On our last trip to Disneyland, (8 years ago) we stayed at Camelot Inn, which is right across the street from the Disneyland entrance. When we returned home they sent us an email to offer us a 25% discount on our next stay at the property. When I called to make the reservation for this trip, they enthusiastically honored the discount when we inquired about it, even though it's been years! That's great customer experience!
It's a really great property. The location can't be beat and it has a small pool on the fourth floor with vantage point to watch Disney's nightly fireworks. There is no restaurants on property, but it's next to McDonald's, Panera Bread and a locally owned Italian restaurant. There used to be a Pizza Press next door, but it moved further down the street.
The property recently renovated before our trip so we got fresh rooms.
The main room included a king sized bed with a pull out sofa and a nice sized tv and microwave.
The second room included two queen beds and a tv as well. The bathroom was located in this room.
Pixar was celebrating a milestone anniversary in 2024.
Lunch at Downtown Disney.
The Lego store is always fun to visit.
The Rainforest Cafe at Downtown Disney was replaced by a Star Wars Trading Post.
After a short nap (isn't it funny how you go back to napping when you become a certain age?), we headed back to Downtown Disney for dinner.
View of the firewards from the swimming pool deck at Camelot Inn.
Disney day one was spent at Disneyland, and headed straight to The Rise of the Resistance ride at Star Wars: Galaxy Edge. It was AMAZING! We got in line fairly early so we zipped through most of the line experience. Believe it or not, the above is part of what you see while staging for the ride. It's a bit blurry because we just quickly walked through this area.
Another staging area before we got on the ride.
Whether or not you are a Star Wars fan, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge is impressive. Disney has really outdone itself with the detail and the different vehicles and props from the Star Wars series. I could probably spend the entire day here just exploring the area.
A mint julep is always refreshing on a hot day!
I forget where we had lunch, but it was around the New Orleans Square area.
There was a traffic accident on the Autopia on the two tracks next to us. Not sure what happened, but one car on one track jumped the track and hit the car on the other track. So everything came to a grinding halt. We had sat withe the engines idling for a while and then all the cars turned off and we had to wait until Cast Members directed us to the proper exits. Someone in front of us was complaining of waiting so long in the heat, but there's a protocol to follow for safety, right?
Scenes from a parade . . .
Disney day two was spent at California Adventure. There was car trouble in Cars Land! While cruising through Radiator Springs in the Radiator Springs Racer ride, all the cars came to a stop. We waited and waited. And then all the lights turned on. We waited some more. And then a bunch of technicians came out to check a car in front of us. And we waited some more. Finally, we were asked to get up from our cars in a specific order/manner and follow a Cast Member to the exit. No pictures allowed. Honestly, it was cool to walk through the area with the lights on. No detail overlooked and you can't tell that these are all props. For our troubles, we were given Lighting Lane passes that can be used for this ride (normally Lighting Lane passes cannot be used for this ride).
At the Avenger's Campus. This replaced an area that had mainly rides for younger children. It's not as detailed as Galaxy's Edge.
In my previous post, I mentioned how I suck at Mario Cart. I also suck at Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters as well. My family gets points in the hundred thousands while I barely get 10,000 points. Well, I was WINNING at the Web Slingers ride at the Avengers Campus! Whoo hoo! Needless to say, I enjoyed this ride immensely!
The Tower of Terror ride was replaced by a Guardians of the Galaxy ride. I passed on this, but the kid rode it twice.
Radiator Springs at dusk is truly beautiful. My pictures don't do it justice.
I'm so easy to spot in these pictures. LOL.
So that's it for Disneyland. This was just small glimpses of our stay there. People complain about the prices, crowds and long lines, but if you plan it right, you can avoid some of this. Disneyland really is a magical place. They do it right there.
Next up . . . Las Vegas!
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