California Christmas December 2017 - Planning

Our first trip to Disneyland was in January of this year.  We had a great time and at the end of the trip our first reaction was we wanted to go back.  We didn't know when though.  We really enjoyed the idea of going on vacation as our Christmas present too.  Because of that, we decided we wanted to go at Christmas time.

I occasionally look for cheap airfare and I happened to look when Southwest had a sale going on.  We found fairly inexpensive flights and that made our decision to go on another trip to California.  We decided to go the second week of December because we want to see the Disneyland resort decorated for Christmas.  We also wanted to make sure that all of the decorations were completely displayed.  I found that the Christmas season starts November 10, so anytime after that and until the first week of January would work for us.

When looking at flights, we wanted to fly into Santa Ana again, but the flights were quite a bit more expensive than LAX.  We were also able to get non-stop flights going to LAX, which we hope will be better for Ellie on the airplane.  The flights were so cheap that I was able to use points for my ticket (I didn't have very many points).  It was also the first time I have ever used point to buy a ticket.  That was sadly pretty exciting.  I found a flight in the morning on the way there and in the afternoon on the way back.  Really good time too.  My only concern is getting to and from LAX.

Courtyard by Marriott Theme Park Entrance

After picking dates and booking airline tickets, we needed to find somewhere to stay.  We have used a DVC (Disney Vacation Club) rental site in the past to stay at Walt Disney World, but I have not found availability at the Grand Californian  I did find availability for the Grand Californian in December, but we waited too long to decide if we wanted to go and we missed it.  Darn!  I then decided to start frugal.  I was looking at the Sheraton Park, Anaheim Marriott and the Anaheim Hilton.  These are regular hotel rooms that were a further walk from where we stayed previously.  They did not excite us very much so we kept looking.  I looked at the Springhill Suites and Residence Inn, which is where we stayed last time, but they were quite a bit more expensive than last time.  A hotel we looked at last time that we really liked was the Courtyard by Marriott Theme Part Entrance.  This hotel is almost right across the street from the entrance to Disneyland and the rooms look amazing.  They are 530+ square feet with bunk beds in all rooms and very large bathrooms.  It is also a newer resort with nice furnishings and decor.  It was a little more expensive still so we couldn't decide.  During our planning discussions, we found out that we will be expecting our second child, due in April 2018.  Since my wife will be around 6 months pregnant while we are there, we decided at the Courtyard.  We want to be as close to the parks as possible with comfortable accommodations.  This resort met all of our needs.  It gives us a close walk back if we need to rest or relax for a while or some can go back early and others can stay late.  We'll see what happens, but it gives us plenty of flexibility.  It is also close enough that you can see the fireworks.  We decided to reserve a King bed room, which has the bunk beds in a separate room.  This was appealing for us because Ellie sleeps better in a separate room from us.  We are really looking forward to trying out this hotel.

While deciding on airfare, I had to figure out a way to get from LAX to Anaheim.  There is a shuttle that goes to and from, but the schedule was pretty crazy.  We want to have as much flexibility as possible to do more while we are there.  Last time we rented a car at the Santa Ana airport and it was a really easy drive to Anaheim.  I have heard horror stories about driving from LAX through LA so I was a little hesitant to book a rental car.  We would also need to get a car seat for Ellie.  I tried to contact the company we used in January to rent a car seat, but I was unable to get a hold of them.  We decided to buy a travel car seat and stroller instead.  It didn't cost too much more than renting, but we have to haul them around with us.  We are travelling Sunday through Saturday so I don't think traffic will be too bad those days.  I have wanted to see Griffith Park and since we are flying into LAX, it gave me an excuse to do go there.  I decided to rent a car and we'll see how it goes.  My plan is to drive north the first day, drive through Hollywood and up to Griffith Park.  We are going to go to the LA Zoo and also check out the carousel in Griffith Park.  The carousel is where Walt Disney took his kids to play and it is where he came up with the idea for Disneyland.  We are then going to drive to Anaheim that afternoon or evening.  Our flight gets in around 10:00am so we should have plenty of time to check out that area.  We are going to drop the car off in Downtown Disney that night.  The rest of the time, we will be at Disneyland.  On the way home, our flight is in the afternoon, so we are going to rent a car again and drive back to LAX.  Depending on time, I am thinking about stopping at the La Brea Tar Pits on the way.

Our Disney plans are pretty much the usual, with Christmas additions.There is one significant difference.  Disneyland has added MaxPass since we were there.  MaxPass is a digital version of FastPass that adds PhotoPass to it.  It is $10/day and from what I have found it makes it easier to get a FastPass rather than walking/running all over the parks.  It also works in both parks so you could be in Disneyland and make a FastPass reservation for Guardians of the Galaxy in California Adventure.  Sounds pretty cool.  We are going to try it out and see how it works.

We are really looking forward to the holiday decorations and additions.  Ellie really likes Nightmare before Christmas so we are really looking forward to the Haunted Mansion because they do a holiday overlay with Jack and Sally.  We want to see the decor in the parks and resorts and try as many holiday snacks and treats as we can.  We didn't get to see the afternoon parade in January because they were not running, but there is a Christmas afternoon parade that we are looking forward to. 

It's the Friday before our trip and we are almost ready.  Our dog just had surgery number 2 in three weeks and we are trying to plan Christmas at the same time.  There is a lot going on.  There are wildfires in the Los Angeles area that we are hoping subside by the time we get there.  It is also supposed to be 10-15 degrees warmer than we expected so we are talking about going to the pool.  When you think about planning a vacation, you develop an idea of what you think it wll be like.  I'm not sure this trip will be 100% what I idealized, but that is ok.  It is going to be a great trip and I am really looking forward to it.  I have found that the laid back culture of California is much more flexible than the scheduled complex Florida Disney vacation.  Don't get me wrong, I still love Disney World, but Disneyland allows more go with the flow vacations than Disney World does.

We leave in two days and we haven't told our daughter yet.  We are going to do it tomorrow somehow, but we haven't figured that out yet.  I can't wait to see her reaction.  She is going to have a great time and she doesn't even know it's coming. 

There's not much more to plan.  I'm ready to get on the plane and be on vacation.  California here we come.

Southern California January 2017 - Day 7: Disneyland / California Adventure

Ellie woke us up early again, around 6:00am.  We got up and had breakfast in the hotel.  Ellie didn’t eat much.  We finished and got to the park around 8:45am, for an 9:00am rope drop.

Each night after Ellie went to bed, Lisa and I tried to come up with a plan for the next day.  Each night, it was different.  We thought we had a pretty good plan for the last day.  First thing, I went to get an Indiana Jones Fast Pass and Lisa went to get a Space Mountain Fast Pass.  Our plan was to get Fast Passes and then use Rider Swap with them so that we could both ride.  When I got to Indiana Jones the line was only 10 min so I got a Fast Pass and then went ahead and rode it.  Lisa got the Space Mountain Fast Pass and then she and Ellie rode the Nemo Submarines and Autopia before I made it over there.  Indy was awesome.  One of the best rides.  It is very similar to Dinosaur at Animal Kingdom, but a lot better (in my opinion).  On my way to meet them, I say Peter Pan and the Evil Queen walking around (still crazy to just see characters walking around).

Snapped this picture going from Adventureland to Tomorrowland

Ellie on the submarines to see Nemo

Ellie had so much fun on Autopia (until she bonked her head on the car, darn it).

Ellie and Lisa on Autopia

Waiting in line after Autopia

The Indy Fast Pass I got was for 9:45am so when I met Lisa and Ellie she took off to ride Indy.  Ellie and I rode Autopia again.  She loved it the first time with Lisa, but not as much the 2nd.  Lisa said Nemo was ok.  After Autopia, Ellie wanted popcorn so I went to the stand by Space Mountain because my Fast Pass started at 10:35am.  The popcorn stand opened at 11:00am.  That did not go over well with Ellie.  We had to wait.  Lisa got there at about 10:45am and by then there was a line for popcorn.  Crazy.  I went to ride Space Mountain.  This too was awesome. They have a Star Wars overlay on Space Mountain called Hyperspace Mountain.  It was really cool.  It had the Star Wars soundtrack and the story was you are in an X Wing trying to fight Tie fighters and a Star Destroyer.  After the ride, I asked about rider swap and the cast member said to bring my family back and he would take care of us.  So I found Lisa and they were in line for popcorn, still.  They were next in line so we got popcorn and then went back to Space Mountain.  They let Lisa go in through the exit and she walked right on the ride.  I wanted with Ellie in the waiting area.  It worked out really well.  We then went and rode Buzz Lightyear because Lisa picked up a Fast Pass coming back from Indy (good job).  It was good.  Ellie liked playing with the gun.  Then we went to lunch.

Buzz Lightyear.  Ellie liked playing with the gun on this ride.  She got some points too.

We ate at the Carnation Cafe.  It was pretty tasty.  I wanted to eat here because it is on Main Street and there are several items Walt used to eat.  We ordered better here.  Lisa got a salad, I got Walt’s Chili, Ellie got fried chicken and we shared fried pickles.  It was all quite good.

Watching the Main Street Marching Band go by.

Next, we headed to Toon Town, with a couple detours.  We stopped at the princess area and there was a show going on.  It was a little over Ellie’s head so we moved on.  Then we went back to Advenureland because we wanted a Dole Whip (duh).  Then we headed to Toon Town.

Tried to have as many Dole Whips as possible.  Success!

PhotoPass picture before going to Toon Town

Small World facade on the way to Toon Town

This area was cute and great for kids, but overwhelming for parents/adults.  Ellie played at Goofy’s house and then Donald’s boat.  She wanted to see Mickey so we went to his house and walked through.  It was pretty cool.  Everything was "Mickey-sized" so Ellie played with all of Mickey's stuff while we waited to see him.  Ellie was great with Mickey.  She played peekaboo with him.  It was really cute.  It was the best she did with a character.  Next we rode Roger Rabbit.  I was kind of excited to ride it because it is not in Disney World and I like the movie.  It wasn’t very good.  We stopped to have an apple snack and then headed out of Toon Town.

Toon Town (from Donald's boat)

Goofy's house (from Donald's boat)

Waiting to see Mickey in his house.

She really wanted to play Peekaboo with Mickey.  So cute.

So happy to see Mickey!

Family picture with Mickey

The crowd was much larger this day, so we decided to head to DCA and get a snack because there was more food there we wanted to eat.  On the way, Ellie fell asleep in the stroller.  We went to the Cozy Cone Motel and got a Chili Cheese cone (after unsuccessfully going to the Cove Bar).  It was pretty good.  The Frito chili was good, but the cone was kinda weird.  Then we walked around and ended up in Bug’s Land where I got a Mickey Bar.  Yummy.  Lisa said I looked like a little kid eating it.  I probably could have waited a little longer to eat it because it was rock solid.  Then we checked out Radiator Springs Racers.  We were running out of attractions and I really wanted to ride it.  The single rider was around 40 minutes, so I decided to give it a shot.  Just as I was getting ready to get in line, Lisa’s phone died.  This would be tricky.  She said they would walk around, shop and see how it went and meet back at Cars Land.  My wait was around 40 minutes and the ride was awesome.  Loved it.  It is a great blend of dark ride and thrill ride.  I got off the ride and looked for Lisa and Ellie around Radiator Springs Racers; they weren’t there.  I decided to stay close because we were supposed to meet in Cars Land.  After about 15 minutes they showed up.  They had just finished riding Luigi’s Rollickin' Roadsters.  They said it was fun.

Picking up a Chili Cheese cone at the Cozy Cone

Boudin bakery tour.  Mickey bread!

Lisa and Ellie while waiting on me to ride Radiator Springs Racers

Luigi's Rollickin' Roadsters

Next, Ellie wanted to ride Ariel.  We went that way and the line was short so we hoped on.  We met a couple in line from Kansas City, which was crazy.   After that, we walked around the Paradise Pier area, stopped in some shops and rode the carousel again. Ellie loves carousels.  We then went to check on the Cove Bar again, and still an hour wait.  We didn't get to have Lobster Nachos on this trip.  Darn it.

Loving the carousel.

We were getting hungry and Ellie wanted chicken nuggets and there was only 1 place in DCA to get them so we walked to Smokejumpers Grill by Soarin’ and got her chicken nuggets.  Lisa and I wanted Boudin soup in bread bowls (because we did the tour before checking the Cove Bar), so we walked back to the Pacific Wharf Cafe.  Ellie had her chicken nuggets, Lisa and I had soup bowls and the 3 of us ate outside there.  It was pretty chilly that night.  Next to the Pacific Wharf Cafe is the Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop.  I have never had ice cream at Ghirardelli so we had to get some.  We got one of their World Famous ice cream sundaes and it was delicious (probably the best hot fudge sundae I have ever had).  I thought that was enough chocolate, but no.  Lisa got a hot chocolate too (salted caramel).  It was tasty too.  I think we were both pre-diabetic after that though.

Lastly, we decided to end the day (and trip) with a ride on Monsters Inc.  Ellie loved it again.  What a cute ride.  We walked out and went through some shops.  Ellie ended up getting a Goofy plush.  It was fitting because he was the first character she saw walking around and she talked about him every time she wanted to see the characters.  We walked back to the hotel, packed and went to bed.  We realized that we spent 13 hours in the park today.  A really good way to end the trip.

Riding around a chilly California evening

Ellie seeing Sully in her Sully jacket

Pretty much wraps up the trip.  Happy and tired.  Can't wait to go back.

Southern California January 2017 - Day 6: Disneyland & Napa Rose

Wednesday night was rough.  Ellie woke up 2-3 times between 1:00am and 2:00am.  After going back to sleep, my alarm was set for 6:50am and she woke up at 6:45am.  Darn.  We got up, got ready and went straight to Disneyland.  We decided to use our Magic Morning (early entry into 1 park with a multi-day ticket) for Disneyland.  The park opened an hour early so we got there around 8:30 for the 9:00 rope drop.  We had to wait a little for the turnstiles to open and then wait a little bit for the rope drop.  Only parts of the park are open early for the Magic Morning, including Fantasyland and Tomorrowland.  Our goal was to do as many rides in Fantasyland as we could before the crowd showed up.  

We started with taking a couple pictures in front of the castle and then going to Fantasyland.  We rode Dumbo first, which Ellie loved.  While we were waiting for Dumbo, Ellie was pretty excited.  She told us, "I want to ride Dumbo.  People get off."  It was cute.  She loved riding Dumbo.  When you ask her what rides she like, Dumbo always comes up.  The crowd started to fill in by the time we were done with Dumbo.  We rode Snow White’s Scary Adventures, which Ellie said was too dark.  At the end of Snow White she told us, "I like Snow White.  No like witches."  Then we waited 45 minutes for Peter Pan.  The line moved which was good, but it was a long time.  This was the longest wait we had the entire trip.  Ellie did surprisingly well in the line too.  She liked Peter Pan.  After Peter Pan, we asked her if she liked it and she said yes, but "Peter Pan need to turn the light on."  By this time, the park had officially opened and the crowd had showed up.  Mr. Toad and Alice were very long waits so we decided to leave Fantasyland

We went to see which Princesses were at Fantasy Faire and the line was an hour so we skipped it.  We then went by Rancho Zocala and had breakfast.  It was ok.  Lisa had a breakfast burrito, which was pretty good and I got a Mickey pancake to split with Ellie (and of course she didn't eat any of it, just my bacon).  After that, we walked to New Orleans Square and rode Haunted Mansion, which Ellie was ok with.  She liked Halloween so we prepped her by telling her it was a Halloween type ride, and she was ok with that.  Then we rode Pooh in Critter Country, which she loved.  She really liked Tigger and Pooh.  We then went back to New Orleans Square to get Mickey Beignets and a Mint Julep.  The beignets were good, not great, and I wasn't a huge fan of the julep.  Lisa liked it though.  We then went back to Fantasy Faire to check on the princesses.

The line was only 30 minutes, so we waited.  Ellie got to see Snow White, Ariel, and Cinderella.  She had a blast.  She walked right up to each of them.  Snow White and Cinderella walked with her.  Snow White was first and after her turn was done, she walked Ellie to see Ariel and she wouldn’t let go of Snow White’s hand.  It was so cute.  She wanted to walk with the characters and go to do it here.

After the princesses, we went through the Sleeping Beauty Cast walk through.  This was pretty cool  There are dioramas in the castle of the story of Sleeping Beauty.  Lisa really liked it because Sleeping Beauty is her favorite.  We also went to the Christmas shop, which was right next to it.  We found a couple ornaments and they had some cool Sleeping Beauty decor in the store.

Then we tried to go to Nemo, but we started to have a meltdown.  We got her down in the stroller and soon she was asleep.  Lisa and I walked down Main Street and did some shopping while she napped.  We also went to Adventureland and got Bengal BBQ skewers and a Dole Whip float.  Yummy.  Ellie woke up soon and we headed out of the park.  We stopped at DCA so I could buy a shirt and then went to the hotel to get ready for dinner at Napa Rose.

We fed Ellie while we were getting ready because we knew she wouldn’t eat.  We walked to the restaurant, which Ellie walked all the way.  Napa Rose was one of our goals for the trip.  This is the premiere restaurant at Disneyland and Lisa and I really wanted to eat there.  We had both read wonderful things about the restaurant.  Napa Rose is in the Grand Californian hotel so we got to walk around the hotel a little more too.  The food and service was amazing and Ellie did great.  We didn’t order her anything, but she entertained herself and had dessert with us.  She even tried the truffle mac and cheese, but didn’t like it.
 

Here is what we ordered:

Zack – Mushroom Bisque, Short Ribs and Truffle Mac N Cheese

Lisa – Butternut Squash Soup, Monkfish, and Best Ever Hot Chocolate

Ellie – Vanilla Ice Cream

After dinner, we walked through a couple of shops in Downtown Disney to finalize our shopping.  Then we headed back to the room.  It was overall a pretty darn good day.