A Day at the "Happiest Place on Earth"

Disneyland is my absolute most favorite park so it is surprising that the last time I paid a visit to the ‘happiest place on earth’ was over six years ago.  Mia was barely two, and Brandon was not quite four.  They have no memory of the place.  As much as I love Disneyland, what has deferred frequent visits is the astronomical cost.  For all of us to go for a day, it is probably close to $700 or $800.  I just can’t justify that.  However, one of the benefits of being military is they offer discounted tickets.  Since we did not do anything this summer, I purchased the tickets through the military, and we were able to finally visit.  In fact, our tickets are good for three days until mid-December 2015, and we will go again next week and then again in December. I've always wanted to see Disneyland at Christmas.

 

Disneyland opened up a new theme park called California Adventure, and I had never been here.  We spent the majority of our day at California Adventure.  Unfortunately, we did not get to ride the very popular Cars ride because every time we went there, it broke down.  It will be first on our list next week.  I didn’t really like California Adventure Park much.  The kids shared my sentiments.  Since we had park hopper tickets, we went to Disneyland around 5 p.m.  I was so tired, and lately the temperature in Southern California has been in the high 80s, which only elevated our exhaustion.   We went to see a great show of Aladdin, and it was so nice to be in an air condition building that I allowed my eyes to close and fall into a light sleep. Brandon glanced over at me in the middle of the performance and yelled, “Mommy!!!!”, which jerked me awake.
 

not that crowded yet. We were there by 8 a.m.

wearing our cool 3D glasses for the Toy Story ride

Calfiornia Adventure

California Adventure (by the way, I HATED that ferris wheel.  Not only does the ferris wheel go around, but you swing as you do it.  It made me sick.  You couldn't pay me to go on that again.)

Look how happy Mia is to meet Anna and Elsa. 

 

I recall the days when the average wait time for a ride was one to two hours.  They must have revamped the way things are done because now the average waits were between 15 mins to an hour.  I also realize that all the rides that jerk you around are not to my taste.  I simply like just sitting there and marveling at the displays. 

I’m a real trouper.  We arrived at Disneyland right when the gates opened at 8 a.m. and we left at 10:45 p.m.  15 hours in the park.  I didn’t make it to midnight, which is what I intended to do, and the kids made sure I was well aware that I didn’t meet my goal. We did get to see parts of the electric light parade and the fireworks, but not the entire show since we were in a line.  When we go next week, I want to see the show.

Mia and Dylan in the red car.

 

Space Mountain

 

stopped by to get coffee to reenergize

 

I love spending the day with the kids. They were easy going and didn’t complain about how hot it was or how tired they were.  However, the next day, we all felt it.  It was still blistering hot, but we trekked over to the OC Fair.  I didn’t realize it was the 125^th anniversary of the fair.  The fair is even more expensive than Disneyland.  How can anyone afford it? We went on Friday where all rides and games were $2 each before 4 p.m.  If you went any other time, the rides and games can be anywhere from $5 - $10 dollars. Are you kidding me?  I gave each kid $20 to spend as they like.  Of course, they all won playing the basketball game.  We visited some of the exhibits and booths, which is my favorite part of the fair.  We also ate, and Dylan had to have frog legs.  They have some nasty stuff at the fair.  I think they just invent stupid stuff for the novelty. When we returned home, the kids took a nap.  Exhausting.

holding all their prizes

early in the fair before the crowds arrived

Caviar Twinkies for $125 dollars? It goes to charity but gross!

Dylan likes his frog legs. 

It took me a few days to recover from Disneyland. I didn’t feel energetic until Sunday.  Next week, we go again, but I doubt we will stay for 15 hours.  I would love to get annual passports to Disneyland.  There is something magical about that place.  It reminds me of my parents. When we first came back to the states after being stationed in Seoul, Korea, we went to Disneyland.  I remember seeing the firework show with them.  I also remember certain rides like Space Mountain, where my sister cried.  The ride is still operating.  There is also a ride through Storybook land, and there is actually a photo of me at age 11 riding that ride.  Good memories.

 Lance didn’t go with us, because he couldn’t miss work.  We missed him.