Happy New Year, Everyone!
Sorry for the late-report... I've been meaning to post about how our trip to DL went...

In summary:
It was TOTALLY GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!

This was the third year in a row that we've gone with our daughter during Thxgiving week...
Guess that officially makes this our yearly holiday pilgrimage... and a family tradition!
I treasure the first couple of years we had as 'new' parents, but this year was by far the best.
So many highlights, I don't know where to begin!

We were mentally prepared to spend most of our time in Fantasyland, in the Princess Pavilion, Toon Town (which we did do, of course...) But we quickly found that our lil' grrrrl has grown up to be totally gung-ho, fearless, and up for anything.
What a difference a year makes, as well as her finally being *just* tall enough for the big-kid rides made!
YAHOOOO!!!! Me and my baby-daddy were so totally thrilling to finally be able to go on roller coasters again.. this time as a family!!!
So all in all, this year we covered so much more ground, and had so many more amazing experiences together.
There were many favorites, but the top three if I had to choose were:

Space mountain... OVER AND OVER!!!!
Star Tours.... OVER & OVER!!!
and somehow we all LOVED LOVED LOVED the Soaring over California ride in the C. Adventure park..
(if for anything, for the believable sensation of feeling like we were REALLY FLYING with our family!!!!)

***Christmas at Disneyland**** was in full effect, and I must say they really out did themselves this year.
The castle was so breathtaking, it still brings tears to my eyes when I think about it. Millions of lights!!
There seemed to be even *more* snow going on, in more areas this year and the fireworks were spectacular..
Especially when viewed while standing right in front of the castle.

A must see for us is: SMALL WORLD.... at Xmastime, they completely decorate for the holidays which our daughter loves... and so do we!
(PS: at this writing, S.W. is closed for one year- to renovate the waterways/boats. But will re-open for holiday season 2008!)

Haunted Mansion was changed up as "Nighmare Before Christmas" too which was kind of cute..

I expected it would be terribly crowded being that it was Thanksgiving week - but we were happy to find it was quite comfortable getting around and that there were practically NO LINES for any of the rides we went on. The only one with crazy lines was the new, Nemo-Submarine attraction. (We actually ended up skipping that one - until next visit -because the crowds were harshing our D.L. buzz.)

The princess Lunch at Ariels Grotto was cute, and absolutely thrilled our daughter. She was so totally into it!!! Kind of expensive for what it was, but if you have a little one into the Princesses this is a great opportunity to meet each one, and get LOTS of photos. And its not just for little girls, we saw lots of little boys there too! Not all the kids were dressed up, but ours was - as Sleeping Beauty - and she was so excited that Sleeping Beauty took the time to dance with her, and show her some moves. Really, all of the princesses were so sweet and kind to the kids and families. Always willing to make each child feel special, and give them lots of hugs. So the Princess Lunch was totally worth it - if anything, at least once in a lifetime.

The storytime and dance & Maypole performances that happen in the Princess Pavilion in Fantasyland was wonderful too. You can really get some great photos there - A beautiful setting, with awesome natural lighting! And so much fun, too. A good 'rest spot' during a busy day at the park.

This year, we did the "get all the autograph's" thing - a bit reluctant at first, but did it since we saw all the other kids doing it. We bought a cute combination autograph books/photo album at one of the stands at the park, and every time we saw a character, let our grrrl run up and meet them and get an autograph (and photo). At first I thought it was silly, but now that we're home I'm glad we did it because it made the magic last longer and is a sweet keepsake. Along those lines, after seeing tons of kids (and adults) with them, I kind of regret not buying one of those Lanyards and a few collector pins to get our little girl's pin collection started... but we will NEXT TIME! (Peer pressure!)

We thought we'd be disappointed not being able to say at one of the BIG hotels on the property, but in the end it was better than fine. We stayed for 4 nights at the Candy Cane Inn, and it was great! We'll be returning there next time for sure. Clean, quiet, and great service.
It's the first hotel next door to the left of the park entrance (on the same side of the street). It's a pleasant stroll to/from the main gate, but also has a free, private shuttle that departs hourly. We sprung a few bucks more for their deluxe pkg - which has a later check out, cont. b-fast delivered to the room, etc.

We purchased 3 day park hopper tickets at the hotel, for a bit less than full price. After much reflection trip on the long ride home, we decided we WILL be going again soon, and next time for FIVE days...perhaps as early as in the spring??? Tat is of course in addition to our traditional pilgrimage before the holidays next year.
After doing the math, looks like ANNUAL PASSES in the end is the better deal for us since we plan to go more than twice in a year.
Seems like there are some perks to being annual passholders, too - discounts, priority seating, fast track to the rides, etc.

I think our only complaint was that during the week we were there the park closed PROMPTLY at 8pm on weekdays. Certain areas get roped off for the parade/fireworks long before then - making access impossible, and even some rides closed early - so next time we'll be sure to schedule our plan accordingly. We LOVED the Fantasmic show, but found out it only takes place on the weekend during the holidays, so we were lucky not to have missed it. Its a huge, amazing, over the top production... Fire, water, lights, CRAZY AMAZING!!

I know there's much much more, but for now I'll leave ya'll with this ramble. This really was our best trip ever.
Thank you to EVERYONE who had recommendations and insights that answered my pre-trip post. Your ideas really helped alot!
In turn, if If anyone has questions, or will be going with a littel one and needs tips feel free to ask :)
I'm not as disneyland-experienced as some on this Tribe - but I have every intention of running with it, and becoming a Disneland FANATIC as my daughter grows up... and beyond.

Ahhhh... To feel alive!

Now.... Lemme try to figure out how to post a picture in the gallery here, so you all can see how gorgeous the castle was this holiday season... Take care, and maximum THANKS!!!!

Happy New Year!!!!
B.Nonymous