Christmas in Disneyland

These are pictures of pictures on the computer so that is why they look funny. We always have them take our picture with the Photo Pass and then copy and crop them and print them out. Michael, David, Tyler and I decided at the last minute to spend Christmas in Disneyland. When we decided to go we got online to book the trip and were amazed how many hotels were already sold out. So we did not get the hotel we wanted but managed to still find one close. Then we went to book the flight and there were no seats left together but at least we were able to purchase four.

We always fly in to Long Beach because it is less expensive and closer than LAX (tip). It is a smaller airport so also a lot quicker. We walk outside, across the street and grab a shuttle to our hotel and within 30 minutes we are there. I love just driving down the street to the hotel. Everything is so familiar and it exciting to just be there. The first day we do not go into the park and just head down to the District to look in the shops and eat at the Rain Forest Cafe. We made an earlier reservation which works out a lot better.

We arrived on a Sunday and spent Mon-Thurs in the parks before flying out Friday morning. The first day we always spend in Disneyland. We tried to get resevations this year at the Napa Rose for Christmas for some roast Duck (just kidding David) but they were booked. We did make our usual reservations for the Blue Bayou (Monte Christo, Mint Julep, Creme Brulee), character breakfast on Main Street (Michael and I gorged ourselves - I shocked myself at how much I ate), and Ariel's Grotto where we always get the tri-tip. We also had the famous corn dog and the sandwich at the River Belle Terrace. Okay, much of the experience is about the food. We had to have a pineapple soft serve and ice-cream on Main Street.

We had such a good time together although the park was busy. Cars Land is amazing and a lot of fun. We learned after the first morning in California Adventure that fast passes go within 10 minutes of opening so the next time we rushed and managed to secure four for 7:00 p.m. and we still had to wait in line an hour even with the fast pass but it was worth it. We loved Luigi's tires and the tractors. David decided to run California Screamin for the first time. He was worried in the past that it would make him sick and I don't know what inspired him to ride it this time but he loved it. We rode it like four times in a row. We avoided Grizzly Mountain but did ride Splash Mounting also four times in a row. The line was short and we changed our shoes and wore flip flops and had our ponchos.

It was fun, fun, fun!!!! I can't wait to go again.