Disneyland

Our annual NECA Summer mini-convention was in Disneyland this year. In the past they have been closer to home; Ceour d'Alene, Sun Valley, Lake Chelan, Sun River, but this year we went to the "Happiest place on Earth".

Our first morning we took advantage of the early entry and got in Disneyland at 7:00am. Pretty early considering we were up till midnight. On early entry mornings only Disneyland guests can get in early, so the crowds are smaller. But they only open two "lands" at the park, Fantasy Land and Tomorrow Land. We went to Fantasy Land and rode the Matterhorn first. I have been to Disneyland twice, and both times it was closed. We got on it this time, and I have to say it was pretty boring. Nicole didn't like it because of the dark and the noises. She much preferred this carousel and the more tame rides. We waiting in line for an hour for the new "Finding Nemo" submarine ride. After Nemo she had had enough. We went back to the hotel, then went into California Adventure when it opened at 10:00. We rode on the big water ride they have there. Nicole laughed the whole time, she loved it. We got soaked, which felt pretty good considering it was already warm out. We hit a few more rides then we went back to the hotel for lunch. Mr. Sleepyhead Marcus slept in so he met us for lunch then he and Bruno went out to the park while I took Nicole to the pool.

Our first evening with the NECA group was a reception. Nicole got to meet the other kids there and run around. They had a caricature artist doing free portraits, so Marcus and Nicole got one done. Alex didn't want to do it because he had it done in Disney World. The lady was very talented and drew this portrait in just a few minutes. After the reception the kids took off into the parks until they closed at midnight. We too headed out to the park to see the Electric Light parade and the fireworks at Disneyland.

The Electric Light Parade was pretty cool. Nicole like watching, but if a character got too close she hid behind me. After the parade was over we made a mad dash to Disneyland for the fireworks show. It was really good, and SOOOOO many people. You wouldn't want to lose your kid there!!!

The next morning while the guys were in meetings Nicole and I went to Mickey's Toon Town with a couple other moms and Grandma for some early morning fun. Here Nicole and Christian are breaking out of jail.
Nicole on Roger Rabbit's firetruck.

Toon Town had lots of characters running around. Nicole would NOT get even close to them. I got this picture of Pluto, but we also saw Goofy and Minnie Mouse.

We took a tour of Minnie Mouses's house. Abby and Christian were fun to be around and Nicole had a great time.

Nicole taking a rest on Minnie's bed

We then went to what used to be called Tom Sawyers Island, now it is Pirate's Lair, or something like that. There were some pirates on the raft with us, and then on the island we saw Captain Jack Sparrow. The kids liked running around and exploring the caves.
They still have the steamwheeler but they also have this scooner that takes people around the island.

Nicole's attention span doesn't last long and we head back to the pool. This is where she would rather be anyway. She spent HOURS at the pool everyday.
Our friend, Jan, is giving her some pointers.

We finally head out as a family and do some rides. We went to California Adventure and got a fast pass for Soarin' over California, then hit some big rides like Tower of Terror and California Screamin'. Nicole and Alex pooped out and went back to the pool, so the three of us went to Disneyland and hit some rides we hadn't been on. Here we are waiting in line at Big Thunder Mountain railroad.
And waiting for the Disney train.

That night at our closing dinner we had a special guest, Mickey Mouse! Nicole would not have her picture taken with him alone. I thought she was going to freak out when he put his hands on her shoulder.

I'm thinking this might be a good Christmas card........

Marcus went solo, then took a picture of him and Mickey with his cell phone.

Our last day we didn't have any tickets for the parks, so we spent some time in Dowtown Disney. This parrot was out front of the Rainforest Cafe. I was so surprised when Nicole said she wanted to have her picture taken with it.
Getting funny outside the Lego store. We spent many nights at Downtown Disney. Our first night we ate at Brennan's Jazz Kitchen with the Ginestra's, then Nicole built a bear. We shopped in all the shops, had dinner at the House of Blues and spent some bucks at the Disney store. It was fun! I would not reccommend going to Disneyland in August, but if that's the only time you can go, be prepared for long lines and HEAT! And spending lots of time by the pool. I never did get on Splash Mountain :-(