Second Star to the Right and Straight on ‘til the 2017 Pixie Dust Challenge*COMPLETE

[cavepig]

Our first trip to Disneyland (out of the whole 2 we've done), we couldn't figure out where the entrance to Pirates was and also kept missing Big Thunder because we thought it was in the back like at Magic Kingdom. It is so weird with that I know this but I don't know this feeling. I agree, Carsland is amazing!

 

[ZellyB]

Our first trip to Disneyland (out of the whole 2 we've done), we couldn't figure out where the entrance to Pirates was and also kept missing Big Thunder because we thought it was in the back like at Magic Kingdom. It is so weird with that I know this but I don't know this feeling. I agree, Carsland is amazing!

Yeah, we walked past the Pirates entrance the first time and ended up going over the bridge thing above it and circling back around before we realized. DOH!

 

[SarahDisney]

I never know with the boat rides how many people are supposed to fit in each row and whether I'm supposed to wait if there's another group or not. It can get really confusing sometimes. Sometimes it feels like there's no right answer. So I definitely get why you felt awkward. But I'm glad you enjoyed anyway!

And yeah, park hopping in DL is the easiest thing in the world. We had one day last trip where we had been in both parks within 15 minutes of them opening (and they opened at the same time that day). It's insanely easy.

 

[MommaoffherRocker]

Since we were there, we decided to grab a good old Legacy paper Fast Pass for a ride after lunch. I didn’t realize how used to the FP+ system I’d become, so it took me a bit to remember how to play that system.

I miss those fastpasses at WDW, I think it is because most people didn't bother with them so they were more of a skip the line than the fastpass+.

Anyway, I felt really awkward the whole ride like I’d screwed up. Stupid to be worried about it, but it really impacted my enjoyment of the ride.

I've noticed that at DL, they don't fill up the rides like at WDW and it does seem odd when the lines are long. I would have worried about it too, I'm sorry that it impacted the ride for you

Love all of your pictures!! Especially the one of you guys with the Mickey Wheel

 

[Sailormoon2]

Sounding like such a fun adventure!! YOou are definitely making me want to go back to DLR, it has been waaay too long!

 

[TCB in FLA]

Enjoying your TR! I've yet to go to DL, so can't wait to read on.

 

[michigandergirl]

Also enjoying your TR. I had no idea DL still had legacy fastpasses! I've never been, but hope to get there someday.

 

[ZellyB]

I never know with the boat rides how many people are supposed to fit in each row and whether I'm supposed to wait if there's another group or not. It can get really confusing sometimes. Sometimes it feels like there's no right answer. So I definitely get why you felt awkward. But I'm glad you enjoyed anyway!

And yeah, park hopping in DL is the easiest thing in the world. We had one day last trip where we had been in both parks within 15 minutes of them opening (and they opened at the same time that day). It's insanely easy.

Well, then I'm glad it wasn't just me who gets confused by the loading process!

I miss those fastpasses at WDW, I think it is because most people didn't bother with them so they were more of a skip the line than the fastpass+.


I've noticed that at DL, they don't fill up the rides like at WDW and it does seem odd when the lines are long. I would have worried about it too, I'm sorry that it impacted the ride for you

Love all of your pictures!! Especially the one of you guys with the Mickey Wheel

The good ole days of Fastpasses when a lot of people didn't know about them.

Sounding like such a fun adventure!! YOou are definitely making me want to go back to DLR, it has been waaay too long!

We really loved it. Definitely a lot of unique experiences that were different from WDW.

Enjoying your TR! I've yet to go to DL, so can't wait to read on.

I really recommend a visit to DL. We had a great time there.

Also enjoying your TR. I had no idea DL still had legacy fastpasses! I've never been, but hope to get there someday.

I think there are concerns that legacy FP may be going away eventually. I know leading up to the trip they added fastpass to some rides that previously did not have it and they are starting an electronic fastpass called MaxPass, I think, soon. So, I think a lot of speculation that they may eventually go to a FP+ system.

 

[ZellyB]

EXPO BOUND - SHOPPING TIME
And a carb-fest dinner

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After completing our circuit of California Adventure, we left the park and headed into Downtown Disney. And, yes, I'll gush again about how nice it is to just make a turn and walk a few hundred feet and you are strolling through Downtown Disney. So convenient!!

Look at that sky!!! The weather was just perfect. The sun was warm with a cool breeze and we just enjoyed a leisurely stroll through the shopping and restaurant areas including spying a couple of the places I had lined up to eat at later in the trip. (Can you tell I'm fixated on the food on this trip?) As we approached the Disneyland Hotel, we started to see the signs leading us on to the Expo. We got a little bit confused about where to go, but eventually found the ramp leading down to Packet Pickup.

I'd heard that the Expo could be kinda crazy if you go early and, to be honest, I really had no intention of buying much at the expo, so it was a deliberate choice to go later in the afternoon - and that worked out great. The expo wasn't crowded at all!! We were able to walk right up to our bib pickup location and had our bibs in moments. By the way, there's been quite a bit of talk on the board about a woman who was able to pick up someone else's bib and run the race. The person who had her bib stolen found pictures of the runner online and posted them to social media. It appears the woman makes a habit of stealing other race bibs and running races. I just don't understand that. How do people rationalize that as okay? And, I'm not sure how they manage it since ID is required. For us, they definitely asked for and checked our ID, but sounds like from other's reports that it is inconsistently done. They really need to tighten up that procedure to prevent this!! Anyway, rant over...

With bibs in hand, we got a picture taken with our bibs to identify that it was the same person who runs both races, and we also got our lovely blue Coast to Coast wristbands which would alert workers at the conclusion of the half marathon that we were eligible to receive the blue Coast to Coast medal. WOOHOO!!! Chris was not happy about having to wear the wristband for 3 days though. Poor baby.

We exited that area to move on to the merchandise area!

The expo wasn't crowded at all by this point so we took our time wandering around and looking at various vendors. We ended up each buying a handheld water bottle (my handheld bottle at home was in bad shape) and I also purchased a pair of sunglasses for running. The ones I'd brought with me were not that comfortable and were bugging me. The glasses were actually quite nice and at a pretty good price. We picked up our gear bag and race shirts. I was happy the race shirts were short-sleeved, but other than the half shirt, I was pretty disappointed in them. We also got a drawstring bag which I was happy to get since I hadn't really brought a good bag to use around the parks. I also bought a Pixie Dust Challenge hat (I buy an official hat at almost all the Disney races I do) and I really like the hat design. Here's the haul.

I actually like the color of the 10K shirt (it's sort of a raspberry color), but the graphic is kinda meh. And the challenge shirt I really dislike. Tink looks weird! But, Chris actually sort of likes that one, so maybe that's okay for some people. By this point, we'd been up and on the move for a VERY long time, so we opted to walk back to the hotel for a rest before our dinner reservation. We got ourselves unpacked and settled in and laid down for a nap (Now I KNOW I'm on vacation - a nap in the middle of the afternoon?!? )

As evening approached, we strolled back to DL for our evening dinner reservation at Carnation Cafe. We only had to wait a short time before our pager went off and we were led out to a lovely spot on the patio. I was so happy we got seated outside!!

Chris and I both already knew what we wanted to get - Fried Chicken!!! I mentioned the lack of carbs we had lately, right? The service was friendly and efficient and soon this was sitting in front of me.

YUM! You can see Chris did not waste time taking pictures - he was already digging in. This was delicious. The chicken was tender and juicy with a crispy coating. The potatoes were also yummy and those veges were great. Super fresh and tasty. Actually on multiple occasions Chris and I noticed how great the produce tasted here. I guess the benefits of being in California!

We both cleaned our plates!!! And, after thoroughly enjoying dinner, we decided dessert was in order.

Hot fudge sundae. O.M.G. So good!! After paying our bill we headed back out into the park. It was probably 7:30 or so by this point and we thought to hit a few rides and then go over to see World of Color. But after walking to the castle, we both realized we were exhausted. LOL. Given that we still had a lot of action-packed days ahead, we decided it was probably better to just go back to the hotel and crash. Which is exactly what we did!!

Next up: California Adventure, Baby!

​

 

[JulieODC]

Great first day! We didn't get to ride Pirates because the line was soooo long on Sat and Sun - bummer

We stayed at the same hotel! It was so new and the breakfast was definitely more than we expected. I agree that the walk was ok - less ok after the half for sure! Great option overall though!

 

[roxymama]

That area by Pirates was very confusing when it was crowded. What was a line and what was a walkway? We had to locate the exit to be able to do the wheelchair parking and that was in an alley by the Blue Bayou so you can imagine our head scratching. It's a shame because that part of the park is so lovely...but soooooo crowded!

PS I love that you matched your water bottles to your shirts in that pic.
PSS This makes me want to go to DL with just my hubby really badly
PSSS Stop it with that ice cream sundae...gah, that looks amazing right now.

 

[ZellyB]

Great first day! We didn't get to ride Pirates because the line was soooo long on Sat and Sun - bummer

We stayed at the same hotel! It was so new and the breakfast was definitely more than we expected. I agree that the walk was ok - less ok after the half for sure! Great option overall though!

I had really hoped to ride Pirates again before we left, but I just couldn't with that line. The hotel was really nice and I would absolutely choose it again if it were just a touch closer.

That area by Pirates was very confusing when it was crowded. What was a line and what was a walkway? We had to locate the exit to be able to do the wheelchair parking and that was in an alley by the Blue Bayou so you can imagine our head scratching. It's a shame because that part of the park is so lovely...but soooooo crowded!

PS I love that you matched your water bottles to your shirts in that pic.
PSS This makes me want to go to DL with just my hubby really badly
PSSS Stop it with that ice cream sundae...gah, that looks amazing right now.

That area by Pirates really stressed me out when it was crowded. Also that walkway into Tomorrowland by Buzz and Star Tours. So.Many.People.

PS Thank you for noticing my color-coordinating in my pic.
PSS It was a great couple trip
PSSS I want another one RIGHT NOW!

 

[NeverLand16]

Looking at everyone's trip reports, I can see what kind of pictures I should be taking. Everyone sets such good examples! And I do like your planning methods.

 

[rteetz]

Finally caught up!

You really covered the dark rides! That's one thing I really want to check out when I get to DL. Love all of your photos. I have heard mixed reviews of Blue Bayou.

Nice race merchandise haul! That sundae looks great!

 

[AuntieBean]

Mrocy

I thought Saturday and Sunday were just insane honestly. Yowza!

And taking pics in Blue Bayou was definitely a challenge. It's kinda crazy dark in there.

Roxymamamama and I both said at different points that we couldn't tell if it was just way busier than WDW or if it appeared busier/crowded because so many of the ride lines were outside!

 

[ZellyB]

Looking at everyone's trip reports, I can see what kind of pictures I should be taking. Everyone sets such good examples! And I do like your planning methods.

Thank you and thanks for reading along!

Finally caught up!

You really covered the dark rides! That's one thing I really want to check out when I get to DL. Love all of your photos. I have heard mixed reviews of Blue Bayou.

Nice race merchandise haul! That sundae looks great!

Those classic dark rides that don't exist at WDW were my number one goal. We didn't quite manage to hit everything I wanted, but we did okay. That sundae was amazing!

Roxymamamama and I both said at different points that we couldn't tell if it was just way busier than WDW or if it appeared busier/crowded because so many of the ride lines were outside!

Agreed! Chris and I had the same discussion. I really think for us it was a combination of not having been to WDW at a really busy time of year in a LONG time and then the tighter/smaller nature of the DL park. DCA never seemed as crowded to me either.

 

[ZellyB]

Addendum to our expo trip: I forgot to include they had this little photo op area as you were leaving the expo, so Chris and I decided to get a shot. Needed to get our money's worth from that PhotoPass.

The lighting was really strange in here and we look sorta orange. LOL

I WANT TO LIVE IN RADIATOR SPRINGS!!!

​

We had our alarms set to get up bright and early for our Friday park day! I was so excited to finally get the chance to explore Carsland and ride Radiator Springs Racers. The small glimpse we'd had on Thursday had been enough to really have me anxious to explore it in more detail. We got ready and headed down to the breakfast buffet. They had a good set up for the buffet and we had some nice hot eggs, bacon and coffee to fill us up for the day. We also saw they had posted a sign that they would have the breakfast area open at 3 AM for Saturday and Sunday serving cold breakfast items, so that worked out great for us!

After finishing up breakfast, we got a second cup of coffee to go and started our walk to the parks. It was a bit cloudy on this morning, so we definitely wanted to wear our sweatshirts to the park. I opted to carry our new Tinkerbell drawstring bags so that if it warmed up we could ditch the sweatshirts into the bag later. We arrived just as they were starting to let people through the turnstiles and then got held at the rope outside of Carthay Circle. During breakfast, I had read a post on here from @Ariel484 that there were no real character stops during the 5K and rumor had it there would be none during the 10K either and fewer during the half. To say the least, I was NOT happy to hear this. As we were waiting I asked some women standing behind us with their 5K medals if they'd heard the same thing. They had and were also not happy, so we killed a few minutes with them worrying about what the 10K and Half would be like.

Pretty soon, the official rope drop happened and we headed off with a few hundred of our other park goers on the hasty walk to the RSR fastpass machines. We got into line easily and within a few minutes had our FP in hand for a mid-morning return. Ride assured, we headed off to explore Carsland. We had thought we'd try for a quick standby ride first thing if the line wasn't already bad and hopefully get in 2 rides. When we got to the ride there was already a 105 minute wait posted. YOWZA!!

We were debating getting in line when we realized there was a single rider line and decided to give that a try. We walked through the queue. And walked. And walked. expecting at any moment to hit a line up of people, but instead we found ourselves at the loading bay with literally 2 people in front of us. We were seated in the same car (front and back row) within moments. Woohoo!! And, the ride did not disappoint. What a fantastic ride. We walked off just gushing about how much fun it was and how immersive the ride felt like you were literally driving through Radiator Springs. This ride is really Disney at its finest!

We worked our way out of Carsland. We briefly considered the other rides in the area, but with the spinning components to them, we decided to skip them as Chris doesn't do so well on spinning rides. We had to grab a few pictures as we walked through though.

Fantastic. As we were leaving the area, we spied a PhotoPass opportunity, so took advantage again!

With Carsland behind us, we headed off to check out other parts of the park!!

Next Up: Let's do some screaming and shooting and eating!!

 

[SarahDisney]

Nice haul from the expo! I really like that hat.

Also ... your dinner is making me hungry. It looks so good!

 

[rteetz]

Carsland is something I really want to do/see soon. It just looks incredible!

 

[Ariel484]

Ahhh how am I justnow seeing this?

I love that you guys just went for it with the meals. Bravo.

And sorry to have freaked you out about the characters!!