Disneyland!

Disneyland 2018 was a huge success!!! Even with the chaos that accompanies 16 people attempting to navigate through the busy parks together we all had an absolute ball. Our hearts are full and we are incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to make these magical memories with our family. Is it crazy that I’m already ready to go back?!

We spent our first day at California Adventure, and started out at the Frozen show. Isla was transfixed!

We were fortunate that most of the ride lines were not too long, but if we did have a wait, Cole kept us pretty entertained.

Isla kept herself entertained by pretending to be an ant munching on leaves.

Flick’s Fliers: the first of many, many rides with this kiddo during our time in Disneyland and California Adventure. Her favorites were the spinning ladybugs (one night we went on them three times in a row), the teacups (oh, if only you could have heard her giggles!), the carousels, and Soarin’ Over the World (she said she loved smelling the grass and flowers). We took her on the Cars race car ride and she was white-knuckled and stone-faced the entire time. Afterwards I asked her if she liked the ride and she said, “Not very much.” We got her on to Thunder Mountain once. She looked fairly concerned the whole time, but at the end her endorphins must have kicked in, because she threw her hands in the air and yelled, “That was awesome!” Her excitement was short-loved, however. We couldn’t convince her to go on it again. Maybe next time.Cole was an absolutely fantastic little traveler. He stayed smiley despite the heat, crowds, and looooong days at the park. No doubt having lots of wonderful family loving on him definitely helped.

Pro traveler trip: bring your child’s cousin. They will have a ball together.

Two little mermaids sharing some giggles and tickles after their first of many rounds on the Ariel Ride.

I was absolutely blown away by the Cars Land! I felt like I was in the movie, and couldn’t help but stop every so often to just stare at all of the incredible details that went into creating this section of the park.

Churro stop! It was the first of many. Mmmmm, churros…

Day 2 was filled with surprises! In the morning we each gifted our girls with a brand new princess dress. Isla had asked for a “brave girl” dress and was completely confident she was going to get it! See that “I told you so” look on her face in the far right photo? We were super excited she wanted to emulate such a strong female character. Our little brave girl was thrilled and ran around proudly in her dress all day!

Such a helpful big sister. I love how he held on to her arm!

“Brave Girl” ready to hit the park!

Surprise number 2 of the day was taking the kiddos to the Plaza Inn for breakfast with Minnie and friends! All of the girls showed up in their new princess dresses and they couldn’t have been more darling. The kids all LOVED meeting the characters while they ate. A few were a little wary of Rafiki, however.

Cole and Tigger were fast friends! It was so cute. Cole even laid a big, slobbery kiss right on the end of Tigger’s nose!

Morgan and Mia were beyond thrilled to meet Mary Poppins and Bert.

Isla made sure to dance a little at every live performance we came across.

The third surprise of the day was taking Isla for a little princess pampering at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. Hair, nails, make up, sparkly accessories and a healthy dusting of twinkling pixie dust. Her cousin, Waverly, joined her, and these little princesses soaked up every minute of their royal treatment!

Oh, that face!

Two very happy princesses!

We gifted Isla a $25 gift card to spend on souvenirs at the parks. This was a great way to give her more responsibility and reduce the requests for every trinket we passed. Isla was actually quite thoughtful about how she wanted to spend her money, and spent time looking at items and considering her options. Once she laid eyes on this baby Pegasus, however, she was certain she had to have it. This girl was in love!

It’s A Small World was a BIG hit with our kiddos. Cole and Isla were both totally captivated the entire ride. It was especially fun knowing so much of the design was dreamed up by one of the first female Disney artists, Mary Blair! We read all about her before our trip.

Let’s be honest, a trip to Disneyland wouldn’t be a trip to Disneyland without a corn dog… or ten!

We enjoyed a lovely boat ride and met Princess Tiana. Isla completely lit up when talking with her!

That look of adoration on her sweet little face says it all! When we asked Isla what she wanted to do most during our trip she immediately replied, “Go see Anna and Elsa.” So, to Anna and Elsa we went. They complimented her nails, talked about planning a sleepover, and their mutual love of s’mores… Isla could not have been happier!

Day 3 was spent catching up on rides we hadn’t made it to yet, and returning to favorites, so I didn’t take too many photos.

The live turtle talk with Crush may have been my most favorite attraction the entire trip! Crush interacted with the kids and adults in the audience in an impressive mix of amazing technology and hilarious improv. Oh my goodness, his expressions alone had us in stitches! My mind was in overdrive trying to figure out the technology behind the magic, so I kept straining to see hidden cameras or any clues as to how they made this incredible interactive technology work. I have some theories, but I’m still truly blown away by it all. Such a fun experience!

I was so, so excited to take Isla to the animator’s studio! I dreamed of being a Disney animator much of my childhood, and when my parents took me to Disney World, I remember spending hours watching the animators work on their illustrations- I wanted to watch them more than going on the rides! Isla did such a great job, and she loved learning how to draw Dante (from Coco. We even went back for a second session later in the day.

And that’s a wrap! Our 2018 Disneyland adventure was one we will hold in our hearts forever. The experience was so magical for our sweet girl- the most heartwarming thing for a parent to watch. I’m already starting to plan for a return next year!