Our first trip to Disneyland, plus 4 nights on the Wonder - April 2024

[ambula603]

Day 5, cont.
We headed to Galaxy's Edge and it was sort of an odd feeling. I guess I am just used to it NOT being at Magic Kingdom so I was trying to get my bearings. It was pretty empty (minus the giant line for Rise) so we walked on to Millenium Falcon. A lovely Australian family ended up with us and offered to take a photo.


And when we got off another person offered to take our pic in Galaxy's Edge and got some AMAZING shots. They should have been a park photographer. Made up for the crap photo from DCA, haha.

I remember at this point in the day being a little confused about what to get an LL for because they were starting to come back with far-out times. Space was down all morning. We had decided to buy the fancy pass for Rise but sadly that wasn't for a while. It was time to walk over to Big Thunder and the park was getting more "peoplely" by the minute. We got in line but the ride broke down while we were waiting. We had already scanned in for our LL time but they didn't offer us anything when we walked out. People were pretty confused and wondering if we would get an anytime LL in the app but the workers said they didn't know.

I was bummed because we really wanted to ride Thunder and I knew we wouldn't be able to since our app thought we already had. So I talked to guest services via the chat feature in the app and they promptly issued us one. That was handy!

Tummies were rumbly and Jason had wanted to try Red Rose but the girls and I really wanted to head back to Jolly Holiday for more macaroons, macarons, and those breakfast croissants. So that's where we headed.

I love this table! Perfect people-watching!

What happened next will end up being our favorite memory of the time at DL. We all ate at Jolly Holiday. It was delish. I had a chocolate chip croissant and their delicious hot cocoa. I would just about give my right arm for that meal right now. After eating our treats we were still hungry and not in a hurry to get up. So I mentioned the meat sticks at Bengal Barbecue. It sounded good to all of us, so I mobile ordered 4 and headed to get them while the family waited at our table. We tried the chicken, beef, and pork belly.

Yall, they were SO GOOD. We must have really been hungry because I didn't take a picture of our order (although they are not pretty to look at!) We loved them all so much that we said...let's get another round. And we did just that!

I wish I could stay we stopped there. But we didn't. We all said we could eat more so I went back a THIRD TIME. I am a little embarrassed. To be fair, they aren't huge portions. But we laughed so hard with delight every time I would bring them back to the table!

I am just sorely disappointed that I didn't realize Maurice's Treats were so close because I really wanted to try them with the garlic pretzel bread. I ran out of stomach room and never did get to eat that pretzel bread, which was the number one thing on my list to try. MUST RETURN TO DL! Even today if I ask Scarlett what her favorite thing about Disneyland is she will answer, "meat skewers!" without hesitation.



My friend had told me walking up in the castle was her favorite thing to do, so we headed that way. Problem was, we couldn't figure out where to enter!


I began to wonder if I was confused on the tip but we finally found it. Loved the detail inside, especially since Scarlett had a love affair with Maleficent as a child. We even sent her an invitation to Scarlett's party. The girl who dressed up had worked at WDW and she never broke character. Some kids even cried. But not Scarlett. She LOVED every second if it.

THIS is how she dressed up as a child...


I know we ventured back to do Rise. I do like this ride, but it is not worth the extra money for me anymore.

The park really got full around noon. I took this pic because it was people as far as I could see.

Not wanting to navigate the crowds, we decided to head back to the room.

On our way out we stopped at Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln and I adored the Disneyland Story exhibits. I could have spent an hour there!

The bench!


Some of us enjoyed the show...

...but soon we would all be napping in the hotel!

 

[piglet1979]

I love your enthusiasm. I do have a trip report from last April and didn't finish it until at least Christmas. The link should be in my signature.

You had a great morning. You got a lot done before the full opening of the park. I haven't figured that out yet.

I need to try these meat skewers. They sound good.

 

[PoppyJ]

I wish I could stay we stopped there. But we didn't. We all said we could eat more so I went back a THIRD TIME. I am a little embarrassed.

I LOVE this!!

 

[ambula603]

I love your enthusiasm. I do have a trip report from last April and didn't finish it until at least Christmas. The link should be in my signature.

You had a great morning. You got a lot done before the full opening of the park. I haven't figured that out yet.

I need to try these meat skewers. They sound good.

Off to check out your report! Yes, you must try the meat skewers. If I shared a picture it wouldn't do them justice and just reading about them also doesn't make them sound as delicious as they were!

 

[ambula603]

I LOVE this!!

Welcome, you are my people!
Scarlett was even singing "Never enough! Never, never!" from The Greatest Showman!

 

[ambula603]

Day 5, cont.
Took these on our way out, look at that pretty blue sky.




Love to catch a moment like this!

Neither of my girls are too big to hold their Daddy's hand. He is the best Dad. Fun and silly but also very loving and non-judgy. They are both close to him.

We went back to the hotel and took a delicious Disney nap. I wanted to see the parade but we had missed it previously. But I didn't want to set an alarm for it, either. So I said if we woke up in time, that would be perfect.

And we did!

This is Jason waving to the crowds waiting on the parade. He couldn't believe they all waited for his return!



The good spaces were pretty much full but I asked a cast member in Plaid where the parade route would be (just wanting to get an idea) and he directed us to a PERFECT corner spot that was unoccupied. Shout out to him!

We saw the floats coming down from Main Street right before they turned into Tomorrowland.


I don't LOVE parades because I hate standing in the sun waiting forever just to have a good spot. But this worked out perfectly! I don't have a photo but a tiny princess straight from Bippity Boppity was in front of us and we all loved watching the characters interact with her. Several waved and made faces at us, too. So that was cute! Overall this parade was awesome! I loved the songs and the characters they had. I may have to even watch it on Youtube again, it was that good.


I think I had snagged another couple LL for DCA, because my next photos are from there!



But then I have this picture so I don't remember what we did!


We had an ADR for Carnation Cafe and it was delicious. I got the club and split it with Lilli, she got the chicken fried chicken and split it with me. Jason LOVED the potato soup. So we were all pretty happy!

 

[ambula603]

Day 5, cont
Back at Disneyland, I know we finally rode Big Thunder Mountain using the anytime pass I had gotten earlier that morning. The sky was looking so pretty so we stopped in line for some family photos. It was daylight when we got in line, but dusk by the time we stepped up. I think they turned out so good!

I took this one:






So that made me happy! I think this is when we did the Storybook Circus canal boats because I thought they would be cute. Turns out we waited forever for a dark ride. Except it was NOT a dark ride, it was just a ride in the dark. We could barely see anything! Oh well, it made for a good chuckle.

We grabbed the Grey Stuff and more hot cocoa at The Red Rose Tavern (super cute, we had wanted to try it earlier that morning, remember?)


And tried to go find a place to watch the fireworks. Well, they corral people so much when it gets close to show time that we finally had to just stop and stand somewhere. It was fine, I wasn't too bummed. But we were directly behind this popcorn stand!

Maybe THAT is what I really need to watch on YouTube because I didn't see much of the show! I did turn around and watch some of the projections on Main Street. They were cool. We hung back by the popcorn stand while the crowds exited the park. We have learned the hard way NOT to get in that mass of people unless we absolutely have to. Last year at WDW it was like a mosh pit!

Jason had wanted to do the submarines and it was finally time to go check them out.

We were all hilariously underwhelmed (Jason expected real fish, I hate being in cramped space underwater so I was not a fan) but at least we can say we did it. Maybe it was also better during the daytime? No idea. But with that, it was time to head out of the park.

We did the obligatory stop in the candy store and stocked up on some goodies including churro toffee (didn't eat that until we got home and holy smokes what do they lace that with!? SO GOOD!)

We were so sad to leave but so tired and knew we had a big day ahead.


So long, Disneyland! I can't wait to see you again!

 

[missjackiemcg]

You squeezed in SO much fun and even got a nap!? LOVE it! This parade looks so gorgeous. Your castle pics at night are perfection!!

 

[SimplyGoofy]

Lilli officially tested positive for Covid on Monday night

How did I miss all these updates?! I swear the DIS is not good at notifying me half the time…

First, oh no! I’m so sorry that Lilli got COVID and that you got sick is well. It’s never fun to be sick! (This from someone who’s been sick or who’s taken care of someone in our house that’s been sick since practically January… )

We sat downstairs, sadly not at the Up table but I still snapped a photo of the pieces.

The Lamplight Lounge looks so fun! I love the Up table, but my daughter would be pretty excited by the Incredibles table as well. I’m sorry your food and drinks were just okay, but I’m glad the surroundings somewhat made up for it.

Well...we went to pick up the art and imagine our surprise when we saw our last name had IRON MAN as a letter! We all laughed so hard! I don't know if the artist was listening to the whole thing or if he just got confused but we didn't care, it was perfect. Jason got his Iron Man after all!

That’s awesome! It was meant to be!

That is the problem with these boards...you learn too much. You know tricks and you want to maximize your experience.

Yes, I sometimes think all our knowledge bites us in the butt. We wouldn’t know what we’re missing half the time if we didn’t learn so many things.

I’m sorry you couldn’t enjoy the early part of your evening - I know exactly the feeling of trying to squeezing it all in at the expense of enjoyment. But…

I had avoided spoilers of WOC and I was so glad to be surprised. You know I cried. It was beautiful!

YAY! I’m glad they held your table (it looked like a great one!) and that you loved World of Color. I’ve heard nothing but great things.

Also, I think you and I would get along well - I cry at everything. It drives my husband crazy!

The best part - we headed back to Cars Land and had it with FAR LESS PEOPLE! So I was able to enjoy it after all!

Another yay! Carsland looks amazing and especially fun at night. I’m glad you had a chance to get back there!

But one day in my life I want to rope drop and just walk slowly to enjoy it without all the people. No clue if that will ever happen, because usually I choose sleep or rides!

The most relaxed I’ve ever been on a trip was in 2016 when I toured the parks mostly solo. (My mom came along, but she only joined me for dinners and a few other meals both in and out of the parks.) I still got to the parks first-thing but I did a lot more meandering and had much looser plans. I also took a midday break at the pool most days! I still rode a ton and ate many meals and snacks, but my overall vibe was much more chill (which I am not). I hope you get a chance for a slow walk up Main Street someday!

This ride was a TRIP!

I rode Mr. Toad’s years ago when it was still at WDW. I do not remember it so I’d love to ride it again at Disneyland!

Even today if I ask Scarlett what her favorite thing about Disneyland is she will answer, "meat skewers!" without hesitation.

I really appreciate your trip report and all your food recommendations. I have a friend who’s going to Disneyland for one day with her family and I’m trying to pass along tips. I’ll be sure to recommend many of the places you enjoyed.

 

[buteraa]

I'm really enjoying your trip report. We are headed to DL in November, and can't wait.

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

We headed to Galaxy's Edge and it was sort of an odd feeling. I guess I am just used to it NOT being at Magic Kingdom so I was trying to get my bearings. It was pretty empty (minus the giant line for Rise

It is a werid feeling that it is in magic kingdom. We didn't really priotize it since we knew it was the same as World. But we did go in to check it out.

Big Thunder and the park was getting more "peoplely" by the minute. We got in line but the ride broke down while we were waiting. We had already scanned in for our LL time but they didn't offer us anything when we walked out. People were pretty confused and wondering if we would get an anytime LL in the app but the workers said they didn't know.

Oh no! I feel bad for CM sometimes, it is confusing even for them!

I was bummed because we really wanted to ride Thunder and I knew we wouldn't be able to since our app thought we already had. So I talked to guest services via the chat feature in the app and they promptly issued us one. That was handy!

YEAH!!! Big Thunder Mountain was a must do for us too, and it came back up on our last day from refurb. But it wasn't up in the morning and I was worried we weren't going to get to ride. Thankfully we squeezed it in!

I wish I could stay we stopped there. But we didn't. We all said we could eat more so I went back a THIRD TIME. I am a little embarrassed. To be fair, they aren't huge portions. But we laughed so hard with delight every time I would bring them back to the table!

Ha!! We had those Skewers and they are NOT big, so I def won't judge you. We ordered some to share and wished we had ordered more due to the size. But we had also eaten the beef birra grilled cheese as well, so we didn't get more.

I am just sorely disappointed that I didn't realize Maurice's Treats were so close because I really wanted to try them with the garlic pretzel bread

We tried to get that and every time we went over it wasn't open!

Neither of my girls are too big to hold their Daddy's hand. H

Love it!

This is Jason waving to the crowds waiting on the parade. He couldn't believe they all waited for his return!

Hilarious! This is something Andy would do just to embarass the girls.

So that made me happy! I think this is when we did the Storybook Circus canal boats because I thought they would be cute. Turns out we waited forever for a dark ride. Except it was NOT a dark ride, it was just a ride in the dark. We could barely see anything! Oh well, it made for a good chuckle.

Ha! Storybook Canal Boats is one of my favorites from Disneyland! It is so old school! But I can see how at night it wouldn't be as fun. It's def not a show stopper by any means but adorable.

e were all hilariously underwhelmed (Jason expected real fish, I hate being in cramped space underwater so I was not a fan) but at least we can say we did it. Maybe it was also better during the daytime? No idea. But with that, it was time to head out of the park.

I am suprised it's still there! It is such a low capacity and I don't think it is a must do for many people.

e did the obligatory stop in the candy store and stocked up on some goodies including churro toffee (didn't eat that until we got home and holy smokes what do they lace that with!? SO GOOD!)

I totally forgot about the churro toffee!!!! It was so good! Now I am dreaming about it!!!

All of your posts are making me want to go to Disneyland again!!! Are you going to post about the cruise as well? Maybe I can just steal your vacation for our next trip! ha.

 

[ambula603]

We tried to get that and every time we went over it wasn't open!

Ok, I am going to tell myself that it would have been closed at the time I wanted it. Makes me feel better!

All of your posts are making me want to go to Disneyland again!!! Are you going to post about the cruise as well? Maybe I can just steal your vacation for our next trip! ha.

Yes! Coming up next! If you go, can I tag along and go again?

 

[ambula603]

Day 6


As sad as we were to check out of the DLH, we had the next leg of the trip to look forward to!

I can't tell you how many days I watched this countdown move in the DCL app. And sent screenshots to the fam. It is so cute! But the best feeling is seeing it show zero/all characters because that means TODAY IS THE DAY!

Before checking out and heading to San Diego, we finally enjoyed breakfast at Tangaroa Terrace.

This was a highlight of the whole trip!

I had:

Tangaroa Toast​

Brick Toast, Citrus Custard, Guava Syrup, Whipped Cream and Toasted Coconut, served with Bacon

It was absolutely delicious. Wish I had it right now!


Lilli had:

Thick & Fluffy Japanese Pancakes​

Fluffy Vanilla Pancakes topped with Tropical Fruit Blend, Starfruit and Guava Syrup, served with Bacon. Available while supplies last.

She was lucky to get the very last order! Thankfully Scarlett didn't want them, too. She originally did but changed her order to be this acai bowl which I can't find on the menu.


I believe Jason got the All-American breakfast and I didn't take his pic because it wasn't as pretty as ours!

We all loved our food. It was the perfect ending to such a fun hotel experience. I liked that we could take a leisurely pace getting out the door.

We walked back to our room to grab our bags and stopped for this mural pic. Each time we walked by we found more details!


We called an Uber, which was sort of an ordeal because we couldn't find one big enough. Thankfully the first guy who showed up was nice about it after we realized it wouldn't work. We had all our luggage plus a 1.5-hour drive, so I did NOT want to get car sick in a tiny car. This was the whole reason we packed in carry-on bags only. Which for the length of our trip, was a feat.

We ended up having a nice man with an SUV get us and he chatted with us the whole way to San Diego about his life in Mexico and then his life in California. He pointed out some things on the way and was just a genuinely nice man. We tipped him well and marveled at how close the planes flew by San Diego!


And then, there she was! Our 4th ship to try, the Wonder!

 

[missjackiemcg]

I hate Uber stress!!! For our last cruise out of Port Canaveral, we ended up hiring a car to take us from the airport to the port. I'm glad you were able to find someone nice to get you to San Diego without being squished into a tiny car!

 

[piglet1979]

I can't tell you how many days I watched this countdown move in the DCL app. And sent screenshots to the fam. It is so cute!

When we went on our cruise, I did the same thing. I loved it. Jeff and I are going on a Norwegian cruise and the count down is just not as fun.

 

[ambula603]

I hate Uber stress!

It makes me feel like such a country mouse, since we don't use Uber at home. I would say the biggest stressor of the whole trip was packing and picking an Uber that we could all fit in (without paying double because, duh!)

Jeff and I are going on a Norwegian cruise and the count down is just not as fun.

It's the little emoji's that get me!

 

[ambula603]

Normally, we check our bags at the port entrance and don't see them again until around 4 PM. But it was already around 1 PM at this point and they told us our rooms were already ready. This sounded great and all (yay for an early entrance to the room!) but this meant more lugging of the luggage. Would not have been a huge issue but we were on the 7th floor and the line for the elevators was insane! I started to get a little cranky after a bit, but ultimately reminded myself that I was in my favorite place and needed to chill. Chances are Jason and the girls actually reminded me, ha.

Another favorite TV station!


We have only ever stayed in a verandah room and I am always thankful for the space (once Lilli got sick, so we stayed in the room all day while Jason and Scar explored. It was nice to have the fresh air and views while she slept it off!)
We made it to our room, dropped off the bags, and promptly went to Cabanas for some lunch.

Embarkation Day lunch at Cabanas is always a highlight. The food is not the star here, it is the anticipation of what is to come. So much fun ahead!

We watched a movie on the pool Tube TV while the girls got some sun. This was all they wanted to do, but it was pretty chilly.


I know it was soon time for the mandatory muster drill. Pretty painless and we had a spot on the deck so we could at least see the city. But then it was time for Scarlett's favorite activity

SOFT SERVE! I lost count of how many cones she consumed. She lives for it.

By then it was time for the Sail-a-Wave party! Hearing the ship's horn "When you wish upon a star" always makes me choke up.



We came back to the room to unpack and set up our door

I print the images, laminate them, and add a magnet. Each one has special meaning either to the trip or to us. This year I added the lit-up Mickey fireworks using some battery-operated LED lights from Amazon. They were awesome if I do say so myself. We got lots of compliments! One lady said she used our door as navigation to find her room. We were a lighthouse in the hall!

Next up, dinner at Tiana's!

 

[ambula603]

I try to coordinate outfits/colors for our dinners on a cruise. I enjoy doing this, it not only helps me focus and pack less, but it's also like a game to me. I do this for our WDW and DL trips, too. This year I was excited to find this vintage cruise shirt for Jason to wear!


But that meant I had to find some muted colors for our dresses.


Of course, there isn't a photo of me, but just know my dress colors pulled it all together, ha!

We really enjoyed the atmosphere and food at Tianas. We met our servers and while they seemed pretty quiet, I always give them grace on the first night when they are trying to learn everyone's likes and dislikes. Plus we had the shellfish allergy to deal with, I always feel like that throws them a bit.

We had an excellent table right by the stage. The band was great! They played jazz versions of Disney songs, plus a few from Princess and the Frog. Sadly, Tiana and Louis the alligator never came out! I saw a YouTube video of a cruise right before ours and she came around and took photos and even sang with the band. So while we didn't realize we were missing her at the time, I am a little cranky we didn't get that part of the experience.

Oh well, at least there were beignets!


We came back to the room to find our first towel/blanket animal and two girls trying to take over our amazing bed!



I do feel bad for the girls, as the DCL king mattress and bedding are far superior to their little beds. I have a goal of getting them their own stateroom across from us so they could experience it. Or as Jason says, maybe when they are older they will bring their families! They always get in ours and giggle.

We were exhausted. We turned on a classic Disney movie (maybe A Bugs Life?) and all passed out. I sleep the best on a Disney cruise with the slight rocking and amazing bed. Is it sad to say it's a highlight for me!?

 

[SimplyGoofy]

Thank you again for the wonderful review of Disneyland and several of their food offerings! As I mentioned above (I had quite a few comments as I somehow missed notifications for while?!) it’s particularly helpful as I’m helping my friend plan a day at Disneyland and I love all the help I can get.

Oh, I’d love to go on a Disney cruise! My husband sees cruise ships as floating Norovirus vectors but hopefully I can convince him someday when the girls are older. I love your door and especially the lights!

I’m so impressed your husband is willing to do coordinating outfits. I ordered shirts for the girls and I for our first day at Disney and asked G if he wanted one, just in case… he passed.

 

[ambula603]

Thank you again for the wonderful review of Disneyland and several of their food offerings! As I mentioned above (I had quite a few comments as I somehow missed notifications for while?!) it’s particularly helpful as I’m helping my friend plan a day at Disneyland and I love all the help I can get.

Oh, I’d love to go on a Disney cruise! My husband sees cruise ships as floating Norovirus vectors but hopefully I can convince him someday when the girls are older. I love your door and especially the lights!

I’m so impressed your husband is willing to do coordinating outfits. I ordered shirts for the girls and I for our first day at Disney and asked G if he wanted one, just in case… he passed.

I am glad I have been slightly helpful!

I agree about cruising being germy...but honestly we get sick whenever we travel, it seems. And I cannot let that stop me from seeing the world! I try really hard to be aware of washing hands and we would probably be better to mask on planes. I think cruising feels cleaner than WDW and National Parks, though!

Jason is such a trooper. He really loves all of the cheesy stuff and I love him for it!