Days at Disneyland

Hello!

 

We have had four wonderful days at Disneyland. Last year, when I suggested we buy the four day pass for Disney, Tony did think I was going over the top! He thought 2-3 would be sufficient. We were very glad we went for the four days. We all had a fabulous time. We went on many, many rides. Some required more bravado than others!

 

 

 

 

We discovered a new level of bravery with the children. Anything that goes fast from side to side or moves up and down delighted Sophie; however any quick drops where you get that feeling of `losing your stomach`weren`t too her liking. She loved swinging chairs and rockets that fly up high around a central pole. Heights didn`t worry her at all. Meeting Minnie Mouse was a big highlight for Sophie also.

 

 

Lach liked any ride where he could push buttons or hold things or steer: he loved the Buzz Lightyear ride where he could shoot laser guns; and the tea cups where he could spin his passengers as fast as they could cope with. He also loved the water rides - a white water rafting ride was one of his favourites. None of us really like fast rides in the dark: we all got caught out and went on one (Space Mountain for those familiar) and hated it! Lach loved the Jedi training also - they choose about 25 children from the audience and he was lucky enough to be chosen.

 

 

 

Olivia was in between. She feels motion sick at times, so was cautious to not go on rides that were too fast. She gave most rides a go but often chose not to go a second time!

 

Sophie passed the height restrictions for most rides; however because she was under 7 years of age, she needed an adult on all the rides. That did get a little tiring after a while, as she would like to go 2 & 3 times, and subsequently Tony or I would need to go with her again ... and again .... then we refused!

 

We all loved the tea cups ride; as well as It`s a Small World and the newest ride at Disney California Adventure, from the Cars movie called Radiator Springs Racers. It is very popular and the line was often over an hour long.  With the Fast Pass option, we were able to queue from 8.30am for about 30 mins and then we were guaranteed a time slot later in the day. We did that twice.

 

 

We had a character breakfast one day, which was a highlight for all of us. We had brunch and while we were eating, many characters came around to greet and pose for photos. We were lucky and got to meet most of the characters familar to the children. The restaurant was not busy so the characters came around several times which made everyone smile.

 

 

The weather at Disney was perfect. Cool mornings and jackets on until late morning, then tshirts and shorts until later afternoon. The crowds were small, so we are told, compared to summer. We rarely waited for more than 15 mins for a ride; most were 10. In summer, it is common to wait an hour or more; as well as fight the crowds for food and drinks.

 

The disadvantage to going in the low season was that fireworks were only on Friday and Saturday nights. On the Friday, we went home for a few hours snooze time, so that we could last until 9pm for the fireworks. They were an true highlight, and even Miss Sophie, who dislikes fireworks, agreed they were amazing. She had her fingers in her ears the whole time though! Tinkerbell Fairy flies across the front of the castle, so it is a magical experience.

 

 

 

We all did an animation workshop, where we were taught how to draw Minnie Mouse. In 15 mins, we all drew Minnie`s face - it was fun!

 

 

We did nothing else in Anaheim except Disney. The days were long, with lots and lots of walking, but an amazing experience. We feel very, very lucky and it was a great way to start our`adventure. Enjoy the last few photos.

 

Gemma xxx