We have been dying to go back to Disneyland since we went last time! Pretty much before we even left last year we were planning this years trip. We knew our next visit would be during Halloween time. So A few months ago we booked it, but didn't tell the kids...
The morning of we got up early, about 2:30, and headed to the airport! The kids still had no idea, but didn't really ask too many questions so it was easy. We got through security and to our terminal. And we decided to tell them.
They were SO excited. It was so fun.
We landed in California about 7:30 in the morning. Got our rental car, went to iHop for breakfast in Los Angeles, and then headed to Anaheim. We got to our hotel about 11 in the morning, so I didn't think we'd be able to check in our hotel but sure enough they said it was no problem! So we did! We LOVED the hotel we stayed at this time. It is a new Courtyard Marriot right across the street that has a full waterpark at it. So we spent the day at the water park!
We ventured into Downtown Disney that afternoon. About 5:00 I got a text that surprise #2 for the kids was almost there so we headed back to the hotel. When there was a knock on the door I sent Emery and Macie to open it and they were SO excited to see grandma there.
The next day we geared up for day 1 at the Happiest Place on Earth!
We spent the day (and the rest of the week) eating and riding our way through Disneyland and California Adventure.
We learned real quick that 1 stroller was not going to cute it for 4 kids 5 and under! So after Day 2 Jake went to Walmart at 11 at night to buy another. Thank goodness because it ended up being a lifesaver!
Day 2 we spent mostly at California Adventure.
And of course World of Color, my favorite!
Day 3 we bounced back and forth a lot. Unfortunately this was the day my mom had to leave. We were SO sad. We went back to the hotel with her while she packed, and hung around there for the afternoon. Let the kids nap, they were exhausted! Did some swimming. Then headed back to California Adventure to have dinner and spend the rest of the night.
Wednesday was our rest day. We slept in! Watched cartoons. Then headed to the beach!
After the beach we grabbed some lunch at Joe's Crib Shack and headed back to the waterpark.
That night we went back to Downtown Disney to have some dinner and do some more shopping!
The Lego store was definitely a favorite. We spent a lot of time here!
Thursday we headed back to California Adventure. And continued eating and riding. Seriously...the food at Disneyland cannot be beat!
We went to one of our favorite shows Disney Jr Live, and also Frozen at the Hyperion. We also met Captain America, which was the highlight of Harley's day if you can't tell by that smile...haha!
Friday was the 5th and final day that we spent in the parks! We bounced back and forth a lot depending on what we wanted and who we wanted to see. We saw lots of characters this day, and did a lot of our final shopping! Picked up lots of birthday and Christmas presents!
Finally got to see Lightening and Mater! We tried all week to see these guys and missed them every time! We got so lucky to see both of them. Harley's trip was complete!
Saturday we packed up and headed back to Los Angeles. We had a few places we wanted to see and go, but it has gotten so scummy in Downtown LA we decided not to with the kids. So we just went to Universal Studios and walked around a bit and had an amazing lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe. After that we headed back to the airport to head home!
We were the first people on the plane and the pilot was so cute and asked them all to come in the cockpit and see the buttons and gave them all some wings.
It was an AMAZING trip. Seriously so much fun, and SO much work. I was actually really glad that we had the whole day on Sunday to recover before hitting the week again on Monday because we were beat! And as usual, I can barely get home from one Disney trip before I'm ready to plan another!! Can't wait until next time. And can't wait for more travels with this family of ours. We love it!
