Last weekend was Naomi's first visit to Disneyland =) She had an amazing time! We flew into Orange County on Friday night and went to California Adventure first.
Since the CA side is supposed to be more catered to adults, we weren't sure what to expect, but almost within 10 minutes of walking into the park, we met our very first characters: Mushu and Mulan =)
Naomi's very first ride was the carousel and she was quite brave. I think she couldn't figure out if it was supposed to be fun or thrilling because she would smile and then she would squeal and then she would laugh and then she would try to get down. Overall, I think she enjoyed it though =)
Disneyland costs "an arm and a leg" but there are somethings that they give away for free. They count pictures w/ the characters and autographs as "free" (as they should be), but they also give buttons/pins to guests who are celebrating special occasions, whether it's your first visit or your birthday or even an anniversary. We asked a staff/"cast member" for Naomi's birthday pin and she wanted it right away... of course, I wanted a photo-op and when I took it from her, this is what happened:
So, that's pretty much, the one time that Naomi really cried while we were at Disneyland... not bad, don't you think? Other than that, it was lots of awe and wonder. We were so fortunate to be able to meet two characters from a couple of Naomi's favorite shows: Minnie Mouse and Handy Manny!
Naomi's favorite part of California Adventure had to be watching "Playhouse Disney: Live on Stage." Even before the show even started, she was jumping up and down with the other children. When Mickey and friends were dancing and singing in front of her very own eyes, she hardly blinked at first. Then she clapped and laughed and had a merry time! (I wasn't able to capture any good shots because no flash photography was allowed).
Then it was time to go to the "real" Disneyland!!! Here we are in front of the castle:
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| From Disneyland |
The first ride was Casey's train and then we went on the Mad Hatter's teacups. Mimi loved them both =) One of my favorite moments was when we went to get Naomi a mousketeer cap. When I went in the shop, I only saw black Mickey ears in the infant size. I asked the salesperson if there were any Minnie ears, and she pointed them out. I showed them both to Naomi and asked her "which one do you want?" She clearly took a good look at the black one and then another stare at the pink one. With complete confidence, she leaned over and grabbed the Minnie ears, proud of her choice =) The saleslady smiled and I said, "Well, of course, you want the pink one, why wouldn't you?" Richie went to pay for it and came back with Naomi's name printed on the back *when at first he said "let's just get it plain* Naomi is definitely "Daddy's Girl"!
Afterwards we took a boat ride on "It's a Small World," and it was so fun watching Mimi mouse look at all the dolls singing and dancing. I wouldn't say that she was exactly amused, but she stared intensely as the song played on... and on... and on =)
Another highlight of the trip was seeing Naomi watch fireworks for the first time. The look on her face was a combination of confusion and wonder with the occasional clapping and smiling thrown in for kicks =) I was worried that she might be afraid of the loud sound or cranky since it was close to bedtime, but she was a trouper... as always!
The next day, cousin Arabella, Auntie Leia and Uncle Anthony met us at our hotel in the morning and we all went to Disneyland for Bella's first visit, too.
Naomi was super excited that she had a playmate to share all her experiences with... Hip Hip Hooray!
Here are some pics of Naomi and Bella playing "on the set" at Toontown:
We had such a wonderful time at "the happiest place on earth!" Well, the next time we have a Disney adventure will most likely be after Naomi turns two... when Uncle Marc gets married in Florida! Summer 2011: Disney World... WOO HOO!!
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