We're Going to Disneyland

I was 31 years old before I went to a Disney park; sad I know, but it's the truth! Growing up in Idaho we spent our vacations in the great outdoors of Yellowstone, Utah, and occasional trips "home" to North Dakota. A Disney vacation was nothing more than a dream fostered by the Wonderful World of Disney on Sunday nights that would take decades to come true.
In the Spring of 2004 my Dad was on a business trip and it just so happened he called to say 'hello' while we were watching the Wonderful World of Disney. We talked about how we'd always meant to go when I was a kid and how unfortunate it was we never got the chance. When my dad uttered the words "let's go, you plan it and we'll go" I warned him not to say that unless he meant it. The flood gates were opened and my OCD went into high gear planning a trip we'd never forget.
Now I should warn you, the OCD is no joke; and although there are times I'd give anything to dispose of it...it does make me a MASTER planner. Since our first trip in '04 we've traveled to Disneyland 3 times and took our first family trip to Disney World last December. Each trip has been more memorable than the last, and with the advanced planning we seem to be not only the most relaxed people in the park, but we also manage to see just about everything without being in a rush. I've had countless friends and neighbors ask to see how I've done it, to the point that I simply started printing off the itinerary to give them a place to start their own plan. Now I've decided it would make for a fun blog so here we go!