Wednesday, March 6, 2013

50th Birthday in Disneyland


I couldn't have asked for a better time on my 50th birthday.   I had planned this trip months after starting my weight loss program.  I figured it would be nice reward to myself for losing all the weight and a great way to celebrate my 50th birthday making myself feel young.   

We arrived Sunday evening and checked into the Disneyland Hotel around 7pm.  We got dressed up and headed to Disneyland for Dapper Day.   We rode the Monorail into Disneyland and met up with some friends and then grabbed a bite to eat.  Then we took off and road the Carousel with the other peopled dressed up.  Then off to the submarine ride I hadn't seen since it was updated.  Then we rode Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion a few times.  We caught a glimpse or two of the Fantasmia show on the water.  We headed to Trader Sam's after the park closed at 11pm and had drinks at the after party for Dapper Day with friends.

We spent all Day Monday at California Adventure.  We got in the park 1hr early because we were staying at the Resort hotels.  We walked through the Grand Hotel into the park and got in line for Radiator Springs Racers Fast Pass so we could ride them right away.  We spent the day getting fast passes for the popular rides and riding others that were not busy.  It was a great day.

Tuesday was my birthday so we spent the day at Disneyland getting there 1hr early.  I went to City Hall and got my Birthday Pin.  I wasn't sure what to expect but people told me I had to get it.  Turns out it was a LOT of fun.  Everyone saying Happy Birthday to me all day!  We had breakfast at the Carnation Cafe and I got a free ice cream with a candle!  Had a great day ending having dinner at Blue Bayou restaurant at the Pirates ride.  

Wednesday we went back to California Adventure and rode the rides we missed and had dinner at the Napa Rose at the Resort Hotel.  We sat at the Chef's table and had a custom vegetarian meal with red wine flights.  We had such a good time we made reservations for dinner the next night.  

Thursday we met our friend Cliff at the park (he works at Disney) and spent the day with him doing things we didn't get to on Tuesday.  By the end of the day I had almost everything checked off my list.  We had lunch at Carthay Restaurant at California Adventure and road Tower of Terror with our friend Cliff (he works the ride).  We spent the end of the day at Disneyland and then had dinner at Napa Rose which was fantastic.  

Friday we checked out of the Hotel and met our friend Cliff's wife Jen at the park (she works there too) and she spent the morning with us shopping at the park and hanging out.  Then we finished the list of things we wanted to do and left the park at 4pm to head to the airport.  Before leaving we got to see a show at the Horseshoe Review and the Voices of Liberty at Mr Lincoln.  

We ate pretty healthy most of the time with some indulgences along the way when we wanted to.  We did a LOT of walking all day and had a GREAT time.  Best 50th birthday I could ever asked for.