We returned home a couple of days ago and I feel like I am reentering the real world again, and it kind of hurts a little. Derek said, "You don't just leave Disney, it is SNATCHED away from you." I think that sums it up nicely. I will go through withdrawal. For a year we researched and thought through every last detail of our trip. I had dreams that we were there. And then we finally were there, and it was as magical as they say it can be. I think we did so many things right, and we learned what we might do differently next time. I am already planning the next time!
Jack and Greta were surprised. Derek and I tried so hard to keep the actual dates of the trip a mystery but so many people clued them in. Forces were definitely working against this surprise, but maybe because we kept them so busy that weekend and maybe because they saw no suitcases coming out of storage they believed me when I told them it was not this week, but the next. The night before leaving last Sunday we pulled our stuffed suitcases that I had packed secretly throughout the week downstairs and tied giant Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse balloons to them and placed the tickets very pretty. Derek and I woke up before our alarm at 4:30. He turned on The Nightmare Before Christmas soundtrack (their favorite) and we woke them. Down the stairs, slowly to see the bags, they understood and sleepily they eased into the excitement. What was really instore, they had no idea!
To the airport for a Starbuck's breakfast and early flight we drove. It was so dark and quiet. I love that time of morning when everyone else is asleep but me. Our flight was smooth and the start to a great trip. Derek bought me a bloody mary. What a flirt. I sat with Jack and watched him sing along to "The Nightmare Before Christmas" on the ipad. We landed at LAX and rode the Disneyland Express to our hotel. The Grand Californian is beautiful and bold. The staff were friendly and helpful, but upon arriving, it was so busy and not quite what I expected. But they did give us a room with bunkbeds like my kids had begged for. For a week this would be our home. There was a lavish lobby and a roaring fire in the fireplace. There were little rocking chairs with leather cushions near big rocking chairs for cartoon watching or stories by the fire. Our room was on the second floor and had a view of California Adventure Park...but not a very good view because we were thick in the trees. But on the balcony you could hear screams from the Grizzly River Rapids and hear the rushing waters. There was relaxing acoustic guitar playing and we always left our balcony door open to hear the music into the night. It plays until about 3 am. We decided to have lunch in California Adventure Park and get our bearings.
The weather was unseasonably hot and almost miserable, but I refused to let it get us. We ate and walked a bit and then went to our room for a quiet nap. Disneyland was going to be open until midnight and we would go there after our rest. But, I couldn't sleep so I explored. The gift shop, and the lobby and the pool and restaurants were nice, but there were crowds. I do think it was mostly just like this on Sunday, but there were more people there than we had anticipated. Thank goodness we had 6 days to enjoy the parks and pools. We did it all at our own pace. And this is also how I am going to write about our experience. There is so much to say that I will be sure not to leave anything out and I will tell the story of our family's first vacation and Jack's 4th birthday at Disneyland.
