The Happiest Place
I loved Walt Disney World each and every time my mom took us as kids, and Shawn and I had a blast the day we spent at the park about a decade ago... But nothing tops this weekend's experience, when we took Liam and Greta to Disneyland for the very first time. A few meltdown moments aside, we really did have a magical trip :0)
Everyone was so excited the first day that we were up before the sun and in Disneyland before the official 8:00 am opening time. The park was all decorated for Halloween, so there was even more fun to take in than usual.
Next on to the Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters... Fun for all, so we rode a couple times (Daddy had to improve on his game afterall!).
Took a brief stop in Pixie Hollow, where Liam had his first fit - apparently we were wasting valuable time waiting to meet fairies when there were rides to be ridden.
Greta wasn't tall enough to meet the 40" height requirement of the roller coasters/thrill rides, and we split up a few times so Liam could try them out. Meanwhile, she and I took a stroll through Sleeping Beauty's Castle and made a couple laps through the Winnie the Pooh ride.
The Haunted Mansion was closed in the morning, causing near panic for Shawn and I (who both had it on our "must-do" list); luckily, it opened up after a few more rides and lunch.
It had a very long queue, which worked out perfectly as Greta knocked out while waiting and awoke just in time for the ride.
The Nightmare Before Christmas holiday theme was incredible and worth the wait (though Liam disagrees).
Pirates of the Caribbean was so popular that both Liam and Greta opted for pirate swords as a souvenier. They proved useful as entertainment while waiting for the Enchanted Tiki Room show (here) and poking each other and innocent bystanders while standing in other ride lines.
Obligatory visit to Mickey's Toontown.
And guess what ride Greta is happy to be embarking on (and what catchy, repetitive tune we're all listening to?)? Seriously, I love It's A Small World, but Shawn and I agree it sweeps the category of worst-possible-ride-you-could-have-breakdown-and-get-trapped-on in the park.
Day two started bright and early at California Adventure, where Shawn and Liam braved the long lines at the long anticipated Radiator Springs Racers ride in CarsLand.
Still waiting. (Meanwhile Greta and I did a little shopping, had King Triton's Carousel all to ourselves for three consecutive cycles, rode The Little Mermaid twice in row, and received absolutely royal treatment from the folks working these areas. Seriously, they knew Greta by name, let us stay on the rides without reboarding, and gave her three separate Disney pins. The Cars ride is indeed awesome, but NOTHING could top Greta's excitement of that first hour! I'll never forget her laughing, waving, and talking about what sea creatures we'd ride next on the carousel as everybody else rushed by in a mad dash to make it to the more popular rides. Don't tell anyone, but I'm pretty sure we were having the best time :0)
The guy bonding time in line was a success, too - after more than two years of wanting to visit CarsLand, Liam finally made it and got to see Lightning, Mater, and many of the other good folks... er, vehicles... of Radiator Springs.
The big ride was a hit, and Liam can check one off his life's list!
Reunited, we headed straight to Toy Story Midway Mania, where much shooting fun was had by young and old.
Our (failed) attempt at a group picture; this was on the Monster's Inc. ride, another fun one.
By this time in the trip I had already lost two pair of sunglasses (my own somewhere the night before, and a replacement pair purchased earlier that morning on the Toy Story ride), and was reduced to wearing Liam's. Luckily, he didn't want them and we only ran into one other family we know (really!).
Taking the prize for the absolute lamest ride in all of California - it's Heimlich's Chew Chew Train! But it was a quick wait and Shawn only suffered for about 45 seconds (the approximate duration of the ride).
After lunch at Flo's v8 Cafe (back in CarsLand), things were getting hot and crowded and we'd seen pretty much everything of interest to us in California Adventure. We took a quick jaunt across the way back into Disneyland for a double-decker bus ride and Space Mountain Fastpasses for later that night, then walked back to our hotel for some pool time, rest, and dinner.
Refreshed after our afternoon break, we headed back to the park for a few more rides, the evening parade, and fireworks. By the end of the night, we were all pretty wiped out and the kids ended up watching most of the firework display from our backs on the walk to the hotel.
We took one final stroll to the Disney property before our flight home yesterday morning, and while we were all sad to say goodbye, we are most definitely glad for all the happy memories and can't wait to go back again someday! -Amelia
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3 comments:
I can't tell you enough how jealous I am that you all got to go to Disney. I LOVE Disney and can't wait to go with our kiddos.
So glad you all had a great time. You can tell by your faces that it was nothing but perfect. Thank you for posting all the great pictures and stories.
I almost feel like I was there. Except I,m not dizzy or nausiated from all those rides. Next time I'll voliteer to go and hold all personal item!
Seriously looks like you had a great time. Thanks for sharing.Grand K
What fun! Looks like it was enjoyed by ALL!!!!
G K
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