Not exactly the vacation of my dreams or they way I had imagined my first ever trip to Disneyland, but as I said before....I got to go. Even if it is the only time in my life I ever get to go, at least I can say I went.
So on to day three....which would be our first steps into Disney's California Adventure.
First stop was of course racing over to Grizzly River Run, not to get soaked on the attraction, but to grab a fast pass for World of Color. I missed Fantasmic and the fireworks at Disneyland the other night due to unforeseen circumstances, I was determined that I would not miss World of Color. Once we got out fast passes we decided to head back to the entrance of the park stopping for a Soarin' fast pass on the way, so we could actually look at things at our own pace. I really enjoyed Buena Vista Street. Of course I have nothing to compare it to as I never saw the original entrance to California Adventure, but I've only heard how much it has improved so I think it was safe to say that I liked it.
We leisurely strolled along waiting for our Soarin' fast pass return time. We got on Monster's Inc which I thought was cute, took a look in some of the shops and just hung out near Carthay Circle.
Working our way around the park, past Grizzly River Run and heading towards Paradise Pier, it was here that I finally understood what everyone meant when they said if you stay at the Grand Californian resort you can walk right into DCA. I mean...you literally walk right in. For some reason I had always thought, well yeah it is close but it's still probably a little ways to get in to the park. No, it is like two steps. Absolutely crazy! How lucky would one be to stay in this gorgeous resort? I couldn't believe it. And I wish I could afford it.
My husband convinced me to get on the ferris wheel although it looked terrifying. I drew the line though at the cars that sway back and forth, yikes! We got on a stationary car and that was scary enough. But I am glad I did it. The Little Mermaid ride was closed and I wasn't able to wait in line for Toy Story...and no fast pass? WTF?
So Paradise Pier on this trip was not really a successful venture, however I really did enjoy the time we spent there.
Next we headed into Pacific Wharf for a bite to eat. Ugh...eating on this trip was certainly a challenge. I was still in the stage of pregnancy where no food sounds good...ever. I had a heck of a time deciding on a place to go. Since the Wharf had some different options, my husband opted for Mexican, while I went into the Pacific Wharf cafe for a chicken salad inside a bread bowl. It wasn't awful and I'm sure any normal person would find it delicious, but food was such a challenge for me during this week that it just didn't sit as well as I had hoped. But alas, we must press on.
And press on we did, right into Cars Land which was indeed as beautiful as they all have said. I have to admit, the idea of Cars Land never got me that excited. I really don't care for Cars at all. The movie was so so to me. Not a repeat watching kind of movie in our house. I understand the draw I guess, but I never felt that a themed land around Cars was a great idea. But I have to admit, it was pretty darn impressive in theming alone. Obviously I could not go on Radiator Springs Racers (huge bummer), I also did not go on Luigi's Flying Tires. In fact we did not do one single attraction in the land. But walking through and experiencing it was an attraction in itself. I made a quick mental note that we needed to come back at night if we could manage it.
I was tired, so we decided to head back to our hotel with plans to come back that evening to possibly catch the 6:30 pm showing of Aladdin and then to see World of Color before closing. I got a really nice rest in and we did indeed decide to come back to catch Aladdin.
I must say I really didn't enjoy it. I had heard such rave reviews about it and that it was not to be missed. I actually found it a little cheesy and the genie we had was sort of borderline and annoying. I realize he is supposed to be over the top, the character is that way in the film. But I just did not care for this guy. I sort of wanted to punch him in the face. I happen to love Broadway and musical productions of all kinds so this is not a typical reaction for me. This type of attraction is totally not my husband's thing either and he only went because he knew how badly I had wanted to go. I felt sorry for him as I am sure he was on the verge of jumping off the 3rd floor balcony. I just could not get into it. Plus it was rather long and we waited in a very long line that did not let us in on time before getting in there. But as always with any Disney experience good and bad, I am glad that I experienced it for myself to form my own opinion.
Enough of that. It was now nearing dark. We walked back over to Cars Land to check it out on our way to wait for World of Color. I take crap night pictures so I won't even bother sharing. It would not do it any justice so we will just leave it at that. But yes, Cars Land at night is even better than Cars Land during the day. We sat outside of Flo's for about an hour on a bench just to rest. It was one of the more beautiful and peaceful moments of our trip.
Waiting for World of Color was like waiting for my prince to come. It was never gonna come! It had to be one of the more excruciating waits I had ever experienced. I really shouldn't have been standing for that period of time, I was exhausted, there was no where to sit, and there was a MASS of people. I wanted to make sure we could see well so we did get in line earlier than most. However, the show was just amazing and the highlight of my trip. I cried because I couldn't believe I had made it here. Even through the troubles we had on the first day. I had made it. It was the perfect way to end my experience at Disneyland.
I simply cannot wait to go back again. Here's hoping I can make it in the next ten years. It is just so expensive to get out to California for us. Even more so now that we are expecting twins and already have a young daughter. But I can see myself going again when our kids are older. And that is the hope that keeps my dream alive my friends.