Disneyland Resort
Tuesday, 12th November 2019
Unfortunately for my bank balance, staying at the Grand Californian is a hard habit to break - even more so with the addition of the GCH Craftsman Bar. The perfect place to stop for a quick meal before heading to Downtown Disney for a first look around all the holiday merchandise.
Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
GCH Craftsman Bar
Grand Californian Hotel Lobby
World of Disney
Wednesday, 13th November 2019
Of course the thing I was most excited about on this trip was taking my first trip to Batuu. Whilst it was disappointing that Rise of the Resistance wasn't due to open for another couple of months, there was still plenty to explore. I'd actually made two reservations for Oga's Cantina for my first day - one straight after park opening when I figured it would be quieter and I could have more of a look around and a second one at lunchtime when it seemed more appropriate to try the alcoholic drinks! On my first visit, arriving at about 8.15, I actually ended up being the only guest in the bar for about 15 minutes! Needless to say, that wasn't the case when I returned.
Somewhat unfortunately for my first time seeing Batuu, filming was taking place for the Disney Parks Holiday Special in front of the Millennium Falcon so the views weren't quite as they would usually be.
Somewhat unfortunately for my first time seeing Batuu, filming was taking place for the Disney Parks Holiday Special in front of the Millennium Falcon so the views weren't quite as they would usually be.
DJ Rex @ Oga's Cantina
Oga's Cantina
My good luck continued when I left the Cantina and headed for Smuggler's Run, managing to score the role of Pilot on my first flight in the Millennium Falcon (I managed to experience the other roles on subsequent flights, although more often than not ended up as Engineer).
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Popped off-world to visit the Haunted Mansion Holiday - this year's Gingerbread House celebrated the attraction's 50th anniversary.
Haunted Mansion Holiday
Back to Batuu for an early bite to eat at Docking Bay 7 before returning to Oga's Cantina.
Kylo Ren
Smoked Kaadu Pork Ribs @ Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo
Oga's Obsession & The Outer Rim @ Oga's Cantina
Back to Main Street USA to watch "A Christmas Fantasy Parade".
Sleeping Beauty Castle
"A Christmas Fantasy" Parade
Over to Disney California Adventure to meet up with my friends Paulina and Kristina for some flatbread and Skywalker wine at Alfresco Tasting Terrace
Pixar Pier
Thursday, 14th November 2019
A DCA day - and first time meeting Captain Marvel.
Black Panther & Dora Milaje
Captain Marvel
The set menu for the Frozen Dining Package at Carthay Circle was one of the best meals I had on my last trip to Disneyland - so that was my excuse for going back again!
Frozen Dining Package @ Carthay Circle
Frozen - Live at the Hyperion
Survived the crowds gathered around it's a small world waiting for the Disney Parks Holiday taping to join Paulina on the Happiest Cruise that ever sailed, before we headed back to DCA for the World of Color - Season of Light Dessert Party.
"it's a small world" Holiday
World of Color Dessert Party
Friday, 15th November 2019
A day outside the parks but starting with breakfast at Tangoroa Terrace at the Disneyland Hotel and a wander around Downtown Disney before meeting up with Paulina for a tour of historic Disney sites in the LA area. This included a visit to the final resting places of both Walt and Roy Disney - a wonderful opportunity to take a moment to think about what these men accomplished and the joy their legacies continue to bring people. We followed this up with a relatively impromptu trip to Hollywood where I was distracted by the sight of the new Funko store! Sadly, having parked we discovered it wasn't due to open for another couple of hours so we settled for a wander around Hollywood Boulevard, a quick drink at the Frolic Room and then had a huge amount of fun visiting to Madame Tussauds (Lack of Star Wars exhibits aside, I actually preferred this to the London version).
Then back to Downtown Disney (and my first experience of the Disney parking garages!) to meet Kristina for dinner at the Catal Restaurant. This was my first time dining there - I'm always so tempted just to make repeat reservations at restaurants I know I love but I was determined to fit somewhere new in. This was probably my favourite meal of the trip, so good choice! As we were sat on the balcony we were also able to watch the fireworks from our table - a great end to the day.
Then back to Downtown Disney (and my first experience of the Disney parking garages!) to meet Kristina for dinner at the Catal Restaurant. This was my first time dining there - I'm always so tempted just to make repeat reservations at restaurants I know I love but I was determined to fit somewhere new in. This was probably my favourite meal of the trip, so good choice! As we were sat on the balcony we were also able to watch the fireworks from our table - a great end to the day.
Thick & Fluffy Japanese Pancakes (Vanilla Fluffy Pancakes, Tropical Fruit Compote, Guava Syrup) @ Tangaroa Terrace
World of Disney
Walt Disney's grave at Forest Lawn Memorial Park
Site of the first "Disney Bros" Studio in 1923
Hollywood Walk of Fame
The Frolic Room
Madame Tussauds Hollywood
Crispy Pork Belly (Crushed Avocado, Red Mojo, Fresno Chile, Micro Cilantro) @ Catal Restaurant
Saturday, 16th November 2019
A full day in the Disney parks with Paulina and Kristina - a good part of the day was spent trying various festive food and drink (plus a few drinks at Oga's, of course!), kicking off with breakfast at Jolly Holiday Bakery. After many visits to Disney parks, I also had my first Churro (still yet to have a Mickey ice cream...). In a day of firsts, I was also taken to meet Santa!
We had an early lunch at Carnation Cafe before grabbing a spot at Main Street Station to watch the Christmas Fantasy Parade. We then headed over to Disney California Adventure, picked up some Festival of Holidays snacks and settled down to watch Mostly Kosher's performance at Sonama Terrace. I have to admit, this is the sort of thing I never get round to doing when I'm on my own so thanks to Paulina and Kristina for introducing me to some new Disney experiences (and Santa!).
We had a dinner reservation at Lamplight Lounge and whilst there was quite a delay being seated and served, by the time we'd finished our meal the restaurant was empty and we were left with a difficult choice - stay and watch World of Color or head back to Disneyland to watch the fireworks from Galaxy's Edge. A tough call, but Batuu won out in the end .
With time to kill before the fireworks, we stopped off at the Disney Holiday Dance Party in Tomorrowland. There was a very specific reason for this - I was hoping to see Berlioz /Toulouse . No luck but I would try again the next evening.
Having watched the fireworks we took a couple of trips on Smugglers Run before ending the day with dessert at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo.
We had an early lunch at Carnation Cafe before grabbing a spot at Main Street Station to watch the Christmas Fantasy Parade. We then headed over to Disney California Adventure, picked up some Festival of Holidays snacks and settled down to watch Mostly Kosher's performance at Sonama Terrace. I have to admit, this is the sort of thing I never get round to doing when I'm on my own so thanks to Paulina and Kristina for introducing me to some new Disney experiences (and Santa!).
We had a dinner reservation at Lamplight Lounge and whilst there was quite a delay being seated and served, by the time we'd finished our meal the restaurant was empty and we were left with a difficult choice - stay and watch World of Color or head back to Disneyland to watch the fireworks from Galaxy's Edge. A tough call, but Batuu won out in the end .
With time to kill before the fireworks, we stopped off at the Disney Holiday Dance Party in Tomorrowland. There was a very specific reason for this - I was hoping to see Berlioz /Toulouse . No luck but I would try again the next evening.
Having watched the fireworks we took a couple of trips on Smugglers Run before ending the day with dessert at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo.
Main Street Station
Eggnog Latte Cheesecake (with white chocolate mousse foam and a sprinkling of nutmeg) @ Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe
Christmas Tree Churro
Meeting Santa for the first time!
Fried Pickles with Dipping Sauce @ Carnation Cafe
"A Christmas Fantasy" Parade
Mostly Kosher
Inside Out: Emotional Whirlwind
Disney Holiday Dance Party
Fireworks over Batuu
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Sunday, 17th November 2019
The perfect start to the day - a peaceful brunch at Lamplight Lounge followed by a wander around DCA. Whilst it was already far to o hot to be sitting around, I had to catch one of my guilty pleasures - the Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Dance off! Having watched Mickey's Happy Holidays I headed over to Disneyland . Having tried the blue milk in Oga's Cantina, it was now time for the Green Milk - have to admit I liked them both (brain freeze aside). Had fun sipping my drink watching Kylo Ren interrogate Vloggers...
As it was getting even hotter I popped back to the hotel for a drink at the GCH Craftsman Bar (this really is such a wonderful addition to the Grand Californian) before heading back to my room for the rest of the afternoon. Following an early evening meal at the Napa Rose Lounge it was time to try my luck at the Disney Holiday Dance Party. I was due to meet Paulina and Kristina for later that evening , and a bad foot met I couldn't stand up for too long and as time went on it seemed I wasn't going to catch sight of the Aristocats after all. So I popped across to Alien Pizza Planet to grab an Alien Macaron and messaged my friends to say I'd see them at DCA soon. Except, of course, as I walked back past Tomorrowland Terrace what did I see? Not one, not two but all three Aristocat kittens! Having finally crossed them off my Disney Bucket List, that leave the Rescuers as the characters I most want to see.
After drinks at GCH Craftsman Bar, I said goodbye to my friends before heading back to DCA - had to take in the neon lights of Radiator Springs one last time.
As it was getting even hotter I popped back to the hotel for a drink at the GCH Craftsman Bar (this really is such a wonderful addition to the Grand Californian) before heading back to my room for the rest of the afternoon. Following an early evening meal at the Napa Rose Lounge it was time to try my luck at the Disney Holiday Dance Party. I was due to meet Paulina and Kristina for later that evening , and a bad foot met I couldn't stand up for too long and as time went on it seemed I wasn't going to catch sight of the Aristocats after all. So I popped across to Alien Pizza Planet to grab an Alien Macaron and messaged my friends to say I'd see them at DCA soon. Except, of course, as I walked back past Tomorrowland Terrace what did I see? Not one, not two but all three Aristocat kittens! Having finally crossed them off my Disney Bucket List, that leave the Rescuers as the characters I most want to see.
After drinks at GCH Craftsman Bar, I said goodbye to my friends before heading back to DCA - had to take in the neon lights of Radiator Springs one last time.
New York Avocado Toast @Lamplight Lounge
Pixar Pier
Radiator Springs Racers
Mickey & Minnie Mouse
Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Dance Off!
Five & Dime
Mickey's Happy Holidays
Sleeping Beauty Castle
Mickey & the Magical Map
Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin
Milk Stand, Galaxy's Edge
Chewbacca & Rey
Vanilla Mango Mule @ GCH Craftsman Bar
Roasted "Maple Leaf Farms" Duck Breast @ Napa Rose Lounge
Green Alien Holiday Macaron @ Alien Pizza Planet
Disney Holiday Dance Party
Disney Holiday Dance Party
Pineapple Ginger Margarita @ GCH Craftsman Bar
Monsters, Inc, Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
Radiator Springs Racers
Monday, 18th November 2019
Happy Birthday Mickey Mouse! Following breakfast at the GCH Craftsman Grill, I grabbed my souvenir button at the DCA entrance and...discovered my camera had accidentally been turned on and the battery drained. I'd usually have had a spare but as it was my last day everything was packed and in luggage storage at the hotel. So thank heavens for back up point and shoots!
Obviously one of the priorities was saying hello to the birthday boy on Buena Vista Street. I then left DCA for one final look around Galaxy's Edge. Before even reaching Batuu, and having resisted all week long, I finally caved and bought a Porg from the Emporium! Took him for a ride on Smugglers' Run and enjoyed a Tatooine Sunset ! By sheer luck, I was on my way back down Main Street, heading back to DCA for some lunch , when I saw guests starting to gather for Mickey's Birthday Cavalcade.
Ended up having lunch at Carthay Circle Lounge, chatting to a couple of other guests sat at the bar where we marveled at the incredible "ice sphere" that comes with the Carthay Old Fashioned. My sadly blurry photo doesn't do it justice but I've posted the photo below in any event.
Took Porg to meet Minnie and Donald and then headed for the Captain Marvel line. It was moving very slowly and I was running out of time before I had to head back to the hotel for my Super Shuttle. And then, with one or two families ahead of me I received an automated text to say it had already arrived, way ahead of schedule. Not wishing to incur international charges on a call saying I was on my way, Porg and I abandoned Captain Marvel and rushed back through DCA to the Grand Californian - not quite the relaxing end to my trip I'd have hoped for! Of course when I arrived, the driver was in no rush whatsoever !
Obviously one of the priorities was saying hello to the birthday boy on Buena Vista Street. I then left DCA for one final look around Galaxy's Edge. Before even reaching Batuu, and having resisted all week long, I finally caved and bought a Porg from the Emporium! Took him for a ride on Smugglers' Run and enjoyed a Tatooine Sunset ! By sheer luck, I was on my way back down Main Street, heading back to DCA for some lunch , when I saw guests starting to gather for Mickey's Birthday Cavalcade.
Ended up having lunch at Carthay Circle Lounge, chatting to a couple of other guests sat at the bar where we marveled at the incredible "ice sphere" that comes with the Carthay Old Fashioned. My sadly blurry photo doesn't do it justice but I've posted the photo below in any event.
Took Porg to meet Minnie and Donald and then headed for the Captain Marvel line. It was moving very slowly and I was running out of time before I had to head back to the hotel for my Super Shuttle. And then, with one or two families ahead of me I received an automated text to say it had already arrived, way ahead of schedule. Not wishing to incur international charges on a call saying I was on my way, Porg and I abandoned Captain Marvel and rushed back through DCA to the Grand Californian - not quite the relaxing end to my trip I'd have hoped for! Of course when I arrived, the driver was in no rush whatsoever !
Biscuit French Toast @ GCH Craftsman Grill
Mickey Mouse Birthday Button
Disneyland Band
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Black Spire Marketplace
Mickey Mouse Birthday Cavalcade
Carthay Circle Lounge
Double Pear Martini @ Carthay Circle Lounge
Donald Duck
Captain Marvel
Postscript
During my trip I mentioned (sulkily) a few times to Paulina that I had no idea when or if I would be back at Disneyland. I'm finishing this report at the end of March 2020 and who could possibly have imagined that, just a few months on, the world would be in lockdown and the resorts closed. Revisiting the great times I had while posting these memories has obviously been even more bittersweet than usual.
I currently have a trip to Disneyland Paris booked at the end of June (which I highly doubt will go ahead) and Walt Disney World in November (cautiously optimistic). Here's hoping that guests are able to return to the parks which have brought us so much joy (and calories) soon - but of course, only when safe to do so - and in the meantime thinking of all the cast members who are affected by the closures.
During my trip I mentioned (sulkily) a few times to Paulina that I had no idea when or if I would be back at Disneyland. I'm finishing this report at the end of March 2020 and who could possibly have imagined that, just a few months on, the world would be in lockdown and the resorts closed. Revisiting the great times I had while posting these memories has obviously been even more bittersweet than usual.
I currently have a trip to Disneyland Paris booked at the end of June (which I highly doubt will go ahead) and Walt Disney World in November (cautiously optimistic). Here's hoping that guests are able to return to the parks which have brought us so much joy (and calories) soon - but of course, only when safe to do so - and in the meantime thinking of all the cast members who are affected by the closures.
