HAPPIEST BLOG POST ON EARTH - Part 1

When we made the decision to take the family to Disneyland, I utilized every resource that I had to make the trip run as smoothly and effectively as possible. This included reaching out to a number of friends who are well-versed in the ways of Disney. Through the guidance of many, our trip was incredibly successful (thank you Amber, Jessica, Jessie, Lindsay, & Camilla). Was it stressful? WE HAVE SIX KIDS. What we do not have are runners, massive tantrum throwers, or incessant beggars. Minor whining and a few bouts of boredom were really the only challenges that we faced. And me occasionally getting hangry. We picked the perfect time to visit Disneyland, too - the off-peak week between their Halloween and Christmas events. The park never felt crowded and the longest wait time for a ride was maybe 25 minutes (excluding the 45 minute wait to meet three princesses at the Royal Hall... [insert eye roll here]). All in all, it was a magical experience for everyone. And because I took so many pictures, I'm breaking this post into two parts...

DAY ONE: 10AM - 8PM, 6.8MI WALKED
we're going to Disneyland!
arrive at the park and get 1st-visit buttons
meet Jasmine and Aladdin
ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
meet Tiana
ride Jungle Cruise
meet Moana
play in Tarzan's Treehouse
eat a quick sandwich for lunch
ride Pirates of the Caribbean
eat a Disneyland churro (except me because, sadly, not gluten free)
ride Haunted Mansion
ride Splash Mountain
meet Tigger, Eeyore, & Pooh
ride Winnie the Pooh
eat a second lunch of sandwiches
run into the Bootstrappers
a few ride Splash Mountain again
stroll past Dr. Facilier (Shadow Man from Princess & the Frog)
eat Dole Whips (main reason I went to Disneyland)
go to the Tiki Room
meet Snow White, Ariel, & Cinderella at the Royal Hall
do the Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthough
eat dinner in New Orleans Square - chicken strips & fries for kids, turkey legs for mom & dad
ride Haunted Mansion again
buy each kid a stuffed animal on way out
pass out hard in the car

Side note: both girls each had 3 different mouse ears to chose from. All the ears.