The Happiest Hottest Place in California

Yesterday, Caesar (formerly known as CM) and I finally used the second half of his 2Fer ticket to visit Disney's California Adventure with our friend RG. Even thought we both lathered on the sunscreen and did our best to dress comfortably, the day turned into a scorcher. I think we spent roughly $40 on ice-cold bottled water alone. We spent much of the first few hours simply walking around because attractions were closed either to reconstruction -- Disney plans on re-imaging California Adventure into a more Pixar/animated film park -- or to maintenance issues. I wondered aloud why the park even opened that day if so much was to be closed. Most attractions that were open boasted wait times from 30 to 90 minutes -- in the sun without any shade or means to cool off. We did manage to try a few things in air-conditioned buildings and even caught a glimpse of the new developments for the re-themed park: a Little Mermaid attraction where guests ride in sea shells through scenes from the movie; a new land based on the movie Cars; adding Mickey's face to the Sun Wheel (ferris wheel); and what should be a fantastic light and water show called the "World of Color". (The image behind Caesar and RG in the picture is an artists rendering of what the show may look like.)

We stayed from 10AM until just after 8PM. And even after the showers at home to wash off the heat and layer upon layer of sunscreen, my neck and hands are lobster red. My knees creak whenever I stand or sit. And my feet continue to dare me to take another step. I think next time we visit the parks, we're going to hire someone to either fan us or to shade us from the sun with a huge parasol.