Deserted Disneyland

Everyone knows that Disneyland is the "Happiest Place on Earth," especially at Christmastime. However, it is also the busiest place on earth at that time as well. Well, this year, the girls and I headed down to Irvine ahead of Michael so that we could enjoy the holiday decorations without his huffing and puffing over the insane crowds. Being honest, the crowds drive me insane as well and I occasionally will forget myself and start loosing my marbles when my foot starts going numb after having been stomped on and rolled over by strollers and wheelchairs far too many times to count. But, to me, Disneyland at Christmas is worth all the craziness. It is the prettiest place at Christmas with all the ornaments hung on the garland that garnishes the castle, and the amazing overlay they place on Small World...oh, divine. There is something so magical about the fireworks, the castle lighting up, and of course the snow (bubbles) that when combined with the whimsical music, gives me the warmest feeling full of memories that come flooding back of all the other trips to Disneyland in the past. I'm telling you, Disneyland makes me smile like no other, but it makes my kids beam with excitement every time we go. And THAT right there is priceless.

Southern California, the week of Christmas, was flooding and mudsliding and just a mess with all the rain they were getting. I knew that Disneyland would be completely empty during the rain, so I waited until the 22nd, the day the weather channel said it was supposed to rain most of the day.  The rain dried up that afternoon, although it still looked a little ominous. Despite my mom telling me I was crazy, I bundled up the children in their warm red coats, grabbed my sister, Madison (aka Mommy's helper for the evening) and headed out to see the mouse! The parking structure: empty! Small World: 5 minute wait! Christmas Fantasy Parade: prime viewing without having to camp out for hours ahead of time to hold a decent spot.... throw in being serenaded by the birds at the Tiki Room, a few rounds on our favorite King Arthur's Carousel, a flight with a magic feather on Dumbo, shopping for a new Disney ornament for my tree, all topped off with a yummy mint chocolate cupcake with a green Mickey on top, to share....this trip was amazing!!! We stayed for about 4 hours just walking around looking at things and taking in the view that was incredibly void of people! Here are a few shots from our trip to remember...since it will probably never happen again!!!

Maddie and Morgan paying homage to the "California" letters in front of California Adventure since they will soon be gone.

Mikayla, in awe of all the music and lights on Small World.

My sister and Morgan ooing and awing. 

Morgan, all smiles on her favorite ride...the one you can find everywhere

Mikayla, having more fun than it looks. "Woah, woah, woah!"