Using the Bathroom Isn't a Ride

Here we are, waiting on one of the rare benches. We are waiting for some of the group to use the bathroom. These bathrooms are in DCA, in Cars Land. They are by Flo's V8 Cafe. They are good bathrooms and typically don't have a line. But, the bathrooms are not rides, they are just places to handle your business.

This is in front of the Monster's Inc. ride.  You pronounce it as Inc. and you put a little extra mustard on the "k" sound in inc. At least, that's how Brandon says it. In this picture it doesn't seem like Brandon is particularly interested in riding this. And where the heck is Jeff looking? Remember the good ole days when you looked at the camera and forced a fake smile for pictures?

Here we have a couple of hooligans sitting at a table at the Tropical Hideaway. I've already written about how I like to get the Bengal BBQ and then sit at these tables.  It seems like you shouldn't be allowed to do that - get food at one restaurant and eat it at another - but the workers don't seem to care at all. Plus, once all the meat and rice is gone it's really good to get a Dole Whip here.

Okay, let's talk Little Mermaid. This is my guilty pleasure ride.  It's a ride that I shouldn't like because I'm an adult and a man, but I like it.  The shells that you sit in are comfy and the room is climate controlled.  

Ariel’s Undersea Adventure at Disney California Adventure is a whimsical, colorful dark ride that takes you on a journey through the magical world of The Little Mermaid. You’ll be whisked away to the ocean depths, where you’ll relive all the iconic moments from the movie, complete with catchy songs, dancing fish, and one particularly grumpy sea witch. If you’ve ever wanted to be “part of that world” without getting your feet wet, this is your chance!

As you approach the ride, you’re greeted by King Triton’s grand statue and a beautiful, seashell-adorned entrance that instantly transports you to Ariel’s underwater kingdom. The vibe is pure Disney charm, with a dash of nostalgic magic for fans of the 1989 animated classic. The queue is mostly outdoors, winding through a beachside-themed area, but once you step into your clamshell ride vehicle, you’re diving headfirst into the depths of the ocean—no scuba gear required!

The ride begins with a descent “under the sea,” where you’re greeted by vibrant coral reefs and friendly sea creatures. As you float along, you’ll be immersed in scenes that bring The Little Mermaid to life in all its technicolor glory. Ariel, Sebastian, Flounder, and the rest of the gang are all there, singing their hearts out and reminding you why you’ve had “Under the Sea” stuck in your head since 1989. The animatronics are charming and full of life, with Ariel’s hair somehow flowing perfectly underwater (because Disney magic, obviously).

The highlight of the ride is the “Under the Sea” scene, where Sebastian leads a full-blown underwater musical extravaganza. The entire room bursts into a dazzling array of colors as fish, sea turtles, and even some surprisingly coordinated starfish join in the fun. The upbeat tune, paired with the swirling lights and dancing sea creatures, makes this section feel like a bubbly underwater party—and let’s be real, who wouldn’t want to be part of that?

But not everything in Ariel’s world is sunshine and sea shells. As you continue through the ride, you’ll come face to face with Ursula, the larger-than-life sea witch who’s more than ready to make a deal. She looms over you with her tentacles writhing and her deep, menacing voice filling the air. Her rendition of “Poor Unfortunate Souls” is as dramatic as you’d expect, and she definitely steals the show with her mix of charm and menace. It’s a brief moment of darkness in an otherwise cheerful ride, but hey, every good story needs a villain, right?

Of course, no Little Mermaid adventure would be complete without a happy ending, and Ariel’s Undersea Adventure delivers. The ride wraps up with a joyful finale, featuring Ariel and Prince Eric living their best lives above the waves, while King Triton gives his daughter the nod of approval. The whole thing is a sweet reminder that love conquers all, even if you have to make a few shady deals with sea witches along the way.

Ariel’s Undersea Adventure is a perfect blend of nostalgia and fun, offering a lighthearted journey through one of Disney’s most beloved animated films. It’s not the fastest or most thrilling ride in the park, but it doesn’t need to be—it’s all about the joy of reliving a classic story and singing along to those unforgettable songs. Plus, who can resist a ride where you get to sit in a giant clamshell?

So, if you’re ready to go under the sea and experience the world of Ariel and her friends, hop aboard a clamshell and let the magic of The Little Mermaid wash over you. Just be prepared to have “Part of Your World” stuck in your head for the rest of the day—because once you’ve heard it, it’s not going anywhere. But hey, there are worse things to have on repeat, right?

Enough of that.  Here's the long story:

Picture Posing Pandemonium

The kids were fidgety, and getting everyone to stand still was a challenge.

"Branson, stop making that face," Amelia said, giggling.

"Lincoln, don’t poke your brother," Christian added, trying to hold everyone together.

Finally, after a few attempts and some silly poses, they managed to get a decent picture.

"Got it!" Jeff announced, showing the photo to everyone.

"Great, now let’s move!" Steve said, already heading toward Adventureland. "The rope drop ceremony is about to start!"