Packed up (went pretty well); walked to Downtown Disney
Brunch at Ballast Point - We were looking for somewhere to eat, and found Ballast Point had a brunch menu. We sat outside and it was actually kind of hot. It was very good. I would do it again. After breakfast, we went back to the hotel to meet our transportation. They were right on time and very friendly and helpful. My parents rode with us to John Wayne airport. We got there pretty early, but it ended up fine. Overall, the day went fine and we made it back home without any issues.
Ellie’s Favorite part - being here with the whole family and Incredicoaster
Grady’s Favorite part - Rise of the Resistance
Momma’s favorite part - seeing Grady in Star Wars land, seeing Ellie on the Incredicoaster; riding Guardians
Daddy’s favorite part - haunted mansion holiday and Avengers Campus
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| Sending letters/lists to Santa |
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| Plane ride home |
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| We returned home and found our airport disintegrating. Can’t wait to the new airport. |
Trip Report:
Trip Speed and Tone - In the past, the trip speed and tone depended on group. Generally when my brother we would move much faster and try and do as much as possible. When he stopped us the first day at Jolly Holiday to slow down and take a more leisurely pace, we were shocked. It ended up being great, and we still got as much done as we wanted. It worked great for everyone and we had a wonderful time.
Grady with Characters - Grady has always been great with characters (see Captain America in the prior trip), but this time it went to the next level. He saw the Mandalorian twice, one time while Grady was wearing his Mando costume. He LOVED it, and we loved seeing him love it. Parents talk about the age of their kids going to Disney parks and are they too young? We have found 3-7 is the sweet spot and Grady has just gotten better and better. We had the same experience with Ellie and princesses.
Ellie in her element - Ellie has not been to Disney parks now 7 times (she is only 8 years old at the time of this trip), and she has really found her groove when were are there. She loves the parks and has an idea of what she wants to do, where she wants to go and when she wants to do it. She remembers previous trips and how they compare. She has become a very good traveler and very comfortable packing, going through airports and being on vacation. There are times when she is more herself on vacation than when she is at home.
Momma's keeping up with the Holks - When Lisa and I got married, she had been to Disney World once with her family as a kid and had no affinity for the company or the parks. She has now been about 10 times and has grown to love it there. Especially since we have had kids and have been able to experience it with them. She keeps up with announcements and updates through social media and arguably knows more about the seasonal and current events surrounding Disneyland than I do. She knows the treats and snacks she wants to find when we are there. I have enjoyed and been surprised by her Disney evolution.
Hotel - We stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott again this time. We love this hotel and it is amazing at Christmas. There is a scent they pump in the lobby that is quintessential Christmas. The rooms are great, with plenty of room. Our one complaint was the walk to and from seemed longer than past trips and it really affected my parents.
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