The plan was to do an early start at Disneyland prior to Californian Adventure (CA) opening up then spend the rest of the day there then back to Disneyland after CA shut down. Well we all know what happens to plans.

We were a little late getting to the car park but given we were an hour later than previously, we actually parked a lot closer that meant that there wasnt too many people around on a Saturday.

When we got off the airport shuttle they were opening up CA early so skip Disneyland and straight into CA.

First stop was “Soaring over California”, with no line. In this your are suspended within a conical large screen as if you are on a hang glider. It is a mix of Imax with a suspended airplane seat. I actually recognised most of the spots.

From here we were going to do the Grizzlly River Run but they were having pump problems so later on.

So off to Paradise Pier where we started on the Golden Zephpr, then progressed to the Mulholland Madness (similar to the Mad Mouse) for a couple of turns – again no lines.

The next one was interesting. It was called the Maliboomer where you are shot up 180 feet into the air. We all went once and Rachael did not like it at all. Bradley and I went for a 2nd go – no lines.

Toy Story Midway Mania was a fun interactive ride where you get to shoot stuff while moving through various arcade style games. It was good fun and we came back later in the day. Bradley was the overall winner on this one.

It was now time for the California Screamin Rollercoaster. This is huge and fast. We had to do this a couple of times so that I could video Bradley and Rachaels reactions.

It was time for some snacking so we visited the tortilla factory and bakery tours where you get samples.

Once I got the family motivated, we hit the road but only locally to find a supermarket. We found “Smart and Final”, a warehouse supermarket only one block away. This is the first time the kids have been in a US supermarket and they were blown away by the size of everything. So we have photos inside the supermarket.

Back to the room to have some lunch and unpack the purchases. Then onto the I-55 through to Newport Beach for a look around and a swim. The weather was warm and the beaches weren’t all together packed but the water was a little rough so that may have kept the locals away.

After an hour or so, we dragged the kids out of the Pacific and headed for a drive through Balboa and then taking the ferry over to Balboa Island which reminded us a little of Key West.

Back up the I-55 and the kids were into bed by 10:00. Another big day tomorrow at California Adventure.

It was 7:30 and our Fast Pass for Space Mountain was for 11:30 so we still had time to kill so it was time to tackle the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. This was the longest line by far we had been in. Everyone was tired and just wanted to sit down but we braved the 45-50 minute wait and boarded the submarine.

It was refreshing to hear an Australian accent as the ride was based on Nemo and the Great Barrier Reef. It has changed since we were on it 17 years ago and it wasn’t too bad – all enjoyed it.

It was now dark and we grabbed some more nourishment from the Pasta / Pizza joint and another $US 35 later we headed to find a spot to watch the fireworks. This was easier said than done as the Main Street was packed and that was where the dozens of Disneyland staff were directing people to watch.

We found a place just before it started and the fireworks were spectactular, including a flying Tinkerbell and Dumbo. Certainly on a bigger budget than the Benicia 4th of July.

The crowd was then directed to the River of the Americas for the “Fantasmic” show. Even though it still had 1/2 an hour to start it was filling fast. We found an empty area to sit but found out that it was to be a standing area. Even by standing we still had a good vantage point directly opposite the stage. It was a great show with special effects, fireworks and use of lighting, lasers and projection. Well worth the wait.

We still had a little time to go before Space Mountain so we did the Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters which is an interactive ride where you use blaster guns (laser guns) to shoot things as you go through the ride and of course there is a photo at the end but surprise, you email it to yourself rather than buy it. 🙂

It was now time for our Space Mountain ride. Even at 11:30 it was still showing a wait of 45 minutes even though the park closes in 30 minutes – how does that work. The Fast Pass got us down near the front of the line and we were on. Bradley was next to me and he screamed himself hoarse. Rachael was squealing and screaming behind me so I guess we will be doing this one again when we go back.

They kicked us out at midnight, caught the shuttle back to the car and we were back at the hotel and the kids were in bed by 12:30 am.

What a big day….

Just outside the restaurant there was an attraction pleading for people to go inside – “Honey I shrunk the audience”. It was a 3D one with the glasses and all based on “Honey I shrunk the kids”. It wasnt bad and had a few other effects to add to the realism.

It was now time for Autopia. Again we used the Fast Pass so skirted past several hundred people that were lined up and on the cars in about 5 minutes. Jenny seems to think the cars are different but will need to check the old photos. Each had ther own car and some are even righ hand drive. They are not too fast though.

Prior to going on I had tried to get a Fast Pass for Space Mountain but it had identified that we already had one so couldnt get another until the current one was used. 🙁

The Innoventions attraction was definetly lacking of patronage and after going in it we saw why. It supposedly featured the Dream House but there wasn’t a lot of difference with the tech gadgets we have in our place so out of there and in the line for the Matterhorn Bobsleds.

The wait was about 25 minutes and it is one of the better roller coasters here and you also get a little wet. 🙂

What visit to Disneyland is not complete without riding the teacups which are still going strong with no waiting. You can make this ride as sedate or wild as you want and I think the kids enjoyed their wild ride but they weren’t walking straight after getting off.

Some shopping for some Minnie ears then we took Mr Toad’s Wild Ride but we are still waiting for the “wild”. This is another little kids ride.

It was now nearing 7:00 and it was time for the street parade. We waited and waited then about 6 floats arrived and then it was over. It is not a patch on what the parades used to be like. 🙁

We were certainly in the little kid area as Pinocchio’s Daring Journey was next and it was similar to Mr Toad’s. The Storybook Land Canal Boats had reopened after the Parade and the line was short but it wasn’t long before it was closed down again due to “technical difficulties”.

Next on the list was the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad which only had a 15 minute wait. Kids enjoyed this one but Jenny and Rachael had a headache after – means it was a good ride.

Some more penny squashing before slowing down the pace on the Jungle Cruise. I don’t think this has changed in 17 years and neither have the jokes which mostly went over the kids head.

There was also time to grab some frozen lemonade with dashes of cherry and rasberry. Not sure that the kids have come to terms with American tastes yet.

It was now our turn for Splash Mountain. We flashed our Fast Pass which took us past several hundred in the line giving us a 5 minute wait. What can I say, the kids had a ball and we all got wet. Bought the photo. Have found out since it is easier just to take a photo of the photo on the screen if you are not after great quality.

At the exit of Splash Mountain is the Pooh Bear area so some photos were taken with Tigger then a ride on the Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (a little kids ride – but you have to do it :-))

We wanted to head over to Tomorrowland so we took the steam train that goes around the park. It took the third train before we got on. Just off the train was Autopia and we opted again for a Fast Pass.

While we waited it was time for some nourishment. The restaurant in Tomorrowland seemed to serve real food with Pasta, Pizza nad Salads but still cost around $US45.

What a big day. Up at 7:30, a quick breakfast then it is off to Disneyland. Took around 10 minute drive to the car park and we got to park on Mickey’s level then down to catch the shuttle to the Park.

Through the security checks, grab the tickets and we are inside. The kids are in awe – they are in Disneyland. Can we go here, can we do this – slow down we are here all day today plus 2 more days. It would probably be easier to list what we didn’t do than what we did but here I go.

A walk up Main Street and into Adventureland. First thing we came to was the Tiki Room but Jenny said no. We went in and the kids enjoyed it.

Next was the Indiana Jones ride where the line was supposed to be 45 minutes. This was the kids first experience with lines and it ended up being around 30 minutes. I was a fun ride and the kids have it down for another time.

What we knew as the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse has been renamed with little change to Tarzans Treehouse. A little corny.

Onto Pirates of the Caribbean, hasnt changed much in 17 years except that Johnny Depp is there at the end. A fun ride.

Hey that house looks interesting – the Haunted Mansion. How can they fit a ride in there but you soon realise that all is not what it seems and the kids had a good time.

Went to Splash Mountain and the queue was long so we opted for a Fast Pass on this one.We had an hour to kill before our time.

A Fast Pass allows you to grab a special ticket that gives a specified time for your ride and you get to go to the front of the line at that time. We found out later that you can only have one Fast Pass at a time. Beats waiting in line though.

Time for some activity so we went for a paddle in the Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes. We paddled around the Rivers of America and even though it is only 700 metres around and 20 paddlers in the canoe, about half way there was only 6 of us paddling and you work up a sweat.

We then spent some time investigating the caves and lairs on Tom Sawyers Island.

Even with the late night, we were up reasonably early for us to the smell of a cooked breakfast thanks to Regina.

It was another perfect Southern California day around 28-30 degrees with no cloud except for the vapour trails of the jets above heading in and out of LA.

First order for the day was to get the go-karts going as Jim has his own track on the block. Out of the 3 carts, Jim got 2 of them going but Racheal wanted to drive the ride-on lawn mower. It is a funny sight seeing someone riding a lawn mower around a go-kart track with a helmet on.

Grabbed another kart from Harry across the road and it was getting warm and had just turned midday – beer o’clock 🙂

So we now had 3 go-karts, a ride-on lawnmower but it was time to add Jim’s Jeep and do some mound climbing.

It was getting warm and the kids were over the dust – it was just like Sedan.

Some refreshments then it was Daniel Boone time. Jim and Regina are into blackpowder rifles and compete in competitions. The kids were keen to see them in action and Jim offered for us all to have a go. Remember the song: powder – patch – ball. Any other order and there is trouble.

Some cans were set up on the mound and we were shooting from 20 metres. Bradley was first but missed. Rachael was next and also missed. Jim showed his style and shot through the bottom 1/3 of the can. My turn and I went through the top 1/3 of the can.

Jenny was set up with a heap of cans together and she managed to hit one of them but we are not sure which one she was aiming at.

The kids spent some time in the hot tub and then it was time to hit the road for LA. We left Jim and Regina at 4:15 pm and hit the 101 South.

This took us back to the coast for a quick visit to Pismo Beach then back on the 101 stopping for tea at Denny’s at Newbury Park. Some fuel and back on the 101 then the 5 ending up at our hotel – the Howard Johnson in Orange at 9:00 pm.

Kids were in bed by 10:00 as tomorrow we go and meet Mickey and Minnie.

Jenny shows Daniel Boone a thing or two …

Rachael as “Annie Oakley”

Bradley gets his gun …

After leaving the Elephant Seals and the coast, we headed inland through Templeton to our destination tonight at Atascadero.

We had no phone coverage all along the Coast Road but managed to get some at the seals. A quick phone call to Jim and Regina to let them know we were still coming. They were waiting and had the grill fired up ready.

Finally arrived at 7:50 pm to met by our hosts Jim and Regina Neel, one of their sons, Steve, his wife Leslie and their kids Brenan, Dillon and Luke and the neighbors Harry and Jan.

Jim is still working at the San Luis Obispo Fire Department, Regina is driving a local bus. Steve and Leslie are paramedics for the local private Ambulance Service. Harry and Jan are retired – Harry worked for 30 years at Universal Studios before retiring nad had some interesting stories including both f them having a cameo role in Jaws (will need to check out the film again).

Another great night chatting and catching up while the kids bonded with some more American kids.

It was early in the morning before hitting the hay but tomorrow is a chill out day at the Neels. 🙂

After leaving the cliffs of Monterey, it was time to check out the Elephant Seals near Cambria.

Back near Davenport, you could go into a State Park, pay $7 for parking and walk for 3 miles to the seals or near Cambria you just pull off to the side of the road and they are just there.

The seals are a big seal and there are plenty of them. They make some intersting noises and regularly fighting between themselves. Otherwise they just lay around and sleep.