We have just returned from taking Kinley and Tanner on their first adventure to the Happiest Place on Earth! We've been planning this since last spring and surprised our kids with the news a few weeks ago. Kinley and Tanner have been through a lot in the last few years and a special vacation away from the daily grind has been long overdue.
Grandma B. drove down to stay in our house with Little Critter. I knew he would be in capable hands, but it was still hard to leave him behind. I was sorely tempted to pack his dirty pajamas in my carry-on so that I could sniff his little Crew-smell whenever I missed him too much. Justin talked me out of it, declaring it weird, but if I could do it over again, I would definitely pack them...
I knew that this would be unlike any trip we had ever taken, but I didn't expect the differences to be quite so apparent right out of the boarding gate. Justin and I haven't flown together since Kinley was a baby. I have taken a few trips since then, but I have always flown by myself with small children or with a crippled granny, small children, pregnant with twins. It was so weird/delightful to not have a baby or toddler in arms and to not be in a cold sweat of apprehension the entire day, juggling my own personal circus. That Daddy-guy sure is helpful.
Speaking of flying with Daddy, he booked the seating assignments and took as his compensation the reward of sitting with our children instead of having to make small talk with unknown strangers across the aisle. HA HA HA HA HA! He sure showed me! Guess who landed in LAX with a migraine? I feigned unconsciousness next to some nice, sleepy man with dreadlocks while Justin wrestled the wiggly, excitable Bradshaw kids for 2 hours. The flight attendants were charmed by their semi-restrained exuberance, chucking extra snacks and wing pins into their laps at every opportunity.
We arrived at our hotel starving to death. We spied a Jack-in-the-Box down the street, next to an abandoned lot. It was as amazing as it sounds, but desperation makes you do crazy things. The inside of the restaurant smelled exactly like the big cats exhibit at the Hogle Zoo. As a family, we covenanted to boycott Jack-in-the-Box for the rest of our natural lives. The bright spot of dinner was when Tanner found a chicken strip in the shape of the state of California.
After a very (very) thorough inspection of the hotel room for bed bugs, we all fell into our bunks and were fast asleep by 6:45.
We were dressed, breakfasted, and waiting for the shuttle before the sun came up. If the children appear crazy, excited, loud, and totally wild in these pictures, it's because they were. They didn't quite embrace the whole "we've taken you to Disneyland; now you must be calm, obedient, and nondisruptive for the rest of your lives" philosophy that I was pushing.
Here it comes!! Here comes the bus!
We're on our way!
Welcome to California! The weather our first morning was a little drizzly until just before the park opened; it was perfect; gray skies kept the crowds down. All week we enjoyed beautiful, mild weather, quite unlike that which Crew and Grandma were enduring back home.
We ran into five families that we knew while we were in Anaheim. I shouldn't have been surprised. It's a small world, after all. Oh, come on, that was funny! There were probably more that were hiding from us throughout the park, but five weren't too embarrassed to claim us as friends!We rode Big Thunder Mountain Railroad with the Dunns! Kaden introduced Kinley to the joy of riding in the front of a roller coaster with your hands in the air.
We ended up sitting next to the McDougals for dinner. Surprise! We had no idea they were even traveling this week. They showed us a video of their girls on Mickey's Fun Wheel, which confirmed to our skeptical children our unwavering assertion that the free-mounted gondolas on the ferris wheel are, indeed, the scariest rides in town.
Justin posing for a picture.
Tanner was so excited to drive his own Autopia car.
I had the 
While crossing town, we stumbled into the Pixar Parade. Tanner got the best seat in the house.
And it's a good thing too! Look who we saw!
The kids just loved the Muppets 3D experience.
It was a big day! Will someone please put that little guy in his bed? He perked up when World of Color started. Absolutely worth the wait.
On Day 2, we dressed the kids up in their Halloween costumes. As you can see, the energy was still running high!
The Spider Kids made quite a spectacle wherever they went. I was surprised at the attention they drew. They weren't the only kids in costumes, but they were among the few non-Disney outfits. Spiderman and Spider Girl received admiring shout-outs all day long. One little boy wanted Tanner's autograph!
Outside the Mad Hatter's place. We loved all the rides in Fantasyland.
They have already decorated Sleeping Beauty's castle with snow.
We encouraged both of the children to go on every single ride that they were tall enough for, at least once. As it turns out, Kinley has inherited her parents' thrill-seeking gene. She best loved the fastest, wildest rides in the park and wanted to go on them again and again! It was the Twilight Zone Hollywood Tower of Terror that brought her to her knees. I carried her out in tears. It's my favorite ride so... $10 later, Kinley was back in the elevator for another 2 rounds and ended up almost liking it! (Are we mean to not tell her that we were going to spend money on a souvenir for her anyway?)
Based upon neighbor reviews, Tanner was really looking forward to Space Mountain. After his less-than-enthusiastic response to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and The Matterhorn, we pretty much knew what he'd think about Space Mountain. We were right: He hated it. The fast rides weren't his favorite ones, but for a hot fudge sundae and the promise of an Iron Man action figure, we got him back on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Splash Mountain several times. In the end, he confessed that Splash Mountain was one of his favorite rides.This was one of his favorites all week long. The Golden Zephyr. He still can't stop talking about it.
Day 2 was our longest excursion (14 hours). We rented a stroller that day, which was a blessing and a nuisance. We tricked, we treated, we watched a fantastic Halloween Parade and the best fireworks show I've ever seen.
Toy Story Mania is one of their newer attractions, which translates into "longest line". We rode it once and it was worth it. Great ride.
One unexpected situation that arose almost immediately was the dilemma over who would ride with whom if we couldn't all fit together on a ride. I didn't realize that Daddy would be such a rock star; the bickering between the kids over this issue got old really quickly, especially for me. It turned into the not-so-funny joke that someone had to ride with "stinky ol' mom". Since when did Daddy become the fun parent? They tried to be nicer about it on my birthday. Barely. And you could tell the effort came at great sacrifice.
Day 2 was our longest excursion (14 hours). We rented a stroller that day, which was a blessing and a nuisance. We tricked, we treated, we watched a fantastic Halloween Parade and the best fireworks show I've ever seen.Toy Story Mania is one of their newer attractions, which translates into "longest line". We rode it once and it was worth it. Great ride.One unexpected situation that arose almost immediately was the dilemma over who would ride with whom if we couldn't all fit together on a ride. I didn't realize that Daddy would be such a rock star; the bickering between the kids over this issue got old really quickly, especially for me. It turned into the not-so-funny joke that someone had to ride with "stinky ol' mom". Since when did Daddy become the fun parent? They tried to be nicer about it on my birthday. Barely. And you could tell the effort came at great sacrifice.Here we are, the Fantastic Four:
We took turns riding California Screamin' since neither of the children were tall enough to ride.
We weren't game to stand in lines for pictures with characters, but were lucky a few times to happen upon characters hiding along less-traveled pathways. No lines! That's the way to do it!
Snow White warned us not to eat any of the poisoned apples.
We attended the Jedi Training Academy! Both of the children were really excited. The emcees stated very clearly that only excited children that were waving their arms and jumping up and down, screaming their heads off would get picked for the presentation. That goes against everything my children have ever learned at home, school, or Primary, so Tanner couldn't quite pull it together. He ended up watching the show on our laps, a little disappointed.
Kinley amped up the volume just enough to be chosen.
Waiting for her assignment, after her training.
Taking on Darth Maul!!! She totally crushed him, of course. The force is strong with this one.
The prince and princess of Camelot?
Nope, clearly not.
We recently read The Wind in the Willows (classic starts version) for a bedtime chapter book. The kids were excited to see Toad's car.
Here is our fearless little daredevil, sitting in the front for Splash Mountain, fulfilling her heart's fondest desire. This is right after our big plunge.
This is right during it. Justin is being a poser, Kinley is being bravely insane, and Tanner is earning himself a crowd of onlookers that circled our photo on the wall saying, "Hey, come look at this poor kid!"
Taking a pleasant tour around the park on the monorail.
Photo op with stinky ol' mom.
They couldn't resist the allure of Pooh's corner. Tanner really loved the Pooh ride.
After a great 4 days in the park, all good things must come to an end. We celebrated the completion of our grand adventure with ice cream and an evening of reminiscing about our favorite experiences.
A little tired and slaphappy at the airport. They spent the morning talking about all of the things they missed about Crew and how much they were looking forward to playing with him when we got home.
And... exhaustion wins out.
Completely.
It was truly a wonderful trip and I feel so lucky that we were able to go. I was reminded once again that Mr. Walt Disney was absolutely brilliant/demented/genius/disturbed. Being able to just kick back and have non-stop fun with Kinley and Tanner is a memory I will cherish forever. It was everything I had hoped that it would be, and just a little bit more. We saw everything we wanted to see. We rode every ride we wanted to ride, many times. We played hard, running on no-regrets energy. Walt Disney once said, "show them more than they can see and they will return again and again." True. We'll be back. When Crew is old enough to appreciate it.
We took turns riding California Screamin' since neither of the children were tall enough to ride.We weren't game to stand in lines for pictures with characters, but were lucky a few times to happen upon characters hiding along less-traveled pathways. No lines! That's the way to do it!Snow White warned us not to eat any of the poisoned apples.We attended the Jedi Training Academy! Both of the children were really excited. The emcees stated very clearly that only excited children that were waving their arms and jumping up and down, screaming their heads off would get picked for the presentation. That goes against everything my children have ever learned at home, school, or Primary, so Tanner couldn't quite pull it together. He ended up watching the show on our laps, a little disappointed.Kinley amped up the volume just enough to be chosen.Waiting for her assignment, after her training.Taking on Darth Maul!!! She totally crushed him, of course. The force is strong with this one.The prince and princess of Camelot?Nope, clearly not.We recently read The Wind in the Willows (classic starts version) for a bedtime chapter book. The kids were excited to see Toad's car.Here is our fearless little daredevil, sitting in the front for Splash Mountain, fulfilling her heart's fondest desire. This is right after our big plunge.This is right during it. Justin is being a poser, Kinley is being bravely insane, and Tanner is earning himself a crowd of onlookers that circled our photo on the wall saying, "Hey, come look at this poor kid!"Taking a pleasant tour around the park on the monorail.Photo op with stinky ol' mom.They couldn't resist the allure of Pooh's corner. Tanner really loved the Pooh ride.After a great 4 days in the park, all good things must come to an end. We celebrated the completion of our grand adventure with ice cream and an evening of reminiscing about our favorite experiences.A little tired and slaphappy at the airport. They spent the morning talking about all of the things they missed about Crew and how much they were looking forward to playing with him when we got home.And... exhaustion wins out.Completely.It was truly a wonderful trip and I feel so lucky that we were able to go. I was reminded once again that Mr. Walt Disney was absolutely brilliant/demented/genius/disturbed. Being able to just kick back and have non-stop fun with Kinley and Tanner is a memory I will cherish forever. It was everything I had hoped that it would be, and just a little bit more. We saw everything we wanted to see. We rode every ride we wanted to ride, many times. We played hard, running on no-regrets energy. Walt Disney once said, "show them more than they can see and they will return again and again." True. We'll be back. When Crew is old enough to appreciate it. Random Things I Learned At Disneyland
Just because they sell a Tinkerbell costume in your size, it doesn't mean that you should buy/wear it.
Nobody (and I mean nobody) has the body to wear black leggings without a skirt, dress, or long shirt. Many will try; none will succeed. Let me be your new best friend by being honest: you look fat. And oblivious. That much "detail" is unflattering on anyone.
My children will never be old enough to pour their own syrup. I may have to make arrangements with their college roommates.
Just because they sell a Tinkerbell costume in your size, it doesn't mean that you should buy/wear it.
Nobody (and I mean nobody) has the body to wear black leggings without a skirt, dress, or long shirt. Many will try; none will succeed. Let me be your new best friend by being honest: you look fat. And oblivious. That much "detail" is unflattering on anyone.
My children will never be old enough to pour their own syrup. I may have to make arrangements with their college roommates.
I do like ribs! If they are cooked well. Which hardly ever happens. I can also eat clams without puking.
I was fortunate enough to get some good advice from frequent Disneyland visitors. We learned a few things ourselves as well. Here are some tips, in no particular order:
Fast passes aren't only valid during the times they say. If it says to come back between 10:15 and 11:00, you can't come back before 10:15, but it has no expiration time as long as it is used on the same day. You can spend the morning collecting them and then use them in the afternoon when it's more crowded. Really. It's true. Sneaky little secret.
Single Rider passes are fantastic. For California Screamin', the kids couldn't go, so we took turns. With single rider passes, we went up the exit, completely bypassing the entire line. We were both put into a car almost immediately. I followed a group there the first time, there were 3 friends together, all willing to ride singly. We were all put on the first car as fill-ins. Disneyland loves single riders to fill in gaps on certain rides.
You can rent strollers and lockers, or bring your own stroller. Everyone leaves all their stuff in unattended strollers all over the park. It's weird, but it seems to work.
Being in line before the park opens is a real benefit. Also, most people head immediately to the right because our brains are trained to start counter clockwise and work thoroughly through to the left. If you start in Adventureland first, there are fewer people.
Justin and I went to Disneyland 4 years ago without the children. We went this time of year. We both felt it was a lot more crowded this year, perhaps because Halloween fell on a weekend, perhaps because Disneyland has been marketing their Halloween activities like crazy for the last 4 years. Perhaps because the week before had been so rainy that many locals put off their visit. Even so, the longest we waited in line was probably 25 minutes for Toy Story Mania. It wasn't bad.
Kinley's Favorite Attractions
Jungle Cruise
Indiana Jones
Splash Mountain
Peter Pan
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Space Mountain
Alice in Wonderland
Jedi Training Academy
Turtle Talk
Muppets 3D
Haunted Mansion
Mr. Toad's Wild Ride
Pirates of the Caribbean
Toy Story
Tanner's Favorite Attractions
Buzz Light Year
Monster's Incorporated
Golden Zephyr
Silly Symphony Swings
Nemo's Submarine
Jungle Cruise
Haunted Mansion
Pirates of the Caribbean
Winnie the Pooh
Peter Pan
Tarzan's Tree House
Jedi Training Academy
Toy Story
