Now that Andrew is old enough to recognize Disney characters and more than just Mickey Mouse, Kyle and I couldn't wait to take Andrew to Disneyland for the first time. Every parent remembers taking their child to Disneyland for the first time. I would like to say that I remember my first time going to Disneyland as a child but clearly, I was very young and what I remember are the stories my parents told me and the pictures that were taken of me taking in the magic. I have said it before that witnessing an event through the eyes of my son is WAY better than I could have ever imagined. Not going to lie, I barely slept the night before. You would think it was my first time going to Disneyland! I was filled with anticipation of how Andrew would react and was excited to watch Kyle take Andrew to all of his favorite attractions he remembered as a kid. Being a parent sure is amazing! It certainly has it's moments where life seems impossible but then there are moments like these that put everything into perspective. Sleep deprived and all!
After being gone for several weeks with trainings and staffing patterns, Kyle decided that he was feeling brave enough to tackle not 1, but 2 days of Disneyland. I was floored!! But in full support, we loaded up the car and headed to Anaheim. We decided to buy season passes since it is astronomically ridiculous what Disneyland charges for a day admission. Knowing that we were going two days, it wasn't much more to buy a pass. Now, I get to take Andrew any time and I am super excited to take Andrew back at Christmas time. He absolutely loves Christmas, lights, and Disney characters...sounds like a perfect combination for a reason for a future visit!
We arrived early in the morning and Andrew was eyes wide open! The park was decorated for Halloween and he was all a flutter at the pumpkins and Halloween decor and then beyond excited to see his favorite characters adorn all the walls and memorabilia as you walk in. After several annual pass holders advised us, we took Andrew to City Hall where he received his First Visit pin! It was his first treasure of the day! (He still holds it to this day!)
Consider yourself warned: I was absolutely, positively, proud to admit it, that I was "That Mom" that served as the proud mom paparazzi. I took a few okay, a TON of photos. You should be thankful I narrowed it down to these for your viewing pleasure!
First stop, City Hall to check in for a First Visit button. He wasn't to sure what to think upon arrival. It was a little overwhelming, and understandably so!
Next stop, Kyle had to get a cup of coffee. Which meant a breakfast treat for this first time little visitor. He loved his morning treat! Clearly! I promise my son has better table manners.
Despite my fear of it being too spooky, Andrew loved the Haunted Mansion. He gripped onto Kyle during the opening part where the elevator illuminates Jack at the top and all the thunder and lightening but aside from that, he wasn't afraid.
Next stop: Tom Sawyer's Island. This was Kyle's favorite part of Disneyland as a kid and he couldn't wait to show Andrew. We easily spent over an hour running amuck and touching EVERYTHING!!
So Andrew, what do you think of Disneyland so far? I'll take that as two, very enthusiastic, thumbs up!
He thought the pirate skeleton was entertaining...good thing he doesn't understand what was happening.
This little boy is obsessed with boats and pirate ships. It stopped him in his tracks to watch it go by.
Check out all this loot!
After all the fun on the island, we made our way to Big Thunder Mountain Ranch petting zoo and Halloween tent.
To our surprise, he willingly gave Goofy a high five...
and a hug! WOW!!
Oh and he met Woody too! He was beyond jazzed!
On to terrorize ToonTown!
Shocker...he found the fire truck in Toon Town!
And he met the mouse himself! Mickey got a high five, a hug, AND knuckles! He was pretty excited...but you can never tell in a posed photo.
And of course, our first opportunity to sit and take a break, this kid took a little power nap!
And power nap indeed: he was all geared up and ready for a little Autopia adventure!
I am not quite ready or prepared to see my son behind the wheel of a car yet!
I'm surprised Kyle let him drive.
Had to check out the Finding Nemo submarines.
Clearly, I had the unfair advantage!
I'll give you 5 bucks to guess who had to buy this for his son!
Look at that stance!
And Kyle had to buy this light up sword for our fun during the World of Color! And supposedly I am the one that spoils this kid...hmmm mmmm! I beg to differ and now have proof to show.
Our first day at Disneyland was amazing! Andrew made it through most of the show but fell asleep atop of Kyle's shoulders. I think it's safe to say that he had a wonderful first day!
Day two proved to be just as successful and memorable. We all moved a little slow getting out of bed that morning and we were not in any rush to be there first thing in the morning. We decided to start our day again at Disneyland to check out a few things but had plans to end our day at California Adventure.
First stop of the day was at Kyle's second favorite spot as a kid: the shooting range. We definitely gave a few quarters at this spot!
I know, it comes as a shock that he couldn't wait to jump onto the fire engine at the Main Street Fire Department.
We took Andrew back to California Adventure where we checked out It's a Bug's Life. Super cute rides!
This ride was by far his favorite. He and Kyle had a great time together. To our disappointment, this was the last week that this attraction was going to be open as it was closing permanently for a new ride. Hopefully, Andrew won't remember next time we go.
As we finished the afternoon in California Adventure, our last leg of our Disneyland adventure was checking out Downtown Disney. Mind you, the last time Kyle and I went to Disneyland was probably 15 years ago when we first started dating. I don't think California Adventure was around yet and Downtown Disney may have been being built. Needless to say, it's been awhile. It was a super cool place and I can see why so many adults hang out in this part of the park. We ended up eating dinner at the Rainforest Café and as we suspected, Andrew fell asleep in his dinner plate. His fun at Disneyland wore him out! But on the bright side, Kyle and I were actually able to savor and enjoy our meal. It was a lovely ending to a wonderful trip. Until next time Disneyland, thanks for the fun!
