Team Hames: Magical Memories - Disneyland 2011

We decided it was time for Team Hames to head to Disneyland! We were planning a trip to California to visit Aunt Nena and Uncle Steve and so decided it would be fun to head over to Disney while out there. It was truly magical!

On the morning of September 27th we set out on our adventure with 8 total pieces of luggage (4 carry-on and 4 checked), 2 carseats bungee corded to a luggage cart, 1 preggo mama and 1 double stroller (toting blankets, pillow pets and kiddos)! Airport check-in, security and plane ride were great...nothing crazy occurred just a lot of stares and comments such as, "whew, you guys have your hands full!" Which I guess shouldn't bother me because this is in fact a true comment, however it's often times said in a "why did you do that?, you do know how babies are made? kinda voice.....so now I just say, " Yes - you're right...God has filled our hands and our hearts with all of it and He promises to give us nothing more than we can handle!"

Not bad for a family of four for a week in Cali!

All Set!

So excited to ride the airplane!

Upon arrival in Anaheim we quickly boarded the Disneyland Express and set out for Disneyland Hotel. We were the only people on the entire bus! Yahoo - let the off season begin! From the moment we arrived the experience was under way - kids were given autographed pictures of Minnie and Buzz/Woody, balloons and 1st time visit buttons! They were thrilled! We headed to Downtown Disney to explore and pick-up our complimentary lanyard and pins and photo autograph book. The kids were a bit young still to grasp the concept of the “lanyard and pin trading world” but loved using the autograph book while there...I highly recommend it!

We ended Day 1 with dinner at Goofy’s Kitchen for our first of 3 Character Dining Experiences!! I can’t say enough about how absolutely wonderful these meals are - the food is great but most of all your children get unlimited time and enjoyment with the characters. No stressful waiting in line at the parks to get autographs, pictures etc. The characters are so patient and really want the kids to enjoy themselves. They sing, dance and play with the kids! Day 1 was magical and we had not even visited the park yet!

They spotted Goofy and were so excited!

Goofy's Kitchen

Hi Dale, I'm Alden

Dancing with Belle

My sweet girl was in heaven!

Touching Pluto's whiskers

Signing our book

The Mad Hatter ( they thought he was really funny - even though Alden looks unsure here)

Food and Dessert were amazing!

Yummy

Saying Hello to Donald

On Day 2 we headed to Disneyland and had a blast! We had tickets to get in an hour early to Toon Town and watch the little parade and see some characters before the crowds arrived. It was so sweet - we met Minnie and toured her house, enjoyed some fun kiddie roller coasters and other rides. Next we jumped on It's A Small World - LOVE IT! So relaxing yet entertaining and a must when visiting Disney. The Tea Cups were a huge hit with the kiddos - we would jump off and just get back on again! Next up was Dumbo - Alden had fallen asleep but Ella Rae and I really enjoyed it. We headed to see Rapunzel from Tangled - we did have to wait in line for about 20 minutes to meet her but it was SO worth it. We knew she wouldn't be at any of our character meals. Ella Rae waited patiently with her autograph book all ready to go while Alden enjoyed playing with his cars and other small toys on the ground. Both kids were really great about waiting in line the fews times that we had too!

Finding Nemo was a neat submarine ride - kids loved it! We jumped aboard the monorail (a fun experience for kids too) and headed back for naps. Once arriving back at the park we enjoyed more fun rides and ended the day with the Magical Parade! It was so incredible and of course the kids were yelling the names of all their favorite characters. I have to add that fall was a great time of year to visit - everything was decorated so beautifully.