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Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Disneyland Giveaway


The Holiday Season is coming a wee bit early, for one special Just Spotted reader. Are you getting giddy yet? Well you should! Just Spotted, with a little help from the Disneyland Resort, is inviting one very lucky Just Spotted reader to start the holiday season off with a bang! Are you feeling the tingles yet? One Just Spotted reader is going to be chosen to join C & I (and our families), to celebrate the Holidays at the Happiest Place on Earth on November 21st. Yep! You read that correctly... If you win, YOU & THREE guests will be invited to attend a very special Holiday Celebration at the Disneyland Resort. Not only will you get to experience all the wonderful holiday decor in the park firsthand, but you will also participate in some very special activities planned just for YOU! Are you excited yet? Because I am! I'm beyond excited... I'm thrilled, ecstatic & jumping for joy!

Still in shock about our HUGE announcement? Are you pinching yourself, still trying to decide if your dreaming? Well you don't have to take our word for it. Feel free to watch as Mrs. Clause (wife of the famed Mr. Clause) makes the announcement herself...



Ready to enter? Here's the low-down on how to play & all the nitty-gritty details:
* You have until Midnight PST on THURSDAY, October 15th, 2009 to play our little game, that could ultimately get YOU invited to the "Happiest Holiday Celebration on Earth."
* Simply leave a comment on THIS post, telling us about your favorite Disney memory, story or even wish... maybe it's the first time you & your daughter watched Cinderella together. Or perhaps, you're looking forward to seeing the excitement on your little one's face when he meets Mickey Mouse for the very first time. What ever it is, share it HERE, with us.
* An "anonymous" panel of judges (definitely not C or K, we'd never be able to make up our minds) will choose their favorite memories, stories & wishes as our "finalists."
* On Monday, October 19th - Monday, October 26th, we will post the "finalists'" memories, stories & wishes and YOU (the public) will get to vote on your absolute favorite.
* The person who's memory, story, or wish, that most touches the hearts of our readers, or makes them laugh the hardest (a.k.a. the person with the most votes) will be announced Tuesday, October 27th, 2009.
* Anyone can enter (so tell your friends), although anonymous comments will be ignored unless accompanied by an email address.
* Please, just one entry per person.
* The person chosen to to be guests of Just Spotted will receive FREE park entry for themselves & THREE guests (for a maximum of 4 people), including parking for one vehicle. Any other travel, transportation or accommodation costs will not be included.
* FREE entry is valid on November 21st, 2009 only, this is non-transferable.

Good Luck to all & may the "force" be with you.

xoxo, C, K & the Disneyland Resort

p.s. Want to increase your chances of being chosen for this ultra-fabulous, one-of-a-kind Disney Holiday Adventure? These fabulous ladies are also hosting giveaways: 

65 comments:

divrchk said...

We were just at Disney World last month. We were supposed to be there from Saturday to Saturday but my daughter got the flu on Tuesday and we had to leave early. I did not get enough Disney!

Kat said...

We took our two daughters, ages 4 1/2 and 2 months to Disneyland a few years back. We happily went on "It's a Small World" (after all the whole family could enjoy together). I assumed my two month old would simply be content to be held and not really pay attention to the ride, but that wasn't the story. She was held to my husbands chest, facing him, but once she saw all of the wonderful decorations and singing children, her head flew back and she sat that way, slack jawed, watching the entire ride. I have a great close up shot of it on my computer that makes me smile EVERY time I see it. It never gets old!

Julie {Angry Julie Monday} said...

Last year, we went to Disneyland on Halloween. We got there at opening. My husbands aunt, her daughters, and their children were there. My husbands grandmother decided at the last minute to surprise everyone and come up for the trip too. We had three generations of family hanging out at Disneyland. The best part, my husband's grandmother went on The Tower of Terror at California Adventure, just to hang out with her grandkids.

Disney with family, it doesn't get any better than that.

Shannon R said...

I can't believe I'm posting this embarrassing moment in my childhood so many years ago, but the point is I'm not actually embarrassed about it. Hope that makes sense.

My grandparents lived near Disneyland when I was little and my brother and I would usually get to go to that very special place each summer with them. I was about five at the time, a very tall five year old (think 8 year old height). My older brother and dad went on Thunder Railroad and came back telling me how much fun it was. :)

I was intrigued (my 5 year old self) and asked my grandpa to go with me. I really don't think that ride is meant for 5 year olds. ;) I got so scared that I peed my pants (not a ton, but enough) and started crying and instead of anyone around me laughing, this is the chain of events that followed:

Grandpa and I stepped out of the roller coaster and my grandpa got a drink (not sure if it was his or someone else's, but it was right away) and he poured it on himself. Not to look like he peed, but to look like he spilled on himself and me. He asked me if I wanted to go home to change and I said I was ok. My brother, who was notorious for making fun of me and teasing me, did not say a word. The two of us, my grandpa and I, walked around the park with our wet pants and enjoyed the rest of the day together.

This is such a great memory because I know that if it would have happened anywhere else I would been made fun of or stared at, but we were at Disneyland and not one person made a comment. Believe me, I remember cranky, rude people's comments and I don't remember one.

It was just a magical day and I can't wait to make a magical day for my own children and my husband (who still has not been to Disneyland). Hopefully I won't have to pour a drink on my pants to do it, but I would do it if I needed to. I love the feeling you have the night before you know you are going, unable to sleep or concentrate on anything except what you think it will be like, the feeling you get when you enter those gates and finally the most amazing feeling you get when you see that favorite character give you all the attention for that special moment. It's what I want for my girls and my hubby. :)

Hope this isn't too long but I hope have a chance at winning.

Lin said...

My wish would be to be able to take my 3yr old god-daughter to Disneyland. My hubs & I have season passes & everytime she finds out we went she cries about us not taking her with us. Her mom is currently going through some financial difficulties so she hasnt been able to take her.

All she ever talks about is how she cant wait to meet Minnie, Mickie & Goofy. She's so funny, she actually thinks Goofy is a real dog & she keeps saying how she's going to teach him to fetch, roll over & stand on his hind legs. I love the innocence kids have & it would be amazing to finally be able to take her to meet her favorite characters.

Stephanie said...

My favorite memory is simple...watching the fireworks for the first time.

Stephanie@eyeballgirl.com

Shannon said...

Hi its the Samples Family and first I wanted to say I love your blog I have it as my homepage. Our family loves Disneyland. We try to go as much as possibly with our two boys Jackson 3 & Alexander 4 Months. Right now our favorite moment at Dland is all the candy corn veggies & Halloween Cheer, they always have a way of kicking off the holiday sprite what every holiday it is.. Thanks Shannon,Joe, Jackson & Alexander

bethany said...

Last year my husband and I decided it was time to start saving up to take our children to Disneyland. Our little boy is obsessed with all things Disney and we were excited to introduce him and our daughter to the magic of the Parks. Our goal was to have enough money saved by October '09 (this month) for the vacation. Unfortunately, in April my husband was suddenly laid off from his job and we ended up using our Disney money to pay essential bills. After a long stint of unemployment and an out of state move for a new job, we made the decision that we just don't have extra money to spend. So no Disney trip this year. Dave Ramsey would be so proud :) We have started saving again, but would love to be able to share in what sounds like an amazing day for FREE! :) It would definitely make up (and some!) for our untaken vacation.
Thanks so much for offering such a wonderful opportunity!

L said...

I took my darling niece to Disneyland to meet the princesses for the first time. She loved the princesses and was a little nervous to meet them. She would see them in the distance and have a practice conversation with them... “Hi, my name is Autumn. I like your dress...” but was just too shy to go up to them and meet them. Finally, later on in the day, she mustered up the courage to go talk to Snow White. Snow White said to her “If you could have ANY wish in the whole world, what would it be?” She nervously tried to think of an answer and was surprised when “a basket of carrots!” came flying out of her mouth! It was precious... and so memorable.

Allison said...

I took my oldest daughter to Disneyland for the first time a year and a half ago - she was three years old. We got into the park right when it opened, and we were so excited we could hardly stand it!

I rushed over to Pirates of the Carribbean, thinking that would be a great place to start without any lines. Little Anna was so excited. We got on the ride and it was dark - very dark.

I remembered Pirates as a "Yo ho, yo ho" type of ride. I forgot it can be a bit scary. She started crying when she saw a skull right before a drop in the ride. And she didn't stop until we got off the ride.

All day I felt so horrible that her very first Disney ride was one she cried all the way through! But we had a great day anyway, and now she loves Pirates.

NSMOM said...

We took my twin boys to Disneyland for their 4th birthday as part of the free-birthday-entrance promotion. My boys don't watch TV and have only seen a few Pixar videos so the Disney characters were not familiar to them. When we asked the twins club for tips for our Disneyland visit, many suggested the character breakfast. So we went ahead and did that. Definitely the highlight of the day. I was so surprised at how much they LOVED the characters and also I was pleasnatly impressed with how gentle and great the characters were with the young children. The boys were scarred of Captain Hook so when we waved him on, he immediately got it and never came close to the boys. The boys fell in love with Eyeore, Minnie, etc. It was such a great hour and hard to beat for the best Disney moment to date.

Unknown said...

Tj and Amy said...
well I remember BEGGING my parents to take me to disneyland over and over since we lived in California at the time. I had 6 other brother and sisters so money was kindof tight. My parents finally set a date and I was so thrilled. I counted down the days even though it was months away I would keep asking my parents "How much Longer" finally the day arrived and we headed to disneyland and the first ride we went on was the tea cups I was sooo excited and unexpectedly I got super sick and barfed! Everywhere and couldn't enjoy disneyland. I was so sad my disneyland trip wasn't what I expected but I did get to meet mickey mouse which I loved. So I would absoluetly love to take my daughter. She loves rides and loves all the disney characters and I know would be in Heaven to get to experience Disneyland. Which I know will be a better one than mine! :) Thanks for the opportunity. Amy. amsbolda@hotmail.com

Libby said...

Growing up, my rowdy family of nine would pile into the car (Griswold style) every November and drive for two days to visit my aunt in Orange County. The obligatory day at Disneyland was always the best part of this adventure. It made the rest of the trip worthwhile.

When I was fourteen, we took the trip just like any other year. I was getting older and this was the first year that I was able to spend the whole day going on the rides with my two older brothers. I said goodbye to my mom and dad just after entering the park and I was off. We had a great day of running around.

Around lunch time I started to feel a little uncomfortable and took a trip to the ladies room. What in the world should happen on this day? My very first menstrual cycle showed up! I panicked and stuffed my undies full of toilet paper. After that I felt a little weird the rest of the day. I took frequent bathroom breaks. My brothers thought I was crazy.

During one of my pit stops, I was mortified to discover that my toilet paper wad was gone. It must have slid out of my shorts while we were running around. Yikes. I was mortified. That was the last straw. I made my brothers take me to have our mom paged over the loud speakers. She found us and whisked me off to "fix" my new problem.

At the time it was quite a traumatic experience. Looking back, I just have to laugh. I'll always remember that special day when I became a woman!

Amy M. said...

Disneyland and I have always shared milestone birthdays together. When I turned 10, my parents took me to Disneyland for their 30th anniversary. When I turned 30, I went to Disneyland for its 50th anniversary and got engaged while there. Now, I have a little one and I can't wait to start making Disney memories with him. As a full-time working mom, I feel like I miss out on so much with my son. I need to make some really lasting memories with him and it would mean the world to me to take him to Disneyland and celebrate together.

-Amy
Crafting by Candlelight

Caldwell Family said...

There is nothing better than spending some quality time as a family in one of the greatest and funnest (not sure it's a word, but it is when you talk Disney) place. I've been a couple of times and it's hard to pick the best memory; camping with 5 siblings and hanging out at the parks, going on my honeymoon to California and spending three days in Disney with a hubby who had never been, or taking a week long trip to Florida so our family of 9 and 3 friends to enjoy Disney World!

I think one of the best memories was my honeymoon. My hubby was a hoot to spend time with at the amusement park and we just had a blast. It was an off season time so there weren't tons of people. We were 19 and 22 and total goofs. Our favorite ride had to have been Space Mountain. I remember as a child going on that ride practically millions of times and loving it each time. Well, that is what my hubby and I did. We'd ride, get back in line (a very short line) and ride again. If you've ever been on that ride you'll know that the "start" and "end" points are quite a distance from each other. So here are two grown adults, still in the jittery phase of their marriage, giggling (chuckling for my hubby), skipping back to the start and enjoying every minute! What a great time!

Kayla
bmcaldwell@hotmail.com

Amy-Sue and Gian Del Bello said...

My favorite Disney memory was on October 26, 1996. My then boyfriend and I decided to take my parents to Disneyland for the morning. After going in the main gates we all walked to the Snow White Wishing Well to make a wish- a tradition he and I had since our first date to Disneyland. As I was making my wish I turned around to see him on one knee with a glass Cinderella shoe in one had with an engagement ring in it. He said a bunch of stuff...but I have a hard time remembering since I was in total shock of what was happening. I do remember him asking me to be his wife and me crying and saying yes! People cheered and my parents congratulated us (they were in on the surprise). But then I was further surprised by the bouquet of white roses that suddenly appeared out of the backpack my THEN finace had! So romantic, so perfect...and so Disney!!! We continue to love Disneyland and share many memories with our kids there as well-even 13 years later!

erika said...

We love Disneyland and when my son was 2 1/2 and my daughter 2 months old, a friend gave us free tickets to go. We were so excited for a free trip and to take our son who loved Mickey and all things Disney. When we got there, he freaked out. We pretty much had to force him on the rides. We had been working on potty training at the time and he actually stayed dry all day because, as he put it, "it is quiet in the bathroom." His favorite part of the day, when we told him we were going home. He cheered. It was very disappointing. We have been back since and he loves it now. It was too funny.

Thanks for the chance to go to the Happiest Place on Earth!

Roxanne Hack said...

I adore Disneyland. When I was in high school, my friends and I would go every weekend and hang out by the Matterhorn. Now, I go with my son, who just turned 1. He was only about 2 months old on his first trip, and he ended up sleeping through the fireworks (we were in front of Small World!). But the best memory I have with him so far is when he met Mickey for the first time. We were in Toon Town at Mickey's House, and we stood in that line for so very long. My son was getting restless, especially because it was pretty dark and he couldn't tell what was going on around him. But we finally got into that back room and the SECOND my boy saw Mickey standing there, a huge grin spread across his chubby little face. His legs started to literally shake, and he was pounding his little hands on my chest, he was so excited. When it was our turn to take a photo, we stood next to Mickey, and my son practically leaped out of my arms to touch him. He just kept grinning and giggling and reaching out to the Mouse, and couldn't have been a happier little boy. The photographer even said how he was the happiest baby they'd seen in a while. I was thrilled. My little boy loves Disneyland just as much as his mama! I can't wait for him to experience more and more of the happiest place on Earth.

Liz said...

We have not had a chance to take our children to Disney yet. I just keep having babies! But I have been myself a few times. In high school I was a band geek.And fortunately for me I belonged to a very good,award winning marching band. One year we all got to go on a summer trip to Disney.As you can imagine,a bunch of 14-17 year olds were having the time of their lives.My friend and I thought we were so cool so we left everyone else and went out on our own. We spotted some cute older boys ,so we decided to each buy a Mickey Mouse ice cream and sit on a bench so they could bask in our beauty. ;) We knew they were watching us,so we were all giggly. Until a big blob of white bird poop landed right in the middle of her forehead. Then it was my turn.We were mortified .Screaming and crying like teenage drama queens do.The boys (and everyone else,for that matter)saw us and laughed at us. We ran to the nearest bathroom and did our best to clean ourselves up.We spent the next few days know as the bird poop twins.Not funny.Well,not funny then.16 years later it is hilarious.I will never forget my Disney trip.

Flash Jorgensen said...

My in-laws live in Seal Beach so when we visit them we have always taken a trip up to Disneyland. This time in 2005 was no different. Even better, because this time we had our first little 2 year old girl with us that could actually catch a little of the magic that goes on there. It made it much more fun to share the experience with our first child.

We had forgotten our stroller so we rented one that the park offers. As you may know the strollers do not have handy-dandy cup holders. So, our solution to this problem was to fold back the top of it and rest our drinks in the fold. It seemed to work great. That was until about 5pm when my husband pulled our little girl out of the stroller to find that she was soaked. What the heck? Had it been that long since we last changed her? Are we such bad parents that we totally neglected our parent duties because we were distracted by the attractions at Disneyland? NOPE, it was our drink. It had slowly leaked down the back of the stroller and she was soaked from top to bottom in diet coke! Nice!

My husband took his frustration out by throwing the cup into the bushes and mumbling something like, "Looks like we'll be leaving sooner rather than later." A park manager watched us from a distance and immediately ran up to see what the problem was. As you know, Disneyland is psycho about cleanliness and to have a guest throw a cup into the bushes is not a good thing. He approached us and asked what he could do to help. We explained the problem and that we did not have a change of clothes. Our daughter was chilled from being all wet and we couldn't stay.

He frantically went searching for the smallest piece of clothing for us and brought back a 50th anniversary sweatshirt with the Disney Princesses on it. It being a "small" fit her like a dress would, but it did the job. And we didn't mind the "freebie" especially when they sell for over $50 in their stores for a sweatshirt like this. It being so big meant it got a lot of use over the years as well. So, we didn't have to leave sooner, we stayed later and enjoyed the fireworks at the end.

The end.

Sherida said...

My favorite Disney memory happened just a couple weeks ago when my son met Mickey Mouse. My little guy is almost 2 and has always been afraid of the characters. He has started liking Mickey Mouse, though, and points and says, "Mickey!" whenever he sees a picture of him.

We decided to take him to meet Mickey at his house in Toontown. He was so excited when we went into the room to meet Mickey. He was dancing back and forth, saying, "Mickey" while we waited for the other people to get their pictures. Then it was our turn.

Fortunately, we were the last of the group, so he had a long time to visit. At first he was a little shy, so we got him to give Mickey a "high 5." Then he warmed up and have Mickey a kiss on the nose. Then he gave him a big hug. He was so excited that he started dancing again, stepping back and forth from foot to foot. Mickey copied him, and they danced together for a few minutes. When it was finally time to go, he walked out waving and telling Mickey, "Bye bye! I love you!" It was so precious!

Heather said...

I was 10 when my parents divorced. My 4 older siblings and I chose to live with my mom in her small 3 bedroom house. It was tight quarters, but we were happy to have each other. Of course, as a parent, my mom felt badly about the divorce and did her best to make sure we were happy and well taken care of. Not long after the divorce, she somehow made it possible for us to go to Disneyland. Being grown now, with a husband and child of my own, I feel even more grateful for what she did for us. Money is tight with a family of 3, let alone, a single mom raising 5 kids. I’ll never know how she did it, but she did. Even when our world wasn’t full of sunshine, she made it possible for us to visit the “happiest place on earth,” and for us, it really was. My mother has been remarried for a few years now, and on the 11th of October her husband moves to Iraq to work for a year after being laid off here in the states. I would love the chance to give back to my mom the gift of Disneyland, and pay her back for the sacrifice she made 17 years ago for her children. I can’t think of a better way to help her cope with the absence of a husband than by taking her back to the same place that she took me and my siblings to get away from our worries and troubles of the world. The gift she gave us will really have come full circle if I can give this gift to her now.

Qwendykay said...

I was named after Wendy Darling from Peter Pan. My brothers loved the story, and decided if I was a girl I should be called Wendy. (Also, my brother's threw me off the bunk bed when I was 1, to see if I could fly just like in Peter Pan after sprinkling me with dirt...aka fairy dust. Just in case you are curious... I can't fly. I landed with a thud that made my mother's heart stop beating. But I was fine.)

A few months ago while standing in line to see the fairies at Disneyland, I told the children, I really hoped Tinkerbell wasn't there since she tried to shoot me out of the sky. I quickly relayed the story of Peter Pan, telling the children, that *I* was the real Wendy. They stared at me incredulously, and I told them that Tinkerbell and I have had a long feud for Peter's attention. However, I decided to grow up and become a mom, and Peter stayed in Never Never Land. It was time to make nice with Tinkerbell. One of the Disney people overheard me tell this story, and must have relayed it Tinkerbell.

When she saw me she let out a shriek and said, "Wendy.. what are you doing here?" My son nearly fell over from shock, because Tinkerbell's outburst solidified the fact that I wasn't making this up. Tink & I chatted reminiscing about "old times" and I let her know I was there to make peace. She apologized profusely for trying to shoot me out of the sky. We hugged and took a picture. The kids LOVE it and STILL talk about it.

Amber said...

The memory that is engraved in my mind is when I went to Disneyland for the first time. I was probably about 5. And I remember seeing the witch in the castle window. I was so scared of her. I thought she was going to follow me around the park. I kept hiding behind my parents and grandfather, hoping she wouldnt see me. Luckily once we went on my first ride (Dumbo), I forgot all about her.

Antonia said...

The memory I will have forever, is when we took our daughters (5 & 2 at the time) to Disney World. It was the year of a Million Wishes. After we had walked through those magical gates our eldest, Emily, spotted Mary Poppins and Bert. They were playing a game of checkers. We asked to have her picture taken with them. They were more then thrilled. Checking the time, Mary and Bert realized they had to hurry off to the afternoon parade. Mary turned to Emily and asked her if she would like to stroll with her and Bert down Main Street to the Castle. It was the most magical moment. Emily felt honored and we were truly in a magical place. It was only the beginning of our magical moments that week.

Momfluential said...

I have so many Disney moment that I recall fondly. I think my most cherished Disney moments involved bringing a group of Russian orphans to the park one summer when I was coordinating an older orphan hosting program in So. Cal. As magical of an experience it may be for our own children, for these foreign orphans, a day at Disneyland was a trip to, and OVER the moon. I try and close my eyes and remember their smiles and pure joy every time I go. All of those children have since found loving adoptive homes (yay!) and all recall that first trip to Disney. I'm pretty sure they all beg for toys and ice cream now, every time they go to Disney. But on that day they were simple too awestruck to even think to beg for treats.

My family and I have lots of fun when we visit Disney and try to pick a theme each time. Here's a recent special outing where we had a blast. It was so fun talking to all the other people at the park, many of whom were first timers. Doing this photo story allowed us to share in their magic moment/joy as well! http://whrrl.com/experience/story/17925121

Melissa said...

This past September my two sisters and I completed our very first Disneyland half marathon. There was so much to rejoice in and celebrate about after completing 13.1 miles. At the beginning of training, none of us could run more than a mile. But more than just a physical challenge, we decided to "do it because we are able to". Life was put into perspective when my sister was diagnosed at 21 with melanoma. On the same date of the race the year prior, she couldn't even walk as a result of surgery on her leg to remove the cancer. A year later she was cancer free and running a half marathon with us. Running through Disneyland was more than just a magical experience; it instilled a "Walt Disney" attitude of anything is possible if you believe in yourself and believe in your dreams. There is no place better to celebrate life and the ability to overcome obstacles than at the happiest place on earth.

Julie said...

I took my girls to Disneyland for the first time on my older daughter's 5th birthday. Our friends who also have a daughter the same age joined us. We started out the day by going to have breakfast with the princesses. They were so excited to get to see the princesses and get their autographs. We had a great day of going on all the rides. She got a special princess hat. We stayed to see the fireworks at the end. I looked over at her, in her princess hat, and she had tears going down her face because she was just so happy. I still tear up when I think of that day, because it really was a magical day for her and I was glad to give that to her.

Maria said...

My husband and I took our four year old son Tate to Disneyland last year. Meeting Belle was a treasured memory we will never forget.

For Tate it was LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT. With a great big smile, he began singing to Belle. "I've been dreaming of a true loves kiss..."

He then took her hands in his and began dancing with her around the room.

I guess she fell in love with him too, because she asked him to be her "handsome prince at storytime".

She had a hard time getting through the story, due to the fact that Tate was giving her never ending kisses.

Oh, it was just too cute!!!

onesmartchicken@gmail.com

Stacey said...

We took our daughter to have lunch with the Princesses at Ariel's Grotto back in March for her 4th birthday. It was our first time at the grotto and we were chosen as the special guest family who got to introduce the first princess. We were able to introduce Cinderella, my daughters favorite princess!!! When Cinderella came around the corner into our sight, my daughter ran to her and hugged her. I'm such a cheese ball that I had a tears in my eyes. It was truly a "magic of Disney" moment for our whole family. I will never forget it. My daughter went on to tell Cinderella about all the Cinderella legos, headbands, glass slippers, books, etc that she had with Cinderella on them. It was amazing!

Petit Elefant said...

The first time we went as a family to Disney my daughter was 5 and in full princess mode. We ran into Belle in the gardens of Cinderella's Castle and no one else was around; she picked a rose from the garden for my daughter and told her to save it forever, that it was a magical rose. My sweet daughter really believed it was Belle and we still have the rose. It was the Magic Kingdom at its best. Gives me the chills even now.

Emily said...

I'm 31 and went to Disneyland for the first time about 4 years ago with my 4 kiddos!!! It really is magical. We went back 2 years in a row, then my husband cheated on me and we got divorced, no way I can afford it now, especially since he left me when our 5th baby was 2 months old. I'd love to go back, it is magical!!!

Vinyl Masterpiece said...

There are five people in my family. We only live 2 1/2 hours from Disney Land. You would think that we would be there all the time, living so close. I wish that was the case. My kids love to watch the disney channel, and my two year old loves to watch Mickey Mouse club house. That is the closest we get to seeing Mickey, because it cost too much to go. I would LOVE to surprise my kids with ticket to Disney Land. That would make all their dreams come true. :)

A C said...

I wish to take my daughter to Disneyland if I won. I've never taken her and she's been into the Princess things right now. Love your website. Thank you.

Chacoy said...

I would love to take my son. We have never been before and to share in that experience with him would be awesome:)Thanks for th chance!!

Donna said...

I have to quote Art Linkletter at the grand opening:

"To all who come to this happy place; welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here age relives fond memories of the past...and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams and the hard facts that have created America...with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world."

My favorite memory is the great inspiration I find every time I visit. Disneyland reminds me how amazing our country really is and helps me teach my kids about following your dreams.

Kyle and Megan said...

My favorite Disney memory occurred this July. My dad passed away when I was 12 years old, and I don't have that many memories of him when I was very young. My mom recently found some old home videos that no one in my family has ever seen. She mailed them to me because my husband and I have access to equipment to actually play the tapes from the 80's. I was excited and teary eyed to find my family's trip to Disney World when I was just 9 months old. I obviously have no recollection of that trip, and it was so special to be able to treasure this video of my family, and especially of how happy my dad was to have us all there! He was so eager to have us meet all of the characters. About me he would shout, "Goofy, there's a baby next to you who wants to see you!" This video was the first time I had heard my dad's voice in 11 years! It was truly a special moment for me and also my husband and daughter who never got to meet my dad.

Lorna Harris said...

Most humiliating Disneyland moment? That would be when we were on Splash Mountain, the ride stopped and there was an announcement that everyone should stay in their seats.

We looked around to see my mother in law and sister in law had stood up and were trying to climb out in the middle of the ride.

I need to go back to Disneyland so I can recover from this event and enjoy Splash Mountain without any drama.

You won't climb out will you?!

Dement Family said...

It makes me tear up even thinking about all the magical memorys I have of Disneyland. Every summer as a little girl we would come and visit my Grandma Hall who lived in Laguna Beach and without fail we would go to Disneyland. We would get there when the park oppened and we wouldn't leave untill it closed. I love Disneyland so much because it truely gives you life long wonderful family memories. There are not many things in this world where everyone in a family can enjoy playing and being together. When I die I want to meet Walt and thank him for all the amazing excperences I have had because of him. Also some might think I am a total nut, but my first son shares the same middle name as Walt (Elias) and the next baby due in Febuary will have the middle name Walter after Walt. My family and I love Disney and we would love to be a part of this excperence.
My favorite Walt quote. "If you can dream it, you can do it."
Shannon
wwmsd@hotmail.com

Eli's Lids said...

My favorite Disney memory includes Alice in Wonderland Japanese tourists and two Tweedles!!
One morning before Kindergarten my mom said I could wear my Alice in Wonderland costume to school. Big news for a 5 year old!! I was excited to say the least! Then my mom told me that my dad was going to drive with us to school. I remember thinking “That’s odd. We usually walk and Daddy is usually at work by now.”
But, being a kiddo I just went with the flow.
We piled up in the Big Brown Osmobile Station Wagon and headed to school. The ride was taking longer than expected… especially considering that my school was only about 4 blocks away. My dad said he got lost and then I looked out the window and saw the Disneyland sign (the vintage sign, not the lame one they have now). My parents said they just ended up here and since we were here already we should just stay.
I agreed!
Right after we entered the park a HUGE group of Japanese tourists saw me (blue eyed blond girl in Alice in Wonderland garb) and swooped me up for pictures. A lot of pictures.
This made my parents laugh… still does. But is scared the p-diddy out of me!!
Later on in the day Tweedle Dee and Tweelle Dum almost nabbed me. I really thought they were going to take me to the land down the rabbit whole.
Now that I think about it the whole day was pretty traumatic!!
In a good way :)
Sorry it’s so long!!

Found & Made Designs said...

When I was a kid we would go to Disneyland a lot. My grandfather used to work for Walt Disney and we could go pretty much whenever we wanted. My mom was a single parent and we didn't have a lot of money but Disneyland made us feel rich. My grandfather would take me to parts of the park that the regular public couldn't go. I felt special. My grandfather was always a big part of my life. When he died a year ago, it felt like a part of me died.

My husband and I went to Disneyland last year at Christmas time. It was magical. I was so excited to experience the snow and fireworks. When the snow(bubbles) started to fall I was so overwhelmed with joy but then sadness hit because I would never get to experience Disneyland with my grandfather again.
Sorry to be so sad and all. He was just such a wonderful man and I miss him bunches.

Meredith said...

Oh. My. Gosh.

My sister-in-law and I have been complaining about wanting to go to Disneyland for the last year or two. Basically since our last trip. Friends will say they are going and we just start drooling wanting to go.

One of my favorite memories of Disneyland was from my last trip in April 2007. I had just had knee surgery and was using a wheelchair to get around Disneyland with my brother and his wife. One of the best things was being able to get ahead of them because the electric wheelchair went so fast! But my absolute favorite memory was on our way there. We live in the Phoenix area and so it is a loooong drive. The entire way there we played Disney music, watched Disney movies on the portable dvd player, and just had fun. My sil was so excited that at the mere mention of Disneyland, she would start to jump up and down, cheer, and smile! I took advantage of this knowledge and said "Amy, we're on our way to Disneyland!" And when she started to go into happy dance mode, I whipped out my camera and took a picture of her in the front seat of the car from my position in the back seat. The look on her face in that picture is one of pure joy. It is one of my absolute favorite pictures.

~Meredith

Anonymous said...

We took two of our girls to Disneyland when they were 3 & 5 and there are so many memories from that trip that I hold dear to my heart. I think the highlight was being able to ride with them on the Dumbo ride because that was something I experience the first time with my Dad when I was 8 and being able to share that moment as a child with my parent and then as a parent with my child was so magical! I have since had my third daughter and I can't wait to share the experience with her.

Pamela said...

When I was about 6, my Mom took me to Disneyland. I enjoyed a wonderful time in the Magic Kingdom. On our last day there we were all watching a Saturday Morning Parade. I remember very vividly that I saw The Queen of Hearts (from Alica in Wonderland) and I jumped up and ran out into the road and stuck my tongue out at her!! She immediatley started marching at me, I was scared to death, I ran away screaming. That day I learned The Queen of Hearts really is mean and being percocious doesn't always get you what you want.

TJ Eich said...

What a coincidence that we just returned from Disneyland yesterday so I actually have some Disney memories! It's the first time that i and my 3 kids have been and my husband was so excited to take us. =)

It's hard to narrow down all the good times to one favorite memory but one that stands out in my head has to be during the "Celebrate Street Party". My oldest son is a bit on the shy side (much to my husband's dismay) and rarely steps out of his shell. He loved Disneyland! He went on all the rides, even the "scarey" ones. But my favortie part was the Street Party.

Our middle son was dancing away to all the fun songs and rocking out with the dancers. They grabbed him and my oldest to come dance in the street with them. I held my hand out for him cause I was sure he'd turn and run back to us but instead, he boogied with his little brother with the biggest smile on his face! It was so sweet!! And my video camera, which had been non-working most of the day {GRRRR} suddenly started up and I was able to catch the whole thing on film! It was a sweet, sweet memory. =)

[mcv] said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Cluttered Brain said...

I have NEVER been to Disneyland. All my friends have though.
I have three beautiful daughters (princesses) that would LOVE to go. We have planned on going but every time we go something else gets in the way. (Mainly the money part.) I would LOVE a chance to take my princesses to Disneyland! Thanks for this wonderful opportunity!!! May the BEST story win! What do they say about Disneyland? It IS the HAPPIEST place on earth....:)))

rachel said...

So For Christmas my husband and I have been planning to take our kids, ages 4 and 2 to Disneyland for Christmas instead of doing gifts. (of course Santa would still bring them a present!) But a few months ago my husband lost his job, and slowly our Disney vacation slipped away one dollar at a time. He recently got a new job after being out of work for a couple of months and we are slowly getting back on our feet again and we just cant seem to make ends meet for our Christmas present for our kids. This is just such a fun age to take our kids to experience, truly, "the happiest place on earth" We would love to still be able to do this for our two little pumpkins, so please make our dreams come true!
Rachel

Unknown said...

When my daughter was 8 months old, my husband, who was in the Air Force, was sent to Korea for a year. And what a difficult year that was!

He did get to come home for a few weeks, when our daughter was 16 months old...so we decided to take her to Disneyland.

My little princess enjoyed the haunted house the most, surprisingly enough. I expected it to terrify her.

We now have two more children and hope to someday make it back to Disneyland again. We would love all of the kiddos to get to enjoy the happiest place on earth.

Jodie said...

I've grown up going to Disneyland so I have so many favorite memories, but one of my faves was when we took my daughter for her 2nd birthday. It's right before Christmas so it was all decorated with lights and the "snow"- it was the first time she was old enough to appreciate it and she thought it was absolutely magical.

Jennifer Gilmore said...

We had season passes with my first born, but now with three kids, we have not been able to get passes for them. We go to the Disneyland Halloween event and it's the most exciting thing for them. They talk about it constantly and want to go again and again. My second son thinks the tram is the best ride ever...little does he know there is a lot more in the park - than just the tram outside. :) We would love to spend time in November with you and the Disney cast members! :) It would definitely be a memorable experience.

Kristen Howerton said...

My best memory of Disney occured just this year, when I took my daughter for the first time. I grew up going to Orlando every summer, and we always went to Disney. I remember that awesome feeling at the end of the day, when I was tired but still excited, and I would snuggle into my mom's arms as we watched the evening parade. I just had that moment with my own daughter, and sharing that experience with her brought tears to my eyes.

dianne arnold said...

I am not exactly what year Disney
opened in Orlando, but my son was
3 years old. It was of course so
magical, but looking back on it
today, what sticks out in my memory
was that a suite in the Contempory
Hotel was $35.00, You also purchased a book of rides, for
A,B,C rides.
Over the years we have been back
many, many times and the most
magical for me are the street
parades.

Amy said...

I have yet to make memories with my own kiddos at Disneyland but my husband and I can't wait to see their eyes when they dance with the princesses!

My memory is my own experience at Disneyland at eight years old. I have never forgotten the Tiki Room because the theme song is forever stuck in my head. I am still haunted by my parents singing it to me! In addition, my sister has an unhealthy fear of birds ever since that day!

Amanda said...

Our last family trip to Disney, was prior to my husband's first 6 month deployment. My son was terrified of all the characters, but we had a blast experiencing it all with my daughter. Now everyone is old enough (and tall enough) to enjoy it all and we would love to head back to Disney, before another deployment interrupts.

Alison said...

Having grown up so close to Disneyland, I have so many great memories. Most of them are with family - girls weekend at disneyland, dates to disneyland, high school graduation at disneyland. So many. I think one of my favorite memories was while I was dating my husband. We both had season passes and I was dying to go to Disneyland before Christmas because I wanted to see it snow on main street! We went together on a special date and it was so fun! At the end of the night found we found a small spot on a bench and snuggled as we watched the fireworks and listed to the Christmas music play. Finally it began to snow. I was so happy. It was so romantic. That night Disneyland made us feel like we were at the happiest place on earth!

Alison said...

oops forgot my email... alison.price@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

This was the place hubby first said he loved me!

Anonymous said...

This was the place hubby first said he loved me!

retrotravegirl@adelphia.net

Angela said...

My parents believed that Disneyland was a place a child should experience maybe once every 5 years os so. They said that if you were to go all the time you would loose the magic of how specatular it really was. I believed it...I now think thatthe real reason was it was to expensive for us to go once a year:) I hope to make my 3 year old realize the magic that comes to visiting Disneyland for the first time. I cant wait to see her eyes light up for the first time when she see's a real castle and realizes that she is going to be a princess for the entire day until she falls alseep.
angelapaigem@hotmail.com

Stephanie said...

I remember going to Disneyland when I was 6. We had just ventured over to Tom Sawyer's Island. My 2 brother and I had a blast running all around, climbing all over stuff, when it was announced the LAST boat to take you back off Tom Sawyer's Island was boarding in 5 minutes. My parents proceed to round my 2 brothers, sister and I together to get in line for the boat. The typical curious child I was, I noticed there was fish (probably Koi I think?) was in the water and I decided to stick my head through the rungs of the gate. And got stuck! Really STUCK! Needless to say, we missed the boat and instead were greated by the Disneyland Fire Dept. who had to cut open the gate to get my big ole' head out. So yes, that is my Disney memory that will forever live with me. And trust me, whenever I'm there, my family doesn't let it down to joke about. :)

Ashley Bartlett said...

I wish I could go with my 4-yr old son, my twin sister, and her 4-yr old son! My husband is in the military and we, obviously, move around, and we haven't lived close to my family since we've been married. My twin sister and I had little boys just 4 weeks apart a little over 4 years ago. We love to get them together but those moments are few and far between. It would truly be a dream come true to go to Disney World with them and especially at Christmas!

Brittany said...

There are so many fun memories that have to do with Disney laced throughout my childhood but one of my favorite memories is watching The Wonderful World of Disney on Sunday nights with my family. We'd all snuggle up in blankets and eat warm buttery popcorn. We'd laugh and sing and probably cry once in awhile. We continue this tradition today with my own kids but now we can choose an Old Disney Classic or pop in the newest Disney Pixar in the DVD player. I just love when the music starts and the Disney castle appears on the screen. My son always asks me when we're watching a movie "Mom, is this real or is this fake". We'd love the chance to take him to Disneyland and show him that Disney is definately real! The look on my kids faces would be priceless! Thanks for the chance!

Jamie Younker said...

I have never taken my family to Disneyland before, there just never seems to be the time or th money to do so.

It seems that everything touched by the hand of Disney becomes something magical. I could really use a touch of Magic in my life right now. I am a working mother of two adorable girls, (One of whom believes with all her heart that she is a princess.) I am working two jobs to put my husband through school. It breaks my heart that my girls are growing up so fast. I feel like I'm missing it. And I hate that I can't remember the last time my husband and I went on a date. It would be such an incredible experience to slow down, take a deep breath, (and some much needed time off) and spend some quality time with my favorite three people in the world and rediscover the magic of Disney. Thanks for the opportunity. What a fun giveaway!

{B}dreamy said...

I really do consider Disneyland one of the happiest places on earth. I can't think of that place without smiling :) Everything is just so magical!

Two years ago I had a family trip planned for Disneyland. The day before our much anticipated vacay, I was admitted to the ER. I was pregnant at the time, but it turned out to be ectopic. I'll spare y'all the details, but basically my family went to Disneyland without me while I enjoyed the thrills of recovery in the Olive View hospital...

Now, two years later, I have a spirited 4.5 year old son who's addicted to infinity and beyond, and a beautiful 7 month old baby girl who is in serious need of some "small world" excitement.

Now, two years later, I'm losing something else. Except this time, it's not a baby. This time it's our house. And while I have so many things to be grateful for (and I am, really), I am in desperate need of some magic. It'd be nice to have something to smile about... *B

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