Jedi Training Academy at Disneyland

The Jedi Training Academy at Disneyland is one of our family favorites.  My boys are big Star Wars fans so being "officially" trained as a Padawan is heaven for them.  Being picked to be one of the Padawans can be tough if you go at the wrong time, but we've learned a few tricks.  Think of it this way... when Disneyland isn't busy - neither will the Jedi Training Academy and your children's chances of being picked sky rocket!  Although I have to admit there is something about the energy of the crowd on a busy day when the viewing area is packed!  The Jedi Master is always very entertaining and every show is slightly unique thanks to the creativity of the young Padawans.

If you have bashful or hesitant kids grab lunch or an early dinner and watch one of the shows first.  They serve burgers (including veggie), chicken tenders for kids, sandwiches and the usual walk-up window foods.

Jedi Training Academy normally runs about 6 times a day, (about once an hour- 11:30, 12:30, 1:30, etc.).  Be sure to check the exact starting times on the Disneyland website so you can plan accordingly.

Below are several clips from our most recent trip:

Today in Disneyland History - 1957

Film and television actress Jenifer Lewis, the voice of Mama Odie in Disney's The Princess and the Frog, is born in Missouri. 


Back in 1987, Lewis was hired as the preshow announcer on the Star Tours ride at Disneyland.  She's the one that looks like she has something growing on the side of head.

Disneyland Early Closures

Well, this past Monday, Disneyland and California Adventure had their closing times moved up by several hours.  On Monday, Disneyland closed at 8 PM instead of the 11 PM scheduled close time.  Today, the park will once again close early, instead of the normal hour of 8 PM it will be closing at 6 PM with DCA closing at 5.

Right now it's about 3 PM and the sun has broke through and the rain has stopped but more is expected later tonight.

Wet Disneyland

The weatherman has a favorite saying, 'Into every life a little rain must fall,' and it looks as though today is our day."  Of my hundreds of visits to Disneyland, today my daughter and I experienced one of the most enjoyable times ever..and it was all with cold California rain.

You haven't experienced Storybook Land until you tried it in the pouring rain!

Character Cavalcade!

Wordless Wednesday

Do you know where this is? :)

Backyard Disneyland railroad from OC Register

Disneyland as featured in Life

Life Magazine's archives can be found on Google at http://images.google.com/hosted/life

Here are some awesome Disneyland photos off their site!

 

2fer is Back for SoCal Residents

I just found out that 2fer Tickets are back at the Disneyland Resort!  If you aren't aware of the 2fer's, they are pretty simple, pay admission in to one park and you can return on another day to the other park free through April 12th.  If you've got friends, family or other are looking for a great way to enjoy both parks, this is a great deal.

More information about the 2fer Tickets can be found here.

Enjoy!


-Katie

Winner of Family 4 pack of Disney tickets

Happy New Year Everyone! I hope you are all having a great start to the New Year.
The winner of the Disneyland 4 pack of tickets is Mormishmom. Email mom@ocmomactivities.com or mom@daytrippingmom.com.

Thank you all for commenting and entering!

Changes ahead at Disneyland

Look for the following in your visits the next couple of months to Disneyland:

• Return of Captain Eo in February!
• Drained Rivers of America through May 6th - which means no river traffic and no Tom Sawyers Island
  
• Tomorrowland Terrace closed through May
• Haunted Mansion is closed for two weeks to return to it's "normal" state
• it's a small world will close mid-January to remove the holiday theme for two weeks
• The Sherman Brothers Main Street window dedication will happen sometime this month too
  

End of the Holiday Season at Disneyland

Crowds were heavy on the last day of Christmas celebrations at Disneyland.  I made the trek over to experience the new Great Moment's with Mr. Lincoln, which was wonderful.  I also went through Haunted Mansion Holiday for my only visit this season.