jbrown-family: Disney's California Adventure-Part 1

Thursday, Oct 24, we went to Dinsey's California Adventure Park. Of course, the boys had a few surprises waiting for them that morning. (I made these shirts just before our trip. It was a last minute decision but they turned out well. In fact, I was stopped by four different people at California Adventure and complimented or asked where we got such neat shirts...kudos for the last minute project!)

We got the boys dressed and headed out for Anaheim.

We arrived before the gates opened. Justin received his 1st Visit and Happy Birthday buttons and we got in line.

First on our list was to go straight to Cars Land...along with nearly everyone else! So, we decided to take it a little bit slower and stop for some pictures.

Most people were actually headed to the FastPass line for the Radiator Springs Racers, which is the primary attraction in Cars Land. We really wanted to ride it but, unfortunately, Garytt just barely missed the height requirement (by less than half and inch!) But Disney isn't short on fun attractions, so we went to Mater's Junkyard.

We had a short wait...look at all the empty space!

The boys watched closely while we waited.

Finally, it was our turn!

As you can see from the fact that we switched riding partners, we rode this ride twice in a row because the boys loved it so much. I have to admit, it looks like a tame ride but it was really fun. I think we rode Mater's Junkyard about four times total that day.

Mater's Junkyard is pretty much right at the beginning of Cars Land. So, we walked further into the streets on Cars Land, which looks just like the movie!

As we passed by the Cozy Cone motel, we noticed that there was a meet and greet for Mater. So we waited in line (which wasn't very long).

Sadly, Mater had to go get his oil checked just before we were able to meet him (literally we were the next in line to meet him). So, we waved to him as he drove aways and Lightning McQueen arrived.

I have to say both Mater and Lightning were pretty cool! They were able to talk (and not just canned phrases), theirs eyes moved, and they could drive.

Next up, we went to Luigi's Flying Tires. This attraction is like playing bumper cars on a huge air hockey table. Garytt really enjoyed "getting" me and Westyn.

California Adventure Park didn't open until 10 am that morning, so, it wasn't long before we were ready for a little lunch. We packed our lunch but ate at a table in Flo's V8 Diner.

After lunch we headed over to Bugs Land. We went to the It's A Bug Life 4D show first. Sadly, it terrified Garytt. So, we had to leave in the middle. This was the same show that he saw in Disney World and handled it just fine. We actually anticipated Westyn not doing well at this attraction. So, there ya go, you just never know. But, I have to admit, this attraction is a bit scary. After all, who wants this guy coming after you?

So, we headed to a much more tame ride...the Chew Chew Train. This was a short ride through several food items. The watermellon dripped on you, the cupcake smelled sweeet, etc. It was a cute ride and not scary at all.

Next, Justin and Garytt rode a bumper car style ride that Westyn was too short for. Garytt enjoyed driving.

Westyn waited patiently for Garytt to finish his ride. (I love that the bench looks like old popsicle sticks...such attention to detail!)

We finished up our time in Bugs Land on the lady bug ride.

After that, we decided it was time to head over to the Paradise Pier part of the park. That is where the big Mickey's Fun Wheel is, which is the trademark icon of Disney's California Adventure Park. (Sadly we didn't see a PhotoPass photographer to get our picture in front of it.)

We headed straight for the Toy Storia Midway Games ride. This ride had a longer line than any of the other rides we had been on but they had some fun entertainment in line...like the talking Potato Head.

Pretty soon, we were at the front of the line and getting our cool 3D glasses.

Garytt is ready to go!

Westyn in action.

By this time, we decided it was time to take an afternoon break so we could make it back to the park in time for the Pixar Parade. On our way out of the park, we ran into Chip 'n Dale!