I am finally getting around to posting about our trip.
We had a great time. I was very surprised how well the kids did. Before the trip, we'd showed him lots of pictures and the website for Disneyland. Most days when we asked him about it, he would say "No Nineyland, I no go, I stay here". So we were a little worried about how he would be and if he would get overwhelmed and shut down. We really thought that he would be scared of all the characters since he is always scared of anything like that. I knew he would enjoy them from a distance but we were pleasantly surprised.
Our first day there we went and checked out Mickey's house. When you get to the end you go through and wait in line to meet the Mouse himself. When walking in, the cast member told us to wish Mickey a Happy Birthday. When Zach saw Mickey he started shouting "Mickey Mouse", he was SO excited. We waited our turn (we were at the end of probably 3 groups of people) and when it was our turn Zach ran up and hugged Mickey. He told him Happy Birthday and gave him several hugs and high fives. He stepped off the stage and said "I sing to Mickey". All the other guests had left so it was just our family and we all sang Happy Birthday to Mickey. It was awesome. It's a wonderful memory.
The park was so empty most days we were there. We never had to wait in lines for more than 5 minutes. Friday it started to pick up as expected, especially since it was the first day of the holiday festivities.
Here are lots of pictures, in no particular order.
Zach's first ride was the carousel and he LOVED it
The teacups were another big hit with him
Hannah in Mickey's house
Meeting Mickey Mouse!!!
Hannah wasn't too sure about Mickey, but Zach was still ecstatic, as was my niece (but don't tell her I told you that)
The kids loved to chase each other while we waited for the shuttle
According to Zach, this is his favorite ride, he rode it a couple times. Here he is showing off his feather
Zach driving Daddy
Zach hanging over the side of this big rocket to say Hi to Daddy on the ground
Zach loved the jellyfish ride. He was giving Chris and I heart attacks by leaning over to say Hi to me on the ground
Man that kid is flexible
Hannah enjoyed surfing with Daddy
Hannah never gets to ride in front so she was enjoying the front seat
Me and Mimis on one of my favorite rides there
Hannah wasn't too sure of the characters, but she did seem to like Tigger and Pooh
Pixie Hollow had just opened and it was beautiful. We were able to meet a couple Fairies, including Tinkerbell! I think Hannah will enjoy it more when she is older
Zachary LOVES Handy Manny. On our last day there, we discovered that there was an actual Manny character that hangs out in the back lot at California Adventure. Zach was so excited to see him. When he first saw Manny though, Zach wouldn't go up to him, so he stood back and watched as other kids met Manny (including Hannah who is a big fan as well), once Zach warmed up he was giving hug after hug and talking to Manny asking where his tools were. I was so excited that Zach got to meet him!
Hannah meeting Manny
Zach playing hard to get (this is one of my favorite pictures of the trip)
'It's really him!'
Hannah and Zach on the other carousel
Disneyland is breathtaking at Christmas time
