My husband, Vincent, and I take our three girls, Ellie, Everlie, and Isla, to Disneyland once or twice a year. It’s often just the five of us, but sometimes other family members, like Alfredo (Ellie’s dad), Falon (my brother), and Vincent’s oldest daughters Mandie and Josie, will come with us! 

Our most recent trip was in May 2024 for Isla’s seventh birthday. She was born on May fourth, so we try to celebrate with a Star Wars theme every now and then, and Disneyland is the perfect setting for that.

We love to visit because Vincent grew up in California and has really fond memories of visiting as a child and with his two oldest daughters (they’re in their 20s), so we started going when Ellie was around 3 years old, and it just became our family’s favorite place to go. I think it is also a safe environment for kids and since we’ve been so frequently little planning has to go into the trip, so it has become an easy one for us. 

We have some favorite rides: Everlie loves the Matterhorn, Isla loves the teacups, and everyone else is pretty much happy to do everything. Vincent’s favorite ride is Pirates of the Caribbean, so we always make it a point to do that at least a couple of times. Every time we go we have such a unique experience as a family. The girls end up enjoying something different every time, and it never gets old watching your family be joyful and carefree. 

Outside of just creating memories, I always enjoy trying the new foods that come out, and I’m always in awe of the details in that park. They make sure every detail is immersive and fun for everyone, and I really enjoy the total disconnect from the outside world when you enter the gates.