Finishing the Route 66 drive isn’t the end of the journey for us. It’s the beginning of Part II – heading home. It won’t be as fun as Part I was out to California; but, enjoying the journey no matter where it takes you is what it’s all about for us.

Sunday is all about celebration. We did it. So many unknowns before the trip and so many miles in the trip left us unsure we’d be able to make it the entire way. We did and now it’s time to celebrate! Where else do you go to celebrate with two six year olds in California other than Disneyland?

Beginning at the End

And where else in Disneyland do you begin celebrating your Route 66 journey other than Cars Land in Disney’s California Adventure Park?

We started with Cars Racers. A ride that takes you on Lightning and Sally’s Route 66 inspired drive from the movie. Then you head back into Radiator Springs to have some work done on the car. Maybe a new set of tires or a paint job by Ramone. Then you race. This did not disappoint. I must admit I may have been ready to cry.

The Road Paved with Good Intentions

We certainly never planned to make Disney an 11 hour day. We never planned to hit 14 attractions.

Haunted Mansion anyone?

Ride a train.

Meet Mickey.

And sit for an afternoon parade.

I’m not really sure how the kids were able to walk the 10 miles that my phone health app says we walked through the course of the day.

But the park was fortuitously closed to annual pass holders and the california weather was beautiful with low humidity.

To Fly or Not to Fly

One of things we didn’t really count on when planning this trip was the opening of the Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge section of the park. When we found out it was opening right before our visit, there was a tinge of regret knowing that this would pack the park.

We debated well in advance about whether or not we should even attempt to go there to check it out.

Well, we did it. And we rode the new Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run ride. I really don’t want to give too much away to those who may try to get there to experience it. All I will say is this: it was totally awesome!!!!! Immersive is the single word I would use to describe it.

The Band Played On

It was a whirlwind day. I’m still smiling. I think my favorite part about Disneyland is how different it is from Walt Disney World Florida. Sure it’s smaller; but, that’s what made it so awesome.

We stayed at a Fairfield that was within walking distance of the parks. The parks themselves are so close together you can just hop from one to the other like it’s no big deal.

We had dinner reservations in Disneyland and popped back over to California Adventure so we could catch a glimpse of the Radiator Spring’s nighttime neon.

I was like a little kid. I thought we were going to have to head back to the hotel without seeing the neon. Everyone was getting tired. Then just as we were headed to the ice cream line I heard it. I heard the song “Sh-Boom” by the Chords playing. I didn’t have to look at anything. I knew the neon was lighting up and I found myself running back to the middle of the street yelling, “the lights are coming on!!”.

It turned into the best night ever.

Don’t forget the Souvenirs

There was plenty of shopping to do too. It’s like the cherry on top of your sundae.

Minnie ears anyone? Don’t forget about Oswald! Only available at Disneyland.

Exhausted. Happy. We could go on no more. No one wanted the day to end but at least we could still view the park fireworks from our hotel balcony before collapsing into bed.

Carving routes