Disneyland Part Two

Our trip to Disney was fantastic! After our first half-day in the California Adventure park, we decided to hit up Disneyland on the second day. We took "Mona" the Monorail into the park which was conveniently located within a 10 min walk of our hotel.  We were able to navigate through the crowds and ride a lot of the mild rides. Just like the previous day, LC did great on all the rides. She would cinch on to one of us if there was a loud or scary noise. The Pirates of the Caribbean ride was probably the one ride we could have done without. The pirates and the dark and spooky scenes didnt seem to phase her, but the two drop-offs that the boat took made her latch on to us. Overall, she did really good on all the rides and didnt seem to mind them. We dont think anything really registered with her, but we think she enjoyed seeing all the kids, the bright colors, shapes and noises. 

She continued to sleep like a champ. She would go right to sleep and sleep through the night logging the standard 12 hour slumber. The next day we saw the Disney parade and had a great view from out spot. She was able to see all the Disney characters and she especially liked the Princess float. On Wednesday morning before we left we reserved us a table at the Character's Breakfast. It was a buffet style breakfast where all the characters made their rounds from table to table for pictures, autographs, hugs, and in LC's case, frightening little kids. She was good with them from a distance but as soon as they got within 4-5 feet, LC would get scared and cling on to one of us. Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Stitch, and Daisy all joined us for the $75 breakfast. It was pretty neat and it was fun to watch all the kids light up when their favorite Disney character was near.

 Riding Mona the Monorail from the hotel to Disneyland

 Starting off the morning in Disneyland

 Waiting in line for the Nemo Submarine ride

 Inside the submarine we saw fish, scuba divers, sea stars and Nemo and friends.

 Buzz! This mural was quickly spotted by LC as we exited the Buzz Light year ride.

 She didnt want to leave Buzz's side. 

 Cinderella's Castle!

 Just about to get on the Peter Pan ride. 

 Nap time in the Pack and Play

 Its a Small world boat ride. Never ending song...

 We had great weather all three days we were there. It was in the mid 70's and very comfortable. Thanks for letting me wear your sunny's mama.

 Open up this gate and get me on that Dumbo ride! 

 She picked the pink Dumbo

 The first float in the Parade was the Mickey and Minnie Mouse Parade

 She was fascinated with all the floats, characters, songs and their dancing.

 Here comes the Alladin float!

 She also really loved the Little Mermaid Character. This was Aerial's float

All the Princesses were on this float. This was Daddy's favorite float too. Cinderella was waiving at me here.... no big deal. 

Waiving at the floats as they pass. 

This was the Winnie the Pooh ride where we rode on a Bee hive through 100 acre forrest.

They had a small petting zoo where LC loved to pet the goats and Pocahontas the donkey

This was some frog ride we rode through the streets of London. 

Group shot with the Matterhorn mtn and submarine ride in the background. 

She really wasnt feeling the swimming pool at first, but after a while she warmed up and was off playing with the other kids.

She insisted on wearing these sun glasses and actually wore them for a long time before jettisoning them.

Character breakfast with Mickey Mouse

That's close enough, Mickey!

Daddy high-fiving Stitch

The scary Daisy Duck

Minnie Mouse and Mama

Stitch came by to say hello a second time but LC still wasnt having it.

Beach Boys dance party with Mickey, Pluto and Stitch. 

One last time with Mickey.

Pluto!

She didnt mind this Goofy because it was plastic and didnt move. 

We're Going to Disneyland!

Actually, we are already at Disneyland.  We left the house around 1pm today, with the plan that LC would sleep on the 100 mile car ride to northern-Southern California.  And she did, for about 45 minutes and the rest of the time she jabbered excitedly about her trip.  Immediately at check-in, she was greeted by a giant Goofy statue -and she oooed and ahhed.  We made it to our rooms and she pointed to each Mickey on the way and each one inside the room... there are lots.  Then we stashed our stuff and headed to the California Adventure Park -which is the OTHER park here.  We have a three day park hopper, so we may come and go as we please to each.
Our first ride was Ariel's Undersea Adventure.  Leyton did great!  It was a very mild ride, but there were still lots of moving parts and such, but she liked it all.  Next we did a carousel ride.  A classic -she had a death-grip on that seal (the animals where ocean-themed), but she enjoyed it.  Then we did the giant Ferris wheel.  We opted for the swinging gondola, which we will not do again.  Leyton did fine, but it left Mommy a little queasy.  I often forget that I'm pregnant.  We took a break for dinner, then we did a train ride on a giant caterpillar, and ended the evening with A Bug's Life 4-D movie that was kind-of scary, but she still handled it awesome.
We weren't sure how the sleeping would go.  She is in a pack-in-play in a new place with Mom and Dad in the same room. But we kept her routine as much the same as we could, and she was cried a little, but within 5 minutes she was down for the count.  Even the blasting fireworks at 9:30 didn't bother her.  So all-in-all it was truly a magical day.  Tomorrow we are heading to the real Disneyland, which I am excited about myself.  So excited in-fact, that I am unable to sleep, and am therefore blogging at midnight.  Actually I think it has more to do with being pregnant and uncomfortable, plus a strange bed, but whatever.  Good training for when baby #2 gets here.

Checking out the room

Our first ride -Ariel's Undersea Adventure

Death grip... but no tears!

On the the carousel

I need one of these at home!

Ah!  Jackpot!  Kids wait their whole lives for this moment.  No tears, but she was hugging Mommy close.

And who do we see just out for a stroll...  BUZZ!  (the only character whose name she can say, but she is a big Buzz fan anyway because he is on her fork and spoon).

We decided before arriving that we wouldn't traumatize her with character photos until the last day, so this is as close as we got.

The scary Ferris wheel

Planning our next move

"Daddy, take me here!"

"Or just take me home, I've had enough for one day"