Josh and I had decided at the beginning of the year that 2016 would include a trip to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure (DCA). At the ages of five and six, we finally felt that the kids were old enough to go on a vast majority of the rides, they would be able to manage lots of walking and the erratic sleep schedule. So, in April, while attending a charity gala, the opportunity arose for us to bid and buy a VIP experience at Disneyland/DCA. We did it! This package included the hotel stay at the Grand Californian, park hopper tickets and a VIP guide for six hours. What a way to experience "The Happiest Place on Earth"!
We decided to use this fabulous package during the kids fall break in October. We kept the whole trip a surprise until the first day of their fall break. So, Saturday morning, they woke up to a gift informing them that we were driving to Disneyland. The excitement wasn't exactly at the level we were hoping for, but the six hour drive to California did help build their enthusiasm.
We decided to use this fabulous package during the kids fall break in October. We kept the whole trip a surprise until the first day of their fall break. So, Saturday morning, they woke up to a gift informing them that we were driving to Disneyland. The excitement wasn't exactly at the level we were hoping for, but the six hour drive to California did help build their enthusiasm.
Sunday morning, we started our day in Disneyland. We wanted the kids to see the original park first. We walked through the gate at 8am and through the castle we went. While just meandering through Fantasyland, watching people rush to get into their favorite ride's line, we were approached by a Disney Cast Member asking us if we wanted to ride Peter Pan's Flight. We quickly said, "Sure." She then directed us to the secret back entrance of the ride where they then escorted us onto the ride without any wait at all. It was amazing and so magical! And the kids loved it! We then rode a couple of more Fantasyland rides like Dumbo the Flying Elephant and Casey Jr. Circus Train with little to no line wait. What a fun way to start our day!
We then left Disneyland and walked over to DCA for breakfast with the Disney Princesses at Ariel's Grotto. The food was very good, but watching the kids take picture after picture with the princesses was even better. Kathleen King and Kathleen Chavez also joined us for breakfast and the rest of the day.
After breakfast, the fun really started. We had arranged for our VIP Disney Guide to meet us at Ariel's Grotto at 10:30am. Her name was Josefina and she immediately became the kids' new best friend. She quickly escorted us to the Toy Story Midway Mania ride. This is usually one of the craziest rides to get onto, but we just entered through the magic back entrance and walked onto the ride. We quickly became very spoiled. All day, we didn't have to wait in line for any of the rides we rode. The kids had so much fun, as did the adults.
One of my favorite moments occurred when were on the roller coaster, Goofy's Sky School. Aiden rode with Josefina and I with Madi. After the ride, Madi turned to me and asked if we could ride this one again. I, in turn, asked Josefina. Josefina looked at her fellow cast member and he nodded and just pushed the button to start the roller coaster all over again. We didn't even have to get off the ride. The kids still say that was one of their favorite rides.
We did all of the major rides in both parks that day. We did Radiator Springs Racers. We did Space Mountain. We did Soarin' Over the World (one of Aiden's favorite rides). We did Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Matterhorn Bobsleds, Star Tours, Indian Jones Adventure and so many more. During the course of the day, Josefina even made some time to meet and greet Mickey Mouse, Chewbacca and Kylo Ren. We capped the day off back in DCA for dinner at Wine Country Trattoria, ice cream at the Paradise Pier Ice Cream Company and VIP tickets for the World of Color show. It was a truly magical day!
Our second day in the park was just as fun. We started the day in Disneyland at the Plaza Inn for breakfast. The kids met so many of their favorite Disney characters. I have to say that The Mad Hatter and Alice were one of my favorites. They played off of each other so well and kept us all highly entertained.
After breakfast, we went to watch Aiden participate in the Jedi Training show. He was hilarious! He really believed he was a Jedi and could use the force. This was definitely one of the highlights of the trip for Aiden (and his parents).
When the Jedi Training show was over, we continued on our quest to ride as many rides as we could. Luckily, the rides we rode didn't have too crazy of lines. We were able to check off the following rides: Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, Autopia, Alice in Wonderland, the Mad Tea Party, and "it's a small world". We even found a little time to see Tinker Bell at Pixie Hallow.
We knew the evening festivities were going to run late again, we decided to head back to the hotel in the afternoon to give the kids some time to rest and recuperate.
We spent the evening back in Disneyland for Mickey's Halloween Party. This special ticket allowed our kids to trick or treat throughout the park. Jenny, Cory and Cooper joined us for the fun. The kids loved going from trick or treat station. They acquired so much candy! The evening ended with the Frightfully Fun Parade and the most fantastic firework display I have ever seen. Truly amazing!
Our last day in Anaheim was spent relaxing. After two full days in the park, we were exhausted and want to have a moment for the kids to just unwind. Plus, we felt like we really did see all of the sights we wanted to see. The kids had a great day swimming and sliding in the resort's pool. The adults mostly read, chatted and napped. That evening, the kids and parents took a rest from each other. The kids enjoyed playing at Pinocchio's Workshop, while Josh and I dined at Napa Rose. It was a perfect way to end our stay at "The Happiest Place on Earth".
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