I've only been to Disneyland one other time than when we took the kids. I was 12, and I remember my parents won one of those Safeway Score 'n' Wins. We were lucky enough to win the trip to Disneyland, and I from what I recall, it was awesome. All I really remember though, is that I loved Toontown, Splash Mountain, churros, the hotel pool, and that's about it, to be honest.

I am sure my children's memories will be limited as well, so one thing that is very different some 20 years later is that we had a digital camera. Hundreds, nearly a thousand, photos were taken that week. So prepare yourselves!

Our first day at Disney began as it does for most, walking down Main Street, USA. 
 
Although none of us cared to get our photo taken with him, I made sure to get a snap of Mickey. I really thought Benett would want to meet him, but the child was not to keen on any of the characters. I can relate, son, I can relate.


So, we carried on and got the necessary castle photo, 
 
and headed right to our first ride, Pirates of the Carribean. Afterwards, we headed to Critter Country and the boys loaded up on Winnie the Pooh, one they both were looking forward too. It was a cute ride, but certainly visually overwhelming for Benett. You could tell he was wondering what the heck was going on. I too wondered, and determined that whomever designed this ride, was on a trip of their own, if you know what I mean!


Most of the Winnie the Pooh crowd was nearby, so we took our place in line. We got to meet all these guys! 


Sam and I rode Splash Mountain, of course, and it wasn't nearly as big as I remember.

And after a bit more rides, we were ready for lunch. We decided to check out a Mexican restaurant that had pretty good reviews. I'll just have to trust them - the food was far too spicy for me to eat much of, so I had tortilla chips. The restaurant itself was pretty neat though, and Jonah really liked this fountain.
  
So much that we allowed him to choose our table - right next to it. Good choice though, as the rain started to fall part way through lunch.


Afterward, we let him try out the shooting range, which was pretty lame, to be frank.  

We cut that short and decided that the Jungle Cruise would be fun. And covered. One of Jonah's favorite rides, for sure.


My favorite ride was probably Indiana Jones. Joel and I are incredibley thankful to our friend, Dave, and his queasy stomach. Without them, I am sure we would not have ridden as many of the 'adult' rides as we did this trip. He so graciously watched all 4 of the kids while the three adults went on our way.


The rest of our two days at Disney were pretty uneventful. Our last day at Disney, we spent with a third family, Sonja and her crew. It was a bittersweet day. So fun, but so sad to have it be our last day. When we were planning our trip, I wondered who in their right mind would actually buy a 5 or even a 7 day pass to Disney. I get it now! We can't wait to go back one day. It will be years, but we'll be back!

A few of the rides and photos of them:


Benett got to ride on the train, I'm thinking it was in his top 3 favorite rides.


We of course, did It's a Small World. Jonah wasn't too thrilled about it, we found out many days later. In particular, he did not enjoy the song. Bah ha ha! When he asked why we went on it, I wasn't sure how to explain to him that for some children, it is a magical ride. For parents, it is a necessary evil of going to Disneyland, having that wretched song played repeatedly not only on the ride, but in your head. Eh, he gets it, I'm sure. On the upside, it was much nicer to look at than what I remember.


Perhaps we were a little too excited about Jonah telling us that he liked rollercoasters. Taking him on Space Mountain was not our finest moment in decision making as parents. But look at the picture we got. Classic.


Definitely another of Benett's favorites - Astro Blasters. The point is to shoot Zurg, and he actually got on the score board.



Another tram picture. Let's face it, this was the 'ride' we rode more often than any other there!


Dexter and Benett showing me how they shot Zurg, while we waited for the others to come out of Star Tours.


Autopia. Such a lame ride. Never again would I wait 40 minutes for that.
But hey look, there's me and Benett!



Having some lunch. Other than the Mexican place, this was the only other meal we bought at Disney for the kids. Thank goodness, they eat far more if we pack them lunches than when we pay for them.


Mad Hatter's Tea Cup Party...or whatever it is called. By far, the most beautiful ride at the park, in my opinion.


'Nuff said.


Headed to Toontown. I wonder if it is all I remember?


There's Roger!
 

Tough guy!


Chip n Dales Treehouse - I remember this one! Again, I remember it being WAY bigger.


Goofy's House and Jonah playing in his yard.


Headed into Mickey's house


Checking out the stairs inside. Nice dog gate.


Checking for children who fell in the well money.

Waiting for the train. Again.


This trail is one that the kids walked up and down four times a day, on the way to the trams. They just loved it.


Last night at Disney, although blurry, is a photo of all of our family's waiting to watch the parade. Right by the front gate, so we could boot it out of there over to...



California Adventure. Why? So that we could see World of Color. What an amazing show that was. All I have is this photo of Paradise Pier all lit up. We didn't get any photos of the show itself, but I have a video I will try to upload. A nice woman saw a family with two very tired boys and let us up to the front area that is normally set aside for those with special needs. We were very thankful for the great view, and maybe even more, the bench to sit on.




 Bye Disney...we'll miss you! Thanks for the memories.