April 25, 2007
Disneyland: the Happiest Place on Earth
We had originally planned to use Tuesday as a free day to go to the beach or just hang out. Then we discovered that the difference in price between a two day Disney pass and a three day Disney pass was only $40 total. So we drove from Carlsbad to Anaheim Tuesday morning, checked into our hotel and then walked across the street to Disneyland.
Brooke was thrilled to see the "Princess" castle. As you will see, much of our time in Disneyland revolved around princesses.
Sleeping Beauty castleAfter we wandered around a little and got our bearings, we decided to have some lunch. While we were eating our pizza, Brooke jumped up and started running. Scott jumped up and chased after her. She had seen Goofy and was yelling his name and running to see him. We didn't even know that she knew Goofy's name.
Meeting GoofyWe spent the rest of the day riding on rides and having fun. We watched Jedi training which was neat, even though Tyler didn't get chosen as one of the trainees. The kids thoroughly enjoyed the day, but were very tired by the end.
On Wednesday we went into Disneyland and rode a lot more rides. Tyler didn't like any of the "scary" rides, Brooke was too short and Tiffany was too pregnant for most of the more intense rides. As a result, Scott didn't get to ride Space Mountain, the Matterhorn or Star Tours.
However, we did ride Dumbo, the carousel, It's a Small World and others.
Both of the kids loved the Mad Hatter Tea Cups. Of course we didn't spin our cup very fast, but the kids were surprisingly brave.
TeacupsLater in the morning we left Disneyland and went to Disney California Adventure. We planned the time just right so that Tyler could meet Lightning McQueen and Mater in person. Tyler was thrilled and had a huge grin on his face the whole time. The cars played music and revved their engines, but didn't talk. Tyler didn't mind one bit.
Tyler and LightningThe cars were on display for about 30 minutes. One of the members of Lightning's pit crew noticed that we had been there for the whole time and asked us if Tyler would like to wave the checkered flag for Lightning and Mater to drive off. Of course we said yes. We were glad that Tyler had such a good time because it put him in a good mood for all the princess activities that followed.
Checkered flag (video)For lunch we arranged a meal at Ariel's Grotto with several of the Disney princesses. We met Ariel first and then were shown to our table.
Brooke and ArielWe ordered our meals and waited for our food. We were pleasantly surprised at how good the food was.
Princess lunchWhen our food arrived, Brooke was disappointed because the princesses weren't actually eating with us at our table. However, the princesses started visiting each table and Brooke was no longer disappointed. Brooke pretty much stopped eating when the princesses entered the room. Sleeping Beauty was the first princess to stop by our table. She signed Brooke's autograph book and we took several pictures.
Brooke and Sleeping BeautyWe also met Belle, Snow White and the Fairy Godmother. Tyler didn't want his picture taken with any of the princesses, but we did persuade him to pose with the Fairy Godmother.
Tyler and the Fairy GodmotherAfter lunch we rode the Monsters, Inc. ride, went to the Playhouse Disney show, watched the Muppet 3D movie and ended the day with the Aladdin musical. It was nice to be able to sit relax during the shows.
We returned to our hotel in the evening and met up with Tiffany's family.