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.