First of all, I have often said that Las Vegas is like Disneyland for grown-ups. I obviously didn't coin the phrase, but I do love me some Vegas. I'm like a kid at Disneyland when I'm there. But, the reason that phrase resonates so with me is because in the first place, I really really really love Disneyland. It's my special place.Second of all, Chris was actually in LV last week from Saturday through Thursday for a convention. Poor thing, what did he do with himself? (*insert sarcasm here*) Yes, I was jealous, are you kidding?? He was staying at the Mandalay Bay Hotel, which is where we got married, by the way. Best pool in Vegas, too. Wave pool, lazy river, etc.
So, in a sense we were both at our respective, "Happiest Place(s) on Earth."
I don't know about Chris (that whole, 'what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas stuff), but we had fun. Lots of it. Let me tell you more...
Ms. Kendall didn't go on any rides. 1) She's too little. 2) She would rather go up and down stairs or play with a giant ball shaped water fountain (see pictures above and below.)
A little red, white, and blue in honor of the upcoming 4th of July holiday!
She literally played here for a good 1/2 hour.
So, there was one place at our fabulous hotel that had reasonably priced food. We ended up eating quite a few meals here. We had breakfast Wednesday morning before going in bright and early to Disneyland.
Fountain at Downtown Disney, just outside the gate to Disneyland.
Brandon posing with his light-up bubble blower.
Brandon wanted some Mickey ears, which I approved of. You have to have at least one pair of personalized Mickey ears in your life, don't you? Kendall would never wear a hat, but she is used to hair clips, so when I saw these fuzzy Minnie Mouse ears that clip in the hair, I had to have them!!
She wore them for a whole 20 minutes before ripping them out!
Rasta Mickey.
Let me talk about our hotel for a minute.
A little background: I have become quite spoiled with fancy hotels from all my trips to Las Vegas. 2 months ago Chris and I stayed at the Wynn hotel. Arguably one of the highest-rated and nicest hotels in the world. So, I have pretty high standards. I mean, I will stay in a Holiday Inn, don't get me wrong. I just...appreciate nicer accomodations.
So, we stayed at the Disney Grand California Hotel. It was fantastic! Definitely on par with what I am used to in LV, but geared completely towards families having a blast together. Here is why I loved it:
1) the pool. Or pools. 3 pools, one with a giant waterslide, a kiddie pool, 2 large jacuzzis, tons of comfy lounge chairs and umbrellas, and poolside drink and food service. And everything was clean!
2) The guest room was flawless. Tons of plush pillows, nice linens, and beautifully decorated in the Mission style.
3) Giant lobby with fireplace, TV playing Disney movies with little chairs for the kids, tons of seating to relax with friends and family, a bar that also serves coffee and snacks, gift shop, and direct access to Downtown Disney.
4) Special gate within the hotel to access Disney California Adventure park.
5) Super friendly employees.
Our room had 2 queen beds and a cute little balcony overlooking the pool areas. Kendall really enjoyed walking in and out of the room and onto that balcony.
Day 1 we made the requisite Mickey Mouse visit and picture. I have no idea why I am making this face.
Mickey's house was quite fun to explore.
But, the pool...ah, the pool. What fun! Here is Kendall and gammy enjoying the kiddie pool.
And Brandon loved this pool with the water slide...
We al loved the poolside snacks!
We had so much fun! It was so memorable. I have to say thank you to my mom for making this trip happen. Thanks, MoM! We have so many great memories to treasure from this vacation...I look forward to the day when we return with more family (baby). Until then, goodbye, Disney!
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