The third and final day of our theme park adventure found us heading in the opposite direction once we got through the theme park's main gate. Today we were headed to "California" and the first thing we did was hit the Monster's Inc. Ride.
After the Monsters attraction we headed over to Jim Henson's studio to catch a 3D showing of The Muppet Show. 
They did a brilliant job and even had hidden Muppet's out in the audience. The kids loved it, Bayan also enjoyed eating his glasses.
The following photos were taken with WALL.E, there are many, many, more but I was not allowed to further eliminate any of our finalists.
After meeting WALL.E we found ourselves in a catacombs where special effects and magical forces were hard at work. 
We saw parts of Fantasia and the Sorcerer's apprentice, got to experience tricks of the eye and then happened upon my absolute favourite room ever featured in any Disney film. Belle's library from Beauty and the Beast.
While the children read stories, played interactive games and admired magic mirrors I ogled the walls of books and lavish surroundings and quietly dreamed of having my very own library one day.
It was here that we met Mickey again (only this time he was 'The Sorcerer's Apprentice' - There is a big difference you see) 
as well as Woody (from Toy Story) and Cinderella.
She was probably the last princess that we expected to see here, but there she was and ironically (aside from the above shot of Mickey) she was the only live character that Bayan was willing to have his photo taken with. Woody completely freaked him out.
We found a quiet corner of the main tourist street which had marble benches and a little fountain- the perfect place to pause for a quick snack. Bayan even deigned to share some of his chips with Anisa.
Refreshed from our snack we took in some shows courtesy of Playhouse Disney. It began with The Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
where the friends, with a little help from the audience, worked together to organize a surprise birthday party for Mickey.
We were then treated to a performance from Handy Manny and his tools.
Bayan loved this!
And finally an adventure with The Little Einsteins.
The grand finale included an all star cast, with lots of music, dancing and bubbles floating down from the ceiling. Brilliant.
We headed over to Bugsland where I fell in love with these charming, leaf style, lights that hung beneath a forest of plant leaves. 
We climbed aboard walnut style baskets, that appeared as though they'd been hand stitched with leather and prepared to be catapulted through the air. This was more fun than it sounds.
Though Bayan gripped the side of the basket and carefully scrutinized the construction, just to be sure.
We found slug style bumper cars. Once again Ruhi got to ride by herself and had the most fantastic time.
Though Mehran was not overly impressed with her driving skills
she had heaps of fun and that is what really counts.
We also experienced some sort of frustrated, ladybug, tea cup style ride. I shall spare you the details.
We rode a slow caterpillar that ate it's way through mountains of fruit and foods.
And left Bugsland slightly disappointed that there were not more interesting rides for younger children. We passed the tower of terror and wild water rafting rides that coursed down a raging river and wound it's way through rocky chasms. We passed huge roller coasters and Indiana Jones' Adventure and did not go on because Bayan and sometimes Anisa fell short of the minimum height requirements. We did find King Triton's Carousel and the kids each chose a fish to ride.
We decided to head back to Disneyland as we had obviously seen all that California had to offer it's younger patrons and on the way Anisa found Mater.
And his best buddy Lightening McQueen. Bayan was so enraptured just stroking his bonnet that nothing could entice him to turn around for a photo.
We headed straight back to Fantasyland where the girls posed on a balcony over looking Snow White's garden
and Bayan, with a little help, made a wish in her wishing well.
We spent the rest of the afternoon re-visiting favourite rides and attractions before heading off to buy the children one souvenir each (the Mickey Mouse ears Ruhi had been dreaming about for ages) and then went to have dinner at Denny's Restaurant. As the children have drifted off to sleep and tomorrow we leave to head back to Lake Isabella, one thing is very clear. Regardless of aching shoulders and tired feet, regardless of the occasionally nagging children and the disappointment of broken rides this place has worked it's magic and has left us with memories that we will cherish forever.
No comments:
Post a Comment