We're Going to Disneyland

Or so I hope.
My mothers have been given the eminar to go to a eminar in southern eminar for work. What does that mean? Work will pay for the hotel and gas to drive there. My kids (or my oldest who still remembers visiting when he was little) frequently asks when we'll get to go. My response is usually when hell freezes over or something to that effect. For a family of 6 the cost is around two-grand not including gas or food. That's just to get in see the park and find somewhere to sleep. Um, I don't have that kind of money lying around.

Now, I would love to take all my kids to Disneyland every year because I do believe the magic is pretty incredible but it's not practical. I'm grateful the boys have been a couple times each before I was in their life and I myself have been once, but that trip was miserable so I don't count it much. Let me clarify, Disneyland was great, but one of my classmates stole all my cash before we got to the park so I spent the day hungry, begging for food, and annoyed at the situation. I did enjoy Pirates of the Caribbean and the magic that is the Peter Pan ride (that I tried to capture on film and realized it ruins some of the magic) but overall my memories are not great. Back to present time, my daughter is getting more and more interested in Princesses and we've been talking for at least a year about how we wish we could take her at this 'perfect' age. Why haven't we gone then? Time away from work, time away from school, scheduling conflicts with a two home family, money, and car issues. Enough hurdles for you?

Wow, I went off on a tangent.

Anyway, so my mothers are heading down to Southern California for this seminar and are planning to spend a day or two in the parks and enjoy a belated honeymoon of sorts. Fast forward to today, just about a week before they leave, and I find myself with an invite for Bug, Moose, and myself to take the remaining 3 seats in their car and the extra bed in their hotel. Um, free board and gas with the opportunity to let my daughter meet princesses? Um, count me in!

Oh yea, and they have discount prices for the actual park entrance! This may actually be totally possible. Now, just to figure out how to get the kids home from school everyday; what to eat while away with keeping on a budget; and how to pack for 3 people while only taking of the space of 2. Easy.

My husband is amazing. He agreed to pick up the kids on our days and their mother is going to take care of the rest of the time. I've done some research on how to cook meals in a hotel room and I'm bringing my Nuwave stove-top for anything that can't be made in a coffeepot. Luckily, I am well versed at budget meals on the go.

Huzzah! We're officially going to Disneyland!

Downtown Disney

Naturally, Disney would have something to do when you're not in one of the two parks. And naturally, downtown Disney is right in the middle of the parks.

To get in you have to pass through the same security gate outside the park. I honestly have no idea what it actually accomplishes but I suppose a false sense of security is better than no security at all. 

In the front of downtown Disney is the biggest Disney store I've ever seen in my life. I'd swear it's a block long. At least the size of 4 or 5 stores combined. I feel silly for not realizing that Disney had that many products to sell to the public. Even fancy purses.

Downtown Disney is a shopping center for just about anything your heart desires. The street venders had the feeling of Disney to them. There was a calligrapher that did letters out of princesses and had I been able to figure out where and why I'd hang it, I probably would have purchased it for Bug (who hadn't noticed it). Personally, I'm not a big fan of shopping but I had a good time looking at the plethora of Disney items. My kids sure enjoyed it too and both of them walked away with new toys: Hello Jessie and Woody dolls!

Finding food was more interesting given the numerous choices to be had. The price tag was more than I'm typically comfortable with but I suppose it was similar if not slightly better than inside the parks. We settled on a New Orleans themed fast food joint. The food was satisfying enough but at the sit-down restaurant end of it we purchased dessert and that was divine. I had chocolate brioche bread pudding. 

The only complication of our day was when Bug had to use the restroom during dinner. The sign clearly stated no restroom for customers and the closest one I knew of wasn't very close. The manager of the restaurant had been taking out the trash when he passed us and overheard our conversation. I was thrilled when he offered to let Bug use the employee bathroom. 

I think it's fair to say this has been my first experience somewhere that all the employees genuinely seem happy to be working. It makes a difference for me to be willing to spend my money.