Disneyland Trip Report - Day 4

Friday, May 31 ... There is no rest for the hard core Disney touring family. We got up bright and early for another DCA early magic hour. Used the Grand Californian entrance again, this time we were about 5-10 minutes later than the first time and line doubled back behind White Water Snacks. Nevertheless, the line moved really quickly and we were in the park by 8:05am. On Buena Vista Street we spotted Mickey Mouse heading out, so we flagged him down and were the first people to meet him that morning. We love meeting characters, and were really excited to meet Mickey and his friends on Buena Vista Street because of their cool retro outfits that we have never seen before. After Mickey we met Chip & Dale, and then Pluto. All of these characters within 20 minutes!

We headed back to Paradise Pier by 8:30am to ride Toy Story Mania since Jeff didn’t get to ride it the other day. We walked right on. I repeat – we walked right on. So guess what? We rode it three more times. YAY us!

We stayed on Paradise Pier and rode the swings again. And Mickey’s Fun Wheel (ferris wheel), but we picked a non-swinging car. Some of the cars do this funky swinging thing as it goes around. No thank you, ma’am. It was relaxing and fun to see the park from way up high.

Jeff and Sean rode the Jumpin’ Jellyfish ride which looked fun, but this mama’s head wouldn’t be able to handle it.

And finally we rounded out the Paradise Pier attractions by riding the Golden Zephyr which is remarkably similar to Astro Orbitors except you are tilted more as you fly. There was no one in line. I mean no one. So again, we ended up riding it a few times without even getting off!

On our way out of Paradise Pier we decided to stop and meet with Donald Duck who was greeting guests in the gazebo near Ariel’s Grotto. Again, we were excited to find sailor Donald this time. We’ve never met Donald in this outfit before! Sean was adamant about having Donald sign the page in his autograph book that said “You are my favorite”. Sean has always loved Donald Duck.

And no we didn’t really plan on matching Donald and his gazebo, but isn’t it nice when it works out that way?

On our way out of the park we stopped and picked up fast passes for Radiator Springs racers for later that night. Then we spotted Goofy on Buena Vista Street, so we stopped to meet him as well. So much fun.

We had breakfast reservations over in Disneyland at the Plaza Inn Minnie & Friends Breakfast buffet. We were super excited about this breakfast because 1) we were really hungry and love a good Disney breakfast buffet and 2) we were sure to meet characters we’ve never met before. Minnie & Friends breakfast did not disappoint on either account. It was typical Disney breakfast fare. Although the omelets left a lot to be desired. I’d say skip the omelet bar here, or at least watch the chef as he’s working to see how they look. Otherwise all the other food was hot and yummy.

And the characters did not disappoint.

We had barely sat down when Hook appeared ready to fight Sean (although he was a bit scared of him wearing Crocs shoes). And I must admit I LOVE his autograph. So much better than the last Hook we met at DHS Characterpalooza a few years ago.

We met Pooh and his friends Tigger, Eyeore and Rabbit. We had never met Rabbit before, so we were super excited to meet him for the first time.

We also met Chip & Dale. Always looking to play with the kids.

Chip -- He has the small black nose, like a chocolate chip!

Dale -- he has the bigger brown nose

Then we met our gracious hostess, Minnie. So sweet.

And finally we met the Fairy Godmother. Another character we’ve never met before AND since she’s a face character she can actually talk with you. Sean honestly didn’t know what to do or say. He does much better with the furry characters who just tickle him. Overall, the character experience here was fast but fun. We got to meet a LOT of characters in a short amount of time. It was hard to gauge when to go get something to eat because you were afraid you might miss someone. The good news was we had met most of the characters so if one of us adults missed one it wasn’t a big deal.

After breakfast I sent Jeff over to get Fast Passes for Indiana Jones, but he called me to say the standby line was only 20 minutes. So we hopped in line. I’m not sure if it was 20 minutes or not, but definitely not longer than 30 minutes. We were a little nervous whether Sean would like it or not because he was really scared by Dinosaur at Animal Kingdom a few years ago. Who could blame him? He was just three years old and a huge T-Rex is chasing you. Since Indiana Jones is the same ride system, Sean was a little leary but willing to give it a go. And of course he loved it. Score!

We also stopped into the Tiki Room to visit with the birds. Classic. Alas, no pictures but I can sing for you if you like.

By 12:30 we were ready to head back to the resort for a nap. On the way Jeff stopped off at the men’s room and Sean and I watched the Dapper Dans. Good, clean fun.

We really wanted to get back to the resort in time to go on the Art of the Craft tour at our resort. We were back in time, but when we inquired about it they said it was cancelled because no one had signed up. Ugh. C’est la vie. We did the next best thing and took a nap. Jeff and Sean got up before me and decided to head down to the arcade, and they weren’t impressed. They also ended up doing a little scavenger hunt activity in the resort, and they won a couple of cookies from White Water Snacks. Score!

I met up with the boys in the park, but first I stopped by to see Minnie in the Condor Flats area of the park. 

We missed the last showing of Disney Junior Live on Stage but no one was really disappointed. Instead we made our way over to Hollywood Land to get in line for the 4:30pm showing of Disney’s Alladin: A Musical Spectacular. Thumbs up from both me and Jeff. Sean fell asleep so your mileage may vary. Great music, voices, and the Genie steals the show with his humor.

Photo courtesy of Disney's Photopass+

Since we were in Hollywood Land we popped back in to see Turtle Talk with Crush. Always a favorite, but this time it wasn’t as fun as past times we’ve seen it in Florida. Crush didn’t have as believable an accent here. But it was still entertaining.

We decided to take advantage of the free fast passes we received from Guest Services for Radiator Springs racers. Another excellent time. We won AGAIN!

We popped over to Pacific Wharf and did the Bakery Tour. Not really exciting, but it was fun watching them make Mickey head loaves. We did score a free piece of bread!

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Dinner was at the Pacific Wharf Dist. Co. The line was super long – I think this day was another Grad Night, and I think Jeff was in line for a good 20 minutes. Sean and I worked on updating his travel journal so it was time well spent. Jeff ordered the Sonoma Chicken and Apple Salad in a bread bowl, and he said it was really good. I ordered the Turkey Sandwich and it hit the spot – very yummy for a turkey sandwich. Sean had the kid’s turkey sandwich.

We stopped in at Walt Disney Imagineering Blue Sky Cellar to see the exhibit there. It would have been a lot more interesting without a whining five year old along. Just saying. Momma had a little chat with said five year old about whining and souvenirs. Plan worked. No more whining.

We capped our evening off in Cars Land, using our last fast passes for the day. We were excited to see it at night, and it was really REALLY cool at night. If and when you go to Disneyland you have to right RSR during the day and at night. Trust me. You’ll love both.

And since we’re crazy Disney fans, we beelined it back over to Disneyland to see the fireworks. Yep, we’re crazy like that. And we had plenty of time to scout out a spot on Main Street, and Jeff went into the ice cream shop for a late night treat. This is what Disney vacation are made of – ice cream on Main Street watching fireworks burst behind Sleeping Beauty’s castle. Perfect.

Photo courtesy of Disney's Photopass+

When we got back to our room the second showing of World of Color was just starting. So we watched it from our balcony.

In our PJs.

Eating cookies.

LOVE Disney.