Disneyland 2012

We just returned from a very busy, very fun three days in Disneyland followed by a more relaxing day in Huntington Beach.  The last time we went to Disneyland a little over three years ago when Caitlin was two, and Jason was seven. That trip was mostly about Jason since Cait was so young, and he had never been before. This time, I was a little worried about their age and preference differences but it worked out pretty well all things considering. She is at the perfect "princess" age and was big enough to do every ride except Indiana Jones in Disneyland, and California Screamin in California Adventure. At first, Caitlin didn't want to go on any big rides but she agreed to try them all and was very brave.

 We were hoping the crowds would be minimal since a lot of schools were back in session but turns.... boy were we wrong.  The weather was incredible and the crowds were massive.  We made it onto every ride we wanted to, except the submarine. The kids were troopers and we were all exhausted at the end of our third day.

The parks were still decorated for Christmas which was nice to see but also a little bizarre to hear holiday songs around the parks nearly two weeks later. Santa was in the parade, and many of the characters were dressed in holiday costumes. It's amazing all the detail they put into the decorations -- it was really neat to see. Jason told me that a lot of the rides seem more "babyish" this time around -- I told him that's what happens as you grow up :( His favorite rides were California Screamin' and Space Mountain and Caitlin's was Soaring Over California.

Day 1:

We flew to southern California super early on Wednesday and made it into the park by mid-morning. The few days before our trip I had a couple conversations with friends who gave me some great time saving tips and we were able to do all of our priority rides (some of them multiple times) and lots of extra attractions!

Early morning at the airport

The sun was so bright and we were all tired but so excited to start our day!



We started out in Adventureland, New Orleans Square, Frontierland and Critter Country where we did the Jungle Cruise, Indiana Jones, Tarzan's Treehouse, Big Thunder, Haunted Mansion, Winnie the Pooh and Splash Mountain!

Waiting for Brian and Jason outside Indiana Jones - Caitlin is 5 inches too short for this one



Splash Mountain was Cait's very first BIG ride and she cried after the big drop. We think it was because she wasn't really sure what to expect because after all the other rides she was a trooper even if they scared her.

Winnie the Pooh

 Outside Big Thunder -- We rode it three times and it was Caitlin's favorites of the big rides. This was Jason's favorite last time we came and he still loved it this time!

Sleeping Beauty's Castle

Goofy was in the lobby of the Disneyland Hotel right as we were checking in

 

Swim break! We went to the hotel to swim in the early afternoon on Wednesday and Thursday to relax a bit and get freshened up before heading back into the parks for the nights.

After taking a break for a few hours, we went back into California Adventure for dinner and a few smaller rides and then back into Disneyland for the rides in  Tomorrowland.





A few times during the trip the kids showed read acts of kindness and love towards each other. In this pic, Caitlin reached over to grab Jason's hand and he (reluctantly) allowed her to hold it for a few minutes. Other times she would be complaining that her legs hurt and he would bend down and offer to give her a piggy back ride. As a parent, moments like this just melt your heart...

 Paradise Pier in Disney's California Adventure

 The newest attraction  -- Ariel's Grotto is really cute. Caitlin and I loved it. The colors were beautiful and it makes you feel like you're in the middle of the Little Mermaid

 Space Mountain -- he rode it twice and would have loved to have gone more. Caitlin wasn't a fan....

The castle was stunning at night!

Day 2:

This was our early entry day -- by staying at the Disneyland Hotel we were able to get into the park an hour before the gates opened. This meant at 7am we were lined up at the monorail ready to get as many rides in as quickly as possible. I took a lot fewer pictures this day. We were having too much fun running from ride to ride to stop! In California Adventure tried Tower of Terror which neither kid really liked. Caitlin said her tummy didn't like it and Jason said another part of him didn't like it (I won't go into detail of what he really said). Then we did one of our favorites, Grizzly River Run where we got soaked before taking another swim break at the hotel. Then back into Disneyland for the parade, fireworks, dinner and some more rides!

 We stopped for a little 20 minute break to watch a live performance of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse

Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters

One of the most tender moments of the trip-- Caitlin fell asleep at the dinner table the second night in Disneyland. All the walking and excitement tuckered her out.

Day 3:

We slept in a tad bit on day three and then had the character breakfast at the hotel. Jason was so excited for the buffet, and Caitlin enjoyed seeing the different characters walking around. We saved Toon Town, Fantasy Land and the Princess Fantasy Fair for our final morning to allow for a calmer morning after doing everything we had planned on days one and two.  

With a little bit of time and one fast pass remaining, we finished our Disney experience with one last visit into California Adventure for another visit to Sorin' Over California and for Jason and Brian to ride California Screamin' again while I took Cait on the Ferris Wheel.  Day three we only stayed in the parks until about 2pm then we headed to Huntington Beach for swimming and a mellow night.

 Dancing with Daddy during breakfast

 Mickey!

 Chillin' in Mickey's House

Meeting Belle



 Tiana

 Ariel

 Dumbo!

 Photo by Jason on the Pirate Ship

Huntington Beach:

We stayed at the Hilton Waterfront in Huntington beach for only about 18 hours. We hung out by the pool for a long time and had dinner in town after a little walk around. After breakfast and discovering Caitlin lost her second tooth during the night, we played on the sand and rented a surrey to ride along the beach before heading home. 

 Totally out of character for us -- a VERY late lunch at the hotel

 View from our balcony

 Caitlin watching the sun go down

Resting a bit before dinner

Caitlin is such a sport and she and daddy loved letting the waves chase them as Jason and I stood back and watched :)

 We looked like total tourists and were getting passed by runners but it was cute and we got to see a lot :)

FINAL vacation shot....

I'm so glad we were able to get this trip in before Jason gets even older. Before long he won't be a kid anymore and the sweet moments between the two kids will get even fewer and far between. It was amazing to get to see the Disney magic through Caitlin's eyes. We had a great time just the four of us and made many wonderful memories.