Day 2 in SoCal

The time difference between the east and west coast worked in our favor. We're up bright and early with time to exercise and have a light breakfast before heading over to the conference center to pick up our badges, bags, and other conference materials.

We spent the rest of the day at Disney's California Adventure, mostly in the Hollywood Pictures Backlot area, where first we rode Monsters, Inc, Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! and Muppet*Vision 3D. We had a quick lunch at Award Wieners, followed by Disney's Aladdin - A Musical Spectacular. It was more than spectacular! From flying carpets to a giant elephant coming down the aisle, beautiful sets and costumes, great singing and dancing, and dazzling special effects. It took my breath away.

Around 4pm, while the others went to see Turtle Talk with Crush, I walked over to Disneyland and got us all FastPasses for Indiana Jones ride. While walking through Main Street, I got to see parts of the Parade of Dreams again, from a closer vantage point. It didn't take too long to get our FastPasses, which were for 10pm - an indication that the park was extremely busy today.

Back at California Adventure, we all rode Soarin' Over California - the ride that was later replicated at Walt Disney World. Everyone loved it. Then we went over to Paradise Pier and looked at all the carnival rides and games. Linda and I rode the Sun Wheel with a couple of very nervous librarians from California. We caught part of Pixar Play Parade on the way out of the park and everyone took our last ride of the day on the Golden Zephyr.

Then is was over to Downtown Disney for dinner at the Italian restaurant Naples. While we waited for our table we were entertained by an excellent (and extremely handsome) flamenco guitarist, Emilio, and his partner. Sandy's daughter and her friend who are here on vacation joined us. Our meal was really great and it was a nice break after being out in the sun with all the noise and activity all day.

Afterward dinner, we went to Disneyland to watch the Remember...Dreams Come True fireworks (fabulous) and ride Indy. This was another resounding success. We all alternately screamed and laughed throughout the ride. What a great day acting like kids, laughing and playing together in the sun.

See all our Fun in Anaheim photos at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/msla/sets/72157605829097639/