Oliver 10, Disneyland with Mickey and Clark

Oliver turned 10 this April. For his birthday and our needing an escape we decided to go to Disneyland. As much as Dexter and Oliver enjoy our company we thought it might be better for them to share the experience with some cousins. We invited the Disneyland aficionados to come along. Mickey and Clark signed on! Unfortunately Jeremiah had to watch over his Starbucks store which has been consistently short staffed and Stacey was not able to get out of her work duties either. The distance  and timing didn't work for Josh and Jackie.  Cailin decided it would be best to take it easy for her and Mike and opt for a quieter weekend *   We would meet Mickey and Clark Thursday at the park.

The four of us left Wednesday for Cambria.  We looked forward to going to the Grill, the beach and taking in an area we have always been  fond of.  Cambria  feels like home and the memories continue to be good. It was a quiet evening and just what we wanted. 

Early Thursday afternoon we landed in Disneyland.  Our first ride was Soaring Over California ( music by Jerry Goldsmith!)- a ride where you float through the California skies surrounded by a grand warm soundtrack.  Or perhaps our first ride was a kid's ride-Heimlich's Chew Chew train (we are the Chews, right!) which is simplicity at its finest...and shortest.  Nearby we enjoyed a tiny toddler running through sprinklers . Flapping his arms he moved like a baby Frankenstein monster. 

    Soon after we met up with Mickey and Clark who had been enjoying $1 tacos at the Farmers Market (certainly not at Disneyland but with some research, some good hearty tasty meals can be found at the park for a reasonable price; Bengal Barbecue, French Market in New Orleans Square...) . Travelling with them is a very easy to do and a pleasure.  Fun also to see Mickey interact with some of her Disney friends/ co-workers and how they both clown with Dexter and Oliver.  Both of the boys were absolutely willing to ride more rides and while we missed everyone else, they made this trip special and one we will always remember.

Wednesday night, Moonstone Beach, Cambria

Oliver's Birthday Brunch at Big Thunder Mountain Barbecue- extra special as it outside eating, the setting, the company and food and no hokey show towering near us. Yes!!!

One afternoon with Oliver. Star Tours, Soaring Over California, arcade, snacks, and the scariest ride for me during this trip, Goofy's Sky School! It's too open.

Grizzly Falls at night might be the best. It's the last ride the four of us did Saturday night; in a vehicle that runs free with our uneven weight (just the four of us) becoming part of the experience,and the fear of becoming completely doused with cold water.  We ended up wearing a lot of water....

wet blurry exhilaration

complete fun

the spirit of the silly at birthday brunch

My Big Three. Forever.

Please don't laugh with your mouth full of cornbread...unless it's something really funny.

yeah, this is much like the first photo but i like this one too!

gentle crash tire partners. Maria and I found that laying back, side to side helped make these go

Danger! Danger! This pair

Dexter in big shoe car

Disney owns the Marvel franchise but this was a pretty cool exhibit of Iron Man costumes

the charm of walking around is good enough for me even if the parks have downsized red vines

the beignets (called something else) are pretty good especially served hot . Also they don't skimp on the powdered sugar.  The floors on a smaller scale capture the Cafe DuMonde experience.

Notice Dexter makes it a point to wear Giants gear when in Dodger/Angels territory (always has).  Shout out to the innovators of Fast Pass.  This just made our trip (3 days/nights at the Parks) more enjoyable -plus Mickey's connection for a late night non-wait at the Matterhorn! -never needing to wait long for the more popular rides except the first night when the group (minus a sleeping Oliver and myself) decided to ride Space Mountain again. With that exception, we never waited more than 15 minutes.  The Fast Pass for the Cars ride were all distributed by 11am so it's best to get that one early- even if the ride time is at night, that is a great time to ride.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disney's_Fastpass

Enchanting but I also get the spooks when flying in Dumbo

the Golden Gate Bridge is gone from California Adventure (but it was just a big useless prop anyway)

Oliver was excited to see Pluto. Wanted to see Chip and Dale and Sulley was always on the move when we saw him

Thumper for Maria

first two riders genuine in joy/fear. Then notice the extreme hamming of the next three.

first ride we all rode together. Maria and I weren't sure how the boys would react-plus we were concerned that Oliver would fall out so notice my right arm holding him in and Maria watching O even as we are in descent. Note the unknown clowns top right who are pretending to be bored. Perhaps they are bored; the story line for this ride is kind of dopey.

Maria alternately deep in meditation and illuminatingly glowing.  Not sure if this follows the Space Mountain manual.

red rocks are mightily impressive. if smaller than actual mountains, still large and sets a  cool mood

T

Radiator Springs reaches 40mph, cost Disney$200 million to make, and does crazy things to your hair...for those that have any. It was a blast to spend this time together and with Mickey and Clark, to see Oliver's joy back on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.  Easy days- all of them. No waiting for Pirates and the Haunted Mansion during evening parades, the sardonic wit of our feminine guide on the Jungle Cruise, my excellent red beans and rice at the French Market ( if only they provided Crystal Hot Sauce)...

We stayed at the Red Lion Inn about a 15-20 minute walk to the park. Rooms were good sized, layout of the place was comfortable, and probably the only time we've stayed at any hotel for 3 nights and not gone swimming (too busy and Oliver opted out Sunday morning).  A questionable "resort" fee of $20 per night/room turned out to not be additional- to the parking charges (my take is if you didn't have a vehicle, they would hit you with the +20).  Rooms about 90-100 per night and although you can get cheaper in Anaheim, this is what we wanted for comfort/location. Fridge, coffee machine.

Thanks to Ria for doing 80% of the driving!


* good thing for us as Cailin was able to receive our desperate call to forward some documents that were essentially to be sent. If Cai was not able to do this either Maria or I would have made a 4.5 hour drive back to SF, complete the task and drive back 4.5 hours to Cambria. No less being a wreck for the weekend as well.  Sincere appreciation for Cailin Cupp!!!