Nikki's 1st California Adventure About This Page:

[nikkilovesmickey]

DAY 1
Plane Rides and Goofy's Kitchen

Mom and I were up early. After driving 6 hours the day before and still be tired from that, we were up at about 3:30am. Wake up call, and let me tell you that phone call sure scares the crap out of you.
That night I had a hard time falling asleep. I think I managed to get at least 3 hours of sleep. I think I was excited, plus a little nervous about the flights that I was about to take.
We get up and get ready, then go and wait for our taxi. He was about 15 minutes late. He gets there and takes us to the airport. Which at this hour is really busy. THere were about 40 hunters in there. All with guns, all wearing camo, and some even had antlers to show for there hunt.
We get checked into our Westjet flight, and then head towards sercurity. Nothing major, but still that early in the am, why are people so darn chipper.
We had about a 2 hour wait. Which at the Saskatoon airport is very long and boring cause there is nothing to do but wait and watch the same news over and over again.

Finally after 2 plane rides, of a total of about 3.5 hours, we finally arrive in LA.
ANd then after about 1.5 hours on the bus we finally get dropped off at our hotel. We enter the hotel to find my aunts waiting for us. They had been outside for about 2 hours waiting for us.
We go to check in and find out that they do not have us in their system for staying there. He looks and looks, and let me tell you, after being up for 13 plus hours, I was not in the mood to have that happen. SO I stand up and mom goes so what do we do, I go well I guess we have to look for another hotel to stay in...the man goes, oh miss we aren't any where of being close, we will figure something out. He calls his manager, and we wait. During which time all I can think about is how is this possible and why is it happening to me. My aunts then say come and relax at our room till they figure something out.
So we head there. At which time I phone Carolina, and let her know that we got in, and that my cell is dead so to call my moms cell when she gets there.
After getting off the phone with her, we go and see about our room. And wouldn't you know, they have found us. I guess a e-mail got missed with all the information on it. I was just happy that we had a room. We check in get our keys and head to the room.
After a little while Carolina calls to say that she is there, but they won't tell her our room number, so I tell her and she is already in the back parking lot where we were.
So she comes over and we hug and we got into the room. Mom was there, we exchanged gifts. Carolina gave me a really nice Mickey Mouse blue mug and a small stuffed mickey mouse. It is the custest.
We talk for awhile and then decide to head out to Goofy's Kitchen.

It was a lot of fun. WHo would of thought that 5 grown women could have so much fun. We ate, we laughed, ate some more and meet some characters.



This big Mickey statue was outside the Disneyland Hotel. I so wanted to get pictures with it, but all you do is sit, you couldn't climb on it...


We also meet Minnie Mouse, Snow White and Chip and Dale also during our Goofy's Kitchen experience.

After supper we went back to the hotel, where mom, my aunts and myself decided that we were going to go into the hot tub. Carolina, wanted to join us, but she had about 1 drive back home, plus it was dark out. So at this time we hugged goodbye and we went our seperate ways.
After the hot tub about a hour later we went back to our room and went to sleep.

[nikkilovesmickey]

DAY 2
Disneyland Day 1

Mom and I were up early this morning. I would say about 7am. We got dressed and then meet the aunts for breakfast. My aunts had gotten me a 1st Visit to Disneyland which I wore every day that we were in the parks.
After breakfast we went to catch the "art" bus that would pick us up near the hotel and drop us off in the park and vise versa.
We get on the bus, for what is a 5 minute ride to the park. We get there and are let out.
I so didn't want to cry. Good thing I had sun glasses on cause mom couldn't see me tearing up. I was actually walking into Disneyland. I couldn't believe it. It was a dream come true.
We went through security and then went to a ticket booth to get our 3 day park hopper passes.
THen we headed to the lines. It was exciting. Everyone was happy and already having a great time. I just stood there and took everything in. Then there was a countdown to when the gates opened at 9:30am. We made our way through the main gates, to get greated by this awesome site..


[align=center]I never knew this was at the main entrance, but I was so happy to see it.[/align]

We started walking around. As soon as we walked into the park under the tunnels, there he was...Mickey. I said mom look its Mickey...I almost started to cry. There was a line up a mile long. I actually passed on waiting in line to meet him. He was wearing his "Year of a Million Dreams" outfit. I still regret not waiting in line that morning.
We got walking around some more and looked into the Fire Department...

Everytime I seen something in regards to the fire department I thought about Scott and took pictures for him.

THen got looking in the stores. Then all of a sudden there was a crowd. Again not knowing what was going on, I guess they don't open the main part of the park till 10am. So everyone was waiting around. Mom and I did some shopping while we waited. Once we were done the main part of the park was open.

It was a great site to see. I seen the Walt and Mickey statue and had to get my picture taken.

Then we were off to look around and take in some rides. Our first ride was the Buzz Lightyear right. It was fun. We also got our picture taken while in this ride, and I sent it to myself via e-mail. Just a side note it never made it here yet. I am thinking that I made a mistake in typing my e-mail...oh well.

We walked some more and did a Autotopia ride. We got to drive, well I did. IT was fun. THen it was off to grab a water. It was supper hot there that day.
That day mom and I did the bobsleigh ride, which was nothing like what we thought it would be, but it was fun. I did Splash Mountain by myself. Mom chickened out when she saw the drop at the end. I ended up actually talking with 3 younger people that were in front of me. They were changing their foot wear and other items of clothing while walking to the front of the line. I ended up sitting in the back of the ride. With the 3 of them in front of me and another couple in front of them. They were funny, and was happy that they were cause it took my mind off of the ride itself. I didn't expect the fall in the dark on that ride, and the 40 foot drop at the end wasn't bad either. I got a wet, but the couple in the front were socked to a T. I went and looked for my picture, but because the people in front new about the picture, they were posing wreslting style when we went down, so you couldn't see me. Oh well. I then headed out to meet up with mom.
We then headed over and did the Tea Cup ride. This was a ride that I have always wanted to go on. I couldn't believe that I was getting on it and going to ride it.


THen we just started walking into building and such. Next thing I knew we were walking in Michey's house.
ANd this is one picture that I have of me meeting Mickey. THey had the photo pass dude taking pictures, and he got some great shots, so I will post those when they come in the mail.

After that we head over to Chip n Dales house. It was small but we walked through it.

We also did the rollercaoster there. Can't think of what its called. It was fun.
After that we left toon town. I took tons of pictures there.





We then sat and relaxed by the princess place. After that we walked some more, and did a few more rides, bought some things, and waited in line. I took a lot of pictures while walking. I was just in awe on how things looked. It was great.
We were meeting the aunts for supper at 5:30 so we headed towards Napa Rose. We got there about 5pm and waited. We ended up not going to Napa Rose, cause the menu was nothing like what I thought, plus it was pricey. So we ended up going to Storytellers Cafe, where Chip n Dale do their breakfast. THe supper was great, the serivce was great. Plus it was cheaper then Napa Rose.
After supper we headed back out to catch our bus. WHich meant that we got to walk through Downtown Disney again and then out of the park. We got back to the hotel and headed towards the hottub.

[nikkilovesmickey]

DAY 3
Disney's California Adventure Park

This morning started way too early. We were up at 5:30am. We needed to be at the park by 7:30 am for our Cruzin' California Adventure. We got ready and didn't have time to eat. We then left the hotel in a cab, which took us to the park. We got there about 6:30ish....we had time to kill so we got some early am photos with the California sign..


As the time got closer more and more people started to show up for the tour. There was a total of 9 people in the group.
7:30 came and our 2 tour guides came out, Jessica and Leo. They then showed us the VIP waiting room, where we later found out that Johnny Deep was once in and used the bathroom...interesting hey?? So we watched a little movie, and they went over the segway with us. After about a hour they took us into the park where the segways where. We got training on them. And once you were on them for a few they were easy to run and be on.
After training we took off around the park. We learned new things, seen the park before it opens to the public. IT was great. At the end of the tour, we got a group picture of us all on our segways. We then headed back but not before going down the main street infront of all the people that were waiting to get into the park. We showed oue best moves and waved and laughed at the people. We then headed back to hand in our segways, and we got a limited edition pin that next year will be different. SO that was cool. We got walked out to the entrance where we were given our group photos.

Mom and I left the park to get our bags that were in a locker that they gave us. ANd then headed out to have something to eat for breakfast. We were both starving by this time.
Breakfast was good. After breakfast we headed back over to the California adventure park. Went in, and got some pictures taken with the photo pass.
This is where we saw our second Mickey mouse dressed in jungle gear. I of course stood in line and more photo pass pictures where taken. I will post those when they come in.

We then just walked around the park. Didn't take in to many rides. Just the water raft one - Grizzly River Rafting. Mom got soaked to the bone. Better her then me... We also did Toy Story, which was a great ride. 3D, and this was our longest wait for a ride - 25 minutes. ANd we also did toy story. I couldn't get mom to go on the big ferris wheel. Maybe next time. Then the rest of the day we walked around, had lunch at Pizza oon Mow Moo. It was a big slice but very good.


We headed towards Steakhouse 55 a little early cause we wanted to shop in the one Disney store that we seen there on Sunday.
Supper at Steakhouse 55 was great. A little pricey $45 just for me. THat was chicken, potatoes, coke and dessert. All tasted really great.
After that we headed to the hotel for hot tub time. ANd then headed over the aunts room to watch the Big Brother and see who won. WOOHOO DAN won.

[nikkilovesmickey]

Day 4
Tour of LA

Wednesday, was a day away from DL. Mom and I were up at about 7am. We got ready and headed out to have breakfast. Then it was off to the bus stop to catch our bus at 8:20. When that came we were all taken to the main bus depot that this company has. SOuthern California Grey Line. When there we stood in line and went up to the counter and gave our last name, and paid $4.00 for fuel sur charge, and then given a boarding pass to get on the proper bus for the proper tour or activitiy.
Our first day we ended up standing in line for the bus for about 30 minutes. Lets just say it was not fun, cause it was hot hot hot out and my back was towards to the sun. Finally our bus came, our driver took our boarding passes and we were on the bus.
THe tour it seld was great. The driver knew alot of about where things happened in LA. Like the road the Lohan drove down drunk and crashed into a tree. Or the highway where they filmed the jumped scene in Speed with Sandra Bullock. We saw the school that they used in Fast Times at Richmon High and BH 90210. Also seen the house they used for Animal House, which by they way is beside a major church, so that would of been interesting. Saw the first fire department. Seen the road that OJ was on in his white bronco. Seen the tunnel that they filmed Indepence Day in as well as others that I can't think of right now. Seen the house they used for a John Candy movie, Uncle Buck.


We drove around Beverly Hills. Seen all the pricey stores, seen the CBS stuidos where they film Price is Right, Y&R and Bold and Beatiful. We were then dropped off at something called the Famers Market. Mom and I had something to eat and then walked around. She found a Obama shirt that she wanted. And there is a mall close by called the grove. And with it being so close by, some famous soap stars might of been there. We never made it that far.
After that we were taken on more of a tour, where we seen were Johnny Deeps private drive was...he has a nice looking house btw. We also went to HOllywood where the Manns Chinese Theatre is. TOok a lot of pictures. We didn't have a lot of time there. ABout a hour. SO I never got to see the stars that I wanted to. Plus this stripe of road that we were on, kind of seemed a little shady. So mom and I were always keeping a eye out.
After this we went to Santa Monica beach. We seen the pier with the ferris wheel. Went into the beach. Walked in the water. We had 2 hours to kill. ANd lets just say that it don't take 2 hours to see this. We ended up going back up to where the bus was going to pick us up with about 45 minutes left. Mom and I drew the time out on the pier really bad like. THere is nothing there really.


SO after 2 hours there we were then heading back to wards the hotels. We seen the Playboy yaut - it is huge. We seen the street where Nicole Simpson and Ron GOldmen were killed, we seen the street where the Menendise brothers killed their parents. We drove through Venice Beach. I guess cause it was not summer season there was nothing going on. And during off season a lot of gangs hang out there, so were not able to stop there. We even drove under one of the runways that LAX use.
Over all the day was good. We learnd a lot of info, seen a lot of things. Half of which we never got good pictures from.
We got back to the room, and just crashed. We never went to the hot tub this night. THe aunts came over to see how our day was.

[nikkilovesmickey]

Day 5
Sea World

I had been looking forward to this day for awhile. I was excited to get into the water with the dophins.
Mom and I were up about 7 to meet the aunts for breakfast because they decided that they would join us on this trip.
The trip to Sea World was the longest. 1.5 hours in the bus. Which really isn't that bad, but it is in a way. We seen a different part of LA. Which was great.
We get to Sea World and are taken into the park. Mom and I then take off to see where I have to go for my DIP and I managed to sign in early. SO that was great. We then get a electric buggy for my one aunt, but I think everyone but me actually rode it.
At 11:45ish we were all taken into a class room. WHere a lady then tol us some things about the dolphins. There was about 11 people in the class. Which was a good number. After learning some things we then headed to the locker rooms, where we were asigned a locker with our name on it. In it was a wet suit & booties. So I had to change into my suit, everyone else came with it on. I thought about doing that, but decided not to. Then it was into the wet suit. Can I just say holy crap...those things are like tight and so uncomfortable. And with having a sun burn it didn't make it any more fun thats for sure. But I helped zip up 2 other girls and they zipped me up. THen it was off to wait in the sun/shade.






We were then deivded into 2 groups. One group had fathers and daughters, and my group was me and 2 other couples. We were all around the same age. We got into the cold water, and started. We were greated by Maggie one of the dolphins, who was supper cute. She did a few tricks. Then it was feeding them, walking with them, floating with them. A few picture poses, which were great. Then one of the dolphins splashed us. Which btw hurts, with all that force. And salt water tastes gross and stings in the eyes. Over all the experience was great. We never really got to swim swim like we all thought, but we all had a blast.
After that we headed back into the locker rooms, showered and changed. I managed to pop off my pant button down the toliet. ANd it flush automatically. So I couldn't even get it. SO that sucked, cause then for the rest of the day I was always checking my pants.
After I was out we then headed towards where my mom was doing her dolphin thing. She was nervous. But when we were watching her she was having a blast. I think next time she would get into the water for sure. She got some great pictures taken as well.
After that we seen the penguins, the horses. Did a sky track thing, and just looked around. I was actually disappointed with Sea World cause there was really nothing there. We missed the Shamu show by 5 minutes. And had to kill the last 2 hours with sitting.
I would never go back to this Sea World, unless I was doing another encounter.
We then headed back to the hotel and you guessed it back into the hot tub. We loved the hot tub.

[nikkilovesmickey]

Day 5
Universal Studios

I had been looking forward to Universal just as much as Disney. You always hear so many things about these parks that it builds the excitment.
We were up at 7amish, got ready and then went to breakfast. Then after breakfast we went to the bus stop. Got to Universal about 10amish. Which wasn't that bad. It was the shortest distance on the bus that we had been on.
We get in and see the famous Universal studios globe....

The entrance way which by the way they roll up the red carpet at closing time. But its really a false entrance way, we entered the park on the left of this entrance.
Once you get in you see this statue...

After we got by all the shops and what not they had we went right to the Universal Studios Tour.
The tour was great. We got to see the backlots where they make movies, all the studios that were there. We never seen one person that was famous. We seen a scene that they did a Fast and Furious bit, and we seen a Jaws bit, the street from Deperserate Housewives. I didn't reallt care about that, but mom seem to like that. We seen some houses that they used in the Grinch who stole Christmas, we seen where the fire was. They zipped by it, but its all dirt. They said that they would be rebuilding. So that is great news.
After the studio tour we then got walking and seen the Simpson ride. I of course went on. I wanted to because Scott loves the simpsons. We were waiting in line and mom chickened out. Which was alright. The ride was different. It was something that I will never do again. But at least I can say I did it. I was shaken so bad when I got off. It was a good thing that mom didn't go on, she might of thrown up or worse.


These are just some radom pictures that I took.

[nikkilovesmickey]

DAY 6
Disneyland Tour

SO this was the last day that we had anything planned. This would also be our last day in Disneyland. I was pretty sad about that, cause at this time I wished I would of did more in Disneyland and less in other places. Only cause there is so much to see which you are in there. And the first 2 days we were just trying to make sure that we saw everything. I am sure we missed a ton.
We were up at 7am. Got dressed and went for some breakfast.
The Walk in Walt's Footsteps started at 9:30.
Mom needed to buy another hat because the hat she had worn all week we had to throw away. It got covered in sun tan spray in Universal. So she didn't want to keep. This was also the day that I decided that I wanted to video tape some of Disneyland. So back to the hat, we ended up walking into a major Disney store. I couldn't believe that we missed this one the first 2 days. But we did. We get looking around and all the stuff that I wanted to buy. HOly smokes, it was then that we decided that after the tour we were hitting this store to do some major Disney shopping. Mom found her hat and we went to where we needed to go for the tour.
We checked in and ordered our lunch. We then waited. I took some pictures while we waited.

This tour was great. I learned a lot of things that I would of never known about not being there before. Learned some history and went and did things that not any normal person walking into the park can do.
We also got the the center of the park where Walt and Mickey were and a guy just asked his girlfriend to marry him in front of the castle. It was great to see.
We went and seen the Enchanted Tiki Room. That was something to see for sure. ANd something I am sure I would of not done, had it not been for the tour. We even got to meet a retired cast member that used to sing in one of the boats. I got my picture taken with it.

We also seen the exculsive lobby of Club 33. I took a ton of pictures in there. ITs a great looking lobby. One can only imagine what the rest of the place looks like.




We also got to get our pictures taken on the balcony of the Dream Suite. Which is off limits to everyone except the people that are given the chance to sleep in the dream suite. We tried really hard to get in there, but it was getting cleaned so we were not able to get in


I took some great pictures of the castle. Which was better then from in front. THere are little pathways to both the right and left side that are great spots.

THis last picture is of the Diney family crest. Which is found on the arch as you walk through the castle.

TO the right of the castle is Snow White and 7 Dawrfs....

It is said that when Snow White starts to sing, it eccos in the wishing well. And it does, it was the neatest thing. Also all the money that is thrown into the wishing well is all donated to charities. And last year they donated I think she said close to $100,000. Which is great. All in change.

We also to ride in the Lilly Bell on the train that goes all around the park. Only special VIP people or groups on tour are able to get on this car of the train. Its the only one that is enclosed.




Afterwards we had our lunch. And we had this one place all to ourselves.

At the end we got a limited edition pin. Its a gold pin, with the solo of Walt walking under the castle. Its a great looking pin. Plus mom managed to get a signed picture of Mickey and Minnie for me.

Afterwards we went shopping in the bif Disney store. I ended up getting a fleece jacket, some shirts, a nice pendant and a bunch of other things.
All is all the tour was great. I learned a lot. And would tall anyone to take this tour. You think you alreay know so much about DL, but this tour gives you so much insite about the park.

[nikkilovesmickey]

DAY 6
Medeival Dinner and Tournament

After leaving Disneyland we went back to the hotel and decided to relax before we got ready to go to supper at 6:30pm.
We changed and took off to the hot tub. ANd then went and relaxed at the adult pool. Where we did some swimming.


We then headed back to the room, and got ready. We then decided that we should take some photos of the hotel on the outside. Then headed over to the bus stop. We just get to the bus stop and bus pulls up. It was for us, but it was early and we were looking for a bigger bus. We get on and head out to the castle where the supper and that was.
You first get there and everything is all in the past. The people call you madam and are in character the moment they open thier mouth.
We get our red paper crowns, this is who we are to cheer for in the tournament. You walk through this nice garden into this building. A bar greets you where you can order your drink. Mom and I just walked around to see what all was there. We bought some red flags to cheer our red knight on with. THe building was loud. People drinking and having a blast before the show starts. You could even pay money to knight people. IT was crazy.

We were then aloud in. The arena was great. All the colors in separte sections, and all highlighted with their knights color.
Everything we ate was by fingers.

We were then aloud in. The arena was great. All the colors in separte sections, and all highlighted with their knights color.
All in all mom and I had a great time there. We were so happy that we done it.
After the show we headed out to the bus. And we got back to the hotel about 11pmish. We still needed to repack our suitcases, and get ready for a early morning wake up call.
Everynight that we were in Anaheim, I slept great. Slept for at least 8 hours each night. But the last night I didn't sleep well. I think it had to do with knowing that our trip was over, and I didn't want it to be. Also knowing that I had a long day ahead of me, with flying and being in airports all day. Nothing really to look forward to.

[nikkilovesmickey]

Last day - the leaving LA day

Mom and I were up about 5:30am. We needed to get dressed and head out to get on the bus that was taking us to the airport at 7:30 am.
We got to the bus stop and it shows up a little late. We had a chatty driver. We had a million stops to make to pick up other people We were told that when heading to airport in the am to leave lots of time for travel. We did that, and the traffic was good, and we got to the airport in about 45 minutes.
We then had to wait till our Westjet check in place opened. That didn't open till 9:30am. After check in we then took our bags to get x-rayed. They took moms bags and put them threw but the lady only did a swab of my bags and then put them on the baggage thingy...I can't think of what it is called. After that we headed towards sercuity. Which was pretty intense. We had to take our shoes off and people had to take their shirts off if they were wearing more then one shirt.
After that we were in the airport waiting area, where there were some places to eat and some duty free shops.
We were hungry so we decided to grab something at Wolfgang Pucks place. Never ate at one of his places. While standing in line, I noticed someone familar behind me. I asked mom if she could look and she thought it was him. So she passes behind me and asks. These are her exact words, excuse me are that Dawson dude from Dawson's Creek?? He of course says yes. I was a little embarassed the way she asked him. So then mom goes can my daughter get a picture with you?? He says yes. So mom takes our picture. Then we ask him where is going. He says hes heading to Winnipeg Manitoba. Mom and I are were, oh yeah thats about a 8 hour to where we live. He goes are you heading to Winnipeg as well. I go no we are going to Saskatoon, cause its only a 6 hour drive north home. He goes, sounds like you ladies have a long day ahead of you.


Thats the end of my very first trip to California, and Disneyland. I hated to leave, but was happy to get home.

[Colexis Mom]

What a great time you had in LA! Love all the pictures! Thanks for sharing it with us!

[queenofheartsfan]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing!

[lazanya]

What a great time! Thanks for sharing your TR!