Sometimes You Need An Adult Playdate At Disneyland #justgothappier

In between getting my layoff letter and my business trip to Arkansas was Disneyland.  My freakin' awesome friend Ruby invited me as her +1.  I honestly didn't know I was going to go till the day before because I was trying to make excuses that I'd be so tired for my trip... but it was exactly what I needed!  I am so happy she pushed me to go with her.  I want to say the last time I visited Disneyland without kids was when I was pregnant with Duke in 2005.  

Our day was mellow, we weren't in a rush to get on every ride to get our money's worth.  We started in California Adventure, did a little shopping and ended up in Disneyland.  We strolled down Main Street and decided to have lunch at Carnation Cafe.  The wait was 20-30 minutes.  We left our name on the list for first available, was given a pager and headed over to Penny Arcade.  Ruby had never "met" Esmeralda and after I got my card, I insisted she get one too.  Her fortune was right on.   An instant Esmeralda fan!  We checked out some of the Disney sweet treats and returned to Carnation Cafe.  The minute we sat down, the pager went off.  We were escorted by an older Latino man in chef whites and when he sat us down, I had to ask him if he was Oscar Martinez - the longtime Disneyland cast member I had read about.  He said yes - he has been at Disneyland for 57 YEARS.  I geeked out and Ruby & I took our pictures with him.  Our server Philip was just as magical.  I ordered Chicken Fried Chicken and it was yummy.  Ruby and I split a slice of coconut cake with mango sauce.  Food was incredible.  Experience was memorable.  Thank you Oscar and Philip!!!

We rode Indiana Jones, sat on a bench behind Sleeping Beauty Castle and people watched.  We ran into blogger friends Liz, Nicole and Dariela at Fantasy Faire and caught The Beauty & the Beast show.  It was amazing.  I know watching shows at Disneyland isn't really a thing but you have to see it.  It's done in vaudeville style - so entertaining, so funny.  I loved it!  We headed back to California Adventure and met up with Ruby's friend Cynthia and got on Radiator Springs Racers.  Liz totally convinced me to ride it and I'm glad I did!  (I'm usually a wuss) - It is now my favorite ride at California Adventure.

Another favorite: The Mad T Party chairs.  So pretty to the eyes but so comfy to tired feet.  We totally vegged out and laughed an hour away.

At this point of the night, the kids would be tired and whining to go home but I got to enjoy World of Color (another first) and it was simply magical.  Sometimes we parents get too caught up in parenting and don't experience good, quality time away from our kids.  Trust me I don't have guilt about getting away for a couple hours or a few days - my kids need it just as much as I do.  So yeah, sometimes you need an adult playdate at Disneyland.  Thank you Ruby!!!




Ruby with Oscar Martinez and Philip at Carnation Cafe

Fantasy Faire - Beauty and the Beast show

We ran into fashion blogger Cid who was celebrating her Birthday at Disneyland!

Me with Dariela & Ruby / Liz & I

Oh these chairs.  I want them!


*I also got to meet blogger friend Ericka!!! (sadly not pictured)

Disclosure:  This is not a sponsored post.  Ruby was invited to a blogger event at Disneyland and I was her guest.  I am not obligated in any way to write this post.  We paid for our own meal.  All thoughts are my own.