Maya's First Trip to Disneyland

Today we decided that it was time to take Maya to Disneyland. She has been really cognisant of her surroundings and shows a great deal of curiosity when exposed to something new, so we decided that it was time for some Disney stimulation. Teething issues aside, we decided that we were going to make the trip, and if she got really cranky, we would turn around and come right back. We bought season passes so that we could introduce her to the Disney fantasy in small doses. She was great! Maya napped on the way over, and when we got to the park, she was in great form...happy and full of laughs in the happiest place on earth. The stroller was her means of transportation, and we sat her up like a big girl with her sun hat so that she could see everything around her. She was wide-eyed and definitely curious. The noises and music, and masses of people caught her eye, and she would turn her head at every step. Brad, the Disney guru, decided to start her out slow, so off to Fantasy Land we went. Pinnochio was our first ride, followed by Alice in Wonderland. Maya was in awe of the black-lit animation, the darkness, and all the colors that each ride had. She was not afraid of the dark, or the pop-up characters, and in fact, smiled the whole way through. Not ever the "scary" mouth of the whale in Pinnochio phased her. She made waiting in line fun, interacting with other little kids and adults. After that we were off to Winnie the Pooh, where she took a power nap while waiting in line. By the time we got to the front, she was wide-eyed and bushy-tailed. We stopped and had lunch at the Bengal BBQ restaurant, where Brad and I feasted on carnivorous delights, and Maya feasted on organic sweet potatoes and milk. She was in fine spirits so we headed out to the Jungle Cruise, where she was awed by the creatures of the jungle. She even had an elephant spray water on her. After walking around Disneyland some more, we headed out to California Adventure and visited Bug's Land. I was determined to make this a memorable trip for Maya, and even resorted to some guerrilla tactics in tracking down some characters. We got to see Cruella DeVille, Eor, Pluto, and most of all, Miss Minnie Mouse. Maya recognizes Minnie because she is one of her favorite toys. After some strategic running and dodging, I managed to get second in line for a photo opportunity with Miss Mouse. Five hours later, achy feet oN Brad's and my part led us to the decision to head home. Maya was out like a light as soon as her head lay down in her car seat; she slept all the way home with a huge smile on her face and our promise to come back soon!

Maya and I on the trolley.













Brad and Maya at the ticket booth.













Since this was Maya's firs time at Disneyland, Daddy wanted to carry her into this special place.













There was a piano man fascinated with Maya, so he began to serenade her.













Daddy walking his little Maya Papaya into the world of fairy tales (Brad is in the red jacket).


Waiting in line at Alice in Wonderland.


All smiles on the Jungle Cruise.


Maya taking a power nap on Daddy's shoulder.


Stylin' on Main Street.


Daddy and Papaya running through the rain forest.


The Smiths' with Minnie Mouse.


Minnie signing Maya's autograph book.


Happy at the Happiest Place on Earth.