Pirate Wars or Star of the Caribbean

As promised, this round of posting is going to feel pretty random.  No themes. Just a handful of pics and videos and some corny stories.  Let's get to it!

The Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disneyland is not just a thrilling boat journey—it's a swashbuckling voyage through history and imagination. This beloved attraction first opened its creaky doors in 1967, making it one of the last rides personally overseen by Walt Disney himself. Inspired by Disney's love for adventure and high seas hijinks, it quickly became a cornerstone of the park.

As you embark on this treasure-hunting escapade, your adventure starts innocently enough in a serene Louisiana bayou, where fireflies glow and banjos strum gently in the distance. But don’t get too comfortable! Before you know it, you’re plunged down a waterfall into a world where "Yo Ho, Yo Ho, A Pirate’s Life for Me" becomes your new anthem.

On this wild ride, you’ll encounter a host of pirate characters, some so lifelike you'll swear they’ve been hitting the rum a bit too hard. Captain Jack Sparrow himself makes several cameo appearances, looking suspiciously like he’s just stepped off the movie set (or a really wild costume party). You'll sail past scenes of buccaneer debauchery, including pirates auctioning off plundered loot and a tipsy Jack Sparrow hiding in a barrel—because even the best pirates need a break.

The ride’s history is as rich as a pirate’s treasure chest. Originally conceived as a wax museum, it evolved into the dark ride we know today thanks to the development of animatronics—cutting-edge technology at the time. And speaking of cutting edges, the ride’s detailed sets, atmospheric music, and synchronized effects are sharp enough to make even the toughest pirate shed a nostalgic tear.

So, whether you’re in it for the history, the thrill, or just to see how many times you can spot Captain Jack Sparrow, the Pirates of the Caribbean ride promises an adventure so fun, you'll be ready to trade your Mickey ears for a pirate hat! Yo ho, yo ho, let the good times roll!

Here's a random picture of some of us walking through the park:

Now on to the Rise of the Resistance:

The Rise of the Resistance ride at Disneyland is not just an attraction; it's an epic journey through a galaxy far, far away that combines cutting-edge technology with the rich lore of Star Wars. Opened in January 2020, this ride is a star-studded blockbuster in its own right, featuring a blend of ride systems, massive sets, and live-action elements that put you right in the middle of the battle between the Resistance and the First Order.

Your adventure begins innocuously enough as you join the Resistance base on the remote planet of Batuu, with a mission briefing from none other than BB-8 and Rey herself (yes, the holographic kind, but she's still pretty convincing). Just as you're getting your space legs, the First Order shows up and—you guessed it—you’re captured. A quick reminder: this is where the plot thickens faster than blue milk!

Once aboard the First Order Star Destroyer, you’re greeted by a hangar full of stormtroopers (seriously, there’s enough white armor to start a laundromat). Here, the scale of the set is nothing short of jaw-dropping. Your mission is to escape, but don’t worry, you won’t be going it alone. Poe Dameron, Finn, and even Kylo Ren make appearances, with Kylo particularly determined to ruin your day (because what’s a villain without a little melodrama?).

The ride itself is a multi-layered experience. You’ll zip around in trackless ride vehicles, dodge blaster fire, and navigate through massive AT-AT walkers. It’s like playing a game of space tag with the First Order, but with more lasers and fewer places to hide. The escape sequence is an adrenaline rush, with hair-raising close calls and a final showdown that will have you gripping your seat like it’s the last porg on Ahch-To.

Rise of the Resistance is a technical marvel, combining elements of dark rides, motion simulators, and even a drop ride for good measure. It’s designed to be so immersive that you might just forget you’re not actually part of the Star Wars saga (until you remember you’re still holding your churro).

So, if you're ready to dodge stormtroopers, outwit the First Order, and live out your Star Wars dreams, then buckle up. Just don’t be surprised if you leave the ride feeling a bit more heroic than when you entered. May the Force be with you, and may your enjoyment be as endless as a Wookiee’s appetite!

Now here's a bit more of the long story:

Converging in St. George

After several hours, multiple snack breaks, and countless rounds of "Are we there yet?", the four families finally converged at a rest area in St. George. There were joyful reunions, children running around, and parents sharing tales of their respective journeys.

"I don't think I've heard 'Baby Shark' that many times in my life," Steve said, shaking his head.

"Consider yourself lucky," Christian replied. "Try six kids all wanting to sing different songs at the same time."

Jeff laughed, "We played I Spy for an hour, and it was always something green."

Scot nodded, "Kevin swears he saw a license plate from Hawaii. I’m starting to think he might need glasses."

As they reloaded the kids into their cars, the families shared a collective sigh of relief. They made their way to the hotel, a humble but comfortable establishment, perfect for their overnight stay.