So we just returned from Disneyland yesterday afternoon and despite being absolutely exhausted, we had a wonderful time. Emma asked if we could stay a few more days and even though we would have loved to, it was time to come back to reality.
We arrived on Friday, the 10th in the afternoon. After heading to the grocery store and getting checked in to our condo, we decided to walk to Downtown Disney. This is a shopping and restaurant district located right outside of Disneyland and is actually owned by the company. We didn't realize what a walk it was! 2 miles each direction! Yikes! Anyhow, we enjoyed the sights and sounds before heading back.
Day 2 was our first day at the park. Emma's mouth just dropped at the sight of everything. We headed straight to Fantasyland where Princess Aurora read a story. Next was the Dumbo ride, teacups and the carousel.
Day 3 was Adventureland, New Orleans and California Adventure. I was so proud of her being "brave but a little scared" of Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion. She does seem to love the big rides! For dinner, we had reservations to Ariel's Grotto. The dinner food was very expensive and not that great, but we got priority seating for
World of Color - the most awesome water and light show! Emma loved it and her draw was dropped for most of it. Think of it as Bellagio water show on steroids.
Day 4 was a trip to San Diego to Sea World. We had a bit of a late start so our day was a bit truncated, but I think we saw everything that we wanted to. Most importantly was the Shamu show. They also had an event called dining with Shamu which was by reservation only. We called and they happened to have one opening right then. Dining with Shamu was an all you can eat buffet of wonderful yumminess about 5 feet away from a pool. They would have a trainer and an orcas there doing training stuff while you eat. It was awesome to see an orcas jumping in the water literally 10 feet from where we were eating! We also got to see the sneak preview of their turtle exhibit which didn't officially open until today.
Day 5 was Emma's big surprise day. First thing in the morning we took her to Bibbiddi Bobbiddi Boutique in Sleeping Beauty's castle. The fairy godmothers in training transformed her into a beautiful princess using a full tube of hair gel and a ton of glitter. Next, we got some pictures at the castle and headed back over to California Adventure for breakfast at Ariel's Grotto. What she didn't know is that not only were the princesses going to be there and go from table to table, but we were meeting her friend Michael who flew in with his family the night before! She was so excited and in dream land! She loved the princesses and hugged each one. Needless to say, she hardly ate!
Day 6 was spent exploring Disneyland again and meeting up with more princesses, catching the parade, fireworks, and Fantasmic (she was asleep for that one). I think the highlight of that day was when she met Belle again, Belle asked her to dance!
On Day 7, the parks were closing early for Grad Night, and since it was our last day, we rushed around to see everything we hadn't seen yet as well as go back to rides that we wanted to repeat. Emma loved Big Thunder Mountain Railroad roller coaster, but Soaring over California was hands down her favorite. We went on that one three times! Shockingly, she also loved Grizzly River Run - this is a ride where you sit in a big round raft and go down a rushing river that includes a big waterfall. She got a little wet, Glenn got SOAKED and I stayed nice and dry!
Our adventure was awesome and we can't wait to go back someday and do it all over again. I have to say though, it was nice being back on my own bed last night though!
