Disney/California Blitz!

As you may have figured out from before, we have annual passes to Disneyland.  We selected the pass that is blocked out Saturdays, holidays, and a good chunk of the summer.  Pretty much all the days you don't want to go anyway because of the crowds.  Our passes are about to be blocked out for the summer so we've been trying to squeeze in a few visits before that happens.

We received an email a few weeks ago about the opportunity to register to get in the park an hour before it opens.  Today was the day we made that work for us and it was really awesome.  We hit four rides in 30 minutes, walking straight on to each one.  The only bummer was that some of the things we wanted didn't open until the normal park opening.

 

Josh loves the carousel.  He always asks for the "horsey ride."

The Matterhorn Bobsled ride has been under renovation and just opened.  Below are the new sleds for those of you familiar with what they used to look like. 

 

No more awkward canoodling.

For anyone even remotely paying attention to what is going on at the Disney parks lately, you know that Disney's California Adventure has been under major renovation.  One of the biggest pieces is the new Cars Land.  It had its grand opening last Friday.  We are so lucky to have been able to get in to see it so soon after the opening and before our passes are blocked.  Here is just a glimpse of our experience.

  

Welcome to Radiator Springs

Three new rides premiered in Cars Land.  The biggest one is race cars and Josh is not tall enough yet to go on that one.  There is also a ride of flying tires.  We didn't make it near that ride, so I don't know yet if Josh could go on it.  But he was tall enough to go on Tow Mater's Junkyard Jamboree...

 

It's a similar concept to the Tea Cup ride.  Also kind of like a common fair ride which I think is called the Scrambler.  The Tractors move in an almost figure-eight pattern while pulling a cart behind it which swings back and forth as the tractor turns.  The music playing has a square dance feel as Mater sings some silly songs.

 

Can you spot Jim?

 

I think they liked it.

I have video of the ride, but it will take me a while to get the videos edited for sharing.  I'll try to get them up soon.

And now for a little tour of "the cutest little town in Carburetor County."

 

Cozy Cone Motel

Each of the cones sell a different concession.  There was ice cream, pretzels, popcorn, churros, etc.  This is also where Mater and Lightning McQueen come to visit the park guests.

  

Luigi's Casa Della Tires

Flo's V8 Cafe

 Can't forget Stanley.

Here comes Lightning McQueen.  It's such a cool little mini-parade when each car shows up.  At this point, Mater had been out for a while, so here comes McQueen.  As he pulls up, Mater takes off.  (Again, I'll try to post some video later.)

Josh really wasn't as miserable as he looks.  He's just so funny with pictures.  He's so shy when meeting characters, but then talks about it at length afterwards.

On the other hand, I felt like I was eight years old again today.  This new land was so much fun, and the character cars were a kick!

We could tell Josh's mind was about to explode from all the stimulation, so we headed over the Hollywood area of the park to do some calmer activities.  We watched the Muppet 3-D movie.  Then we headed to a Disney Jr. show.  This was brand new to me.  I don't know how long it's been there but it was just awesome.

It's basically a puppet show of the biggest hit shows on the Disney Jr. channel: Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Little Einsteins, Handy Manny and Jake and the Neverland Pirates.  It's about 25 minutes long, hits the main songs from each show and is just totally awesome.  It's exactly where we are with Josh right now as he watches all those shows all the time!  I think my head was going to explode this time.  Jim and I both loved the show and watching Josh enjoy it. (Video...blah, blah, blah)

Overall the makeover of California Adventure is pretty impressive.  We only saw a sliver, but the all-new entry is gorgeous!  We look forward to seeing more of the park in the future.

How do we know it was a good day...?

 What do you think?