Summer Fun

So in June, the fam packed their bags and made it to Disneyland- barely. I underestimated how long the security lines would be and got on the plane (Southwest) with only individual center seats available. I went to the back of the plane with Millie and loudly said, "OK Millie, sit between both of those nice business men and I'll sit right behind you." I knew I would be successful when Millie starting crying and one of those nice business men stood up and gave me his seat so I could be next to my 6- year old. Jackie was more direct. She stood in the middle of the plane and said, "Who's getting up so I can sit by my 4-year old daughter. She can't sit by herself." Her plan worked as well and we were off to Los Angeles.

We arrived late Thursday night to our nice room at the Howard Johnson (free upgrade- thank you!)

Over the next 4 days we did:

Friday- Magic Kingdom (normally not supercrowded this time of year- however, people had spent the night outside to get on the grand re-opening of Star Tours). We avoided that side of the park- but could not talk Ellis into going on Splash Mountain- esp. after Millie and I got off it SOAKED.

We played in the park til lunch, ate at Ralph Brennens, stayed up late for fireworks- had fun.

Saturday- Early entry. Ran like mad to get Star Tours fastpasses- not open at 7:00am- just rode it alone while Jackie and the girls hit Fantasyland. Met up with Jackie's parents and siblings and got to go on tons of rides because there were lots of us. We even ran over and (after waiting tons) rode the new Ariel ride at California Adventure. That night, came back for Fantasmic. Ellis fell asleep before the show and woke up just in time to see the Dragon. She was a little concerned.

Sunday- Did California Adventure- including getting SOAKED at World of Color (but in my opinion, worth it- amazing show). Had the picnic lunch which included our Fastpasses for the show. Got to ride Tower of Terror with other people- which is rare because I usually ride it with strangers because Jackie refuses to ride it with me. Even talked Ellis and Millie into riding on Grizzly River Rapids- and had fun.

Monday- Back in Magic Kingdom for Toontown Madness (pretty much had Toontown for ourselves for a while) and hit our favorite rides. Also had preferred seating for the new parade which was fun because we were the only people in preferred seating that had kids- so the cast members had fun with them.

Back in Utah on Tuesday so Jackie could be in class.

One thing: What was with all of the normal healthy looking people riding jazzies all over the park (and getting line passes?) Literally saw a family of 4 all pull up to City Hall all on jazzie while the dad went in to get line passes for the family. The dad came back out to tell everyone they needed to come inside, but the mom said, absolutely not. Jazzies were EVERYWHERE- and I don't mind if you are elderly or frail or have visible damage, but really, it was like the ship on the movie WALLE. They were obnoxious.