We got up bright and early to get to the park before all the crowds. We didn't realize just how long the walk was from the hotel. It was just long enough to not be convenient. We got our tickets and headed into the park making a bee line for the World of Color Fast Passes, and then heading towards Cars Land to check it out.
The new California Adventure sign. I love the new entry and Buena Vista street. Love the feel. Kinda like Main Street but with a cultural flair. Didn't get many pictures of Buena Vista street.
Ryleigh's funky mood continued, and getting a photo with a smile, took at least 4-5 shots. This was the best one of the bunch :/
On the way to locating the fast passes for the new Radiator Springs Racers (it was closed when we first got there, they wouldn't even let people line up, so everyone was getting fast passes). The line for fast passes was so long that at 8:30am they told us that if we waited in line we would definitely not get a fast pass for the entire day (and the park closed at midnight). So we decided to see what the wait would be later (it was over 2+ hours for single rider and normal line all day, so we didn't get to go on that one) But we did see Lightning McQueen as we were wandering around.
And Ryleigh got to ride her favorite ride - the carousel.
And then we had reservations at Ariel's Grotto for breakfast with the princesses. Ryleigh LOVES the princesses, and was so disappointed she still hadn't met Ariel or Snow White (2 of her favorites!) so this was a great way to allow her to meet them.
With Ariel
And Cinderella
Snow White! She was so excited to see her in Florida, but alas, the funky mood won and you get this wonderful smile...
Princess Aurora
Belle
Breakfast was so delicious. Fruit, pastries, meats and cheeses to start. Followed by eggs, sausage, bacon, potatoes and waffles!
She loved her princess crown.
After breakfast we headed for some rides. First up, per request of a princess - The Little Mermaid ride.
Goofing around with Dad.
Hey wait! There's my favorite smile!
Riding with Papa and Grandma G.
In all the times I've been to California Adventures since it opened, including when Chris and I had an annual pass, we'd never gone on Mickey's Fun wheel (or whatever it used to be called). The views were amazing.This is of the back side of Cars Land. That's what was behind those green walls forever!
As we were walking around Paradise Pier, we came across something beign filmed with the guy in the cowboy had and Woody.
See the camera guy.
Then we passed by Duffy's photo spot and discovered he'd be out in 5-10 minutes. So we were first in line to see him! We tried to find him in Epcot, but by the time we found him, he was gone for the day. So Ryleigh was happy to see him and give him a hug!
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| From 2012 Summer Disneyland |
Around lunch, we headed back to the hotel and took a nap so we'd be refreshed for round 2!
When we came back we headed over to Hollywood land.
They refreshed the backdrop since the last time I had a photo taken in this spot. Linda and Rusty have been with us to the REAL El Capitan Theatre when we lived in LA.
In the Hollywood Studios area they have a nightly Mad Tea Party. This is one of the characters that wanders around for the Tea Party.
Per Ryleigh's request, we had to ride Heimlich the train and It's Tough to be a Bug. When she rode the 3D It's Tough to be a Bug in January, she FREAKED out. So this time we encouraged her to try it again because she knows it's just pretend, and she's bigger now. She did really good! She did get scared during a few parts, but she refused to get hugs or sit in anyone's lap. She's really growing up!
Then we ended up back at Cars Land at night. It was still really crowded, but not nearly as crowded as the morning was. You could actually walk through it now and not completely loose everyone.
Flo's V8 Cafe - aka. a restaurant.
Love how authentic it looks. Just like you're in the movie!! Disney did it again!
The Cozy Cone Motel - aka. A fast food place that sells everything in cones :)
Another view of Radiator Springs.
Then we got to see the World of Color show. Our seats were nowhere near as good as last time. But I got to see the entire show this time. I thought it was neat that they added in clips from "Brave". It had just come out on June 22nd and here we were on June 26th seeing the show, and already they've added in the clips. So glad we saw the movie before we went because it made a lot more sense :)
After the WOC we were corralled toward the exit, but we stopped off at Cars Land - it was still early, we weren't ready to go yet! We discovered the line for Mater's Junkyard Jamboree was only 30 minutes and Ryleigh could ride it! So we definitely waited in line. Such a cool ride!!! There's like 3 tractors in a moving circular platform, and there's 3 interconnecting circles. As you go around you switch circles which adds to the swing of the ride. Everyone LOVED it!! Linda was begging to ride again, and Ryleigh thought it was hilariously fun!
Then we found the back part of Cars Land where the Radiator Springs Racers run. The background was almost breathtaking all lit up at night. So incredible.
And with that waterfall!!
Absolutely love it!
Day 2 of vacation is over. Even though we didn't ride the one ride we wanted to, it was still a great day! Maybe next time we can get on it.
