$50 in Disney Bucks!

To officially launch kids and mice- we are doing a giveaway. All you have to do is let me know what you want to would like to discuss as an annual passholder on Kids and Mice and that's it! Winner will be selected at Random. You can leave multilple entries for

• Leaving a comment (1 entry) 
• Become a follower of Kids and Mice (1 entry)
• Become a fan on Facebook of Kids and Mice (1 entry)

You have until Friday, November 6th to enter.
Good luck!

Happy Halloween!

Breakfast at Disneyland

Over at daveland today, he posted some old pics from Aunt Jemima's Pancake House. You can still visit this restaurant, although now it is known as Liberty Belle Terrace. Earlier this month, I was at the park early enough that I was able to get breakfast. I'm sure it's the Disney magic because I had three of the fluffiest pancakes around. I enjoyed sitting inside and looking out at the Rivers of America while the crowds were only trickling by. It was a wonderful experience. It's been 8 years since I last took the time for breakfast at Disneyland, but I don't plan on waiting another 8 years before doing it again.

Disneyland Hours Today

In case you were wondering, Disneyland closes at 5 PM today for a private party. Tomorrow, it goes back to the normal 10-9 PM hours during Monday through Thursday nights.

Around Disneyland

All the excitement lately has been the water going into Paradise Bay at DCA but over at Disneyland there is news too!

it's a small world closed today for the small world Holiday makeover.  Space Mountain will close on November 2nd to strip out Ghost Galaxy, only to reopen the very next day on November 3 as plain-old Space Mountain. Christmas decorations will be going up right away, at least on Main Street where it is prepped for the taping of the Disneyland portions of the Walt Disney World Christmas special November 7 through 9.

The first performance of "A Christmas Fantasy" Parade is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on Friday, November 13, 2009 and again at 6:30 p.m.  "Believe...In Holiday Magic" Fireworks Spectacular is scheduled to start 9:25 p.m. that night.

For brand spankin' new entertainment at Disneyland, check out "Tiana's Showboat Jubilee!" which premieres on Friday, November 6, 2009 at 11:15 a.m. Additional show times are 12:45 p.m. 2:45 p.m. and 4:15 p.m.

Halloween Treats at Disneyland

Besides all of the entertainment, there is also specially crafted edible treats this month at Disneyland.

Don't miss the Jack Skellington Coffin Dessert, Jack Skellington in the Box Cheesecake and Haunted Mansion Spoon Dessert at the French Market in New Orleans Square.

Cafe Orleans and Blue Bayou have a Hazelnut Tiramisu topped with pumpkin mousse.

Aroudn the park, also look for the chocolate Mickey Halloween cookie, cream topped pumpkin muffin, sliced pumpkin pie and pumpkin cheesecake. There are also beverages like pumpkin spice latte and caramel apple cider!

Yum!

Holiday Time filming dates at Disneyland

Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort kicks off November 13, 2009. Like every year, filming for Disneyland portions of the Walt Disney World Christmas special will again occur early at Disneyland. It's expected that Saturday, November 7th and/or Sunday, November 8th should be the days.

If you come during that time, you will see the early Christmas decorations up around Main Street and a shorter version of the Holiday parade.

Disneyland Resort Annual Passes- Which one is right for you?

I was chatting with a good friend yesterday about annual passes. He is looking to buy passes for his family and was asking for my opinion. Which pass should I get? I say it depends on your financial situation, how often are you planning on heading to the parks and location.

I have had the Premium Pass for over a decade. It works for my family for a number of reasons. We live about a 20 minute drive from the park, we have quite a few family members that live outside the area and like to come down to Disneyland during the holidays, we are big Disney Geeks, we hate crowds and we love the freedom it provides of visiting any day of the year without restrictions.

Here is the scoop on the Premium Annual Passport:

• 365 consecutive days of admission to both theme parks.
• 10% merchandise discount at select locations throughout the Disneyland® Resort
• Exclusive benefits at select Downtown Disney® District locations
• Free annual parking pass for the Mickey & Friends parking structure. ($79 value)
• 10-15% dining discount at select Disneyland® Resort restaurants
• Special rates at Disneyland Resort Hotels

The Premium Passes are very expensive. The pass is $429, however you can use the payment plan option, guests will pay for the cost of a 1-Day, 1-Park ticket - $72-upon purchase and will pay the remaining amount over the next 12 months, with no finance charges applied

If you don't want to splurge on the Premium- I highly recommend the Deluxe Annual Passport. Most of my friends and family have this pass.

Here is the scoop on the Deluxe Annual Passport:

• 315 days of admission. Most Holidays and some peak season Saturdays are blocked out.
• 10% dining discount at select Disneyland Resort Restaurants
• Special Rates at Disneyland Resort Hotels
• Parking is NOT included- $79 for parking.

The Deluxe Annual Passport, is a little pricey at $289 . However it does offer many admission days and if you plan on using your pass frequently, it could be your best option. As with the Premium Pass, you can use the payment plan option and you will pay for the cost of a 1-Day, 1-Park ticket -$72-upon purchase and will pay the remaining amount over the next 12 months, with no finance charges applied

The other two options are more affordable options but have many blackout dates.

Here is the scoop on the Southern California Annual Passport:

• 227 days of admission. Most of these days are off peak season. All Holidays and Saturdays are blocked out.
• 10% dining discount at select Disneyland Resort Restaurants
• Special Rates at the Disneyland Resort Hotels
• Parking is not included -$79 for parking pass
• This pass differs from the Southern California Select in that Sundays are allowed. The pass is $194, and as with the other passes you can use the payment plan option. You will pay for the cost of a 1-Day, 1-Park ticket - $72-upon purchase and will pay the remaining amount over the next 12 months, with no finance charges applied

The least expensive of the passes is the Southern California Select Annual Pass. Here is the scoop on the pass.

• 176 days of admission. This is a weekday pass only! All Holidays, weekends and most peak times at the park are blocked off.
• 10% Dining discount at select Disneyland Resort restaurants
• Special Rates at the Disneyland Park Hotels
• Parking Pass is not included
• The pass is $144 and as with the other passes you can use the payment plan option. You will pay for the cost of a 1-Day, 1-Park ticket-$72- upon purchase and will pay the remaining amount over the next 12 months, with no finance charges applied

My friend decided to purchase the Deluxe Annual Passport since he wants to bring his kiddos down on Saturdays. I want to hear from you. What pass do you have? Do you love it? Use it often?

Disneyland Candlelight Procession Dinner Details

I know we are still into Halloween mode, but this is worth noting right away.

This year, the Candlelight Procession Dinner has become a D23 member exclusive event. That means, no reserved seats without joining D23 and purchasing a ticket to the event. You can still get to Disneyland early that day and stake out a seat for you and your loved ones.

EVENT DETAILS:
Date: Sunday, December 6, 2009
Time: Check in begins at 10 a.m.
Location: Disneyland, Anaheim, Calif.
Tickets: Click here for tickets.
Cost: $275 per person

Included with the cost of your ticket:

• A one-day Disneyland park hopper ticket. (Ticket is good only for use on December 6, 2009 and must be used by ticket purchaser.)
• Private dinner and dessert inside Stage 17
• Exclusive holiday show featuring your favorite Disney characters
• Reserved seating for Candlelight Processional and Ceremony
• Behind-the-scenes presentation about Candlelight and Disneyland at the holidays — with a "sweet treat"
• Special gift for all guests from your friends at D23!
  

Extended Halloween Hours

During the month of October you can enjoy extended Halloween Hours at the Disneyland Resort. This week you can head over to the park as early as 8am on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. You can also head over as early as 9am Monday thru Thursday and stay until 9pm on these days. There will be nightly firework shows.


Hours at California Adventure will be limited due to Mickey's Trick or Treat.

Maleficent Dragon In Fantasmic Facts

· The new dragon is a fully animated three-dimensional design that replicates the movements of the dragon in “Sleeping Beauty.”

· Maleficent, a classic Disney villain, transforms into a dragon during “Fantasmic!” – just as she does in the famous Walt Disney Pictures film.

· The “Fantasmic!” dragon is 32 feet wide and weighs approximately 18,000 pounds.

· When she stretches to full height, the dragon stands 45 feet tall.

· When she “lurks” beneath the “Fantasmic!” stage prior to appearing, the dragon contracts to 22 feet tall.

· During the spectacular finale, she rises to stage level in 35 seconds on a custom-built elevator.

· Tri-color LED lighting fixtures put the gleam in the dragon’s eyes.

· In her spectacular appearance, Maleficent breathes a plume of fire 35 feet long, lighting the Rivers of America on fire for 25 seconds during the show.

· During the show, the dragon is controlled and monitored by four computer systems.

· The dynamic and menacing animation of the dragon is achieved via 18 axes of motion which enable a wide range of movement in her eyes, ears, mouth, tongue, neck, wings and body.

Halloween Time Continues at Disneyland

So, from my experience so far, I would have to say that Monday through Thursday are the best days to get over to Disneyland to experience Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy, Haunted Mansion Holiday and to catch Halloween Screams with the least amount of crowding.

Friday through Sunday have been extremely busy, especially if you try to go on a night when there is also Mickey's trick or treat at DCA.

If you plan to go for just a couple of hours, consider parking at Downtown Disney to avoid the Mickey and Friends parking headache. This only works if you are going there Monday through Thursday.

New Disneyland Resort President Named

George Kalogridis who was once Senior VP of Disneyland Resort Operations and most recently CEO of Disneyland Resort Paris is the new Disneyland Resort President.

This guy worked his way up from a bus boy at the Contemporary Resort in WDW almost 40 years ago to where he is now.

Free tickets to "The Princess and the Frog"

Theme park visitors now can pick up free children’s movie tickets for the upcoming “The Princess and the Frog” movie at the Disneyland Resort.

Through Nov. 22, park guests ages 10 and older can each get a voucher worth $8 toward a child’s admission to the animated movie with the purchase of an adult ticket. You just need to show your park admission ticket or annual pass to get a voucher.

“The Princess and the Frog,” which is set to open Dec. 11 is Disney’s first hand-drawn animated feature in five years and the first ever based on an American fairy tale.

For this unique event, Walt Disney Studios is opening its studios to the public for early “Princess” viewing events. The first 30-minutes of the movie was shown last month at the D23 expo event.

A live show based on the movie is set to come to Disneyland next month at the Rivers of America aboard the Mark Twain.

These are the locations to pick up vouchers at the Disneyland Resort:

• Disneyland: The Emporium, Disney Showcase, Disney Clothiers Ltd. and China Closet
• Disney’s California Adventure: Greetings from California and Engine-Ears Toys shops
• Disneyland Hotel: Disney’s Fantasia Shop and Donald’s Gifts & Sundries
• Grand Californian Hotel & Spa: Acorns Gifts & Goods
• Paradise Pier Hotel: Mickey In Paradise
• Downtown Disney: World of Disney Store

Obama's first political pardon! Found at Disneyland.

President Obama has given a pardon to one of the annual turkey's for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Named Pecan, this lucky turkey is now living at Big Thunder Ranch at Disneyland. A special ceremony was held and the turkey was then brought from the White House to Disneyland to live out the rest of his fine feathered days.

Seaworld's Halloween Spooktacular

Halloween is definitely one of my favorite holidays. I love decorating, the costumes and of course the treats! If you love costumes and treats, you might want to check out Seaworld's Halloween Spooktacular.

Halloween Spooktacular is taking place every weekend from now until November 1st. Your kiddos can dress up and trick or treat along sea inspired pathways in Seaworld's own Candy Garden. The sea lion and otter stadium celebrates with a specially themed Halloween Show and Sesame Street Bay of Play features Countdown to Halloween featuring Count Von Count.

The kiddos can come in costume and enjoy a fun day at the park. The best part is that Halloween Spooktacular is included with general admission. If you have an annual pass/fun card, make sure to take advantage. We hope to head out next weekend for a day filled with sea life and treats!

Extra Extra! Ed Grier, President of the Disneyland Resort to Retire

Ed Grier, President of the Disneyland Report announced his immanent retirement from the company today, October 5, 2009. His last day will be Friday, October 9, 2009.

From Wikipedia: Before joining the Disneyland Resort in July 2006, Grier served as executive managing director of Walt Disney Attractions Japan, where he supervised Disney operations for the Tokyo Disney Resort and the day-to-day relationship with the Oriental Land Company, which owns the property.

Previously, Grier held executive positions at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort Paris in France. At the Florida resort, he served as general manager for the operation lines of business at the Epcot and Disney-MGM Studios theme parks.

A certified public accountant, Grier worked for Ernst & Young before joining The Walt Disney Company in 1981. He has a bachelor's degree in accounting from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Come Celebrate Halloween at Disneyland!

Here is some highlights of all the fun at Disneyland during this Halloween season

Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort

I love Halloween. it has to be my favorite time of year. The crisp weather, fun decorations, candy and costumes- It can't get better than that! Halloween Time is in full effect at Disneyland Resort from now until November 1st.

Some of the fun happenings at the Disneyland Resort include:

• Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy with haunting music and new visual effects
• Haunted Mansion Holiday- My absolute favorite! Enjoy the Haunted Mansion as it transformed into the Nightmare before Christmas.
  
• Main Street Pumpkin Festival- check out the hundreds of pumpkins and meet your favorite Disney Character in their Halloween Costume.
  
• Big Thunder Ranch Halloween Roundup- Meet Woody and Jessie, make fun Halloween crafts, watch a Disney Artist create pumpkin designs
• Mickey's Trick or Treat Party at Disney's California Adventure
  
• And an all new AMAZING Halloween Firework Extravaganza! You can catch the firework show every night during Halloween time.

Still not convinced? Here is a little sneak peek of the Halloween Firework show courtesy of the Disneyland Resort.


I'm going to be hitting the resort at least twice during the next couple of weeks to keep you informed and take pictures of the festivities. Hope you can all make a visit soon!

Mickey's Trick or Treat Party

We had a blast at Mickey's Trick or Treat Party at Disney's California Adventure last Friday night. This annual, special ticketed event happens throughout October on the following nights: 8, 9, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30 and 31.

This unique party lets adults and children alike dress up and trick-or-treat inside DCA. The kids loved getting to pick up candy at 25 Treat Stops located throughout the park. There was some terrific candy, including Ghirardelli chocolate! There was also healthy treats like apple slices and Craisins to be had.

My daughter was fond of the princess photo locations, while my son seemed to favor the Disney villains. The kids rocked out at Candy Corn Acres just inside the Sun Plaza, where they were able to dance to all the top 40 hits.

The Pacific Wharf area became Pirate’s Wharf, which featured a photo location, craft area and games. The Hollywood Pictures Backlot also had dancing and characters to meet. All the favorite rides and attractions were also open for the event which ran from 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM.

Tickets purchased in advance are $32 most days, while tickets purchased on the event day are $39. For Oct. 30 and 31, all tickets are $42. If you are an annual passholder you can purchase tickets for $26. Special Passholder Discount are available for these Dates: October 8, 15, 21, 22, 28



And don't forget that now through Dec. 19, 2009, you can save $400 when you book a 4-Day/4-Night Disneyland Resort vacation package, featuring either Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Disneyland Hotel or Disney’s Paradise Pier. Each of theses packages includes four-day park hopper tickets and includes one Magic Morning admission per person. Mickey's Trick or Treat Party tickets must be purchased separately.

Fun for all! (note: this is not our family!)

Fantasyland - 1983

Pumpkin Fudge returns for the Fall/Winter season

Pumpkin Fudge is back at Disneyland. You kind find it at the Market House and Candy Palace on Main Street and also at Pooh's Corner in Critter Country. Now I haven't checked yet, but I can almost guarantee it can also be found at Marceline's Confectionery in Downtown Disney. This stuff is delish! Try to eat just one piece.

Disney Gallery Reopens at Disneyland on Main Street

Here is a picture from Disneyland.com of the newly reopened Disney Gallery at the former Bank of Main Street. It reopens today at Disneyland.


Bank of America was one of the original park sponsors and had one of the only seven day banks open in America, right at Disneyland. In the early 90s, the sponsorship ended and the space became an annual passport processing center. After the closure of the Disney Gallery above the Pirates of the Caribbean for conversion to the Dream Suite, the gallery needed a new location. It is very fittingly now found on Main Street. The Walt Disney Story portion next door has also reopened and connects to the Gallery.