Five miles from DL

[Judy from Boise]

I'm so glad you went.
Not to tell you how to parent, but i would use this as an opportunity to explain that real love is REAL love because it is sacrificial. That when we really love someone we should be happier for them when good things happen, then sad for us, that we didn't share it.
That "fair" is for the courts, and "I am so happy for you" is for loving families.
Just something i feel strongly about!
Again, glad you had a great day.

 

[NostalgicDad]

I'm so glad you went.
Not to tell you how to parent, but i would use this as an opportunity to explain that real love is REAL love because it is sacrificial. That when we really love someone we should be happier for them when good things happen, then sad for us, that we didn't share it.
That "fair" is for the courts, and "I am so happy for you" is for loving families.
Just something i feel strongly about!
Again, glad you had a great day.

Well put. We all want to be kids at heart and being in the park alone actually brings it out more since the focus is only on yourself. Sure, the thoughts of my family were constantly present but I kept realizing how glad I was to be there. Fabulous.

 

[MommyWithDreams]

Ok, well I made the big decision. Since I'm posting here this late in the day it must mean one thing.........I had a great day at DL today!

First things first though, it felt really weird being there alone. I felt myself looking for my kids at several points throughout the day. You never know how much you miss them until you see other families interacting. But, with all the magic in the air, even a lonely parent can have a great time by themselves.

I got to the park at 10am and it was cloudy, breezy, and really cool. The sun came out a little after noon and it turned out to be a beautiful day although a bit on the chilly side. The crowds were a little more than I would have expected but really not bad at all compared to what I'm used to. My prime objective was to take pictures. There was no shortage of that! I managed to snap 600+ in about 10 hours. I stashed my tripod in a locker then made good use of it after the sun set. I'll be posting some soon after I get back home this weekend.

But, the highlight of the day was getting dreamed! Two dream team members were handing out Special Dream Time events next to the castle where the wishing well is. Basically I got to be in the park after closing for an hour. It doesn't sound like much but it really is pretty cool. Even though there were a lot who got one, it was like walking around an empty park with no lines on any of the rides.

After dark it felt really brisk so I was ready to head out since I only had a light jacket. I used up my bonus hour and said goodbye to DL. Since I never know when or if I'll be back, I was glad I went. My kids and DW have souvenirs on the way so hopefully they won't kick me out of the house. I really wasn't planning on going until I posted here. Thanks for all the nudging. You guys put me in the Disney magic today. That's always a good thing.

That sounds like a great trip. I can't wait to see your pictures. I am a huge fan of your pictures as it is!

 

[awdfan]

I sit here in my hotel room in Cypress, Ca, only 5 miles from DL, but will not be going to DL. I'm out here in the LA area all week on business and my kiddos have given me strict instructions that I am not to even think about going to the park without them. I've had thoughts of venturing to DTD and snapping some shots, though (yes, I always have my camera with me). That's not going into the park so maybe the kids would let me off the hook if I brought them back a Disney souvenir. I can still hear them giving me the business though. Maybe I'll just sneak a trip over there and not say anything......no, I wouldn't feel right about doing that either. What to do, what to do. Perhaps I'll just take in some other sights and try not to think about DL (yeah, right).

One thing I did different on this business trip was fly into SNA. Uh, why haven't I done that before? I usually fly into LAX and never really have any problems but SNA definitely gets my vote. Very clean, organized, and easy to navigate, not to mention the proximity is very convenient. I believe I'll be seeing this airport again on subsequent trips.

Anyway, I just felt the need to post something since I'm so close to DL when I'm usually posting on this board while I'm ~1300 miles away.

I know I'm late on this post, but I just signed up for the boards yesterday. I just wanted to mention something--do you go to Cypress often for business? If so, fly into Long Beach if you can!! It's sooooo easy and a quick drive down Katella and boom, you're there. (I grew up in Cypress and was going to encourage you to go to the park--glad to see you did!). If you think SNA is easy to navigate, wait till you see Long Beach.

 

[NostalgicDad]

I know I'm late on this post, but I just signed up for the boards yesterday. I just wanted to mention something--do you go to Cypress often for business? If so, fly into Long Beach if you can!! It's sooooo easy and a quick drive down Katella and boom, you're there. (I grew up in Cypress and was going to encourage you to go to the park--glad to see you did!). If you think SNA is easy to navigate, wait till you see Long Beach.

Thanks for the info awdfan. Cypress is not a regular site for me to travel to on business so I don't plan on any upcoming trips. But, it was a toss-up between SNA and Long Beach for this last one. I think it boiled down to flight timing for my particular needs at the time. I've heard good things though and will definitely consider it when it comes up again.

 

[Jenn1116]

Yay! Glad you went. Looking forward to the great pics!!

 

[NostalgicDad]

Yay! Glad you went. Looking forward to the great pics!!

Jenn1116........Since I got back around 2/16/08 I have been posting most of the shots I took on this trip in the POTD thread.

 

[momtoccc]

Could someone tell me which airport SNA is??

 

[nodoubt51]

Did you tell your kids you went to DL?

 

[nun69]

I vote for GO too....and just take it all in!

 

[awdfan]

Could someone tell me which airport SNA is??

Santa Ana, AKA Orange County, AKA John Wayne

 

[NostalgicDad]

Did you tell your kids you went to DL?

I'm terrible with keeping secrets. Yes, I told them. Of course the souvenirs I bought them would have given it away anyway!

 

[Raidermouse]

I agree with what scanmom said.As for me, I am the parent and my kids do not give me strict orders.Is that too serious sounding?I would go and then tell them all about it.Especially if there is something new they have not been on but do tell them that you missed them being there.The only issue is if you made a promise.If I promised them I would need to maintain my integrity.Ahhhhh life lesson

 

[momtoccc]

Santa Ana, AKA Orange County, AKA John Wayne

Thanks - it came to me after I asked...

 

[Dopey's MIL]

What happens in Disneyland...stays in Disneyland!

Who me?