It’s a small world after all

A few weeks ago Lil Sis invited the boys and I to join her family, along with Big Sis and family, on a trip to Disneyland in the days following Christmas. I began weighing the possibilities. I could trek down to Southern California, spend ONE day at the park, and spend the rest of the time visiting with Tom’s family.

Then my plans for Christmas changed completely and I began reworking the Disneyland option.  There was a lot to be weighed.  For one thing, there is the cost of the park entry.  Have you checked out the price of tickets lately?  Let me tell you, it’s easy to lose your amusement when considering the expense of a trip to the Disneyland Resort.  Fortunately, I discovered that I would be graced with FREE entry if I went to Disneyland ON my birthday!  So it was decided.

One would guess that with my birthday non-strategically placed 2 days after Christmas, it might be a day frequently forgotten. I’ve always felt lucky to receive a card, or 1-2 phone calls — and nothing more. I wondered what the day might be like when spent with family. As for a day spent in the amusement park that claims to be the “happiest place on earth,” I had my reservations. The hour long drive from DD’s house to Mickey’s was a huge contributer to my reservations.

On the morning of my big day, we hit the road armed with frozen waffles and coffee. A short time later, we were entering the parking lot and forking over the 1st of many dollar$ to be spent at the resort. Soon, YaYa, BoBo, and I all had tickets-in-hand and were in search of Disney Characters and Family Members (which ever came first). I, of course, was sporting my Birthday Button signifying me as a Birthday Girl.

Our day at Disneyland was much like this:

• We gathered FastPassess for some rides, and waited in long lines at others.
• We took in some rides as a massive group of 11, and took turns waiting it out with Miss Small.
• We ate a mixture of Disney food, Goldfish Crackers, and PB & J sandwiches.
• We saw people with fashion sense very far from our own.
• We got tired legs from walking and sore throats from screaming.
• We ALL had a fabulous time.
• And I was showered with Birthday Wishes from just about everyone I met.

In the large theme park, it truly felt like a small world where everyone knew my name AND wished me a happy birthday.  It was pretty cool.  Of course, having my family share the day with me was priceless.