Family Vacation to Disneyland

What a whirlwind adventure we had going to Disneyland at Christmas time with a toddler! It was so worth it, and I am so glad we took Evie at such a young age. While many warned that the park would be very busy around Christmas, it was the only time that worked for us. Add in that it was my first time going, we didn’t really know any better since Jason last went when he was a kid. When we go again (yup, I said when) if it’s during off season the less busy park will just be a nice bonus because this trip was wonderful. Prepare for photo overload as I have so many favourites from our vacation, so I am going to break it up into a couple posts. This one contains highlights from Disneyland Park.

We got to the park as early as we could in the mornings, we also had one day that we were able to use a magic morning which meant we got to go in an hour before the park got even busier. I will always remember holding Evie as we waited for them to drop the ropes and let everyone in. I was in tears pretty much each time because I was so happy to be there.

The very first ride we all went on was in Fantasy Land, we got to Peter Pan’s Flight right away. This ride is incredibly popular since it is one of the first that people see, that and who doesn’t want to fly? I love that you ride in an enchanted pirate ship over London and all around Never Land. The next two rides we all went on were King Arthur’s Carousel, and Dumbo the Flying Elephant. These two were a must for Evie every time she saw them, and I will admit I love them both too. We found Mr. Jingles; Walk Disney’s favourite horse on the carousel, and we soared over Disneyland. I was surprised at how much Evie loved being up high. This girl has no fear. The one thing we made sure to get for Evie was an autograph book that also holds photos. This girl was definitely on a mission to meet characters, possibly more so than I was. She spotted them faster than Jason and I could. I really appreciated how all of the different Disney characters would get down onto Evie’s level when they were talking to her, or interacting with her. It made those moments all the more special. 

Doesn’t that smile just say it all? She was so thrilled each time someone wrote in her book. She would flip through the book when in her stroller as we went around the park. She would want to look at it when we were at the hotel. It still get’s pulled out regularly at home.

I am certain that I am married to a guy who really is just a big kid at heart. We were both a little worried that we would not get to enjoy rides beyond those for the younger kids since we did not go with family or friends. We did come up with a game plan, and we both got to enjoy other rides. Jason was definitely happy when he got to go on rides like Splash Mountain several times in a row.

I wanted to go to Disneyland at Christmas time because I knew it was going to be incredibly special. Evie loves all things Christmas as much as I do, and her face said it all the whole trip. She was constantly smiling, and pointing out all the decorations and lights. Seeing all of Disneyland like this was magical. My sister’s and I grew up watching Disney Christmas specials on TV, so maybe that is part of why I wanted to go at this time of year?

The parade was wonderful and holiday themed. Evie did have to face with waiting in line, or sitting and waiting for things lots while we were there. Thankfully she got it. She knew that the waiting would lead to something fun. The parades were a huge hit with her. I can only imagine what she was thinking as she saw her favourite characters going past, and she was hearing some of her favourite songs. Her eyes were wide open the whole time.

The sweetest thing of all was seeing her interact with the many princesses around the park. She started to pose for photos just like they would with her hand under her chin or on her hip. She also would blow kisses at the camera. She left Disneyland with a whole new set of words in her vocabulary.

Disneyland was incredible. I now totally understand why so many people keep going back again and again. If I could I would fly out tomorrow and go back with my family. I feel like there is so much more to be discovered in Disneyland.

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