So many families go to Disneyland. So many families have a great time. We are one of those families. The girls and I accomplished two, 12h+ days in a row–no melt downs, illnesses or injuries. My daughters range in age from 7 to 16 and despite our varied interests, Mom and all three girls had a blast hanging out together.
Disneyland or bust!
Everyone has a system for exploring theme parks in a group. Our system is sticking together, always. Our secret to success lies in making sure we allow each member the time to do what is important to her. Some rides/shows are for Pip, standing in line to talk to Jack (from the Nightmare Before Christmas) was for Mist, stopping to make a commemorative coin at every machine, was for Tabs. If someone absolutely doesn’t want to go on a ride–they wait it out.
A visit to the castle.
Another must is taking advantage of all of the great little cafes at Disney–stop and rest with a cool drink often. Since Disney now has a Starbucks–it’s a win-win!
Hollywood backdrop behind Mist, Pip and I (Tabs photo).
On one particular day is was scorching hot and Pip actually collapsed and sat down in the middle of a Disney path way from the heat (this came on suddenly and I reacted quickly). I carried her to the shade and searched the nearby Disney neighbourhoods for a cart that sold frozen lemonade cups and purchased 4. We sat in the shade, spooning the lemonade until we all felt cool enough to continue. I would like to see Disneyland adopt the cool mist spray stations that Disney World and Universal Studios have everywhere–they really help cool one down in the scorching heat.
The girls in the Finding Nemo Submarine.
I was the only one game for Hollywood Tower–so we sat that one out this trip.
Disney has truly improved their restaurant quality in the last decade. The Mexican and Italian food we had at the parks was delicious–fountain drinks are terribly overpriced though.
So many cool retro buildings in Cars Land.
The best thing about going to Disneyland is that I get to spend 12h a day with my daughters and all of us are happy, engaged and excited to be there.
More cool retro Car Land architecture.
I hope you enjoy a peek inside our two great days at Disneyland & California Adventure….
Pip and Mist having bumper-hovercraft fun!Tabs and I waiting for the bumper hovercraft ride!My darlings–pumped for the Cars Radiator Springs Races.
California Adventure Parade
I never thought parades were all that wonderful. But, Disney parades changed all that–they’re awesome. The floats, dancing, singing, acrobatics, costumes…wow!
Love this slug like woman–she’s my fave monster.Yep, here we are together–best girl friends :)– inside the Monsters Inc. ride.
Disneyland Evening Parade
The evening parade at Disney was spectacular. While the afternoon California Adventure parade focused on the latest Disney characters and movies, Disneyland relives the classics. I especially enjoyed the Mary Poppins exhibition. The dancing, props and costumes were so much fun.
Waiting for the parade…The Mary Poppins parade act was complete with chimney sweepers dancing and more–my favourite parade act.The Princess floats were like beautiful wedding cakes.Stunning Princess float.
Meeting the Disney Crew
For some reason, posing with the classic Disney characters never gets old–all they girls loved spotting the characters and were pleased to stop for a quick pic.
My gals and MickeyI was called Minnie Mouse by my family growing up. So finally, I get to pose with my name sake 🙂The girls with Jack–he was the best. Chatted with my girls and they loved him.AuroraCinderellaPrincess Tiana
The Haunted Mansion
The haunted mansion all ready for The Nightmare Before Christmas.Pip inside the Haunted Mansion.An all-time favourite Disney ride of all of ours 🙂
Favourite Things
Love all these mini top hats! Wanted to purchase two for my dog boys but they were a bit pricey for that…
A Few More of Our Most Memorable Moments
Pip was terrified on the Mickey Mouse Carousel. Of course I insisted we choose the swinging car–thought the others looked boring. Mistake! We swung and jerked around so much it terrified even me–and then I felt a little nauseous afterward…
Tabs and Pip talented rock climbers.It’s A Small World–Mist and Tabs hanging out.It’s A Bug’s Life–a great show! A wasp “stung” us all in our seats. Pip was so short it hit her in the head and hurt!
Sandra Hart
Wonderful pictures Minnie Mouse. Made me feel like I was there which was good enough for me as I’m sure the heat wold have been too much for me.
Mix Hart
Next time we’ll take you! And I think you’re right–I spelled Minny wrong!