California Adventure

Thursday morning, we set out for a big day at Disney's California Adventure.  This park opened in 2001 and I visited it once before it officially opened because I was dating a guy who worked on the construction crew.  The park has gone through some huge renovations since then but a few things were still the same.  

Here we are heading to the park.    

 Waiting for the gates to open.

 In line for our first ride of the day, Soarin' Around the World.

 Serafina picked this out this jersey the night before.

 Making our way across the park.

 Second ride needed 3D glasses.  It also broke down three times, twice while we were on it.  They were short delays thankfully.

 Wall-E was a much loved movie in our house.

 The Cars movie was also a huge part of Leo's early childhood.  He watched that movie so much that the DVD would freeze up in spots.  California Adventure has "Cars Land" that recreates the movie.  It was a wonderful treat to watch my 12 year old have nostalgia.

Visiting Luigi's Tire Shop

 This is the Radiator Springs Racers ride.  We came back to this later in the day.

 Ready to ride the tractors on Mater's Junkyard Jamboree.

 Then we spotted Mater doing photos and Leo decided he needed a picture with Mater, which completely melted my heart.

 Awww.

 In the movie, the Cozy Cone is a motel.  Here it was food stands and we got some yummy pretzel bites.

 Luigi's Rollicking Roadsters dance to music and it is super cute and fun to ride.

 Then it was on to ride Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout.  The line had lots of interesting things to look at.

We even spotted Jeff Goldblum!

Serafina hated this ride (it made her cry) and Leo loved it. It was fun but too intense for me so I couldn't take him on it for a second ride.  

 The park was celebrating Lunar New Year and we got to enjoy the procession while waiting for our lunch order.

Back to Cars Land and a picture with a tractor.

 The swinging ferris wheel was fun but I didn't feel great after.

 Meeting Joy from "Inside Out" made me feel better.

 A stop into Bing Bong's Sweet Stuff also helped.

 The Churro Toffee is Instagram famous so I had to try it.  It was tasty but so sweet I couldn't have more than a couple of bites.

 Then it was time to go back to Radiator Spring Racers.

 It was super fun.

 After a pretty sunset, it was time for a little break in the hotel.

 Then back for dinner.  Plant-based crumble on nachos for me.  It was amazing but spicy.

 Serafina got to look tough with Captain Marvel.

 Then it was time for some cotton candy and the big night show.

It was a super fun and very exhausting day.