Early on a December morning the car was packed and ready to go. Lincoln had no idea that a trip was even planned! Lincoln woke up, ate his breakfast and proceeded to go about life as usual. David and I pulled Lincoln away from his toys and sat him down on the couch. We told him that we have a special surprise for him. We told him that we were taking him to DISNEYLAND! We had previously been telling him that the next time he goes to Disneyland he will be 5. So when we told him that morning where we were going, he said, "but I'm not 5 yet..." We assured him that it's a special surprise that he is able to go now. He was so excited he ran to his room and told us that he had to change his clothes. A few minutes later he emerged with his Mickey ears on and ran out to the garage and sat in the car. :)
The drive went pretty well. He did great on the trip.
We stayed at the Disneyland hotel this time. I loved the headboard of the room. It is carved from wood and has cute firework lights in it. It was so fun!
Our room overlooked the pool and some of the restaurants. It was great!
Our first night we ate at a place that was right outside the hotel by the pool. They had these fun totem poles outside and Lincoln thought they were pretty cool.
We woke up the next morning to lots of rain! It's okay though. We were prepared for it. I had been checking the forecasts and packed water resistant and warm clothes. It rained all day long on the first day, but we sure didn't let it slow us down. The rain was okay because it kept the lines short and the crowds down.
Lincoln really loves the Dumbo ride. This time he also really liked the Peter Pan ride. We probably went on Peter Pan 5 times!
Meeting Mickey is always a thrill.
After a long first day, when the park closed we headed back to the hotel. Lincoln was riding on David's lap. He must have been tired and a little loopy because he kept singing the same thing over and over. All the way from Big Thunder, through mainstreet, through Downtown Disney and all the way to our hotel room he sang his own version of the Pirates song. It went something like this. "Yo-ho, Yo-ho, a Pirates life for me.... the work, the work, the work means, Yo-ho, Yo-ho, a Pirates life for me." David and I thought that was pretty cute and quite funny as well.
The weather was much better the second day. We didn't need our water resistant gear, but because the early morning started with rain, many of the visitors must have thought it would be the same as the first day so they didn't come. The crowds were very low again on the second day. Bonus!
Lunch at the Rainforest Cafe!
A guy outside our hotel gave Linc a bunch of stickers. He decided that he wanted to wear ALL of them.
The park was decorated so beautifully for Christmas. It brings another level of magic to the park. I loved seeing all of the special touches.
This time Lincoln was very interested in Jack, the Pumpkin King and the Haunted Mansion which Lincoln calls "Jack's House."
The Jungle Cruise is always one of my favorite rides. It's not that it's particularly wild or crazy, but I absolutely love the lame jokes that the guides tell throughout the cruise. I always go on that ride to get a good laugh. :)
Lincoln and I got off a ride and David had spotted Darth Vadar, Storm Troopers, Jedis and Darth Mahul. Fortunately they had just arrived at that spot and we were close to the front of the line. Vadar was huge!
Lincoln didn't really like the the idea of getting too close to Darth Mahul.
Santa was at the cabin by Big Thunder. He was so great with the kids. Lincoln was sure to tell him that he wanted Harry Potter Legos and that he had definitely been a good boy for the year.
We talked Lincoln into going on Big Thunder 2 times. He was not too big on the idea, but he still had a good time. He was so brave. :)
The characters were everywhere! All of them had fun playing with Lincoln. They would pull his hat down over his eyes or play hide and seek.
Visiting Mater and McQueen is always a must!
Lincoln's favorite thing to ride is the Ferris Wheel in California Adventure. He really loves it.
Goofy messing around with Linc.
The World of Color was fantastic as usual. We had had such a long day however, that Lincoln actually fell asleep during the show.
Staying at the Disneyland Hotel was really fun. I am glad we had the chance to do that.
I think Lincoln thought the gorilla at Rainforest Cafe was secretly a man in a costume who was going to jump out at him.
What a beautiful day at Disneyland!
Dumbo with Daddy!
Lincoln finally got to meet Jack on the 3rd day. He was so excited. He talked to Jack like they were best buddies.
We found Pluto in the lobby of the hotel one morning. How fun is that?
Goofy was also hanging out outside by the pool.
Lincoln was very happy to meet Jack, but he also wanted to meet Sally. We went back to their spot and got in line to meet both of them. Again, Lincoln talked and talked to the two of them. They were so cute with him. Lincoln told Jack that Voldemort is scarier than Jack and Jack acted like his feelings were damaged a little by that comment. :)
Our trip to Disneyland was absolutely perfect.
On our way out of the hotel parking lot, the GPS voice said, "turn left on Disney drive." Lincoln replied from the back seat, "No lady. We are going home. Not to Disneyland." David and I had a good laugh after that little comment.
We all had a great time and we are so happy that we had the chance to go!
