Oggie Boogie Bash - Disneyland 2022

This is Halloween... this is Halloween. Pumpkins scream in the dead of night.

This is...Oggie Boogie Bash 2022, Disneyland style!

Back in June, we asked Max what he wanted for his birthday.  Instead of a party, he asked to go to Disneyland.  For various factors, we traded that out for two days at a hill country resort in Texas.  But the idea of going to Disneyland never left my mind and when the Oggie Boogie Bash tickets went on sale, I knew we should take this opportunity to visit Disneyland and check out the Halloween party.  After all, we'd done two Christmas parties, so seemed to reason we had to check out Halloween one year.  (Tip, I booked tickets the day they went on sale, and I'm glad I did!  They sold out very quickly this year.)

We opted to fly from the Bay Area and carried on booster seats (to use in the Uber) and 2 carry on luggages.  We packed a backpack for the parks and a spare folding bag (which we used) to carry home any gifts and souvenirs.  Instead of staying on property we stayed at the Camelot Inn and Suites just across the street.  This made for easy walking each day, provided a pool for afternoon swims (btw the pool is only 3 1/2 feet deep but was fine enough for the kids), and was right next to Panera and McDonalds for early morning breakfast.

The best part?  We totally surprised the kids!  We told them we were picking them up early from school (8:30) for flu shots, but instead drove to the airport!  Wasn't until we were parking the car in the Park and Fly that Max started to figure things out.  On the bus we told them that instead of flu shots we thought maybe we'd go to Disneyland instead!  I wish I'd taken a video.  They were so stoked.

After ubering from the airport, we let the kids take a quick dip in the pool and headed to Downtown Disney for a late lunch before heading into California Adventure for Oggie Boogie Bash at 3pm (party was from 6-11 but ticket came with early entry at 3).  Note that at Disneyland the two parks are literally steps away from each other and downtown Disney.

Oggie Boogie Halloween Bash

First, it was HOT.  Like 90-95 all weekend.  I'm so glad I opted for the simple costumes of Incredibles T-shirts + eye masks (not shown).  It meant we could be comfortable and not committed to long sleeve costumes.  The park was still open to the public from about 3-6 but we were able to get on some rides like Guardians of the Galaxy (formerly Tower of Terror), Soarin, and Philharmagic without much issue.  Jesse, who is terrified of Tower of Terror, reluctantly agreed to go on Guardians of the Galaxy.  I'd rate the change from T-of-T to G-of-G about a 7 out of 10.  Max and Jeremy enjoyed it much more (by evidence of them riding it a total of 4 times on this trip), but I felt the story line of the new G-of-G version of this ride was lacking.  Either way, it's still a fun drop ride that's worth riding at least once.  Jesse was terrified, and after coming off crying, we wound up leaving the gift shop with a new Groot stuffy that he carried around all weekend. Soarin was great as usual.  

Once the sun went down, the party started up.  We spent most of the party on the 'non-pier' side of the park.  We first had to hit up the trick or treat spots.  First, these give out a TON of candy.   Like 5 stops per 'treat spot' and there are like 7-8 treat spots throughout the park.  Each stop within a 'treat spot' gives you a handful of candy.  Needless to say, the tiny bag they give you at the entrance fills up VERY quickly.  We quickly filled each bag then the backpack.  No wonder why people bring those cloth reusable bags with them to the party.  Also, this is quality candy here.  We're talking snickers, M&M's, skittles, and the occasional snack pack.  We did get grapes once, which was appreciated.  The best part?  Each 'treat spot' features a special villain.  Maleficent was my favorite, but we also saw Oggie Boogie, Ernesto (Coco), Cruella D'Ville and Clarabell, Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck dressed as the Sanderson Sisters (we didn't wait in the photo line), plus a few others.  

After a few trick-or-treat spots, we found a spot for the Halloween parade.  A bit slow to start, but they pulled out all the villans.  Jafar, Queen of Hearts, Ursela, 3 ghosts from Haunted Mansion, Mickey and Minnie dressed up, as well as much more.  I also loved the sound track.  I grabbed "This is Halloween" already but I'll have to download a few more off the Mickey's Monster Bash ablum.

Finally we headed to some rides.  Spiderman Web Slingers is super fun, the Villains Grove walkthrough was great and very well done (haunted woods style).  Around 10:00 Jesse was done, so him and I took a slow walk back home, stopping for some churros, while Jeremy and Max hit up some more runs of G-of-G and I think even another Web Slingers.

Overall it was a great night and we had a lot of fun.  We will be back for this event sometime in our near-ish future.

Park Days - Disneyland

We somehow made it close to park opening the next day.  It's worth noting that at Disneyland parks you cannot make Genie+ plans at 7am like at Disney World.  Instead you can only make them once you've entered the park, even if you purchase it ahead of time.  Turns out this wasn't as much of an issue as at Disney World, but good to know.  As soon as we clocked in, I got Genie + and Rise of the Resistance tickets ($$ and $$).  Turns out the park was full but not crazy on Friday, still I was glad to have Genie + and not have to really wait in lines.   Given the short waits in the morning, we hit up Space Mountain and Astro Orbiter first and saved the Space Mountain lightening lane for later in the day.  (note, you only get one lightening lane per ride per day with Genie +, so use it wisely.  If you reserve it, just to see the wait is only 10 minutes, go ahead and cancel that pass, so you can use it later in the day).  

One of the cool things about Disneyland is how small it is.  This means getting from one side of the park to the other really isn't a big deal at all.  Maybe from Star Wars land to Space Mountain but that's about as far as you'd have to go.  I also really appreciated how different the rides were from Disney World, even for the same ride.  Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean and even Runaway Train are all really different.  Also the French Quarter exists at Disneyland but not at Disney World, so that was fun to walk through. 

We by mid morning we were in Star Wars land for Smuggler Run and Rise of the Resistance (via paid

Lightening Lane).  We also got some 'blue milk' slushes from a stand nearby.  Max loved these.  Also at this time I also learned that you could join walk up lists for restaurants even if you don't have a reservation.  I was able to get on the walkup list for Oga's Cantina and what started as 30 minutes quickly dropped to 15.  I am so glad we stopped by.  Sure, it was 11:30am, but this place is well done.  They have a variety of alcoholic drinks and non-alcoholic and a few small bar snacks, but the atmosphere is very well done.  We stayed for a drink and snacks, about 25 minutes.  

By the afternoon temperatures were rising above 90 so we grabbed some ice cream, tried to hit a ride (it had technical problems and closed while we were in line) and then heading back to the pool to cool down.  The short 10 min walk made this possible and really reinvigorated us for the rest of the night. 

(Note, after 2 1/2 days it really seems to me that the Disneyland rides break down a LOT more than DisneyWorld.  At least they give you a lightening lane to return anytime.  Still, I saw numerous rides break down with folks on the ride at very unfortunate locations for who knows how long.)

When we re-entered the park around 5 and we got to see a bunch of characters dressed in halloween costume, which was fun.  Especially seeing villains who aren't normally out.  We also saw a cute little covered car and a horse drawn trolley.   I'd assumed you had to pay extra for those or be a 'special guest' but turns out anyone can take them from the entrance to the castle.  Jesse was really interested in taking the trolley and I'm so glad we did.  Usually I would always walk down Main Street but after initially walking by I thought, yea, you know what, we should do that and Jesse's so excited, why not.  It was so cool!  Top moment of the trip for me.

That night we made it till around 10pm.  Some highlights were Haunted Mansion (I actually enjoyed the Nightmare Before Christmas theme), Big Thunder Railroad, Smugglers Run, Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage (which is not at Disney World and is equal parts long and interesting) and Autotopia (which is a common car driving ride but always puts me in a happy mood).  We didn't have dining reservations (and couldn't get any for Blue Bayou) so we opted for the Plaza Inn.  Wasn't too bad for a quick meal.  

After an evening of rides we went back to watch the Halloween fireworks at 9:10 (for a 9:30 show) and it was packed already.  We found a not-so-great spot halfway back and we really should have moved further back for a better (but smaller) view.  The show was good but I could tell that it would have been better with better viewing location.  Something I would have to keep in mind for the next night.  Of note, there are three shows nightly and most nights you have to choose.  Halloween Fireworks (more on these later), Fantasmic, and World of Color.  The first two are at Disneyland with the third being at California Adventure.  

Park Days - California Adventure + Disneyland

The next day we started off with a 'late' breakfast at Goofy's kitchen.  Its pretty rare for me not to make park opening, but this was always planned to be a relaxing weekend.  If we didn't get to a ride, we didn't get to it.  Also, my anxiety about doing everything was eased by Disneyland being smaller parks, plus having the Genie + both days.  We had breakfast at 8:20 and we were in the park around 10, which was 2 hours after opening.  The breakfast was good (if not a bit $$) but I really enjoy the dancing, characters, and food choices at Goofy's Kitchen.  It's no Boma (Disney World) and I hear Storytellers is good too, but we enjoy Goofy's.

We spent about 3/4 of the day at California Adventure before heading back over to Disneyland with our park hopper pass.  We also echo'd the day before with an afternoon trip to the pool and this time added in a 30 minute siesta for all of us.  With the 95 degree heat, this was definitely a necessity.  It also allowed us to have enough energy to stay up till park closing (we got home at nearly 1am).

Some highlights from California Adventure: Incredicoaster (I seriously forgot how cool this roller coaster is, but I won't give it away), Grizzly Run, Ferris Wheel, and Toy Story Mania.  Max, of course, did G-of-G one more time with his lightening lane, while I took Jesse on Toy Story Mania.  We also rode Radiator Springs Racers (extra $ for lightening lane).  This Cars ride is really well done, as is the entire cars land.  I recommend entering from the Pier side by Cocina Cucamonga and Pacific Wharf Distribution Co.  It's like you are literally walking into Radiator Springs.

I think I had more enjoyment this trip to California Adventure than I did 7 years ago.  Maybe there is more to do, or maybe I just took in more, but it's a solid park with enough to do for a solid day, especially if you don't get Genie + and you have to wait longer.  We wound up on Incredicoaster 3 times, after which I had to sit out for a while trying to regain my equilibrium.  For dinner we did a mobile order from Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill.  The QuesaBirria and Al Pastor tacos are really good and there is pacific Wharf Distribution Co right next door.  Helpful tip - order at like 4pm.  You can choose your pickup window and you won't have to wait an hour.  It is about 20 minutes once you check in but the mobile order windows tend to fill up 1-2 hrs in advance.

After our last ride, and snapping some photos around the park (free with Genie +) we headed back over to Disneyland.  We arrived around 8pm and saw the crowds already gathering for the fireworks.  If you recall, our spot for fireworks last night was sub-par.  My original plan was to watch Fantasmic, but something in my head told me to make the tradeoff and try to see the Halloween fireworks again.  Somehow, I found a spot right by the front of the castle.  Everyone was sitting with just enough room between people I could find a small two spot with a second two spot right by it.  As it got closer to fireworks time, people wrapped up their blankets and there was plenty of room.  Max and Jesse stood behind a stroller, second row to the ropes and Jeremy and I were behind some shorter people with basically an unobstructed view.  

Simply put, the show was INCREDIBLE.  Like 'Wishes' good, for those who remember that fireworks show.  I am 200% glad we came back a second night.  Disney really stepped up their game.

We wrapped up our last night with some more Haunted Mansion, Smugglers Run, and a final ride on Pirates of the Caribbean for Jesse.  We never did make it on teacups or Peter Pan, but I was satisfied.  

It was a great relaxing weekend and though it was a short trip, I appreciated how easy it was.  We aren't at annual pass level yet... but maybe sometime soon.

Maui 2022

Aloha from Maui!

This spring break brought us back to the island of Maui and the town of Kihei. 5 days of beach, sun, and crashing waves. We stayed in a condo from Vacasa Hawaii rentals via Air BNB at the Kihei Ali Kai, condo D204. It was perfect. The condo was recently updated and had a great lanai for watching sunsets and dining, and was stocked with beach chairs and an umbrella. The company was also superb at answering questions and providing a sweet welcome gift. The condo is also located right up from Kamaole Beach I and the Dolphin Plaza with 3 cafes, gelato, a fish and chips place and just down from the Cinnamon Bun store.

We spent many days on the beach for hours on end; body boarding, building epic sand castles, snorkeling, and lounging in the sun. Each day we’d build a large castle and moat near the ocean and wait for high tide to wash it away. The kids loved body boarding and we even snagged a new board at the local Safeway that was more adult size so Jeremy and I could have some fun. (Note the waves at Kamaole Beach I aren’t huge but great fun for kids)

Many days Jeremy walked to Maui Fish n’ Chips for lunch and brought it back to the beach. The resident turtle we saw on our last trip was still there making its rounds and we even saw two more. Poor Jesse didn’t even see the massive turtle swim under him and came down right on top of it! I think it scared Jesse more than anything, as the turtle didn’t really seem to care or notice and the waves of the ocean meant he only lightly touched it. Each day after the beach it was back to the condo for some pool and hot tub time. By 6pm we were washed up and ready for dinner.

Side note - packing for Hawaii is not light. 2 life jackets, 4 sets of snorkel gear, sand toys, body boards, beach blanket, sand towels, beach toys (football, balls), inflatable tubes and battery pump, car seats, oh and clothes. Also to note, at the airport I snagged a small tote that proved very useful to carry a few books and notepads to dinner each night.

Excursions

We took a few excursions while on the island as well. First was whale watching. We went with Ultimate Whale Watching out of Lahaina. The boat is a combo of seats and raft. I let Jeremy take the boys up to the front while I hung in the back. Mostly to stay under cover from the sun and secondly so I didn’t drop my phone overboard. It was the end of whale season, so we knew the sightings would be fewer. We started off seeing a few whales floating at the surface and a few tails as they dove under. About an hour in we got really lucky and we saw a baby, mother, and escort (a male whale but not the father). The baby was quite lively and put on a great show! Our guides were also very knowledgeable and we learned a lot about the whales and sea life. Overall the trip was excellent and I would use this company if we went again.

After whale watching we grabbed a quick bite to eat at Down The Hatch and headed back to the pier for a second adventure… a submarine tour! Jesse has been asking for months to ride in a submarine and somehow I found Atlantis Submarine in Maui. We opted to give this to him as an early birthday present and told him the week before that he’d be getting said early gift while we were in Maui. He was so excited trying to figure out the surprise. We dropped a few hints during the week, it wasn’t a toy, you couldn’t hold it, you could only take home the memories, etc, but we never told him and instead let him figured it out. He was beside himself with excitement when he realized what we were doing. To get to the sub you take a boat to the dive site, then watch the sub emerge and swap passengers and crew.  

Every person gets a seat and window and then you dive, dive, dive! 135 feet to the bottom. The driver (? are they called drivers ?) was really good and always circled around each reef for both sides to see. He also circled around so everyone could see when we spotted an eel or baby shark! After passing two reefs, we headed to a sunken ship. The company bought the ship for $1 and sunk it to make a reef for fish. It was sooo cool! Then we landed on the bottom of the ocean! Given the crew knew it was an early gift for Jesse, they sang him Happy Birthday while we were resting on the ocean floor! How am I ever going to top this! After about 45-60 minutes we rose again, switched crew and passengers and then watched the sub dive back down. Overall an amazing experience and well worth the money.

Later in the week we left the pool a bit early and headed sound past Wailea to the lava fields. Here we walked around a bit and watched the sun set (sort of). It was cool to show the kids hardened lava and the lava flow from so many years ago. They actually found it pretty cool.

We started off our last day up early watching breakfast and renting stand up paddle boards from Aunt Annie’s. We got two boards and paddles around Kamaole Beach 1 and 2 for about and hour. The kids sat on the front (one on each) and we did the paddling. Max was able to stand up and do some paddling as well. It was nice to be out early in the calm waters.

Our final excursion of the trip was surf lessons! I actually hadn’t given it much thought until we arrived, and I’m glad I did. A quick Yelp search found me Maui Wave Riders just down the street by Kalama Beach, a popular spot for new surfers. I called and got a 10am slot for the end of the week (take note to book early). I booked two private lessons which meant they each had an instructor. I had called to book and I’m so glad Monica had recommended doing it this way. She also recommended a 9 or 10am lesson vs later in the day when the waves were rougher. Next time we may do semi-private 2:1 but for the first time out this was the way to go. Reuben and Kekoa were great with the kids. They started with a dry land lesson for 5 minutes then headed off. The shop gave them everything they needed and let us borrow water shoes too, as I got into the water to take photos. After a few falls the kids were up in no time! They did so great for their first time out! After 2 hours they were exhausted and happy. Highly recommend for anyone who enjoys a bit of adventure! They even got to borrow the boards for the rest of the day, so after lunch at Paia Fish Market we borrowed them again and went back out ourselves. Let’s just say we quickly understood why mornings are the popular surf time. The afternoon wasn’t quite as smooth and the cross winds had us aborting after about 20 minutes.

We ended the trip watching sunset at Kalama Beach park (which is a pretty cool park btw) and dinner at Ami Ami. Throughout the week we ate dinner at Ami Ami twice (blackened Mahi Mahi was delicious), Miso Phat Sushi twice, and Ohana Grill (live music). We really enjoyed Shauna McCoy playing at Ohana Grill. (Though next time I’d buy some supplies and plan to cook in the room a few nights, to help with costs and add some variety)

Thanks for the great trip Maui! Hope to be back soon!