Christmastime at Disneyland

Oh my. We have family out from Puerto Rico and they all went to Disneyland. I went back and forth on whether or not to go...because one ticket costs the promise of my first born...because I just went for my birthday and because I had to work that day.



I am so happy I went. I met the family there and it was a fantastic time. Do you see the mouse shaped garland?!



In September when we went, the Haunted Mansion was closed. I was terribly sad. I love the Haunted Mansion.



THIS is why it was closed. They redo the entire mansion in the Nightmare Before Christmas!



Keep in mind that its hard to take pictures on a ride and catch the magic.



But it was seriously amazing!



We ooooohed and aaaaaahed the entire time!



It was so much fun. I said right then that I would go to Disneyland just to go on that!



I love that movie.



Then we had Mexican food. There really hasn't been enough food on my blog lately.
This is the steak tostada. Plus, its a salad so its healthy.



Chicken burrito! The food was very good and it was huge. All the food at amusement parks are over-priced but taking that into consideration I'd say this was a good buy.



Then it started to get dark and the real magic began. If you can only go for a certain amount of time...go in the evening.



All the buildings along Main Street light up along with so many decorations throughout the park.

It was so petty I said right then that I would go to Disneyland just walk around there!



The Christmas tree near the entrance is absolutely ginormous!



Looking back towards the park you can see the castle on the end.

The lit buildings remind me of the end of Meet Me In St. Louis. I acted it out in my mind while I was taking this picture.

Oh, isn't it breathtaking, John! I never dreamed anything could be so beautiful.

There's never been anything like it in the whole world.

We don't have to come here on a train or stay in a hotel. It's right in our own home town.

Right in our own home town!



We watched the fantastic Christmas parade and I decided I wanted to be a roller skating snowflake or a dancing snowman and that we should start having an annual Christmas masquerade ball.

Santa Claus was available for pictures.... as were his....



reindeer!!

I am now going to admit to the internets a deep dark secret.

I had no idea that reindeer were real. I thought they were fictional creatures. Are you laughing at me?

I was so excited that I said right then I would go to Disneyland just for those!



It's A Small World! This ride makes me laugh. I didn't go on it but I hear its all decked out inside as well. It reminds me of the time my girlfriends and I got stuck on it.... you can only hear that song so many times. Its all the the theme song for my sisters and I.



Judging by the sea of strollers its quite popular with the kiddies.



It was mesmorizing.

It was so mesmorizing I said right then that I would go to Disneyland just to gaze at that!



Oh but the castle was the prettiest. I think. They add snow to the top and decorate it with lit icycles.

I'm really not for getting married at Disneyland (personally) but tell me this wouldn't go with my Winter Wonderland theme.



You should have seen the look on peoples faces.

It was so fantastic I said I would go to Disneyland just to stand right there!



As my sister and I were trying to get these reflection shots off the water of the moat we heard a rather funny comment behind us.

The husband tells his wife that she can prop the camera up to get a good shot. She very huffily replies, "I'm trying but there are little people in front of me!"

We started cracking up. How rude!



Oh but its not over yet. At 9:30 the fireworks show starts!



Please stay for the fireworks. Its the right thing to do.

Do you see Mickey?



If I were taller you would see they are right above the castle.



The music and the show is amazing. Actually, if you want high quality Disney coverage head on over to Alive In Wonderland and click on Disney Love under categories. Suzanne rocks and gets sneak peeks to whats new at Disney. See her recent interview with Tiana!



It was so grand I swore I would go to Disneyland just to watch that!

The fireworks finale had us gasping and clapping with excitement until this happened...



it snowed! The lights came back on in Main Street and IT SNOWED! We were just stunned for a second.

Here is my second secret for today: I couldn't understand what it was.

Sherri: OMG its snowing!
Me: OMG! But what is it?!
Sherri: Its snow!
Me: I know, but what is it?!
Sherri: ~insert odd look~ Its snow.
Me: Yes, but what is it made of? Its so fluffy!
Sherri: ITS SNOW! Man-made snow!
Me: OMG I can't believe its snowing!
Us: Whhhhheeeeeee! ~sniffle~ Whhhhheeeeee!




I thought it was some kind of foam or styrofoam or confetti or something. Besides the 1 foot patch of snow I saw off the freeway last winter driving up to Sac I haven't seen snow in maybe 10 years and before that possibly another 10 years. But I've seen it on TV and in pictures!

It was amazing. Our eyes were filled with tears. Seriously. Something about being caught up in the fantasy and magic of Disney with the rides, decorations, parades and fireworks show and then it actually snowed...in Anaheim. It was just too much. In a good way.



Plus, I'm married. Did I tell you that?



On our way out we stopped to admire the tree again. It was sooo huge! I was trying to give you a scale by showing that there are like 2 foot santas and birdcages and full size instruments decorating the darn thing. The round ornaments are the size of basketballs!



Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Merry Yule! Happy Kwanza!