Wednesday, December 07, 2005

Disneyland Snow

With Christmas just around the corner and present shopping in full swing, outstanding vacation days always becomes an issue at this time of year.

I'm trying to use up what is left of my vacation for the year and during the weekend the discussion was about when to go to Disneyland to give Jack his first experience. Well, yesterday turned out to be real special day for Jack and his sister Maddie, the time was right to take half a day's vacation and this would suit the amount of time that we though would be achievable with a three and a half year old and a one year old.

Working the morning and getting back home for 1pm worked out fine, a quick lunch and off to Disneyland we go, getting there at 2:15pm. The park closes at 6pm so that gave us just under four hours. We decided to get the Southern California annual pass for all of us and one with parking to get the benefit over the coming year even though there are numerous "blackout days." It wasn't the cheapest pass and it allowed us to go on Sundays for the majority of the year.

Jack's first impression was "Wow" and then he saw the train, of course he is already Thomas the Tank engine mad so this would be our first stop. Would you believe it, we're queuing up for the next ride and the train is full, over the intercom comes the statement, "The train will be at the station for an indefinite period of time." In other words the train had broken down. This is not a good sign for Jack but off we go and as luck would have it the parade was circling the main street island.

Up on my shoulders he goes and this keeps him focused, then off to the rides we go and Toontown it is. As you can imagine the time just flies by and I'm beginning to ache because of carrying Jack everywhere. The Christmas parade is a gem and goes for half an hour which brings us to the last hour before the park closes. Time for one last ride in the rocketship and then it's over to "It's a small world" for the fireworks and the snow.

Jack's a little concerned, "I don't like the fireworks" but let's just see, they're high in the sky so it won't be too scary. We get him to hold out until the fireworks start and after all that fuss he loves it, what a display!

As soon as that show finishes the artificial snow starts, foam is dispersed to represent snow and it gives the illusion of real snow, absolutely superb. Jack loved it, Maddie loved it, what a great afternoon for the family. Everyone is totally wiped out.

We all file out of the park to the truck, on the way home it is quiet, except for the deep sounds of children sleeping! PHEW!!!