After having been delayed, because of the pandemic finally arranged to go in June 2023. This was part in celebration of mums 60th and parents 40th anniversary.

It seems strange to say it was over 20 years ago we last went! makes me feel old too!

DRAMA BEFORE IT BEGAN!

So dad had booked everything and paid with Virgin holidays, did not get any email to confirm, but account said paid so ignored. 1 week later Virgin had cancelled the whole holiday! After back and fourth they had taken the money but not put it towards the holiday in a holding account. They sorted it out after many phonecalls and did not change much of the booking, just the flight back. Dad complained and they gave us a free pass to the Heathrow lounge. Comfy seats, free food drinks etc and place to relax. It was nice but wouldn’t pay the extra for that tbh.

Its different than going to Disneyworld in Florida, as there is only 2 parks rather than the many over there!

It is the original Disneyland though, followed later by California adventure built on one of the parking lots. We had never been to this park before. We were only going to get a 3 day ticket, but got a 5 day for not much extra and spent 3 in Disneyland and 2 in California Adventure. We got to to do most rides, excluding the ones we were not planning on doing anyway coasters etc. Unlike Disneyworld you park in a multi story car park and then take a tram after security to the front gates/Downtown Disney shops.

Of course with the pandemic things changed, you now to have make a park pass reservation for what day you are going to the Disney parks, and lock that date in. Same for Knotts Berry farm and the waterpark needed to say when we would go. I did bring masks with me, but they were not asked or required to be worn. Did see people wearing them but not many.

The wait times across the 5 days varied between 30mins-1hr for popular rides and just become part of the holiday. Some wait times were shorter than stated though and shorter when parades were on. Having multiple days in Disneyland, meant we could space the time out and not have to rush everything. But bare this in mind when planning a trip, factor in waiting times etc ! they can eat a big chunk out of your day like at Universal studios!

I was determined also to fit in as many Disneyland foods and snacks as i could, though missed many still. More of the sweet snacks than savoury. I got to try some of the classics like Mickey Pretzels, icecream bars, churros, Dole whip, Blue milk from star wars and other snacks around the park. We did bring our own food for a light lunch, sandwiches we made in the room. We brought our own water and some crisps. The price of these basics in Disneyland soon adds up, some bottles water was almost $5 a bottle! Chips $3. The money you save on lunch can be put towards extra Disney snacks or meal later in the day.

THE HOTEL AND FLIGHT

The weather was overcast most of the 1st week, and warmed up considerably the 2nd week. The Theme park crowds were not too bad, you could move around, but still lots of people and queues!

We stayed in Buena Park Anaheim at the Doubletree by Hilton. It was about 15mins to Disneyland by Car and also close to Knotts Berry Farm and waterpark. The hotel honestly was great, clean big beds and TV, Fridge, Hair dryer and Iron. It had a pool and a hot tub! the room also had a coffee pod machine. Upon check in they give you a freshly baked cookie each. I ate mine immediately . The Trees outside and along the street were all lined with lights so lit up at night. We did watch the55inch ! TV at night, and the weather in the morning. Don`t think i could stand watching it for long, commercials for accident lawyers all the time and drugs companys!

The hotel was on Beach blvd ( yes goes right to the Beach eventually) and there was so many stores along the long road, and all the ones mostly we were wanting to go to. Quick google found many stores nearby. Including Walmart, Target and many other supermarkets right on our doorstep. With less Disneyparks we did spend more time out on shopping trips. Thus the 1st and 2nd extra suitcase at the end of the Holiday between the 3 of us.

The hotel had a pool area and a smaller pool to the side, thought it was a kids one! but turned out to be like a hot tub Jacuzzi. got in and it was warm like a bath. Dad noticed a switch and can turn it on for 10-30mins, bubbles appeared and it was on, mum stayed in there for a while. The other pool to the side was empty at first for most of the time, besides 2 people lounging at the side. So had it mostly to ourselves.

The flight going there was by Delta and was 10hr 30mins slightly delayed and then getting through Usa immigration/customs. I didn’t really sleep on the plane, who does? and my eyes have never felt so heavy and sore, where i wanted to just sleep. LAX airport is a maze! we couldn’t find the stop for the rental car. After some walking, we found a stop and you take a bus back to the rental place. That was a laugh dad wasn’t sure how to start the car! as its a push button, and you have to have your foot on the pedal at the same time. Had to ask the lady at the rental car place twice. Finally we got off, then got lost! eventually found our way and to the hotel after a very long day and lack of sleep for everyone.

The flight coming back was late at night 10.50pm so we had to whole day to fill, before making our way back to the Airport. We had a late checkout which helped at 1pm, and did some last minute shopping at places we had not looked before and an outlet mall. Had some food and made our way back to the Airport. It was not the easiest pushing 2 suitcases and a cabin luggage! The flight back was Virgin and about 10hrs. Slept a little bit after watching a few films on the entertainment. Was early evening time when we got back and had some food and went for a long sleep.

THE HOLIDAY BEGINS

The holiday really begins on day 2, when you’ve had some sleep and then can start adjusting to the time difference, temperature etc 8 hours in this case. We brought Tea and coffee with us and some Poptarts for the 1st day or so, before we went to the supermarket to get some food for lunches and Breakfast/Teatime.

TIME TO GO SHOPPING

Without question, i was just as excited to go shopping as i was to go to Disney. I had made a list of stuff i wanted to get and snacks i wanted to try out there. Of course leave the rest to surprise and unexpected finds. As above the Hotel was opposite Target and Dollar Tree, and not too far away many other stores and more. We were really spoilt for choice with not having to venture out too far. I managed to get most things on my list and a lot more and had no doubt i would need an extra case, which i had planned for. I was like a kid in a candy store, looking everywhere and putting this and that in the trolley. Products we didn’t have at home, things to try etc. After some time it was the same stores but different locations, still looked in them, as they were all different like the walmarts.

Must have gone in 5 at least, all had different things. The 1st one we went in was rubbish, i was so disappointed none hardly of the things i wanted. That soon changed when we went to the 2nd bigger one. People might think i was crazy going ooh look at this and that. To them it is usual groceries to me its like gold!

We did go to the Citadel outlet mall, which had a Disney outlet store. lots of items not for me though, mostlye designer stores and not really things i would buy. Did get a Shirt in Old Navy though!

With the cost of living crisis and other factors going on in the world, i expected prices to be higher. They were still reasonable and American goods imported here are sold higher anyway. Like for instance the Dollar Tree is now $1.25, still worth it for stuff they sell and unlike 99c only stores majority is one price.

The aisles of the supermarkets are wider and longer than ours for sure. You have to look at what something is worth to you. A lot of the Cereals i brought back ( a suitcase full) you cannot get here, like poptarts also, so i would rather get them and pay for an extra case or risk serious FOMO.

It seems even though i am not actively looking for reduced items, they find me! spotted a clearance section in Target and baked goods in Walmart with yellow labels, and even in Big lots store. I managed to get some bargains this way and even dad got a Chocolate Easter bunny with headband for 99c ( yes in June) in Burlingtons. We ate this in the Car on the last day Russell stoves brand. Most of these stores operate like Tkmaxx does a rrp and then their price. Stores like: Ross dress for less, Tjmaxx, Marshalls, Homegoods, Burlingtons. Other stores just have a usual price.

Only thing i dislike is the sales tax not being included in the price like our vat here. Wish it was one final price you pay, rather than guess work at the till. The sales tax did vary from 7.5%-8% more in places like Hollywood. So bare that in mind! tax has to be added to the price. Some exclusions

STORES TO CHECK OUT

  • Dollar Tree most items $1.25 besides some frozen stuff
  • Ross dress for less
  • Big lots
  • Hobby Lobby
  • Michaels craft store
  • Joannes craft store
  • 5 below
  • Walmart
  • Target
  • Albertsons – supermarket
  • Smart and final – Supermarket
  • Burlingtons
  • Tjmaxx
  • Old Navy
  • grocery outlet bargain centre
  • 99c only stores
  • Marshalls/Homegoods
  • stater bros supermarket
  • Williams sonoma higher end cookware/bakeware shop

I will have a separate blog post about Disney/Universal/Knotts foods to try etc and foods we ate.

A day at the Beach

We went to Huntington Beach on the 2nd week, straight down on Beach Boulevard. Of course this was the week it got warmer and having avoided the sun thus far, i got burnt! ending up with a watch tan mark lol.

There was a pier and the beach line goes on for ages, must have taken us 20mins to walk to the pier and then back again, bikes and rollerbladers along the path. People were fishing on the pier and saw a man with some fish he had caught and washed to take home. I had a walk along near the water in the sand, but the waves were a bit fierce so stayed back. Its not like an English Beach resort, with arcades shops bars etc all along the front. There were shops and some hotels and places to eat, but not for us.

You can drive further along the other way and you end up on Newport Beach and lots of swanky Boats and yachts, a bit more upmarket. We drove along this way to go to Williams sonoma a cookware shop, a bit out of the way. I wanted to get some of the Nordicware pans , as they are cheaper in the states than over here. Some designs are not sold here either. I got a few other bits reduced too!

With all holidays it seems, you wait for them to come around with excitement. Then before you know it, you are halfway through and then on your way back home. I enjoyed my time away in the states, getting to visit Disneyland and California Adventure after such a long time. I have a suitcase full of treats to make my way through and review on my instas and facebook. Seems like a distant memory when you get back to everyday life.

I will have 2 more blogs to come, 1 with Disney/Universal/Knotts Berry farm foods i tried, and 1 with all the rest of the foods we ate and tried around. Trying to write this while it is still fresh in my head and keep the holiday spirit alive , while my little bit of a tan sticks around.

Thanks for reading