Disneyland - What's the fuss all about?

Two months ago we sat down to plan our vacation when my husband brought up the idea of Disneyland. After we figured out how much it would cost us for a one week trip, I quickly changed the subject. I knew that plan would interfere with what I wanted for Mother's Day, a new couch and a Cricut machine. I know! I sound selfish right now but my idea of a vacation wasn't going to cost as much as Disney. Anyways, 2 days before our departure date, my husband finally convinced me to go. We quickly booked our hotel, made arrangements for a car rental and off we went.
I am so glad that James 'forced' me into going. We had such a wonderful time there. My favorite thing was watching my kids' happy faces, the joy and excitement they displayed when they met a Disney character or got off a fun ride. My husband on the other hand was in total bliss. He was like a little child and it was fun to see that side of him...
Now I can I say I know what the fuss is all about. Disneyland is surely a happy place.. The thrill and excitement in the air is so contagious. I am grateful for the wonderful memories that we made there. I can't wait to go back.

So, here are some pictures we took.

It's always so hard to take pictures with my kids. Most of the time, they hate the camera

It may not show on Eli's face, but he had a great time

So, this is us entering Disneyland and Diana was doing the happy dance

Then this is 5 hours later, they were wiped out

Eli was hilarious, he got so excited to see the characters but he never wanted to go any closer

This was my favorite, he loves Woody and he is the only character he allowed to touch him

Diana painted this picture and asked Jessie to give it to Bullseye

Same boots as Goofy

It was fun meeting Minnie

Diana has always loved Cinderella, you can tell from her smile that she was so excited to meet this 'mouse' haha, I don't remember her name

Eli is obsessed with the show Frozen. It's the first movie he saw in the theater and when we finally got the movie, we watched it e-v-e-r-y s-i-n-g-l-e day. Seeing Olaf was a truly threat for Mr Eli. We didn't get to see the rest of the movie characters because the line was crazy.

Diana loved the Tea cups, Winnie the Pooh ride (which she went in with her cousins), Dumbo ride, Autopia, Tarzan's tree house, the jungle ride etc. She was in heaven

This little ride was Eli's favorite, Minnie's house, the tea cup ride and dumbo ride. My favorite rides were the Indiana Jones ( which I got to ride by myself because our kids couldn't get on it so James had to watch them) and the Jungle ride more especially because the kids loved it. A few other rides I wanted to see like the Nemo submarine and the Pirates of the Caribbeans were closed

We got to see the parade and it was fun for the kids. Diana said, 'now I know they are real (the Disney Characters) and they are made of fabric.' Since we have been home, the Disney movies are a lot fun to watch. The kids get so excited, Eli even cheers. They met them right? That makes all the difference in their world. It's so funny to watch

This reminded me of an old show, 'Chariots of Fire.' The show starts off with people running of the shore

This was my first time ever at the beach. I could totally live here. It was so calming and relaxing. The weather was perfect too. I got so jealous of all the people that were riding their bikes just a few miles from the beach.

My husband's sister and her family joined us at the end of our stay. They made our vacation a hundred times better. It really was fun to have them with us. When Diana learned that she was going to see her cousins, she said, 'this is the best vacation ever.' It sure was and the other highlight at least for me, was seeing whales and dolphins in real life.

Yes, I am converted. I am afraid I am turning into one of those crazy Disney Americans, haha! What is your favorite thing about Disneyland? The places, food, and rides?