Share Your favorite Disneyland memory of 2008

[caligirl stuck in va]

ohhh too many to count but here are a few...

1. Being able to meet up with my parents and two of my DSis and their families for a 5 day all out DLR family reunion

2. Riding California Screamin for the 1st time with my DNephew - nobody else could have made me get on that thing but that kid sure did (and I have my own kids!)

3. Laughing with my DSis & DH on Pirate Island while my DBIL followed all the kids around through the caves

4. Taking DD4 on Space Mtn for the first time and her not wanting to get off when the ride was over

5. Watching all of the kids faces as walked to the parks each day - so excited!!

6. Leaving the last night and saying goodbye - next trip not for 2 years - we were extra teary.

 

[Dizneydaz]

Great memories everyone!-here are 2 of my favorites from 2008 and I have pictures.

#1-Getting to see DNephew18 perform in his first DL parade. We were able to see him perform 4 times and he always waved to us and/or blew us kisses! He's been trying out for the parades since he was 16 and once he turned 18 he was finally hired! He was a reindeer so we couldn't see his face but we knew which one was him. Only bummer was this year we were blocked out from 12-19 to 1-4 so only got to see him the 4 times but we did see his first performances on the first day!

Here he is bowing to his mom.

I followed the parade to grab this last shot of his premiere performance. It was hard not to cry watching him and knowing that he was so happy. I had to hold back the tears-yes I'm a big softy.

#2-Photopass pictures! After our Sept. trip to WDW in 2008, we took over 600 pix at DLR in Sept, Oct., and Nov. This year we found an excellent PP photog and got alot of pix taken by him. My favorite memory is the day there was a large group of us (usually it's just me and DD9) at NOS and he took 39 pix. He got my family to do silly poses, and even captured this one, my fav----

This is my DD showing her grandma how Minnie is posing

Here's one more-my favorite of all of them of DD and me.

 

[arliepooh68]

One that just sits at the top of my head is me and my DD had a girls only weekend and she wanted to go see the Billy's (because she wsa tired and just wanted a break), it was their last show and I have NEVER seen her laugh so hard at anyone else besides her older brother (he has always made her laugh).

Taking my niece there for the weekend. . and then we all rode TSMM and as soon as it was over we all said the same thing THAT WAS AWESOME!

Meeting Maynard! and he sang for us and told us stories, he was great!

Family favorite is our friendly competition of who can get the top score on buzz. . .

Walking through the castle and being greeted by the CM that is at that little cart, he always picks on my sons, in fact he set them both straight on what their jobs were as brothers (and oh the mischievious grins on both of their faces as he was telling them this) and declared the day official pick on dylan day! For the life of me I cannot think of his name, but he just seems to know what families he can play with. Now it is our running joke, will it be dylan day again??

It is just too hard to pick one. . . but each visit is its own precious memory. . .

 

[AmericanItGirl]

Having pirates try to scam gifts out of me when I was there celebrating my birthday and them not being satisfied with the shiny pennies that I gave them. I laugh whenever I think of that.

 

[bumbershoot]

Watching DS do the "I did it, I did it, I did it" dance when he measured MORE than tall enough for Grizzly River Run on our last trip.

Watching how much good food he will eat when he's "getting big for" the "Star Wars ride" (Star Tours) and Grizzly. Now he's about 3 inches away from Indy, and I've tried to tell him he probably has a year or more before he gets to that (I don't even want a 5 or 6 year old on Indy!) but he's already started to eat to "get big for" it.

My two solo trips, every bit of the trips from walking in the gates to leaving.

 

[pixiewings71]

Molly, DD9 was 6 the first time she did Indy. She loved it and it wasn't too jerky for her. She said it was the best and we immediately got new FP's for it and every day after that we did too. I think E would be ok once he hit 6. She was 6 1/2 that trip....well more like 6 & 4 months. LOL

 

[bumbershoot]

For me it was walking through the gates with my DH and watching the big grin on his face as I skipped down mainstreet, I think it was then he realized how much Disney means to me. It was his first trip to DL.

The amazement and look on his face once he realized that yes, he can `fit`on all the rides (DH is 6`6``) and having him drag me around saying `can we go on screamin again`

Hubby likes seeing me happy, so he likes it when I get a little silly there.

And DLR is so great for people bigger or taller than average! Hubby's on the rounder side (but losing every week!) and although some rides are still uncomfortable physically or emotionally, he CAN fit in everything (except Maliboomer b/c of the clip) and that's really terrific.


And it took hubby awhile, but last May he FINALLY really really GOT DLR. That was very exciting for me.

Watching my mom learn how to use her electric scooter in DL.

Ooh I didn't remember that she agreed. I'm so glad!!!!

I really havent told anyone this, but my daughter was finally given the go ahead by her cardiologist so this was her first trip (november) I remember thinking for years that she would never be able to go! My favorite memory was the look on her face, continuously for 5 days. I am so glad we were finally able to go, after 3 open heart surgeries!

YAY!!!!!

Wow! How exciting!

 

[bumbershoot]

Molly, DD9 was 6 the first time she did Indy. She loved it and it wasn't too jerky for her. She said it was the best and we immediately got new FP's for it and every day after that we did too. I think E would be ok once he hit 6. She was 6 1/2 that trip....well more like 6 & 4 months. LOL

Good to know!

 

[teacherlisa1978]

Too, too hard to pick just one, sooooo...

--Going for the first time at Christmas-the lights, decorations, wreaths, the snow, and seeing nothing but happy smiling people everywhere you looked during the snowfall
--the line 'open your heart' in the fireworks spiel: it reminded me to keep my heart open in the face of some uncertainty about our future and that everything will work out-somehow, someday I will bring my own children to Disneyland.
--being dreamed on our last morning there
--having hubby beg to go on Space Mountain after chickening out on Big Thunder on our last 2 trips!
--being surprised at dinner by my parents with a trip to WDW in just 16 days!
--attending the Candlelight Processional for the first time
--coming home and having my dad brag on my excellent planning and touring strategies to my older brother-who, on Christmas morning, asked me to plan a trip for us all next December so we can take my then 6 year old niece for the first time! Yes! I've been waiting for this!

2008 was truly a great Disney year!

 

[Kennywife]

Riding Splash Mountain with hubby!

Eating at Goofy's Kitchen and getting a pic with the characters!!!!

Seeing Vegas (we stayed there for two days prior).

Seeing DL in all its fall glory!

My best memory was when me and hubby were in DD and picked up a mouseears hat. A lady there asked us when our wedding was. We said, "June 17." She goes, "Oh you guys are still newlyweds!" "No. We've been married since 2006." I told her. People still think that we're newlyweds since we act like it.

Anna

 

[cheshiregirl]

I also need to pick a few as there are so many great memories:

Breakfast with Lilo and Stitch on DS's 1st birthday. The entire meal was great and it wasn't very crowded so we got lots/repeated interaction with the characters. But the absolute highlight was Goofy getting down on the floor to play with my son when we first arrived. They were so cute together!

DS getting so excited every single time that we rode the Triton or King Arthur Carrousels between Septmember and December, which was a lot (average of 3-4 times each day and a total of 12 days during the three trips we took this fall). He would get this big smile on his face as soon as he heard the bell ring because he knew the horsey or sea creature was about to start moving, and he would get so frustrated and bangs on the pole once it stopped.

Watching DS do the "happy dance" as we waited to meet Santa this year and listening to the collective awwww from everyone else in line as he snuggled up to Santa for some fabulous pictures. This followed the collective laughter of the crowd as the watched him run right by Santa after being so excited in line. Santa's response? "That is what you call the brush off ladies and gentlemen".

And for myself, probably my favorite moment was sounding the whistle from the captain's quarters as we rode the Mark Twain for the first time ever. I was on whistle duty and DH was in charge of the bell. We had a great time hanging out with the captain and it was really neat to hear about DL from his perspective.

 

[Brady's Mom]

Oooohhh! I love this topic!

1. Getting to go to DLR 2 times in one year. In March with our family including our oldest son, who is now in Taiwan for 2 years. In December to experience the Christmas season at DLR, although it was a little bittersweet because our oldest wasn't with us.

2. Watching our 2 middle sons get picked for Jedi Training in the same session and our niece also got picked in the same session. It was so fun to see them on stage.

3. Experiencing HoJo for the first time. It was our first trip where we stayed within walking distance and I will always stay that close now!

4. Sharing the Magic with my family. What beautiful memories.

5. Our 6 year old and his grandpa riding Big Thunder Mountain with their hands in the air the whole time, laughing out loud - 3 times in a row!

 

[kelmac284]

I don't know that I have a favorite memory from my trips this past year but what I love about going is just watching how excited my girls get and getting memories like this one.

This is actually from 07 I think but my girls are 16 months apart and they share a room and they can fight like cats and dogs but in the end they love eachother too. And we were waiting for Mulholland Madness and I caught them like this. They hold hands too and they REALLY love eachother. They are best friends and this year they were even put in the same class a 2nd/3rd combo and you'd think they wouldn't WANT to be in the same class but when the school realized the mistake they were actually sad that they had to be separated.

It is special moments like this that I cherish.

 

[trodrigue]

the best part for me was planning two incredible trips in 2009.

Great idea for a thread Dawn!

 

[darren123]

We went to Disneyland in May/June 2008.
What a great time we had.
Just my wife and I,
We celebrated our Birthday’s at Disneyland.
We had a lovely breakfast at Minnie’s and friends at the Plaza Inn for my wife’s birthday and on our last day was my birthday we got the Minnie and me precious memories figurine.
Our children did not want to go (teens) but when we got home they said we want to go.
So we are looking at going in 2010.
Our last trip to Disneyland was 2002.
6 years is a long time between visits.
We watched the parades, fireworks and shows we just took it all in.
Because the AUD was almost on par with the USD it was like Christmas for us we got some great gifts for family and I was able to get a Walt Disney book I wanted to buy last time. My wife started to get into pin trading which she really enjoyed it was well worth to see the smile on her face.
The biggest highlight for us was we purchased a framed Disneyland resort pin set we had to wait for another CM to arrive as the CM serving us had to get one from out the back and can not leave the counter, He kept saying sorry some one should be he soon he was very polite, after 20 minutes someone arrived and he got our pin set for us just as we were leaving the shop he ran after us and gave us some dream pins. He did not have to but the is the great customer service in Disneyland.
Everything was like a dream to us we had such a magical time.

 

[pixiewings71]

I don't know that I have a favorite memory from my trips this past year but what I love about going is just watching how excited my girls get and getting memories like this one.

This is actually from 07 I think but my girls are 16 months apart and they share a room and they can fight like cats and dogs but in the end they love eachother too. And we were waiting for Mulholland Madness and I caught them like this. They hold hands too and they REALLY love eachother. They are best friends and this year they were even put in the same class a 2nd/3rd combo and you'd think they wouldn't WANT to be in the same class but when the school realized the mistake they were actually sad that they had to be separated.

It is special moments like this that I cherish.

Awwwww!!! That is precious!!! and so much like my girls. They shared a room until just a few years ago and they too are best friends. Man can they fight but they are still best friends and love each so much.

 

[Alex2kMommy]

I really havent told anyone this, but my daughter was finally given the go ahead by her cardiologist so this was her first trip (november) I remember thinking for years that she would never be able to go! My favorite memory was the look on her face, continuously for 5 days. I am so glad we were finally able to go, after 3 open heart surgeries!

YAY!!!!!

Awww, Cathy, that made me cry! How wonderful for you all!

I remember taking our kids on their first trip two years ago, it really is magical.

Molly, DD9 was 6 the first time she did Indy. She loved it and it wasn't too jerky for her. She said it was the best and we immediately got new FP's for it and every day after that we did too. I think E would be ok once he hit 6. She was 6 1/2 that trip....well more like 6 & 4 months. LOL

I took my older son on Indy when he was 6yo, and was a nervous wreck. Make sure to seat him in an interior seat (not on the far left or far right.) DS covers his ears (and therefore doesn't HANG ON) so he swings all over the place during the ride! That first time I threw my arm across his body and had his thigh in a death grip.

OK, my favorite memories from our December trip:

* Being "recognized" for the first time ever by a fellow DISer! DirkLogan recognized my LGMHPC tag on our backpack and said hello. Thanks, Dirk, for making my day!

* DS4 in Pixie Hollow. He is a huge Tinkerbell fan, so we were very excited when we found out we could actually meet her! We waited in a long line and he practically vibrated in anticipation. Finally it was time to enter, and he was first introduced to Silvermist. She was so sweet and charming and spent a long time chatting up DS. He chattered, smiled and batted his eyes so much I was sure he'd forgotten all about whatsername, but when he saw Tink around the corner he screamed her name and took off running to her.

* Getting both boys to pose holding a sword to fight a photopass Captain Hook! (DS4 was very disappointed when he had to hand back the plastic sword, though.)

* The boys admiring the HUGE tree ornaments! The glass balls were as large as their head, and don't get me started about the gingerbread man!

* Trying out all the wonderful seasonal treats. Mickey Ear Gingerbread Man? Check. Apple Pie Caramel Apple? Check. Snowman cookie? Check. Even the red and green Rice Krispie Star, check .

* My DS8, who was a bit of a grump this trip, lit up at the Lilo & Stitch breakfast. Stitch always provides many laughs, and this time was no different. He snuck up behind DS8, took one look at his thick, crazy, over-dry hair, then pretended to lick his palms and slicked DS' hair up into a fauxhawk! And it stayed! I laughed until tears rolled, and DS8 was laughing and asking, "What is he doing? What's he doing, Mama?"

Stitch is awesome, thankyouverymuch!

 

[Tink33]

Sitting in the Lilly Belle train car, listening to stories from a Disneyland Guide who loved and appreciated Disneyland with 9 other Disney loving ladies.

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

1-Well..the overall Dream Suite experience..finer points being
a- My kids' faces when the Goodnight Kiss button went off
b- My BIL's excitement surpassing EVERYONES
c- Disney making EVERYTHING magical for us
d- Sophia exclaiming at the BB that "I'M A PIRATE AND I'M DRINKING MY DRINK. ARRRRGGGHHHH"
e- Sophia exclaiming at everyone the next day "I'm sophia and I a grand marshall!"

2- My kids faces walking into Disneyland period.
3- Getting to know our family on a deeper level.
4- Magic that only happens in Disneyland happening to US
5- My SIL giving me a hug and promising that "Tomorrow will be better" If only she'd known.

 

[Kayla's Mom]

Getting Luis Gonzales' (former and beloved D-Back) autograph on my Dream Mickey Ears!

Luis Gonzalez at Disneyland?!!! I would have died -- two of my favorite things!!