Sunday, February 15, 2009

We're Going to....

Disneyland!!!

I haven't been there since I was 17 and Dustin hasn't been there since he was 12. I will say from my own experience, I was no too impressed at 17. My kids on the other hand are beside themselves!
Every morning Kate and Becca ask if this is the day we leave for Disneyland. I have to answer their question with a, "not today." I can't wait till I can say, "yes! Today's the day!"
We will be leaving March 8th and will return on the 15th. We need some pointers and good insight. We would like to go to the beach. I have yet to see an ocean, so I want a nice, quiet, not too many people beach. Any suggestions, or are my expectations too high?

With the package we bought, each kid received a free back pack. We wrapped each up and let them open them. They were a little confused. They didn't understand what the back pack meant.

Here was their reaction once we told them what they meant. They were SUPER excited!!

6 comments:

Darrell and Alissa said...

WE've never gone to the beach while we were at DL- I'll ask his family though- I know they have. I think you are going to love being at DL with your kids- it was so different to me going with my friends, then taking your kids and they are so excited for EVERYTHING! One thing I would suggest you DON'T do is, for your little girls don't take them on the Matterhorn if they don't like dark things- it took YEARS for my kids to recover- it freaked them out, and many of my friends have said the same thing with their daughters- boys didn't get scared. The Snow White and Alice in Winderland ride is more scary, so if your kids again don't like dark, don't take them on that first- do Peter Pan, that one is a favoite- and the line is worth the wait since the boats fly. If your hotel is close we always ate at the hotel for breakfast, and most of the time ate lunch there too, then bought dinner in the park or, outside at IHOP they have kids eat free, and quite a few places next to it do it also- we saved almost $200 by buying our own lunch instead of buying in the park- the food is the most expensive.
That's all my advice- we love going and are sad to not go this year, I keep thelling the kids a baby is more fun then DL! We gave each kid a disposable camera of their own, and their own signiture book- not bought at the park, the princess thing your boys won't like at all, but your girls will LOVE- it's really cute! OK, really I'm done now- I'm so excited for you guys!!!

The Bach 10 said...

Have yet to try that Disneyland!! I know you will have tons of fun!!

Taryn said...

Okay since you asked and we are somewhat of seasoned veterans (going the last 4 years consecutivley)Here goes-in no particular order:
Do's-
1. Since no outside food/drink is allowed in the park we like to buy a mug-type large drink or slushie so that we can re-fill it all day and not have to spend $ on drinks.
2. Try and go to the park during the week days- the lines won't be so long.
3. Just an FYI- California Adventure is more for the older kids - well the rides anyway, they have a taller limit on most of them. However you HAVE to take the little kids to Flick's Fun Fair (Bug's life land) and make sure to go on the new Toy Story Mania ride- it's a blast.
4.My advice for a beach would be Long Beach. It's about a 25 minute drive from Anaheim. It's a great beach to just hang out at. And for your beach adventure, make sure to bring a large blanket that can of course get sandy. A large umbrella, and plenty of fresh water! That salt water gets in your mouth and is nasty! Oh and don't forget the sunscreen.
Newport Beach is pretty too (that's the beach we overlook from our resort) but it has a lot of seaweed and part of it is a natural reserve of somekind. The house from the movie BEACHES is there though :) Venice Beach is a bizarre blast. But if you're looking for fun and entertainment that is where you should go. Kinda a culture shock though. But if you walk north of the miles of Venice Beach you will see the famous Muscle Beach. That's always a riot too!
5. Bring a backpack full of "supplies" like wet wipes etc. We like to sneak snacks in at the bottom of the bag too (just don't get caught when they search your bag at the front entrance)

Don'ts
1. Try and not eat in the park. It's really expensive so if your hotel is close make sure to eat a big breakfast and then leave a cooler full of sandwiches etc at the lockers before the entrance.
2. Don't forget to try a turkey leg! I know that contradicts what I just wrote in number one but you have to splurge and try one! YUMMY!
3. Dont' rent a stroller. We stood in line the first year for almost an hour waiting to get one. What a waste of time. If you need a great small collapsable stroller for 2 we have one that packs very nicley and your welcome to borrow it!
4. Don't miss the nightly parade! We get a seat about an hour before it starts so we can sit down. Just have one of you save it while the others ride rides that are close. But be back before it starts so that you can still get to your seat. The workers start closing the parade route and your limited on time to get back into your seat. But so much fun and magical you don't want to miss it! And Cali Adventure has a nightly parade too that is totally different! Make sure you see both!

My brain is going a mile a minute! I will give ya somemore advice later! Sorry for the long post!I am so excited for your family!
HAVE A MAGICAL TIME!

i said...

what joy on their faces!!! have fun!

Audrey Taylor said...

I'm envious! Ben says our kids are too little, but I think they would have so much fun!
I don't have advice for Disneyland because I'm not a regular patron, but for the beach - go buy a new swim suit and get a spray-on tan before you go so you won't be glowing white! (Even though we all know you're an angel.)

Brittany Marie said...

I have never gone to Disneyland before so I can't give you any pointers. :) But I bet you guys will have fun!