How to squeeze 4 days at Disneyland into ONE post? Just make it a really long one.
I think everyone had a really good time. We had a good balance of 'the whole group' together versus individual family groups. Christine even had some solo time on the last day.
We are sure glad we came 'off-season'! For Al and me, who really try to avoid crowds and traffic, it was a bit overwhelming. We just can't imagine being here at the peak.
Here is a selection of photos, from over 350 taken over our 4 Disney days:
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| Checking in at the Disneyland Hotel. All 7 grands, plus Robby (Ranger doesn't like photos) |
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| Goofy! His kitchen is at our hotel, so it only makes sense that we'd run into him first. |
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| Aaah, California! |
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Walking Downtown Disney, stopping to make wishes at the fountain. Only later did I realize this was all the grands, and all their parents.
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| At the entrance to Disneyland, we were met by a band! |
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| Beginning our walk down Main Street |
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| Evidence of love! I was without my prescriptions for 3 days. Al brought back some comfort. |
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| Next day, California Adventure. |
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| Anna and Elsa were very gracious hosts. |
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| The kids were fascinated with this 'street'. Even we adults had a difficult time seeing where actual buildings turned into the mural. |
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| Waiting at Mater's Junkyard Jamboree |
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| The Miramontes Family. Olaf is the youngest, Milo's, favorite. |
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| The Tovey family, as Ranger makes a break for it. |
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| Lunch with the princesses at Ariel's Grotto. |
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| Two feisty gals |
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| Haha! |
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| Radiator Springs Racers was my favorite! I was in the 'driver's seat' and we won! Here, we get a new paint job as 'Lowrider' plays and Al rocks out. |
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| We all fit into the Finding Nemo Submarine Adventure |
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| Mickey pretzels! And notice the photo pin of Mom and Dad. I got one for all 14 of us, to bring Mom and Dad along on the trip. They so enjoyed travel and family time. |
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| Thor was chatty. Christine had a good time. |
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| Dole Whip for everyone! |
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| Even Grammie |
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| The last Disney day starts off with breakfast in Goofy's Kitchen |
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| Ranger chose a Goofy hat for his souvenir |
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| Minnie came by! Chip and Dale also. |
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| Troy likes fruit and vegetables! |
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| Al and I went to the Carnation Cafe for lunch, and while we were waiting to be seated, Minnie and Mickey led a parade by! |
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| We set times for our gatherings of the whole group. This was the last one. |
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| Before the Pixar Parade, cast members came and taught a dance. |
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| Blurry, but I love it! The kids are chasing the bubbles that were blown out of the lamp posts. |
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| Lightning McQueen and Mater bring up the rear |
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| The fireworks were the most beautiful I have seen, and very emotional to me. 'A dream is a wish your heart makes' and all I could think of was Mom and Dad. As we walked to the exit afterward, we walked past the vacant teacups. |
