Day 157: or The Day We Went To Disneyland

The older kids were out of school today so the Mom  said the 15 year old could go to Disneyland for a late birthday  present. Since they would prefer a chaperone that wasn’t a parent, we took the Kid out of school today and the two of us went with the girls. Last minute, the 13 year old joined us as well. We made our way across Paris early in the morning and got to the gates at exactly 10am. There was no line yet and we waltzed right in. It reminded me of Astroworld when we would show up as early as possible and run around to the major rides before the lines got too outrageous. My Dad was pretty sure this was by far the best way to see the park. I was pretty sure we looked ridiculous. None the less, it did prove to save a ton of time so we headed to Space Mountain first thing. The Kid was too short so the 13 year old took him to the small car track, always a hit with the little kids. I rode space mountain twice with no line and headed back to meet the boys who still weren’t finished. At the end of the ride I asked the 13 year old if his parents stretched the truth regarding age when it came to ticket prices and regulations. He said of course and explained that he just had to tell the attendants the Kid was 7 instead of 6 so he could drive the car himself. Parents all over the world are the same.

The girls split off and did their own thing while the boys and I tried to hit as many rides as possible. The Kid was in a good mood with very little complaints. He immediately spotted all the toys and I was able to push it off until the very end when I finally had to day no. He was none to pleased, but I bought him an ice-cream cone to subdue him. On Thunder Mountain, the 13 year old was worried the Kid would be too scared but he loved it and wanted to ride it again. I was pleased to see he wasn’t being a baby. Sometimes I worry that he needs to toughen up a bit so it was nice to see him enjoy it.

By the end of the day, we were all pretty exhausted and headed home across town. The Kid fell asleep on the 1^st train so when it was time to switch, I of course had to carry him through a very busy station, running because we were late. We made the train and met up with the Mom and made the 30 minute trip home. Since we got home well after he should have already been in bed, we showered quick, shoveled food and read books before he fell asleep at the table. It was a good day, a long day, but a good day.

The boys on Thunder Mountain