Disney

We decided to SURPRISE Ella with a trip to Disney for her 5th birthday. 

She had no idea, mostly because we went in May

(two months before her actual birthday) to avoid the summer crowds. 

I took a video of her coming downstairs, where she had a HUGE 5 balloon, lots of Mickey presents and treats, two new outfits, and this letter!

We arrived early, and were anxious to get to the park before it opened. 

Here we are waiting for our shuttle. 

Ears on and ready to go!

First stop, Matterhorn. 

 I felt awful during the entire Space Mountain ride. She was so scared, but powered through and came out with no tears and a smile. She was so brave!

Autopia time. Let's gooooooo Dad!

We saw Pluto in Toontown, but didn't see any other characters until we left!

Can't do Disney without a  yummy pretzel!

Finally reached 42 inches! I never thought she would, but she finally had a growth spurt. 

Waiting for Thunder Mountain, her favorite ride!!

We had the BEST day, and made it on most rides. Ella loves rides, and was up for anything, which makes any visit to an amusement park fun. 

There were more people than we expected, but we still made it on each ride in less than 30 minutes. We even managed to use several fast passes throughout the day. 

Her favorite rides were Splash Mountain, Thunder Mountain, and The Jungle Cruise. We went on these rides multiple times. 

Her least favorite was Space Mountain and Matterhorn. Too dark and scary!

We decided to skip most of Fantasyland, which Ell didn't mind one bit.

This guy had fun too. So glad he was able to take the day off to spend with us.

On our way out we were greeted by our two favorites, Mickey & Minnie!

And that's a wrap! She didn't even make it out of the parking lot. Until next year!

Our Visit to The Happiest Place on Earth

A few days before Ell's Birthday, Jose, Ell, and I headed up to Anaheim to visit the Happiest Place on Earth …. Disneyland! Jose and I decided a few months back that we wanted to take Ell for her 3rd birthday. I knew we weren't going to do a party, so we thought this would be the perfect thing to do, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint!

I wish I could've bottled up Ell's PURE joy and excitement when we were there. She was in heaven.

The park opened at 8:00, so we decided to leave the house by 6:15, so we could get there in enough time before the gates opened. After a quick stop at Starbucks, we were on our way and arrived around 7:30. After parking and taking the bus to the front entrance, we were through Main Street right as they were letting everyone in. It was perfect timing!

We headed straight to Fantasyland, and the fun began. It was super crowded, but I feel like we were still able to do and see a lot. Here's a run down . . . . . .

Fantasyland

• Peter Pan's Flight
• Dumbo's Flying Elephants
• Teacups
• Mr. Toad's Wild Ride
• Storybook Land Canal Boats
• It's a Small World

Jose was such a great sport and went on both of these rides. There is no way I could've done it. I get super dizzy and nauseous from rides that spin!

Tomorrowland

• Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
• Disneyland Railroad

Mickey's Toontown

• Donald's Boat
• Mickey's House
• Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin
• Gadget's Go Coaster (3 times!)

Mickey's Soundsational Parade

Ell loved this parade. It had all of her favorite Disney characters, and the music was awesome. She was so excited the entire time!

Character Meet & Greets

• Pluto
• Mickey
• Minnie
• Goofy
• Rosetta and Tinker Bell in Pixie Hollow

Watching Ell interact with these characters brought Jose and I so much joy. She LOVED saying hi, giving kisses, and showing off her Minnie shoes TO Minnie(thanks Tyler!). It was the sweetest thing we've ever witnessed. 

She was so perplexed as to why they couldn't talk to her. She kept saying, "Can Minnie talk?" Why isn't Mickey talking?" It was so funny. She still talks about it!

Getting a chance to meet Rosetta and Tink was an absolute dream for Ell. She was beyond excited, and loved meeting them. The morning after we went, she was talking about all the fun she had, and I said, "Wasn't it so fun to meet Tink?" She said, "The Tink people!" I was cracking up. Can't get anything past her. Duh Mom, it's not REALLY Tink and Rosetta. They are Pixie Hollow People!

This pic is my favorite! 

We also spent some time visiting Main Street. She was in complete awe! We were able to get her two super cute pins. One with Happy 3rd Birthday Ella and the other for Her First Visit! I will keep these forever.

It was such a memorable day that we will cherish forever. Until next time Disneyland!

Hoping to get Ell's 3 year old post up soon! Stay tuned. . . . . .