We were so busy going from one thing to the next that we didn't take time to get a good whole family photo . . .not even one with all our ears on, I'm a little sad about that.
Anyway here is how the Davis' do Disney.
First when we choose a hotel we always pick one that includes a hot breakfast, saves a ton of time and money. And you can really get something substantial to start your long day of walking. Also if you have a load of kids like we do, make sure your hotel offers kids 17 and under free. Our choice in Anaheim is the Best Western. It is right across the street, easy to walk to and from and not have to rely on a shuttle. It made it easy to take breaks during the day that only robbed us of about an hour in the park with travel time and break time included.
Then I spend the week before we go cooking like crazy. All foods that my family loves that can be heated easily in a microwave (pretty much all hotels have a fridge and microwave). Then we don't have to feel gross from eating out all week and my kids actually eat because it is food that they know. We enjoyed spaghetti, Italian meatball sandwiches, bean and cheese quesadillas, pork and beans, hot dogs and BBQ chicken sandwiches . . .
You could also bring a crock pot and in ziploc bag all the fixings to just dump and go. If you do that, you will have to put the "no service" sign on your door that day, cuz the maids will unplug it, but oh the yumminess you will enjoy that evening.
Also our lunches everyday were things you could thow in a back pack. PB&J, granola bars, string cheese, crackers and cheese, capri suns, then we could spend our money on some fun treat every day and not have to worry about health foods.
Also buy a bunch of toys before you go. Stuff the kids will see and want in the park . . .glow in the dark stuff, those light up globe things, I brought Disney pez dispensers and cookies on a stick. The big thing now is bubble guns . . .
This way you can let the kids have some fun stuff without breaking the bank. Every thing a brought was from the Dollar store (except the spinning globe things) . . .
And if you have a princess from age 3-6 you really must do this.
Bring princess dresses from home. The ones in the park are about $60. We already had most of these in our dress up box, Rapunzel was a new purchase. Janie LOVED it. She was a different princess everyday . . .
Jilli even played matchy one of the days . . .
The princesses were definitely the highlight for Janie, and the LONGEST line we waited in. Actually the kids didn't wait. While I stood in line with a sleeping Jilli, Terry took the other kids on rides and when I was at the front of the line they joined me.We did this twice for the princess fantasy faire and once for Rapunzel. We managed to see every princess.
Here is a tip I didn't know about, after the Royal Coronation ceremony (at least after the last one) don't just take off when it is over, if you stick around on the ballroom floor for a few minutes Cinderella, Snow White and Aurora usually come back out for pictures. Tons of the people leave so it's really quick to get pictures with all three of them
This was my favorite trick we did this year . . . super shoes. Two years ago when we went to Disneyland Raegan was old enough to want to go on the big rides but still too short, she was so sad and spent a lot of time crying. This year Ryan was in that boat so we made him shoes that would give he just the boast he needed to go on the rides he was just a hair short for (Indiana Jones was our motivation). I cut up a thick flip flop and glued them onto the bottom of his sandals it was a huge success . . .
Raegan was our roller coaster queen, couldn't get enough. We did a lot of rider swaps. This allowed Terry to take two of the kids through the ride while I waited with the two little ones and one of the big ones then as soon as they got off the ride the big kid and I would walk up through the exit and jump right on, it was awesome! Just tell the people at the gates that you will need a rider swap pass, it allows you and one other rider instant access to the rides so you don't have to wait twice!
Also Fast Passes are the only way to go on the popular rides! We got really lucky in our timing, I thought March was national spring break month . . .nope, it's April. We managed to avoid all the major breaks though and the park really wasn't too crowded. From now on we will only go in October or the beginning of November or December . . . We already have our next trip planned! Love that place!Here are some more pictures from the happiest place on earth . . .
After three days in the park we were ready for a relaxing non-walking day. We headed to the beach . . .
It was a little windy and not super warm, but still a really fun day!
On the way home my grandma was able to meet us in a small town en route and not too far from her house. She brought us a yummy picnic and we had a great visit . . .
And how do five kids entertain themselves on a 12 hour drive . . .
Compliments of Raegan. When I first glanced back there and saw this I thought he was having a serious nose bleed.It was an awesome trip! Can't wait for the next one :)
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