First off, we could not have done this trip if my older son hadn't easily passed for 7. There aren't really any attractions that allow 4 in one row of a vehicle. So, yes, my son was 7 for the day. And he acted every bit as mature as he needed to. It wasn't a choice I wanted to make, but it was the only choice that would allow all of my kids to enjoy the day while their daddy was passed out in bed moaning like death warmed over. So, please try not to judge. As I said, I don't like the choice I had to make, but that's that.
So, first off, we went on Mater's Junkyard Jamboree. The twins rode with my and my oldest rode by himself. My boys enjoyed it, but my daughter was less than thrilled. Perhaps it has to do with her being the smallest and being smashed between her brother and me. Other great rides we went on included the Chew-Chew train, Monster's Inc., and the Little Mermaid. Our options for rides were very limited.
We also managed to visit Santa Claus over in the wilderness area. When we arrived, it was about a 20 minute wait. Somehow, my kids were all calm and patient. Santa was great, too. Even my oldest decided this was definitely the real Santa since he looked so much better than the mall Santas.
The highlight of our trip was the Disney Jr. show. While my oldest is bordering on being too old for it, even he enjoyed this show where kids sit on the floor and all their favorite Disney Jr. characters (or at least the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse gang, Jake and the Neverland Pirates, Sofia the First, and Doc McStuffins) come out to sing and dance and celebrate Minnie's birthday. My 2-year-olds loved it and were singing and dancing right along. When the bubbles and confetti flew from the sky, they were in heaven.
By lunchtime it was pretty crowded and my 2-year-old boy was displeased at having to ride in the stroller. He had pulled one of his stubborn "refusal to move" tantrums right in the middle of a busy walkway. Oh, the joys of parenthood! So, when my oldest decided he wanted to leave and go to McDonald's for lunch, I jumped on the opportunity. We grabbed some McDonalds on Harbor Blvd. and went back to the hotel to check on Daddy and get some rest. Five hours with 3 kids and me in a busy theme park though? I felt pretty accomplished.
Thankfully, my husband felt well enough to keep the little ones for a while in the afternoon since they needed a nap and rest time anyway, so I returned with my oldest and spent a little time in Disneyland, just the 2 of us. Let me tell you though. It is no joke when crowd levels between a 9 and 10 descent on the parks. By 2PM, we could barely walk. And, there was even a line for Tarzan's Treehouse, which is just ridiculous (and was the one thing my son really wanted to do). We managed to get the treehouse and the teacups in, but all else was far too packed. So, after our second viewing of the Christmas parade and a very long wait for a circle tour on the monorail, we took off, grabbed Panera for dinner, and took it back to the sickie and our starving preschoolers.
Overall, it was a good day. Not perfect, but I am so glad I took my kids even if I did have to do it on my own. Parents, and especially those with multiples, I know the idea can be daunting. But, go out and do this for yourself and for your kids sometime. Even if it's hard and you're ready to have a breakdown, you will be glad to have done it. I'm not so scared of taking the three of them by myself anymore. So, some good did come of it. Word to the wise though--don't do this on a peak day. The crowds were unreal even if I had had help.
Edited to add: I'm sorry I never got a chance to talk about day 3 and day 4. Life got busy with the holidays. I promise to be back in 2017 with more stories.
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