Disney - with Dad!

The girls had a "fall break" this week, so I took them to Disneyland. Stace decided to come along, so he could experience the new Star Wars land before my annual pass expires next month.

We drove down over the weekend, checked into our hotel and walked to Downtown Disney to enjoy the scene. We ended up having dinner at the Tangaroa Terrace at the Disneyland Hotel, where we've enjoyed many a lovely meal and drink the last few years.

The atmosphere is great, with live Hawaiian music, great food, and even a Disneyland cat! My cat-loving girls love seeing the cats - they're pretty much feral-but-sweet, and keep the parks rodent population under control.

After dinner, we did some browsing at the Lego store and a few other stores before heading back to the hotel for bed.

The next morning, we headed into California Adventure, the only park open to me and Violet with our level of annual pass. While Cora ran off to get us fast passes for Guardians of the Galaxy, we posed with the statue of Walt himself.

One more pic before we got in line for the Incredicoaster. Cora caught up with us in line.

It was Incredible!

...before using our fast passes for Guardians. It was Stacey's first time on Violet's favorite ride, since the ride was rebranded from its Tower of Terror history.
We then checked out a Coco-themed area with art for the kids to do...

We saw our buddy Groot, Vi's favorite character.

Then we met up with DJ, Cora's friend from karate, and the nephew of one of my walking buddies.

While in line for a ride in Cars Land, we played a Heads Up game on Cora's phone. So fun!

At that point, Stace and Cora left for Disneyland with DJ and his family, so they could see Star Wars Land. Violet and I then went to the Animation Academy and drew Minnie Mouse.

Watch out, kids! That Storm Trooper means business!

Star Wars Land is pretty awesome. That Disney attention to detail is amazing.

Meanwhile, my friend Jen, who also was at California Adventure, wanted to know if Stace and Cora would like her reservation for the hard-to-get-into Oga's Cantina. Um, YES! I'd tried to get reservations but they were gone.

Stace, Cora and our friends absolutely loved their experience in the cantina, which they said made their whole day.

Violet and I went to the Lamplight Lounge for a late lunch/early dinner, a restaurant she'd enjoyed a while ago with Grandma and Grandpa.

Cora, DJ and the adults went on Pirates and then on the Jungle Cruise here...

...and Violet and I drew again, the mayor from the Nightmare Before Christmas. We ran into Sue and Jen here!

Then, one final ride - Guardians again, this time with DJ and his family. We're in the back right this time.

It was a fabulous day!