May the Fourth Be With You! Always. Even on May the 17th.

Seeking rejuvenation, of course we spent Star Wars Day at Disneyland.

“We are Big Disneyland Nerds.” My entire family. Since 1957.

I’ve been trying to get my photo act together to share some of that day here. I’ve been failing miserably.

So one last try…

Early, early morning drive made enjoyable by Brylan, the Star Wars, A New Hope sound track, and Starbucks. Arrived early enough to park in the Mickey and Friends Parking Structure, and walk to the gate, beating the tram we would have had to wait for. Score!

Once inside the gate…

Our first trip of the day on Star Tours, Brylan was the Rebel spy!

None of the boats were operating because Star Wars Land is under construction (!), so the Rivers of America are kind of closed. ut that doesn’t mean the boats are gone, or the Rivers are empty. No, this is the Magic Kingdom, my friends. Magic happens all day long.

I demolished my favorite Disneyland treat while we waited in line for the Indiana Jones ride. I think that’s the fastest I’ve ever eaten one of these things. I don’t know how they do it, but every apple is perfect: tart, juicy, crisp through and through. You bite it, and it bites back!

Two trips through the newly named Hyperspace Mountain, now Star Wars themed. More than exciting. It’s a thrilling ride set to Star Wars music.

While Brylan saved us a spot for the nighttime parade, the rest of us rode Big Thunder Mountain. And took a group selfie.

They all have Annual Passes, so they visit Disneyland whenever they want to, and they don’t feel they have to be there when the park opens and stay till it closes. They also like to dine in Downtown Disney, where they can have a glass of wine with dinner. So we said our good-byes.

I picked up a clam chowder bread bowl and a cup of coffee, and sat where Brylan had been while he went to buy his dinner.

The sun set while we sat in the street where the parade would round a corner as it headed toward Main Street.

“Paint the Night” (all Disney parades have names) is this generation’s “Electrical Parade”. Bigger, brighter, all-LED, even the lights perform!

I didn’t take any pictures of the Disneyland Forever fireworks show; I was too busy watching and grinning like a 6-year old kid. This might be their best fireworks ever. They’ve incorporated projections against the castle and the Matterhorn. The Matterhorn even erupts as Mt. Wannahakalugi from Finding Nemo!

Of course, Brylan and I stayed till the Park closed — like we do — and as long after that as it takes to wander through the stores along Main Street, spending the last of our cash. By the time we got to the Mickey and Friends Parking Structure, there were only 3 cars left on the entire third level!

So good night, Magic Kingdom. I can hear you calling: