Solo in Disneyland

Take every opportunity. That's what I'm doing so here I am in Disneyland with a 4 year old dead set on meeting all the princesses and a 6 month old baby strapped to my chest.  This should be a breeze, ha!

Besides being up late last night and up early this morning it's a really good day. The weather is perfect, the walk felt short, and even though I didn't have an early entry ticket they let me in early anyway! What great luck!!!

The kids and I headed straight to Fantasy Faire since I've heard that the lines to meet the princesses get insanely long. Turns out when you get there that early, it's not open yet. Oops.

It all worked out though, Bug and I took a few pictures before heading to get on a couple rides. The Toy Story ride in Disneyland is not half as fun as the one in California Adventure. More difficult, darker, a bit jerkier. Oddly enough, the lines for that get crazy pretty quick too.

After how big of a hit the spinning ladybug was yesterday taking Bug on the teacups just seemed the right choice. Turns out it was one of the best rides of the trip. She just giggled and giggled and giggled. Probably my favorite moment ever.

Right across the way were the Storybook Canal Boats. They were cute, but not as great as I was hoping. I was told they are better at night when they are all lit up (I can only imagine, it would be awesome) but I enjoyed it all the same. I think Bug really liked seeing what the princess castles really looked like. While on the boats Bug caught sight of Casey' Jr's train and she really wanted to go on it, so we did. There was something so enjoyable about letting her make all the choices. We did what she wanted to do and when.

I'm sure it'll get easier to navigate but today I'm confused as we to find the way around. I'm very thankful that the employees are quite friendly, at least the ones I've interacted with. I don't understand why Pixie Hollow is at the base of the Matterhorn or why Merida is literally across the path from It's a Small World. Even worse, Rapunzel is behind the castle. I'm confused. So very confused.

Turns out Pixie Hollow gets crazy lines too. It's such a relief that Moose is content to just sleep in the carrier. I look a bit ridiculous but luckily for me I've never been one to care about that too much. Bug is doing fantastic with her patience. I did not realize that Princess Hunting is an all day affair. The crowds aren't insane, but it is beyond my normal comfort level. While waiting for Tinkerbell and Rosetta the employee explained to Bug how while we make our way through the line we get sprinkled with pixie dust and start shrinking which is why the grass is bigger than us and the fairies are the same size. Tinkerbell seemed confused that Bug didn't have wings which they realized means she must be a princess. Always modest, Bug told them she's not a really real princess, just dressed up like one. I love her!

We did not get back to Fantasy Faire in time to see the any of the princesses without a line marked at over an hour wait but we did aim to get there in time for the show. Unfortunately it turns out if you get there on time, you have to wait outside craning your neck to see over the people who thought ahead. She really wanted to see the show (it was enjoyable and cute) so I held her up so she could see. I've been really good about keeping Moose covered with a blanket however it seems while holding her, or adjusting, or something I let one of his legs become exposed and it got a little burn. At least I'm consistent about burning my kids at delicate ages...

After the show we saw Rapunzel and Flynn Ryder but they wouldn't let us go say hi even though other guests were already there. When they left Bug started flipping that we needed to follow them so we could say hi. I chased (after getting the stroller) as best I could, but I lost them. We wandered around looking for them and just as I was about to give up I found her tower where we could get in line to meet her. It got really hot, but we made it before they closed the line. Wheh! Rapunzel was really sweet and was excited to have a whole page to draw on. Bug was soooo excited and happy to talk to her.

Moose and Moose on the rivers of America

After all the excitement of the morning, or at least all the waiting, we decided to head to New Orleans Square to try the Mickey Beignets and Mint Julips (virgin). I wasn't impressed, they were just like the Beignets I made at home. The day started warming up but I convinced Bug to let us wait to meet Tigger and Eeyore. I told her how they are some of my favorite characters and she got really excited. Too excited. She was climbing (flipping) on the bars and flipped right into the rocks. I calmed her down just before it was our turn. Then I guess it was Tigger and Eeyore's break because they left (we were next) and Pooh came out. She was not happy. From there it turned into "I want to go back to the hotel with Mamaw!".

I was disappointed and a little sad that we didn't last long enough to see the parade- we did get to see a crazy guy get arrested ("Disneyland is censoring your! They don't want you to take pictures! They are working with the Aliens!!!") - but it was a nice day alone with the kids. They both did great.

Even though Mamaw was supposed to be at work until dinner we chose to head back to the hotel anyway. Turned out for us that Mamaw came home early so we all went out for an adventure this evening. Portillo's here we come! Having an extra hand is so much better!