Disneyland. Oh yes, we did.

Kevin and I joined his folks and aunt in Disneyland for a week.

This was our belated wedding present from my in-laws. Suffice it to say, we were pretty darn excited!

No one could say we aren't resourceful - this is how we deal with a bright light coming in our window at night. You like?

Our first day in the park was an early Sunday morning. January is the time to go, folks. Several rides were down, unfortunately, but we walked on to almost ALL the rides. Empty Disney streets people!!!

And music everywhere! I was in music heaven!

These lads were on Main Street singing barber shop tunes. On a 4-person bike!

Gotta have one of these shots...

I was awfully proud of this one. I did this with my phone camera! Actually, all of these photos are from my iPhone 5 camera. Pretty handy!

On our first day in the park (other than Kevin's head getting targeted by a chirpy little bird), we went on: The Matterhorn, Pirates of the Caribbean, Indiana Jones, The Haunted Mansion, Pooh and Friends (I don't remember the actual name), Gadget's Go Coaster, Roger Rabbit's Ride (again...name...), and the Storybook ride. Several of these were a first for me. Full day!

Later that day, my hubby wasn't feeling too well. In fact, he was sick all that night and the next day. Poor guy. Being sick on vacation sucks.

On Tuesday we ventured into California Adventure with the whole group. Soarin' Over California was so fun! I love that ride.

The new section of CA Adven. is Carsland. Radiator Springs Racers is the ride above. So. Much. Fun!!!

That night, we celebrated Pam's birthday by going to the Blue Bayou, where we each got "fireflies" in our beverages. That was one of the best meals I've ever had. And watching people head into the Pirates ride was so neat.

After dinner, the streets of Disneyland were basically empty. We closed out the park!!!

Wednesday was spent going on some of the traditional rides and enjoying Main Street! If you haven't been to the Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, you need to!

Peter Pan was a new one for me! How had I missed this before?! What a classic!!!

I'll be honest... Mr. Toad's Wild Ride was creepy. Made little kids cry with the whole going to hell thing...

The details of Disneyland are what make it so great. These two characters even had British accents!

Do you know how I got this? No, not Splash Mountain - it was closed. It was Pirates! I was wet all day! 

Again with the stunning details!!!

Back in our hotel room, we wound down with the Crowe/Blanchett Robin Hood and some cheesecake. 

On Thursday, my pop-in-law went on the Tower of Terror ride with me. No one else would go!

The line wasn't long, but there was always something interesting to look at!

As you can see, we loved it. 

Sadly, the Grizzly River Run was being cleaned out, but the giant bear was still a must-see!

Oh, the ferris wheel. Never dull.

Neither is the California Screamin'!

Post-ride hair. So cute.

I'm still not sure who Duffy really is, or why he is a prominent part of Disney now, but he is pretty cute.

Vintage Mickey!!!

I could SO decorate my entire kitchen (okay, house) with Disney!!!

Standing in line for...

My first taste of Dole Whip!!!! Yum!!!

Did you know there were coins on top of these snake heads in front of the Indy ride??

I got to drive. And we totally won. 

I have a question. When did Ariel ever wear this dress in the movie?? 

On Thursday night we went back for a Fast Pass ride on the Cars ride. So worth it. 

On Friday, Kevin and I went around both parks buying our scouted-out souvenirs. We spent all week deciding what we really wanted and checking that against our budget. Along the way, I spied some funny little things... :) 

Even with the quiet time of year, there were SO MANY STROLLERS! Why would you want to go to Disneyland if your kids can fit in a stroller?! They won't remember and it will just be stressful. Not to mention, I could totally have looted if I had a mind to. ;-)

It was actually a very relaxing vacation, so much fun, but we were glad to get back home to our own bed. 

Oh Disneyland, how we love you! Until next time!

So tell me: Do you love Disney? What do you love about it?