Vacation! Part 1 / Southern California / Disneyland

Last September, Derrick and I went on a huge vacation to California. It was incredible and amazing and fantastic and we’re ready to go back at any moment! We really loved California – the climate, the landscape, the people – California! If only it was a little closer, we’d probably be thinking about moving there!

So, I figure, since we are 9 days away from our next big vacation, it’s time to catch up on the last one!

We spent 7 glorious, sun-filled days in southern California – and 3 of those days we dedicated to Disneyland & California Adventure. Neither of us had ever been to Disneyland and the last time I was in a Disney park was the last day of my College Program – the day before Derrick & I got engaged!

I didn’t take my “big” camera on our trip because I knew I wouldn’t be able to lug it around to the parks & the beaches we were going to – so I borrowed my sister’s point & shoot camera. It was perfect to tuck in a pocket & carry around!

This was literally my face when we walked into the parks for the first time:

We went to California Adventure first – Radiator Springs was calling our name & it was absolutely incredible. It literally looked like we walked straight into the movie! We seemed to keep coming back to that area & the Cars ride was our favorite!

This ride is called “Mickey’s Fun Wheel” – and we had no clue what we were getting into when we got onto it the first time. It was the most terrifying ride ever! Just, take our word for it!

So, the night time shows in Disney World are out of this world, so there was no way we were passing up seeing the night time shows at Disneyland! They did not disappoint! California Adventure has the World of Color – a laser/water show – it was absolutely incredible!!

California Adventure was really cool – it was different and fun, but nothing can top Disneyland.

My favorite treat in the whole wide world : Dole Whip from Adventureland!!

SO COOL! During the fireworks at Disneyland – Dumbo actually flies over the castle! Tinkerbell does too – but I was SO surprised to see Dumbo come out – I can’t believe I caught a picture of him!!

Disneyland not only does fireworks, but they have a Fantastic show too [just like Hollywood Studios in Florida]. It was slightly different – the best part was when they sailed the pirate ship out & had Peter Pan & Captain Hook duel!

 I have so many more pictures! But, I figured I’d split this up into 2 posts! Stay tuned!