how the sheaffers do disney

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Fast Walkers
Fast Walkers

Not bad for having a newborn. That's what I keep thinking about our latest trip to Disneyland. We rode everything on our list(s) - and then some.

If you've ever gone on a leisurely walk with Tim or I, you know that we are naturally fast walkers. At least that's what people have told us. Fortunately, our girls have followed suit. They can walk for miles quite speedily and quite happily. In fact, I can typically tell when Tim and the girls are exiting a ride because they jog their way to the exit. That's the way the Sheaffers do Disney.

For memory's sake, I wanted to make a list of everything we did.

We rode:

  • Alice in Wonderland
  • Ariel's Undersea Adventure
  • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (5x)
  • Flik's Flyers
  • Gadget's Go Coaster
  • Grizzly River Run (4x - in a row)
  • Haunted Mansion Holiday
  • Heimlich's Chew Chew Train
  • Hyperspace Mountain (2x)
  • It's A Small World Holiday (4x)
  • King Arthur Carousel
  • Luigi's Rollickin' Roadsters
  • Matterhorn Bobsleds
  • Mr. Toad's Wild Ride
  • Pinnochio's Daring Adventure
  • Pirates of the Caribbean
  • Radiator Springs Racers (5x)
  • Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin
  • Snow White's Scary Adventures
  • Soarin' Around the World (4x+)
  • Splash Mountain
  • Storybook Land Canal Boats
  • Tarzan's Treehouse
  • The Many Adventures of Winnie-the-Pooh
  • The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

We also:

  • Ate a famous corn dog
  • Climbed Chip 'n Dale's Treehouse
  • Enjoyed Frozen Live at the Hyperion
  • Explored Mickey's House
  • Marveled at the Christmas Fantasy Parade
  • Sampled Ghirardelli chocolates (peppermint bark flavor)
  • Saw Princess Elena's Musical Grand Arrival
  • Smiled for PhotoPass photographers
  • Stopped in at the Baby Care Centers
  • Tapped our feet at the Viva Navidad Street Party
  • Took the Bakery Tour
  • Tried to stay up late enough for the Color Wonder show
  • Visited Minnie's House
  • Watched Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln
  • Walked miles upon miles

PLUS, we took pictures with:

  • Mary Poppins
  • Mickey Mouse
  • Minnie Mouse
  • the Fire Truck from Cars
  • Hook
  • Peter Pan
pictures-with-peter-pan

Our 10-year-old was a huge help - pushing strollers and carrying backpacks. She would bravely ride anything at least once and declared that it was "all awesome." She especially loved rollicking in the rafting ride (after dark!) and getting soaked.

As for our 7-year-old, she held her own on all the big rides too. You've heard that quote about being small, but fierce. Totally meant for her. She liked everything except Hyperspace Mountain.

Our 4-year-old has a bit of liquid courage running in her blood. This curly-haired wonder rode Tower of Terror like it was no big deal. She even later stated that it was one of her favorite rides. She also loved Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, and Radiator Springs Racers - but not Pirates of the "'Be-an" and Snow White's Scary Adventures. Four is a a fun age for Disney because she was mesmerized by character interactions and was dewey-eyed after having a little chat with Mary Poppins. Mary even put her ponytail in for her when it fell out. Charming in every way.

disney-library-with-baby
Had to take a picture in front of the LIBRARY!

Our newest addition (3months) was content in my arms, but was not at all a fan of rides. Not a shocker since they are ultra-stimulating. I've been at Disneyland with every single one of my babies and they have all been the same in this regard. Tim and I took turns swapping rides with the girls. We opted to keep him off all rides (even the ones that babies are permitted on) because he seemed to be a bit stressed by his one experience of Ariel's Undersea Adventure. After that, we took him only on It's A Small World (and only once - while he was nursing under a cover).

We all avoided the tea cups, astro orbiter, buzz lightyear astro blasters, the golden zephyr, and mater's junkyard jamboree because spinning in circles isn't really our cup of tea. Pun intended.

Next time, we'd like to take an art class at Animation Academy (the class was closed due to technical difficulties) and ride Indiana Jones Adventure. Both are things we've done before and enjoyed. We also love Peter Pan's Flight, but the wait was 50+ minutes every time we looked. Eek!

All in all, it was a lovely trip. Even now as I sit at the fireplace typing, I can't help but smile and sigh a bit. It's no small wonder why Disneyland is called The Happiest Place on Earth.

*For press coverage of our trip to Disneyland (including helpful tips about where to stay, what to eat, and when to visit), please peruse Metropolitan Mama and TucsonTopia

©2024 Stephanie Sheaffer - All Rights Reserved
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