Disneyland

On Tuesday of our vacation week we went to Disneyland.

I wasn't sure how Taylor would do being in the park and most likely a stroller all day, and I didn't know how well Brooklyn would like the rides. But I knew she would absolutely love to see the princesses, so we opted for just one day at the park with the single goal of B getting to as many princesses as possible. I'd heard from friends and family that you can spend somewhere between 2-3 hours waiting in line just to get a hasty picture with one princess. I'd also heard from a couple people about meet and greet type meals you can get reservations for and opted for that. Best decision ever. We went to Ariel's Grotto for a lunch to meet the hostess, Ariel, and four of her princess friends. Just B, my mom, and I went to the lunch.

You go down a spiral staircase in to the restaurant. Ariel is at the bottom and you wait your turn to get her autograph and then pose for a professional picture. They also turn and let you take your own picture with her. I almost started crying watching Brooklyn. She was in such awe and you could tell it was such a magical experience for her.

Oh, you BET we dressed her up! Almost all the other little girls there were dressed up also. B felt pretty fancy in the special dress her Grammy had made her. I brought a change of clothes for her to wear the rest of the day, and had a hard time convincing her to change!

After you meet Ariel, they take you to your table. We happened to be seated outside, which I really liked. We were right next to the water and the weather was perfect. They serve you some appetizers first, which were delicious and then you get to order from a menu. Fancy fancy food. It was all so good. Periodically during the meal you would hear a trumpet and then they would announce a princess. First was Belle. She would come out and then go to each table, signing autographs, talking to the little girl at each table and then would pose for pictures. We were the 3rd table right at the spot where they came out.

Brooklyn would light up each time a new princess came out. Then she would watch them as they made their way through all of the tables.

Next was Princess Aurora (Sleeping Beauty)

Then came Cinderella. Oh boy. It was so funny, B had taken off her gloves to eat but as soon as she saw Cinderella come out she was scrambling to get her gloves on and frantically saying "Quick, Mom...my gloves!"

Then Minnie Mouse came out and for some reason I didn't get a picture of that. After you finish the main course they bring a dessert platter out. We were pretty stuffed by that point. They also sell the professional picture they took with Ariel. Of course we bought it! It was too cute to pass up. All in all the luncheon and experience was well worth the extra money. And maybe we didn't go to the right places but we didn't see any more characters while walking around Disneyland or California Adventure.

After the lunch mostly walked around and would take turns letting each other go on rides. My sister and cousin Ethan did a lot of fast passes and I think were able to go on quite a few rides. I think I went on 3 maybe. We all went on the little Bug's Life caterpillar rides and got some pictures on that.

Waiting in line

Brooklyn had a hard time looking at the camera long enough for a picture, and Grammy insisted on making silly faces :)

I thought this next picture was funny. I always forget to take pictures of things I'd like to remember so I kept telling people to remind me to have pics taken. Someone took this of me and Mister. Apparently he was SUPER happy to be there!

The best we could get of a family shot

When we first got to the park and put Mister in the stroller he was so excited and keep kicking his feet. Such a handsome man.

We listened to a great band for a while and Brooklyn was dancing the whole time.

During the evening we wandered around and got to ride on the carousel, Splash Mountain, and the Alice in Wonderland caterpillar ride. Really random. We tried to get pictures with the castle lit up and these were the best of the best.

Shortly after both kids fell asleep. It was a fun, exhausting day!