Hey Mickey you’re so fine…
So I’m going on vacation. Monday morning, the butt crack of dawn, two weeks from today I’m getting my ass on a plane with my daughter and my friend’s daughter, and we are OUTTA here. Where are we going? D-town. That’s right. Disneyland. Me and the mouse go way back. Though Cinderella and I fell out–the wench stole my shoes and my prince. 
But I’m stoked. Absolutely stoked. This is my first non-writing related trip in years! I think maybe since the kid was born… oh no wait. I did that Vegas trip for the American Idol auditions a few years back.
So when I fly into Cali, I’m meeting up with people. First, Emma Petersen is meeting me at the airport and joining up on the trip. Then we’re renting a car and driving to Pismo where we’re meeting up with Karen. Yeah. Karen. Naughty and Spice Karen. She’s bringing her kidlets. I’m so excited about that! We thought it was about time for them to all hook up and hang out. You know, case my kid marries Karen’s kid some day. 
But I’m excited. I hate to fly, that whole big chunk of metal hurling through the air thing, but I need to be brave. This is my kid’s first time on a plane. If I flip, she flips. 
So brave it is. 
But here’s my worry. My kid is only 4.5 and I have to wonder…is that too early to go to Disneyland (not like I’m canceling the trip or anything!) Do you think she’ll even go on any rides? She’d better. My theory is, make us stand in line, not tell her why, get her on and let her scream as we’re plunging down a hill? Yeah? No?
How old were you the first time you went to Disneyland (or Disneyworld). Have you been? I went at 7 and did like nothing. NOTHING. My kid better not be as big of a pansy as I was, or I’m screwed. I’ll be singing It’s a Small World until my ears fall of. 
How about your kids. How did they do? How young were they? Share, tell me what I can expect with a first timer little kid.
June 2nd, 2008 at 1:43 am
How old was I when I went to Dland? Hmmm…Good question. I would have to ask my older sisters. We lived like 7 minutes away growing up and well into my early twenties. I think maybe 2? I know I have pictures of my older sisters on It’s A Small World when they were 2 and 4. My whole family loves that place. It really is the happiest place on earth. I went to Grad Night there. That rocked. Went to 1st and a half base in a dark area near Big Thunder Mountain when I was 16. Le sigh that place holds some really good memories.
June 2nd, 2008 at 1:57 am
Yeah it’ll be fun!! I know, Dland really is the happiest place on earth. It always makes me soooo happy!
June 2nd, 2008 at 10:53 am
I was 35 my first time but my daughter was 5 she loved it and talk of going back
June 2nd, 2008 at 11:25 am
Well I wanna say I was three. And I remember being freaked out, hiding my face in my mom’s side the entire time on It’s a Small World. Of course them dancin’ dolls are a tad creepy so there ya go.
I took my oldest when he was 3 and he had a blast. I haven’t taken the younger two yet. I really wanna! I’m jealous you’re going! But we’ll have a blast in Pismo!!!
I dunno if your daughter wants to marry my son. He’s obsessive. And a little rigid. Kinda anal. And he’s only 3! LMAO
June 2nd, 2008 at 12:04 pm
I’ve never been
My kids are almost too old to appreciate the magic (hey they’re boys) but I’d still like to take them one year. SOon. Real soon.
June 2nd, 2008 at 12:54 pm
Beth, that’s inspiring!
Karen, you have me cracking up about your son.
Amie, I hope you get there someday! It’s fun for kids of every age. Even if they don’t go, you should!
June 2nd, 2008 at 1:01 pm
Yay, I’m so excited for you!
If you decide you want to hang out with more divas then definitely call me!
And 4.5 is actually a FABULOUS age for Disneyland. She’s going to have the best time ever, you’re an awesome mom for taking her!
June 2nd, 2008 at 1:21 pm
My parents took me when I was… umm… three? ish? It was before my sister was born, and I don’t think Mom was pregnant yet, or if she was, she was early on. Surprisingly, I remember some things quite clearly from that trip.
We went again when I was 11 and my sister was 7. That one, I remember in much more detail. ;)
June 2nd, 2008 at 1:26 pm
Dana, thank you! I’m really excited. I *heart* Dland like nobody’s business. I’m really hoping the kid loves it too. And I’m splurging (or is that bending over and grabbing ankles) for some of those Character meals.
Nonny, oh yay! I’m glad even at 3 you can still remember some stuff. That’s my worry, she won’t remember crap.
June 2nd, 2008 at 2:59 pm
I’ve never been.
In fact I’ve never even been to Canada’s Wonderland which is Canada’s nearest equivalent and right outside Toronto.
Weird, considering how much I like lunch launchers.
On the other hand, I hate crowds and something as crowded as that would be a sure recipe for me on a Thorazine drip.
June 2nd, 2008 at 3:05 pm
Rob, the lines are what really bother me. I get overwhelmed in crowds. I can’t deal with them very well. I go to the mall during the week. Christmas shop online…though Dland tends to be an exception.
June 2nd, 2008 at 4:34 pm
Hmm, I must have been about 25. I was already married and my parents invited DH and I to their time share. I thought it was AWESOME. I was a complete kid the whole time I was there, and I still talk about how blown away I was by believe it or not, the Hall of Presidents. Yeah, I’m weird that way.
My daughter spent her first birthday in Disney World and her second. We’ve been back three times since then and we’re hoping to go again next year. I think 4 or 5 is a perfect age to go because everything will just seem incredibly wondrous at that age. Have a great time!
June 2nd, 2008 at 4:45 pm
I’ve never been to Disneyland or Disney World. I did go to Sesame Place when I was in sixth grade.
June 2nd, 2008 at 4:58 pm
JAC, that’s so cool! You’ve been taking your daughter there a lot! It sounds like my kid is at a good age.
Jane, is that like based on Sesame Street? Too cool!
June 2nd, 2008 at 7:22 pm
I hope you all have a blast, Shelli!
I took my daughter to Disney World when she was almost 2 and she loved it. However now that she is almost 3, she is very afraid of costume animals. We are going to the Nickelodeon Park at King’s Island this weekend, so there may well be screaming and shouting on this end, too.
Looking forward to swapping stories!
June 2nd, 2008 at 8:07 pm
Jodi, thanks for coming by!! You know, my daughter at 3 had that same fear of costumed things. She still might… I haven’t brought her around any lately! LOL.
Nickelodeon park sounds FUN!! Yes, definitely must swap stories!
June 2nd, 2008 at 8:30 pm
I’m so jealous! I might just have to go out there an meet you ladies!
June 2nd, 2008 at 9:35 pm
I was in my 30’s I think when I finally went to Disneyworld, my daughers went when they were 5 & 6 with their grandparents, they beet me to it.
I wanted to stay longer, but we had made plans for something els, but I wanted to ditch that, I was over ruled.
June 3rd, 2008 at 2:09 am
Feisty, come! Please! I wanna see you and the little guy!!!!!!! *Begging, but knows it’s a long shot!*
Dina, I could move into Dland. I swear I should work there. I’d be a great Ursula.
June 3rd, 2008 at 4:07 pm
Yes, Sesame Place is based on Sesame Street. It’s in PA.
June 4th, 2008 at 10:24 pm
I want pix of this trip! I’ve never been but guess what? WE’RE GOING IN SEPT/OCT!!!!!!
Yep, the seven of us are flying all the way over there to the US! OMG! I’ll be in the US! How much fun am I gonna have!?!? My kids’ll be 12, 14, 16, 18, 18 and 39!!! Damn good ages for fun in Disneyland. I soooooo can’t wait!
RC
June 4th, 2008 at 11:24 pm
Awesome, Jane!
Rhian, that’s so cool you guys are going! And those are GREAT ages. I know I appreciated it way more when I was older. I’m excited for you!!
June 6th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
Shelli-there’s tons of stuff for younger kids in Tune Town (right behind A Small World-and yes, I know where every ride and bathroom is in Disneyland-I’m a bit obsessed!). And most of Fantasyland is geared toward younger kids-she’ll have a blast!
If you get a Park Hopper pass, there’s the whole Bug’s Life area for smaller kids at California Adventure, too. And you can get a margarita there, too! Enjoy!
June 7th, 2008 at 3:07 am
Hi, Eden!! I’m totally stoked! I was researching online and I’m definitely thinking Tune Town and Fantasyland! And yes we get to go to Cali Adv. too! I’m so excited!