Thursday, December 30th

Last night we stayed at Anaheim Harbor RV park.  It’s basically a parking lot with full hook-ups and it is wonderful.  Last night we also had a leak in the RV ceiling over our bed.  Nole and I rigged up a way to catch the water and went to sleep.  We texted Tobias about it but not much he can do.  We put the leveling blocks on one side (so the rain can more easily flow off the roof) and checked for forecast.  Rain today until about 4pm and then clear skies until we return it on Sunday.

We woke up at 6am this morning to go to Disneyland.  Our RV park is a 20 minute walk from the theme park entrance so after breakfast and packing a couple of backpacks (first time at a theme park with all the kids with no stroller!) we made the trek to the original Disney theme park.  It was drizzling when we left and rain was expected all day.  We packed extra socks, wore our rain coats and thought we would be golden. 

We were front row for “rope drop” which means we were let in the park early to queue up at one of several locations inside to decrease the rushing and bottlenecking when they actually open. 

Rather than beat the crowd to a ride with a notoriously long wait like we usually do, we went on all the other rides that normally have like a 20 minute wait but had no wait right at the beginning.  We did a bunch of favorites from previous trips to Disney parks like Small World, the carousel and Pinocchio.  There were a lot of new-to-us rides as well.  Cal’s favorite was Space Mountain. Asa’s were the Matterhorn and Indiana Jones. Nova and Esme had a hard time deciding. Esme liked Pirates, small world, Toad’s Wild Ride, and Buzz Lightyear. Nova’s favorites were Star Tours, Smuggler’s Run, Toad’s Wild Ride, and Pirates. Nole liked Indiana Jones the best.

The rain was relentless and Disneyland is not set up with many shelters like Disney World is.  In Florida you need shelter from the heat (and rain) but since the weather is milder here, most of the lines and dining are outside.  In fact, many of the rides have an uncovered boarding area even if the rest of the ride is inside. By about noon some of us had just had it.  Out feet were beyond wet. Our pants were wet to our knees.

Eating lunch outside in the rain while raindrops splashed off the table into out faces was the last straw.  We walked the 20 minute walk back to our RV, turned the heat way up, changed into dry clothes and took our coats and shoes to the laundromat and put them in a dryer. 

We rested for 2 hours or so and I picked up pizza from Shakey’s next door.  We discussed taking an Uber back to the park this time but the consensus was to walk.  So away we went down the road.  This time some of us wore sandals.  Nova wanted grocery bags between her shoes and socks. 

A quick note on Nova.  She did not complain once today.  She never said her feet hurt or she was tired of walking.  She is not one to “gush” about experiences and was pretty quiet throughout the day. At about 9pm I asked her if she wanted to stay until midnight and she said yes.   When we left for the park a second time, I noticed she had brought her backpack too. She said it had dry clothes in it in case she needed it. It also had her rock collection. The purpose of the rocks was questioned by security but luckily they let her keep them. Anyway, I think this was a very happy day for her and the magic was still there for her even with the rain.

The drizzle stopped when we got back to the park at about 5 and not another raindrop was seen. We split up when we got back to the park. Nole took the boys on some more thrilling rides and I took the girls on Winnie the Pooh and to do some shopping.

We got back together and did a bunch more rides including Haunted Mansion which was my favorite. They had it decorated for the Nightmare Before Christmas movie.

We found a last minute spot to see the fireworks (fun, but you can’t beat Disney World’s show). Our last minute spot turned out to be perfect because it was near the back of the crowd and we walked right onto a ride when the fireworks were done. One more ride and a vote was taken and everyone wanted to go home. My feet were killing me at this point. I had changed back into my sneakers from sandals but holding Nova on my shoulders during fireworks did them in. Esme and Asa who had worn flip flops for a few hours, also we’re having leg and foot pain. We did a little more shopping and then caught a taxi home.

We collapsed into bed once the RV heated up. It was worth weathering the rain but next time, I want a sunshine guarantee!