DL on Good Friday with kids in tow

[Strangler Lewis]

Not taking a stroller has its advantages. The first time we went to Disneyland, before my son turned 49 dollars, we got there at opening, spent half a day and the kids were thrilled.

From there we went to visit my father-in-law's judicial chambers. We met some of the justices, some of whom had toys in their offices, and the kids were thrilled.

A year or so earlier, we went to one of the tort-fest fairs that rolls into town every year. Ten dollars for adults, kids were free. Three or four rides, cotton candy and a funnel cake. We met Pervy the Carny and Hep-C the Clown (Oh, don't touch his cut) and the kids were thrilled.

Last Christmas we went to our local toystore and a big old Didd'l Maus was there hocking his schlock. The kids instinctively ran up for a cuddle and a picture. That was free, and the kids were thrilled, if a bit puzzled as to why.

If you have kids, you know that half the time when presents come from UPS, the kids have as much fun with the box as with what's inside.

So, yes, Disneyland may be the most thrilling, but pound for pound and dollar for dollar, I don't think it competes.

[MouseWife]

Originally Posted by Strangler Lewis

If you have kids, you know that half the time when presents come from UPS, the kids have as much fun with the box as with what's inside.

No kidding. My husband used to bring home refridgerater boxes and the kids loved them.

And, yes, a day without strollers can be fun. Also, sometimes I just don't even bring a camera. And, other times I don't give a care about what we eat and eat a bunch of junk and don't carry a backpack....

*sigh* I am sitting here thinking of how I do NOT miss strollers...remembering I am now at the point where I need to get a wheelchair for my mom...

The cycle of life.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Originally Posted by Strangler Lewis

So, yes, Disneyland may be the most thrilling, but pound for pound and dollar for dollar, I don't think it competes.

Ah, ok, next time I have a child fly 3000 miles to see me and tour around Southern California, I'll just hand her a cardboard box or maybe even take her to a dirty carnival. That'll save me a lot of money and annoyance!


Thanks to everyone else for the responses.

Originally Posted by Plumenom

too bad you didn't run into Lumbo for some extra Magic

Ah, Mr. Nom, wish I'd thought of this sooner, though I wouldn't abuse your powers too much. Hopefully you'll still be spreading pixie dust in a couple of years?

Originally Posted by MouseWife

I didn't see where someone sat in a quiet spot while one of the little ones napped? If you look around one visit, you'll see strollers parked along the walkway towards the Matterhorn and around the castle with kids {and some adults} sleeping. I've been there many a time.

We wanted to hit Dumbo and suddenly Nathan needed to sleep. Mom and dad took turns with him out of line while the other waited with Alana for her elephant ride. Later in the day, dad had to miss out on Buzz because again, we had a sleepy stroller to watch.

Originally Posted by Morrigoon

And another disney fan is made...

Actually, she's pretty dyed in the wool. She's a big DVD watcher, as well as the Disney Channel stuff. She can quote Cinderella and the old Donald cartoons like crazy.

We actually got pretty lucky in that we did not have to endure the Princess Fantasy Faire thingy. I was sure we'd land up there.

[Strangler Lewis]

Originally Posted by Cadaverous Pallor

Ah, ok, next time I have a child fly 3000 miles to see me and tour around Southern California, I'll just hand her a cardboard box or maybe even take her to a dirty carnival. That'll save me a lot of money and annoyance!

It's dirty carnival season again in Petaluma as the Sonoma/Marin fair hit town. Since the kids are now both over 3, it cost $46 to get in. For the four of us. In about an hour and a half, the kids rode seven or eight rides, including a teacup ride, an elephant ride and the carousel. Plus, we saw lots of cows, sheep, pigs, goats and endless rabbits. In terms of characters, the kids were thrilled when Clo, the blow-up costumed mascot of the Clover Stornetta dairy walked by waving. The cast members or, more accurately, los cast miembros, made sure we had a safe and happy time.