to California Adventure to pick up our pictures from the Visa meet and greet.

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[Lyn-CA]

We embarked on a new quest--to find way better cinnamon rolls than the ones at Fiddler in California Adventure. It so happens that when I checked the DIS, there was a thread started regarding cinnamon rolls. Someone mentioned Old West in Downtown Disney so we went in search.

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We got one to go and enjoy back at the room as a pre-nap snack.

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L.K. wanted to eat out on the balcony.

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We had yet another superb nap. As you can see, L.K. just loves to naps.

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And we love when he naps so we don’t have to deal with Mr. Cranky Pants.

We returned to Disneyland mainly for dinner.

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Our destination this night:

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More specifically:

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Would you believe, this is our first time at this wonderful counter service restaurant?

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We placed our order just in time as we got the very last one of these beauties. The CM had to ask whether there were any more cupcakes and was told they had one--this one.

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We did have to eat our dinner first.

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During the meal, L.K. wouldn’t stop playing with the cups of water and ended up spilling some on his food. Our meal ended up including some good old-fashioned disciplining right then and there.

After dinner, we rode in hunny pots through the Hundred Acre Woods.

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Then, we went to yet another newly discovered (by us) treasure trove that goes by this name.

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We had fun going around the store.

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We eventually landed in front of the goodies.

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We were going to get a tigger tail but switched to the dark chocolate marshmallow instead.

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We also picked up a chocolate covered pineapple.

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We had just paid for the treats when a CM approached L.K. She asked if he behaved himself today. Without hesitation, L.K. replied “yes” so the CM gave him a button and sticker. Another CM behind the counter joined in and said she wanted to give us buttons too. I told her I already had a birthday button, I just forgot to wear it. She insisted on making me another one and a much better one at that. Rob got either an ‘Honorary Citizen’ or ‘I’m Celebrating’ button. Armed with more buttons and goodies, we headed back to the Grand to enjoy more desserts.

We had another enjoyable and pleasant walk back.

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We took pictures of Splash Mountain which we have yet to ride.

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We also passed by the Haunted Mansion which was closed for the transformation.

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We got L.K. to bed while we packed for our move to the Disneyland Hotel the following day. We were also beyond excited that we were one sleep away from our brunch at Club 33.

 

[Lyn-CA]

AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! was my first thought of the day as I awoke sans alarm this morning. It's finally here-the day we are having brunch at Club 33. AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

I quietly sprung out of bed and went off for my morning swim. I was extra motivated this morning knowing that I was hitting up a buffet later today.

We all got dressed then had cereal out on the balcony again. We checked out of the Grand and had one of the bellmen help us transfer our luggage to the Disneyland Hotel. Rob went with him as he had to move the rented crib as well. L.K. and I walked to the Disneyland Hotel and met up with them there. There was a long and slow moving line at check in. Our own check in process also took a long time.

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L.K. tried to entertain himself as best as he could while we checked in.

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Our room wasn't ready so we had to store our luggage. We walked to California Adventure for another Visa meet and greet with Minnie.

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We made it to 33 Royal Street a few minutes before our 11:00 a.m. reservation.

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Already there was a crowd gathered for both Club 33 and the Blue Bayou.

We missed out on ringing the doorbell because the CM came out and started taking down names and checking it off the list. We waited outside until she called us.

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We took the elevator up and we were seated in the Trophy Room. I asked if we can move to the main dining room. The host said, normally he would try and accommodate such a request but he couldn't today as they were fully booked. Our server, Robert, came over and explained to us how the buffet works, etc.

When he left, Rob and I just sat there to take it all in. We studied our table setting and menus.

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L.K. and I went to scope out the buffet first and returned with L.K.'s first plate.

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Once I got him squared away, I went to get my own plate. I loaded it up with items that caught my fancy.

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Meanwhile, Rob took pictures of our surroundings.

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It was a bit difficult for me to eat because (1) I was totally freaking out and (2) I couldn’t stop smiling from ear to ear, kinda like him.

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And him.

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This place turned Rob into Vanna White as he kept holding up items bearing the Club 33 logo.

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Our server brought out the bread basket and butter.

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[Lyn-CA]

Rob and I took turns fetching more food. For one of his turns, I asked Rob to take pictures of the buffet.

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I wanted to try the "create-your-own-pasta" but it was constantly busy. I was also getting quite full from the seafood and my entree was yet to come.

L.K.'s Mickey pasta came out before ours and rightfully so.

I had talked to L.K. earlier this morning about how special this place was. I told him that we expected him to be on his best behavior and that, if he complied, there were two surprises in store for him.

Here is the first one. An all-you-can-eat, no holds barred dessert extravaganza. What three year old can resist such heaven on a plate!

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L.K. happily helped himself.

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The entrees arrived shortly thereafter. My perfectly cooked chateaubriand.

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Next came L.K.'s second surprise.

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My own surprise followed.

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Seeing as how we were equipped with only one stomach each, Rob and I shared from this plate.

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We enjoyed the sweets with some nice hot tea.

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Happy, happy.

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How L.K. occupied his time while we enjoyed our tea.

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Napkin, anyone?

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Our server Robert informed us that he was going on break but he said to take our time. We told the server who took over for Robert that we would like to go out on the balcony so she explained how we can access both balconies.

Rob settled the bill while L.K. and I went out to the balcony.

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On the way there, I bumped into some guy who looked very familiar. I gave it some thought and then it hit me, it was Tony Hawk. He would be my Club 33 celebrity sighting.

Rob joined us out on the balcony. I told him about Tony Hawk and told him where he was sitting.

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[Lyn-CA]

It occurred to me that I have yet to take the obligatory pictures of the ladies room so I took L.K. with me and headed there.

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We left the ladies room and I just continued taking pictures because, well, they last longer.

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We went back out to the balcony. I told Rob that I took all the pictures I wanted including that of the ladies room. He asked why the ladies room so I showed him pictures of the throne.

More picture-taking ensued.

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Behind this wall, in the very corner, sits Tony Hawk.

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We walked back into the main dining room. I subtlety pointed to Tony Hawk so Rob can see him. We went out the other balcony which was a bit smaller.

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/COLOR]

 

[Lyn-CA]

It was time to get some Club 33 merch.

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We informed one of the CMs that we wanted to buy some items. She asked us to wait because she was in the middle of something so we took even more pictures while we waited.

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Rob got the latte mug and pin. I got the key chain and baseball hat.

Finally, three hours or so later, we managed to head on out of there. We didn't want to risk overstaying our welcome and getting thrown out.

We opted for the elevator once again for our grand exit.

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Once we reached the lobby, we ran back up the stairs for more pictures.

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The CM must've been thinking "what a bunch of geeks." And she would be right. We were totally geeking out. Thankfully, we weren't the only ones. We spotted some fellow first timers who were just as Disney-giddy as we were.

 

[beckykarstetter]

Totally awesome! What a special birthday.

 

[Lyn-CA]

It most certainly was awesome. It is one of my top favorite Disney memories.

 

[mommamonster]

I followed your link from the Club 33 post and I must say I am so envious! Thank you for posting so many photos of the club so those of us who haven't been can live vicariously through them! I am enjoying your trip report, other than the heat it sounds like a great time to be in the parks! I would love to participate in Dapper Day (a new item for my Disney bucket list). I'm definitely getting some ideas from your photos (chocolate covered pineapple sounds delicious!) and it is getting me excited for our upcoming trip!

 

[Lyn-CA]

I almost forgot to mention the 'souvenir' that L.K. got from Club 33. Sometime during dessert, he kept schooching on his chair and then, bonk, he fell off his chair. I took him to the bathroom where he let out a wail. I checked to make sure he was physically okay and thankfully he was. Once he composed himself, we went back to the table and all was well.

When we got back from our vacation and would relate our Club 33 experience with friends and family, L.K. would chime in with, “and I fell and bonked my head at Club 33.”

How many toddlers have that claim to fame?

We were still basking in the specialness of our Club 33 experience as we walked around New Orleans Square.

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We took advantage of the short line to meet Princess Tiana. Some guys approached us and asked who this princess was. We told them it's Tiana from Princess and the Frog. They shrugged and said we don’t know who she is but they lined up anyway.

I just loved Tiana's Nawlin's accent and drawl. She kept saying L.K. was so 'hansom'.

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We walked to Adventureland and stumbled upon another meet and greet with Aladdin and Jasmine. They spent a lot of time chatting with us.

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We were walking out of the Oasis when L.K. tugged on the camera strap to see the pictures we just took. Rob didn’t have a firm grip so our camera crashed to the ground. When we inspected the camera, there were lines on the screen so off to the camera shop we went. We talked to two different CMs who couldn't really help us.

We went by the first aid station. Rob called the hotel to check on our room. Here's L.K. pretending to use the phone.

I went to see the nurse at first aid about the rash on the crook of my arm. The nurse said it most likely was heat rash. He also gave me a list of care centers in the area.

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I went back outside and Rob was still on the phone. I mouthed to him "what's happening?" and he mouthed back "room's not ready." This of course was no bueno because it was L.K.'s sacred naptime. Rob was getting frustrated and asked to speak to a supervisor, and voila, our room miraculously was ready.

L.K. said he needed to go potty. He ran ahead and tripped and fell right in front of Mary Poppins and Bert. They came over to us as I scooped L.K. up in my arms. Mary kept telling him that he’s so brave. Bert said that first aid was right behind us. We turned right around and headed back in.

L.K. got an ice pack for his one knee.

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We spent a long time just chatting with a couple of nurses.

We headed out to Main Street and stopped to watched the Main Street Straw Hatters.

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We kept going and then stopped at the fire station at L.K's request. We couldn't say no. Poor kid had a rough day with two his boo-boos.

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We finally made it to the hotel. Today's nap was shot. We took a bunch of pictures on the way to the room.

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We loved our tower, room and view but our vanity/sink area was tiny.

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We put away some stuff and headed back to the park to try and catch the flag retreat ceremony. We missed it though.

We lucked out and rode the front of the monorail. We were joined by a girl whom L.K. befriended straight away. Her name was Jocelyn and it was her first time riding the front too. The monorail was on standby due to technical difficulties. Rob was so sweet, he called Jocelyn's dad who was in the main cabin so he can take a picture of Jocelyn. We then took a picture of L.K.

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Once in the park, we sought out Disneyland's very own food truck.

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We had corndogs for dinner.

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After dinner, we went where the birds sing words and the flowers bloom. We lucked out with our host, none other than Tiki Maynard! He made the show so much more enjoyable with his schtick.

Next we took a (Jungle) cruise. L.K. laughed when we did even though he didn't get the jokes. He had to keep asking us what was funny. Rob remembered to get a map from the CM on our way out.

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We lucked out some more when we checked the line for Pirates and it was a walk on.

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For our commute back to the hotel, we took a train to Tomorrowland and from there, the monorail, where we got to sit in the front again.

Back at the hotel, we decided on a night swim. It was a short one though because the E ticket pool was cold and the D ticket pool only slightly warmer. We went back to the room and got ready for bed.

We definitely felt the drop in temperature as the heat wave ended today.

 

[scoutingbear]

I've been enjoying following along. I can relate to all the potty stops. Just got back from a trip with my 3 year old.

 

[Lyn-CA]

I slept in today as the pool was too cold for a morning swim. I think Rob went on his power walk but I was too busy sleeping to notice.

We got ready and headed to California Adventure. Extra Magic Hour was back to 9 am this weekday morning. The park was nice and empty.

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We took time to stop and say thanks to Uncle Walt.

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We took these pictures on our way to Carsland.

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We were set to do wide ride again this morning so we got into position.

When we got to Flo's, we saw a ton of CMs informing guests that the Racers were down. There was no disappointment on our part. This will give us a chance to grab some breakfast at Flo's. We were the first ones there.

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Breakfast was good.

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The brioche french toast was yummy but a bit too sweet for me. If I was to order it again, I'd ask for the caramel sauce on the side.

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Breakfast took up most of our extra magic hour.

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I personally didn't mind though because I just love it here.

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L.K. loves it at Flo's too.

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We casually toured Carsland.

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[Lyn-CA]

Rob joined the line for fast passes at 5 minutes before official opening. L.K. and I went to Hollywood Boulevard.

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L.K. was first to spot this-so cute.

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I caught sight of Jake coming our way so we started the line to meet him.

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I asked L.K. what we called Captain Hook and L.K. said codfish so Jake pinched his nose.

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Rob found us and we all went to the first Disney Jr. show.

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L.K. loves seeing all these guys.

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Next, we went to Animation Academy to have a talk with Crush.

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L.K. and I sat right up front but for some reason, L.K. was a bit afraid of Crush.

We grabbed smoothies and enjoyed them and people-watching at the same time.

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We wanted to take the trolley to Tower of Terror so we hopped on.

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After a few minutes, the CM told us that they were waiting on another trolley to get fixed and back on the line before they were allowed to move. We stayed put until he told us it would be at least 15 minutes or so.

We hopped off and got another Visa cardholder picture with Stitch.

Without a doubt, these two are having a blast.



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We walked to Tower of Terror and I got first dibs so I left my guys here.

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Some pictures of one of my all-time favorite attractions.

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It was Rob's turn next so I took L.K. to Bugsland and rode a couple of the rides there. Neither one of us cared for Francis' Boogie as it was jerky.

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We both gave Flik's Flyers two thumbs up.

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[Lyn-CA]

It was time to use our fast passes for Racers.

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Rob had his turn to race then we walked over to Cozy Cone Motel. We got dill flavored popcorn and grape soda in the souvenir cone.

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We rode Maters before leaving the park.

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Our next destination was here for lunch.

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We had the place to ourselves. There were more CMs than guests. Two CMs showed us where the screens were to place our order. Rob took L.K. to the potty while I got our food.

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We dined poolside.

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All of our food was delish.

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L.K. had ordered the kid's salmon and he ate most of it.

After we ate, we explored the grounds.

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Little details that make me smile.

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Next up, swimming which L.K. was very much looking forward to. The pool was still a bit too cold for comfort. Rob and L.K. braved the cold water but I just sat on the steps. All three of us ended up in the hot tub.

At last, nap time rolled around. I was very much looking forward to it.

We made it a priority to catch the flag retreat ceremony today so we hopped over to Disneyland.

More things that make me smile.

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We parked ourselves in one spot and I took pictures while we waited.

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[Lyn-CA]

It was time to retrieve the flag. This was low key compared to the one we witnessed at WDW with the band and Dapper Dans, but this one was solemn and significant nonetheless.

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L.K.'s 'serious' look.

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Back to normal.

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Some random shots I took on the way to dinner.

I would so stay here if it were an actual hotel.

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This is where I want to live. Seriously! No, I'm being totally serious!!! Universe, do you hear me?

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For dinner, we went to Cafe Orleans.

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At the podium, we told the CM that we were early for our reservation but he was able to seat us straight away.

We shared the 3-cheese Monte Cristo sandwich and pomme frites. What can I say, we were already eating all that fat, what's adding a bit more?

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I won't point any fingers but someone just loved the jelly.

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We had either a fast pass or rider swap pass left for the Racers so we had to hop over to California Adventure again.

On the way out, we ran into the Goofster.

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Don't cha just love this-especially at dusk.

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We're back in Carsland.

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My turn first on the Racers.

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What the hey! A final ride of the night.

Memories are made of this.

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[Briarrose1306]

Loved the updates! I couldn't help smiling see that you took the same pictures of pictures at Club 33 that I did. I think the Shirley Temple one was my favorite. Probably because I was compared to her a lot when I was little.

 

[Lyn-CA]

I followed your link from the Club 33 post and I must say I am so envious! Thank you for posting so many photos of the club so those of us who haven't been can live vicariously through them! I am enjoying your trip report, other than the heat it sounds like a great time to be in the parks! I would love to participate in Dapper Day (a new item for my Disney bucket list). I'm definitely getting some ideas from your photos (chocolate covered pineapple sounds delicious!) and it is getting me excited for our upcoming trip!

You're welcome. I did take lots of pics of Club 33. So glad the CMs were cool about it.

Participating in Dapper Day sounds like a great plan. And so does planning to get the chocolate covered pineapple coz it's yummy. Sounds weird yes but let your tastebuds decide

 

[Lyn-CA]

Loved the updates! I couldn't help smiling see that you took the same pictures of pictures at Club 33 that I did. I think the Shirley Temple one was my favorite. Probably because I was compared to her a lot when I was little.

Thanks for following along

The picture of Shirley Temple is a good one. It's hard for me to pick a favorite as the ones of Walt are so touching.