The Disney Report

As we boarded the tram to Disneyland, this was the sign that greeted us. I had high hopes for our big day at Disneyland. Some people spend 5 days there, we were just spending one, so it had to be good.

We started off in Tomorrowland. Jared took Olivia and Austin on the Star Tours ride while Ashley and I rode the rockets.

Next it was off to Autopia where each of my children got a driver's license. YIKES!

It's a good thing Olivia has 10 more years before the real thing!!!

While Jared and Austin went off to get Fast Passes for Indiana Jones, the girls and I rode the carousel and a couple other little rides. Once the boys joined us, we went on It's a Small World (what a classic!) and we all sang along as we looked at all the countries represented. I have to say I really like that one! The kids also enjoyed it. They got especially excited when we saw Australia and Thailand. I took a photo of the little Thai dancers, of course. Austin wanted me to take a picture of everything!

Then the boys went on the Matterhorn while the girls and I checked out Fairy Hollow. Since we didn't want to wait an hour in the hot sun, we went on the teacups instead.

Yup... after all these years... they still make me sick. Ugh! I don't recommend taking photos while you're on that ride either. Doesn't really help with the whole sick thing.

Once we were all together again, we headed towards the Princess Parade- it's where you get to meet the real princesses, get their autograph, take a photo, etc. WOW was the line long! If we had any idea how long it would take, we never would have stayed there. It was over an hour! Austin and Olivia got their faces painted while Jared stayed in line. Finally, Jared and Austin left for Indiana Jones while the girls and I kept waiting. Lots. Of. Waiting.

Some of the little girls in line with us looked like serious pageant girls (not that there's anything wrong with that). They were caked with make up and wearing big fancy dresses, jewelry, etc. It was like they were about to audition for a part or something.

Once we finally got through, Ariel, Belle, and Mulan were there. I felt gypped! I wanted 5 or 6 of them to be there. We had waited forever for 3 princesses! It takes so long because each girl is let through, one at a time, and gets individual time with each princess. I guess it's awesome, really, to a little girl. My girls were very excited and I know it meant so much to them. They loved getting each princess to sign their book (the book which we already have lost, I might add!)

Ashley has said for months that her 4th birthday is a "Belle Party" so she was excited to see Belle. It's funny b/c she never watches the movie or anything. She just loves Belle. I loved how Belle got into the part and talked to the girls about how she loves to read, etc. She was really sweet with them.

Here's Olivia with her beautiful face. Don't ask how much it cost. I think it's a total ripoff. But it was her choice and it killed me not to talk her out of it. I just said "Ok, if that's what you want to spend your money on." Don't you hate those parenting moments?! She was happy, so I was happy.

The obligatory photo in front of the castle. This says Disney.

Next we headed to Frontierland or Adventureland... I can't remember which. We went on the Jungle Ride, over to the Island (where Olivia climbed on this web of skulls), and got in line for the Haunted Mansion. Brittany and the kids joined us at this time. Asher had just gotten out of school and they have Annual Passes so they came over for a few hours. We all loved the Mansion b/c it was decked out for Halloween. I love that it's been made over into the Nightmare Before Christmas theme. When I was there 20+years ago it was just silly ghosts.

Here's adorable Crue with his little tongue, which he seems to have discovered lately. He kept sticking it out and Ashley thought it was so funny. She keeps saying to us (since we got home), "Mom, remember Baby Crue and his tongue?" then giggles.

We stopped for a little snack and a re-charge after going to the Star Wars Academy and on the new Nemo ride (which is a total waste of time, if you ask me). The boys, especially Asher, loved the Star Wars Academy. Unfortunately, neither of them got picked to do the 'training'. (Brittany, I'm sorry, this is the only photo I have of you! I don't know how that happened!)

My girls would adopt Crue if we could!!!

Here's Finn as we waited for Fairy Hollow- to meet Tinkerbell and Silvermist. Olivia took this picture and I thought it was pretty good. I didn't crop it or anything.

The kids loved meeting the villains. Captain Hook, Queen of Hearts, Wicked Queen from Snow White, Jafar, etc. Don't you love Austin's face here?

I loved the tealights as the sun went down and nighttime came. Brittany brought fun glow sticks that occupied the kids for a while. We all went on the Alice in Wonderland ride while Brittany looked for her camera. So sad that she dropped it somewhere and never found it! About that time, we waited for Jeff to arrive. He brought us all dinner so we didn't spend $190 on a meal for 4 adults and 5 kids. Good old McDonalds. Thank you, Jeff. He barely got there then left again with Brittany for home. After they left, we went on Pirates of the Caribbean and watched the fireworks at 9 pm. The show was great since it was a special Halloween version. We were all so wasted by that point. I think we actually left the park around 10-10:30. What a long day!

Here's Jared being a good Dad, holding the camera and the bag and smiling supportively. I have to give him big props b/c he did not utter ONE single word of complaint the whole day (ok, maybe midway through the princess wait... but that was justified) and I so appreciated him being positive and supportive and helping to make it a wonderful day.

The kids also did fabulous. They did not beg for treats and toys and souvenirs every five minutes. They did not complain when we waited a long time in line. They were happy and elated at every turn, it was a GREAT day. I was so glad that we had the opportunity to go and that we made some happy family memories. Yay for Disneyland, happiest place on Earth!