It'll Be Alright: Disneyland and Southern California for Christmas 2021

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.