Since we cannot travel now, I have been reminiscing about our last big adventure as a family. Last summer, we celebrated high school graduation for both Emily and Sarah in one trip. I am so thankful we made these memories together!
We decided to explore some great destinations in the USA that we had never seen before. Each girl was able to choose a location.
At the beginning of our trip, we flew to the West Coast to visit Disneyland for the first time. This was Sarah's choice. Just about anyone who knows me would also know that going to Disneyland was a dream come true. I love Disney World, but I have always wanted to go to the place where it all began.
I decided it might be fun to share our adventure with you over the next 2 weeks. Follow along and dream with us. Click on the pictures and you can see video clips!
Our first visit to Disneyland
First Stop....Anaheim, California
It was very exciting to stay in the Disneyland Hotel for our first visit. Everything from the light fixtures in the bathroom to the sugar cubes in the coffee station had a special Disney magic.
My absolute favorite thing about the room was the headboard above the beds. You can see the beautiful etching of the castle during the day, but at night you will experience a lovely fireworks show along with a lullaby just as you are going to sleep.
Disneyland Park
Main Street USA – It is small, quaint, but authentic to me. The candle above the Fire Station in Walt’s apartment was so nostalgic. The carriages are clomping about with horses leading the way. The Barber Shop quartet sings in the street. There are beautiful storefronts and shops with such intricate detail. I loved the live music! We heard musicians all throughout our day in various places.
I literally shed a tear walking up to this beautiful ride. Walt's original Disneyland version is far more spectacular than the Florida attraction. The outside is stunning with beautiful music and décor. The little children of the world come out on the hour and the big clock chimes. The ride itself is longer and more detailed. In each country you will spot some of your favorite characters as dolls like Mulan in China and Snow White in Germany. At the end, you will empty into the most wonderful store of gifts with the Small World theme. Can you tell how much I loved this??
Galaxy's Edge - Our Star Wars Adventure
In a galaxy far, far away...we visited the new Star Wars themed land just as it was opening. It was definitely a fan's dream come true. My husband, George, loved this area of the park. Each detail was exactly like the movie set. Check out his encounter with Kylo Ren in the video clip below!
We had lots of fun sampling the drinks in Mos Eisley Cantina, including blue milk with a cookie on top. Other concoctions were smoking or bubbling with yummy flavors. It was a unique experience for sure!
An Encounter with Kylo Ren
California Adventure Park
The California Adventure Park offered lots of new themes and experiences that are not in the Orlando parks. I will highlight my favorites for you.
Pixar Pier feels like a seaside boardwalk with games, music, and rides. You will find Toy Story characters and Inside Out friends with the Incredicoaster as a backdrop. It looks like a huge wooden coaster, but is actually a very smooth steel coaster with a loop in the middle. The theming is fantastic with sights, sounds, and even smells. At the start of the ride, if you look to the left side of the track, you will see the water splash beside you and the sound of feet as “Dash” supposedly zooms past you over the top of the lake. Take a ride by clicking on our picture!
Cars Land is one of the cutest places I have ever seen. It was so realistic! Just like you are in the movie on Route 66. When the sun sets, the Cast members come out into the street and sing the “Sh-Boom” song as all of the buildings light up in neon.
Radiator Springs Racers takes you on a tour of Ornament Valley into the cutest little town in Carburetor County. We rode once in the daylight and again at dark. I highly recommend this for a unique experience both times.
We had dinner at Flo's V8 Cafe across the street from the Cozy Cone Motel where Lightning McQueen was parked. We even found some southern cooking to remind us of home.
The Avengers Campus
Disney was just beginning to open attractions in the new Avenger's Campus while we were visiting. Stark Industries was busy working on the future Spiderman ride called Web Slingers.
We had character visits with Captain America, Spiderman, Star-Lord, Gamora, and Groot. You could also visit with Black Panther, Captain Marvel, Thor, and Loki.
Guardians of the Galaxy, the revised Tower of Terror ride, was my most favorite ride in this park. I think we rode 4-5 times because we loved it so much. They have relics from all of the movies in the queue line and some good ole Galaxy music throughout. It was a lot of fun!
See ya Real Soon!
I’ll leave you with some nice jazz music from the most 'Magical Place on Earth" today.
If you are interested in more information about Disneyland, send me a quick email and schedule a time to chat with me by phone. I have so much more to share, and would love to help you plan a future trip.
