We knew this morning would start early. Gina, Tricia, and I knew we would be the first up because our body clocks had us 2 and 3 hours ahead- but none of us were ready for the 6am wake up call. Not a formal telephone ringing, but marching band outside our hotel window wake up call. This was Disneyland’s Avengers Marathon weekend- and the marathon kicked off at 6am and there starting point was not to far from our hotel room window…
So, we were up. It was all good, we all were able to shower leisurely and be a tad early for our 9am breakfast reservation at Steakhouse 55.
The food is as delicious as it is beautiful. We cannot recommend Steakhouse 55 more!
After we were all fueled up, we were ready to board the monorail in Downtown Disney that would bring us right inside Disneyland park. Very close to the newly, re-imagined HyperSpace Mountain…. and we couldn’t help but try and take a ride! This ride was officially opening the next day, but we had some pixie dust sprinkled and we were so excited to test the former Space Mountain out!
After Hyper Space Mountain, we met up with another friend, Mary, and we were off to Star Tours right next door.Tricia and I decided to sit this one out and went shopping instead.
Next up was the Matterhorn Bobsleds- single rider line is the best way to go here as well- no opportunity for Fast Passes here. Then we boarded Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. Both are just amazing attractions!
Next it was a cruise onboard the Pirates of the Caribbean (the Disneyland version is much better in my opinion)…
and then Haunted Mansion Holiday!
Then we headed to Indiana Jones, a Dole Whip, Mickey Pretzels, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, a quick lunch at the Village Haus, and a fun spin on Pinocchio’s Daring Journey (adorable hidden gem I assume most people skip- I suggest you don’t!).
By now we needed a break. We decided to head over to Trader Sam’s (and meet Juanita’s husband, Art) back at the Disneyland Hotel for a break…
After feeling refreshed, we said good bye to Juanita and Paige, and the rest of us headed back into the park where were able to watch It’s a Small World Holiday’s 6pm show…
The holiday version of It’s a Small World is just as magical as the original…
From there we headed into Toontown and took a ride on Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin.
For dinner, we went to grab a quick bite at the Galactic Grill.
Then it was time to grab a spot for the Paint the Night Parade- which is just spectacular…
It was a bit windy that night, so the fireworks were cancelled- but the castle show went off without a hitch!
Now we were all exhausted. Mary headed back to her hotel and the 4 of us strolled back to ours… a long 36 hours- but… SO MUCH FUN! We not only experienced so may attractions but made sure we got in a little adult fun too visiting 2 lounges and had an amazing breakfast at Steakhouse 55.
For anyone who thinks you can do Disneyland in a weekend? We tried- and failed. We suggest at least 2 FULL DAYS in Disneyland park and at least another FULL day at California Adventure park to get in the most magic. The 3 Disney resorts are also attractions in their own right, and down time is easy as they are all walking distance away from the parks and Downtown Disney (that has great shopping and dining locations as well).
