Plus Slides, Stitch, and a Surprise Pixar Meet & Greet!
There’s nothing like waking up just a stone’s throw from the happiest place on Earth — even when you’re not going into the parks. Our family spent the day exploring Downtown Disney, hotel-hopping, and squeezing in every bit of magic we could find… and it turned into one of our favorite Disney days ever.
🧇 Morning Magic at Cambria Hotel & Suites
We started the day right at Cambria Hotel & Suites Anaheim, where the Mickey waffles were a hit (naturally). This hotel has quickly become one of our go-tos — super family-friendly, clean, close to the action, and breakfast is included!
Travel Essential:
I love this Lululemon bag for a few things now that we travel light! Rhapsody loves her knock off. Link below!
➡️ [Amazon link to bag!]
🔍 On a Stitch Mission in Downtown Disney
Fueled up, we headed to Downtown Disney with one clear goal: find Stitch merch. And wow — mission accomplished! Rhapsody found a Cuddlz Stitch plush that hasn’t left her side since, and a hand sanitizer holder featuring both Stitch and Angel. So cute and useful.
I grabbed a new Pin Trader pin — a tradition I’ve kept up for years. It’s such a small, sweet way to mark each visit.
Disney Essentials We Love:
🧷 Starter pin trading set for kids – [Amazon link for pins]
🐶 Stitch Cuddleez plush (this one is a mini version) [Amazon link for a smaller sleepy stitch]
✨ Exploring the Hotels: Surprise Character Sighting!
Next, we wandered over to Disneyland Hotel and the newly revamped Pixar Place Hotel. Both are full of charm — one nostalgic and classic, the other bright, bold, and oh-so-Pixar.
And then something magical happened: we met Bing Bong! 😭💜 None of us even realized you could meet characters at the hotels — but sure enough, there he was, all hugs and candy tears. Definitely a highlight of the day.
Mom Tip:
Even without a park ticket, hotel hopping can be packed with surprises. Keep your camera ready!
🎲 Giant Games & Water Slide Races
Back at our hotel in the afternoon, we finally slowed down — kind of. We played Connect Four outside (twice!) and then changed into swimsuits for some much-needed splash time.
The Cambria water slides are no joke — fun for kids and moms. Rhapsody declared the orange slide the best (it’s got a cool striped tunnel), while I preferred the blue one — smooth and fast but not too wild.
Poolside Must-Have:
We love this quick-dry microfiber towel — lightweight, compact, and perfect for hotel pools. Didn’t pack them on this trip though, we were already toting around too much stuff!
➡️ [Amazon link for towels]
🌮 Nacho Night & Pineapple Cheers
We wrapped up our day with nachos and virgin piña coladas by the pool. It was the perfect combo — cheesy, salty, sweet, and satisfying. Rhapsody felt very grown-up sipping her tropical drink, and I couldn’t help but toast to a day well spent.
✨ No Park? No Problem.
From hotel surprises to character encounters, shopping sprees, Stitch cuddles, and splashy slides — this day was full of Disney magic without ever stepping foot inside the parks.
🎥 Catch all the fun on Rhapsody’s YouTube channel:
[Season 2 episode 2 here! ]
Thanks for following along with our family adventures. For more Disney days, travel tips, dance stories, and lifestyle love, stick around the blog or follow us on our socials!
💙 With love,
Jess & Rhapsody
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