The alternate title was “I wore compression tights to bed and didn’t even run a marathon.”
My legs were sore last night… I ran 9 miles yesterday morning and then we walked the Disneyland Marathon: my Garmin said 4.5 miles before it died so I’m guessing somewhere around 6 miles? So in Kelton steps that like 42 miles.
Anyways, it’s Christmas at Disneyland already, there’s no such thing as Thanksgiving around here:
My older brother Byron, Niki and their boys Kelton and Sutton who spent the night with us Sunday night and then are going to Phoenix tomorrow. We just can’t ditch them.
We got to the park at 9am and it wasn’t that crowded yet, but there were already lines for every ride so we first walked around Toon Town.
And Jaymo did some CrossFit because he wants to fit in with the blogger’s workout trends…
Switching to the heavier 19 lb weight for those bicep curls.
We were all like a bunch of hungry angry hippos by 11:30am so we went to Big Thunder Ranch BBQ where it’s all-you-can-eat BBQ ribs and chicken. game on.
It was served family-style so we got these pails of meat, beans, cornbread and coleslaw. with a side of yeehaw. One of the things on my to-do list: serve food in pails more often.
I don’t know if they imported our waiter straight from the Bayou or if he was required to talk like that, but homeboy stayed in character the whole time. When his shift was over, I swear I saw him riding a stagecoach down the 405.
“All you can eat” is really just another way of saying, “you’re going to regret eating this much”. yep.
Since we had park hopper tickets, after lunch we walked over to California Adventure to see the 1pm showing of the Pixar Pals show.
(If you haven’t seen the movie, like me, you might be thinking, To the man in the costume department, paint chips are not actually chips. Get help, please.)
But the show was cute, especially when they needed a tall, dark and handsome participant from the audience…
It’s a good look.
After the Pixar show Byron, Jaymo and I went on the roller coaster California Screamin’ and I’m not for sure, but I think JJ was pooping his pants:
We walked around more, took more pictures with kids that aren’t ours and bugs, just the usual in the happiest place on earth.
After a first failed attempt and the world’s slowest moving line, Kelton finally met California Casual Mickey. My dad would be so jealous of that Tommy Bahama shirt.
Actually, I think Niki was too.
And I thought I was bad to the bone for putting up 5 small trees; the one on Main Street in Disneyland is 60’ tall and has Santa dolls as ornaments. Like big dolls.
We headed back into Disneyland to go on a few more rides including the Buzz Lightyear Astro Blaster ride. It was Girls vs Boys, winner gets a $1000 shopping spree at Nordstrom. During the ride we peeked over at Byron’s car and saw he only had 300 points. score for women around the world!
We ended up with over 60,000 and were feeling pretty good… until we found out that Byron and Jaymo both had over 100,000 points each. what losers.
We reneged on our bet quicker than Kim’s return to the spotlight and headed for the holiday parade.
As was everything, the parade was really cute, but we were all pretty tired by then, especially the babies. Sutton was just plain tired and Kelton was tired of walking but then again, why wouldn’t he be when Jaymo was hogging the stroller all day.
So we said goodbye to Mickey and Co. and as we were leaving, I reminded JayJay that he needs to put up our Christmas lights and I want our house look like Sleeping Beauty’s Castle with all 50,000 LED lights. I’m pretty sure I could smell and taste the eye roll he gave me.
We went back to the hotel where they’re staying and then Jaymo and I headed home at 7pm. We were both pretty beat – it’s crazy how just being on your feet all day wears you out. My legs were literally sore and achy when I got home. some marathon runner I am.
But we had a great day – Disneyland is a whole ‘nother level of fun with kids.
Now I want to read this book:
I read a Walt Disney biography in high school and have always been interested in the story and history of the place. And who doesn’t want to know all the behind-the-scenes secrets?! Like behind all the sets is there a giant hamster wheel that powers the whole thing?
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I’ve been to Disney World a couple of times, but not since I was a kid. Never to Disneyland, though. I think I need to plan a trip. It looks like you guys had a lot of fun!
I am pretty sure adults use kids as an excuse to have fun at Disney. I know that is what my parents did. I just cried that whole time.
Growing up on the East Coast, we always went to Disney World every year. In our eyes, DisneyLand was Lame. And there WAS a difference. Still have not been to DisneyLand. Maybe one day, I will wash the stigma aside and go. Kidding of course-glad you and your family had a good time. Kids do make the difference.
your nephew looks wholly unimpressed with Mickey.
I have been to both. In fact my family grew up going to Disney world and we still go as a family every other year. I like Disney World better, more stuff to do and things to see although I have never been to California Adventure. It looks pretty cool.
I would have to say my favorite ride is either Rockin Roller coaster or Tower of Terror. Best food is either Japan or Canada in Epcot and as for secrets…..I am not sure. I would have to think about it.
My sister and I just signed up to run the goofy this Jan so we are pretty excited to head back!
I have been to Disneyworld but not Disneyland. I’d like to go back one day for the Princess Half
This might be my favorite topic of all time, Disney World vs Disneyland. I grew up in FL, and am totally partial to WDW. DL is cute, but not the same. We had annual passes when we moved out here, but let them expire when Gab was diagnosed; because of her immunity issues, she can’t go, and my other kids wouldn’t go without her.
I’m not going to start answering your questions, because I have a ridiculous amount of Disney strategy, theory, and trip advice that will spill out and be overwhelming. I’m a little ridiculous.
Looks like a good time!
I’m an East Coaster, so WDW is my home park. I’ve been there too many times to count. Most of the time I go with my mom, occasionally with my cousin. No kids – we don’t want them keeping us from the fun!
The last time I went to WDW was this past January, where I ran/dragged myself across the finish line for my first half marathon. That led me to decide I needed to do the Coast-to-Coast challenge, and I signed up for and finished the half in Disneyland this past September. I had never been to Disneyland before, so that was fun. I enjoyed it but since Animal Kingdom and Epcot are two of my favorite WDW experiences, there was definitely some things I missed. But on the +1 for Disneyland, my half time was much better there!
awhhh! i should have asked you BEFORE we went!
You look like you’re having so much fun with your guests. I’m totally getting jealous, maybe a holiday alone wasn’t such a hot idea…we’ll see. Thank goodness for compression socks…you are kinda nuts.
I wish I had that kind of endurance. BTW, you’re a total natural holding that little guy…
-Jessica
Are you running any races when you come to AZ? if so, which one?
runningtobeskinny.com
im doing a 10 mile az road racers fun run in peoria on turkey day.
Yeah, we actually did both parks last year. My husband ran the Goofy Challenge in January and we spent a week at Disney World for our honeymoon. Then we went to Disneyland in September for the Disneyland Half. He got 5 (HUGE) medals for running 3 races. One for the half at Disney World, one for the full at Disney World, one for the Goofy Challenge, one for half at Disneyland, and then one for doing the Coast to Coast Challenge (a world race and a land race in the same calendar year). I would recommend doing this, it was fun. We’re both big fans and had a lot of fun playing around both places like we were kids. I do think World is better though. They keep the parks cleaner and there’s just more to do. My fav part of Land was that we stayed off property but we were still within walking distance to both parks and could go between the two parsk SO easily. There’s just more to keep busy with at World (and it’s closer for me in Missouri!). My favorite rides are Tower of Terror and Soarin which are at both parks. (I can’t believe I’m rambled this much, haha, sorry). Next time we go we want to get the Hidden Mickey’s book. It guides you through finding all the hidden Mickey’s all over the parks. Sounds fun!
Great pics – yesterday was such perfect weather here for a day at disney…and the snow covered mountains made it really feel like the holidays.
Life in SoCal ain’t so bad
Happy Thanksgiving SR!
The only time I brave the stroller brigade at Disneyland is during the Christmas season! The Haunted Mansion all decked out for Christmas and the little whiff of gingerbread you get as you are riding through the dining room — my favorite!!
We’ve only been to Disney World. When our kids were growing up, we alternated Disney World with skiing every Spring break. Of course, after four months of winter weather, it was always more fun to pack for Disney. A few years ago, we met our children at Disney World for Mother’s Day weekend. They were 22, 24, and 25. They were just as excited as when they were young. We had a blast. Best tip–skip Main Street when you first get there, and go straight to the back of the park. You’ll bypass the crowds and have shorter lines early in the morning.
I was just there last week! The Christmas decorations were so pretty! I understand about the soreness though, I was feeling like a sissy after hours of walking there! Glad you had a fun time with your family!
Looks like it was such a fun day!
I’ve never been to Disney Land, but I’ve been to Disney World and love it. I honestly can’t see anything comparing to it, but I’m willing to give Land a try sometime.
Omg that bottom pic of you hugging the baby is incredibly adorable!!!
Did yall see the water and light show?? I died when I watched it…resurrected then died again.
no we didnt. bummer but i guess im still alive.
Thats funny we are switching places. I am leaving AZ today and going to Disneyland tomorrow. Looks like you had fun. Was it unbearably crowded?
it definitely got crowded later on in the day and around the parade it was insane. you need to get fast passes to ride any rides bc the ride lines were pretty long. space mountain was 90 mins.
*Hanging my head in shame and embarassment as I write this* I am from FL (Daytona and living in Jacksonville now) and I have NEVER been to Disney World…..I have lived in a bunch of other states between being little and now but I have never been. We are planning on taking the kids in the Spring so I will be openly enjoying it just as much as my 3 and 6 year old
i am really like a big kid, so disneyland is perfect for christmas activities. It also is tiring, or maybe I’m just old.
I have never been to Disney Land. I am a native floridian so we grew up going to DW every summer. I still can’t fathom how my Dad could afford to take a family of 10!! The history of DW is pretty cool! There is a great website for saving money at the parks called mousesavers.com. That’s where I find neat tips.
You look super adorable with kids . . . love the sleepy baby photo!
In highschool I went to Disney Land 3 times on a band trip – yep, highschool band nerd over here! The first time I went was when I was in grade two & I went with my family. My favourite ride is definitely California Screamin’! However, before California Adventure was added to the park, my favourite ride in the main Disney park issss… hm. Space Mountain! Love that one
I’ve been to both, several times. While yes, Disney World has a lot more to offer, my heart resides in Disneyland, it was the original afterall. I love walking around there knowing that Walt was there & created it himself. Favorite ride is Indiana Jones, & favorite kiddie ride is Peter Pan. Love eating at the Blue Bayou (have to usually have reservations) and I always make sure to get a rice krispy treat when I’m there. Ah, it’s just the best…especially at the holidays!
I think Disney land is better BUT animal kingdom is awesome! What a fun day!
I love your blog! You are so funny.
We just took our 3 kids to WDW for the first time and had a blast. We stayed in our camper at the Fort Wilderness resort. The Aerosmith roller coaster was so much fun! We can’t wait to go back!
I’ve been to Disneyland as a child with my parents and there are a ton of pictures! As an adult I went to Disney World and loved every minute of it. It truely is the happiest place on earth.
I love love love Disney World. It never gets old. Ive havent been to the Land yet…
Yes, we have passes so we do Disneyland/CA Adventure a lot. It is so fun when you go with kids
I’ve been to both and remember liking Disneyland better that WDW. My favorite ride is without a doubt Indiana Jones! The only secret I know is Club 33.
You have such an adorable family. Love Byron’s shirt! Go M’s!
Of course you already know I love disney since I’m a disney travel agent and. Gave you advice on this trip Ya! Looks like y’all had a great time I love all the pictures!
I’m actually a Disney Vacation Club member and LOVE going to WDW/DL. There are a bunch of behind the scenes tours you can do that give you a sneak peak into how the parks function (have you ever noticed that the trash cans at Magic Kingdom are never emptied but they never get too full?), which are pretty cool. If you ever head to WDW, I could give you a bunch of tips. We always go during off season, and it’s a lot more enjoyable. NEVER go on Christmas day…you’ll regret it and promptly leave.
I went to WDW for the first time this summer… and I’ll be 28 in just over a week. I felt like a total kid going from Epcot to Magic Kingdom and all over… it was awesome!
Side note, isn’t it GREAT being an aunt!?
I’ve been to Disneyland once, and I’ve been to Disney World probably about 20 times (I lived in Florida for almost 10 years … plus vacations as a kid). I love Disney World. My favorite restaurant is at Hollywood Studios … the Sci-Fi diner. It looks like a drive-in movie theater inside. It’s all dark and there’s stars everywhere … and you get to sit in a 1950′s car and watch cartoons on a big screen!
(OK so I’m really not 28 … I’m secretly 12.
)
I’m going to sound like a complete nerd here, but I know at WDW you can do behind the scenes tours, so I’m guessing you can at Disneyland as well. Then you could really see once and for all if it’s giant hamster wheel powering the park! Running one of the Disney races is a dream of mine! Hopefully someday!
DL is TINY compared to WDW… Last year was the 1st trip to DL in December (when LA had alllll that rain ) and walking in the hubs and I stopped and couldn’t believe how small the castle is
though DLs haunted mansion is better at Christmas and the Space Mountain is better too! DL is not equipped to handle rain 
Have u been to WDW?? When r u going to run a ‘I’m way over priced because of the word Disney’ race?
I’ve never been to Disney World, and the last time I was at Disneyland, I was 10…about 20 years ago. The only thing I remember is puking after getting off the freaking teacups. I do want to go back one day and take my 3 kids
We love Disneyland! It’s always fun to look for hidden Mickeys. Each ride usually has one or two in it.
I love both DL and DW, though I might give the ‘land a slight edge for the Indiana Jones ride alone…but Epcot has all that good food…yep, I love them both equally. I’m heading to DW for nine days in January and I can’t wait!
I love Disneyland! The haunted mansion during Christmas, baked cookies from the bakery on main street, riding the train around the park, people watching…I love it all. We had passes up until last year. We didn’t renew because it has gotten so overly crowded.
I love Disneyland too! It’s the original! My 8 year old has probably been there 10 times even though we live in WA. Excited to see WDW in January for the first time for the Goofy challenge!
Wow…my legs feel sore from reading your fun filled day! whew! never been to disneyland, but have been to Disney World many times as a kid and now that we live in Florida its all we do! My girls love going and it always feels like we are going for the first time. We lucked out this summer because my niece had an internship at Hollywood Studios and she was able to get in three guests for free and give us all the “behind the scenes” scoop! pretty neat! I already signed up to do the Disney Marathon in January and the Disney Princess 1/2 in February! can’t wait….
Looks like a fun time in Disneyland! My husband used to work for Disney so we went for free all the time and the best part was going on random week nights for couple hours. Not spending 8+ hours at the park is the key to enjoying Disneyland. If you spend a week at Disneyland, go for a couple hours each day and then venture out to other SoCal sites.
Ahhhh so jealous! I always go to Disney World because I’m on the east coast but I’ve been to Disney Land once and love that it is Sleeping Beauty’s castle (my favorite!)
I’ve never been to WDW, but I grew up 15 minutes away from DL and at one point had an annual pass so I went a lot. I think it was a requirement that if you lived in that radius you had to work there, so I always had a friend or sibling that worked there. I know a few secrets that probably aren’t really secrets anymore and definitely recommend that book, it’s great. My favorite thing to do is go to Club 33, it’s my favorite place/restaurant/secret/etc.
“I don’t know if they imported our waiter straight from the Bayou or if he was required to talk like that, but homeboy stayed in character the whole time. When his shift was over, I swear I saw him riding a stagecoach down the 405″
This is EFFIN hilarous! Sitting in my office, dead quiet and I bust out laughing, the looks I got from co-workers was priceless .. yes .. this budget report is THAT amusing, no I am NOT looking at things on the internet .. continue ..
hey! we saw you at Disneyland! you were getting off of the Nemo ride when we were getting on… i actually recognized your husband first and then realized why he look familiar when i saw you! i was too shy to say hello (and didn’t want to look too insane!)…and figured if i saw you guys again, i’d say something – but we never crossed paths.
you’re famous.
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