Disneyland 2011

We realized that this trip to Disneyland was our first with just the two of us in a long time. Sure, we really enjoy taking others, but it was very nice to do things we wanted to do and be on our timetable, not someone else.

One of the different things we did this visit was to notice all the construction that was going on in both parks, but especially in California Adventures.

Entry and exit at California Adventures are under construction. Gone are the big letters that spell out the state. Detours are required to go around where they are removing the old turnstiles and installing the new ones.

The Golden Gate Bridge is slated for removal as part of the overall remodeling. Take a good look, it may not be there much longer.

Construction barriers are up around the new Cars Land and where the farmers market area (next to bugs land) used to be. Cute signs.

Little Mermaid ride is almost done, slated to open in May 2011. It's been interesting to watch the progress.

But the construction in the lagoon is all done and open for the World of Color. Now if we could only stay awake until 8 pm to see it! But we did get fastpasses, so I guess that's the first step.

Even the Disneyland Hotel has major construction going on. Maps are posted to show what the improvements will bring.

Splash Mountain closed for refurbishment
Playhouse Disney is changing to Disney Junior

One of our unique adventures was to eat at the Blue Bayou. It is definitely one of the most expensive in Disneyland but set right along Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Even though there was not much I could eat, our server graciously allowed me to order just the potatoes. DeeAnn had their version of prime rib. Not much flavor. I really enjoyed the salad and gave me an idea for lunches for work (craisens, blue cheese).

But the shrimp salad and cheese soup served in a fresh sourdough bread bowl is a required food when we visit.

A Mickey pretzel and a Mickey ice cream bar are also part of our tradition when we visit.

We went to see Tangled, the current Disney movie. We really enjoyed it and are thinking it might be one to buy for our own collection. Course, I have this strange desire to go out and get a cast iron fry pan for DeeAnn.

We walked over to Paradise Pier hotel to look around. Very impressive and a hotel we will certainly consider for a future visit.

We ate, for the first time, at McCormicks a& Schmidt's at the mall near the park. DeeAnn enjoyed a Parmesan encrusted tilapia that she said was the best tilapia she has ever had. The menu was more limited for me so I had the spinach and artichoke dip with chips.

Rainforest Cafe serves breakfast. Not at all impressive but was fast and not very crowded.

I knew that Disneyland had their own garden, and here is proof, with the orange tree and other plants I could probably identify if I ate fresh vegetables.

And the gardens throughout the park are always impressive. a beautiful wife, beautiful gardens, and being in Disneyland. Can life get any better?

We also found a new restroom we did not previously know about. It's a secret so we can't tell you where it is!

Goofy is alive and present in Disneyland