Disneyland Turns 60!

July 17th marks Disneyland's 60th anniversary. The park first opened in 1955 and quickly set records with a number of people showing up to the park. Over the years the park is continue to grow and change. Walt Disney once said, "Disneyland will never be complete, as long as there is imagination left in the world." New attractions and improvements on existing rides have continued. The recent additions of the Hatbox Ghost to the Haunted Mansion and the new effects inside Peter Pan's Flight, are a great example.

Up until the early 80s, guests relied on ticket books with A through E tickets. "A" ticket attractions were simple rides or shows such as the street cars on Main Street. An "E" ticket ride was a bigger attraction, such as the Matterhorn, Big Thunder or Space Mountain. In 1982, the unlimited passport was introduced allowing visitors to experience all rides and attractions with the single admission. There are currently 58 attractions at Disneyland.

With the addition of Disney California Adventure in 2001 and the Paradise Pier Hotel, the entire resort became a true destination for people to visit from all over the world. Disneyland's Diamond Celebration will continue through the end of Summer 2016 with many more surprises and announcements to be made along the way.

Disneyland Magic Mornings

Did you know that you can enjoy admission to Disneyland on select days before the park officially opens?

On select days, Disneyland offers Magic Morning early admission to the park when you either stay at any of the Disneyland Resort Hotels (Disneyland Hotel, Grand Californian or Paradise Pier Hotel), purchase a Disneyland Resort Vacation Package or purchase a special Disneyland online ticket that includes the Magic Morning Admission. Magic Mornings are also included with the purchase of a 3-5 day Park Hoppers. Magic Mornings are held only at Disneyland and not at Disney's California Adventure.

Here is how Magic Mornings works. Magic Morning admission allow guests to enter Disneyland one hour before the park opens to the public on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday.Guests are allowed to enter Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. Select shops and restaurants will be open during Magic Mornings.

If you are planning on heading to Disneyland during one of the busy times of the year(Summer Season, Christmas Season or Spring Break), Magic Mornings would be the perfect option to maximize your visit to the Disneyland Resort.

For additional info head over here.

Taking the kids to D23 Expo- Our review!

Yesterday I packed a bag, stroller and costumes and headed to Disney's D23 expo with the kids. The kids were super excited to head out. I don't really know what they were expecting but they knew it had to do with Disney and they were beyond excited.

We spent three hours but could have easily spent more. I'm not exaggerating here- The kiddos did not want to leave the main exhibition hall floor. We spent hours walking through the Disney Consumer Product Pavilion and the kids couldn't get enough!

My daughter fell in love with the Disney Beauty Booth and begged for a makeover. We didn't have to wait for very long and my princess received the royal treatment. My son, a Toy Story fanatic, could not get enough of the Crayola Animation Booth which featured Andy's Bedroom from Toy Story. An animator will lead you and your kiddos through a 45 minute lesson on drawing your favorite Disney Characters. We had a blast.

The kiddos loved dancing at Radio Disney's booth. They were in their own kiddo dance heaven! Fun music played while Radio Disney stuff handed out Disney "swag" to those on the dance floor.

There is also two rooms that every parent of young children should be aware when heading to the expo. First is the Expo's baby care center located on the second floor and the Baby Einstein Room which is a perfect place to decompress and let the kiddos play and relax. It's the perfect place to hang out with he kids in between events.

There are plenty of restrooms, bathrooms and even a place to rent strollers, if you don't feel like bringing yours.Parking is plentiful and $12. I would bring cash for parking and snacks. Better yet, pack some snacks and save some $.

We had an incredible time and I hope you do too! I will be heading back with the kiddos tomorrow afternoon. If you see me, please stop and say hello. Have an incredible time!

It's Tough to be a Bug

It's Tough to be a bug is a 9 minute 3D experience that is located inside Disney's California Adventure's - A Bug's Land. The show gives you and your kiddos an insight on what life is like as a bug. Flick is the host of the show and introduces us to a different point of view- Why we should view bug's as friends vs enemies.

I personally like this ride for two reasons. On hot days it is perfect place to beat the heat and because of minimal wait lines. I also love the special effects that the show produces. However, it can be a little too intense for the little ones. My two year old son hates this show and I avoid it when we visit the park. My 4 year old daughter however loves it and thinks it's a riot. I would definitely skip It's Tough to be a Bug if you have a child that is 3 and under. If your kiddo is between 4-5 - I would still be a little cautious. I think this is attraction is best suited for 6 yrs olds and up.

It's a great little show and a little tip- sit towards the middle and latter part of the theater to enjoy the best visual effects. Enjoy!!

Summer Nightastic!

I was invited last Thursday to attend the media preview of the Summer Nightastic at Disneyland and DCA . It was seriously so much fun!! Disney's new offerings this week are quite a treat.The new fireworks show, "Magical" features a new song sung by Orange County's own Eden Espinosa from Wicked and the real flying elephant, Dumbo. Tinkerbell also makes two appearences. The new show is not as elaborate or as long as the prior fireworks spectacular, but it is just as entertaining. Dumbo is not to be missed!!

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.

In my opinion, the best thing about this summer is Disney's Electrical Parade at DCA. The show now features a new Tinkerbell float who leads the parade, taking the place of the Blue Fairy. Also back are new verisons of the lost seven dwarves mine float and the Pinnochio floats. The soundtrack has also been slightly updated for the better.

There is plenty to see at both parks, so take the kiddos. These shows will be played nightly through August 23rd and then weekends through Labor Day. A big thank you to Disney for making my dreams come true!!