FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX: A Disney Lunar New Year

The rat of the family celebrating his year!

We weren't sure what to expect today. We had dedicated today to Disney's California Adventure. It was the Martin Luther King holiday, but the big new attractions were all in the other park (Disneyland). One of the best features of the Grand Californian is direct access into California Adventures. We were determined to take full advantage and were the very first ones into the park. Awesome! This was a rare event that created an instant dilemma... photos of an empty park or instant access to the most popular rides to get a jump on the touring plan! The kids' anxious faces always win out on this one... straight to Toy Story Mania... and Incredicoaster... and Toy Story Mania again! Max Pass then kicked in and we were off to a flyer! This was our first go on the re-themed roller coaster and we all agreed that it was a big improvement. It's amazing what a difference music, a few sound bites and some special effects makes.. even on a outdoor wooden coaster. The same applied to Guardians of the Galaxy Mission: Breakout. I had never been a fan of the Tower of Terror but found myself torn between crying from fear and bopping from the upbeat music.

Another first for us was to be at Disney for the Lunar New Year. It was extra special as this year wass the year of the mouse - "Rat" if you ask Remy! The main feature of interest for us was the CNY food pass. This was a pre-purchased book of "tickets" which could be exchanged for snacks and treats at various Chinese themed vendors. It was a bit of a mixed bag in terms of quality and value, but it was something different and we all found something we liked.

We didn't eat too many Asian snacks because we wanted to save space for Lamplight lounge - previously Ariel's Grotto. This proved to be a real winner. The theming is Pixar based and has the vibe of a Seattle craft beer bar with walls covered in posters, artworks and trinkets that were both beautiful and nostalgic. The food was fresh, gastropub-ish in nature and not over the top price wise. We all though it was a solid addition to the park.

Grizzly River Run felt a little weird after the tragedy on the Gold Coast, but this was our opportunity as it was about to be "refurbished for our future enjoyment". We were also determined to use our 2009 Kali River Rapid ponchos that we had carried around the world for this occasion. We went on twice and we ended up with dry ponchos but wet feet. Grrr!

Finally we took a glimpse of a new way of enjoying the parks. We sent the kids off to find some food and thrills while we went to a fancy restaurant - Napa Rose. We had wanted to try this one for a long time. Unfortunately it was just ordinary. The food was no better than a glammed up RSL, but the bill wouldn't have left any pension money to put in the pokies. There's no point wasting time and effort describing a dull meal. Let's just leave it as a big thumbs down from us. Give us Flying Fish any day!

The only other negative form the day was Malcolm's new found motion sickness. He learnt to moan in silence, but hopefully this is just a passing fad. No room for snowflakes in this family!