Tuesday, April 13, 2010

DISNEYLAND!

A magical place indeed. I am not sure who was more excited when we earned the Disney passes (through Disney's give a day get a day program)- me or the kids. I have wanted to take them since we moved to CA... but the cost is so high. Luckily we were able to earn tickets for most of the family, my mom included, and we had one return voucher. So in the end we walked nine people into Disneyland on Monday and all it cost us was the $14 parking fee. If we hadn't earned the tickets it would have been $478! Honestly it was a miracle to me that we made it.

Our day was magical as well! It was pouring when we got there but as weather.com predicted the sun was out by noon and it was a beautiful day. This first picture we actually took later in the afternoon because it was raining so hard when we went by it the first time.

Our trip through Disneyland started with a walk down main street. Then we went through the castle and into fantasy land. Here we all are on the Dumbo ride... everyone enjoyed it very much and it was one of Carrie's favorite rides.
Here the kids are trying to remove the sword from the stone. Do you see Deric in the background? He is coming with water and snacks. We found that the lines didn't seem quite as long if you were munching while you waited. We ate cheese, jellybeans, popcorn, carrots, celery, cookies.... and whatever else we could to make the waiting not so hard. I have to admit though that the lines were not bad. We waited an average of only 15 minutes per ride. I know I have seen the park so busy that some lines are 3 hours long. We did take full advantage of the fast passes and infants switch passes though.
After some fun in Fantasy land we traveled to the silly land of Toon town. There were many fun things to do and see there. Here the kids are trying to pick up a very very heavy weight!


Here we all are in jail!

There were many door bells, buzzers, phones, and other things to touch in Toon town. This door made the lights flicker and electric noises when you opened it. I love the look on Nelson's face in this picture... he wasn't sure about the noises. He did eventually open the door too!


Speaking of Nelson, we made the decision early that he would have to be on a leash at Disneyland. He has been a runner lately and has gotten away from me a couple of times. We decided that we would rather not loose him... hence the fun red leash!
Posing at the Toon town gas station!
Goofy was outside his house while we were there. We took a few pictures because he was very silly but this one is my favorite. Here you can see that both Carrie and Nelson were terrified. They are hiding behind me not wanting to let go of my leg!!
They didn't really like Mickey Mouse either but both times they were coaxed out for a group photo (I am so glad that they were accommodating this way!)

We were able to go on many rides and everyone had their favorites. Sammy, who is the most conservative, liked the little kids roller coaster in Toon town the best. Sarah like EVERYTHING the best. And Jess and Carrie both agreed that Splash Mountain took the cake! Jess, Sarah, and Carrie both went on it twice. Here you can see them at the big drop. Jess is in the middle, then Sarah, then Carrie with my Mom-Meme.
The princesses pose for an evening shot in front of the castle. Later we got to see Tinker Bell fly over the castle during the fireworks... it was really cool!
You would never know that it is almost 9:30 pm in this photo. This is Nelson on his favorite ride, Autopia. He was the driver twice, and loved every minute of it!
This picture shows just how tired he was. We had a really packed day of fun and didn't leave the park until about 10:30. We watched the fireworks to end our day and a tired little boy fell asleep on his daddy's shoulders... it was so cute.
*Sigh* I am not sure when we will be able to go back to Disney. Hopefully it won't be another five years (Sarah was a baby in a pack the last time we went!) Carrie agrees... Tuesday she climbed into Deric's lap and said "Daddy can we go back to Disneyland right now please!" Don't we wish Carrie!

7 comments:

AutismPsyD said...

There is NOTHING like seeing D-land through a child's eyes! So very happy for your family! Thanks for sharing. My love to all-Grace

The Kelley Family said...

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE ALL the pics!!! It looks like you had such a wonderful time! All the pic's are making me cry, not sure if it is because I miss you all so much or because I am so happy you had such a great day!!! We must all go together someday!!!!!!!!!!

Keep the new pic's coming, I love the new family pic at the top!

Elizabeth said...

What a great day! The pics are awesome! Heard through the grape vine that you are headed east for some of the summer. Can't wait to see all of you.

AB said...

What fun! I love the picture of Nelson asleep on Deric!!! So glad you got to go.

Christie said...

Looks like you guys had SO much fun! HOORAY!

Ben & Rachel said...

What a fun day!

Hoop said...

Looks like you all had fun. And you got some great pics. We were able to go to Disney in Florida a few years ago. With a very big discount due to being in the military. It was a blast, but I was floored how expensive thing were. My favorite part was an automated palm tree that tried to get me to go see the naked moll-rats with him. Good memories.