The Castle

Kinda like the entrance of the park, the Castle is a good spot to get some pictures. Nobody really cares about castles, but the one at Disneyland is iconic, and so recognizable that anyone who sees a pic with the castle in the background knows exactly where we are and exactly how much fun we're having and exactly how much good food we're eating.

We don't have quite as many pics in front of the castle because by the time we're that deep into the park we are singularly focused on hitting the rides and food.  The castle is a virtual afterthought.

Now, I said we don't have as many pics. I didn't say there are no pics!

Here's the backside of the castle.  Much better than the backside of water!

Long story time:

Space Mountain: A Galactic Adventure

As the families strapped into their Space Mountain rocket ships, the tension in the air was palpable. Some were nervous, some excited, but all were ready for the classic Disney roller coaster that plunged them into the darkness of outer space.

"This is my favorite," Steve announced, tightening his seatbelt. "It's fast, it's dark, and no one can see me scream like a toddler."

“Exactly,” Lissa said, laughing. “It’s like a space therapy session.”

The rockets shot off into the void, and immediately, the sound of thrilled shrieks filled the air. Twisting and turning, the rockets zoomed through the cosmos, stars whizzing by in every direction. The kids were wide-eyed, while the adults gripped their seats, each jolt and dip drawing out more screams and laughter.

Somewhere in the middle of the ride, Kevin managed to shout, "Is this faster than last time or are we just more out of shape?!"

"I thought space was supposed to be quiet!" Jeff yelled, as another tight turn whipped them around.

As they reached the final plunge and the stars blurred into streaks of light, Steve yelled, "Brace yourselves for the back side of the galaxy!" making everyone laugh—though their laughter was quickly drowned out by the sound of the rockets hurtling toward the finish.

When the ride finally came to a halt and the lights returned, they stumbled off the ride, hair wild and hearts pounding.

“That was awesome,” Trevor said, still trying to catch his breath. “I think I left my stomach back in hyperspace.”

“Does anyone else feel like their neck got snapped back to Earth?” Mandy said, rubbing her shoulders.

“I’m pretty sure I screamed the whole time,” Gage admitted. “But in a cool way.”

The Alien Pizza Planet: Galactic Disappointment

As they exited Space Mountain, they made their way toward Alien Pizza Planet, which sat just beyond the ride exit.

“Should we stop here for some pizza?” Zac asked, eyeing the big sign.

Lissa made a face like she'd just tasted something sour. “Not unless you like cardboard with sauce.”

“It’s a tourist trap disguised as a restaurant,” Jeff agreed. “If they served this pizza in space, there’d be an uprising.”

“I think the aliens made it as a joke,” Mandy added. “Like, ‘let’s see if humans will eat this.’”

Steve sighed. “It always smells good, but somehow... it’s the biggest disappointment in the park.”

They walked past the glowing green alien figures and kept their wallets safely tucked away, avoiding the temptation.