So I was so excited to wake Ayden up to go to Disney. I walked into his room singing it's time for Disney. He lifted his head and all he said was "I feel like I could throw up."
I was shocked. Turns out he was totally ok, I think it all just boiled down to nerves. He kept asking about the plane we were flying on. We normally fly Southwest and when I said "Jet Blue" He was picturing a super fast like REAL jet! He also had some anxiety with Chris not coming with us. In fact he cried when Chris dropped us off at the airport. It just wasn't the same without Chris there.
We arrived on time around 10:30am and got a Taxi/van from the hotel to HOJO's. $45 flat rate for the three of us. The guy FLEW! Almost 80 on the freeway.
Arrived at HOJO a little after 11am and was thrilled that our room was ready for us. I had requested an early check in and was so glad we got it. We were on the 3rd floor, all the way at the end closest to the parking lot. Perfect room and loved our view of the pool. I had always been on the 1st floor so this was a nice change.
We unpacked a bit and made our trek to the park. We were ready for lunch so we ate at the River Belle Terrace. I had the Turkey sandwich and Dad had the BBQ sandwich. Mine was tasty and he devoured his saying it was great as well.
Our first ride was Ayden's pick. What a surprise, Big Thunder. (his favorite)
It made my Dad sick. He said it would be his last time on that. Used to be one of his favorites too. I'm just thrilled he gave it a try. We also did Pirate, HM and Small world. Dad was brave enough to try Indy as well. He wasn't thrilled with it either since it made him a little nauseous but he did it again the last night and he said it didn't bother him at all.
We decided to check out the Tiki room. Can't believe I have never taken Ayden in there before. He loves singing it since we have the DL CD in our car. After the show I heard a familiar voice...and low and behold it was MAYNARD. I just had to chat with him. Of course he did one of his little jokes with us and a couple that were also excited to meet him. Here's a picture I got with him.
We got a great spot for the Fireworks. We were in front of the castle, just a little to the left. My Dad got a little uncomfortable standing and waiting for them. He kept saying "Ive seen fireworks before". I kept telling him though not like Disneylands. He was in awe the entire show. He just kept saying WOW,...ooohhh and lots of aaaahs. The show always brings tears to my eyes, but seeing my Dad in pure amazement is what did it for me this time.
So Dad didn't get the Knotts Berry Farm chicken dinner, so I took him to Plaza Inn for dinner our first night. He LOVED it.
Here are a few more pictures from our first night.
First character interaction was with Goofy in his Mardi Gras outfit in New Orleans
We headed back to the room around 11pm, we were all pretty tired.
Day 2...a visit to DCA, a DL "Money shot" picture and Ayden's first time on Space Mountain!