Disneyland

Well, the girls were given 3 day passes to Disneyland for Christmas, so, off we all went to the magical kingdom. Diana's parents and Patrick, Rhonda, Zach and Samantha joined us as well. We arrived at the park and got situated and were able to do the most wonderful of modern conveineinces, laundry!! Hey, we just spent over a week out boondocking out by Joshua tree, things get a touch funky. Also the hot showers were very nice too. After only a few moderate delays, we were up the next morning, evading traffic, only to land in what we told the girls was the hallmark of the Disney experience....Lines. It took a seeming forever to get into the parking structure and catch the tram. After that though, and for the rest of the weekend, with the exception of Friday evening, both Disneyland and California Adventures was remarkably free of crowds (for a major theme park that is.) The girls absolutely loved it, as did Diana and I, though we must admit (me mostly, since she is not here to rebuff me) that the rides seem either a bit dated, or waaaay more jerky than I recall from my last visit 12 years or so ago. The girl's favorites at Disneyland were: Pirates of the Carribean, Thunder Mountain and Space mountain. They enjoyed the rest, though we were all D-U-N done by the last night. They both agreed that the experience was much better than the Ellensburg Rodeo (their only point of reference). One thing at disneyland that I can suggest skipping - Innoventions. What a blatant commercial POS. Bleh, enough said. The girls also agreed on their favorite California Adventures rides: Toy Story (why, yes, I did have the highest score of anyone in the group if you must ask), California Screaming (Definately sit in the very back for the best ride) and Soaring over California (now if they could just add some 3D glasses and some drop down Gatling guns to shoot at the people below, but that is just me talking). They both (and me too for that matter) agreed that the Tower of Terror was 'not so much fun'. All in all, it was a 3 day fun fest. We were able (and smart enough thanks to Diana) to pack in enough water and snacks to avoid any of the park fare except the first night when we stayed late. That was a relief and did save on the pocket book, plus what we did have for dinner ranked only slightly less salty than the Dead Sea, but not by much. Also, those who want to talk about the security at the parks should e-mail me direct. I will not go off on a rant here. Enjoy the pics, sorry there are not more of us on the rides, but we were on the rides with them, so there! After this it is off to Carlsbad to visit the beach!