Haunted Mansion Holiday 2016 Addition

Jack Skellington brings a unique spark to the season as Haunted Mansion Holiday returns to Disneyland park to celebrate the collision between Halloween and Christmas through Jan. 8, 2017. New this year to this seasonal offering inspired by Walt Disney Pictures classic Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” is Jack’s friend Sally who joins him in the Mansion graveyard. (photo: Scott Brinegar/Disneyland) 

Disneyland Memory Monday - Cascade Peak

It was part of Nature's Wonderland Mine Ride and then became scenery along Rivers of America until the Summer of 1998 when the mountain went away forever. Some before and after shots can be seen on this blog. This is by far one of the pieces of decor that is missed most by Disneyland enthusiasts, probably right after the Captain Hook's ship from Fantasyland. Funny, because most people probably never thought much about it, until it was gone.

Finding Nemo Submarine Adventure

We've loved this ride since the first day it opened.  Scratch that, since before it was even announced it was going to be there.  I can remember when Finding Nemo first came out in theaters and was a smash hit, thinking that it would make the perfect ride in the (at the time) vacant lagoon in Tomorrowland at Disneyland.  We watched and waited in anticipation for the ride to be completed and yes, you may have guessed it - we waited in line for 3 1/2 hours on the opening day to be some of the first people to ride it.  Yes, then we went back a couple days later and waited another 3 hours.  The kids loved the ride that much.  It really is a cute ride, even after 3 1/2 hours of waiting in line.

It's great for families with kids of all ages (only thing to note is there is one short scene where the lights go out and there's a pretend electrical issue - this could scare some smaller children).  Be prepared to climb down the very narrow curved staircase to enter the boat.  There is also a non-moving special viewing area for handicapped guests.

The technology used is state of the art and is actually tough to figure out how they make certain effects work.  For those curious, there are silk screens with images/videos projected on to them to give the effect of the actual characters moving around and swimming with you under water blended with actual underwater scenes.

We've now been on this ride dozens of times since it opened, but one time that stands out in my mind as just really neat was the time that the fireworks were just beginning as we were loading in to the submarines.  It was a Disney Magic Moment.  Riding Finding Nemo at night time is also a different experience than during the day because in the beginning, the lagoon is lit up with colorful lights and it adds to the magic of the ride.  

Leap Day 2012 at Disneyland

Starting at 6 AM tomorrow morning, Disneyland (and the Magic Kingdom at WDW) will open for 24 hours straight.  I plan to hit the park around 1 AM on March 1st to experience some after hours magic.  Here are something unique happenings at the park during the late night hours:

• Performances by Billy Hill & the Hillbillies at The Golden Horseshoe from 11:15 p.m. – 4:45 a.m.
• A Special showing of “Fantasmic!” at 1 a.m.
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• Character meet & greets throughout the night (subject to change):
• Mickey Mouse and friends in pajamas at Carnation Plaza Gardens
• Darth Vader and Stormtroopers in Tomorrowland
• Country Bears in Frontierland

Pulling An All-Nighter

I was there! at the 60 hour party in 1986 for Captain Eo's premiere and again in 1987 when Star Tours opened at Disneyland. I remember lots of people sleeping on benches and a long line that stretched down to Main Street. I even still have my Captain Eo t-shirt given out to everyone who attended the party.

Disney announced early this morning that they will be holding a similar event at both Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom on Feb 29th from 6am through March 1st at 6am. This time it's only 24 hours and not three days, but it's the same concept.

I must admit that I am intrigued over the idea of being at Disneyland and perhaps riding the Haunted Mansion at 3 in the morning. As for staying the full 24 hours, forget it. For me, it would likely end up causing an aversion to the park that could last for weeks. I'm not gonna take the chance.

Missing the Reindeer

Photo from Flickr

The Christmas Fantasy Parade of the old days featured the tall, silly looking reindeer, with tongues that hung out farther than Pluto's.  They were whimsical.  The newer reindeer appear more feminine, in my opinion.

Main Street Popcorn

Fresh, hot golden popcorn.  Freshly popped during a cool fall evening at Disneyland.

Main Street Cinema Ticket Taker

Dressed in her finest fall fashion, Tilly, the Main Street ticket taker is always working!

Hanging Out at Mickey's Hallloween Party

Not-so-scary scarecrows are just part of the entertainment at Disneyland during Mickey's Halloween Party throughout October.

Halloween Time descends on Disneyland

Halloween Season is in full swing. I'm looking forward tonight to checking out Mickey's Halloween Party for 2011.  I expect lots of people, long lines for Space Mtn and Haunted Mansion Holiday and hopefully generous candy distribution. The event is not scary, other than Space Mountain.

Mickey's Halloween Party
$49 per person for Advance price (September 30, October 3, 11, 18 & 25) 
$59 per person for Day-of-Event price (September 30, October 3, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21 & 25) 
$64 per person for Premium price (October 18 & 31)

Some unique features of this event include:

• Halloween Screams fireworks spectacular (9:30 each night)
• Photos with favorite Disney Villains
• Special treat stations offering both candy and healthy goodies
• Mickey's Costume Party Cavalcade (8:30 and 10:30 each night)
• Piratepalooza in Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante, kick up your boots with Goofy and other swashbucklers
• Buzz Lightyear's Intergalactic Space Jam -- a high-energy dance party that goes to infinity and beyond

Halloween Time at Disneyland

In just a couple of days, Haunted Mansion Holiday and Space Mountain: Ghost Galaxy will open at Disneyland, kicking off the relatively new event of Halloween Time at Disneyland.  I'd have to say that this is my favorite time of the year, not just for Halloween but also the weather cooling off and a slower pace after the busy summer.

As a kid, I became obsessed with Knott's Halloween Haunt beginning around 1987.  I've been back every year since and it is probably the only time of year I ever visit Knott's.  I can't recall the last time I visited during daylight.  I've also had an annual pass to Disneyland since 1984.  Disneyland always seemed to poo-poo the idea of doing anything remotely close to what Knott's has been doing for almost 40 years with Halloween.  However, with the growing popularity of the Haunt, it was only a matter of time before Disneyland tried to cash in the holiday as well.  Every year, Americans have been spending more and more on Halloween, making it a huge industry, so it's only expected that Disney is looking to get into that market too.

I've been enjoying the Halloween Time festivities at Disneyland and it was great to have Mickey's Trick or Treat return to Disneyland in 2010, now called Mickey's Halloween Party.  I plan to visit this year and report back.  Stay tuned.

Walt Disney's former office at the Disney Studio

Walt's former office at the studio

On my recent visit to the Studio for the D23 Expo preview, I was able to take this shot of the exterior of Walt's office.  The current occupant is Shaun Cassidy and his production company.  This is the same office that you once could seen in the lobby to the Walt Disney Story and Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.  It used to exhibit his working office and formal office.

D23 will feature presentation on new attractions, movies and products coming the The Walt Disney Company  all debuting in the near future.  Members of D23 also get opportunities such as a tour of the Disney Studios throughout the years.  You do not need to be a member of D23 to attend the Expo.

Happy Disneyland Star Tours : The Adventures Continue Day!

This morning is the big day that Star Tours 2.0 opens officially.  I was able to hitch a ride last week during an annual passholder preview.  The refreshed queue was eye-catching.  It's nice to see the mix of familiar with the new.  I obsessed over every detail of this ride in 1987 when it first opened.  The new show is the kind of thing we all dreamed of, "What if there were multiple destinations each time?" Now, the dream is a reality.

My only criticism, is that just like the new Star Wars films, the new movies are done all CGI.  There was something special about making films that required miniatures, albeit now you can anywhere and do anything with computers.  The new film is super clear, having the latest technology, and most people won't notice the fact of how flat the old film was.

Main Street Penny Arcade

Esmeralda the Fortune Teller

What once was a dime now costs you a quarter, but regardless, Esmeralda remains an icon of the Main Street strip.

Captain Kid the pirate goat at Disneyland

Visit him at Big Thunder Ranch

Make Shift Movie Theater

The amazing set up for the Pirates 4 premiere at Disneyland, May 7, 2011at the edge of the Rivers of America.

Disneyland Resort Parking

Next time you visit the park, I highly suggest skipping the Mickey and Friends parking structure and head down Harbor, past the old main entrance, pass over Katella and turn left when you reach the Toy Story parking lot.  It uses OCTD buses and moves swiftly to bring you to the old Lion King drop off area at the east end of the entrance promenade.  Parking is simple and now you can even purchase your tickets there at the parking lot (credit or debit cards only).

The other perk too is that if you are staying at a hotel in the area and they do not offer a shuttle service, you could walk over and take the buses, without any cost.

Did you know? This property where the Toy Story parking lot is, will be a third Disneyland Resort, if and when, they ever decide to build one.

Happy New Year

A new year is a upon us and the parks are a buzz with activity.  In case you did not get over to Disneyland during this busy Christmas season, small world holiday will still be open through January 17th before going down for about 10 days to revert to the regular ride.  Check it out while you can.

Mickey's Halloween Party at Disneyland

Mickey's Halloween Party kicks off tonight.  It's back at Disneyland, which is exciting.  I'll be attending with Daytrippingmom and kids in tow.

The nights of the event are October 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26, 29, 31. Tickets are to the general public via Disneyland.com.  This event has been selling out at DCA in the past years.

Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort

Today is the first full day of Autumn and last weekend HalloweenTime began at the Disneyland Resort. At Disneyland, this means the return of Haunted Mansion Holiday with new effects and Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy with the same cool effects from last year.

Fireworks will be presented weekends but the Halloween Screams fireworks show that debuted last year, will be presented this year only during the Mickey's Halloween Party, which is featured at Disneyland this year and is a separate ticketed event. 

Due to construction at DCA, Disneyland received the vast majority of decorations for Halloween this year. Main Street has never before had so many jack-o-lanterns and just about every other land in the park feature a Halloween display.

HalloweenTime is lasting a full six weeks this year and will likely continue to grow in the years to come.