Another post that’s part of my #TravelbackThrowback series of posts where I share/reminisce about my travels from a few years back. I haven’t posted in a while (I’ll make sure to post at least once a week!) and since it was America’s Independence a few days ago, I thought I’d write about our five days in California, USA. It was around this time of the year only 6 years ago! Hehe.
We were still living in New Zealand at the time, so after almost half a day on the plane, we finally made it to LAX airport! I was so excited, we were lucky the plane wasn’t full so my brothers and I each got a seat of rows all to ourselves.
It’s always safe to book your hotel way before your trip since the hotels with the best locations get full pretty quickly. We stayed at Howard Johnson Hotel for a few days. Walking distance from Disneyland, restaurants all around, to sum it up – it’s a good place to stay for it’s convenience.
I’ll bullet point some of the things that I go to check off my bucket list in California. And of course first place we visit has to be the happiest place on earth!
- Go to the first Disneyland built, in Anaheim (aka The Happiest Place on Earth :-P)
To all who come to this happy place: Welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here age relives fond memories of the past, and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams, and the hard facts that have created America, with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world. —Walter E. Disney, July 17, 195
- Take a photo at the very familiar entrance of Disneyland, it’s almost exactly the same in all the Disneyland’s
The iconic, Cinderella’s Castle
This is the Matterhorn Bobsleds ride, it was fun! Not too scary, even got my dad to ride it. Hehe!
Boat ride through Storybook Land.
In Storybook Land, they have little miniature replicas of the places of famous fairy tales. Can you guess what story this is from?
There is always a parade in the afternoon, be sure to check the time table they give you at the gate so you don’t miss it! My two favorite Disney Princesses, Ariel and Cinderella.
I love love love Disneyland. There is so much to do that we spent two days there! Some many rides, shows to watch, a lot of places to chill and eat and also some other interactive stuff, we went to one where they taught us to be draw some Disney characters.
Main Street at night is so pretty. This was after the fireworks display, so many people.
End of Day 1. Fireworks display. I remember this moment very very clearly, I don’t know why but all I remember was watching the most amazing fireworks display and thinking, “Wow. I can’t believe I’m in here in Disneyland.” It’s always been a dream, and ahhhhh it was so amazing.
Day 2
- Spend the day in California Adventure Park
Had so much fun here!! The roller coaster in the background, California Screamin’ is still, to this day my favorite ride I’ve been on. 100 km/h, you’ll have to ride to know what I’m talking about.
Another one of my favorites!
Haaaaallo Goofy! You’re such a cutie patootie! And I’m so small. Hehehe!
Day 3
- Go to Universal Studios
- Take the Studio Tour in Universal Studios
Fast and Furious part of the Studio tour where they show you how they film a scene when a car explodes! I loved the tour, saw lot of famous sets like War of the Worlds, Jaws, Titanic, Westeria Lane from Desperate Housewives, so so so much more.
There are also a lot of rides as well, unfortunately I don’t have pictures of them. But of course, it’s so much better if you check it out for yourselves!
Also, be sure to check out the Waterworld show!
xo – PS. I tried to fit our 5 days in one post but it got so lengthy! Stay tuned for Part 2 of California, where I’ll talk about Sea World, Hollywood, Venice Beach, and more!
