The Grand California Hotel is gorgeous. One of these days I'll stay here.. hopefully.
For the Magic Hour one park is open an hour early for hotel guest. Today DCA was the one that was open for Magic Hour. We lined up at the entrance that connects DCA to the Grand California Hotel. The entrance drops you off right where Grizzly River Run is located. The park opens to the public at 10 am so 9 am the Magic Hour officially starts, but by 8:30 am they checking our tickets and letting us into the park. We entered right by Grizzly River Run. So we were able to grab our fast passes for World of Colors. The rest of the park was roped off so we could wonder off. at 8:45 am they let us advance a bit further. We were able to make our way to the center plaza in front of Carthay Circle.
At 9:00 am they dropped the rope and off everyone went. Of course a huge majority of the crowd headed straight to Cars Land.
The line for Radiator Springs Racer. It looked long because of the crowd that had to merge into one line.
The wait wasn't too bad though. It was about 20-25 minutes.
By the time we were out of RSR it was around 9:40 am and we headed over to Toy Story Midway Mania.
The wait for this was about also about 25 minutes. I was able to set the record for the day at 226,300, but just look at the best score for the month 593,800..
After Midway we headed to California Screamin
After the coaster we were going to try and grab some fast passes for Grizzly River Run, but it was closed down. So we got fast passes for Soarin Over California.
On our way out we stopped for some refreshments.
Been to this cafe many times, but never noticed the ice cream shop next door.
The package that was booked for this trip included a free pin and lanyard, so before we headed over to Disneyland we got the lanyards.
This was a first for everyone. I have always know about them, but never really got into it, but once I got mine I immediately traded my pin. I can see how it can become addicting. I plan on getting a pin every time I visit the park. Totally forgot to take a picture of the pin, but I got a pin of the pigeon from bolt
While the rest of the group was at City Hall getting Diane her birthday button. I went to grab fast passes at Space Mountain.
It was around 10:40 when I got the fast pass. Our return time was 12:40 pm.
We all met up at the center and headed to Indian Jones.
Line was pretty long. 35 min wait time, but Indian Jones is one of the few lines that I don't mind waiting in because there are so many things to look at.
After Indy we tried to get on Pirates of the Caribbean, but it was also closed. So we headed to the Haunted Mansion. Grabbed some Mint Juleps on our way there.
The group lined up and our fast for Space Mountain expired, so I was able to run over to Splash Mountain to get a few fast passes. Then I headed back and met the group at the front of the Mansion and was able to join them.
I remember Disneyland used to sell McDonald's french fries. I told John about it and showed him the shack that they used to sell it from. I took a peek at the menu hoping that the fries would magically still be available, but they weren't. I was amazed to see that they offered Lobster Rolls. Not sure when they started this, but I have never seen it before.
For lunch we tried the lobster rolls and they were pretty good. Peter ended up having seconds.
After lunch it was off to Space Mountain.
A few old school games at the arcade by Space Mountain.
Our next stop was Star Tours, about a 25 min wait.
After that it was the Matterhorn.
I haven't ridden the Matterhorn in years, and I don't remember it be so rough. It was not a pleasant ride.
Finished with the Matterhorn and our fast passes for Splash Mountain were ready.
Saw some ducks on our way to Splash Mountain. If I was a duck I would live in Disneyland.
The birthday girl didn't want to get wet, so I offered her the best seat on boat to stay dry..... the front. :)
She wasn't too happy about it after.
I had been seeing a lot of people walking around with slushies and had been wanting. Was finally able to track a car down. No regrets... it was amazing. Cherry lemonade.
Hopped on the train and headed to Toon Town.
Went to Toon Town so that Diane can meet her favorite character Minnie Mouse.
It was close to 6 pm. On our way back to DCA we stopped off in Main Street to pick out our group photo. The hotel package included one free photo of choice.
Back at DCA we used our fast pass for Soarin.
and we made a stop at the ice cream parlor that we saw in the morning.
John got an ice cream bar.
I got the Strawberry Sunday
and Olivia got the Oswald.
Tower of Terror was our final ride for the day. It was a 13 min wait.
It was around 7:45 pm by the time we finished tower of terror. We met up with the rest of the group and secured a spot for World of Colors.
John got us some hand dipper cord dogs while we waited for the show to start.
World of Colors is an awesome show. I have seen it many times. I really enjoy seeing peoples reactions to the show, especially first timers.
For the first time I didn't take a picture during the show.
and here's the crowd on the way out.
The day went by fast, but we were able to hit all of the major rides. Minus the rides that were closed: Small World, Big Thunder Railroad, Grizzly River Run, & Pirates of the Caribbean. Not bad for a day at the park.
One of the display windows at Downtown Disney. I love these hats and think it's great because they sync to Fantasmic, World of Colors, and Fireworks show via Infrared. The hat does cost a pretty penny about $27.
There was a day that they gave these hats out for free (I think it was when they first introduced them)
It was a very long day of walking, but had a blast.
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