Worth it. For a few reasons: (1) Wizarding World of Harry Potter, (2) by waiting a year, we no longer have any kids wearing diapers or taking naps, (3) the youngest kid is barely over 40 inches tall, which qualified her for riding almost everything.
So here's the trip rundown:
DAY 1 — Sunday, October 9
Drive to California
Almost all of the bags were packed the night before so we could get an early start. We ate a quick bowl of cereal and grabbed a few last-minute things before we jumped in the van and started south. The girls had never been south of Provo before, so it was interesting to see (and watch them see) the scenery along the way.
Seth and I took turns driving and keeping the driver company. We read to each other, played Trivial Pursuit, conversed and retrieved snacks and drinks. The girls watched movies, listened to/read books, played with the little toys Grandma Susan had sent with them and looked at/colored/filled out the activity books Grandpa Scott and I had gotten.
Most of the day was without incident. But one little happening near St. George livened things up a bit.
Seth was driving on a stretch of freeway that was two lanes and 80 MPH. We were in the left lane behind a white car. A truck carrying metal patio furniture was in front of the car. Another vehicle was in the right lane behind us. Seth and I were chatting when the car in front of us slammed on the brakes. Seth slammed on ours, the tires squealed, and I thought for sure we were going to hit the white car. The white car veered onto the left shoulder, and in an instant we saw what was going on. The furniture in the truck hadn't been tied down in any way, and two of the chairs had flown out onto the interstate. The white car braked and veered to avoid hitting the chairs. Seth had to do some careful maneuvering to avoid hitting the car (which was avoiding the chairs), the chairs and the vehicle in the right lane. Thankfully, we made it through all right, despite unavoidably running over a flat part of the chair (which had dismantled on impact).
All of this took about 5 seconds. Still driving along the freeway, Seth asked if everyone was okay. I answered in the affirmative, then starting shaking and crying. The girls all answered nonchalantly, but at the next exit, we pulled off to check the van and breathe. I know we could have been involved in a very serious accident
— crashing into the white car, crashing into the furniture and/or crashing into the vehicle in the other lane. But we had made it through safely.
Once we got back in the car, I offered a prayer of gratitude on behalf of the family. It was obvious that the Lord had been watching over us.
After that, it was fairly smooth (but long) sailing. We marveled at the changing landscapes and pointed out the differences between our hometown and what we were seeing as we drove through southern Utah, Arizona, Nevada and California.
When we stopped for gas and a bathroom break in Nevada, the girls marveled at how hot it was. They also had to run over and touch a palm tree. Another time we stopped at probably the only gas station in the west charging $4+/gallon (while paying roughly $2.50/gallon at every other gas station in all five states we visited). Then we experienced honest-to-goodness bumper-to-bumper traffic all 226 miles from Primm, Nevada, to Buena Park, California. (It just makes me appreciate the emptiness Idaho has to offer all the more.)
We stopped in Barstow for dinner, then carried on to our hotel in Buena Park where, after a short delay ("I don't have a room reserved under your name?" "Ummm ... what?! Wait, is it under my parents' name?" "Ah yes, here it is."), we hauled our stuff up to our room (which was inexplicably decorated with birthday streamers) and crashed for the night.
DAY 2 — Monday, October10
California Adventure
Shirt of the day: tie-dye. (My parents opted out of the pre-made custom shirts, by the way. I DID offer to make them.) Seth, Analee, Miriam and Winnie chose to do a spiral. Bekah did a bulls-eye. I did stripes. Jessica (not pictured) did ombre.
My parents and sister had arrived shortly after us and had checked into their rooms the night previous, so we met them for breakfast at the hotel before driving to Anaheim.
Andrea putting a lid on Winnie's milk while Miriam and Analee eat their breakfast by the pool.
Then we drove to the Toy Story parking lot, got on the bus, unloaded outside the park and started the long process of going through security and getting into California Adventure.
We had bought our admissions online ahead of time (with the help of Disney gift cards and Target's 5% off all purchases with their red card), but we had to get our print-outs scanned and exchanged for tickets. (Winnie's expression is priceless.)
Our first stop: getting World of Color Fast Passes. Bad idea. When we redeemed them that evening, we crammed ourselves into the hoards of other people who had also received Fast Passes (just how many do they hand out ... a million?!) and then changed our minds and opted to watch the World of Color from the backside where we had tons of room to stretch out and breathe.
But then we rode some rides. And we had some fun.
Rebekah, Analee and Andrea getting wet on Grizzly River Run.
Aunt Jessica and Rebekah. Grandpa captures great expressions when he shoots pictures.
Miriam riding the tire swing at Grizzly Peak Recreation Area.
Rebekah helping Winnie off her pink dolphin on the carousel.
Winnie, Aunt Jessica and Miriam waiting for the rest of our party outside A Bug's Land.
Seth and Winnie on Heimlich's Chew Chew Train.
Rebekah, Andrea and Grandma Scott watching the Pixar parade while waiting in line for a ride.
Yeah, we watched World of Color backwards, but see all that roomy room around us? If we had stayed on the other side, we would have been crammed in like sardines.
Things we learned at California Adventure (it was the first time for everyone):
- There are tons of people there on Columbus Day.
- We should have gone straight for Radiator Springs Raceways Fast Passes (the 120-minute wait kept us from going on this ride at all) and skipped the World of Color Fast Passes altogether.
- Winnie doesn't mind heights and thinks the Jumpin' Jellyfish ride is an absolute gas.
- The slightest bit of wind can shut down the Golden Zephyr (we had just boarded and buckled when they announced they were shutting it down).
- Churros are delicious. Ariel's Undersea Adventure seems like an innocuous ride, but Ursula is terrifying for young kids.
- Shady places are prime real estate during mealtimes.
- California Screamin' is AWESOME.
- Use everybody's tickets to get Fast Passes for rides, even if they're too small/scared to go on them. Seth and I used Bekah's and Ana's Fast Passes for California Screamin' and got to go twice in a row because the girls decided they didn't want to go.
- Soaring Around the World is a must, and it's a great ride for all ages.
DAY 3 — Tuesday, October 11
Disneyland
Shirt of the day: Star Wars quotes. Rebekah: "I don't know where you get your delusions, laserbrain" with Princess Leia silhouette. Seth: "Who's scruffy looking?" with Han Solo silhouette. Analee: "Yub nub!" with Ewok silhouette. Miriam: "The Force is strong with this one" with Darth Vadar silhouette. Winnie: "Judge me by my size, do you?" with Yoda silhouette. Andrea: "It's against my programming to impersonate a deity" with C3PO silhouette. (Not pictured) Jessica: "You do have your moments. Not many of them, but you do have them" with Princess Leia silhouette.
Three occupants of our hotel room got an extremely early start this morning when Seth woke up to the sounds of Miriam throwing up in the bed she was sharing with Winnie. The combination of late nights, being away from home and eating snacks all day caught up with her around 3 a.m. Seth woke me up (I sleep with earplugs when we're away from home) and we sprang (springed? sprung? sproinged?) into action. The ice bucket quickly became a catch-all, new bed linens were delivered by the front desk, and Seth and I utilized the paper towels, towels, wipes, bathtub and sinks (bathroom and kitchen) to clean up the mess and the child and get everyone back in bed. Gratefully that was the only upchucking episode for Miriam.
We thought we were being so smart by avoiding Disneyland on Columbus Day and going the day after. We. Were. Wrong. There were throngs of people EVERYWHERE. It was quite frustrating, but it didn't shut down all the fun.
Rebekah burying her face in her hood on the bus between parking and Disneyland. After two long days and late nights, the girls were tired Tuesday morning.
Aunt Jessica, Seth, Andrea and Miriam (the other girls are hiding in the back) on the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage.
Rebekah, Seth and Analee at the bottom of Tarzan's Treehouse.
The throngs of people waiting to ride Pirates of the Caribbean. We came in October to avoid the crowds! (I guess everyone checked the same crowd predictors and read the same blogs that I did.)
Rebekah and Analee on the Casey Jr. Circus Train. They wanted to ride on the very back. Miriam and Grandma and Grandpa Scott went with them. Winnie chose the monkey cage. Seth, Andrea and Aunt Jessica went with her.
Analee, Rebekah, Miriam and Seth dance to the music at the top of the Dumbo ride.
Winnie with her musical light-up Ariel bubble wand. We allotted the girls $40 each for souvenirs on the trip. Both Winnie and Miriam chose these wands as one of their trinkets. They had a blast with them.
Things we learned our first day in Disneyland:
- Bubbles can stain shirts.
- Our shirts were the bomb. Several employees commented on them. We saw lots of people who would read each one as they passed our group.
- Despite her fear of heights, Miriam can overcome them enough for Dumbo with the encouragement of her grandparents.
- If you lose a contact (Rebekah), it's best to take the remaining one out.
- If you don't have your contacts in (Rebekah), it's hard to tell there are pirates on Pirates of the Caribbean.
- Dole whips are as good as everyone says they are.
- Indiana Jones is less scary with your eyes closed (according to Miriam).
- Star Tours is fun and hilarious for all ages.
DAY 4 — Wednesday, October 12
Universal Studios
Shirt of the day: Harry Potter quotes. Rebekah: "We could have all been killed, or worse — expelled" with Hermione silhouette. Miriam: "We've never blown up a toilet. Good idea thought, thanks, Mum" with Fred and George silhouettes. Seth: "Ron got splinched" with divided Ron silhouette. Analee: "Why couldn't it have been 'follow the butterflies'?" with Ron silhouette. Winnie: "Dobby will have to shut his ears in the oven door for this" with Dobby silhouette. Andrea: "Don't let the Muddles get you down" with Ron silhouette. Aunt Jessica: "Twitchy little ferret, aren't you Malfoy?" with Hermione silhouette. (Also, Grandma Scott in a lovely blue shirt with white flowers.)
After the drive from our hotel to Hollywood (1.5 hours to go 30 miles?!), we arrived at Universal Studios.
Getting our first look at Hogsmeade. Amazing.
But so many people! My dream would be to have this place to myself.
Doling out snacks while in line for Forbidden Journey. Incredible ride. And we loved and appreciate the child switch so Winnie could wait in line with us and experience Hogwarts but have a safe place to wait while both halves of our party went on the ride.
Winnie getting a better look at the Triwizard spirit rally atop Andrea's head.
Sporting 3D glasses while waiting for Despicable Me Minion Mayhem.
Andrea, Miriam and Analee posing with Gru. It took all the self-restraint I have to stand next to him and get my picture taken. I have this thing about people in masks. People whose faces I can't see. People who could be anybody beneath that giant foam head.
Winnie and Miriam getting wet by the Jurassic Park ride. Winnie was too short to ride and Miriam opted out. They played in the dino play area for a while, but soon got bored. So we walked around and found other ways to amuse ourselves. After getting wet, we moved to the very end of the ride where Miri enjoyed standing on the sideline and shouting, "Thanks for coming on this ride, and have a good day!" to the ride-goers.
Seth, Winnie and Miriam by Dora.
Things we learned at Universal Studios (first time for everyone):
- You do, in fact, see the Hollywood sign while driving from Buena Park to Universal. Analee was very excited to see it.
- After such a long wait (40 minutes), the Flight of the Hippogriff was quite underwhelming.
- Butterbeer and pumpkin juice are pretty dang good.
- Ana can find a keychain with her name spelled correctly (only one N) at Universal.
- Going on a roller coaster backwards (like The Mummy) makes Andrea laugh uproariously.
- Matching shirts are also helpful for finding members of your party. After we got to the dino play area, I showed Winnie where I would be sitting. Five minutes later, she couldn't find me and panicked. (I hadn't moved, mind you.) The employee overseeing the play area was easily able to find her mom because of our shirts.
- The splash park in Super Silly Fun Land is very splashy. And maybe the dad will allow the younger kids to play in it despite not having brought "getting wet clothes." And maybe they'll get sopping wet in 5 minutes and decide they're cold and finished. And maybe they'll remain wet for the rest of the time they're in the park.
- Universal Studios includes an Upper Lot and Lower Lot. It takes four escalators and 10 minutes to get from one to the other. Rebekah has the stamina to run up the four sets of stairs that run parallel to the escalators. Andrea has the stamina to run up two sets of stairs, ride one escalator and walk up another. Grandpa Scott has the stamina to run up two sets of stairs, walk up one set of stairs and ride one escalator.
- When caravaning around L.A., it's easy to lose each other. Somehow Grandpa Scott ended up in front of us on the way back to the hotel, and when we tried to switch lanes to get in front of them, we got hopelessly separated. We also saw a completely torched out car on the highway on our way back and the remains of its extinguishment across all four lanes.
- Gru
- Minions
- Agnes and Margot (from Despicable Me)
- Dora the Explorer
- Sideshow Bob
- Donkey (from Shrek)
- Princess Fiona
Celebrity sighting at Universal over one day:
- Mario Lopez (getting ready to film something inside the gate)
- Mark Ruffalo (getting bothered by a lady in line for butterbeer: "Hi! Hi! Hi! (To her friends:) He said, 'Hi!' to me!")
DAY 5 — Thursday, October 13
Disneyland
Shirt of the day: Disney character bleach art. Aunt Jessica: Belle. Grandma Scott in her unmatching but lovely B&W shirt. Rebekah: Merida. Andrea: Megara. Seth: Kuzco. Winnie: Peter Pan. Analee: Mickey Mouse. Miriam: Stitch.
We made use of our Magic Morning and were in the park by 7:30. This helped us get on more rides by noon than we had all day Tuesday. We divided and conquered early on this day with Seth taking Miriam and Winnie to Fantasyland while the rest of us went on the bigger rides.
Grandma Scott, Rebekah and Analee at the Matterhorn.
Andrea and Analee on Thunder Mountain Railroad.
Miriam hamming it up while waiting to board the Jungle Cruise.
We found a praying mantis in New Orleans Square.
Winnie didn't want to stand in line to get a picture with Goofy, but she would pose in the stroller with Goofy in the background.
Rebekah, Winnie, Aunt Jessica and Miriam at Pixie Hollow.
Seth and Analee on Main Street.
After we'd finished our day's rides and shopping, we stopped to regroup when a Disney marching band came over and parked themselves right in front of us. So we enjoyed the music.
Andrea dancing with Miriam.
Analee listening while Winnie dances.
Miriam dancing with Seth.
We left the park earlier this day than any other, so we weren't eating dinner nearly as late. We took advantage of that to go with our entire group to Dicky's and eat delicious meat and ice cream.
Things we learned our second day in Disneyland:
- The $7 corn dogs are quite good (as well they should be for costing $7).
- Ghost Galaxy (in my opinion) is not as cool as Space Mountain. (I know, I know ... same ride. But I think the "ghosts" are not as cool as the "space.")
- The Haunted Mansion may be too intense for young'uns, every other time of year, but when it's made over to be The Nightmare Before Christmas, it will be the favorite.
- When the Indiana Jones rides stalls and you're right below a silent and wriggling Indy on the end of a rope, it's hilarious.
- It's disheartening to spend $15 on dinner the night before (Little Caesar's pizza) for 6 people and then $62 on lunch the next day (6 corn dogs and 3 drinks).
- Mary Poppins
- Bert
- Nick (from Zootopia)
- Sofia
- Goofy
- Donald Duck
- Chip & Dale
- Woody
- Jessie
- Rabbit (from Winnie the Pooh)
DAY 6 — Friday, October 14
Huntington Beach
Shirt of the day: Beach wear.
Grandma, Grandpa and Aunt Jessica had to leave southern California this day so they could attend the priesthood ordination of a nephew in Washington on Sunday, so we ate breakfast with them at the hotel and wished them safe travels.
Breakfast by the pool.
We took it easy in the hotel room watching TV while it warmed up outside, then we loaded up our beach things and headed to the ocean. It was the first time that any of our girls had seen the ocean, and they were a little overwhelmed by it at first.
Winnie getting rescued by Seth after being knocked over by the waves.
Analee gagging on seawater.
Andrea and Winnie staying warm on shore.
Seth played with the girls in the water while I supervised our supplies and those on land. Winnie got cold after 5 minutes in the water and spent a lot of time on the beach drying out and playing. After the sun rose above the fog (smog?), it warmed up more and she returned to the water. But oh boy, did she return to the water. As it washed over her, she summoned all her courage and shouted ("Towanda!" style), "I am doing it! I am so brave!"
Miriam and the boogie board she bought at D.I. a few days before the trip.
Bekah riding a wave into shore.
Analee and one of the seashells she found.
My view from the beach.
After lunch at In-N-Out (another first for everybody), we took it easy again in the hotel room until dinner time. Once the girls were in bed, Seth remembered the geocaching trackable we had found in Idaho and brought with us all the way to California. We had meant to find a cache earlier in the day, but it had slipped our minds. So in the dark in Buena Park, Seth went out on his own in his pajamas to find a nearby cache in a hedge next to a fence next to a vacant lot and community garden and deposit it there.
Things we learned on our beach day:
- The sound of waves is every bit as wonderful and peaceful as the white noise machines made them out to be.
- Sand chafes. Badly.
- Seawater tastes nasty.
- To find the big seashells, you have to get in the water and feel them out with your feet.
- Kelp makes good jump ropes.
DAY 7 — Saturday, October 15
Drive home
This was quite uneventful, minus Analee's carsickness. Although she managed to remain puke-free on the drive down and on all the rides throughout the week, the drive through northern California did her in this time.
No near crashes, only one emergency potty break on the side of the road (Winnie), a stop in Layton for dinner and donuts and another geocache, and we made it home safely.
To see more pictures from our trip, scroll down in our Fall 2016 album here.