With our 3 1/2 year old and our 20 month old, we conquered Disneyland. Hmmm...well, maybe conquer is a little misleading. How bout survived?! We decided to go with another couple and their 2 boys. We had been talking about it for a few weeks. Going back and forth on whether or not we were going to actually do it. Both families had business and other activities during the weekend in LA already so we finally said yes. We finally clicked "Purchase" on our Delta flights. That is when we knew it was for real.
The kids were beyond excited when we told them we were going to Disneyland. Skye sorta knew what was up because I had brought home some Disney World Pamphlets from when I was in Orlando for a function earlier in the summer. (btw, Disney World is a whole other dimension!)
All she wanted was to see princesses and to eat the giant sundae with the mickey cookie coming out of it. (it actually does look pretty good)
Well, we saw princesses but somehow forgot the sundae.
We started the venture by getting bit turned around with parking. Once that was figured out, it was just a matter of finding a potty right after entering the park. We were all fairly new at the Disneyland adventure. The last time I had been there was when I was about 12 years old...maybe even younger. I kept my eyes peeled for some people who looked like they knew what they were doing and asked where we should start first with the young ones. They didn't hesitate, "Fantasyland". So that is where our big Disney adventure started. We went on the Toad Adventure, which was pretty cute. We went on "Small World" which everyone loved. The line moves really fast on that one and is fairly long so you get a good rest. From there we moved to lunch at Toonville. Very cute but it was also very hot. I think it was about 95 degrees. We tried to pack a lot of snacks and drinks but who can resist a little hotdog and some looney pizza?!
We tried to get the kids to nap in the stroller. Never works when you want them to nap. So we made our way over to "Pirates of the Carribean". Hindsight is 20/20. Now that I have a chance to think about it again, probably wasn't the best idea. We had one very scared kiddo. It is a little frightening. But the parents loved the air conditioning.
Sometime after that, we made our way back to Fantasyland, with a quick stop to see Pooh and Tiger and ride that "scary" ride. At Fantasyland they have a shop called "Bibbity Bobbity Boutique". Parents BEWARE!! This is where princess lovers live. Skye was in heaven. We had told her that she could pick one dress-up outfit before we entered Disneyland. About 20 minutes after entering the princess heaven, she exited as Cinderella the Bride with a tiara and wand to boot. As she walked down the street in Fantasyland, people were saying, "That is the cutest thing I have ever seen." And boy, did she know it. She was adorable.
We had hoped to stay for the fireworks or at least to get a run down the adult water ride but that didn't play out. The place was packed. The kids were so tired and we all were sticky and sweaty. So, at a stellar 8pm, we called it a night. The parents were tired and the kids were exhausted. But all in all Disneyland was a success. I do think that in 2 more years, Disneyland and California Adventure will be perfect. I will make a few suggestions to parents who are considering this very trip. If a grandparent offers to come along, do not hesitate. Then you and your spouse can enjoy an adult ride or 4. Take more pictures than you think. Bring a little notebook to get the character's autographs. Why spend a ton when you can get a little 59 cent one at the market. Drink more water than you think you should. And if it is hot like it was for us. Buy one of those fan squirt bottles. best $17 ever spent!
See you in a few years Disneyland!
great post!
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