Disneyland, Day 1

We were able to get a somewhat decent night's sleep. Since we got to bed late, the kids slept till Joseph woke everyone up a little before 6 (California time). The early morning worked out well because we were able to choose one day to get into the park at 8 am-- an hour earlier than 'normal' park hours. We got to the gates about 7:40, and the gates opened at 7:50. The lines weren't too long to get into the park, and we didn't wait too long. A good start to the day!

We went to Fanasyland to start out with. We were able to fly in the air with Dumbo, go on Alice's adventure in Wonderland, spin on the Teacups, fly in a Pirate ship with Peter Pan, and float through "It's a Small World" all before 10:30 in the morning. It was great! Then we saw a sign for a visit with a princess, and stood in line for way too long before deciding that the kids were not going to have enough fun seeing a princess to justify waiting in line for an hour or more. So we got out and went on a couple more rides before heading back to the hotel for lunch and rest time.

While Joseph napped, Jack took Rebecca back to the park for some special time together. Rebecca rode her first roller coaster, the Matterhorn Bobsleds. She thought it was fun, but the seat belt was too tight, and she didn't like that it hurt her tummy. They were also able to go through the home of the future, ride the cars, and do the Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters. While Jack and Rebecca waited for us to join them, Goofy came out and walked hand-in-hand with Rebecca for a few minutes. She thought it was pretty neat.

After we were all back together again, we went to California Adventure to watch the Pixar Parade. The costumes were amazing and the dancing was great. I was impressed by it. Then off to dinner at Red Rocket's Pizza Port. Then we watched the Honey I Shrunk the Audience performance and finished off the night by riding the Finding Nemo Submarine. The kids were all totally beat by the time we left the park.

I had a fun time as well. I was amazed at the puppets, props, and all the equipment they have to make everything move in sync and seem real. It has also been fun to see the kids' excitement at everything. They have all really enjoyed the trip so far, and have been very well behaved!