The Big Finale Part 2

Like any good Disneyland show, we pulled out all the stops for our final moments at the Disneyland parks. We (Jared's mom and I) always talked about staying on site at one of the resorts "someday", where we could enjoy the full experience, getting breaks for naps, and staying at the park until late at night. Jared's mom, Sabrina, decided it was finally time to live out the fantasy and see just how awesome it could really be.

(Blogger is being weird so I'll have to post the second day first)

The boys really got used to the hotel. They were just as entertained there than at the parks. The room was predictably covered with Mickey paraphernalia, some more overt than others, that the boys loved finding. We loved being able to stop in for naps to get some rest and increase our stamina for the rest of the night.

Another perk was early park admission. The boys begged to go on Nemo's Submarine, much my chagrin (boooring) but I let them be the boss.
Grandma had bought them both Nemo stuffed animals, and they really got a kick out of showing Nemo "his" ride.
Before the crowds came running through the gates at opening (it was the first week of the new Star Tours ride, after all) we went on Autopia. Ryker loved being my copilot.

Nicholas was excited to steer his own, but a little bit concerned that he couldn't see over the wheel very well.
Then we bolted over to early admission at CA Adventure, and pounded down some breakfast on the way. Unfortunately they only had one ride open early (lame!!) so we ended up just waiting for Toy Story Mania to open and jump in the front of the line.
Its definitely a group favorite, but always with a long line. It was fun to go straight on for once.

Next was the undersea Carousel, our favorite filler ride.

... and finally Little Mermaid! I grew up loving this movie (posters, dolls, themed birthday parties, the works) and have enjoyed watching it a few times with the boys as well. The hotel also gave us two fast passes each for this ride and it was awesome to go right up the front, vip style... especially when the wait was over an hour and a half.

We said hi to our pals, Mater and McQueen

and visited our favorite hidden gem, the Beast's library and Ursula's Grotto.

We headed back to the hotel for a quick nap that all 4 of us indulged. Waking refreshed and energized for more we went back to Disneyland for the Soundsational Parade. We loved seeing more recognizable characters than some of the other parades (Aladdin, Simba, Ariel, Rapunzel, Peter Pan, etc).
After a Small (world) pit stop we went to a very special dinner at Goofy's Kitchen.

We were happy to have visits from Snow White, Aladdin (on drugs, apparently), Chip and Dale, Minnie, Pluto, and Goofy, of course.

And then there was still more... (and to answer your questions, yes, this is still the same day, and yes, I am STILL tired from all this). We had the highlight of the trip in sitting in the front of the monorail with the driver, Chad. The boys were so excited about it, and kept complimenting Chad on his excellent driving.

We did a few more of our favorites, Pirates, Winnie the Pooh, and then headed back for one last ride on the Little Mermaid, and Monster's Inc.

Finally it was bedtime, and we all fell asleep before our heads hit those pillows!

The next morning was our farewell to the beloved Disneyland. We soaked in a few more things around the hotel and Downtown Disney then said our goodbyes to the man with the ears!!