Disneyland Day 2011

About 2 years ago, Brit and I went to Disneyland. It was our first time being there together as a family. We loved it so much that we decided we were going to invent our own annual holiday centered around bringing family together at the most magical place on earth. We decided we would call it Disneyland Day. In 2010, we invited all of our immediate family to join us at the park. We had SO much fun. Kim, Cheryl, Chad, Rachel, Craig, Cindy, Brandon, Jon, Savanna, Nick & his friend Jake were all there. It was great. This year we wanted to include extended family, and that may have been the best decision we ever made! We knew people weren't going to be able to make it on such short notice, but we wanted to involve them, so we came up with Mouse Hunt. We had hoped at least 5 or so people would play. Obviously, a lot more than that joined in on the fun, and it was such a blessing to be receiving weekly emails from grandparents, aunts, cousins, parents, etc... Even if it was over something as trivial as a mouse, it was so good to hear from you all.

Then there was the fierce competition that developed as a result of the tricky weekly questions. We had so much fun choosing which facts to quiz you on, then to watch the answer roll in within minutes of asking. It was more fun than we could have ever imagined. Finally the breakfast arrived. Zapperman (Kim), Miss Nemesis (Savanna) and The Comeback King (Chad) all showed up to IHOP fully decked out in costume. It was priceless.

A few weeks back I had asked the family to answer some simple opinion questions about the park. Your answers were used to create a family feud like final/ultimate/epic challenge for the finalists of the mouse hunt competition. The 3 players were to guess the most popular answers to the questions that we asked you in a game of Disney Family Feud. A few examples that you all chose were: Pirates of the Caribbean as the favorite Disneyland ride (6 votes); Soarin' as the California Adventure favorite ride (10 votes); and Teacups as the ride most likely to make you sick (13 votes). We had the contestants answer 5 questions as a group and in the final round, they each gave their best guesses to the 6 remaining questions.

Numbers were tallied and Miss Nemesis squeezed by Zapperman winning by 2 points. She received a one-of-kind-trophy that had been hand carved by Michael, mouse ears with "2011 Mouseketeer" on the back, and a first place certificate. Zapperman took 2nd and won a small crystal sculpture of Sleeping Beauty's Castle and a second place certificate, and Comeback King took 3rd winning a custom, one-of-a-kind deck of Disney playing cards with "Disneyland Day 2011" printed on the back. It was a really fun finish to an amazing competition.

The digital winner ended up being The Turtle (Cindy). She barely beat out Marianne and Grandpa for her claim to fame. She had the most points out of those who could not come to the park. She will be receiving her prize in the mail shortly.

Everyone who attended received a Mickey Mouse bag that included a home made Mickey mouse rice-crispy-treat, tie-dye Disney shirts and a cd with music inspired by the different lands of Disneyland (mixed beautifully by Savanna). Everyone who played should be getting one of those cds either in the mail, or by personal delivery soon.

Those who made it to the park this year know how great it was! Seriously it was a day to remember. Kim, Cheryl, Chad, Rachel, Stephanie, Zack, Zoey, Jon and Savanna were all there. Having the kids there added such a great spirit. Unfortunately Grandma and Grandpa had to cancel their reservations last minute due to back trouble with Grandma. It was precautionary but keep her in your prayers. There absence was the only damper on the weekend. We love them so much and hope they, and all of you, can make it next year.

CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL OF THE PICTURES WE TOOK

The best part about all of this had nothing to do with the rides (which were wonderful) and everything to do with the people. Thank you all so much for making this one of the most enjoyable experiences we have had as a married couple. Please mark your calendars for next year and come with us on a family trip that you won't ever forget!!