StellaJo

Today was a truly and unexpectedly magical day at Disneyland. We began with allowing ourselves the indulgence of sleeping in until the 7 o’clock hour and lingering in bed until 8. A simple breakfast of sardines, crackers and a leftover chicken empanada. Unpalatable hotel coffee, poured out after a lackluster sip.

As the majority of our group of 26 hustled to the park, we took our time and made sure we had what we needed. We walked with Judy, our host, her daughter Karen and her son Hayden to California Adventure. Met up with Boppa and Heather and got fast track tickets to Soarin’ Over California. Played in a children’s fun area, climbing netting into tall perches and looking down at the park. Went into Soarin’, leaving Stella, 1 inch too short, with Gramma Heather to look for Minnie Mouse. Soarin’ Over California is a virtual reality flight over scenic California locales, including ski slopes, ocean waves, orange orchards, desert and balloons over the Napa Valley. It was thrilling and a total departure, and it include scents and temperature changes to complete the effect.

Then, Stella rode her first ride, in the Bug’s World, featuring a caterpillar named Heimlich who showed us what small objects look like to an even smaller insect. The cupcake, watermelon, and animal cookies all smelled like the real thing! Stella loved every minute of it. It was just her speed.

We fussed about in California Adventure a bit longer waiting for the group to regroup, and then left the park to meet Gramma Marilyn and Grampa Bob for lunch at Denny’s, after a very brief rest in our room at the Del Sol. A yummy grilled chicken on wholewheat with avocado and BBQ sauce for me, star shaped chicken nuggets and carrot sticks for Stella. A nice visit with the grandparents, Boppa, Heather, Spencer, Maddy and their cousin Truman.

Back to the hotel for a few more minutes with Gramma and Grampa. Maddy joined us and then departed for another round in the park.
Then, bidding goodbye to the visitors, Stella and I embarked on the best decision we made all day. Time alone, together, in Disneyland! After telling Stella that after all the rushing to keep up with others, this was now her time and she could rest whenever she wanted. We had ditched the wobbly and cumbersome stroller earlier, so we hoofed it through Main Street, straight to Fantasyland. Mr Toad’s Wild Ride was a little too wild for Stella, who did not appreciate all the bad guys, but after a good talk we decided it was alright. Looking at the lines, we decided against Peter Pan and others, but Casey Jones Railroad was fun and Dumbo was exhilarating and well worth the nearly hour wait during which we made friends with some nice lesbian parents and their little girl who looked like she had doll’s hair. Stella wanted to get right back into line. No wait too long for a ride on an elephant. We did not, however, wait a second hour for another ride. It was time for dinner at an all you can eat, family style BBQ in Frontierland. We sat with Molly, Jay, Maddy and their college aged cousins. Yum! Cornbread, coleslaw, corn on the cobb, served alongside sausage, chicken and ribs. Stuffed ourselves and enjoyed good conversation and a cowboy singing show. Waited around for what felt like forever to pay the bill and get ready to go back for more fun.

We joined Judy, Heather and Rick for a few rides. We went into the Tiki Room and were serenaded by fifty year old mechanical birds while sharing a pineapple sherbet. Then we went on a nighttime jungle safari. Lots of fun and a little alarming to Stella, who is now getting really good at identifying realistic mechanical animals. As we reconsidered Peter Pan, we went into a darling gift shop, the Bippity Boppity Boutique, and purchased a lovely little Ariel musical jewelry box. Mama decided then and there we can spend $20 a day on “stuff”. I would have chosen the Merida doll (from Brave) but it was for Stella after all… Maybe I will buy myself the doll. (As I read this aloud to Stella she said, “Mama I will buy the doll for you and me!”

We parted from the crew so they could go see a light show in California Adventure, but as I had grown weary in the long long long line to get into Disneyland after our lunch, I was wary of another. We decided just to walk and happened upon Stella’s favorite ride yet – Winnie the Pooh! She enjoyed pretending she was Winnie the Pooh, and she was mad for some hunny! I loved watching her face.

We wanted to see Fantasma, Mickey’s light show over the water, but the area around the Haunted House and Pirates was mayhem so we did a little more shopping, thinking about things we may want to buy in the future. Stella did a great job of not succumbing to the Gimmies. She also did an impressive job of walking all afternoon and evening in a very overwhelming and stimulating place. I am impressed with her maturity and sweetness.

We waited about 15 minutes for a train to Main Street. It was a fun ride in itself and spared us swimming upstream in the crowds. While waiting, we did catch a little of the light show from a distance and then, minutes after arriving at Main Street near the exit, we lingered and were rewarded with a lovely fireworks display featuring holiday music. After the finale, all the holiday lights came back on and snow began to fall from the sky. We fought the crowd to get under the snow and looking up was magical.

I am happy to report that I felt energetic and strong today, even when carrying the 32-pound child and a backpack. I am very surprised to feel so good after a day of running around as we did. Likely walked three or more miles!

The whole day was full of sweetness and excitement, and excellent time spent with my favorite girl. I must say, I learned the meaning of quality time today. This was by far the most fun I have ever had with Stella, with few exceptions. I have been missing Gabor and wishing he was with us experience this, too. But the special one on one time with my daughter is something I will cherish forever. Stella said to me “this is the best day ever!” with a heartfelt smooch on lips and a squeeze. I can’t believe that we have three more days in the park. I cannot take for granted that we may get tired, cranky, have minor mishaps, or something unexpected, so I am going to hold this one perfect, magical day in my heart. Now after a snack of graham crackers and a warm bath, we are ready for bed. I will read this to Stella as her bedtime story and post it tomorrow for her daddy to read and enjoy.

— Anya