Disneyland and California Adventure

I don't normally blog our trips to Disneyworld, but considering we're unlikely to visit Disneyland ever again, I thought I'd give a short recap and long photo dump instead. :)  

Day 1 at Disneyland was rides, a fun adventure where we were pirate-knapped by Red, and ended the day with fireworks.

We're here!

Taking a private ride up Main Street USA

But...where's the castle?!

Oh THERE it is! (sooo teeeny!!)

As we were making our way to find a seat for the parade, we spotted Jack getting off the raft from Tom Sawyer Island. We chased him down for pictures:

And then, the pirate Red came flying out of nowhere and grabbed S for a hug to welcome us on our first visit. She then adopted us and led us on a hunt for treasure all over the island for about half an hour. We missed the parade and have zero regrets!

Days 2 and 3 were at California Adventure. Again we rode rides, watched the World of Color (first night during the Dessert Party which Curt missed due to not feeling well that afternoon), and met as many Avengers as we could. Avenger's Campus was my favorite part of the trip and the pictures don't do the atmosphere any justice at all.

I did get to see a fake Giant Sequoia tree - instead of the real ones I had wanted to see on this trip.

Goodbye, California Adventure!

Our last day was back at Disneyland where we focused on rides we'd missed the first day, character meets, and favorites we wanted to do again.

We DID finally get to see the parade, after standing around a couple of hours to stake out a spot. Then just before it started, a cast member sprinkled some pixie dust on us and gave us seats in the reserved area! Our feet were SO thankful!

Excellent view!!

After the final fireworks show, we went back to the hotel and stayed up late to pack. 

On the walk between hotel and parks

Thus ended the "big" family vacation for 2023.