Harbor and Katella

We had been planning on visiting Disneyland (the Happiest Place on Earth) on Friday 20 April while we were in California for Elizabeth's wedding. As the day approached it was looking more and more like it would be a rainy day. Lenore was very pleased with the very nice weather in CA when we arrived Thursday afternoon, and justifiably disappointed when we awoke in the morning to rain.

Not to despair, We had been to the Magic place once before when it was drizzly and it was a great time because mainly only the die-hards go to the park when it is rainy. This time didn't disappoint either.



We had tried to find our stash of ponchos before leaving home. But, no such luck. Ed was able to turn up a couple of raincoats for me and Lenore. He was sure he had about 15-20 ponchos in his attic (probably emblazoned with the Steelers logo). But, he couldn't find them. We stopped at Target in FV and picked up a couple of $1.00 ponchos for the big kids and a nicer smaller (but still almost too big) poncho for Laney, and a couple of hats.

The park was only mildly populated and most lines were quite short. Seriously, we spent more time in line at a Churro cart than we did for the last two times on Pirates and the last time on Haunted Mansion, combined!!! They should have vendors like at baseball games throwing those things to grateful customers. There is a really big demand for them. That's one of the treats we look forward to when going to D-land.

There was one 20 minute or so period where it was really raining too hard. We went on the Jungle Cruise and Jensen was sitting right next to one of the poles supporting the tarp and water was just draining onto her head. Unfortunately, we couldn't hear most of the lame jokes the guide was saying. After that, still in the downpour, we went to Big Thunder Mountain.



Ever since the first time I rode on Pirates of the Caribbean, I've wanted to eat in the Blue Bayou restaurant. It has been a childhood dream of Lenore's too. A month ago Ailsa called and made a reservation. We had a great time with wonderful food. The kids went Cajun with Gumbo and Jambalaya. Lenore and I had the best short ribs ever. Laney was having difficulty eating because of a loose tooth. So, I pulled it out right there in the restaurant. Later I thought we should have made a wish and tossed it into the lagoon.

While waiting in line at the Matterhorn I overheard a DSA (Disneyland Service Announcement) that went something like: "Due to inclement weather the Electric parade has been cancelled. We invite you instead to enjoy Mickey's Rainy Day Cavalcade!!!!" I envisioned a techie placing a cd in a player somewhere in the bowels of the park and putting it on endless repeat.

Jensen finally got to go on the Indiana Jones ride. Every time in the past when she has tried to go, it was broken down. This ride is actually quite fun, and if you notice it seems like it takes up a huge area. We weren't sure that Laney could go on it. She didn't seem like she was quite tall enough. But we puffed up the hood of her poncho and no one seemed to care. She thought is was great. Later in the day we tried to go again. The lady at the beginning of the line checked her height and let her in line. Later, right before boarding the jeeps, another worker pulled her out of line and checked her height. She was about 1/4 inch too short and he wouldn't let her on. This made her cry. We called him a height Nazi. I made that last part up. I went with Ailsa and Jensen, and Laney recovered from the anxiety and embarrassment soon enough. We should have had her wear slightly taller shoes.



I had to leave the park for a little while in the evening for the wedding rehearsal. But, we connected up again and stayed there until about 10:30 when we were mostly beat.

The fireworks show was very fun and beautiful. Interesting shapes of explosions, like hearts and cubes.

A couple of notes. There is a racket of renting wheelchairs and motorized (little weasel) wheelchairs for those feigning handicaps and too delicate to be on their feet all day. And lo and behold there is an upside for such people. They get to go right to the head of the line without a fastpass . I did actually see two women who obviously needed wheelchairs. But, they were the kind you propel with your hands. I'd like to have the wheelchair concession at Disneyland.

Pirates has a couple of updates. They play some of the soundtrack music from the movie. They've added Captain Jack Sparrow in three places. The first mannequin is extremely lifelike. We had to restrain Ailsa and Jensen. Right before you enter the lagoon with the sea battle, they have added an oilcracker screen that you ride through and they project a video image of Davey Jones on the smoke. It is pretty cool.