It never rains in Southern California

It never rains in Southern California, except when it does, for weeks on end. Thanks to the new Disney policy of required registrations, we end up at Disneyland on a rain soaked day, just before Christmas. I love the shimmery shiny photos the rain created. Other than those photos, it was a rather miserable time. Cold, wet and crowded. 

We very quickly purchase rain 'coats' from the Emporium. This is the first time in the eleven years we have lived in California that we have been at Disney on such a miserable day. Before reservations, we would have just passed on going to the theme park in such weather. I know we could have canceled and registered again, but it was the only day we were able to reserve before Christmas, thanks to said required registration. 

I truly wanted to seen all the Holiday lights and decorations that we have not had the opportunity to see in the past five years. Somehow, driving south from the Bay Area just to see Mickey didn't quite fit into our schedules during the Holiday season.

We stop for chicken and mashed potatoes at the Plaza Inn. Out on the covered porch outside of the restaurant, we were kept warm with heat lamps. The tradition of eating 'Christmas' dinner at the Plaza Inn started way back in 2012, when Thomas worked for the mouse. Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve, 24 hour days. So many memories from way back when wrapped into that wet day at Disneyland. 

Even though the day was dusk dark early in the middle of the afternoon, the colorful lights are not lit up until the normal time, 5:30pm. Soaked through, we wait for the lights on It's A Small World to light up, rode through the enclosed (away from the rain) ride, then headed towards the exit. An hour long wait in the pouring rain, kept us from riding the Haunted Mansion ride. My favorite ride, even more so from the fall into the Christmas season, would have to wait for a more weather friendly day.

After just a bit over four hours, we casually headed out. A stop in this shop and that, along Main Street was not rushed, just damp. Even a wet day at Disneyland is still a good Disney day!