I'm a disney freak. Well, you knew that from my previous post. Actually, I'm not quite as addicted as some people who get to visit the parks regularly and live for their next trip. I might be a little jealous of them. :) But I try to go every few years and really submerge myself in the planning and enjoyment of the trip. Trust me, it's so much better if you plan ahead.
Anyway, we had an amazing week-long family trip. So many magical moments. Previous trips without the kiddos don't really compare. And it was great that my parents could join us.
Here are just a few of the highlights:
It was a trip full of character meetings. Aurora loved it. Tons of interaction. We planned what she wanted to talk to them about in advance.
This was when she met Belle and gave her a book because she knew Belle loves them so much. Belle was so sweet and said it was the first time anyone had ever given her a book except when the Beast gave her the whole library. Belle is her favorite princess because she is beautiful AND smart.
Although, after the trip she has a new fav: Ariel. She met her and Prince Eric one day. Like many of the characters they made a big deal of her sharing the same name as Sleeping Beauty. But when we mentioned we were having lunch with the princesses the next day, she said she'd be there. Sure enough, she was and she had already told all the other princesses that Aurora was going to be there. And they all made a fuss and paid her extra attention. Even blowing her kisses across the room. So sweet!
For the princess lunch and for our afternoon tea, she wore the Sleeping Beauty costume I made for her two years ago. It fit much better this time around...
Theo's big wish was to meet Lightning McQueen. We lucked out and got there one evening when no one else was around and we spent around 20 min all alone with him and Mater. Sadly, at age 2 3/4, Theo already knew, he "wasn't real" probably because he didn't talk.
We also met:
Pooh, Piglet, Eyeore and Tigger
Jasmine and Aladdin (Aladdin swung Aurora around in a big hug)
Handy Manny
Leo and Annie (Leo showed us how to conduct)
Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen (they were thrilled Aurora was watching their movie on my iphone)
Woody and Jesse (his boot didn't say Andy on it!)
Tinkerbell, Silvermist, and Rosetta (I may have been the most excited to finally meet Tink)
There were tons of fun rides with not too many long waits. And, yes, it was hot, hot, HOT. But we were prepared and took it easy, so not too many meltdowns. If you're going in the heat and never heard of Frogg Toggs Chilly Pads, google them. And one of the best parts was Aurora learned how to swim under water. Definitely some magic in that Disney pool.
Can't wait to go back in a few years...
JT
looks like you had a fantastic trip! I love taking people to Disneyland! it's so much fun! I miss Epcot though!
Posted by: malinda | July 26, 2010 at 12:46 PM
I love disneyland, too. I read your post with a big smile on my face :))
Burcak
Posted by: Burcak Gungor | July 26, 2010 at 02:09 PM
It's funny - maybe just selfish - but I absolutely refuse to go to Disney with Lilah before I get to just go with Ben and see it as an adult. I only went once as a child, and I feel like I really need to experience it now before I can fully appreciate her wonderment of it.
But I think I'm going to give Ben a trip to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter before I get my Disney trip :-)
Posted by: Rachael | July 26, 2010 at 03:09 PM
oh wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! how jelous am i!!! for us to get to Disneyland from New Zealand would take thousands and thousands of $$$$$$$$ :( sigh............. one day
Posted by: hannah | July 26, 2010 at 05:10 PM
Wow! Truly magical ^_^ I love Disney/Pixar too and I'm not ashamed to admit it! Have just watched Toy Story 3 - I've never laughed or cried so much at the cinema and I was totally on the edge of my seat towards the end! Maybe one day I'll make it to Disneyland too!
Posted by: Little wing | July 26, 2010 at 06:59 PM
We were sitting one night waiting for the parade, and Ellie and Anna were sitting on a high perch, to see over the crowds heads, and Ellie looked at Anna and said, "See Anna, dreams really do come true". So special and fun.
Posted by: karen thauer | July 26, 2010 at 07:02 PM
How funny, I just posted pictures yesterday on my blog because husband and I were just at Disneyland too! :)
Posted by: Natalie J | August 04, 2010 at 05:24 PM
Wow! I think my daughter may have passed out from the sheer excitement of it all. What a wonder full trip for both of them to remember!
Posted by: CRAZYMOM | September 02, 2010 at 05:01 PM