First, a huge shout-out to my good friend, Elaine, who let us stay at her timeshare and also, to Southwest Airlines for their great "Wanna Get Away" fares, otherwise, we would not have been able to afford this trip, although, I still HATE flying. Nothing personal. Flying ties me up in knots.
The weather was absolutely picture perfect - in the low 80's all three days we were there, which was a huge difference from the high wind warning and localized flooding we left behind in Seattle. We almost missed our flight, as we got stuck in a massive traffic jam, because of a jack knifed semi-truck in near the Tacoma Dome and then we ran into some difficulties getting through security. I told the TSA agent I had an implantable defibrillator, but it was a newer device that can go through the metal detectors. However, she would not listen and I spent the next twenty minutes being "molested" by the TSA. The longest part of the whole pat down was her explaining in great detail everything she was about to do; so I just assumed the position. Ed and I were the last ones to board the airplane, but thank goodness we made it. We left SeaTac, had a quick change of planes in Oakland, and soon were on our way to Anaheim.
We arrived at John Wayne Airport and took the SuperShuttle to the resort where we spent the next three nights. I have to say, I was impressed by SuperShuttle, they got us to our place quickly and at a super reasonable price. I was also captivated with Wyndham Resorts. We had a very comfortable stay. Too bad we didn't jump on the timeshare bandwagon years ago.
Since we did not have a car, we utilized Anaheim Resort Transportation (ART) to get us back and forth to Disneyland and only $12 for unlimited rides all three days we were there. The best part, the bus drops passengers off right in front of the gates leading to Disneyland Resort.
My biggest complaint about Disneyland is the cost. I just think it is outrageous and Walt himself must be turning over in his grave. How can the "Friendliest Place on Earth," be the most expensive place on Earth? A three-day park hopper is $265 dollars a person. This is one of the reasons we did not bring the boys. I would have loved to have brought them, too. (However, they also were in school). I am also frustrated with the fact of buying a three-day ticket, there was an extra up-charge for Mickey's Halloween Party (which was sold out); however, we still had to pay full price, yet had to leave Disneyland by 6:00 pm on both Wednesday and Friday. Was also disappointed there were no fireworks on the weekdays, so we did not get to see a firework show. And Disney puts on one of the best shows. Disneyland is just not family friendly in their pricing and when it comes to eating in the park or souvenirs - fuggedaboudit.
Nonetheless, we had fun at Disneyland and California Adventure. Both Ed and I had our pictures taken with Pluto. I was actually able to get Ed on a couple of roller coasters and he was even willing to get "wet" riding Splash Mountain and Grizzly River Run. We also thoroughly enjoyed Radiator Springs Racers and rode it three times. Ed also really liked Toy Story Mania, which I am not happy to report, he beat me twice. <Sad face> Then we were both mesmerized by Disney's Aladdin - A Musical Spectacular and awestruck with the World of Color. One thing I do have to say is Disney knows how to entertain.
Saturday morning was another ride to the airport on SuperShuttle and then one of the fastest trips through security I ever had, with no personal pat down. Wow! We had lunch at the airport, boarded our plane, had a quick layover in San Jose, and then home to Seattle. The flight was a little over three hours with the quick layover, so cannot complain at all. I also like that Southwest lets passengers change seats after landing, so we were able to snag good seats up front with lots of leg room for the second leg of our flight. Sweet!
Of course, the best part of Disneyland close to Halloween is all the decorations and how the Haunted Mansion is decked out in The Nightmare Before Christmas. I like visiting the park in late October, not anywhere near as crowded as Summer or Christmas, yet, not too hot or too cold to enjoy all southern California has to offer. It's just right.