March 29, 2023
For decades, we've had great travel luck. Everything always seems to work out well for us when we're adventuring. Until we managed to get quarantined in our stateroom on the Queen Mary 2 for the last 6 nights of our 2 week voyage (see An Unexpected Journey).
This was our first trip since that minor snafu, and we were looking forward to a smooth trip. Until...as we were preparing to go to sleep around 10:00 pm on March 29, our texts started going off with messages from Delta that our early morning flight from IND - LAX was...CANCELLED.
What?!
Liz and I were traveling on a different locator number from Tommy, as she and I were using my points and he had paid for his ticket, and Delta was telling him they had no room for him at all the following day, and had rebooked her and me on a nightmarish routing that wouldn't have us in California until early the next evening.
NOPE.
So, we were on the phone to the medallion lines immediately. I managed to get Liz and me onto a better routing, leaving Indy a little after 5 am, then to Detroit, then onward to LA with a late morning arrival time.
Poor Tommy ended up only getting STANDBY from IND - JFK, then JFK - IND, hopefully due to arrive a few hours after Liz and I were scheduled to land in LA. Well, better standby than no flight at all.
Uneasy and stressed out, we went to sleep around 11:30 pm...
March 30, 2023
And woke at 3:30 am in time for our car to the airport for those early flights to Detroit and New York, rather than direct to Los Angeles. Grumble grumble.
Fortunately, Liz and I somehow still managed to get upgraded to First for the short flight up to Detroit, while we anxiously awaited a text from Tommy that yes - he was at least on the flight from Indy to New York...with what seemed to be several seats still available on the JFK - LAX leg. Fingers crossed.
For decades, we've had great travel luck. Everything always seems to work out well for us when we're adventuring. Until we managed to get quarantined in our stateroom on the Queen Mary 2 for the last 6 nights of our 2 week voyage (see An Unexpected Journey).
This was our first trip since that minor snafu, and we were looking forward to a smooth trip. Until...as we were preparing to go to sleep around 10:00 pm on March 29, our texts started going off with messages from Delta that our early morning flight from IND - LAX was...CANCELLED.
What?!
Liz and I were traveling on a different locator number from Tommy, as she and I were using my points and he had paid for his ticket, and Delta was telling him they had no room for him at all the following day, and had rebooked her and me on a nightmarish routing that wouldn't have us in California until early the next evening.
NOPE.
So, we were on the phone to the medallion lines immediately. I managed to get Liz and me onto a better routing, leaving Indy a little after 5 am, then to Detroit, then onward to LA with a late morning arrival time.
Poor Tommy ended up only getting STANDBY from IND - JFK, then JFK - IND, hopefully due to arrive a few hours after Liz and I were scheduled to land in LA. Well, better standby than no flight at all.
Uneasy and stressed out, we went to sleep around 11:30 pm...
March 30, 2023
And woke at 3:30 am in time for our car to the airport for those early flights to Detroit and New York, rather than direct to Los Angeles. Grumble grumble.
Fortunately, Liz and I somehow still managed to get upgraded to First for the short flight up to Detroit, while we anxiously awaited a text from Tommy that yes - he was at least on the flight from Indy to New York...with what seemed to be several seats still available on the JFK - LAX leg. Fingers crossed.
Uneventful flight to Detroit, and we had a layover long enough to grab some breakfast at a sit-down restaurant right across from our gate.
Tireder eyes at 8:30 am, hoping to get some sleep on the flight from Detroit to Los Angeles. No upgrade, just glad to be on the plane and actually get to LA, because we have plans for the day.
Tireder eyes at 8:30 am, hoping to get some sleep on the flight from Detroit to Los Angeles. No upgrade, just glad to be on the plane and actually get to LA, because we have plans for the day.
While we were awaiting the door to close, Tommy texted from JFK that it looked good for him to be on the flight to LA, arriving about 2 hours after us. For awhile the night before, everything was thrown into chaos. Now, we were all on our way to LA, albeit hours behind schedule and from different parts of the country...but better than NOT being on our way at all.
We did fortunately get some rest on the flight to LA, which was excellent as we had plans to visit our 7th Disney Park in the afternoon, California Adventure.
We were at the baggage carousel by 11:30 am, grabbed an Uber, and headed off to Anaheim!
We arrived at the hotel: Dad was still at least 2 hours away, our room wasn't ready, so the choices were sit in the hotel lobby or go to Disneyland. Tough decision.
We left our bags with bell services, and walked around the corner. It was lunch time, after all, and we knew the Food and Wine Festival was under way. So as soon as we had scanned our admission tickets and entered DCA, we immeditately acquired our Sip and Savor Pass to start eating!
We did fortunately get some rest on the flight to LA, which was excellent as we had plans to visit our 7th Disney Park in the afternoon, California Adventure.
We were at the baggage carousel by 11:30 am, grabbed an Uber, and headed off to Anaheim!
We arrived at the hotel: Dad was still at least 2 hours away, our room wasn't ready, so the choices were sit in the hotel lobby or go to Disneyland. Tough decision.
We left our bags with bell services, and walked around the corner. It was lunch time, after all, and we knew the Food and Wine Festival was under way. So as soon as we had scanned our admission tickets and entered DCA, we immeditately acquired our Sip and Savor Pass to start eating!
After some food, we decided to ride Mater's Junkyard Jamboree since we were right by it and there was no line. These are our "we shouldn't really be having TOO much fun yet because Dad is still in the air, so no smiling" faces.
Then there was cotton candy and a really overly sugary churro.
Around this time, we received notice that Mr. Mac was ON THE GROUND and getting the rental car, so we started meandering back to the hotel so we could greet him and hopefully find our room ready.
We got to the room and yes, it was indeed ready. We dropped our bags and headed down to the lobby to greet Dad after a LONG travel day. We dropped his bags and got settled for a bit, then we all headed back to DCA so we could finally start our vacation propertly. Ultimately, the little snag with Delta only cost us a few hours, so it was time for fun!
We rode Radiator Springs Racers which was FABULOUS, Soarin' (of course, one of our favorites no matter where we ride it), but it was Soarin' over California (yay!), a few other little things, had some more Food and Wine snacks, and had dinner at Wine Country Trattoria.
Admire my fine photgraphy skills:
We got to the room and yes, it was indeed ready. We dropped our bags and headed down to the lobby to greet Dad after a LONG travel day. We dropped his bags and got settled for a bit, then we all headed back to DCA so we could finally start our vacation propertly. Ultimately, the little snag with Delta only cost us a few hours, so it was time for fun!
We rode Radiator Springs Racers which was FABULOUS, Soarin' (of course, one of our favorites no matter where we ride it), but it was Soarin' over California (yay!), a few other little things, had some more Food and Wine snacks, and had dinner at Wine Country Trattoria.
Admire my fine photgraphy skills:
We did a bit of shopping, but after a seriously LONG day, we decided to skip World of Color and get some well deserved rest. We slept very soundly indeed!
March 31, 2023
We woke very well rested, and enjoyed the really nice breakfast buffet at our hotel before walking over to the original DISNEYLAND for the day!
We had a fantastic day - Splash Mountain, Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway, Space Mountain, Rise of the Resistance, Jungle Cruise, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, the Submarines (which took waaaaaaay too much time), Dole Whips and Blue Milk and EVERYTHING WAS SO MUCH FUN.
March 31, 2023
We woke very well rested, and enjoyed the really nice breakfast buffet at our hotel before walking over to the original DISNEYLAND for the day!
We had a fantastic day - Splash Mountain, Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway, Space Mountain, Rise of the Resistance, Jungle Cruise, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, the Submarines (which took waaaaaaay too much time), Dole Whips and Blue Milk and EVERYTHING WAS SO MUCH FUN.
After 25,000 steps, and the terrible decision to do the Canoes, we decided to forego our Blue Bayou dinner reservation and Door Dash ramen to our hotel room instead, for we had another big day the following day.
Eight Disney Parks around the world down, four to go!
April 1, 2023
We had last done the Universal VIP tour the day before we left for Bora Bora in 2021, and we had all had such an amazing time despite the rain, that we all definitely wanted to do it again...and it did not disappoint! We had an incredible guide (Ursula) this time around, there was no rain, and we got to do so much more this time around that was unavailable in 2021...oh, and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD IS NOW OPEN.
If you ever find yourself in Los Angeles, we highly recommend doing the Universal VIP tour. We've now done it twice, and there is no better way to visit.
We started our day with wonderful hotel breakfast, knowing from prior experience that we'd then have second breakfast once we checked in for the VIP tour. We set out towards Universal.
Eight Disney Parks around the world down, four to go!
April 1, 2023
We had last done the Universal VIP tour the day before we left for Bora Bora in 2021, and we had all had such an amazing time despite the rain, that we all definitely wanted to do it again...and it did not disappoint! We had an incredible guide (Ursula) this time around, there was no rain, and we got to do so much more this time around that was unavailable in 2021...oh, and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD IS NOW OPEN.
If you ever find yourself in Los Angeles, we highly recommend doing the Universal VIP tour. We've now done it twice, and there is no better way to visit.
We started our day with wonderful hotel breakfast, knowing from prior experience that we'd then have second breakfast once we checked in for the VIP tour. We set out towards Universal.
We got checked into the VIP waiting area, and enjoyed second breakfast and met our guide for the day.
We started out with the studio tour, and it was absolutey perfect this time because a) we got to get off at the War of the Worlds Set, b) Ursula saw how excited Liz was about Jupiter's Claim so let us explore that (which groups normally don't get to do) and c) THE PROP HOUSE WAS FINALLY OPEN TO VIP TOUR GROUPS!!!
(The prop house was closed in 2021 when we were last here due to COVID protocol - and it was so cool)
We thoroughly enjoyed the giant shopping cart used in Jackass.
We started out with the studio tour, and it was absolutey perfect this time because a) we got to get off at the War of the Worlds Set, b) Ursula saw how excited Liz was about Jupiter's Claim so let us explore that (which groups normally don't get to do) and c) THE PROP HOUSE WAS FINALLY OPEN TO VIP TOUR GROUPS!!!
(The prop house was closed in 2021 when we were last here due to COVID protocol - and it was so cool)
We thoroughly enjoyed the giant shopping cart used in Jackass.
After the studio tour, Ursula took us to the front of the line for ALL the rides in the lower lot, then it was lunch time. Like last time, we were joined by Lucy Ricardo and Doc Brown, which was good fun. Liz had plates full of tuna sashimi, caprese salad, and procsuitto and melon (her favorites), so she was happy:
After lunch, we rode all the rides in the upper lot then...what we'd all been waiting for...SUPER NINTENDO WORLD! That area of the park was closed to any additional visitors at that time, but Ursula whisked us right in AND we skipped the line for Bowser's Challenge (which was around a 3 hour wait at that point - yikes!)
After we'd ridden and played, we said our goodbyes to Ursula. But, the best part of the VIP tour is your VIP badge lets you skip the lines on every ride, as much as you want, the rest of the day. So we had favorites to ride!
We went and rode the Simpsons ride 4 times in a row, as it's one of our favorites. Had dinner at Krusty Burger. Bought way too much Simpsons merchandise (they were out of Bort license plates!) Then we went 6 times on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
We went and rode the Simpsons ride 4 times in a row, as it's one of our favorites. Had dinner at Krusty Burger. Bought way too much Simpsons merchandise (they were out of Bort license plates!) Then we went 6 times on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
We wanted to get all of our favorite repeat rides out of the way before going back into Super Nintendo Land to do 3 things:
1. See Super Nintendo Land at night
2. Ride Bowser's Challenge one final time
3. BUY ALL THE MERCHANDISE on our way out of the park
It was amazing at night - the black sky made it feel like the nighttime level in the original Super Mario Bros!
1. See Super Nintendo Land at night
2. Ride Bowser's Challenge one final time
3. BUY ALL THE MERCHANDISE on our way out of the park
It was amazing at night - the black sky made it feel like the nighttime level in the original Super Mario Bros!
Alas, our day had come to an end, so back in the car and back to Anaheim for one final night before hitting the Pacific Coast Highway to begin our journey north.
April 2, 2023
We checked out of our Anaheim hotel and started the drive north to our first hotel in San Luis Obispo. We drove out through Malibu, and once along the coast, the beauty of California opened up to us. We were interested by a large, steep sand dune along the side of the PCH, so stopped for a few to check it out.
April 2, 2023
We checked out of our Anaheim hotel and started the drive north to our first hotel in San Luis Obispo. We drove out through Malibu, and once along the coast, the beauty of California opened up to us. We were interested by a large, steep sand dune along the side of the PCH, so stopped for a few to check it out.
The scenery was beautiful.
We stopped for a brief leg stretch break at Point Mugu Park, a small outdoor military...museum?
We continued along the PCH towards Solvang, when we encountered vendors along the PCH selling fresh strawberries. This infamous box of strawberries accommpanied us on our journey from here until San Francisco, when we finally finished them.
While en route to Solvang, we passed along the side of the road a random attraction that we weren't expecting - Ostrich Land USA. OF COURSE we turned around to go back and visit!
After feeding the ostriches and emus, we made it to Solvang for lunch (Danish sausages!) and then off to get a box load of pastries!
After Solvang, we drove over to Pismo Beach. Unfortunately, it was quite windy so we didn't stay long, but as you can see it was...picturesque.
We then proceeded to our final desination for the evening, the Madonna Inn. It's the sort of place you have to go to at least once in your life...and once is enough. We got checked into this bizarre place.
We got checked into our VERY RED room for the night, the Pony Room.
To say this place is architecturally interesting is being kind.
Since we were having the whole Madonna Inn experience this of course indcluded dinner at the on-site Steakhouse which was quite pink. The desserts were very good.
April 3, 2023
Farewell, Madonna Inn.
Farewell, Madonna Inn.
We headed into San Luis Obispo to find Gum Alley. It was gross, but we did contribute with great care and lots of sanitizer.
Afterwards, we headed to Morro Bay Beach to see Morro Rock. Again, it was quite windy so we didn't walk out to it, but we were amused by some sweet otters, and also enjoyed some clam chowder as a late morning snack.
Next up we had a very delicious lunch in Paso Robles, followed by a visit to Justin Winery so Dad could make some selections.
Afterwards, we had a wonderful visit to Hearst Castle. It was incredible up there, enjoy all these photos of this magical place.
Our final stop of the day was our little beachfront hotel in San Simeon for the evening. It was still quite windy so we didn't get to enjoy the beach with getting in the water, but it was still pretty!
April 4, 2023
After breakfast and checking out, we started our day with long visit with the seals nearby. They were so fun to watch.
After breakfast and checking out, we started our day with long visit with the seals nearby. They were so fun to watch.
We then spent the afternoon amazed at how beautiful the PCH is around Big Sur, and enjoyed a delcious lunch at Nepenthe.
Next, we did the 22-mile drive at Pebble Beach, and then stopped at the incredible beach at Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Our hotel for the evening was in Monterey, so for dinner we had seafood at the Fisherman's Wharf area. More clam chowder!
April 5, 2023
After checking out of our hotel, we had breakfast down on Cannery Row in Monterey, then headed off on our Mystery Themed Day. First stop, the world famous Mystery Spot! We had so much fun.
After checking out of our hotel, we had breakfast down on Cannery Row in Monterey, then headed off on our Mystery Themed Day. First stop, the world famous Mystery Spot! We had so much fun.
Next up, off to San Jose for the Winchester Mystery House. So many photos of this wild and fascinating place.
Onward to San Francisco for the next 2 nights. After checking in, we dropped our bags for a bit and walked around to get some dinner.
April 6, 2023
San Francisco tourist day! After breakfast, we naturally had to take a cable car to Fisherman's Wharf.
San Francisco tourist day! After breakfast, we naturally had to take a cable car to Fisherman's Wharf.
Of course, next up was the ferry to Alcatraz.
After, we watched the sea lions at Pier 55 for a bit, followed by ice cream and then some play time at the Musee Mechanique. We had a bit of rest at the hotel in the late afternoon, followed by a really wonderful tapas restaurant for dinner.
April 7, 2023
The only rainy day we had all trip meant a rainy journey down Lombard after leaving our hotel, and a rainy crossing of the Golden Gate Bridge.
The only rainy day we had all trip meant a rainy journey down Lombard after leaving our hotel, and a rainy crossing of the Golden Gate Bridge.
We had Mexican for lunch in Napa, after which we finally made it to Sacramento at long last. We got checked into our wonderful hotel, then headed off to finally get to meet Summer and her family, and Lizzy's other friends for dinner.
We went over to Summer's to meet Bird.
Then back to the hotel for some pool time.
April 8, 2023
Such a fun day. After breakfast, the girls went shopping at the mall for a bit, where we also had food court lunch. Then off to an arcade with some laser tag, followed by a great time at Urban Air. We wrapped up the most fun day with dinner with all the friends at a Korean BBQ.
Such a fun day. After breakfast, the girls went shopping at the mall for a bit, where we also had food court lunch. Then off to an arcade with some laser tag, followed by a great time at Urban Air. We wrapped up the most fun day with dinner with all the friends at a Korean BBQ.
April 9, 2023
Sadly, the time had come for us to head home. We checked out of the hotel and Dad drove us girls to the train station, along with the bags, before he took the rental car to Sacramento airport to drop it off.
Sadly, the time had come for us to head home. We checked out of the hotel and Dad drove us girls to the train station, along with the bags, before he took the rental car to Sacramento airport to drop it off.
Summer headed home with her mom, and we prepared to board the train for the next 2 nights. We had a 1-bedroom sleeping accommodation which, while snug, was functional enough.
The good news, your meals are included with Amtrak if you're traveling in the sleeper cars. The bad news, we were horrified to learn, THERE IS NO WIFI ON THE CALIFORNIA ZEPHYR ROUTE. This made the 2 days less enjoyable than originally planned.
Enjoy these photos of the beautiful scenery leaving California - through the Donner Pass, Lake Tahoe (which had seen near-record snowfall!), Truckee, and into Nevada.
Enjoy these photos of the beautiful scenery leaving California - through the Donner Pass, Lake Tahoe (which had seen near-record snowfall!), Truckee, and into Nevada.
April 10, 2023
Travel day through Utah and the incredible beauty of Colorado.
Travel day through Utah and the incredible beauty of Colorado.
April 11, 2023
Apparently overnight, while we slept, the train fell behind schedule by about 3 hours. So, as we crossed Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois, it became apparent that we wouldn't get to Chicago on time to make our connecting train into Indianapolis. All worked out, though, because Amtrak had us get off the train in Galesburg, IL, onto a waiting motorcoach for a nearly private drive back to Indianapolis. We ended up arriving home several hours than we would have had the original timetable been kept. It was a fun trip...other than the lack of Wi-Fi on the train!
Apparently overnight, while we slept, the train fell behind schedule by about 3 hours. So, as we crossed Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois, it became apparent that we wouldn't get to Chicago on time to make our connecting train into Indianapolis. All worked out, though, because Amtrak had us get off the train in Galesburg, IL, onto a waiting motorcoach for a nearly private drive back to Indianapolis. We ended up arriving home several hours than we would have had the original timetable been kept. It was a fun trip...other than the lack of Wi-Fi on the train!