let the (money) memories begin

It has already been a month since our trip to the Happiest Place on Earth, and I am wishing I could go back in time 30 days and relive our magical week. Actually, I was recently able to do that in a small, slightly unusual way. The credit card bill came due, as it unfortunately always does, and so I was going over the charges. But at least for this time, pulling out the receipts to reconcile with the statement has never been so fun! All the great memories of meals, souvenir purchases, and associated fun experiences we enjoyed were brought to mind, as I recalled the details of each day.

Here's just a smattering of some events that those little white receipts titled “Disney Parks – Let the Memories Begin” brought to my mind’s eye:

• Breakfast on the patio of the River Belle Terrace overlooking the Rivers of America, while the pirate band entertains a small group gathered in front of the Pirates of the Caribbean entrance. Kids enjoying their Mickey Mouse pancakes, while I think of Walt sitting here enjoying his own breakfast and this same view countless times.
  
• Frozen lemonades along Small World Way on an unseasonably warm January afternoon, while observing the major facelift beginning on the majestic Matterhorn Mountain. Too bad we can't enjoy a trip down the left track during this visit.
• Racing with Treyson around Paradise Pier to find a popcorn cart to grab some buttery goodness for our snack while we get ready to enjoy our first ever viewing of World of Color. The snack of choice for our second viewing a few nights later will be a cinnamon roll and hot chocolates.
  
• Kyla getting her Minnie ears at the Mad Hatter on Main Street just before rope drop, while I secure a reservation for a grand circle tour of the park aboard the Lilly Belle for later that morning.
• At the end of that same day and back in nearly the same spot, stopping at the Churro cart in Town Square, after enjoying Mickey's Soundsational Parade and the Remember... Dreams Come True fireworks spectacular earlier that evening.
• Getting Dole Whips and a Dole Float at the Tiki Juice Bar just before hearing the birds sing words and the flowers croon inside their tropical hideaway.
• Hitting up all 3 eating establishments in the wharf to satisfy everyone's distinct cravings for dinner one evening -- broccoli cheese soup in a fresh bread bowl from Pacific Wharf Cafe, chicken teriyaki and rice from Lucky Fortune Cookery, and beef and chicken tacos from Cocina Cucamonga.
• While everyone else is finishing their lunches of pizza and pasta at Redd Rockett's, I slip over to experience a nostalgic return engagement of Captain EO.
• After enjoying our cruise visiting the children of the world, I find a fabulous Disneyland park map puzzle in the it's a small world Toy Shoppe. Along with some Mickey Mouse Clubhouse toys that Dallin chooses, it is the perfect souvenir to pick up with our gift card (thanks, Meg!).
• And finally, picking out some yummy Pooh Treats at Pooh Corner to help cheer up our last walk out to the front of the park to say goodbye for this trip.
  

Ah, what fun, magical memories were made!

the lilly belle

Thanks to information provided to us by Zac we were lucky enough to take a trip around Walt Disney's Magic Kingdom via The Lilly Belle. The Lilly Belle is a Parlor Car that occasionally makes an appearance behind one of the steam trains. At the Main Street station we asked one of the conductors if we could ride in the Lilly Belle. To our surprise she said, "Sure, we can do that right now." I've heard that usually you must make a reservation at least one day in advance due to the fact that a conductor needs to be available to ride in the car with you. We excitedly followed the conductor onto the platform where she led us to the end of the train. I can't speak for Curt, Paul or Alison, but I felt like a VIP as envious eyes watched the conductor open the bright red, brass plated door which read Lilly Belle, and we stepped across the threshold. The Lilly Belle was decorated by Lillian Disney herself, unfortunately Walt never got to see it. Here are some pics from our very special trip around the park.

A picture of Walt and Lillian.

A Hidden Mickey in the carpet.

We even got special tickets for our trip.

Next time you're there, make sure to see if riding in the Lilly Belle is an option. It was amazing! Thanks again to Zac for all the great intel on this little known Disneyland gem.

better late than never, right?

I am ashamed that it has taken me four ridiculous months to post about our February Disneyland trip. Buuut.... whatcha gonna do. There will be a series of posts because we did so many amazingly magical things, a few we'd never done before. So stay tuned. This is just a smattering of pictures to highlight the magic.

Paul and Alison in their yellow teacup.

Curtis and Paul doing...???

Curt and Paul in line for delicious Dole Whips. Mmmm.

Alison and I on the Disneyland Railroad.

Make a wish!

Looks like they're ready for Splash Mountain!

I know I am!

The Fab Four at Big Thunder After Dark!

Alison and Paul in line for Alice In Wonderland.

Help! It's a runaway teacup!

Our knights in not-so-shiny armor.

All of us with the Wonderland gang.

Waiting for the Tiki Room...

In Tarzan's Treehouse.

Dinner at the French Market.

The Mad Tea Party.

Everyone enjoying the carousel.

Curt and Paul momentarily forgot that this is Disneyland and there are no zombie hoards to fight off.

Curt and I on It's A Small World.

In our orange teacup.

Enjoying some well deserved Pooh Treats from Pooh Corner.

Curt and Paul in the LEGO store in Downtown Disney.

More Dole Whip yummy-ness.

The Wildest Ride in the Wilderness!

Alison and I petting a magic goat at Big Thunder Ranch.

Dinner at the Blue Bayou.

Alison and Paul at the Golden Horseshoe.

Curt and Paul at the Shooting Expo in Frontierland.

Yep. That looks about right.

With the Matterhorn, that was unfortunately closed.

Paul and Curt, BFFs.

Each time we go it seems to be more magical and fun than the last time. I don't know how Disney does it, but keep it coming! More Disney magic to come.