Our Highly Anticipated Disney Vacation

When Benjamin was two, I told him all about Disneyland. He already loved watching movies like Cars, Lady and the Tramp and Peter Pan, and he had some books that featured Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald and Daisy Duck, etc., so I thought it would be fun for him to hear about a place where all these characters and stories came to life.

 

Well, it wasn't long before young Benjamin started wondering if WE could go to Disneyland . . . and if so, WHEN. I told him it took a long, long time to drive there, and I told him we'd have to save our money--because Disneyland was very expensive. But, I said that Disneyland was fairly close to Auntie Nita's house, and that one day--when we went to visit her--we might be able to go.

Since then, Benjamin has put coins in his piggy bank--saving up to go to the “Happiest Place on Earth.” Sometimes after asking for a treat he's changed his mind and said, "No, we need to save our money for Disneyland."

Ben has also informed me that when he grows up he wants to have "the same job as Uncle Mike" so he can live close to Disneyland.

About a year ago I ordered a free "Disney Vacation Planning DVD," and lately when it's been Ben's turn to choose his one video of the day, he has requested this DVD. He now knows all the rides and attractions at the theme park, and often tells me about them. The other day he said, "Mom, there are lots of things to do at Disneyland. You can watch a show, have some dinner, or go on some rides. They have rides for grown ups and rides for kids. . . ." This guy knows his Disneyland!

 

He does have a couple of minor misconceptions (he somehow got the idea, for example, that Anita lives at Disneyland, rather than just near it), but I think they’ll be easily cleared up once we get to California.

So, now our trip to visit Anita and her family is only a few days away.

Ben, who always thinks of everything, is preparing Janae so that she, too, will be able to get the most out of her experience. She has recently discovered the movie Cinderella, and Ben has taught her the names of all the princesses (there is a picture of Cinderella with Belle, Sleeping Beauty, Ariel, Pocahontas, Sleeping Beauty, and Mulan on the back of the DVD).

The other day they were listening to a song on Cinderella's bonus features titled "Every Girl Can Be a Princess," and I heard Ben telling Janae, "See, Janae--you can be a princess and live at Disneyland someday."

 

It is so sweet to hear her sing “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes” and funny to watch her pretend to be Cinderella’s step-sister Anastasia.

These kids are going to have so much fun at Disneyland . . . and Jason and I can’t wait, either!