Ali, Andrew, Isla, & Isaac: Oh Happy Days! - Part 1 Our Magical Morning!

February 2012
Two weeks ago we went to Disneyland!
Fun doesn't begin to describe the time we had. It was truly magical.

We almost didn't get to go because Isaac was really sick the week before, but he rallied and we got directions to the nearest Children's Hospital just to ease my anxieties and went.
On Saturday we woke up at 4AM & got ready to go. We woke Isla at 4:45AM & changed her into her surprise outfit - a Minnie Mouse hoodie & matching shirt. Isaac had a Mickey onsie. We thought Isla would sleep in the car, but the excitement combined with the Disney music & the beautiful sunrise kept her awake. She talked our ears off and sang the entire way down. We drove straight to the parking lot, arriving 10 minutes before it opened & I did Isla's hair while we were waiting. Then we boarded the bus and head off to The Happiest Place on Earth!

On the bus to the Happiest Place on Earth!

Our 1st stop was Breakfast with Minnie at the Plaza Inn. I made reservations for an early breakfast so we could get into the park 30 minutes early. We got buttons at the gate and headed down Main Street to the Plaza in. I'd read that Character dining events were a fun experience, but this wildily exceeded my expectations. I was told there would be Minnie and at least 3 other Characters at the Breakfast. There was Minnie, Chip, Dale, Tweedle Dee, Tweedle Dum, Goofy's Son, Eyore, Tigger, Brer Bear, a Penguin from Mary Poppins, Captain Hook, & Cinderella's Fairy Godmother. We went in & Isla got a Minnie Balloon, a card & a birthday button. Then we went to our table and the characters flocked to Isla. Isla has always loved characters, but I was worried that she might be more nervous now that she is older. (She has developed many new fears - "Mooooommm! The bushes are TOO close! - said while driving on the freeway.) Thankfully these new fears did not hinder her from having a blast with the characters. She talked and talked to them, hugged them, introduced them to Isaac, danced with Minnie, and could have happily spent 4 hours, instead of the 90 minutes we were there. The only one who made her nervous was Captain Hook and he was very good at giving her personal space and later she waved at him in the Parade like he was her BFF. Because we went early there weren't many people eating yet, so Isla had multiple Characters visiting her the whole time. Once more people showed up Isla had enchanted the Characters so much that we still always had a crowd around the table. Minnie visited multiple times and came over when it was time to dance, and also noticed Isla's sweatshirt. (I'd read that the Character's like it when you wear their clothes and that seemed to be true.) Isla told Minnie she was going to ask Santa for white gloves, yellow shoes and a polka dot skirt for Christmas and Minnie loved that too. At one point Chip was visiting & Isla said, "Chip, go get Dale" and he ran off and got Dale away from other diners. We had to remind her to eat or she wouldn't have eaten a thing. The breakfast buffet was huge & delicious. Andrew & I spent the time grinning at each other, Isla, and the Characters, silently congratulating ourselves on being awesome parents. Isaac spent the time sleeping & posing with all the Characters who ooohhhed & awwwed over him. Just writing about it brings a smile. It was the perfect introduction to Disneyland.