This whole idea started last year while he was in Maui with me. We would watch a Disney movie and he was enthralled with the fireworks ... every single time we watched a movie! I said I will take you to Disneyland when you get bigger. And the negotiations began. When I Free? (In a month). I said no, not when you are three. You have to be tall enough to get on the rides. When I FOUR? and I thought, sure ... when you are four.
Obviously he has a steel trap mind because for the next whole year, this trip came up. But I don't know WHO is more excited! Him to see his heroes bigger than life or me to watch him believe!
The sad part is that I chose to not pay for his whole family to come. And I explained that my feelings would not be hurt if they didn't want me to take just him. Airfare would have been $1,600. Two hotel rooms instead of one. Shuttle or rental car (and car seats) for three days. Tickets to the parks are $100 per person per day! Dining out.
So we will use photos and Facetime so he can share his day with them. We are staying at The Candy Cane Inn. My friend went to Disneyland last week so she brought maps and circled age appropriate things for him. I had been hoping that with kids in school it wouldn't be very crowded ... but she said it was packed because of Halloween specials, especially after school hours. Lots of haunted houses in each park.
I have two apps on my iPhone ... one tells me "wait time" for specific rides (and I learned about Fast Pass ... three times each day, if the line seems too long to wait, you can put in your ticket and SCHEDULE a time for the ride or event .... then go to the front of the line). (Certain rides excluded) The other app has things to do near where we are (GPS) in case we get thirsty or need a restroom, it will show us the closest one.
Even the weather is cooperating! Sunny and 80. I hope he will take a nap so we can get up and watch the FIREWORKS!!
What an undertaking and one that is sure to give Branden a life time of memories and you a need for another vacation when you get back home. I can't believe the apps they have there. As tech savvy as you are you'll have fun just playing with them. Have a great time!!!!!
ReplyDeleteA friend suggested I make a laminated photo book for him ... so the memories will last all year!
DeleteI remember when this plan was hatched. I can't believe it's time already! You GO Gramma! Have a fanTAStic time!!
ReplyDeleteI know! Over a YEAR this kid has been dreaming this dream. Mary Beth brought over maps and circled the BEST things to ride and see, at his age. And which ones to hit first thing in the morning or to use my three Fast Passes
DeleteI cannot believe the apps. You are officially the app queen. He will love this and remember it forever. You will sleep well at night from exhaustion. :) But happy exhaustion.
ReplyDeleteHonestly. There is an APP for everything!!!! I have always loved technology. That's how I met Mr. Ralph ... I wanted to learn how to use the first Apple home computer!
DeleteYes--you must make him a photo book, with things written in it also--what his reaction was--what you talked about--souvenirs--all of it. HAVE A WONDERFUL TIME!! I am so envious!!
ReplyDeleteThanks! So happy to know we will have good weather!
Delete