The Happiest Place on Earth

This year Sara and I were fortunate enough to be given annual passes to Disneyland.  We had used the passes once in December before Christmas and once in January, and decided to try today as we've been feeling a bit house bound since Owen was born.  I'm not sure how familiar everyone is with Disneyland and its operations, but our family is officially a front row of the parking tram family.  This is the special row with double doors, extra room for absurdly large strollers and even a helpful attendant who will help hoist anything without a pulse into the tram car.  In a few years I'm sure well graduate to normal row status, but for the time being, front row it is.

The day at Disneyland was awesome.  We started out at California Adventure as Connor had made a special request for the Monster's Inc. ride.  On our way to the ride Connor even recognized the location where he had thrown up the last time we were there (We couldn't believe his memory was that good and it also made us think that moment was pretty traumatizing for him).  After this we made our way to Mater's Tractor ride and then to Luigi's Tires.  Connor loved all three and then asked for Dumbo next, so it was time to head across the courtyard to Disneyland.

Once in Disneyland I definitely noticed how the streets were a little smaller than its newer neighbor as we tried to navigate the double Bob stroller to Fantasyland.  Once there Connor remembered that there was a carousel, and you obviously go on the carousel before Dumbo.  We decided this was the perfect opportunity for Owen's first Disneyland ride.  While in line we talked to Connor about how Owen and Mommy might ride one of the benches, since they wouldn't want to be on the horse going up and down.  Connor decided we all needed to ride together, so the 4 of us sat down and rode in circles for 45 seconds or so.  

Next up was Dumbo, which had a longer line than any previous time we'd been to Disneyland.  Connor managed to keep it together in line with the help of a few snacks, didn't lodge his head in between any of the railings surrounding the planters (a special nod to my cousin Erin who accomplished this about 25 years ago and I will always think of this when in line for Dumbo), and we mounted our flying elephant with Mommy and Owen in hot pursuit in the elephant behind.  

After Connor and I avoided being caught (I've personally never been caught in a Dumbo and assured Connor today wouldn't be the first time), we made our way to tomorrow land for a little lunch and then it was time for the last ride of the day, the Astro Rockets.  Owen and Mommy sat this one out, but Connor and I flew those rockets like pros.  As we boarded the tram, front row again of course, back to the parking structure we smiled at a pretty great morning.

Connor and Mom on Mater's Tractor Ride

Owen and Mom on Dumbo 

Dad and Connor on the Astro Rockets