SoCal: Day 5, Disneyland and Flight Home

The girl at the gate at Disneyland last night told me that the park opened at 8am today, so I set my alarm for 7, showered and packed up the room so I could enjoy the morning at the park. Well, when I arrived with my spirits high at 8am sharp I discovered that the girl was wrong and the park opened at 10. Crestfallen, I went back to the hotel and grabbed the car, going to the Company D Store/Team Center to see if they were opened. They opened at 9, so I went to the gas station to fill up the car and clean out the trunk. I headed back to the Team Store and made some purchases, then went back to the hotel to check out.

After checking out, I went back to the park, as it was now 10. I went in and went to the Lincoln Experience. This exhibit was closed last year when I was here, so I was glad to check it out. Turns out this exhibit has changed often throughout the years, being revamped about 5 times. They restored it to the original, which was very cool since it was restored to what Walt himself planned and wanted. I was amazed to see how much of the show was also incorporated into the American Experience at EPCOT Center in Walt Disney World.

After Lincoln, I went to Adventureland and Pirates of the Caribbean. It did not disappoint, again. I found Jack the Pumpkin King and Sally outside the Haunted House, and seeing as how there was no wait I went on the Haunted Mansion again. Oh, but before going on the ride I grabbed a churro since the stand was finally open ;)

After the Mansion, I walked around some to absorb the park- making my way to Fantasyland and Tomorrowland, winding up back on Mainstreet USA I walked toward the exit and stopped by the Firehouse to pay homage to Uncle Walt. I turned to leave - I really only had about an hour and a half to enjoy the park since I didn’t want to be late for my 1:40p flight. Of course, I did grab a fresh churro on my way out ;)

The drive back to John Wayne only took about 20 minutes, and returning the car was a breeze. I flew through security and had about an hour before my flight. I was very disappointed to see that the only food options in the airport are McDonalds and Starbucks, some bars and restaurants (not quick) and bookstores. I’ll have to remember that for next time and grab food on the way. Or eat in the park, but I didn’t want to waste what little time I had there eating.

The flight is rather light again, and I got my own row. This time we are flying a little higher tack, and I was able to see the Grand Canyon from the air, which was amazing. I hope to see that in January. The Rockies were incredible - way better than the part we saw on the way out. Perhaps it’s because we’re coming the other way and the setting sun is hitting them, but it’s simply gorgeous.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to get myself another CranApple…