Driving North

We visited the CitiWalk again on the way out to try the Voodoo Doughnuts there. They were not as good as they are in Portland.

We drove up to Central California to pick up the dogs and spent the night. On Saturday we drove through Monterey to visit family, and take the dogs to the beach in Pacific Grove. Sunday we drove back to Bend.

Universal Hollywood

On our way back north from Disneyland, we spent some of Friday at Universal Hollywood. We rode several rides, including the tram tour, which we enjoyed.

The Harry Potter area is pretty similar to the one in Orlando, just a bit smaller. It only has two attractions, Forbidden Journey and the small Hippogriff roller coaster. 

We ate lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe at the CitiWalk there. This was the 24th HRC I have visited. 

After lunch we enjoyed the WaterWorld show, but didn't have enough time for other shows.We had bought season passes; they were fairly cheap and we figured we’d make at least one more visit before the end of the year.

Disneyland Part 2

I rode the new Guardians of the Galaxy Mission Breakout ride several times. It was good although I would have preferred they left it as Tower of Terror.

I also spent some time checking out the future entrances to the Star Wars land, and trying to take photos of the construction work.

Jennifer had made capes to wear with her Disneybound outfits, so she wore different ones each day as she met with the various characters. One day several of her Southern California friends came to the park so they could take photos with the capes. 

This morning we enjoyed breakfast at Storytellers Cafe. Chip made Jenn a button to let everyone know she was “Chip’s BFF”. Then we checked out and headed north.

Disneyland

Saturday morning, Susan, Jenn, and I drove down to Central California. Bryan was starting his new job on Monday so had to stay behind.  We left the dogs with family and on Sunday arrived at the Disneyland Resort for a few days.  The holiday decorations were still up on the castle.  

And the Christmas tree still up in Town Square.  We enjoyed riding on the holiday versions of Small World and Haunted Mansion. 

We stayed at the Grand Californian, and our room overlooked the Grizzy Peak area of California Adventure. 

Over at California Adventure, they were celebrating the Festival of the Holidays. Besides eating at several of the usual counter service restaurants, we enjoyed a dinner at Steakhouse 55, although it wasn’t as good as the first time we went, and Monte Cristo sandwiches at Cafe Orleans.