Disneyland Monorail - Downtown Disney

Left Auckland in drizzly rain, but secure in the knowledge that the next stop was Southern California, where I’m reliably informed ‘it never rains.’ We flew through the night in Air New Zealand’s comfortable Premium Economy, which is a much better value deal than their very dated and weirdly configured Business Class.

It was a fairly smooth and relaxing 12 hour jaunt. Although we left Auckland 45 minutes late, we actually landed at LAX 5 minutes earlier than scheduled. Some may put this down to the vagaries of the jet stream, but I know it was more likely a result of me having a quiet word to the driver to ‘feed it the herbs,’ as I was over two years late for my date with a mouse.

We breezed through LAX customs, even though the self-service kiosks have now gone, thanks Covid. Next stop was LAX-It, the ride share central pickup point, to get our Lyft Lux. Even though our ride was a brand new Lexus SUV my wallet still winced at how much this cost. I think my inner Scottish self will take over the purse strings for the return ride to the airport on the 13th.

One hour later, just on 3pm local time, we rolled up to the JW Marriott Anaheim Resort and checked in. Very modern, very new, very nice. Especially because of it’s location. You’ll see what I mean when you look at the photo. I’d chosen a Disney Park view room and as I type this I can see the Incredicoaster and Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout rides from my hotel room window. Money well spent!

After checking in priorities took over and we walked the mile and a half down South Harbor Boulevard to Target. Twinkies, Cheetos and danishes were bought, purely for the high nutritional value, and supplies in hand we caught a Lyft back to the hotel before wandering next door for dinner.

Our first meal back in the land of the free was glorious. Of course it had to be The Cheesecake Factory. Louisiana chicken pasta, strawberry lemonade, and concluding with the tastebud sledgehammer that is the Hersheys chocolate cheesecake. The chicken pasta is listed as 2200 calories, and it’s worth every sumptuous calorie, although I’ve never managed to eat much more than half of it.

Happily in a food coma I wobbled back up to the room for a well earned sleep, as I’d been travelling for 20 of the previous 24 hours.Read more