Back from Disneyland

This time last week, I was in Disneyland.  Wish I was still there!  We had such a blast.

It wasn't so fun getting there.  All that waiting sure wasn't fun.  But at least Audrey slept half the flight, which sure was a relief.  We were beyond tired when we arrived, still being on Central time, but we needed to eat and I had made plans to meet an online Disney friend in Downtown Disney.  So we went to House of Blues to meet Lorianne and her daughter Megan.  It was so good to meet them and we had a good time, despite being so tired.

Tuesday we went to Disneyland, where Audrey discovered the carousel right away. I lost count of how many times we rode that one.  We went on a bunch of rides, but Audrey didn't like how loud they were for the most part.  She didn't cry though.  Unless she saw the carousel and wanted to ride it.  We ate lunch at Cafe Orleans and had crepes and a pumpkin brulee which was divine.  We would come back to Paradise Pier Hotel after lunch for naps.  Good thing to do.  Dinner we had at Tortilla Jo's and went to Mickey's Halloween Party, which Audrey dressed up as a ballerina for.  She was stinkin' cute.

Wednesday we spent at California Adventure, where Audrey met her hero, Ariel.  We had lunch at Ariel's Grotto with all of the princesses.  It was good, but Audrey was already nappy.  I think she would enjoy this if she had been older.  $20 for mac and cheese she did not eat was not cool.  At least we lived off of the desserts for a while!

Thursday we had the best breakfast with Minnie and Friends at Plaza Inn.  Best character meal ever.  I loved it.  She loved it.  She ate.  Everyone was happy.  The only downer was that it was across the way from the Astro Orbiter ride, which she also loved.  So there was screaming at first.  Ironically, we got a picture made right about then, and the photographer was so good that it's actually a decent picture of all of us!  So yeah, had to buy that one.  We needed presents for the grandparent's anyway :)

Friday we went to both parks.  We started out at California Adventure, since that was the park with the extra magic hour.  We were able to do rides that had too much of a line later in the day.  Cars Land was also a lot more pleasant. Then we went to Disneyland, as we had reservations for Blue Bayou.  Oh my gosh.  Stop.  If you go to Disneyland, you NEED to make reservations for Blue Bayou.  You NEED to.  It fills up and is so so so so so so good! Hunted down Pooh Bear as well and Audrey gave him a big hug.  She wanted to buy a Pooh Bear that was like the size of her, but I persuaded her to a small one. 

Saturday came too fast.  We made a last minute ressie at our hotel's character breakfast where Audrey finally got to meet Mickey!  That was a pretty nice breakfast as well and they had quite a few characters.  I am glad we did it.  She will only be this age once. Then we had to pack up and say good bye.

The low lights: Small World was closed for refurbishment and they ruined Haunted Mansion....I don't mind that they decorated it all Nightmare Before Christmas, but you messed with the whole flippin' ride.  Not even the song was the same.  I was uber bummed.  It's just for this time of year though. 

But watching all of Audrey's reactions, all of the the tasty treats, and the great first family vacation memories that will last a life time.....it was worth it.  Such a great trip.  Can't wait for more!