2021 DISNEY ADVENTURE – PART II

September 14, 2021

Return to the Park

Since Disneyland reopened, reservations have been required to visit the theme parks. When we made our hotel reservations, we also made reservations for three days at parks. We had park-hopper tickets, but we had to designate one park to begin each day. After noon, we could visit to the other park.

We chose Disneyland for our first day. Larry’s priority was to visit the new Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge area.

Reservations for the virtual queue for the Rise of the Resistance could only be made using the Disneyland phone app. Guests were required to log in by 7:00 a.m. You could log in again at 1:00 p.m. Larry did, but all of the spots for the day were gone immediately.

Since we already had our tickets, we walked right into the park. We decided to take the train once completely around the park and then get off at New Orleans Square. From there, we walked back to Star Wars Land. It was eighty-six degrees and about 80% humidity.

I don’t do heat well.

We explored the area. There was a lot to be seen. We appreciated and enjoyed the fabulous theming.

By the time we got to the back of the area, we were both hot. I located a table in the shade. Larry left me outside while he went to get us cold drinks. A few minutes later, Larry called. He had located a table inside—in the air conditioning.

It felt much better inside. We remained there for a few minutes while we enjoyed our iced beverages and allowed our bodies to cool off.

As we exited, we noticed that the Millennium Falcon ride had a single-rider line. We agreed to go that way so we could get on the ride. We walked up to the line, and were let in quickly. Larry went first, and I got on two vehicles later.

It is a fun ride—sort of like Star Tours but interactive.

We continued through the land and finally exited through Fantasyland.

On the way into the park, I spotted a t-shirt I wanted. We exited the park through the shops on Main Street, but I didn’t see the t-shirt. In fact, I didn’t see any I liked.

Larry wanted to see the Haunted Mansion (decorated for Halloween) at night, so we decided to take a rest at the hotel and come back later.

Since it was close to four, we decided to try for an early dinner at the Storyteller Café. However, when we arrived, it wasn’t open.

We headed back upstairs and checked with the concierge. Since the restaurant had just reopened, it was only open for breakfast and dinner—after 5:00. So, we decided to eat dinner at the restaurant the next night and take advantage of the hot appetizers at the Veranda instead, since this service started at 4:30.

They offered a selection of Dim Sum, mini eggrolls, veggies with hummus, chips and onion dip, tiny rolls, fresh fruit, cookies, and other choices. Quite enough and delicious. Again, the portions were tiny, but there was enough variety to appeal to anyone.

As it got darker, we headed back to Disneyland, took the train to New Orleans Square, and walked to the line for the Haunted Mansion. It moved along quickly, and we were inside in about ten minutes.

The Nightmare Before Christmas theme once again converted the ride, always fun.

By this time, we had walked most of the day and were tired. We went through the stores on the opposite side of Main Street, but I still didn’t find the t-shirt I wanted.

As we reached the top of Main Street, the nighttime light show began. We watched most of it before leaving the park.

We usually get ice cream on the way out, but everything inside the park was crowded. I looked at what stores were in Downtown Disney, and discovered there was an ice cream store directly opposite the entrance to the hotel.

We walked over there, and we each got a scoop of Cowboy Coffee Crunch: coffee ice cream with a ribbon of fudge and crushed coffee beans. YUMMY! I only ate half of my scoop. Larry ate his and finished mine.

Altogether a busy, happy, and fun day.

 

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