Last Saturday we did something we rarely do on weekends. We went to Disneyland. I’m not crazy about crowds so we usually avoid holidays and weekends but …
… it was the beginning of the Halloween Time celebration. We simply couldn’t resist taking our two youngest grandchildren to get our Halloween started!
The tram ride from the Mickey and Friend’s parking structure is where our fun begins. Always!
There are character pumpkins galore starting with Minnie Mouse on the entrance gate.
I honestly believe the most popular photo op at Disneyland right now is the huge Mickey Mouse pumpkin at the entrance to Main Street.
The festive pumpkins and autumn colored buntings along Main Street USA are magical! I simply adore it!
The first thing we did was make our way to Star Tours where we got Fast Passes and then waited in the stand-by line. Because you can never get enough of the Star Tours attraction. Ever!
After Star Tours, The Princess and I rode one of her favorite attractions, the Astro Orbitor. It’s one of our “ride every time we go” attractions.
One of my favorite things about Disneyland are the many gardens. They’re ever changing and always gorgeous. The famous ‘Partners’ statue is surrounded by huge Halloween pumpkins including one that’s carved to look like …
… Jack Skellington, who put us in the mood for The Haunted Mansion Holiday. But on our way to New Orleans Square and the Haunted Mansion …
… we rode the Mark Twain Riverboat where we were able to ride in the wheel house. It was totally over the top exciting! Cody & Kennedy were able to turn the riverboat wheel the entire time along the River of Americas. Over the top exciting I tell you and shhh … they really believe they steered the boat!!
I love the Haunted Mansion when it’s all decked out for the holidays. The Halloween/Christmas dec-horror-ations are truly spectacular!
We were pleasantly surprised to find the wait time was under 30 minutes. Haunted Mansion Holiday is very popular so we recommend getting fast passes, if possible.
The Nightmare Before Christmas dec-horror-ations begin at the gates to the mansion and continue all through the queue.
Nothing is spared when it comes to the holiday decor. Even the room ‘with no windows or doors’ gets in on the fun!
Our next stop was Tom Sawyer Island. It had been awhile since we were there. I actually think it was Kennedy’s first time. With tree houses to climb and …
… caves to explore , it truly is a child’s dream come true. And! We only lost Kennedy once!!
While taking in the beauty of the island we saw the canoes paddling by. I can’t tell you how many years it’s been since I’ve been on the canoes. Over 20 years at least! Cody and Kennedy had never been, so of course …
… we paddling our way all around Tom Sawyer Island in a canoe.
We worked up quite an appetite paddling that canoe. The Hungry Bear restaurant has the most delicious sweet potato fries and very good food. The desserts look delectable, don’t you think? Those samples are strictly for show but they’re actually the real thing. Can you guess how we know?
The stores throughout Disneyland are full of delightful Halloween items. Did we buy anything? Nope …. not answering that one.
If you’re planning a trip to Disneyland, this is the perfect time to go. From the castle and pumpkins to the gardens decked out in fall colors, Halloween Time is everywhere.
And we found the crowd factor to be quite managable.
The tram ride to Disneyland was full of anticipation. The tram ride back to our car was full of Halloween treats. It’s how we grandparents roll.
kristin says
I just love Disneyland during the different holidays. No one does it like Disney!
Debra @ A Frugal Friend says
Oh…..I want to go!!