Last Chance for Fun

Last weekend we decided to do one more fun thing as a family before Jim gets his head stuck in books and then off to an internship. Since Disney was still continuing the extended discount to season pass holders, we decided it would be fun to have a "vacation" at the Disneyland Hotel. We originally were looking at the hotels across the street from the park but when we found out that we had a 40% discount and with that discount it was only a few dollars more, we decided to stay there. It was a FANTASTIC choice! We were able to check in at 10:30am so we had all day to play around the hotel and hang out in the room since we weren't in any hurry to get to the park. Isaac said he liked his "new Disney house." Since the weather was fabulous, in the high 70''s, low 80's, we decided to take the kids swimming in the Neverland Pool. Isaac thought it was the greatest thing to go sliding down the slide and jump in from the side of the pool. He was quite disappointed when it was time to go back up and change. Elizabeth could care less about the pool. She took a quick dip and then fell asleep in the warm sun.

After a swim and a change we headed off to the park for a couple of hours and then went to Goofy's Kitchen for dinner. This was so much fun. Both kids thought it was great to have all the characters come and visit you personally at your table while you were eating. Also, every half and hour Isaac was able to go to the buffet section and cook and dance with Goofy. Besides seeing a TON of characters, Isaac loved eating the worms in the dirt for dessert.

Elizabeth fell asleep after dinner so I stayed back in the hotel with her while Jim and Isaac hit the park one last time before bedtime. It was great because I was able to watch the firework show from my balcony and the tv had a station that played the firework music as well. I was excited for this fireworks show in particular because it is my favorite. They did it about 4 or 5 years ago and are bringing it back for the park's 55 anniversary this year. FYI: The actual birthday of Disneyland is July 17Th.

After checking out, we spent the next day in the park and had a great time. Isaac and I were lucky enough to be able to sit with the drivers of the steam train, something very few people know you can do. We were shown the fire in the train and I can say I have NEVER seen such Strong, bright flames in my life! The drivers were 2 cute old men who loved telling me Disney trivia and of course I didn't mind, but they also let Isaac ring the bell every time we were coming to a train station.

After looking at the pictures below, you might notice that something is missing. Well, that would be the water in the River of America. That is right, they drained all the water. I have never seen that done and I guess they do it every 5 years to do maintenance on the track and the boats. Both Jim and I thought it was pretty cool looking but it smelled like fermenting fish.

We had such a great time as a family and it actually felt like a vacation since we were able to rest at a hotel instead of driving home after a long day with the mouse. With 2 children passed out in the stroller while waiting for the parade to start, Jim and I started talking about our only regret. I wish we were able to stay for 2 nights instead of 1 however, this was a great, fun splurge and we created a bunch a family memories.