Disneyland 2014

A year of planning and it seems that our trip to Disneyland was over in a blink! We started planning pre-Enzo and when all was said and done, it was a great vaca to end the summer. We opted to fly this time which by all accounts was MUCH better than driving. Enzo slept the whole flight nestled in with Auntie Britty and before we knew it, we were in Cali. It was yet again unseasonably warm (see Disney 2012) but, we had the benefit of Brittnee and her scooter to push us to the front of the lines. We rode everything! Mc rode Tower of Terror (probably the one and only time- "I never want to ride the Tower of Terror again! I would rather ride the Tower of Laughter or Happiness."). She loved Thunder Mountain, Pirates, Ariel and Cars. Kingston wasn't quite tall enough for most of the rides but preferred the rides without "hills" and any ride that he liked, instantly, we had to ride again. Lorenzo mostly stayed in his car seat but it should be mentioned that his first ride at Disneyland was Pirates of the Caribbean. We had quite the system of staying with the baby while the other carted the kids. Dad was a trooper and let us hit the Tower of Terror, the Matterhorn, Space Mountain and all those "big kid" rides while he stayed with the littles. My favorite is sitting next to Mark on the Tower of Terror and listening to him laugh like a school girl.

 

Plane ride to LAX

The Desert Palms treated us well and the walk to and from the park (albeit hot) wasn't too bad. Thursday was our first day at the Park where we hit Ariel's Grotto for the Princess Breakfast courtesy of Mimi & Papa.We got to see some princesses, have some tasty food and then start at Car's Land for the rides. Most days, we headed back to the hotel to cool off and take naps. Friday we were there to see the Haunted Mansion transform into Christmas Town from Nightmare Before Christmas and also, be there with 1,000's for "Dapper Day"- season ticket holders dress up in 50's apparel, complete with nylons, headpieces and suits (keep in mind it was 96 degrees out). Saturday was our Magic Morning and last day. The kids were worn out but didn't want to leave. We made it home with only one major tragedy. "Pepper"- the mangled stuffed cat from Mc's 5th birthday, and our Ipad charger were left behind. It took Mc four days to notice that "cat" was gone and once she remembered many tears were shed.

There is a $300 bet out there that I will get the itch to hit Disneyland again next year. I am holding strong to a trip back in 2017 when K is tall enough to ride everything and we can get by with an umbrella stroller. I will admit, there is something that keeps luring me back no matter the cost or inconvenience. I love spending that time with my kids and can't wait to go back.

Lorenzo slept in a suitcase and seemed perfectly content to do so.

Kingston at the Princess breakfast.

The girlies and Sophia the First. It should be noted that Kingston had NO desire to talk to, look at or wait in line for any of the characters. Mickey included.

Watching the fireworks- notice Kingston holding his ears.

Lorenzo wasn't a fan of Dumbo.

All the girls in their Minnie shirts.

Two of the 300 Elsas we saw.

The face that makes all the planning, money, heat and waiting worth it. She was awestruck by the princesses.

Mc was smart- when the stroller was taken Aunt Britty provided a comfy, fast moving place to sleep.

Nail painting the night before our first day. From left to right: Brynlee, Brittnee, Mimi, Mc & K with his one blue nail.

Mimi and the kids.

Mc losing her mind and Brynlee emotionless right behind.