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Robert's birthday lunch at Ariel's Grotto

When we were visiting Disney World a few years ago we at breakfast with Cinderella at her castle, so on this trip we thought we would do the same. Noelle is almost the same age as Emily was when we were in Florida, 4/5 is such a magical age. Our first day at the parks was also Robert's birthday so we had extra incentive to celebrate. We chose to have lunch with Ariel in her Grotto by the water.

With lunch (3 courses) you get to meet and talk with Ariel, other princesses also take the time to stop by your table. You really do pay for the interaction with the princesses, but I do feel like it is worth it.

Noelle watching the introductions of the princesses

Enjoying lunch

Who does Emily see?

Rapunzel

Belle

Aurora

Cinderella

Ariel

Notice Rob's crown and his happy birthday button

the kids ordered mac and cheese which was shells with cheese, fish crackers, and an octopus hot dog on top

The adult dessert (we each got one), Robert and Gpa Dallas got lobster and salad, I had steak

Robert also got a cupcake since he was celebrating.

California Dreaming: first day at California Adventure park

First morning, see how happy we are, walking from our hotel (blue glass behind us) through Downtown Disney headed to California Adventure Park. Also our first day at the parks happened to be on Robert's 40th Birthday.

Bright and early, we headed straight for Radiator Springs Racers. The ride we have all been looking foward too.

Still waiting in line, our first ride we waited 45 minutes. It was worth it!

Ready to start the race

Disney does everything perfect. I can't believe it, but I teared up a bit during the middle of the ride. It really felt like I was in the middle of the Cars movie and I was racing down the road with Sally, falling in love. I mean, all the emotions.....

All the details of Radiator Springs were spot on! I hope Robert enjoyed turning 40 there.

Noelle got to meet many of her friends in California Adventure Park

Train ride around the park = a nice scenic way to take a break and rest your feet

Flying Dumbo

Noelle loves carousals and we got to ride them many times just for her!

Many rides needed 3D glasses

Disneyland Hotel

Checking in to the Disneyland Hotel

You can see Grandpa D scooter in the background. We ordered it from an off site place and they had it waiting at the valet. Super handy as you cannot take DL scooters out of the park, this he could drive to his room.

Robert took a picture of the hotel from his parking spot. He hates valet, so we unloaded an he parked it himself.

Lego store in Downtown Disney - we had to travel through Downtown Disney to get from the Disneyland Hotel property to the parks.

While Robert was checking in a the hotel desk, Goofy wandered in and we got to get hugs. Pretty magical having your first character sighting within minutes of arrival.

Our room cam with two queen beds. They were connected with one headboard that acted as a night light, with tiny lights embedded in the wood showing a landscape of Disneyland and it also played music (1 verse). Our hotel maid arranged the kids stuffed animals and blankets in new positions each day, it was fun to come back to the room to see what she had done. Our room also had a couch that folded into a bed like a futon would transform, it became a twin sized bed. We also had a fridge which was handy, a big closet that was stocked with robes, a pack n' play (how handy would that have been 3 years ago), a safe, and extra bedding. The bathroom was good sized and the greatest feature was that there was a door to separate the toilet from the sink and shower. It was a great sized room with perfect amenities for our family, I was so impressed it was the "standard" room.

California Dreaming Day 4

USS Iowa Battleship

This battleship BB-61 is wet docked in harbor in LA. It is still under restoration. As you can see in the picture above I am standing on wood decking. They are currently raising funds to replace/restore all decking to teak wood. Only some areas have been restored. The sea is not kind. We saw two workers on the ship working on cleaning/fighting rust? on previously restored areas. I imagine with a full 134 Officers and 2400 enlisted (WWII crew) there would be many hands to keep it clean/rust free.

It was really hard to get a picture to show the vast size of this ship. It is enormous. It would be quite the sight to have these pointed at you.

A couple of the decks are open and restored for touring. They have retired military volunteers and some museum workers to guide you. Inside there are some displays and videos going describing the use of the Iowa battleship and other Iowa class battleships.

Iowa BB-61 carried President Roosevelt to the Tehran Conference in 1943. It was outfited with a bathtub just for this voyage.
President Reagan and First Lady Nancy boarded the USS Iowa in 1986 during the centenary of the Statue of Liberty. George HW Bush as Vice President recommissioned the USS Iowa in 1984, and as President Bush he attended a memorial service aboard the ship for 47 servicemen.

Look at how long it is!

I would encourage you to puruse this link if you want to learn more
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iowa-class_battleship

Also, Iowa residents get to tour for free, just show your license.