Life is a Journey

Yes, I went back for more Disney Christmas cheer! Get comfortable folks, this is going to be a long post! I'll share all of my pics with you today and then post videos tomorrow. You're welcome! The shooting gallery looks mighty festive, doesn't it? The Haunted Mansion was experiencing a few problems so while I waited, I attempted to take a pictures...I am quite surprised at how well the iPhone 5 does! I got to the Park or should I say, the area near the Park at 9:30 and the parking structure was already full! I got sent over to the Simba parkinig lot and by the time I actually walked through the gate at Disneyland, it was 10:40! Sheesh! My friends and I had a lunch reservation at Cafe Orleans for 12:50 wo we checked in a few minutes early and sat down to admire the decorations... After lunch which consisted of the Monte Cristo, we waddled over to Big Thunder Ranch. I had so much fun checking everything out that I didn't take many photos. Oops...

Oh so pretty!! Yesterday was the official start of the Festival of Lights. I purposely went late hoping that the crowds would be gone and I was right! I am posting this using the blogger app...keep your fingers crossed!

I told you I would keep trying and I did! No matter what I did, the videos would not upload so I put them on YouTube and guess what? They uploaded perfectly from there! First, I give you a glimpse of the Toy Soldiers. Next, we see Mickey and Minnie. Here comes Goofy and Pluto! Next, we have Woody. Dancing Gingerbread Men. Gepetto and Pinocchio. Next we have Buzz Lightyear.  And my FAVORITES...the Reindeer! Well guys, I hope you enjoyed these snippets!

I really really really do love the Parks at Christmas!! The other night I went to an Annual Passholder private party at Disneyland and took advantage of the low crowds to grab a great viewing spot for the Christmas Fantasy Parade. I had not seen this parade since 2008 so I was really excited. I found myself wishing I had a decent camera but alas, my cell phone would have to do. The reason for taking pictures and videos was to send them to my very good friend and fellow Disneyland lover who has been living in England for the past 8 years. She loved them! As I was uploading them to my cloud storage, I decided to share them with you and even though they aren't the best quality I think you'll enjoy them. Here's a quick peak at a scene from the new Jingle Cruise. I've been having quite a bit of trouble uploading the rest of the videos so I'll keep trying!

Some people see ruins, I see the beauty that once was. Continue strolling through the grounds with me. I am always amazed when I see buildings of this age still standing. Inside the church, I decided to sit and just let my eyes wander. These details are amazing to me and the fact that they are hand painted makes them take on a magical quality. I tried to imagine the artist, meticulously at work. The hand painted details are on the ceiling as well. Back outside and looking for a little shade. These "berries" look like they been dusted with sugar! I sat on a stone bench for a good 20 minutes enjoying the quiet beauty of the mission. If you are ever in the area, please do stop. See you soon!