Japan, day two. Disneyland!

After the previous night where we (barely) slept on the plane, I think we were all glad to have a proper bed to lie on. Japan is an hour ahead of Singapore so it was not a big deal. The kids awoke at their usual time (730am SG time, 830am Japan time) and they were thrilled to be in a new "home". Kate, especially had no problems referring to our hotel as "home", perhaps helped by the fact that she's travelled a few times and did a few staycations before.

The surefire way how not-to-be-able-to-continue-to-sleep-in

After like, two hours (it always takes us that long to wake up and get out of the hotel. I don't know why. But the fact that there are two kids who dirty themselves on-the-go is a plausible factor, plus there are a million things to pack), we finally stepped out of the hotel room. On the agenda was Disneyland!

On the way to Disneyland, in the Disney train. Jake's holding on to the Mickey handles. I love how Mom's looking at him adoringly - secretly caught in the act.

One with my princess

At the entrance of Disneyland - everything's Mickey (if you look closely) and this is the 30th anniversary of Disneyland. The theme for October is Halloween so there were plenty of pumpkins all around.

It was pretty chaotic when we stepped in. We had to do an upgrade to our tickets, we searched for rental of a stroller and it started to drizzle (omg that was the worst - I was constantly worrying if the kids will fall ill)... but now that I'm here recapping our travel, everything didn't seem so bad afterall.

We were along the main stretch when there was a commotion and Kate said "I want to see Donald Duck!" and off we went. After a mini war to access Donald, Kate's wish was fulfilled.

A happy princess with Donald Duck (Jake was asleep)

While we grabbed a quick lunch of hotdogs and chips, there was plenty of activity happening along the main street and I took the opportunity to join in the fun with Kate. 

Kate with Alice, playing games. Note Kate in a princess dress - truly this must have been one of the (maybe key) highlight for her.

We walked about the park (it drizzled which was a bummer) then caught the parade that took place - a friend said it was a must to watch so we did. 

Waiting for the Happiness Parade to start. We got front line seats!

Goofy, Snow White with some cats

Unsurprisingly, these princesses were Kate's favourites

Enthusiastic Kate in princess heaven. A lot of kids dress up and that's the Chesire Cat in the form of a boy next to K

At other times, the kids were just gobsmacked taking in the characters. This was at the second parade we caught which was primarily Halloween-themed. 

We hit Toon Town, which was made up of plenty of suitable rides for little kids. 

The girl team visited the Cinderella's Fairy Tale Hall, and the boy team gave this a miss and we split ways for an hour.  

The castle was a short walkaround that illustrated the Cinderella tale through displays of different kinds (there was paper cutting, light display, shadows etc) and it ended with a try to see if you were possibly the real princess that fit the glass slipper.

Princess on a throne

In this time, the kids rode the carousel, bought popcorn and rode the Dumbo ride. We ended off at the Small Small World and after the show, we caught a beautiful rainbow.

Rainbow; and Jake watching the Small Small World castle clock strike

Did some shopping in-between and here's a limited edition of my personal Mickey Mouse

We had a ginormous snack of a turkey drumstick - it was yum

It was probably about 5pm by then and Kate hadn't napped all day so she just pretty much fussed until she concussed quite quickly. We took a slow stroll about while the sky darkened, had some ice-cream and took some pictures just for fun.

The favourite men in my life

Then the kids both fell asleep while the husband continued being joyful

We caught a last parade which was a lot of lights, pretty lights

A family pic in Disneyland. That's the beautiful castle in the background. & don't let Jake's grumpy face fool you - he had fun too.

We had dinner at a lovely Japanese restaurant after that, and then rushed out to catch the Happiness Fireworks that takes place nightly at 830pm. However, to everyone's disappointment, the fireworks were cancelled that evening due to weather conditions. Boooooooo.

One altogether now, before leaving Disneyland. You can kinda make out the "3-0" which marks the 30th anniversary of Disneyland this year. 

And because K was pretty much seated in the pram all day, this was the only pic I took of her in her princess get-up. My lovely princess

On the way back to the hotel. Mickey windows!

And the parting shot for this entry, lovely lights (the train station) that made everything extra special. 

I wished the weather was better so it'd have been more convenient to move about, but all in all, I think it was a very special day and the kids definitely enjoyed themselves, and that was what rocked!

The night was pretty quiet with the kids collapsing at 1030pm (both!) and the night ended with the adults doing the nightly routine of beer and snacks till lights off at midnight.

I felt thankful and happy, going to sleep that night thinking of Mickey and the fantasies and happiness that comes along with Magical Disneyland.