Saturday 17 November - Anaheim

Slept in this morning and then off for the bargain breakfast at Captain Kidd's. Then over the road to Downtown Disney for some looking and shopping. Took a few "selfies":

and then introduced Jenny to Build A Bear. Visited Fossil Shop and Alison ended up with a new watch and Philip a new wallet. Then a juice bar for a healthy late lunch and a stop to talk to a lonely Melbourne woman travelling by herself. Then Jenny had to succumb to a desire for something that she had been eyeing for the last two days and she can be seen below flossing her teeth!

After that it was back to the Clarion and a rest in the lobby and read of newspapers while we waited for the maid to finish in our room. Got to pat a beautiful little nine week old Siberian Husky puppy who was staying at the hotel. Alison and Philip then headed off to pick-up our transport for the next 15 days and what a nice vehicle it is. A 2013??? shiny black Ford Escape with leather upholstery.

Philip managed to drive it safely back to the hotel inspite of Alsion's demands that he slow down - he was only doing 32mph in a 40mph zone. We head off to Vegas tomorrow and hope we are not chased by one of these - 

Disneyland Second and Last Day

Started the day with great breakfast at Captain Kidd's opposite Disney main gate. $5.99 for 3 eggs, bacon, chipolatas, real hash brown and pancakes with maple syrup. It certainly fortified us for hitting the park.

Today was dedicated to Disneyland and we started in Tomorrowland. Star Wars ride is the best - what a hoot listening to Jenny's reactions as we flew through space! Did Buzz Lightyears, Finding Nemo Submarine ride, then Jenny and Philip took to the bob sleds of the Matterhorn - twice!!! Philip says that he won't complain about the lack of padding in V Australia seats again after this ride. Also managed to take the It's A Small World ride (all themed for Christmas), Peter Pan's Flight, the Train and the Haunted House (also themed for Halloween and Christmas as you will see from the following photo).

Caught the parade again in daylight and a show in the Golden Nugget Saloon while we ate ice-cream sundaes for lunch. Left the park and shopped in Downtown Disney and then headed home and picked up pizza for dinner on the way.
Now for the downer for the day - Jenny discovered that her camera battery was flat and that she hadn't packed the correct charger lead; no worries we had back-up but then Philip discovered that his Nikon battery had gone flat and the charger was back at the hotel; no worries we had back up but then Alison discovered that the Canon was suffering memory card read issues!!!! So only captured video with the little flip camera today.

First Full Day and Off to Disneyland

Good night's sleep after the long day and flight yesterday. Quick breakfast at the hotel and then to the park. Started in Disney California Adventure and put Jenny in the line to get us fast passes for Radiator Springs ride. Boy are we glad that we got them as the queue later was taking 90 minutes. Ride was great and Philip had to hold on to his Jack Sparrow hat! He wanted to buy one at Disneyland in Tokyo but saved money so today he splurged. Loved Soaring over California ride (twice), Bugs' Life 3D show, thought about California Screaming roller coaster and then thought NO, went on the big Mickey Ferris wheel and you guessed it suffered a technical glitch while we were near the top so had a good view of the park for a little while!
Lunch in the New Orleans section of Adventureland and then the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. That's what inspired Philip to buy the hat, Disney Pirate's Lanyard and some collector pins. Everyone needs to be a kid at Disneyland. We were proud to wear our special Disneyland "I'm Celebrating Retirement" Badges as well. Lots of jealous park crew including some older than us!
Fabulous Christmas themed parade this evening (have posted a short video on Facebook), followed by a light show on Sleeping Beauty's castle with artificial snow in Main Street and then a truly magnificent fireworks display.

Anaheim - Clarion Resort Hotel

We have arrived. Survived the 12 hour flight. Seats could do with more padding for rear ends! Leg room and cabin crew excellent. Go V Australia. Super Shuttle transfer to the hotel and nice corner room on the 7th floor looking towards Disneyland - hopefully we will be able to see the fireworks at night. Room ready for us so that is great. Jenny having a lie down but no Bex and Ali and Philip going for a walk to the nearest shop - 7 Eleven.
The picture shows the view from our room to the back of one of the roller coasters in Disneyland.

Just returned from another walk to Disneyland to organise the tickets for the next two days. Served by a lovely lady called Irene who asked if we were celebrating anything so we now have "I'm Celebrating Retirement" Badges to wear when we head off tomorrow. Dinner tonight will be at the hotel with happy 1/2 price appetisers and beer - yippee! Also enjoying some cheap bourbon prior to dinner.

Brisbane Airport and in Departures

Great service here with free wi-fi! All staff at V checkin, customs and immigration very friendly and helpful. Philip was selected for explosive's testing and pat down! Now having some fast food breakfast and then depart at 10.50am. YIPPEEE! :)

Another Step Closer

Braved the crowds at the Aldi store this morning to pick up some pairs of Scholl Flight Socks for we three oldies flying for 13 hours on Wednesday 14th. That's only 7 more sleeps!!!

Some Links Added

I have removed the two posts which contained our driving maps and you will now find them on the right hand side of the blog home page under Driving Maps. There is also a link added for Jessica's blog and also the ability to add your email address to receive updates to the blog. Alison and I hope that you will be able to join us on our travels through the avenue of the blog and that you won't be too jealous!