Disneyland - Abigail's Trip

We plan a trip to Disneyland about every 3 years or when one of our children is between the ages of 4 and 5. This year Abigail is at the special age when they are old enough to go on most of the rides but still young enough to find everything magical and exciting. So, this was Abigail's trip. Each of our kids have had one so far and it has turned out to be a really special tradition in our family. We have been planning Abigail's trip for October of this year but some work things came up for Chris and we thought that going

sooner might work out better. The kids knew we were planning a Disneyland trip but didn't know that we had switched it to be in September so we surprised them and it was so fun doing it that way. We are for sure going to do it that way again. The morning that we left, Abigail got a

call from Mickey and Minnie to let her know that they were expecting her. At first she just smiled and didn't really get what they were saying to her but then I told her and she jumped up and down with excitement. We finished packing the car and then picked the older two kids up early from school. When we were walking to the car they were asking why I was picking them up early and why Dad was in the car. When they got in, Abigail yelled, "We're going to Disneyland." At first they looked at us like, "not really?" Chris and I both shook our heads "yes" and they both started screaming and laughing and yelling that they had the best parents ever. :) That was the best part. ;)

The Hotel and Day 1

OK, so we splurged, really splurged and stayed in the Grand Californian Hotel. They actually were offering a great rate this particular week ( I think it is one of the slowest weeks of the year) so we got a pretty good deal and decided that we couldn't pass it up. We are so glad that we didn't because it was awesome. Not only did it save on a lot of walking, it also allowed us to get in early to California Adventure, get Fast Passes for the World of Color first, they put candy on the kids beds each night, gave the kids balloons, several different types of pins, and autographed pictures of the princes for the girls and buzz and woody for the boys! But honestly the best part was the just the access to the parks was awesome! If we are able to do it again, we definitely will!

Day 2 - California Adventure

We usually go in the middle of October, during the week, so lines are relatively quick and it is getting a little cooler during the day. This year was definitely warmer than usual but the lines were almost non-existent. Plus we know what times to hit the rides so we have the shortest wait times (let me know if you want to know too). :) We walked onto almost every ride we went on so that opened up a lot of free time to see some of the shows that we have passed up in the past.

Today was also the first day that Abigail rode her first "scary" ride. Our families favorite ride is Tower of Terror. She was very apprehensive about it but never cried. I was very proud of her. During the ride, she held on to both Chris and I's arms and would NOT let go. Our conversation after the ride, went like this:

Mom: Did you love it?

Abigail: Yes

Mom: Do you want to do it again?

Abigail: No

That is how the conversation went after about all the rides. :) Some of her favorite rides at California Adventure were Symphony Swings and The New Little Mermaid. We also saw the new World of Color show which is Ahhh-mazing! If you like Fantasmic, than you will LOVE this show! Some of the other shows we saw were It's Tough to be a Bug, Muppet Vision 3D, Disney Dance Crew, and Disney Jr. Live on Stage.

Day 3 -- Disneyland

By day 3 we finally made it over to Disneyland. We rode the new Star Tours 3D ride and thought the changes they made were great. They didn't change it a lot but added just enough to definitely make it worth your effort to go see it. We went on it twice and both times were slightly different. The first time we rode Space Mountain, Abigail, once again, was not really loving it afterwards. But by the third time it was one of her favorites!

We also tried for the first time a Pineapple juice float. Oh my heavens...where have you been all my life!? They were so good and one of the many things that I am trying to recreate at home! If I figure it out, I will post the recipe because they were so good, especially on a hot day!

Besides going on all the rides, we watched the parade which was awesome, as always. For some odd reason, Disneyland closed at 6pm (I think because they were having a private party). Instead of going back to California Adventure we decided to go to a nice restaurant in Downtown Disney or back at the Hotel. We finally decided to go to Storybook Cafe inside the Hotel and although a little pricey, the food was sooo good. Chris and I had buffet style, while the kids had their own plates. It is the best buffet I have ever had. All the food was gourmet...even the pizza. My mouth is just watering thinking about it again. Mmmm!

Both the kids got picked to be in the Star Wars show. They were both cute and loved it!

Even though carousel rides seem to be everywhere, the kids still gotta ride them...and mom still has to take their pics! :)

We went on Buzz Light Year twice and here are the family awards:

Freakin' High Scorer: Dad with an amazing 231,400 points (how is that possible?)

Most Improved: Austin (who I think forgot how to play the game...he went from 400 to 55,000)

Most "In To It": Mom (did you see that face? and with an impressive 79,700)

Sweetest: Allison

Cutest: Abigail (of course, and with a high of 7,800)

The girls begged for these suckers all day. We finally conceded by they had to

wait until the hotel room to eat them because I didn't want to clean up after them all day long.

That was the first thing they did when we got back to the room and they begged me to take

their pictures while eating them. I am glad I did because even though the lighting wasn't great

they turned out cute!

Day 4: Saving the Best for Last

This is the day that we went on all our favorite rides again and saw several great shows.

At California Adventure, we saw the Alladin show which is in a large theater and is a mini-Broadway

style musical of the movie. It was actually really good! (Do I sound like a broken record yet?) We

also saw Mickey today and watched the Pixar Pal show. Chris got picked to make the kids laugh at the

end...you had to be there to understand but it was funny...see below.

Since it was Abigail's trip, she got to pick which character meal we were going to do. At first she picked Lilo and Stitch but then changed her mind to the princess Lunch at Ariel's Grotto. The food there is also great and the princesses come to your table instead of you having to wait in line to see them. They will take a picture with you and give you their autograph if you want it. After walking, and standing in line for everything else, it is nice to not have to wait for this.

We also got front row seats to Fantasmic (because I was willing to sit for two hours for them) but the kids did a few more rides and it was worth the wait for the view. Best view we have ever had of Fantasmic. We also saw the fireworks that night. Both shows never disappoint and the kids loved them!

Day 5: Huntington Beach

Today was the day we drove home but not before letting the kids see the Beach. I met my oldest and bestest friend there with her kids (two of them at least). It was a little cold up on the pier but down by the beach it was better. The kids loved looking for seashells. The funny thing was that they didn't realize that the water would keep coming back over and over again so they kept putting piles of their shells down in the water when it had receded and then trying to save them before the water would wash them away again. I thought it was pretty funny. And Michele, since you should be reading this...I put you down for July so you better plan on it. :) We miss you!!!