Downtown Disney

Naturally, Disney would have something to do when you're not in one of the two parks. And naturally, downtown Disney is right in the middle of the parks.

To get in you have to pass through the same security gate outside the park. I honestly have no idea what it actually accomplishes but I suppose a false sense of security is better than no security at all. 

In the front of downtown Disney is the biggest Disney store I've ever seen in my life. I'd swear it's a block long. At least the size of 4 or 5 stores combined. I feel silly for not realizing that Disney had that many products to sell to the public. Even fancy purses.

Downtown Disney is a shopping center for just about anything your heart desires. The street venders had the feeling of Disney to them. There was a calligrapher that did letters out of princesses and had I been able to figure out where and why I'd hang it, I probably would have purchased it for Bug (who hadn't noticed it). Personally, I'm not a big fan of shopping but I had a good time looking at the plethora of Disney items. My kids sure enjoyed it too and both of them walked away with new toys: Hello Jessie and Woody dolls!

Finding food was more interesting given the numerous choices to be had. The price tag was more than I'm typically comfortable with but I suppose it was similar if not slightly better than inside the parks. We settled on a New Orleans themed fast food joint. The food was satisfying enough but at the sit-down restaurant end of it we purchased dessert and that was divine. I had chocolate brioche bread pudding. 

The only complication of our day was when Bug had to use the restroom during dinner. The sign clearly stated no restroom for customers and the closest one I knew of wasn't very close. The manager of the restaurant had been taking out the trash when he passed us and overheard our conversation. I was thrilled when he offered to let Bug use the employee bathroom. 

I think it's fair to say this has been my first experience somewhere that all the employees genuinely seem happy to be working. It makes a difference for me to be willing to spend my money. 

California Adventure

Ohmagawd, OhMaGawd, OHMAGAWD! I am in Disney's California Adventure. We are in Disney's California Adventure!

I feel like a kid in a candy store. I had fun admiring the themed buildings at Knott's Berry but now after seeing this that seemed like a waste of time. This place is incredible. I am actually understanding Disney Magic, it's here.

We've been inside the gates just a few minutes and already I've met Goofy and I feel like I've left and gone to yesteryear. I suppose I have. And this. Is. Awesome.

Before coming I signed up for Touring Plans so we could maximize our enjoyment of the park with minimal work. Boy Howdy did it prove to be worth every penny and then some.

I know I'm a dork but all the amazing backdrops for photo ops thrill me. Bug, not so much. Luckily,  our first stop was Bug Land to ride Heimlichs Chew Chew train. Who knew a little train with funny sounds and smells could be so enjoyable even with a baby strapped to my chest. This is promising to be a great day.

Fast Passes are wonderful. They are making the day so easy and with our Touring Plan it's like the park is set up for our personal pleasure. Just as we finish in a area, we get to the parade at the perfect time which ends in time for our fast passes and then we're done in perfect time for a show. I'm seriously loving it.

Bug loved King Triton's Carousel and every time we'd pass the far wall (where King Triton is) she'd get super excited and point to him. Took me 3 passes before I figured out what she was saying or pointing to.

We got lucky and Moose loves rides. Even the dark ones. We got to do the Toy Story *shooting* ride which was so much fun. We did try to do it a second time but Bug really had to go potty and we didn't have someone to hold our place in line and it was too long to return to the end and still get to our show.

I am super grateful that I'm able to do some adult rides too. California Adventure is so much fun! While Mom and Debby were in line to go on it the chitlens and I were just hanging out when Bug spotted Woody across the boardwalk. She got super excited and started pointing to him wanting to go say hi. I was not expecting her to get excited over anything but princesses especially when she was so mad having to be near Goofy (which she later wanted to go back and do over). It was cute and I was so happy that she got so comfortable so quick.

I really loved the parade. Moose was asleep but he woke up when all the loud music started. I have to admit I was terribly lost many times in the park but the themed buildings are so fun to look at I don't even mind when I'm lost.

On our way to see the Aladdin show Bug saw Jake and totally *girl groupie style* freaked out wanting us to turn around so she could meet him. I didn't even know she had a little crush on him.

As our major splurge I knew I wanted to have a character meal so Bug could meet a bunch of princesses for sure. I was really surprised at the quality of the food, it was delicious. I upset Bug just before Cinderella (the first princess) got to our table so she wanted nothing to do with her. She was happier by the next princess and then was upset that she didn't get a picture with Cinderella (theme of the day) but they were really great about letting us come back later so she could spend a moment with her. Disney really cares about making your day magical.

At the end of the night we got spots on the bridge to watch World of Color. It was amazing. The show was great, watching it with my children was the most special gift I could have received.

I had promised Bug that we'd do the Under the Sea ride (may have forgotten about it) so we went to ride it after World of Color. We were up early, and it was late when the show ended, and there was some drama before we got on the ride so by the time we got through the line (very short) Bug fell asleep. She didn't wake up for the ride either. I was sad for her but truth be told it was quite hilarious.

Knotts Berry Farm

Tickets have been purchased, car has been packed, let's get this show on the road.

First stop: Knotts Berry Farm- because 4 days in Disneyland may not be enough (totally kidding).

Growing up I always heard about Knott's Berry Farm. The extent of my knowledge was that they made yummy jam. I figured the farm was just that: where they made jam. As an adult I've seen ticket coupons for the place but never bothered to investigate the place farther.

Turns out it is quite the theme park for the crowd that likes fast adventure rides. Could be fun, but not for a 3 year old who isn't tall enough and certainly not for an infant. That leaves a few snoopy side shows, and a stage coach that gets robbed. The waters were insanely priced, like first born child priced, and the food wasn't appealing. Luckily, we planned on eating at the diner outside the park.

A few hours of wandering around was enough for us before getting our chicken dinner. Me oh my those portions were huge.  Pretty tasty though.