Well, as is always the case, the last day of our trip is upon us. 
It always creeps up on us. At the beginning we say, "We have 5 whole days, we'll be here FOREVER!" But day 5 always manages to come.
The morning dawned bright and sunny as have all the other days here in So. Cal. We fed the kids their morning fare of muffins, donuts and orange juice. They were able to feed the birds one more time, and boy did they make the most of it. I think there were more muffins in the birds than in the kids. But they had fun, and isn't that the whole point of a vacation?
We decided to do some of the things that we hadn't done yet, before redoing our favorite things. We made our way across the street and through the shuttle parking. It's funny, on the previous 4 days, the kids have been so excited they run, skip, jump on the benches, etc., but today they are walking a little slower. I was walking behind them giving a supportive arm to my mother, and was able to see them walking with their daddy, singing along to the music that is piped out there. That was a snapshot my heart will hold forever. All 4 of my kids enjoying spending time with one another. That doesn't happen very often.
Once we got mom seated in her wheelchair (thank heaven dad has decided to bring one from home next time. The walk to and from the hotel is really too much for mom), we went first to the Main Street Cinema to see the 50th
Anniversary movie. We had to wait in the lobby for a few minutes, but that just gave us some time to look at the displays. My kids were fascinated with the model of the original Disneyland, especially when they realized that their favorite rides weren't there. It was amazing to see how HUGE the Jungle Cruise used to be. Once they opened the theater, we went in and picked out our seats. I wasn't too sure how our twins would handle this movie, but I really shouldn't have worried. They loved it! There was just enough Donald Duck in it to keep them amused. I loved it as well. It was a wonderful look back at the history of one of my favorite places in the world. I wonder if they are going to sell copies of that movie once the anniversary is over? Anyone know???
After the movie, we headed to Honey, I Shrunk The Audience. I haven't seen this in years, so I was interested to see how my kids would react to it. I didn't worry too much about the twins, since I knew they wouldn't leave the glasses on, but my other 2 kids have never seen a 3D movie. Well, it was interesting, all right! My son was terrified of the snake, and the cat. Neither one felt the mice, which was just as well, since that would have sent my oldest daughter right over the edge. After it was over, we all agreed that it was ok, but not one we'd need to see each time we come.
Since we were already in Tomorrowland, it was time to go on Star Tours one last time. DH took the older 2 kids while mom and I watched the twins. Dad had to go back to the motel to move his luggage into my brothers car so they wouldn't have to take it on the airplane tomorrow, so we all kind of split up for a while. I bought a bucket of popcorn for the twins, and they discovered the joy of feeding the Disneyland birds. They thought it was funny that whatever the birds didn't pick up, the CM would sweep right up. After a while it became a game with them. I tried to stop them from dropping the popcorn, but the CM told me to let them have fun. "That's what this place is for," he said, and so I let the girls have fun. What a wonderful CM, he is! Thanks.
Once our group came off Star Tours, we decided to take Grandma on Buzz Lightyear. She had not done it in all the previous days, and wasn't sure she'd like it. But she's game to do anything the grandkids want her to, so off we went. The CM's were wonderful at slowing things down so she could step into the vehicle. She was with my DS, and he tried to show her what to do, but she was more interested in watching his face as he shot. Again, this is a fun ride, and not to be missed.
Well, for the last few years my husband and I have wanted to have our kids silouhettes done on Main Street, but we never have. We decided this was our year to do it. We are done having kids, so this would be perfect. We strolled mom in her chair over there so she could watch through the window. It was fascinating to watch. The lady did it so quickly, not even my wiggliest twin had a chance to ruin it. When she was done, we bought it in a frame, and then purchased the other cutout for my parents for Christmas. It will be a great reminder to them of the wonderful time we all had.
DH now took the older 2 kids, and mom to Critter Country for another ride on Splash Mountain. Mom would watch while the others rode. I waited on Main Street with the twins for Dad to come back and then we would meet up with them by Winnie the Pooh. He came quickly, and by the time we got to Critter Country, there was time for a ride on Pooh before the others got off Splash Mountain. The twins LOVE this ride and went through it screaming goodbye to all the characters that they saw.
We met up with everyone else, and went for one last ride on Pirates of the Caribbean. Twin #2 threw a fit when she saw where we were, so DH stayed off with both twins while I went with the others on my favorite ride of all. It was wonderful to be able to go on it again, and even more wonderful that there was no line at all.
We left Mom and Dad at this point as Dad had to get Mom to the dialysis clinic for her treatment today. So, my little family headed over to Frontierland for Big Thunder. My son has been begging for this ride over and over today. While he has claimed that different rides are his favorite, I think if push came to shove, it would be Big Thunder that claimed that privelege. DH could barely keep hold of his hand as we went along. My oldest girl was a little worried about this ride. She knew her daddy wanted her to go on this ride and would be disappointed if she didn't, but she was positive that she would hate it. She refused to go with him and DS, but promised to think about it. While they were gone, I bought some french fries for the kids to enjoy while we waited. DD kept going back and forth on the whole ride thing. Finally, she agreed to go on it with me, if DS was smiling when he got off the ride. Just then, off they came and sure enough, DS was grinning ear from ear, screaming, "it's the wildest ride in the WILDERNESS!" DD sighed deeply and took my hand. We made our way through a really short line and too soon for DD were at the head of the line. I explained to the CM that it was her first time and she was nervous, she said she would put us right up front where it's not so bad. DD perked up at that. Well the ride started and DD had a death grip on my arm. However, as the ride went on, she started to grin and pull away from me. By the end of the ride, she was howling with laughter, and very happy she went on the ride.
By now, it's lunchtime, and we are all hungry. We head back to the hotel for sandwiches and naps for the twins, swimming for the others. On our way, we passed a cart selling frozen lemonade. I've been dying for one for 4 days, so it was now or never for me. I bought one with a shot of vanilla. Pure Heaven! I wish now I hadn't waited till the last day. I could have been having one every day. Oh well! We also stopped and bought a frozen banana as a reward for DD's conquering her fear. She was thrilled.
Nap time didn't go over so well. I did manage to get the twins to lie down in the beds while I packed the suitcases for tomorrow morning, but after I was done, so were they. We gathered all the kids in and got them dried off and dressed again, and then we headed out for CA for the last time.
First stop: A Bug's Land. The twins had done no rides except Pooh Bear, so it was their turn for some fun. We managed to get all the rides in Flik's Fun Fair done in a short amount of time, and we debated on going to It's Tough To Be A Bug. Given our kids reactions to Honey... I vetoed the idea. Too intense for my over imaginative kids. We'll do it next time when they are older.
My niece desperately wanted to go on the Maliboomer and since her mom is too chicken to do it, she begged me and DH to go with her. Dsister agreed to watch all the kids at the carousel while we did the Maliboomer. Luckily, the twins and the others love the carousel and didn't put up a fuss when we left them. Maliboomer was intense as usual. I love the anticipation of sitting in your seat, listening to the countdown music in your ears and then WHOOSH! Up you go, and go, and go! So much fun! I wanted to do it again, but DH wanted to try to squeeze one more ride in on Grizzly River Run. We ran back to the carousel, and DH took the older 2 kids to GRR. Dsister was trying to dry off her 2 year old daughter. She had been trying to get her hands wet in the fountains just by the carousel, and fell in. She was dripping wet from head to toe, but she was grinning from ear to ear. We dried her off as best as we could, and made contact with DBIL who was picking up mom and dad at Dialysis. They agreed to bring dry clothes for the baby and meet us at City Hall in DL. We herded the twins and my sister's kids together and headed for the entrance to CA. There we met DH and my older kids with glum looks on their faces. They didn't make it to GRR before it closed for the night.
We met up with the rest of the crew at City Hall and decided that after sister dressed the baby, we would go on Jungle Cruise again since it was still daylight. We had the best driver on this ride! He made us laugh so hard. Most of the times of been on the ride, the script was so corny, but this guy made it fresh and exciting. He even had my kids laughing. It was fun to see the piranhas in the daylight, too. Once off, my twins were thrilled that they had seen so many "aminals."
Now we split up again while some went on Indiana Jones, the rest of us went to the Enchanted Tiki Room. I love watching the kids faces while we watch this show. They are so thrilled by all the birds and the tikis. I hope they never change this show. It's perfect as it is. Since we've been home, the twins love to sing the Tiki song around the house.
We all decided that our last ride of the trip should be Big Thunder. We made our way over to Frontierland, and my oldest daughter was practically leading the way. She was excited to go on it again, and show everyone how brave she is now.
Once this was over, we made our way to the gates and said good bye to Disneyland for 2 more years. It's always sad to leave, but now I can start planning for our next trip. DH is also thinking about another trip to DL around Christmas of 2006. That would be just fine with me!
Thanks for reading my long posts! I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoy reliving my trip.
It always creeps up on us. At the beginning we say, "We have 5 whole days, we'll be here FOREVER!" But day 5 always manages to come.The morning dawned bright and sunny as have all the other days here in So. Cal. We fed the kids their morning fare of muffins, donuts and orange juice. They were able to feed the birds one more time, and boy did they make the most of it. I think there were more muffins in the birds than in the kids. But they had fun, and isn't that the whole point of a vacation?
We decided to do some of the things that we hadn't done yet, before redoing our favorite things. We made our way across the street and through the shuttle parking. It's funny, on the previous 4 days, the kids have been so excited they run, skip, jump on the benches, etc., but today they are walking a little slower. I was walking behind them giving a supportive arm to my mother, and was able to see them walking with their daddy, singing along to the music that is piped out there. That was a snapshot my heart will hold forever. All 4 of my kids enjoying spending time with one another. That doesn't happen very often.
Once we got mom seated in her wheelchair (thank heaven dad has decided to bring one from home next time. The walk to and from the hotel is really too much for mom), we went first to the Main Street Cinema to see the 50th
Anniversary movie. We had to wait in the lobby for a few minutes, but that just gave us some time to look at the displays. My kids were fascinated with the model of the original Disneyland, especially when they realized that their favorite rides weren't there. It was amazing to see how HUGE the Jungle Cruise used to be. Once they opened the theater, we went in and picked out our seats. I wasn't too sure how our twins would handle this movie, but I really shouldn't have worried. They loved it! There was just enough Donald Duck in it to keep them amused. I loved it as well. It was a wonderful look back at the history of one of my favorite places in the world. I wonder if they are going to sell copies of that movie once the anniversary is over? Anyone know???
After the movie, we headed to Honey, I Shrunk The Audience. I haven't seen this in years, so I was interested to see how my kids would react to it. I didn't worry too much about the twins, since I knew they wouldn't leave the glasses on, but my other 2 kids have never seen a 3D movie. Well, it was interesting, all right! My son was terrified of the snake, and the cat. Neither one felt the mice, which was just as well, since that would have sent my oldest daughter right over the edge. After it was over, we all agreed that it was ok, but not one we'd need to see each time we come.
Since we were already in Tomorrowland, it was time to go on Star Tours one last time. DH took the older 2 kids while mom and I watched the twins. Dad had to go back to the motel to move his luggage into my brothers car so they wouldn't have to take it on the airplane tomorrow, so we all kind of split up for a while. I bought a bucket of popcorn for the twins, and they discovered the joy of feeding the Disneyland birds. They thought it was funny that whatever the birds didn't pick up, the CM would sweep right up. After a while it became a game with them. I tried to stop them from dropping the popcorn, but the CM told me to let them have fun. "That's what this place is for," he said, and so I let the girls have fun. What a wonderful CM, he is! Thanks.
Once our group came off Star Tours, we decided to take Grandma on Buzz Lightyear. She had not done it in all the previous days, and wasn't sure she'd like it. But she's game to do anything the grandkids want her to, so off we went. The CM's were wonderful at slowing things down so she could step into the vehicle. She was with my DS, and he tried to show her what to do, but she was more interested in watching his face as he shot. Again, this is a fun ride, and not to be missed.
Well, for the last few years my husband and I have wanted to have our kids silouhettes done on Main Street, but we never have. We decided this was our year to do it. We are done having kids, so this would be perfect. We strolled mom in her chair over there so she could watch through the window. It was fascinating to watch. The lady did it so quickly, not even my wiggliest twin had a chance to ruin it. When she was done, we bought it in a frame, and then purchased the other cutout for my parents for Christmas. It will be a great reminder to them of the wonderful time we all had.
DH now took the older 2 kids, and mom to Critter Country for another ride on Splash Mountain. Mom would watch while the others rode. I waited on Main Street with the twins for Dad to come back and then we would meet up with them by Winnie the Pooh. He came quickly, and by the time we got to Critter Country, there was time for a ride on Pooh before the others got off Splash Mountain. The twins LOVE this ride and went through it screaming goodbye to all the characters that they saw.
We met up with everyone else, and went for one last ride on Pirates of the Caribbean. Twin #2 threw a fit when she saw where we were, so DH stayed off with both twins while I went with the others on my favorite ride of all. It was wonderful to be able to go on it again, and even more wonderful that there was no line at all.
We left Mom and Dad at this point as Dad had to get Mom to the dialysis clinic for her treatment today. So, my little family headed over to Frontierland for Big Thunder. My son has been begging for this ride over and over today. While he has claimed that different rides are his favorite, I think if push came to shove, it would be Big Thunder that claimed that privelege. DH could barely keep hold of his hand as we went along. My oldest girl was a little worried about this ride. She knew her daddy wanted her to go on this ride and would be disappointed if she didn't, but she was positive that she would hate it. She refused to go with him and DS, but promised to think about it. While they were gone, I bought some french fries for the kids to enjoy while we waited. DD kept going back and forth on the whole ride thing. Finally, she agreed to go on it with me, if DS was smiling when he got off the ride. Just then, off they came and sure enough, DS was grinning ear from ear, screaming, "it's the wildest ride in the WILDERNESS!" DD sighed deeply and took my hand. We made our way through a really short line and too soon for DD were at the head of the line. I explained to the CM that it was her first time and she was nervous, she said she would put us right up front where it's not so bad. DD perked up at that. Well the ride started and DD had a death grip on my arm. However, as the ride went on, she started to grin and pull away from me. By the end of the ride, she was howling with laughter, and very happy she went on the ride.
By now, it's lunchtime, and we are all hungry. We head back to the hotel for sandwiches and naps for the twins, swimming for the others. On our way, we passed a cart selling frozen lemonade. I've been dying for one for 4 days, so it was now or never for me. I bought one with a shot of vanilla. Pure Heaven! I wish now I hadn't waited till the last day. I could have been having one every day. Oh well! We also stopped and bought a frozen banana as a reward for DD's conquering her fear. She was thrilled.
Nap time didn't go over so well. I did manage to get the twins to lie down in the beds while I packed the suitcases for tomorrow morning, but after I was done, so were they. We gathered all the kids in and got them dried off and dressed again, and then we headed out for CA for the last time.
First stop: A Bug's Land. The twins had done no rides except Pooh Bear, so it was their turn for some fun. We managed to get all the rides in Flik's Fun Fair done in a short amount of time, and we debated on going to It's Tough To Be A Bug. Given our kids reactions to Honey... I vetoed the idea. Too intense for my over imaginative kids. We'll do it next time when they are older.
My niece desperately wanted to go on the Maliboomer and since her mom is too chicken to do it, she begged me and DH to go with her. Dsister agreed to watch all the kids at the carousel while we did the Maliboomer. Luckily, the twins and the others love the carousel and didn't put up a fuss when we left them. Maliboomer was intense as usual. I love the anticipation of sitting in your seat, listening to the countdown music in your ears and then WHOOSH! Up you go, and go, and go! So much fun! I wanted to do it again, but DH wanted to try to squeeze one more ride in on Grizzly River Run. We ran back to the carousel, and DH took the older 2 kids to GRR. Dsister was trying to dry off her 2 year old daughter. She had been trying to get her hands wet in the fountains just by the carousel, and fell in. She was dripping wet from head to toe, but she was grinning from ear to ear. We dried her off as best as we could, and made contact with DBIL who was picking up mom and dad at Dialysis. They agreed to bring dry clothes for the baby and meet us at City Hall in DL. We herded the twins and my sister's kids together and headed for the entrance to CA. There we met DH and my older kids with glum looks on their faces. They didn't make it to GRR before it closed for the night.
We met up with the rest of the crew at City Hall and decided that after sister dressed the baby, we would go on Jungle Cruise again since it was still daylight. We had the best driver on this ride! He made us laugh so hard. Most of the times of been on the ride, the script was so corny, but this guy made it fresh and exciting. He even had my kids laughing. It was fun to see the piranhas in the daylight, too. Once off, my twins were thrilled that they had seen so many "aminals."
Now we split up again while some went on Indiana Jones, the rest of us went to the Enchanted Tiki Room. I love watching the kids faces while we watch this show. They are so thrilled by all the birds and the tikis. I hope they never change this show. It's perfect as it is. Since we've been home, the twins love to sing the Tiki song around the house.
We all decided that our last ride of the trip should be Big Thunder. We made our way over to Frontierland, and my oldest daughter was practically leading the way. She was excited to go on it again, and show everyone how brave she is now.
Once this was over, we made our way to the gates and said good bye to Disneyland for 2 more years. It's always sad to leave, but now I can start planning for our next trip. DH is also thinking about another trip to DL around Christmas of 2006. That would be just fine with me!
Thanks for reading my long posts! I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoy reliving my trip.
