Ride Tally...

Counting is fun... but not as much fun as actually riding the rides.
A breakdown:

H.2.O.M.G...

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World of Color is one of Disneyland's new must-see night time attractions. The show contains 1,200 fountains as well as lights, water, fire, fog, and lasers, with high-definition projections on mist screens. We picked the Friday evening showing which we thought would be the least risky weather-wise. After finally figuring out how to get our tickets and where wait in (a long) line we found our spot. And then it start ed to sprinkle (from the sky above, and also the fountains) The show is amazing (and you can totally see it in the $75,000,000 price tag!) but in hindsight I would have taken the advice of a Disney worker, when he said, it's like a movie theater-- the further away you are the better the show. It also helps if it isn't raining... and warmer is better too. I can't wait to see it again however. It is truly awe-inspiring.

Hipstamatic Disney...

I got to see Disneyland with a whole new set of eyes thanks to my new iPhone. I was able to capture some cool retro-shots from around the park with my Hipstamastic camera app. One of my already favorite new features utilized in one of my favorite places-- Enjoy!

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Love List | Disney Edition...

HOLD ON! WE'RE NOT DONE JUST YET--
THERE'S STILL MORE TO LOVE THIS NOVEMBER.
(12 MORE, TO BE EXACT!)

1|HOLIDAYS AT DISNEYLAND

One of the main reasons Shila and I planned our trip for the time that we did, was to allow us to see the Disney Resort transformed for the season. I love many things in life, Disneyland and Christmas decor are two of the biggies; so it just made sense. And boy, the house of the mouse did not disappoint. Miles of garland, millions of ornaments and lights as far as the eye can see. (in the dark, mind you!) Yes, this time of year, the happiest-- most magical place on Earth, gets even more magical. You should add this to your bucket list, if it's not there already.

2|WORLD OF COLOR

This show is one of the most amazing displays of technology and creativity I've ever seen (or heard of- for that matter) Technically, it really should be number one but circumstances beyond it's control; such as sucky weather and our poor viewing location- (slightly) took away from the experience. But that being said, I still loved every minute. I can't wait to go back and see it again and truly enjoy the magic. And just to hold you (and me) over check it out. They got better seats than us! (The key is watching from the back, and that way you'll stay dry too!)

3|SPACE MOUNTAIN

Forcing me to pick my favorite ride in Disneyland is like having a parent select their favorite child. But if I must and when my arm is twisted-- I'd have to go with the classic journey on Space Mountain. Jeez, I love this ride. So much fun. This trip it was one of the few rides we actually used the Fast Pass regularly. A good sign of a favorite ride, indeed!

4|PHOTO WITH PLUTO

Pluto is my absolute Disney fave! (You should really know that about me by now!) And this year I pushed all those pesky kids outta the way and ignored a pushy Disney employee (who was trying to shoo us all away; it was Pluto's snack time!) to get a pic with my favorite pooch! Woof!

5|SOARIN' OVER CALIFORNIA

And since I was forced to pick my favorite attraction at Disneyland, I will have to do the same to for California Adventure. And while I adore Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and California Screamin'-- there is just something incredibly magical and wonderful about hang-gliding over the Sunshine State. Trust me.

6|HAUNTED MANSION HOLIDAY

In year's past, I resisted fully embracing the seasonal transformation to an other wise favorite classic ride, but this year I finally jumped on board. I've always LOVED(!) both the Haunted Mansion and Nightmare Before Christmas and appreciated Jack's spooky holiday makeover, this year more than ever.

7|LA BREA BAKERY
8|PACIFIC WHARF CAFE

Who says you have to have a nasty (and expen$ive) dry hamburger when visiting Disneyland. Not I! This year we stumbled upon two delicious spots to get our eat on. Downtown Disney's La Brea Bakery and California Adventure's Pacific Wharf Cafe and Bakery. (The bread bowl soups are dee-licious.) Defiantly worth checking out on your next trip.

9|DISNEY POOK-A-LOOZ!

I fell in love with this whole collection of A-DORABLE stuffed animals in the Disney gift shops. I mean, they are too-cute-for-their-own-good. I wanted to buy the whole collection but had to settle on just one. These were the two finalists, naturally. Can you guess which one I chose? (You might just be surprised.)

10|CHURROS

Nom. Nom. Nom.

11|BEST WESTERN STOVALL INN'S
REMODELED GUEST ROOMS

Shila and I stayed at this property during our 2008 visit, and since then they have completely redone their rooms. The results were impressive. The modern decor and comfy beds made for the perfect home away from home. It was perfect and even more so when you factor in our terrific discount. (Helps to have connections!)

12|TRON-MANIA

Before my trip to Disneyland I wasn't really interested in checking out the upcoming flick, TRON; but since then, that has changed. Tron mania took over the parks, from their ElecTRONica show to their fantastic Tron themed encore at the end of World of Color. Kuddos for the marketing department, I'm sure their time and money(!) will pay off big at the box office! Worked on me.