Our New Old House (and Us)...: California Dreamin'...

Last Thursday, we departed Pittsburgh just in time for some very cold weather to blow into town. Good thing we were headed to one of our favorite warm destinations, Southern California. Our itinerary was as follows:

Friday: Disneyland
Saturday: Visit the Kasdans in Orange County
Sunday & Monday: Visit Grandparents in Palm Springs
Tuesday: Fly home

We arrived at John Wayne Airport at 11pm on Thursday night (after working all day) and headed straight to the Alpine Inn, a kitschy but cheap and clean motel within walking distance from Disneyland. After a very short night's sleep, we left to walk to the park at 7:15am. By 7:30 we were in line at the front gates.

Disneyland Railroad, Main Street Station...

The reason we love this place...

First thing in the morning- ready for a big day!

Sleeping Beauty Castle...

By the time we got to the Astro Orbitor (below) at 8:45am, we had ridden Space Mountain once and Buzz Lightyear twice. Our ride schedule was again planned by Ridemax, our favorite Disney Park planning software. We highly recommend it.

An artsy shot of the Orbitor...

The Haunted Mansion decked out Tim Burton style...

Boarding area for the Haunted Mansion...

Obligatory castle shot...

Up Close...

By 10am, we headed over to California Adventure for our first ever look at that park. In the background below, California Screamin'- a great roller coaster that goes upside down!

First Stop... Toy Story Mania!

After riding Soarin' over California, it was time for a mid-morning break... Jim found a giant Disney-style frappucino....

Mickey's Fun Wheel...

Looking Up...

Riding the Wheel...

Along the Midway...

The Golden Zephyr. Not so exciting, but a ride too cool looking to pass up...

Walking the streets of Hollywood (this part of the park is similar to Hollywood Studios in Florida)...

Loved this restaurant name...

One of Jim's favorites- Carrie is too chicken to ride this...

We found the Mouse...

By 3:30pm, it was back over to Disneyland to find a Pineapple Whip before heading over to the Indiana Jones ride...

We took a short break in Frontierland to enjoy this bluegrass band...

After the Jungle Cruise and another spin on Space Mountain, it was time for our traditional Disney dinner... Veggie Burgers at the Tomorrowland Terrace...