Disneyland’s Diamond Celebration

On Wednesday, Disneyland wasn’t the only one celebrating a birthday, Fabian turned 25!  What better way to spend the big day than at the “Happiest Place on Earth,” at least in my opinion.

We started in Disney’s California Adventure park, where I picked him up a button, so that every passing Cast Member would wish him a happy birthday, which they did.

Then we headed to Paradise Pier where we rode both coasters, California Screamin’ and Goofy’s Sky School.  Surprisingly both lines were under 15 minutes.  Luckily early November is a slow season for both parks.

The only long line we waited in all day was Radiator Springs Racers in Cars Land, the newest addition to the park, making it the most popular.

We also had to do Tower of Terror in Hollywoodland…

and at the exit got ‘stalked’ by everyone’s favorite, blue, fuzzy monster, Sully.

Then we decided it was about time to head to the other park since we only had one day to get everything in.

We started in Adventureland with Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye.  Fabes had never been on it before and now its his favorite ride, we rode it twice that day.

Around this time we decided to get a snack, which consisted of Mickey Mouse’s face…

…and a popular Disneyland treat that I hadn’t tried before, the (non-alcoholic) Mint Julep from New Orleans Square, which we now both recommend everyone giving a try.

Then it was time for more classic rides like Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion, which was adorned with Nightmare Before Christmas decor for the holidays.  I also got to see the new Hatbox Ghost animatronic for the first time, which was added earlier this year.

Another animatronic added to the park for the 60th anniversary lives in the Matterhorn Bobsleds attraction, which we also rode twice that night.  The new yeti is amazing and pretty creepy, I love it!

Before arriving at the park I made a reservation for the birthday boy and I to have dinner at the Blue Bayou, a restaurant located inside the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction.  I think he enjoyed himself.

Our waitress even gave him a birthday treat.

Last on our list of things to do was to catch the fireworks, Disneyland Forever.  Its a state-of-the art show that includes everything from projections on the castle, Matterhorn mountain turning into a giant volcano, and Nemo (the clownfish) flying through the night sky.  I don’t want to give anything else away, but this is a must-do for sure!  If you can stand near people wearing the “Glow with the Show” Mickey ears, to get the full experience.

We stayed at the parks from opening to closing and it was well worth it, no matter how exhausted we were by the end of the day.  Next we’re off to Joshua Tree!

All photos in this post were taken with an iPhone 6S Plus.