5.08.2003

Disneyland

The big trip to Disney -- 2 day session, stayed at the Disneyland Hotel for a night in between. Quite an adventure, first time for the kids, and Jamie or I had not been there for about 10 years.
The quick list of the adventures:

  • Monorail from hotel into TomorrowLand - virtually everything there was closed (Space Mountain, Autopia)
  • Got there just in time for Buzz Lightyear Live! show. To infinity...and beyond. Connor was stoked on Buzz and his helper girl. He walks around the house now doing the stomp, stomp, cross hands over chest, point to the sky...
  • Small World with no line. Sweet. Avery says "dark mom" right when we enter the building. But got used to the singing people and enjoyed it.
  • Mikey's Toon Town - at first, not much going on there, looked at a few things. Then Jamie was right in front on Mickey's house when they re-opened it after a break. Went cruising through the house, Avery started to wonder when at the end waiting in a short line. (They aren't big on the characters that are all dressed up -- when can't see human behind there anywhere, they're a bit scared). Open the door, and THERE'S MICKEY!! Mommy had to hold A & C, and get close to Mickey. Daddy took a picture while Avery is saying "go away Mickey".
  • FantasyLand - carousel was a big hit, loved the horses going up, then down...
  • Late lunch and back to hotel for nap. Avery on couch and Connor on the bed - crashed surprisingly fast for all the distractions.
  • Dinner with Hanan clan - Connor was stoked to be with Zack and Adam. Daddy: "Connor, what do you want for dinner, chicken nuggets or burgers". Connor turns to Zack, "Zack, what are you having for dinner". Zack: "Burgers - two of them". Connor back to Daddy: "I have burgers"
  • After slow dinner - bedtime for tired kids: 9pm. Same bed, but again, crashed quickly.
  • Day two start - kids slept decently late since blackout curtains in the hotel. At 715am, they weren't aware that it was "morning time" already. Opened the drapes a tad and let in some light to their amazement.
  • Got to California Adventure when the gates opened at 10am. Went straight to the already lined up "Playhouse Disney". This was AWESOME. Sit in small theatre on the ground and watched all their buddies: Bear and gang (pip, pop, ojo, tutter, etc), Rollie Pollie Ollie, Pooh and friends, Stanely. Bubbles from the ceiling, confetti, dancing, the kids loved it.
  • Not much else to do in DCA, a few more rides...
  • Avery wanted desperately to do Dumbo - a bit of a line, but they're getting used to waiting, and doing very well.
  • Tried Pinnochio's ride after that - not good. Dark and LOUD. Avery halfway through, crying a bit, and "cover my eyes". Connor covers his mouth when he gets scared or worried - this caused a "double mouth cover".
  • Carousel again - loved the horses just the same.
  • Daddy and Mommy got to fast pass the (new to us) Indiana Jones ride. Stroller pass allowed Jamie to go in the exit -- sweet deal.
  • Now it's almost 4pm -- WAY past naptime and departure goal for us and kids. Head out, do some shopping at the HUGE Disney store in Downtown Disney.
  • Get bags and car from hotel, back in car and on the way home at about 5pm. Kids are dead asleep before we even hit the freeway.