Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Dragon Troubles at Fantasmic
Disneyland's Entertainment group gave it their best shot and repaired the exterior damage to the Fantasmic dragon. But the concern that the neck structure may fail again is preventing final repairs and programming, so a 4th of July debut is now off the table. Too bad TDA ordered a summer's worth of dragon guidemaps!
Monday, June 29, 2009
My love affair with Disney's California Adventure
Here are the top ten reasons why I think Disney's California Adventure is a fantastic place for the kiddos and why I am madly in love with DCA.
- The kiddos can get wet-We love the Irrigation Station and Princess Dot Splash Pad in the Flick's Fun Fair Area. It is the perfect spot on a hot spring/summer day.
- I hate waiting in line. I mean really who does?? I love that the attractions in Flick's Fun Fair have minimal waiting lines and are a big hit with my kiddos. They love every single ride - especially Flick's Fun Flyers.
- If your kids love the Disney Channel's cartoons then they will absolutely love The Playhouse Disney Show- my kids LOVE it!!
- Who loves Free stuff? I do- I do!! I love that you can get a fresh warm tortilla from the Mission Tortilla Factory tour and a sourdough taste from Boudin Bakery.My kids love the fresh tortillas and I'm not going to lie, so do I. Here's a little tip- on your birthday pick up a dozen free tortillas from the Mission Tortilla Factory. Just show them your birthday pin and you are set!
- They have an amazing baby center. Not as big as Disneyland's but still great.
- DCA is home to Disney's Electrical Parade. Love it. It's new and improved and a must see!!
- They are home to three amazing shows that your kiddos will love-MuppetVison 3D, It's tough to be a bug and Aladdin.
- In my opinion, DCA is home to one of the BEST(if not the best!!) attractions in the Disneyland Resort, Toy Story Mania.
- They have a pretty spiffy Ferris Wheel. You can either pick a gondola that moves or is stationary.
- I love that I can park in the Downtown Disney lot ( free for 3 hours)- walk over to the DCA entrance at the Grand Californian Hotel in Downtown Disney(next to Sephora) , spend a couple of hours there and then I don't have to deal with taking a tram back to the parking lot. I love love that I can do this, especially on a crowded day.
DCA is in the middle of a major expansion - which includes a new water show, a Little Mermaid Ride and sure to be a big hit with my son- A thrill ride- featuring the characters from CARS!! The expansion should be complete by 2012.
There are so many other things I love about DCA but I tried to limit myself to my favorite 10. Next time that you are heading over to the Disneyland Resort make sure to show DCA some love ! It deserves it!
Friday, June 26, 2009
Walt's Magic Kingdom
Thursday, June 25, 2009
The Enchanted Tiki Room
The Enchanted Tiki Room has to be my favorite show in the park. The 17 minute musical show is a perfect place to cool down on a hot summer day. It's a great little show and one that the little ones love. The show features four parrots- Jose, Pierre, Michael and Fritz. They will lead you on a musical adventure that your family won't soon forget.
I love to sit in the back row of the theater to be able to take it all in - but really any seat in the house will do. Did I mention that this was air conditioned and always cool? It really is a great way to give your tired feet a break and cool off.
There is nothing really scary about the attraction and even the tiniest of tots will get a kick out of the show.
Enjoy!!
Jungle Cruise
One of our favorite rides in the park as a family has to be The Jungle Cruise in Adventureland. This ride even on busy days has a pretty short line. It's perfect when you have the little ones in tow because we know they hate to wait. The longest I have ever waited is about 15 minutes.
This original attraction(been around since opening day) will leave you with a different experience every time you ride. The journey begins on a riverboat that takes you down the major rivers of Africa, Asia and South America. Your skipper will usually tell silly jokes (my kids eat them right up) along the 7 minute ride. You will come across elephants, lions, zebras, man eating piranas and of course- the back side of water.
This a ride that you will most definitely want to experience more than once. We usually try to ride it twice a day-during daytime and then at night. Totally different experiences but equally enjoyable.
There are no height restrictions on this attraction- we have taken our newborns on this ride before(yes we are obsessed!).
Jungle Cruise is located in Adventureland between Indiana Jones and Aladin's Oassis. Enjoy!!
Monday, June 22, 2009
How to keep cool at Disneyland/DCA
During peak times I try to avoid waiting in line for any attraction. This is the time when we usually head to catch a show. A favorite of our family is the Enchanted Tiki Room- Nice and cool and a great way to sit back and relax. Other great ones- Honey I shrunk the audience, Bug's life @ DCA.- We always take a ride on the Disneyland Train to check out how busy the park is and judge from there. It's also a great way to cool down and I've been known to take it two or three times around the park on a hot summer day. If you have heavy sleepers like I do- great place to let them take a nap.
- Pack a swimsuit for the kids and head over to the irrigation station at Disney's California Adventure. Let the kids run around at Princess Dot Puddle Station. Make sure to pack towels and an extra set of clothes because the kiddos will get soaked!!
- Keep hydrated- If you can ,bring a bottle or two of water. I usually freeze mine the night before and throw them in a Ziploc bag- I pack them in at the bottom of my bag and they have been a lifesaver!!
- If your tots are tired and need a nap- head over to the seating area in the Hungry Bear Restaurant. It's located between New in Critter Country. I head towards the back, grab a little something to eat and enjoy the shade and watching the Mark Twain go by. It's always nice and cool. Usually my youngest falls asleep in the stroller. It's a perfect spot and way relaxing.
- Make sure to pack a jacket /sweater/blanket. - I've left home without one thinking that there was no possible way that I would be cold on a summer day. Boy was I wrong!! The nights cool off and there is nothing worse than shelling out $50.00 for a sweatshirt because your four year old is cold. Trust me on this one!!
- Take advantage of the Baby Center if you have little ones. It's a great place to feed the teeny ones and I have even rocked both of my babies to sleep here. Best part- super cool in there!!
- Peak times are from 2-4pm at both parks. This is the best time to grab a bite to eat and not have to fight for a table.
- Head to rides that have the least waiting time. Top of our list-all in Adventureland/New Orleans Square- Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion, taking a stroll on the Mark Twain and of course a ride on the Disneyland train.
- Enjoy yourself and remember to take it easy and have fun!!
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Pinocchio's Daring Journey
Pinocchio's Daring Journey, located in Fantasyland, is one of my family's favorite attractions. It is a traditional "dark ride" in every sense. So I must warn you - the under 3 crowd might be a little scared. My son who is two and daughter who is 4 absolutely love it. However this has not always been the case. It has taken some time but it is now a favorite.
Each car has two rows and can hold up to 4 people. You will Join Pinocchio on his adventurous journey into Pleasure Island and much more!
The ride is very short and the lines are usually very small. It's a 3 minute ride and there is no height restriction. You could bring a baby on without a problem. This is a ride we often visit in the park since the lines are usually not too bad. Save this one for the end of the day since the lines tend to be shorter at night than during the day.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Disneyland Resort News
Beginning in August 2009, the Disneyland® Hotel will start a significant renovation project that will include major improvements to its guest rooms and considerable changes to the exterior of the hotel. The hotel will remain open during the renovation, which will be conducted in phases, and is scheduled to be completed in 2012.
Renovated guest rooms will feature a stunning new headboard that uses fiber optics to create a magical skyline with fireworks - bringing the immersive park experience into the room.
“This renovation provides us with the opportunity to bring new magic to this historic hotel, which enables us to enhance the Disney experience that our guests have come to expect,” said Disneyland® Resort President Ed Grier. “It also reinforces our ongoing commitment and investment in the Anaheim Resort District - working with the city and area businesses to continue to evolve the District into a world-class, multiday tourist destination.”
Sleuthing Cast Members Race through Disneyland® Park to
Raise $8,000 for Local Nonprofit
Disneyland® Resort Cast Members recently had the opportunity to showcase their Disney knowledge and competitive edge in the annual Minnie’s Moonlit Madness. The unique event is a Cast competition that takes place after Disneyland® Park closes, and combines a scavenger hunt with team building. More than 320 teams of four worked together to solve trivia questions and clues related to the Park all while tied together by rope - making it impossible for the teams to split up to gain traction.
A Minnie’s Moonlit Madness team works together to compete for the first-place medal.
In addition to being a favorite Cast activity for nearly 20 years, the event also benefits a local nonprofit each year. In the past, the event has contributed to the Orange County High School of the Arts, Orange County Food Bank, and MOMs Orange County. This year, Cast Members raised $8,000 benefiting Trails4All, a group that builds and preserves shared-use recreational trails in Orange County.
“It is such an honor that an organization as big as Disney chose Trails4All to benefit from this event,” said Jim Meyer, vice president and founder of Trails4All.
Orange County Boys and Girls Clubs Experience Newest Offerings at
Disney’s California Adventure® Park
In May, the Disneyland® Resort hosted 16 Orange County Boys & Girls Clubs for an event at Disney's California Adventure® Park. More than 320 children had the opportunity to experience Mickey’s Fun Wheel, the 151-foot-diameter attraction that recently opened with a new Mickey Mouse marquee and theming. The participants also had a chance to ride Toy Story Mania* and try their skills at the updated Games of the Boardwalk. Boys & Girls Club members were invited to enjoy Disney’s California Adventure® Park during the third annual event at the Resort. The relationship between the Disneyland® Resort and the Boys & Girls Club dates back to Walt Disney's era. Today, the Resort provides clubs with 50 complimentary 1-Day Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper Tickets annually to be used for fundraising activities or for the children they serve. *Based on the Disney•Pixar Toy Story Films. |
Spirited Disneyland® Resort Cast Members Receive Golden Recognition
Once a year, a group of outstanding Disney Cast Members is honored with the highest form of recognition– the Spirit of Disneyland® Resort. This year, 69 Cast Members were recommended by their peers and received this coveted honor.
This year’s Golden Spirit of Disneyland® Resort recipients celebrate with Disneyland® Resort President Ed Grier and President of Worldwide Operations for Disney Parks & Resorts Al Weiss.
The program formally acknowledges the top three to four percent of all Cast Members who achieve outstanding work in one of three categories: Cast excellence, guest or client excellence and operational or financial performance. Each honoree receives a gold pin to be displayed on their nametag identifying them as a Spirit Award recipient. In addition, they are hosted by Disneyland® Resort President Ed Grier at a dinner in their honor.
At this year’s dinner, seven of the 69 Cast Members received an additional award - the Golden Spirit of Disneyland® Resort - a recognition only given to those who have excelled in all three categories. All Spirit Award winners clearly exceed high Disney standards and contribute in great ways to the unparalleled Disney experience that both Cast and guests have come to expect.
Disneyland® Resort Supports Orange County Aids Walk
The Disneyland® Resort has supported the annual Orange County Aids Walk since 1997. This year was no exception, with Cast Member team participating in the event and the Resort donating 350 1-Day Park Hopper tickets to AIDS Services Foundation to be used as incentives for the top fundraisers.
For the past three years, PRIDE, one of five Diversity Resource Groups at the Resort, has championed the Resort’s involvement in the walk. The group is focused on fostering an environment where gay and lesbian Cast Members feel encouraged to be authentic inside and outside the Disneyland® Resort.
Disneyland® Resort VoluntEARS have been a part of the OC Aids Walk for 12 consecutive years.
PRIDE coordinated the participation of Disney VoluntEARS and fund-raising efforts. Diversity Resource Groups like PRIDE support and enhance the diversity goals and objectives of the Disneyland® Resort by contributing value to the areas of recruitment, retention, business development and communication.
5 Millionth Graduate Celebrates Grad Nite at Disneyland® Resort
On May 28, Samuel Jacobo of Summit High School in Fontana became the 5 millionth graduate to participate in Disneyland® Resort's historical Grad Nite event. Jacobo was greeted by the Resort’s Celebration Street Team, was photographed with Mickey Mouse, and received special gifts, including a one-night stay in the Disneyland® Dream Suite.
Disneyland® Resort celebrates the 5 millionth student to participate in Grad Nite.
Since 1961, Grad Nite at the Disneyland® Resort has been the choice for high school graduates throughout California to gather for a safe and exclusive after-hours party featuring classic attractions, dance clubs and deejays from Southern California’s most popular radio stations.
Wellness Walk Encourages Disneyland® Resort Cast Members to Stay Active | ||
Early on the morning of May 20, National Employee Health and Fitness Day, Quinn and I joined about 60 Cast Members from all areas of the Resort on a morning wellness walk. This event kicked off six weeks of “Work it Out Wednesdays” around the Resort, designed to encourage Cast Members to get out, get active, and try something new! Disneyland® Resort Ambassadors Quinn Shurian (left) and Danielle DuBois (right) help kick off “Work it Out Wednesdays” on Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland® Park. “Work it Out Wednesdays” are another way that the Disneyland® Resort focuses on the health and wellness of its Cast, by providing an additional outlet for us to focus on our mental and physical health while trying a new routine. Danielle DuBois - 2009 Disneyland® Resort Ambassador |
3 Day Summer Fun Pass for $99
With this special ticket, local residents can play at the Disneyland Resort for three days within a 45-day period, for just $99. Guests who live in zip codes 90000 through 93599, and 21000-22999, will be able to enter both Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure, enjoying three days of fun for only $33 per day.
The 3-day Summer Fun Pass is available for sale at Disneyland.com, Disney Stores and at the Disneyland Resort box office. Resident ID is required.
To skip ticket lines and enjoy straight-to-the-gate convenience, the 3-Day Summer Fun Pass is also sold at local supermarket and retail chains such as Vons, Albertsons, Ralphs, Stater Bros., Food 4 Less, Gelsons, Dearden’s and Toys ‘R’ Us.
The best part is that on the last day of your visit you can take your season pass to the ticket booth and upgrade to an annual pass. You can pay the difference or you can make monthly payments- Simple as that!! It's a fantastic deal!!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Rider/Baby Swich Program
Monday, June 15, 2009
Summer Nightastic!
Fantasmic is back for its 17th year. It now features new digital video projectors which provide a much sharper picture on the water screens. There is also an appearence of the all new Flotsom and Jetsom floats from The Little Mermaid, who are quite creepy but a fantastic addition! Later this summer, the evil Maleficent from "Sleeping Beauty" will transform into the new fully animated, 40-foot-tall dragon.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Goofy's Kitchen
Aloha Breakfast with Lilo & Stitch at the PCH Grill - Paradise Pier Hotel
We were greeted by Minnie Mouse (in Hawaiian attire of course) and had the opportunity to take quite a few pictures with her and the kids . We were also able to take a few as a family and of course given leis to wear around our neck. We were giddy with excitement. After we finished taking pictures we headed over to our seats and our fantastic server took our drink orders. We then headed over to the breakfast buffet. The food was fantastic!! There was a good selection which included the most delicous salmon I've ever had, breakfast pastries, a special section just for the kiddos and an unbelievable made to order omelet bar. My kids are usually very picky with their food but you would have never guessed it. They munched on Mickey Mouse shaped waffles, pancakes , fresh fruit and muffins.
The food was exceptionaly good, however,what really made this a magical experience was the character interaction. My kiddos love Lilo and Stitch and were beyond excited to spend one on one time with them. Minnie and Goofy were a plus!! The atmosphere was really laid back and the characters were really able to spend time one on one with each of my kids. The characters posed for endless pictures with the family and interacted with each of the kids. My son loved high fiving Stitch and my daughter loved dancing with Lilo. The highlight of the breakfast for my kids would hands down be spending time with their favorite characters and learning how to hula. Every half hour there are hula lessons given by Lilo and a cast member . The Hula dancing was a HUGE hit with the kiddos. They loved learning the steps and loved participating in the conga line through the restaurant. The experience was finished off with cast members and Lilo singing Happy Birthday to the birthday girl.
We had a fantastic time and I would hands down recommend this to Everyone!! It is definitely worth the price and perfect for a birthday celebration, an out of town visit or a special occasion. This year we decided to skip a pricey birthday party and instead opted for what turned out to be a memorable time for the entire family. My daughter and son were grinning from ear to ear the whole time. It was a truly magical experience and one that won't soon be forgotten. It was priceless. Now down to the nitty gritty. The grand total for our magical experience was $60.00 and that included tip!!! Our son who is two was free and we received a 15% discount with our annual pass. The best part is the parking. Just drive up to the entrance and valet- you receive complimentary valet if you dine at the PCH grill for 5 hours! I believe the price for ages 10+ is $27.00 and $15.00 for children 3-9. This includes tax and gratuity. The Aloha Breakfast is a great alternative to a traditional birthday party and one that your family won't soon forget. For additional information click here.