Disney Round Two!
So, this weekend we are back at our "home park", if Kiwis can have such a thing... We decided on an easy start on Friday as we got in so late on Thursday night. We picked up a rental at LAX and finally checked in about midnight. Breakfast at Mimi's is a bit of a tradition, so we did that (cinnamon roll french toast!) and got to the DCA gates just on 9am opening. We were keen to check out Carsland which is new since our last visit in 2011, so decided to spend all day in DCA.
DH went to get FPs for Radiator Springs Racers as they all go by 11 or 12 apparently, while me and the boys moseyed over to see how long standby was. It was 60 mins already so we decided to go in the single rider line. For some reason that we are unable to work out, there didn't seem to be a CM doing the single riders and we were all able to just get on and ride together, with virtually no wait! Odd but fast!!
After that we went over to Luigi's Flying Tires and the boys rode that while I kept an eye out for DH. He decided to ride RSR in single rider too, but it broke down twice on him, so while we waited for him, we wandered around checking out Carsland.
We really liked all the detail and great theming that had gone into it, and the planting of cactus and other exotic looking plants is fantastic.
RSR was fun- shorter than Test Track and it doesn't get up to the same speeds, but the inside section with all the animatronic cars is pretty impressive. The boys enjoyed the tire ride but it wasn't a must-do again. After DH finally got off his ride, we all did the third Carsland ride, Mater's Junk Yard Jamboree. This was pretty fun and we all enjoyed it.
Next it was off to California Screamin, our favourite roller coaster, which I found much easier on my head and stomach if I ride right up front- something to do with being able to anticipate the loops and turns, I think. It is still freaky and I scream my head off, but I don't feel sick!
Getting ready to scream....
Next we walked back to the other side of the park and as it was getting hot we decided to ride Grizzly River rapids. We got just the right amount of wet to cool us off. After using our RSR FPs to ride all together we got some more for Soarin' and then went for lunch. Pacific Wharf and the Boudin Bakery's sourdough bowls were calling us. Broccoli and cheese soup for DH and Chinese chicken salad for me plus something Mexican for the boys and we were set.
We used our Soarin FPs and then it was time to go see "Aladdin". This is a big favourite of ours- this is the 6th time we've seen it. It was a new Aladdin and Jasmine for us, but the same guy playing the genie as when we were here in 2011. He is the star of the show and it really is a pretty spectacular production. I'm happy to report the flying carpet is back too! Last time it was out as they had had a malfunction a few weeks earlier which left Aladdin and Jasmine hanging!
After Aladdin we rode Tower of Terror and got FPs for World of Colour. It was now about 4pm and time for a swim back at Hojo's before dinner. We cooled off and then drove to Marie Callenders up the I5 about 5 minutes, at Anaheim Plaza, for dinner. They are famous for pie, so you can see the attraction for us! I had shrimp tacos and the boys all had sandwiches of various sorts, plus strawberry lemonade (yum), and delicious coconut cream pie. There is also a Walmart there, where we picked up some cereal and breakfast supplies.
Friday night was a Grad Night at DCA. W e hadn't noticed any difference in the park during the day, but when we headed back for our 9pm World of Colour show there were lots of groups of teens heading into the park. WOC was fantastic, as usual. We had passes for the blue zone and sat and waited in the "fire hydrant" spot which I had learnt about on the DIS( it's in the WOC sticky). We had used this spot before and it is a good overall view of the show. It's not close to the water, so you don't get wet, but it is a pretty much unimpeded view.
They have added a "Brave" segment to the show, with lots of bagpipes and celtic music, which works pretty well, and Merida seems popular with the kids. Haven't seen the movie but will have to check it out at some point.
As we headed out of the park, it seemed families were leaving and grads were arriving en masse for their party which went on to 3am, I think. How much fun would that be if you were 18, a night with your mates and a Disney park to yourselves?
This morning, Saturday, we had our Magic Morning entry to use, so we were at the gates to DL by 7.30 and in the first dozen to ride Peter Pan. We managed to fit in about 10 rides before our reservation at Blue Bayou at 12.30- you can fit in a LOT with a MM if you are organised!
It was great riding POC again, as it was closed last time we were at DL. It is a lot better than WDW's version, longer and with an extra waterfall drop, which we love. BB was good- expensive but pretty authentic jambalaya and gumbo, and such a lovely atmosphere under the lanterns by the water, with crickets chirping in the background.
DH and I were comparing the experience with our meal at Be Our Guest, which was a similar cost, but sadly a much less enjoyable experience because of the noise and "food court" ambience of the ballroom at BOG. Our waiter at BB was asking us about BOG as he had been unable to get a dinner ADR for a trip he is planning to WDW later this year, but we told him to just queue and do lunch there instead- and ask for the West Wing for seating if you want to hear yourself think!