I've realized what I never liked about Disney...

Tourists! Last night was awesome, and I realized the Parks are so much better when there aren't any of those pesky tourists around! But I guess I can say the same thing about Times Square.

I weaseled my way into the Park last night and had a wonderful time. Perhaps it was the severe lack of sleep, combined with my second wind, but I felt like I was 10 years old again. The shear giddiness I felt on Mr. Toad's Wild Ride was embarrassing. I also rode some Snow White ride and Pirates again.

They had Sleeping Beauty's castle decked out with holiday lights. It was quite amazing.

Sleeping Beauty's Castle decked out for the Holidays!

They also decorated the It's A Small World ride for Christmas in a way that would have made my mother cry it was so amazing. I had to ride that because if I didn't she'd have beat me mercilessly. So there you go Ma, I rode Small World for you. They had the whole ride decorated and adjusted for the holidays. They kept going between "It's a Small World" and "Jingle Bells". I think I'm good with that ride for another decade now.

This is "It's a Small World"

I was also able to get about 90% of my Christmas shopping done last night, which is pretty awesome.

All in all, I was pleasantly surprised with Disneyland. So many people have told me that it would pale in comparison to Disney World. And it does, but it was better than I thought it would be. One thing I noticed were the type of tourist that were there. Disneyland seems like it caters to more American tourists, while Disney World seems more international. Perhaps flights from Europe to Florida are cheaper/quicker? Or that Disney World is so much bigger that you get more bang for you already stretched buck? I don't know. But it has been a great experience so far.

Today I go back to the Parks for the day. I have to check out California Adventure, and there are a few more things to do at Disneyland that were closed last night.

Tonight I go to the Pond for the first time! So excited!!

Okay - time to get motivated and moving. Sleep was definitely awesome last night, but I must go out and enjoy this Southern California morning.

I'll try to make another post tonight when I get to Santa Barbara, if I'm not too exhausted!