A couple weeks ago was my first visit to California and man, we were all over the place. I went to the Pirates Of The Caribbean Premiere and Red {Aqua} Carpet. I attended the Pirates Press Junket and even interviewed quite a few stars and the directors from Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales. That’s a lot, right? Oh no, my friends. I also went to Disneyland and California Adventure, courtesy of Disney. Even though I only spent a few days in California, I think I can officially say that I have been all up in California’s business.

My First Visit To Disneyland & California Adventure

The week prior, Jay and I had visited Orlando, Florida and went to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom at Disney World. We even stayed on Disney property. Yaaaas! That’s the way to do it. So, in June, I saw ALL THE DISNEYS!!!! Well, the American ones, at least. 😉 So, back to Anaheim, California and Disneyland and California Adventure. 🙂

Pirates Of The Caribbean: Disneyland Vs. Disney World

First, we rode the Pirates Of The Caribbean ride which is the actual inspiration for the Pirates Of The Caribbean franchise of movies. Jay and I had ridden the Orlando version just a few days before for the first time, too, so I will compare the two a bit. They actually are a little different!

They are both great, and the perfect way to relax for a bit on a hot day as both days were. Pirates Of The Caribbean is a water ride and you might get wet. I actually got splashed more on the one in Disneyland and I was on the side for both, so it might actually be “splashier.” The wait for the ride in Disneyland was longer {45 minutes} than the one in Disney World {25 minutes} and was mostly outside {the one in Orlando has an inside queue} but, to me, the wait in Disneyland **felt** shorter. I think it was because it was outside and I could people watch. 🙂 There is also a cute restaurant that you can see from the line in the Disneyland version. I am totally eating there one day. I felt that both rides were well worth the wait. They are also a little bit different from each other in other ways, as well. But I won’t spoil that for you. You will need to ride them for yourself to see what those are. 😉

Hungry Bear Restaurant

I think our fearless leader, Marshall, said this was his favorite restaurant at Disneyland. So, I was definitely excited to try it! I had a chicken sandwich and fries {yum!} but the BEST thing I had was the Honey Bee Frozen Lemonade. Mmmm… it had a honey stick in it that melted as you drank it. I definitely recommend you try it if you get the chance.

Pin Trading, Tigger Tails & Olaf

So, we paired up for our day in the parks and I hung out with my girl Meghan from JaMonkey.com. She was really excited about Hyper Space Mountain. So, while she waited to do that ride, I traded some pins. You guys know me. I got a few cute pins but the BEST one was a tiny little Bambi! Oh, and the apple head Olaf! 😀

Speaking of Olaf.. {see how I worked Olaf in there} Meghan tried a Tigger Tail and I had an Olaf. I think they are pretty much the same thing except the outsides look different. I had seen people talking all over Youtube about how great the Tigger Tails were so I had to try one. But when I got to the Winnie The Pooh & Friends store that sold them, I saw the Olaf one. The heart wants what the heart wants. It was like a Caramely S’more party in my mouth. Definitely try one!

Where In The World Is Jack Sparrow?

I really enjoyed taking pictures of my Funko Pop Jack Sparrow all over the park. He went everywhere! Mini Jack Sparrow could be found catching a Disney parade, pillaging at Sleeping Beauty’s castle, outside the Pirates Of The Caribbean ride, in Toon Town, and even at “It’s A Small World.” Ironic, eh?

California Adventure

Then we went to California Adventure. although we spent most of our day at Disneyland, we still did quite a bit at California Adventure, as well. One thing I have to say that I really prefer at Disneyland {to Disney World} is the ease going between parks. It was just like maybe a 5 minute ride to get over to California Adventure from Disneyland. Nice! I do love the air conditioning of the rides between parks in Disney World, but there is a whole lot to be said for the convenience of 5 minutes!

I saw Minnie Mouse at California Adventure. She was so cute! I hadn’t seen her before, so I was pretty pleased that she was just standing out on the street and really easy to find.

Then we did the Exclusive Sneak Peek of Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales. That was really cool. It was an in depth look at the movie in a nice, air conditioned theater. You could even check out props from the set, including outfits and posters, so it was a lot of fun.

Radiator Springs

Then we went to Radiator Springs. Oh man! It was perhaps the coolest thing in the park. There were even rock replicas that were huge in the background that were gorgeous. I admit, I just stared in awe. How people can take an idea like that from paper to real life is amazing to me. The whole “town” was full of restaurants and shops that looked like places you might actually find in Radiator Springs. And we even saw Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater. Meghan and I thought they were models at first and then they started up and drove around!

World Of Color

I really can’t even explain this. World Of Color was breathtaking to see. It’s a water and light show that is just amazing. This, again, would be one of those things that I have no idea how anyone could make happen. Water would shoot up in the air and a light show was displayed on that water. A host of Disney characters were featured in the show and it was really beautiful. It starts late, and World Of Color is pretty much standing room only. So, be sure to grab a nice meal and relax beforehand. It’s so worth it.

Summer Of Heroes

Guardians Of The Galaxy – Mission Breakout! which will combine “a breathtaking free-fall sensation with all- new visual and audio effects” is now open at California Adventure! Some of the characters in Guardians Of The Galaxy will actually be in the park for the first time to take part in Summer Of Heroes, an ever-expanding universe of Super Hero stories at Disney California Adventure that will become even bigger over time. In addition, guests in the park’s Hollywood Land will join some favorite Super Heroes for epic, new experiences for a limited time” for Summer 2017.

Check out the rest of my pictures from Disneyland and California Adventure on Flickr!

Get Social With Disneyland

Blog / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Youtube