Trip Introduction
We didn't take many (any) notes this trip so there's mostly pictures with captions for each day.
About a year after moving back to Iowa, we took some time to address our Disney withdrawals and visit friends and family in the Los Angeles, CA area.
Wednesday, 10/15/2008 – Travel West
No pictures here, but we believe we flew into the John Wayne Airport in Orange County and then took a shuttle to our hotel near Disneyland.
Thursday, 10/16/2008 – Disney Fix - Day 1
We spent the day at Disneyland including a behind the scenes tour.
A giant Mickey head shaped pumpkin marks the entrance to the Main Street shops
The main street shop owners decorated their upstairs windows
We met our tour guide near City Hall on Main Street
On the tour we learned where the names of businesses along Main Street came from
We were able to visit some of Walt Disney’s private rooms in the park
We also learned about how the creation of Mickey Mouse changed Walt’s life
At the end of the tour, our guide took photos for everyone
Friday, 10/17/2008 – Disney Fix, Day 2
Not really sure what we did during the day; suspect we went to California Adventure. We did, apparently, go into Disneyland for the fireworks.
Gold fireworks explode in the skies over a castle lit with pink lights
Bright red fireworks light up the crowd
White fireworks light up the smoke above the castle lit in red
White fireworks surround the castle highlighted with purple lights
Saturday, 10/18/2008 – Disney with Friends
Our friends the Greenlees came up from the San Diego area to join us at Disney on Saturday.
Characters from Disney movies work the crowd waiting to ride Splash Mountain
Julie and our friend watch the people across the lagoon
Julie and James pose in a bone cage prop from one of the Pirates movies
Sunday, 10/19/2008 – Sites around LA
Julie's sister Jolene took us to several iconic sites around LA. We also caught up with the best man from our wedding who was living in LA at the time.
The steps leading to the Getty Museum direct your eye toward the unique architecture
The museum has incredible views looking out over the valley and Los Angeles
The museum’s garden is nestled between the buildings on the hillside
Julie and her sister take a break near the reflecting pool
The garden has a maze in the center
Julie and James were able to catch lunch with Josh, the best man from their wedding, and his friend
James and Julie with the Hollywood Sign in the hills beyond
The sun sets as we visit the Griffith Observatory in the hills above LA
Monday, 10/20/2008 – Lazy day resting before heading home
Just hung out at Jolene's apartment with the cats. (no pictures)
Tuesday, 10/21/2008 – Travel Home
Not much to say, besides we made it home. (no pictures)