Denali & Dylan, eagerly awaiting their first ride. |
I have so many favorite memories from Disney California Adventure – the feeling of sheer awe the first time I rode on Soarin’, watching my little son be absolutely enthralled while we watched World of Color, resting my feet and people watching while eating the best chocolate chip mint ice cream sundae I’ve ever had – to name a few. But one of the most special memories was in 2009, when my family, my husband’s parents, and my brother-in-law’s family all went on vacation together during Halloweentime (which, by-the-way, was so well done in DCA, lots of great photo opps!). That was a truly magical trip, but one of the best parts was having the privilege of going with my niece and nephew for their first ride of Toy Story Midway Mania. The ride had opened earlier that year and I had already ridden it and was in love- but for me, getting to go on a ride with someone else for their first time, is even better (especially if that someone else is a special little kid or two)!
My niece Denali and I. |
My niece, Denali, is more apprehensive about rides than her brother, Dylan. I have a soft spot for her – I know what that nervous excitement feels like when you’re going to take a chance on an unknown new ride. I was just like that when I was little (let’s be honest, I still am). We enjoyed chatting in line, watching Mr. Potato Head, and talking about what was to come. She was feeling a little uneasy about the parts when the ride would go kind of fast in between game stops, but we donned our 3D glasses and off we went! She did great, and we had a blast laughing and talking and “shooting.” If I’m not mistaken she even beat my score – go figure! I loved watching their excitement as we exited the ride, jumping up and down, sharing scores, and wanting to go again!
This is partly why Disney never gets old for me. Although I’ve done almost everything many times over, I still have the new experiences of enjoying it all anew with my nieces, nephew, and my own kids through their eyes.
This is partly why Disney never gets old for me. Although I’ve done almost everything many times over, I still have the new experiences of enjoying it all anew with my nieces, nephew, and my own kids through their eyes.
Oh hey Liam! Liam rode too, but he was just a baby so he didn’t care – he looked too cute in those 3D glasses though! |
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