I’m back! Did you miss me? I’ve missed talking to you! Two weeks ago we did a vlog update from California, and last week we did a re-post, so we have catching up to do. It’s been a whirlwind of a few weeks to say the least. We went from Disney World, to Disneyland, and now we’re back! We have a lot to talk about, so lets go!
Awhile back, we received the news that Disney gave us media passes for their big event, the D23 Expo in Anaheim. As excited as we were, I was all nerved up about being able to go. Going to Disneyland and D23 was a bucket list thought of mine, and now we were facing it. I don’t know why I get all nervous about traveling to new places, but I do. We left on a Saturday night for the long drive to the West Coast. Yes, it’s a long drive, but it’s cheaper than flying and I truly have of fear of being in an airplane. It made the most sense. Plus, we’ve never seen that side of the country so it was an adventure. Yes, it’s a work trip, but for the boys, I wanted to make it a memorable one. When we finally got to California, we went to Downtown Disney that evening, and rested up because we were going to California Adventure the next day. I was so excited. It was a Disney experience I had never had, and I felt like a kid again. The boys were excited too. Aidan wanted to meet his favorite Disney character, Oswald, which we did as soon as we got there. Andrew wanted to ride California Screamin’ which we also did. All of us were in agreement on riding Guardians of the Galaxy Mission Breakout. We wanted to do as much as we could, because again, it’s a work trip and we only had one day in each park. California Adventure is awesome. Ok, better than awesome, there are no words. We went on as many rides as we could, Cars Land is fantastic, World of Color…. just wow. My family was extra happy because of all the Marvel fun that’s there too. I’ll attach some of the videos of our day below, it was amazing.
The next day was our Disneyland day. I had always wanted to see Walt’s original park, to walk where he walked, to feel that nostalgia, and it was here. As we walked down Disneyland’s Main Street USA for the first time, I felt a lump in my throat. We were here, finally, and I was overwhelmed. Ok sure, I cried at California Adventure too, but that’s beside the point. Seeing Sleeping Beauty Castle, and walking through it was surreal. It’s so much smaller than our Castle at Disney World, but still magical. We took as many photos as we could, then headed to get on some rides. I wanted to do attractions that we don’t have at WDW, and a few of the same, and their Haunted Mansion was on my to do list, as I had to see the Hatbox Ghost. The rides we have in common with Disneyland are a little different. Truthfully, there are a few I like better there. Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean is better than ours, in my opinion. It’s longer. Same with It’s a Small World. Being a huge Haunted Mansion fan, I was anxiously awaiting to see their version, and I loved it. It’s a little better than ours too. Did I mention the Hatbox Ghost? Oh my gosh, he’s everything I hoped he’d be, day made! They still have Toon Town there too, which my kids loved! They went through the houses and had a blast. We watched Disneyland’s parade, went on as many rides as we could, and stayed for their fireworks, which has hints of Wishes in it. Disneyland is beautiful, I’m so thankful that we were able to finally see it. To be able to show my children where the original dream began, well, it’s a blessing. I can’t wait to go back again.
Thursday, we had some down time. We took the kids to the pool at the hotel for a bit. We stayed at the Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel, and it was great. After swimming, we got ready to go to Downtown Disney to meet friends for dinner. Scott was going to the media preview of D23, which started the next day, so he wasn’t with us. I was following along with him though online, because he was getting to see things before the general public, and it was exciting. Friday was go time, day one of the D23 Expo 2017. I was excited, but of course nervous. I knew we had to cover this convention the best we could, it’s part of the job, and I wanted to do that well. D23 is a Disney geek’s heaven. They had displays from movies, Disney merchandise, celebrity panels, and so much more. It was a dream come true to be there. Saturday was the big day, the Disney Parks panel with all the announcements. My Disney rep asked that we be there for that, and I was so excited. As I sat there and listened to all the breaking news, my heart was full. I usually watch for these announcements from home, and we were actually there. To say I was thankful is a total understatement. When we get to do things through TMSM, I never take anything for granted, it’s all appreciated. The news was exciting, so many changes coming to the parks, and I’m glad I was able to relay the news to our readers. Sunday was the Tangled panel, which of course is my favorite. Seeing Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi in person was awesome, I loved it. We got to see the legend himself, Stan Lee. And Mark Hamill. The convention is exhausting, truly. Once those three days were over, my feet and back were killing me, but it’s a good hurt. It was worth every second of it. We made a lot of new contacts, and were also able to meet friends in person that we’ve known for years. I met some Main Streeters as well. So great. Also, while there, a friend in Disney Archives asked for a copy of my book…. to be added to Disney’s archives in California. I’m so thankful for that. All of it. God is good.
Once D23 was over, we headed back towards home. We took a different route so we could see other parts of the country that we hadn’t seen, like Las Vegas. The drive home for some reason took a LOT longer it seemed, but all in all it was an amazing adventure of a week. People wanted to know my thoughts regarding Disneyland versus Disney World. I think I might do a separate post for that. However, I will say, they are both great. Different, but still magical in their own right. I like our Kingdom better, but California Adventure is off the charts good. I did like Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion better, as I said. I wish we had something like World of Color here too, it’s beautiful. Truthfully, I’d love to go back when we have more time, as we didn’t get to see as much as I wanted to. There’s always next time, but I’m thankful for the two days we had at the parks.
So, now what you ask? Well, as crazy as it sounds, Michigan! The one place I didn’t have time to visit this summer is our home state, and I miss it. Sadly we won’t get to stay as long this time because the boys are already starting school soon, but it’s better than no visit. I haven’t been home in seven months, almost eight. I’m way overdue! And with that…. I’ll wrap things up. Thank you all so much for following along on our California Adventure (no pun intended)! It’s a blessing that we have all of you, and I never take any of that for granted. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being Main Streeters, you’re awesome. Until next week, sending you all lots of love, hugs and pixie dust! See ya real soon! ~M
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more! Here’s just a few clips from Disneyland!
Michele also contributes theme park news for Fox 35 Orlando 11pm news and on the radio on WDBO.
- Disney Adventure World: Disneyland Paris Reimagines 2nd Park - April 12, 2024
- Honest Review – 1900 Park Fare Reopens at the Grand Floridian - April 11, 2024
- Hungry? Give City Works at Disney Springs a try! - April 9, 2024