Disneyland 2010

I don't claim to be an expert on Disneyland, but there are two things we do each year when we go that double the enjoyment of our trip.

#1 We stay at the Best Western Park Place Inn. It is as close as you get to the front entrance without staying at the Grand Californian on Disney property (which runs you an arm and TWO legs to stay there.) It is very nice and clean, has a pool and a free continental breakfast. I have referred multiple friends there and they all say it is awesome. Also, the price is right!

#2 We get a 30 day subscription to ridemax.com It plans all your days out for you, you just tell it what rides you want to go on and what you want to do. It gives you an entire schedule, minute by minute with the least amount of wasting time. It is worth its weight in gold. We love it! I don't just highly recommend it. I high-highly recommend it. You'll love it. Do it.

Okay, now that the business is done, here is a re-cap of our little trip:

Kevin had a conference in LA so we all decided to tag along. The kids and I found interesting ways to entertain ourselves while dad was hob-knobbin with the big whig airport dudes. We went to the Aqauriam of the Pacific, along with every other school aged child in Southern California. The kids got to pet sting-rays and baby sharks, so that was cool. We went swimming and almost went shopping at a Target in Compton. Probably not the place for a white lady with three kids in a minivan should be!

When Kevin was done with his conference, we headed to Anaheim. Disneyland was busy, but luckily we had our ridemax plan and hardly waited in any lines. It was great this year because Ian finally broke the 40" barrier and was able to go on a lot more rides. He was really brave, he went on the Matterhorn twice (once with Kevin and once with me) and Soarin' over California twice (once with each of us again). We also went on Buzz light year no less than 47 times.

Dumbo is Meg's favorite. However, it is NOT her favorite if she has to be in a blue Dumbo instead of a pink Dumbo.

Happy guy. He was just a delight the entire trip. He is always delightful. I should have named him "Delightful". Or "Schmoopers", one of the two.

The princess with the princess.

Jumpin jellyfish!!

This was how we rode. In style.

Big forehead shot.

Ian loved the cannon on the ship.

We had a great trip. It is nice now that Disneyland is 4 hours closer than it used to be. In true Smith family fashion, we never got a shot with everyone. But still, great fun!