Disneyland and Southern California for Christmas 2021 - Day 7 and Thoughts

Grand Californian's Gingerbread House

Day 7

• Slept in a little - good night sleep - We must have all been tired because no one got up early or quickly.  We got up and packed all of our stuff.  We had a lot to pack, but we got it all done.  We had to be creative in a couple cases.
• Packed and walked to downtown Disney / La Brea bakery and world of Disney - After we got packed, we walked to Downtown Disney for breakfast and shopping.  We ate at La Brea Bakery.  It was really good.  Then we went to the World of Disney for some last minute shopping.  We went to a couple other shops and then it was time to go.
• Alamo debacle; Used Uber - We walked the long way around the block to Alamo on the south side of property.  I had made a reservation months ago so I walked up to pick up our SUV.  I went to open the door and it was locked.  I checked the hours on the door and they were normal hours so I didn't understand why the door was locked.  I found the employee door was open so I peeked my head in.  I got the attention of the lady behind the desk and told I had a reservation and needed to pickup our car.  She said they didn't have any cars and had just rented the last car.  I asked what I was supposed to do since I had a reservation.  She said the reservation would be canceled and we would not be charged.  I said that doesn't help me get to the airport.  She said she was sorry.  I asked if there was anything else they could do and she said no.  That was it.  There was no help whatsoever.  She was trying to close the doors as fast as possible to get out of there.  I could not believe it.  I was SO PISSED!!.  I kept it together because I didn't want to set a bad example in front of the kids, but I wanted to scream and cus.  It was the worst customer service experience I've had in a very long time.  We have used Alamo for almost all of our trips, but I'm not sure I'll use them again.  We had to figure out another option so we looked for Ubers and were able to find one.  We walked back to the hotel and met the Uber car there.  This was an experience too.  We didn't have a car seat for Grady, so we put him on Ellie's booster and Ellie rode without one.  Not the best option, but it was fine.  The van we were in felt like it was gonna fall apart and the windows were open all the way.  Not my favorite ride, but we made it.
• Long Beach Airport so weird - The Long Beach airport was only about 20+ minutes away so we didn't have to go too far thankfully.  We got there and it looked like a bunch of office buildings and then all of sudden we were there.  It felt like an old style private airport.  We walked in and it felt like an old bus terminal.  We checked in and dropped our bags off then went to security.  To get to security, you walk outside and then back in.  This building was more modern, but still strange.  After security, we went back outside, but only kind of.  It felt like a modern, contemporary, California park or backyard that could have been a club at night.  Then we went inside to what looked like a typical airport terminal, but it was at ground level.  We walked on the tarmac to the ramp and then walked up on the plane.  This was the strangest airport experience I've ever had.  It went fine and we got through security and on the plane, but it was very strange.
• Good flight - We had a pretty good flight.  The kids were occupied most of the flight.  
• Ate at Moe’s in Dallas - We changed planes in Dallas.  It was late so most places were closing in the airport.  We found a Moe's Mexican restaurant.  It was actually very yummy and the lady making our food was very friendly and personable.  This came in handy because Ellie wanted another taco and since we were friendly with her, she stayed open to make Ellie more food.  It was very nice of her to do.
• Chiefs - Raiders interaction - We were waiting to board at the gate and almost everyone flying to Kansas City was wearing Chiefs apparel.  As people showed up to the gate, several Raiders fans showed up and got the Chiefs fans riled up.  It was all friendly, but kind of funny.  No one got upset and it was friendly sportsman chatter.
• Grady - if we crash into water, we get water chutes- he said while reading the safety packet - We boarded the plane and Grady decided to read the safety packet on the plane.  He was telling us what to do if anything happened.  It was really kind of funny because the 3 year old figured out what it meant and what to do.  We made it home without a problem with one more new experience.  We got our luggage and we were worried the kids would fall asleep in the car without being ready for bed.  Thankfully most of the people had left because the kids started changing clothes in the middle of the baggage claim area.  It was pretty ridiculous.  It worked because they did fall asleep on the way home and we just took them to bed.  Silly kids.

Letters to Santa and Breakfast

Fun at the Grand Californian

Long Beach Airport

Flight to Dallas

Flight to KCI and home sweet home

Final Thoughts:

• Christmas - This was our 2nd trip to Disneyland at Christmas time.  We have found that we love the decorations and the atmosphere during Christmas.  The music, the decorations and even the overlays are wonderful additions to both parks and the entire resort.  My wife and kids think Small World Holiday is worth the trip and I would go just for Haunted Mansion Holiday.  The treats were great as well.  A nice mixture of gingerbread and peppermint versions of our favorite treats and snacks.
• Grady Ups and Downs - Overall, the kids were great and we had a great trip.  Grady was 3.5 years old at the time of our trip and had some toddler moments.  These were expected, but we had trouble feeding him at the right time several days.  We also didn't know what to expect for attractions with him. We found that he didn't handle the big ones as well as Ellie did at his age or as well as we expected.  This made our park touring plans a little less flexible.
• Genie+ - On past trips, we loved using MaxPass.  It was a great system to use FastPass and maximize our park time.  Disney announced a new system called Genie+ before we left.  The system started while we were there.  Disney does not have a good track record for rolling out new technology and this was no different.  We didn't get to use it the first day because it was down.  We did get to use it our last park day and it worked very similar to MaxPass.  The interface is not great and it was a little clunky.  We were able to use it and get on rides as we wanted.  It also included PhotoPass which was a great perk.  Overall the system worked for our needs, but it could use some improvements.
• Crowds - We had hoped crowds would be lower and reports from weeks prior to our trip were low.  Overall crowds were not terrible.  They were a little higher than expected, but we managed them pretty well.  We were able to do almost everything we wanted.  As usual, Friday got busy, but the other days were ok and lines were not super long.  We waited in two lines for an hour, but the other lines were no longer than 30 minutes.
• Alamo Rent A Car - This was our biggest headache of the trip.  As well as it went to get my phone back, it went just as bad to get a car to take to the airport.  We have had some service issues during the pandemic, but nothing like this.  Not only did they not have any cars, they did not help us in any way and they were closing the location.  I couldn't believe it.  Seems from a customer service perspective, they should have stayed open to help customers, even though didn't have cars.  They could have directed people to other locations or contacted other locations to find out if they could get a car.  Nope, nothing like that.  I was so mad.  It was not worth making a scene because they were not going to help.  I also wanted to set an example for the kids and throwing a fit was not the appropriate thing to do.  We found another way to the airport and it worked out.  When we got home, I made sure we were not charged then I contacted Alamo.  They were very apologetic and gave me a free day for a future reservation.  It wasn't much but I wanted them to know how terrible the service was.
• Avengers Campus - This was the biggest surprise of the trip.  I am a HUGE Marvel fan and had some expectations, but tempered them because it is only the first phase of the land.  It was unexpectedly awesome.  The Spider-Man area and ride were great.  Pym's Test Kitchen was one of our favorite restaurants (we ate there twice) and the HQ was hub for fun.  There were always different characters passing through or on missions.  And we had one of our most memorable Disney moments when Grady got to meet and walk with Captain America.  It was amazing.  Grady loved all of it.  I thought it was great.  Ellie surprisingly enjoyed it.  The biggest surprise of all was how much Lisa liked it.  She LOVED this land and wanted to go there ever chance we had.
• Food and Snacks better than WDW and Veggie was no problem - Food was great this trip.  When we were in Florida we were very disappointed by the quality/selection of meals and the treats were average at best.  This trip was great.  We had great food everywhere and the treats and sweets were back to the level we expected.  We also started eating more of a plant-based or vegetarian diet and this was no problem.  We ate GREAT vegetarian and plant-based food.  Lisa and I didn't miss any of the food with meat because the food we at was SO good.  We also had no problem ordering because there were so many places with plant-based options.
• Great Trip - Overall, this was a great trip.  Yes, we had a few headaches, but all trips do.  The kids had a great time and were well behaved.  We loved the hotel, the parks were great and the kids were at great ages to be able to ride more of the rides and experience most of the parks and resort.  Ellie has really taken to shopping (our favorite pastime) and Grady wanted to try everything (even though he didn't like most of the bigger rides).  The kids did great with food and meals (no cold food when we sit down to eat), even having a great meal at Carthay Circle.  Our favoite part (and Lisa just agreed) was Avenger's Campus.  It really stepped up DCA to make it more competetive with Disneyland.  So much fun.  I'm sure we'll do it again.
• After I got home, I thought quite a bit about how this trip compared to our last trip to WDW.  When we got home from WDW, all I wanted to do was go to Disneyland.  When we got home from this trip to Dsneyland, I felt happy and satisfied.  That pretty much tells the story.

Disneyland and Southern California for Christmas 2021 - Day 6

Day 6

• 46 degrees when we woke up - Brrr....it was cold walking to the park this morning.  One of the colder days we've had in California.  
• Easy in to park; RSR open late; Spider-Man really long wait - trying Genie+ again - We didn't have to wait in lines to get in and thought we would be able to get on either WEB Slingers or Radiator Springs Racers, but RSR opened late and WEB Slingers line went back beyond Carthay Circle.  Yikes.  We decided to go to ride Soarin' instead.  We also wanted to try Genie+ again so we buy it once in the park.  It seemed to work no problem, even though we didn't use it on Soarin'.  
• Soarin’ - Grady didn’t like it - We rode Soarin' and everything was fine, but then Grady got a little upset by the end and had a quasi-meltdown.  We got to the stroller and got the kids a snack.  
• Jumping jellyfish - We walked around a little looking for a snack before brunch.  We walked by Jumpin' Jellyfish and the kids really like it so they rode with Lisa.  
• Toy Story Mania - LL - We got a Lightning Lane for Toy Story Mania so we went to use it next.  It worked just like FastPass and worked really well.  We all enjoyed this ride.  
• Grady a bear - Grady did not do well without breakfast and this day was no exception.  He was really hungry by this time and we were trying to hold out until brunch at Lamplight.
• Incredicoaster and carousel - coaster broke when Ellie and I tried to ride it - We tried to ride the Incredicoaster, but it broke down when Ellie and I got close.  They completely evacuated the ride so we didn't get to ride.  Lisa and Grady rode the Critter Carousel.
• Spider-Man show - also saw Iron Man, Ant Man and Cpt Marvel - We had a little extra time before brunch so we walked through Avenger's Campus.  We saw the Spider-Man show and some characters around the land.  Then we headed to brunch.
• Grady a bigger bear - Grady was crashing big time.  He wasn't listening to instructions or following the rules.  It was a mess.  We almost didn't take him in to brunch because he was such a hot mess.
• Brunch at Lamplight - Lisa and I had been looking forward to this meal.  The menu for the brunch at Lamplight Lounge looked amazing, even for vegetarians.  We had eaten brunch here last time (with my brother's family), but Grady was terrible and I ended up leaving with him to go back to the hotel.  I was very much looking forward to it.  Lisa and Ellie got fancy drinks.  I kinda cheated and got the chilaquiles, they had eggs, but they were delicious.  There was also a plant-based chorizo that I added and it was awesome.  Lisa got the potato flautas which were also very good, but the sauce was pretty spicy.  It was almost too much for her, but it was still really good.  This was another great meal.  Our only complaint was we were outside and it was a little chilly.  We were all wearing jackets or sweatshirts.  
• Ariel - Next we rode the Little Mermaid because why not?
• Churro - We stopped and got the peppermint chocolate churro, which was close to Redwood Creek Challenge Trail.  We ate it while waiting to see Santa in Redwood Creek Challenge Trail.  It was a really good churro, but super sweet.  This is a great place to meet Santa.  We enjoyed it more than the Pooh meet and greet across the esplanade.
• Avengers Assemble - Next we went back to Avenger's Campus on the way to our Lightning Lane for Monster's.  This was our walkway to everywhere.  We loved it so much.
• Monsters - Next we had a Lightning Lane pass for Monster's Inc.  We love this ride so we wanted to get it in before the end of our time at DCA.  The Lightning Lane was weird because we entered in the exit, which is not how the FastPass used to work.  Really weird, but still a great ride.
• Avengers, nap and walk to other park - We found a couple of shops and things to see around Monster's (Disney characters dressed as Marvel heroes, Marvel stores, ctc), then we walked back through Avenger's Campus on our way out.  We wanted to see it one more time.  We walked across to Disneyland and on the way the kids had rest/nap time.
• Haunted Mansion - LL - Next we got a Lightning Lane for Haunted Mansion.  We had to wake Grady up, which is a risky thing to do.  He was ok and ready to go.  Man, I love this ride and wanted to do it one last time.  The Lightning Lane was helpful too.  And we didn't get stuck in the Stretching Room this time.
• Big Thunder - LL - Then we did Big Thunder Mountain with a Lightning Lane.  We weren't sure how Grady would do but he wanted to try it again.  He sat with Lisa and I turned around a few times to check on him.  He wasn't doing well.  He was about to have a meltdown at the end, but Ellie and I turned around and told him how much fun we had and then he enjoyed it.  It left a good memory for him instead of leaving scared and that was great.
• Smuggler’s Run - LL - We went back to Galaxy's Edge and rode Smuggler's Run with a Lightning Lane.  Grady wasn't sure about this ride, but he did it.  At the end he said he didn't like it.  We're not sure.
• Space Mountain - LL - We got a Lightning Lane for Space Mountain so Lisa went with Ellie first, Grady didn't want to ride it.  He and I walked around and went in a couple of shops.  We switched and I rode Space Mountain with Elle and Lisa and Grady rode the Monorail.  They had a great time.  We did too.  I like the Disneyland version of Space Mountain a lot more than the Disney World version.  Also, we went around a turn and Ellie's hand hit my glasses and they almost flew off.  That was scary.  Next time I'll just take them off.
• Dinner at Red Rose Tavern and Royal Street Veranda - We got a hodge-podge for dinner.  The kids wanted chicken nuggets so we got them food at Red Rose Tavern and we got the cauliflower sandwich there as well.  It was yummy.  Then Lisa and I got the vegetable gumbo at Royal Street Veranda.  It was good, but not great.  It was kind of a pain getting food from multiple spots too.
• Decided we were cold, tired and too many people so we went back to the hotel - After we ate we were pretty cold and tired.  We couldn't decide what we wanted to do and the park was pretty busy.  They were also getting ready for fireworks, which makes it hard to get around.  We decided to go see Small World one more time and then leave.  It was a good choice.  We got to see the projection show at Small World and then we snaked our way out of the park.  Once we walked out, we were sad to leave, but Lisa and I immediately realized how tired we were.
• Watched fireworks from hotel - When we got back to the hotel, we realized we made it before fireworks, so we made sure to get ready for bed and then we watched fireworks from the room again.  It was a great way to end our time at Disneyland.

Beginning of the day at DCA

Avengers Campus and Incredicoaster

Brunch at Lamplight and DCA fun

Nap time and walk to Disneyland

Galaxy's Edge and Small World

Disneyland and Southern California for Christmas 2021 - Day 5

Sunset at Carsland

Day 5

• Good night sleep; got ready and made it to the park on time; not as busy of a morning; line for candy canes was nuts - We finally got a good night sleep.  We got up refreshed and got to the park with no issues.  This was the least busy morning and we got in without issues.  The line for DCA was longer so we wondered if people went there first before going to the Christmas party that night.  We had heard we might be able to get the infamous Disneyland Candy Cane this day, but we found the line on Main Street and it was crazy.  We decided to skip it this year.
• Peter Pan after shortcut - quick wait - We got through the hub and went to Fantasyland first.  We found that the line for Peter Pan was almost non-exsistent so we hoped it line.  It was only about a 20 min wait so we lucked out.  This is such a great ride, a must do on every trip.
• Dumbo - shortish wait - Next we wanted to ride Dumbo and it was not too long of a wait.  The kids love this ride so we did it next.  I didn't have to ride by myself this time, I got to ride with Ellie.
• Tea cups - We rode the tea cups next.  There was no line so we hoped on.  This ride is one of my favorites with the whole family in one cup.
• Small World - closed - We tried to ride Small World and it was closed.  Dang it.
• Popcorn/churro/fruit breakfast - Everyone was hungry after that so we had a popcorn, churro and fruit breakfast in Fantasyland.  
• Haunted Mansion - Next we rode Haunted Mansion.  The line was not bad, and we didn't get stuck in the stretching room.  I love this ride so much.
• Winnie the Pooh, Santa, and marshmallow and gingerbread cookie - Next we walked back to Critter Country.  We rode Winnie the Pooh, which I still think is better than the Disney World version and is underrated.  We went to the candy shop next door and got a couple treats.  The gingerbread man cookie was yummy.  Then we took the kids to meet Santa which was in the Winnie the Pooh meet and greet area.  
• Jungle Cruise - Next we went to ride Jungle Cruise.  The sky looked like it was going to rain for quite a while so I was looking for a good covered spot to park and leave the stroller and the stroller parking next to Jungle Cruise was perfect.  The line was a little longer than it looked, but we had a good time.  The skipper was better this time.
• Tiki room - It still looked like it was going to rain, so I talked Lisa into going to the Tiki Room.  I really enjoy it and I like the Disneyland version a LOT better than Disney World, but Lisa does not like any version.  I enjoyed it.
• Carnation Cafe - out of the rain - We made reservations for Carnation Cafe for lunch and we couldn't have timed it any better.  It started raining right as we got to lunch.  We got to sit inside and have a nice relaxing lunch.  It was a great stop.  Lunch was yummy too.  The fried pickles are delicious.
• Ride train in the rain - We wanted to ride the train so we walked up to get in line and it started raining again.  It rained a lot while we waited for the train.  We had a good time on the train.  Lisa and Ellie got off in Fantasyland to have a photo shoot and Grady and I continued on.  We got to talk to one of the train engineers.  He was very enthusiastic about trains; a very interesting guy to talk to.
• Walk to DCA / Rest time - didn’t start well, coffee time - We walked to DCA and tried to get the kids to rest/nap.  It did not go well and we had to pull over a couple of times to discuss (sternly).  We stopped and got a coffee at Ghirardelli.  It was delicious.  They have the best mocha lattes.  The kids didn't rest so we gave up after walking around most of the park.
• Incredicoaster and carousel - We stopped at the Incredicoaster for Ellie and Jessie's Critter Carousel for Grady.  Lisa and I traded and got to ride both with the kids.  Grady was a bear when I went on the carousel with him.  He was so tired.
• Ariel - Next we rode Ariel.  So great.  I love annoying the kids with my singing on this ride.  This has become our go to spot.
• Walk through avengers and back to dinner at Lamplight - After Ariel, we walked through Avenger's Campus and then back to Pixar Pier for dinner.  We ate at Lamplight Lounge again.  I splurged/cheated and got the lobster nachos.  They are SO good.  This is such a great place to relax and eat.  It was pretty chilly as we sat outside.  
• Back to hotel - cold and tired; early night - After dinner, we were full and exhausted.  It was a late dinner (7:45) so there wasn't much time before the park closed.  We decided to head back to the hotel.  I put Grady on my shoulders and walked back with him that way.  My goal was to keep him awake so he wouldn't have a meltdown if we had to wake him up.  He almost fell asleep on my shoulders.  It worked.  We got back to the hotel and everyone got ready for bed and went to sleep.

Dumbo and Peter Pan

Dumbo and Tea Cups

Haunted Mansion Holiday

Winnie the Pooh and Santa

Rainy day and Fantasyland photoshoot

Nighttime at DCA - It was cold (brrrrr..)