Saturday, September 26, 2009

Disneyland

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I've told you my posts have been backing up so I'm going to have to back track a bit. Did I tell you that B and I went to Disneyland on my birthday?

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These are the Dapper Dans of Disneyland singing as they ride their bike through the park. What better way to celebrate a 30th birthday than to re-live all those childhood memories.



We don't go to Disneyland very often and couldn't pass up the idea of getting in free on your birthday (as part of the 2009 promo) which helps with the $72 adult ticket.

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Some things have changed. This was the submarine ride and is now the Finding Nemo ride.

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The Matterhorn.... this used to scare me. I exited this battered and bruised and smiling.

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One of my absolute favorite parts about Disneyland are the kids walking around in costume. They are everywhere and they are so adorable!

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Oh the castle! We didn't stay for the evening but its just gorgeous at night. Its like a fairy tale.


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Lemon ice. I realize its just frozen lemonade but I love it and I always get it.

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Look its Mary Poppins! I loved watching her dance. I still watch the movie and I still know all the words.

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Don't forget Bert! He's saying "View Hallo!"

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Trash Cans. Why are these on here? While standing in line for corn dogs B befriended a Disneyland worker. She told us some Disney trivia.

Did you know that the trash cans were designed for Disney so that you can't see the trash inside them. And get this... they are each hand painted... and cost about $2000.

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We walked thru some shops and I found the Mickey and Minnie wedding hats! No we did not buy them or walk around in them.

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This is what B thought of them. ~snicker~

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Oh and they had little outfits for sale. Tinkerbell anyone?

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The only disappointment of the day were that both the Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain were closed for decorating and updating.

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On our way out we heard the announcement over the park speaker that the flag was to be lowered and those in the Armed Forces would be honored during the ceremony. I know the flag lowering ceremony happens daily at 5 pm but I'm not sure if this happens normally or just for 9/11.

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As the band played the anthems of each of the US Armed Forces those active and veteran stepped forward to circle the flag.


I started sniffling then. It was the power of the music, the pride of our country and those men and women stepping forward with pride that sent my emotions flying.

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As the flag was lowered we sang the Star Spangled Banner. I'm getting choked up just thinking about it.

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All eyes were on the flag and the brave soldiers.

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At the end they exchanged hand-shakes and the band played a series of patriotic songs.

We could hear the people singing along as we left the park.

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We went home and got ready to go to dinner at the Summit House.


What a wonderful day!

22 comments:

  1. I'm a big Disneyland/world fan. What a fun way to celebrate 30. Happy birthday! I am also totally addicted to the lemon ice thingies.

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  2. One of my first jobs as a teen was working at Disneyland. We were told so many interesting facts that it was astounding such as, the carousel horses are removed and painted every night. They replace them with others while waiting for them to dry. The divers inspect all of the rides mechanisms underwater, every night.

    I worked at a restaurant that was behind the scenes for the entertainers and characters and personalities and it was neat to see Baloo walking in with his head off or the divers handing me wet money.

    They replace the flowers at the mainstreet entrance every night as well.

    Did you know that there is a posh dining venue off the side of Main Street that used to be a private hotel of sorts and for the rich folks that stayed there? In order to eat there, it was by invitation only.

    I loved working there and the employees were treated like cast members at all times.

    Looks like you both had so much fun! The wedding hats were cute but I don't think Boo would wear one either.

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  3. Hmmmm, it's been at least a quarter of a century since I've been to Disneyland. I still have my 1964 Disney pass issued by the company I worked for at that time. Hmmmm...I'm a bit old, aren't I?

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  4. Oh looks like fun!! My girls looked through all the pics too. We haven't taken them yet. It gets really spendy going from here to there. If we lived closer we would definitely go. You looked adorable.

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  5. That looks like a lot of fun. But I am thinking that those bride and groom hats really should be a part of your "ensemble" for the big day!

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  6. I love Disneyland! I've never seen the flag lowering ceremony and your photos were awesome. I love the one of the guys shaking hands.
    Elle

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  7. Happy belated birthday!

    I haven't been to Disney World (I'm in Orl) in forever!
    ~ingrid

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  8. I meant to say that I'm the same way....I get choked up when I hear the Star Spangled Banner or God Bless America.
    ~ingrid

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  9. What a wonderful birthday!! I've never been to either Disney parks, but I hear they are amazing. I love the tribute to the military and to our country!!

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  10. Wow Disney Land! I have always wanted to go...but it never worked out...you know, the whole being on the other side of the country and poor factor. My roommate is from Anaheim though, so I've heard stories from her :) Maybe someday I'll make it!

    p.s. Thanks for commenting on the "Happiness" post :) I would love to be a part-time photographer, but right now I'm totally focused on school, you know? We'll see, maybe something will happen in the future...hopefully!

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  11. awww, i'd love to celebrate my bday at disneyland too! the only time i've evern been was when i was 5 years old and i didn't go in costume! :(

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  12. What a perfect day! Makes me wish we lived a whole lot closer to Disneyland. I've never been, but it's never too late, right? Oh, and you both look just adorable in those wedding hats! :) -Tammy

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  13. What a wonderful way to celebrate your birthday. :)

    Seeing your post made me realize that I haven't taken the kids for a while... now that the weather seems to be cooling down a bit, maybe I'll take them this Wed. Hopefully, the lines won't be too long on a weekday afternoon.

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  14. Teary eyes here, my girl.
    What a special ending to a lovely Disney day!

    I hate to admit it, but I've never been to any Disney park. We are, however, planning one in a few years with the grandkids. What a special place!

    In your Bride Minnie ears, Dawn, you look like you're a Disney model! Honestly!

    B ... on the other hand ... made me LOL!!! He's so cute and all, but the look on his face is priceless!

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  15. Beautiful job capturing the day. It looks like a great time and a wonderful way to spend the momentous occasion.

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  16. What a great post about Disneyland. So much to cover, right? You look beautiful in the bridal minnie hat :)

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  17. Dandy!!! What a fun trip to Disneyland....for ME! I am SO overdue. The kids were 9 and 13 and they are now 14 and 18. And I'm a Californian! You REALLY made me want to go. Let's see....the Wild Man turns 15 in March....wouldn't it be fun to wake him up at 4a.m. and say, "Get in the car. We're going to Disneyland!" You've got me thinking. :)

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  18. I haven't been to Disneyland since I was 8... we got stuck in the It's A Small World ride for 2 hours, and my mom never wanted to go back. Weird! ;)

    I'm glad you had fun!

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  19. What a wonderful day indeed! You just captured it all perfectly too girl.

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  20. How wonderful, stupendous, and delightful. I loved all these peaks into your fun.

    You know, don't you, how wonderful B is? Of course you do. But, I meant for letting you post that picture. Jeffrey would shoot me dead.

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  21. Oh Relyn, I just snorted into my coffee.

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  22. Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! That is the BEST way to spend your birthday!
    ~Andrea~
    I love Mary too! : )

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