What I Learned From Our Family Trip to Disneyland Day 6

I learned that sometimes the low road is more peaceful, and includes lovely surprises: statues, princesses, Mary Poppins and Bert...









I learned that the character breakfast, although unplanned, was the best meal we had while we were there! Even if a dozen characters did not approach us, and despite the higher price, the ALL YOU CAN EAT breakfast was worth it! If you do this, try the French toast and omelet (I just learned that omelet is not spelled as "French" as I thought it was. I thought it was "omelette".) bar. Heck, try it all. Why? Because you can! They don't care if you down a gallon of milk! It is a bit more than breakfast anywhere else in the park, but the food was awesome, and did I mention it was all you can eat? When the kids wore buttons saying they went, the Cast Members asked if we had the french toast and omelets (American spelling). The french toast...ahhhh....



I learned you even get to meet rare characters! Like the Fairy Godmother, who is genuinely really sweet! And not a youngin' all dressed up!





I learned that Captain Hook might vandalize your autograph book, if you have him sign on a page with Peter Pan's sticker on it. I'm not sure if you can see it, but he drew a moustache (spell check...typing in french again) on Peter, and x's over his eyes! HAHA!





I learned that Peach loves Eeyore's fuzzy nose, even when she's sleepy.








I learned that Geppetto is such a love.








I learned that if two characters come up at the same time (Br'er Fox and Dale), they will fight over you. Even to the point of battling with your childrens' balloons.







I learned that even if you have lost the last pink balloon, a Cast Member will surprise you with a new one before your tears reach the tip of your chin.









I learned that an hour and a half in line for 2 minutes with Rapunzel is worth it for the biggest fan in the family. I learned that Rapunzel is feisty and funny, and makes you feel like a million bucks.





I learned that I love the silliness that comes from letting my kids use my camera. The expressions are WAY different than I ever get! I also learned I spent a lot of time at the Baby Center. I loved it...but wow. I could've stayed another day to make up for it.





I learned that some Cast Members are actually, unfortunately, not very nice. (ouchie!) I learned that my kids, thankfully, didn't notice, and that Lambie's real name makes Mary Poppins think of "home".




I learned that if you're about to be late for your reservation at Blue Bayou, call, or have a Cast Member call. I learned if you're late by five minutes, they give away your table. This did not happen to me, since a CM at the Finding Nemo ride saved our bacon. I learned that since the line took longer than it should, and we were at the front of the line, when we had to leave for the reservation, the Cast Member happily gave us a readmit card, so that we could return without waiting in line. I learned that the seagulls on the buoy say "Mine! Mine!" which makes me LAUGH!



I learned that the Blue Bayou still has amazing food. I learned that the prices are higher than they were five years ago, and the portions are approximately HALF of what they were five years ago.




I learned that the kids menu can turn into a pirate hat. I learned that Bear can REALLY eat.







I learned that Lambie can sometimes get by with eating one roll during her $10 dinner. I learned that Peach will sometimes NEED to nurse in the middle of fine dining, and that she will do a quick reveal, whipping away the napkin, to everyone riding the Pirates ride. Lucky patrons. I can't wait to see that picture on the internet... ugh.





I learned that sometimes, when you least expect it, your tooth falls out. I should mention this tooth was just a tad loose when we left for the trip. I also learned that City Hall will give you a Celebration button for anything, even "lost tooth #5!" I learned that you can go into a restaurant while it's sunny, the ambiance convincing you it's night, and exit to a downpour. I learned the best lesson of the trip: The show must go on.




I learned that parasols are no longer sold once it starts raining.


I learned that the souvenir you imagine might be the best ever, ends up being even better than the best. I learned that silhouette's are made with scissors and paper. I learned the Bonnie is the best. I learned that sleeping babies don't grab her scissors. I learned that my big regret of not doing it five years ago, will be remedied when I send her a picture of Bear and Lambie's profiles, from the timeframe we went to Disneyland.




I learned that the Finding Nemo ride is really amazing, and impossible to take pictures of. I learned that the steps going into the submarine are steep, but crafted in such a way that even if you're sitting under the steps in a downpour, you won't get wet. I learned that special effects have come A LONG WAY.




I learned that I should have sought out restrooms all over the park.










I learned that a lot of children get lost when everyone puts on the uniform Disney poncho, and they can't tell who their parents are. (This was not us, thank goodness.) I learned that I like an umbrella best. I learned that torrents of water race through the streets of Disneyland, in a downpour. I learned that shoes and coats can take about 3 days to dry. I learned that I didn't take many pictures of the rain. And that's okay.



I learned that marshmallows are the ears for these super cute candied apples. That M&M's are Minnie's spots, and jelly beans are Mickey's yellow... what are those things anyway? I always thought they were buttons... but no?




I learned that I still have a lot to learn. Like why this statue is just chillin on the sidewalk of Main Street.










I learned that the barbaric act of devouring a boney, gristley, huge turkey leg in the middle of Disneyland is apparently very cool for young men in their late teens and 20's. Note: not very cool for the onlooking young ladies. Or older-than-young ladies.








I learned that I can't wait to see what's behind here!

I learned that, with young kids, 3 1/2 days of rain and lines is not enough time to do Disney AND California Adventure. Which makes me really sad. I love California Adventure, and couldn't wait to experience it with The Captain.

I learned World of Color is truly amazing. I learned that you pray for pyrotechnics after you discover that they're warm, soothing you as you dry out from the recent downpour. I learned that although it's a modern Disney movie promo, that it's well done, and brilliantly choreographed. I learned that there are surprises I don't want to spoil for you.




I learned to take pictures of things you'll miss, even in California Adventure. The "C A L I F O R N I A" out front is gone, and I understand the bridge is leaving too.










I learned that the best way to know if your kids had a good time, is their reaction when they exit. Bear paused, took a deep breath, and stepped out, gently whispering that he wished it lasted forever.