Disneyland Trip - Day 1

Today we got up early to head out to Disneyland. Our flight was at 10:30 but the shuttle to the airport picked us up at 7:20am. Belle got up like a good girl, obviously very excited, and once she was ready she sat by the window and watched for the shuttle to come.

Belle was adorable on the ride to the airport. There were two other people that the driver picked up on the way there and Belle chewed their ear about where she was going and how excited she was.

Once at the airport we easily got through baggage check and security and got some breakfast. Before long we boarded and were on our way. The flight went fine and we actually landed about 40 minutes early.

We then waited for the buss that would take us to the hotel.

Belle kept looking for the park on the way to the hotel. When we got there are where driving around the perimeter we pointed it out to her. But the park isn't much to look at from the outside. You just can't see much. Belle kept saying "It doesn't look like Disneyland." You could tell she was a little worried. :) We assured her it would be cool once inside.

We got to the hotel and Belle first noticed the giant Mickey outside. I then went in to get us checked in. The lady at the counter asked if we had been before and I said that no it was both my daughter and I's first time to Disneyland. She said "first time ever?" I said yes. She then said "hold on I'll be right back."

When she returned she had 6 balloons for us and a signed picture of Mickey and Minnie for Belle. I guess that's something they do to welcome us newbies.

Our room also was changed to a pool view room. It wasn't really a pool view in my opinion since you couldn't truly see the swimming pool even though we were facing it. BUT, it was still a really cool room. We had a great view of the waterfalls and fish in the pond they have at the entrance of our hotel. It was very cool and much better then facing the parking lot.

After we got settled we went in search of food. We had dinner reservations at 7pm but we were starving... or at least I was. So we went into downtown Disney and found a Mexican food place. Melissa, Jeremy, Noah, and Shannon met us there before too long.
After we ate we met up with Linda and Mark and all went to the pool to swim. The pool is awesome. It is huge, but only 4 feet all the way around. There are two little slides for kids and Captain Hook's pirate ship for decoration. Belle loved the pool, even though she's still going through a scared of water phase. But her desire to play in the water was over powering her fear so she had a lot of fun.

After the swim we cleaned up and headed to dinner. Belle loves the Rainforest Cafe. We have one close to home but the novelty of going to one at Disneyland appealed to Belle. It was nice, we had a good seat by a fish tank.

Brad made friends with a blow fish in the tank. He was trying to get it to puff up by waving at it, making faces, and showing it Belle' Jack doll or drawings she would make for him to use. That kept both Brad and Mark entertained most of the meal. :)

Belle and Noah got gifts from Auntie Shannon too. Noah got a monkey and Belle a tiger which she named "Shannon". :)

After dinner however Belle was none to pleased to learn that Shannon had to go (aunt Shannon, not the tiger) and wouldn't be able to join us in the park the next day. So Belle made sure to give Shannon lots and lots of hugs and a good ole fashion guilt trip. :)

Despite the upset Belle still ended the day in a good mood. We went back to the hotel and tried to get some sleep. We had reservations at Goofy's Kitchen the next morning and of course it was also the first official day in Disneyland!

For more pictures of this day click here: http://picasaweb.google.com/hardman.jerusha/DisneylandTrip2008Day1#