See also:

Disneyland 2007 Flickr Set
California! Part 1: The Arrival
California! Part 2: The Magic Kingdom

California! Part 4: Mom goes home
California! Part 5: The Expo

Having learned our lesson we weren't there too early. Besides, California Adventure never seems to have a line for entry so we did a little moseying. I had to return a shirt to the World of Disney, problem was the dude didn't give me my receipt (even though I specifically asked "receipt in the bag?" and he specifically said "yes") so I got a merchandise credit. Fun fun fun!

It should go without saying, but will not, that our first ride was the Tower of Terror. Our second ride was the Tower of Terror. Listen, I could go on but I think you know what I'm saying. We love the Tower, and on our first ride my mom reached over and grabbed my arm. She sensed that her daughter was in danger. Isn't this sweet? I should've bought the picture. i think she was a little surprised by the first drop.

It was at this time that I bought my new handbag. It's cute, I'm sure you'll see it one day.

Next was Monsters Inc which had some wonderful theming. I've heard the ride isn't so good and it is just another dark ride, but the queue is extremely well themed and the ride is cute. Don't be a hater.

The Animation area is very cool. Last time we got there after everything closed so this time we made a point to check out Turtle Talk. I've heard it's great but this is from people with children, I didn't know how my adult, child-fearing self wouldn't like it as much. Mom was selected to talk with Crush, and I think this was the highlight of our trip. It's interactive and fun, I highly recommend. Then Sorcerer's Workshop which is also a ton of fun! We could've spent forever in the Animation area but we knew this was mom's last day so it was time to move on.

Let's see.

• Waited forever for the Sunwheel. It's fun, but this is probably the last time unless it's a no-line day.


• Mom went crazy about California Screamin. I have to admit it's tons of fun but that many times back to back can not be healthy for children and other living things.


• Soarin' is a lot more fun when you don't wait 20 minutes!


• I love the Tortilla/Sourdough tours. This is the only time you'll get something for free at Disneyland so savor it.


• Nashvillians will get a kick out of the river raft ride in CA: The Grizzly River Run. It's a little more fun than the old Opryland version, but I kept calling it the Grizzly River Rampage. Old habits die hard.

I should also note that I've never seen Golden Dreams, but no big loss. During this time of year it was changed to Golden Screams and outside several villains gather for photo ops. Mom wanted to meet the wicked witch but she was scared.

After the CM did a protection spell the witch decided it was ok and posed.

Golden Screams is a cute show where they have an award show to determine which villain has the best scream. It's a cute show and the tween boy they chose was absolutely mortified.

Having conquered the Adventure we headed back to the Magic Kingdom. We rode the train around the park and saw cute little themed areas that you wouldn't see otherwise. More Pirates, more Space Mountain, more Buzz Lightyear. We had some minor drama with dinner but ended up at the Plaza Inn. It was time to leave so we waited for the Monorail.

Labels: disneyland, vacation