The Disney Staycation Edition

Life has been pretty hectic around these parts, and for the foreseeable future it doesn't look like there's much of a slow down any time soon. When we saw we had a few free days on our calendar we pounced on the opportunity for a little staycation.

The kids and I frequent Disneyland as often as we can. However, Scott has never been to the parks with us. We decided a family trip to the most magical place on Earth, along with a few nights at a hotel with a water park were in order.

DISNEY!!

It doesn't matter how many times we visit the parks I am always SO giddy to go. There's something enchanting and different about each and every trip.

Disneyland

California Adventure

Marcus took Scott on all of his favorite rides (Dumbo, The Golden Zephyr, Tea Cups), Scott and Marcus went on a new-to-all-of-us-ride (Goofy's Fly School), and the little man and I even went on Grizzly River Run, which was a first for both of us.

Don't let this photo fool you. Radiator Springs is not among Marcus' favorite rides. Maybe one day....

There was a smattering of other rides sprinkled in there as well as a good chunk of time spent at The Redwood Creek area where the kids ran wild and free and Marcus took a turn on a zipline.

The Treats

No trip to Disney is complete without at least one of our favorite goodies. 

Julia. HA! That about sums up most of the trip for that little trooper.

Pretty much the moment we step on to Disney property Marcus asks for Mouse Ears, regardless of time of day. And, it's really, really hard for me to pass up a Dole Whip Float. So, I usually don't. Scott, on the other hand, tried exactly ZERO Disney goodies. Basically, his trip was incomplete, and I'm asking for a re-do. I mean, not even a churro. Come on!

Completely honest confession: Julia wasn't into any of the rides we took her on. Not even a little bit.

On the Golden Zephyr. She cried. The whole time.

 Poor lady. Though the day was very much for Marcus, Julia did such a good job going with the flow (for the most part, there were a few really rough moments leading up to nap times). I've got my fingers and toes crossed that if we take her enough times she'll come to love the place, too.

The Hotel

This interactive screen was located right in the lobby. Guests could "color" Disney characters using the touch screen. The thing completely transfixed Marcus each time we passed it.

Our Room

For the most part our room was pretty standard. Except for one key feature.

BUNK BEDS!

I am not kidding when I say Marcus was so excited about the bunk beds he was literally shaking with excitement when he saw them. I wish I could have captured that moment on camera.

In other sleep related news, Julia hated the pack and play, and made for some interesting evenings and less than stellar overnights.

The Water park

The water park pretty much spoke for itself.

Marcus went down slides, shot water guns, and splashed like the fish he is.

Generally speaking, when we weren't at Disney we could be found here.

We had full intentions of spending our last morning at the pool, but Marcus came down with a nasty bug that sent us packing much, much earlier than we anticipated (we were home by 8:15am).

Though we had a few hiccups during our staycation adventure there isn't a thing I would have changed about it. It was clear Marcus loved so much time focused and dedicated to him, Julia didn't hate being let loose like a banshee throughout the theme parks, and I loved stepping back and watching it all unfold before me. 

Disney really is all sorts of magical.