We're Going to Disneyland!

Last night I made reservations for our annual pilgrimage to the Happiest Place on Earth. We first took the kids when they were 3 and 4 years old, and at this point, we have as many traditions about going to Disneyland as Mr. Disney had ideas for characters.

• We've got a jar with change we've been saving up for souvenirs. The kids have already rolled most of it. Sometimes grandparents contribute. Looks like somebody slipped in a fiver.

• We've got our list of Disney movies, so we can watch old favorites before the trip.
• We've got our list of penny press machines; my favorite cheap souvenirs.
• I've got up-to-the-minute information from one of my favorite websites, Laughing Place. If you visit there, keep your eye on the pictures at the top of the page and you might even see a picture or two of me.
  
• Just before the trip, I'll strategize how to avoid all the long lines by using a brilliant bit of software called Ridemax. This is a must! Besides saving you hours of time waiting in lines, it's just darn fun to play with.
  
• The kids each have a personalized tote bag, which they'll fill with things to keep them busy in the car during the 7 hour ride. This picture is from 2004, when Drama Girl was a bit smaller. I also made them Disney pillows and character quilts for our trips. Go ahead, I know you want to say it. . .'overkill.' One thing we do not have in the car is a dvd player. Ask my kids, and they'll tell you getting there is half the fun. Maybe because they bring half their bedrooms along.
  

• I'll make a shopping trip before we go and wrap up some surprise gifts for the road.
• I'll load up the car with Disneyland CDs including Disney's Happiest Celebration on Earth. You really can't imagine what it sounds like when we're all belting out "It's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow" at the top of our lungs.
  
• I'll make reservations for breakfast at Goofy's kitchen. This is the best place to meet characters.
  

• And if the stars align, I just might get reservation to Club 33. My husband has a friend with a corporate membership. Never been there? Neither had I, until a friend took me. It's the private club Walt built upstairs from Pirates of the Caribbean. Before I die, I want this plate:

• It's so fancy there, they serve you things like this; it's so fancy I can't even remember what it was, but I took a picture of it.

Anticipation is so much fun. I'm as excited as the kids. I love Disneyland!