Trip Report The Dry Heat Expedition (Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Disneyland)--UPDATE 6/12 (KSC and DTD)

[Captain_Oblivious]

Cars Land really looks amazing (especially since we just showed Izzy Cars the other day, so it's fresh in my mind). I think I'll need multiple days in California Adventure because I'll burn so much time wandering Radiator Springs. And the ride sounds SO fun. REALLY want to ride that.

They did an amazing job with it! We didn't get to do the other rides there due to time constraints, but I would have loved to have more time to explore and notice the details.

Sorry the crowds are heavy, weather hot, rides are down, and FP return times are late. Interested to see how you make the most of it!

We'll do our best!

 

[Flossbolna]

Honestly, we are blown away by Cars Land. It feels as though Radiator Springs has been re-created down to the last coat of paint directly from the film and transplanted here in Southern California.

Yes, that's exactly it.

10:23 a.m.—The Imagineers hit a home run with this one. Part Test Track, Part dark ride, complete and total Cars immersion. We got the Ramone scene inside, and had fun making faces and giving thumbs-down to the other car as we lined up to race them. We may or may not have informed them that they were, and I quote, “going down.” I don’t know if the car quite reaches the same top speed as Test Track, but the outdoor portion has a lot more curves, twists and hills, so it’s a blast to ride. And yeah—we won the race!

I am glad that you liked it!! I got to go through Luigi's nearly every time until my very last ride on the last trip. Ramone is pretty cool!

And well done for winning the race!

We’re all basking in the glow of a great ride. Except Baby Drew, who I presume is upset that he didn’t get to ride.

Lovely family picture! I like the way the road number is incorporated!

Looking back at Grizzly Peak on the way out.

Even though it was not planned that way originally when they built the park, I think it is so fitting that when you drive out of Radiator Springs, you see the mountains in the distance.

If I pull Fastpasses there now, I’ll be restricted from getting any more until 2:30.

I know this piece of information might be a bit late, but usually if your FP window is further than two hours away, you can get the next FP two hours after the time you got the first one. So according to your time stamps that would have been around 1:30. Might still have been too late though.

Well, at least the kids and Julie will be able to experience the Matterhorn. As we’d planned our day, I had asked if anyone wanted to ride Indiana Jones with me, and only Sarah seemed really keen on trying it. So I figure if Julie gets to do the Matterhorn and I get Indiana Jones, it’s a fair trade-off.

Oh, I sense complications coming up!!!

Um…do we have a Plan C?

As a good DISer you should always have Plans A to K at least!!!!

 

[eandesmom]

10:12 a.m.—Still in line. Even with a FastPass, it’s so popular that you’ll have to wait a bit before getting on. Later on in the day, I’ll realize that this is a downside of the child swap process—yes, it’s great that your kids get to ride twice, but it also turns out be a bit of a time suck. It’s basically doubling our wait time for every ride. I hadn’t quite considered that in my planning…remember that for later.

I wouldn't have thought of that either. I don't think I knew child swap existed until my kids were too old to be swapped!

10:12 a.
“That’s it?!” Sarah asks. “It’s so…tiny.”

LOL! That was EXACTLY Eric's reaction.

Which I guess makes us jaded west coasters who go east too often?

10:12 a.
The posted wait time is 30 minutes. I’d been checking wait times in the weeks leading up to the trip, and it seemed like that was about the best we were going to get on this one. Unfortunately, there’s no FastPass or child swap line here, so we have to make a decision. There is a Single Rider line, but our kids aren’t quite old enough to feel ok with doing that. They still want to ride as a group. So that option is out, too.

If I pull Fastpasses there now, I’ll be restricted from getting any more until 2:30. I don’t think that’s going to work. I look to my right, and see that the Star Tours return time is 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. I know the kids really want to ride that too, so I call an audible to Plan B and grab FP’s there instead. I have to say, trying to strategize on the fly is stressing me out.

I have to say...in times like that...which was 90% of our spring break trip....I really missed FP+ and MagicBands.

The park is, in a word, PACKED. All of the wait times I’m seeing are longer than what I’d seen in the prior weeks. I’m really getting worried that we’ll be severely limited as to what we’re able to see and do in one day.

Well, at least the kids and Julie will be able to experience the Matterhorn. As we’d planned our day, I had asked if anyone wanted to ride Indiana Jones with me, and only Sarah seemed really keen on trying it. So I figure if Julie gets to do the Matterhorn and I get Indiana Jones, it’s a fair trade-off.

So, with the Star Tours FP’s in hand, I head back to the Matterhorn just in time to hear the announcement: it’s broken down and will be offline for at least an hour.


Um…do we have a Plan C?


Coming Up Next: No, really. What’s Plan C?

Well, at least you had Star Tours. That is something, and something is always better than nothing but UGH! That bites.

 

[franandaj]

Confession: I was having a hard time remembering the exact chain of events here, and I don't have any notes to help me. I thought we did Star Tours after lunch, but I'm really struggling to remember if that's actually true, or if we rode Star Tours and then ate. Help me!

OK so here's how I remember it. I called to tell you I was on the way and left a voice mail. That was probably whIle you were on RSR. You called back to tell me you were heading to the Matterhorn. About the time I was approaching the turnstiles you called again mentioning "Plan C". We met up somewhere near the Partners Statue, and decided Plan C was lunch. I think that was 11:30 because when we got to lunch it wasn't open yet. Drew on the other hand, was ready for his lunch. So you and the kids took the first ride on Star Tours while Julie and I sat talking about life, getting to know each other a little and the lot.

While Julie and the kids rode, I think I watched a satiated, sleeping Drew in his stroller while you ran to Space for FP for all of us. Then you and I sat and chatted about life while we waited for Julie and kids to get back. I do remember that they got the opening Vader sequence (of which you were quite envious.) And that's my story and I'm sticking to it!

 

[jwwi]

uh oh! what is plan c? The unfamiliar West coast park has so much to offer, but most of us East coast people don't know where to find it!

 

[dgbg100106]

Captain’s Log: Monday, 28 July 2014.


9:32 a.m.—Let’s take the walk into Radiator Springs. You might recognize a few locations from the movie. There’s Fillmore’s Taste-In:

Honestly, we are blown away by Cars Land. It feels as though Radiator Springs has been re-created down to the last coat of paint directly from the film and transplanted here in Southern California.

I have to admit that I have never seen the movie but I love the way Disney goes all out in decorating and bring the movies to life.

9:42 a.m.

—We’ve reached the entrance to Radiator Springs Racers, and our FastPass window is now open. Time for the main event. The title card. The Big Enchilada. The Whole Nine Yards. The Crème de la Crème. The Phantasmagorical Salami.


Ok, now I’m just making stuff up. Needless to say, we’re all excited about riding the headliner. With the baby, we have to do a child swap. Because I am an amazing, devoted, incredibly thoughtful husband, I let Julie take the first ride with the kids. Baby Drew is still dozing in the stroller, so we find a place near the entrance to sit and wait.

Meanwhile, I sit and twiddle my thumbs as time passes


9:48 a.m.—Baby Drew is drooling out of the corner of his mouth. Julie would probably think it was cute.


9:49 a.m.—Of course, when I do it, she says it’s “gross.”


9:49:30 a.m.—I hate double standards.


9:54 a.m.—Baby Drew wakes up. He’s a little fussy, so I take him out of the stroller. Now he drools on my shirt. Julie would probably think that was cute, too.


10:05 a.m.—I can see Julie and the kids making their way through the exit. Everyone is grinning from ear to ear. When they finally reach me, everyone is just raving about how “cool” and “awesome” the ride is. The kids are practically dragging me back to the FastPass line. That’s one nice thing about the child swap—the other kids get 2 rides out of the deal! It doesn’t take me long to hand off the baby and hop in line.

Sounds like the ride was a hit and droll or not, drew is precious and he can do no wrong, just a fact of life man...

10:12 a.m.—Still in line. Even with a FastPass, it’s so popular that you’ll have to wait a bit before getting on. Later on in the day, I’ll realize that this is a downside of the child swap process—yes, it’s great that your kids get to ride twice, but it also turns out be a bit of a time suck. It’s basically doubling our wait time for every ride. I hadn’t quite considered that in my planning…remember that for later.


10:21 a.m.—We’re getting in our car. The kids were hoping for a nice red one, or purple for Sarah, but instead we got the pukey green model. Oh well. Beggars can’t be choosers. One final seat belt check later and we’re off…


10:23 a.m.—The Imagineers hit a home run with this one. Part Test Track, Part dark ride, complete and total Cars immersion. We got the Ramone scene inside, and had fun making faces and giving thumbs-down to the other car as we lined up to race them. We may or may not have informed them that they were, and I quote, “going down.” I don’t know if the car quite reaches the same top speed as Test Track, but the outdoor portion has a lot more curves, twists and hills, so it’s a blast to ride. And yeah—we won the race! I manage to get a redneck ride photo as we exit.

The ride really does sound like a great one, and I can understand that lines that form. We always ride test track when we are there. maybe several times in the single rider lines. The redneck photo is great, that constipated look must be a family thing huh?

We’re all basking in the glow of a great ride. Except Baby Drew, who I presume is upset that he didn’t get to ride.

Great picture!

10:25 a.m.

—California Adventure goals accomplished. Time to head to Disneyland Park. But we can stop in a couple of shops on the way out.

- love these, they are great. I think Drew needs a pic with the hat also.

We wade through the crowds and wait patiently for a PhotoPass worker who does the best she can to crop 98% of the other people around out of the picture.

98% is a passing grade! A+ on the picture.

“That’s it?!” Sarah asks. “It’s so…tiny.”

I said almost the same thing

So, with the Star Tours FP’s in hand, I head back to the Matterhorn just in time to hear the announcement: it’s broken down and will be offline for at least an hour.


Um…do we have a Plan C?


Coming Up Next: No, really. What’s Plan C?

Plan C - no stressing out over it. Just go with it and enjoy, is my motto!

 

[Poolrat]

Captain’s Log: Monday, 28 July 2014.


Ramone’s:

Flo’s:

Honestly, we are blown away by Cars Land. It feels as though Radiator Springs has been re-created down to the last coat of paint directly from the film and transplanted here in Southern California.

Looks pretty amazing, right? You can actually see the back of those peaks from the road outside the park, and…well, it’s a little less magical on that side. So let’s just concentrate on what’s in front of us.

Carsland is sooooo immersive, hard to believe it was a parking lot.

10:23 a.m.—The Imagineers hit a home run with this one. Part Test Track, Part dark ride, complete and total Cars immersion. We got the Ramone scene inside, and had fun making faces and giving thumbs-down to the other car as we lined up to race them. We may or may not have informed them that they were, and I quote, “going down.” I don’t know if the car quite reaches the same top speed as Test Track, but the outdoor portion has a lot more curves, twists and hills, so it’s a blast to ride. And yeah—we won the race! I manage to get a redneck ride photo as we exit.


Yes, I know, we all look constipated in this one, but trust me—we’re all having a blast.

We’re all basking in the glow of a great ride. Except Baby Drew, who I presume is upset that he didn’t get to ride.

Just tell him he needs to sleep at night and just maybe he will ride one day.

“That’s it?!” Sarah asks. “It’s so…tiny.”

Yup that's it....

So, with the Star Tours FP’s in hand, I head back to the Matterhorn just in time to hear the announcement: it’s broken down and will be offline for at least an hour.

NICE !!!!!

Um…do we have a Plan C?


Coming Up Next: No, really. What’s Plan C?

If not you will in a few minutes.

 

[Steppesister]

I am here. Sorta-ish. Popping in and out. Kinda saying hi until after Tuesday, when I'll hit up both your thread and Andy's and Glenn's. Until then, yo.

 

[MEK]

Cartland looks amazing and your description of it is even better. Nice job. I've read lots of reviews of Carsland, but you did a great job with it!

Boo to the 92 degrees! THAT does NOT sound fun. And Boo to the packed crowds.

But I am sure you will come up with a Plan C, whatever it is.

Love the kids' T shirts and all your pics!

Baby Drew? Sleeping? Dun Dun Dun...

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Yes, that's exactly it.

I am glad that you liked it!! I got to go through Luigi's nearly every time until my very last ride on the last trip. Ramone is pretty cool!

And well done for winning the race!

I never got to see the Luigi scene...I think the kids got it once with Julie.

Lovely family picture! I like the way the road number is incorporated!

Thank you!

Even though it was not planned that way originally when they built the park, I think it is so fitting that when you drive out of Radiator Springs, you see the mountains in the distance.

It does make sense that way, doesn't it? I'm sure even the Imagineers have happy accidents once in a while.

I know this piece of information might be a bit late, but usually if your FP window is further than two hours away, you can get the next FP two hours after the time you got the first one. So according to your time stamps that would have been around 1:30. Might still have been too late though.

Yes--that's true, and I did actually realize that at the time. I still didn't want to be restricted for 2 hours at that point in the day, which is why I opted for the Star Tours passes instead.

Oh, I sense complications coming up!!!

I promise we'll do the very best we can.

As a good DISer you should always have Plans A to K at least!!!!

Ever hear the saying, "Man plans, God laughs"?

I wouldn't have thought of that either. I don't think I knew child swap existed until my kids were too old to be swapped!

I didn't even realize how much it slows you down until later in the day. But I'm not complaining--we'd never have been able to do these rides if it didn't exist.

LOL! That was EXACTLY Eric's reaction.

Which I guess makes us jaded west coasters who go east too often?

At least you have good company!

I have to say...in times like that...which was 90% of our spring break trip....I really missed FP+ and MagicBands.

I still have not had the Magic Band/FP+ experience, so being the FP runner is still the only thing I know.

Well, at least you had Star Tours. That is something, and something is always better than nothing but UGH! That bites.

I was starting to get a little panicky, wondering how much we were going to be able to fit in.[/QUOTE]

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

OK so here's how I remember it. I called to tell you I was on the way and left a voice mail. That was probably whIle you were on RSR. You called back to tell me you were heading to the Matterhorn. About the time I was approaching the turnstiles you called again mentioning "Plan C". We met up somewhere near the Partners Statue, and decided Plan C was lunch. I think that was 11:30 because when we got to lunch it wasn't open yet. Drew on the other hand, was ready for his lunch. So you and the kids took the first ride on Star Tours while Julie and I sat talking about life, getting to know each other a little and the lot.

Thanks! I think we got it together once I checked with Julie. You actually met up with us as we left a ride...which I'll get to in the next chapter.

While Julie and the kids rode, I think I watched a satiated, sleeping Drew in his stroller while you ran to Space for FP for all of us. Then you and I sat and chatted about life while we waited for Julie and kids to get back.

Spoiler: future chapter content

I do remember that they got the opening Vader sequence

(of which you were quite envious.) And that's my story and I'm sticking to it!

I inserted a spoiler tag so as to try and not give the whole chapter away. And to try out the spoiler tag thingy.

uh oh! what is plan c? The unfamiliar West coast park has so much to offer, but most of us East coast people don't know where to find it!

Plan C was, "Do the best we can by the seat of our pants!"

I have to admit that I have never seen the movie but I love the way Disney goes all out in decorating and bring the movies to life.

The level of detail was incredible.

Sounds like the ride was a hit and droll or not, drew is precious and he can do no wrong, just a fact of life man...

Check back with me at 3 a.m.

The ride really does sound like a great one, and I can understand that lines that form. We always ride test track when we are there. maybe several times in the single rider lines. The redneck photo is great, that constipated look must be a family thing huh?

It does seem to happen a lot. I guess we know where Drew gets the Poop Face from.

Great picture!
- love these, they are great. I think Drew needs a pic with the hat also.

Given the mood he was in, I don't think the hat would have stayed on for long!

98% is a passing grade! A+ on the picture.

Thanks!

I said almost the same thing

It really is jarring if you're used to Cinderella Castle.

Plan C - no stressing out over it. Just go with it and enjoy, is my motto!

If only it were so easy! (or we had more time)

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Carsland is sooooo immersive, hard to believe it was a parking lot.

Pretty amazing work!

Just tell him he needs to sleep at night and just maybe he will ride one day.


Yup that's it....

If that would work, I'd totally do it!

NICE !!!!!

Stupid Matterhorn.

If not you will in a few minutes.

Better sharpen up those improvisational skills.

I am here. Sorta-ish. Popping in and out. Kinda saying hi until after Tuesday, when I'll hit up both your thread and Andy's and Glenn's. Until then, yo.

Even having you sorta-here is better than nothing at all!

Cartland looks amazing and your description of it is even better. Nice job. I've read lots of reviews of Carsland, but you did a great job with it!

Cartland? Is that like a South Park theme park?

Just messing with you. Cars Land is pretty awesome!

Boo to the 92 degrees! THAT does NOT sound fun. And Boo to the packed crowds.

I was definitely hoping we'd have fewer crowds on a Monday than on a weekend, but it really felt like the place was packed solid.

But I am sure you will come up with a Plan C, whatever it is.

We shall see!

Love the kids' T shirts and all your pics!

Thanks! Julie made sure everyone had a Disney-themed shirt for the day. Don't know if you can read mine but it says, "Please stand clear of my vacation. Por favor mantenganse alejado de mis vacaciones."

Baby Drew? Sleeping? Dun Dun Dun...

Does it just fine during the day...

 

[KatMark]

Sorry, Mark...I'm a little late (we were out of town for the weekend to see the kids).

I've heard that if you've been to DW first and then do DL that the Castle is a bit of a "let down."

I'm loving your DL update. Great themeing around the Cars area (do you know I've NEVER seen the movie). You are such a good hubby letting Julie go with the kids first. You have to love that baby swap. I'm glad you got a redneck picture too.

Nice call on the FP for Star Tours since the other one was such a late return time.

That's too bad about the Matterhorn going down for an hour.

 

[Steppesister]

I used to say that I'd promise to be a better DISer. I know better now. Spring break is coming and I can put a little more effort into keeping up. Meantime, just know that I adore your posts about DLR, and especially Carsland. I WANNA GO THERE SO BAD!!!! I like WDW for everything else besides MK and CA; the original holds a special place in my heart since I grew up and then worked there.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

I'm caught up! I am so impressed with your trip! Flying with a baby, then a road trip with 3 kids plus said baby is already a feat worth mentioning. Then braving the Dry Heat to teach your children all about appreciating our national parks and some education thrown in - all the while making great family memories! You got some amazing pics! I loved the Grand Canyon shots - haven't seen that yet and I've been to Vegas a few too many times for conventions. That is now on my bucket list. The sunset pics in Arizona are awesome too - I think Phoenix has the most beautiful sunsets. of course I missed the sunset in HI, so maybe I shouldn't judge.

Finally, I'm glad In n Out was a hit! I would hate to think you don't recognize a good thing when you find it. Oh, wait! You found Julie, so I should have known. I'm really enjoying your trip and seeing how the kids have grown!

 

[franandaj]

I inserted a spoiler tag so as to try and not give the whole chapter away. And to try out the spoiler tag thingy.

Sorry.

I'm sure you will still have plenty of witty material for your next chapter.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Sorry, Mark...I'm a little late (we were out of town for the weekend to see the kids).

Seemed like you had a fun (and profitable) weekend!

I've heard that if you've been to DW first and then do DL that the Castle is a bit of a "let down."

Yeah, it's just weird to see such a small building when you're used to a big, majestic centerpiece.

I'm loving your DL update. Great themeing around the Cars area (do you know I've NEVER seen the movie). You are such a good hubby letting Julie go with the kids first. You have to love that baby swap. I'm glad you got a redneck picture too.

You hear that, Julie? Hear that???

Nice call on the FP for Star Tours since the other one was such a late return time.

This last-minute strategy adjustment can be exhausting.

That's too bad about the Matterhorn going down for an hour.

Yeah, that put a crimp in the plans. I think they were in line for about 20 minutes or so when they shut it down.

I used to say that I'd promise to be a better DISer. I know better now. Spring break is coming and I can put a little more effort into keeping up. Meantime, just know that I adore your posts about DLR, and especially Carsland. I WANNA GO THERE SO BAD!!!! I like WDW for everything else besides MK and CA; the original holds a special place in my heart since I grew up and then worked there.

It seems to me that passing nursing school and securing a job/funding for future Disney World trips is slightly more important than keeping up with the trip report of some guy you've never officially met. So your priorities are definitely in the right order!

We'd wanted to see Disneyland for years, just to say we'd seen the place where it all started. I've been fascinated with the different experiences of those who grew up with Disneyland as the home park vs. those who are more familiar with WDW. That's why I keep trying to give my impressions of the differences I noticed as an East Coast/WDW guy.

You will love Cars Land!

I'm caught up! I am so impressed with your trip! Flying with a baby, then a road trip with 3 kids plus said baby is already a feat worth mentioning. Then braving the Dry Heat to teach your children all about appreciating our national parks and some education thrown in - all the while making great family memories! You got some amazing pics!

Wow, just reading all of my blather is an achievement in and of itself! Thanks for sticking with me. I really appreciate you taking the time, and all of the nice compliments.

I loved the Grand Canyon shots - haven't seen that yet and I've been to Vegas a few too many times for conventions. That is now on my bucket list. The sunset pics in Arizona are awesome too - I think Phoenix has the most beautiful sunsets. of course I missed the sunset in HI, so maybe I shouldn't judge.

Definitely! Go to the Grand Canyon! You will never regret the effort to get there. Just an amazing sight, and yes, the sunsets are pretty spectacular. Unless there are forest fires around.

Hawaii was pretty awesome too, though.

Finally, I'm glad In n Out was a hit! I would hate to think you don't recognize a good thing when you find it. Oh, wait! You found Julie, so I should have known. I'm really enjoying your trip and seeing how the kids have grown!

In n Out was good, but I really out-kicked my coverage with Julie.

Sorry.

I'm sure you will still have plenty of witty material for your next chapter.

No worries. I appreciated you helping to jog my faulty memory! And like I said, using the spoiler tag thingy is kind of neat.

 

[MNtwinsplus1mom]

Strangely, the kids have no problem getting up, washed and dressed for the day. As opposed to, say, a school day.

Same deal with our family! I am thankful that they are happy to get up early on vacation, though, so won't complain. Love the low crowds at rope drop!

So far, everyone seems excited and happy. Even Drew. By the way, look closely here and you might see a Hidden Mickey:

Wow! I think I see it. Expertly disguised.

Looking back, I’m shocked! Shocked! It’s a Small World didn’t make the list.

I think it would be kind of fun to see the characters that are hidden in there, but on a shorter visit I would definitely skip it, too.

All in all, not a bad spot in line to start the day.

Ahhhh... Well played!

And of course, I say that while showing off one of our best photos of the day:

Excellent photo!!

9:30 a.m.—I think it’s time we checked out Cars Land. Don’t you? Let’s head on up that way.

Nice family photo! I like the matching shirts, too.

 

[afwdwfan]

Seriously... I'm struggling with navigation on the Dis. I somehow missed notification that you had updated. I can't keep track of how this new stuff works. I miss my old subscribed threads list where everything was conveniently in one place and I could see who posted last and when.

Honestly, we are blown away by Cars Land. It feels as though Radiator Springs has been re-created down to the last coat of paint directly from the film and transplanted here in Southern California.

Carsland is just amazing. DS was watching Cars over the weekend and I sat down to watch with him for a while. Having seen Carsland and then taking another look at the movie, it just all the more impressive.

Ok, now I’m just making stuff up. Needless to say, we’re all excited about riding the headliner. With the baby, we have to do a child swap. Because I am an amazing, devoted, incredibly thoughtful husband, I let Julie take the first ride with the kids.

You and I have to be frontrunners for husband/dad of the year awards. I always take the first shift waiting too.

Looks pretty amazing, right? You can actually see the back of those peaks from the road outside the park, and…well, it’s a little less magical on that side.

Well said. You're absolutely right though.

I can see Julie and the kids making their way through the exit. Everyone is grinning from ear to ear. When they finally reach me, everyone is just raving about how “cool” and “awesome” the ride is. The kids are practically dragging me back to the FastPass line. That’s one nice thing about the child swap—the other kids get 2 rides out of the deal! It doesn’t take me long to hand off the baby and hop in line.

That's a win for the older kids!

Still in line. Even with a FastPass, it’s so popular that you’ll have to wait a bit before getting on. Later on in the day, I’ll realize that this is a downside of the child swap process—yes, it’s great that your kids get to ride twice, but it also turns out be a bit of a time suck. It’s basically doubling our wait time for every ride. I hadn’t quite considered that in my planning…remember that for later.

It is better than waiting in standby twice though, if you don't have FP... but yeah it really only helps to benefit the other kids getting to ride twice.

We’re all basking in the glow of a great ride. Except Baby Drew, who I presume is upset that he didn’t get to ride.

I can understand. I'd be ticked too.

Looking back at Grizzly Peak on the way out.

Another impressive rock formation and very well themed area of the park.

We are now inside the gates of Walt Disney’s original theme park. It still feels different than walking into the Magic Kingdom in Florida. Everything here feels like it’s on a smaller scale (which, of course, it is by necessity). It’s still Disney, but a little more intimate.

Very good description. I think I might plagiarize it.

We enter the Town Square, basically the same setup as the Magic Kingdom.

Looks the same... yet oh so different.

“That’s it?!” Sarah asks. “It’s so…tiny.”


Ok, so maybe we’re just jaded East Coast people. But Cinderella Castle is definitely a more impressive sight looming over Main St. +1 for Disney World.


Still, Sleeping Beauty Castle is a work of art in its own right.

A beautiful castle... but I think DD has a Fisher Price Disney princess castle that is about that size.

You know how everyone raves about Southern California weather, that it’s practically the perfect climate, year-round, etc.? Well, today it’s 92 degrees outside. And we’re feeling every single one of them.

It never rains either. Or so I hear...

If I pull Fastpasses there now, I’ll be restricted from getting any more until 2:30. I don’t think that’s going to work. I look to my right, and see that the Star Tours return time is 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. I know the kids really want to ride that too, so I call an audible to Plan B and grab FP’s there instead. I have to say, trying to strategize on the fly is stressing me out.

Sorry for the stress, but you made a great call in the clutch.

The park is, in a word, PACKED. All of the wait times I’m seeing are longer than what I’d seen in the prior weeks. I’m really getting worried that we’ll be severely limited as to what we’re able to see and do in one day.

And there's the foreshadowing statement.

Lines, in general, just seem to move a lot slower at Disneyland in comparison to the sister attractions at Disney World. At least that was my take on it.

Well, at least the kids and Julie will be able to experience the Matterhorn. As we’d planned our day, I had asked if anyone wanted to ride Indiana Jones with me, and only Sarah seemed really keen on trying it. So I figure if Julie gets to do the Matterhorn and I get Indiana Jones, it’s a fair trade-off

Just like the fair trade off where she got to ride Toy Story Mania and you got to ride California Screamin'

Oh, wait...

Um…do we have a Plan C?

At this point, it seems like you need a Plan Z.

 

[glennbo123]

You're really making me want to get to Disneyland! Carsland looks amazing!