Disneyland Memories 2009 Part One

Having grown up about 15 minutes from the park, going to Disneyland wasn't a "vacation" destination.  It was the place where my parents took visiting relatives for a day or simply dropped off for the day.  A trip to the Magic Kingdom was the incentive for all the kids who sold 3 cases of chocolate for the school fundraiser - 90 chocolate bars!  It was the place I went on dates with boys in high school or college where we snuck kisses in the "People Mover" ride or held hands as walked through Fantasy Land. I knew at least a dozen friends who had summer jobs at D-land. I could see the Disney fireworks in the distance from my bedroom window and could set my watch by the 9pm show.  Disneyland has long been part of the fabric of my childhood.

With two kids in tow, my husband and I have taken the kids to Disneyland quite a few times.  I remember my daughter was in the midst of her princess obsession and HAD to wear her Cinderella dress to the park.  We stood in line for what seemed like hours for the chance to meet/take photos of Princess Jasmine, Aurora and Ariel.  When Kiley, then 4 and 1/2, met Cinderella, she was positively entranced.  My normally outgoing confident daughter was dumbstruck and immediately became shy and awkward.   Cinderella, being wise, quickly drew her in, signed her autograph book and made my little princess feel like she was on cloud 9.  My son, on the other hand, was obsessed by the Toy Story movie. He had the same experience when he met Woody and Buzz Lightyear.

This trip was different, in that neither child was interested in waiting in line for hours to see characters this time.  The whole parked was decked out for Halloween, so everything was new and exciting! They were rabid over the fun rides and my 9YO boy wanted to do nothing more than ride Space Mountain or the Indiana Jones ride all day.  My daughter discovered rides besides "Dumbo" and the "Tea Cups" and was the first to stand in line at the Pirates of Caribbean.  She woke me up at 6:30 a.m., so we could be at the Nemo ride when the doors opened.

It is fun to see how our trips to Disneyland have evolved over the years.  From spending all our time in Fantasyland to now exploring the roller coasters of Adventureland.  The entire family could get on the rides together and enjoyed them, sharing memories we'll have for a lifetime.  The kids could read their own map and had opinions about what they wanted to see. No one had to be carried or pushed in a stroller - yet we all felt like little kids at the "Happiest Place on Earth".

Full Disclosure: This trip was paid for in full by Disneyland Parks - Thanks Disneyland!!

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