Part 2: DISNEYLAND

Oh gosh I can't believe that I can actually say that I've been to Disneyland! Just saying it makes me feel cool! :)
We went for two days, a Tuesday and Wednesday.
On Tuesday, we got there right as it was opening and got to see a bunch of characters put on a show right in front of the castle. Stori was sitting on Dan's shoulders as they started to walk out and yelled "OH DARE DAY ARE!" and had perma-smile the whole show. Donald Duck grabbed her hands and danced with her and completely made her day. The whole day was perfect after that.
We had packed enough food for snacks and lunch so we wouldn't have to leave, which was good, because there is so much to see! At first we were overwhelmed with how many rides and attractions there were, but we found our way really quick.
Stori's least favorite ride was "It's a Small World." For some reason it terrified her. The only part she liked about that was the water. I would say the highlight of her day was going to the play at the Royal Theatre to see 'Tangled.' She got her picture taken with Rapunzel and hugged her for at least 3 solid minutes. I kept having to say, "ok Stori, that's good," or "It's time to go now." I finally got her to let go of her by telling her we needed to go find Pascal. haha She also fell in love with the Carousel and could spot the "hornsey's" from anywhere. Even if we tried to avoid it she would somehow spot it and want to ride. One time when dan was off riding the matterhorn, I took Stori to ride it again. When it finished she asked "again, please." I told her no, and that we needed to find dad. Then I thought, no, I'll let her ride again. So we got in line after I told her yes and she hugged me and kissed me repeatedly until it was our turn to ride. Melted my heart that something so simple made her so happy. So happy, in fact, that she wanted to thank me with such sweet affection for 5 solid minutes. Definitely a highlight for me.
We spent a lot of time getting pictures with characters and Tangled signs. We spent a while in toon town seeing some favorite characters and playing in fountains. Stori LOVED Goofy and Minnie! Like a lot!!
Another fun ride we took Stori on was Pirates of the Caribbean. She was a little scared at first, because there is a big drop in the dark that you don't see coming, but after that she really liked it. Dan was able to ride a lot of the bigger rides, but I couldn't go with him because a)) I am pregnant and they specifically say you CAN'T if your prigs and b)) we had Stori with us. Next time we go I really want to ride Splash Mountain. That was my favorite one to watch people go on. I'm sure I am missing so much of what day 2 consisted of, but luckily I have pictures and I made a California book. OH-the PARADE!! Stori absolutely loved that! She got her moves on when she heard the music and saw the characters performing. Everything there really is so magical! Even more so when you have a little girl and watch her experience it. After the parade we went on a few more rides until it closed and then spent time in downtown Disney til that closed. Our hotel was right across the street so we just walked home, ate some Chipotle and fell asleep. Stori actually just laid her head on my pillow while we were eating and fell asleep.
Wednesday we got to the Park as it was opening again and headed straight for Flynn Ryder. We didn't get to see him the day before and made that our priority. Found out what time we could get our picture with him and entertained ourselves until then. Dan's parents, sisters, brother, and nephew came that day also, so Dan was able to ride some rides with them while Stori and I went to Tangled and Beauty and the Beast. Stori met all the Princesses, and even had Peter Pan come up to her and ask for a picture...haha it was kind of weird and Stori was less than impressed. Finally the time came to meet Ryder (probably my favorite part of the whole experience). Rapunzel and Flynn were standing together for pictures and when they saw that it was Stori's turn, Ryder said, "Oh I bet this one is here for you Rapunzel." When Stori didn't run to her I told him that she was actually  here to see him! He looked surprised but raised his arms out to her and she ran in for a giant hug! She layer her head on his shoulder and got really comfortable. I told him how much she loved him even though he could clearly see that. IT WAS PERFECT! she spent the rest of the day asking for him and would point out his home. She saw a few posters of him and ran up to it to hug it. She even found the Tower and tried to climb it because it was Ryders home. :) I just love her.
The 3 of us shared some Mexican food for lunch and then continued to ride rides and find characters. Stori's favorite rides of that day (besides the carousel) were the Buzz Lightyear one and the Jungle Tour. Dan and I actually really liked those too. Dan's favorite rides were Indiana Jones, Splash Mountain, and Star Tours (he's been to Disneyland twice and both times Space Mountain was closed-he was very disappointed).
We finally found our souvenir ornament (we get one on each vacation) and Stori's souvenir Rapunzel doll. No one sold Flynn Ryder dolls, so this was the next best thing.
We finished the night by watching the parade again. This time by the entrance. Stori made a few friends and they chased each other around a flower garden for 20 minutes just laughing waiting for the parade. We headed back to the Hotel and cried that our trip was ending the next morning.

Both flights we took, Stori was such a champ. She actually slept the whole way home except for the landing that was "scarrryy!" To be fare, it was scary. The key to her smooth traveling was "Tangled" and "Madagascar" on my iPhone. And a lot of fishy crackers.
California, we love you!
It was so much fun making these memories with my little family, and I feel so blessed to have been able to go.

 

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