Change of Plans

So last night we were supposed to go watch the Christmas Boat Parade, which we’ve done the past few years and always loved. We had it down to a science: book a reasonably priced restaurant on the water, sit, eat, and watch the boats float by. Easy. Festive. Perfect.

Except… the restaurant changed locations. And apparently the new spot doesn’t actually let you see the boats. So that plan quietly fell apart.

Plan B became Coronado. Specifically, the Wizard of Oz light show and Christmas trees at the Hotel del Coronado. Apparently this is where L. Frank Baum wrote the Oz books. The light show happens every 30 minutes, and while it was cool, I have to be honest… I was a little underwhelmed. I love the Oz music, but the lights didn’t really do anything that exciting to match it. I kept waiting for a moment and it never fully landed.

Now, the hotel itself? Absolutely amazing. Stunning. Historic. There were themed Christmas trees throughout, which was very cool. But again, it wasn’t quite what I had pictured in my head.

Then we topped it all off with an overpriced dinner that was also underwhelming, which honestly felt on theme for the night.

That said, I definitely need to go back to the Hotel del Coronado when it’s not so insanely busy. It’s a pretty magical place on its own, and I feel like it deserves a calmer, non holiday chaos visit.