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.  

Edible Plants in Tomorrowland

Have you ever noticed that most of the decorative plants in Tomorrowland are actually edible plants? It's called Agri-Future! I'm not sure if we'd actually want to eat them, but I've spotted lettuce plants,

dwarf chili plants,

strawberry plants,

cabbage plants, rosemary bushes, sage plants and many more.  I just think that's plain cool and it makes for a great teaching opportunity for the kids while you are waiting in line!

What ones have you spotted while waiting in line for Astro Orbiter, Finding Nemo Submarines or Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters?

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:

Storybook Land Canal Boats

Storybook Land Canal Boats at Disneyland have recently re-opened.  They were closed down for a draining of the canal (imagine the dropped cell phones, keys, toys, etc. that were at the bottom!) while they replaced the Casey Jr. Train track. 

It is one of my favorite rides in the park (okay, so most of them are favorites of mine...).  There's just something about riding in the boats through the small scale world of fantasy that mesmerizes me.  Disneyland never ceases to amaze me with the attention to detail.  Notice in the pictures (sorry they are a tad blurry because the boats move) that there are tiny Christmas trees and decorations throughout each scene!

Whether it's Cinderella's Castle, complete with pumpkin carriage, Princess Jasmine's Palace...

The dwarf's house from Snow White...

Pinocchio's village...

Or the Three Little Pigs house made of bricks...

The Storybook Land Canal Boats are great for everyone in the family, young and old.  Make sure you keep a close eye on young children though because unlike some of the other boat rides, the water is quite deep - not the normal couple of feet that most rides have.  Also note that the ride closes down 30 minutes before and 5 minutes after the parades go through to prevent the line from blocking the flow of traffic because it is so close to the parade route.

Picking Rides for Kids and Babies at Disneyland

Going to Disneyland is a magical experience for the whole family and not just the older kids. Juggling the wants of older kids to ride rides and babies is always tough. One of the questions that I am frequently asked is what rides are okay for babies. We started taking our kids well before their first birthdays, so I got pretty good at knowing what my boys were comfortable on. Be sure to read about the baby care centers here, they are a lifesaver when you're at the parks with babies!



Here’s a list of ones that I think are fine to take babies on…



Disneyland Railroad: Great for all ages. A great way to give the kids “down-time” and still ride a ride.


Small World: Great for all ages. Nothing scary at all.


Storybook Canal Boats: Great for all ages. Just plain cute.


Finding Nemo Submarines: Great for all ages. One small scene where the lights briefly go out and there’s a loud sound, but should be fine for most.


Alice in Wonderland: Great for all ages.


Tiki Room: Great for all ages.


Jungle Cruise: Great for all ages.


Winnie the Pooh: Great for all ages.


Casey Jr. Circus Train: Great for all ages.


Peter Pan: Great for all ages.


Pirates of the Caribbean: Mostly great for all ages. You know the temperament of your kids. Don’t take them on this if they are skittish or have a tendency to get spooked. There are two small drops, but as long as you are holding on to them, it’s fine. I’ve seen newborns sleep through the ride in their mother’s arms but I’ve also seen one year olds cry from the moment they got in the boat to the time they get out of the boat.

For when you want to tackle some of the "big" kid rides, be sure to read up on the Rider/Baby Switch program here. 

-Katie

Pizza Port at Disneyland and Introduction to Katie!

I was more than a little excited when Aracely asked me to blog over here on Kids and Mice (you may recognize me from OCMomActivities). I think it’s because I’m about 95% obsessed with Disneyland (the other 5% of addiction goes to CoffeeBean & Tea Leaf). We are huge Disneyland fans around our house and go on average of once a week if not more! I’m a working wife and mom of two amazing boys (Brett is 7 and Kyle is 6). Over the years I’ve learned lots of fun tips and tricks about Disneyland and am thrilled to have the opportunity to share them with you! Enough about me - I’ll just dive right in…





The Pizza Port in Tomorrowland is one of our families’ favorite places to eat dinner. There are great options for the entire family at a reasonable cost and we love sitting in the outside eating area at the back (near the entrance to Space Mountain). They have a great selection of fresh salads, excellent pizza (by the slice or whole pizza) and super yummy pastas.

Brett and Kyle love getting the kids spaghetti (with sauce & meatballs on the side). Awhile ago they switched to using whole wheat pastas, which I love. Each plate comes with apple slices and carrot slices and a drink. They also have kid sized pizza and chicken & rice for toddlers. For the adults they have wonderful alfredo pasta, penne pasta and spaghetti.


I always get a fresh salad. My favorite one is posted below (Starfield of Greens), but they have caesar salads, oriental chicken salads and several other choices. As you can see it’s made with real salad greens and super sweet tomatoes and has an Italian Vinaigrette dressing. I love it!

My husband always orders the pizza, below is a picture of the BBQ chicken pizza that is so good! They also have Hawaiian pizza, pepperoni, cheese pizza and other favorites by the slice or whole. Be sure to grab some of the amazing focaccia bread & dipping sauce…

What I absolutely love about eating there is that we as a family of four can eat there for $25 (using the 15% AP discount)!


What’s your favorite thing to order at Pizza Port?

Mickey's Trick or Treat Party - 2008

I can't believe summer is already over and the Fall is creeping in. Back to school also means that Halloween is just around the corner. It also means Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort.

This year, the newly named "Mickey's Trick or Treat Party" held at Disney's California Adventure will be held on October 3, 10, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 28, 29, 30, and 31.

Advance tickets, on sale now are $29. The Friday nights always sell out quickly as well as the dates closer to Halloween. Costumes are permitted, but not masks.

Passholder discount is available for the following dates: October 3, 16, 22, 23, 28, 29

There is no discount available for the October 31 event. All tickets for that date are $37.

Tickets available on-line at http://www.disneyland.com/tickets
Or by calling 714-781-4400
$3.00 shipping charge

Discounted tickets available to Annual Passholders on Disneyland's Annual Passholder web site: http://www.disneyland.com/ap

No charge for kids age two and under.
Limit of 8 tickets per event.

Go Princess Crazy

If you have a daughter, no doubt she is enchanted with the Disney Princesses. My three year old loves them, especially Cinderella. She frequently demands that we take her to the Princess Fantasy Faire. It's held at the Fantasyland Theater, where the Snow White musical was held a few years ago.

The Princess Fantasy Faire is laid out into several sections. There is a Meet and Greet section, Craft section, Dress-up and Makeup section, Storytelling, and the Coronation.

The Royal Coronation

The Royal Coronation runs several times a day and the show times are listed on the daily entertainment guide as well as at the entrance to the fair. This portion takes place on the stage and the floor below. The first part of the ceremony teaches young Princesses and Princes important royal things like how to bow and curtsy. Next, three Princesses will descend the red-carpeted staircase and be introduced to the crowd below. We saw Sleeping Beauty, Snow White and Cinderella but I've heard Belle is sometimes in the mix too. Dance poles are brought in and each child is directed to grab onto ribbon, similar to a May Day pole. Each Princess will go to a different pole and then the dance begins. As the Princesses leave confetti and streamers are shot out into the arena for the grand finale.

Princess Crafts

The craft area is set up with tables and seats and has crowns to color and decorate. These tables are set up in full view of the stage so even if a child is working on a craft, he or she can see the Royal Coronation. This is found house-left.

Princess Shopping

This area is to the right of the arena. Here you can purchases dresses, tiaras, shoes and more for your little Princess. There are also makeup mirrors your Princess can be completely made up before going to meet the Princesses.

Meet and Greet

The most popular part is the Meet and Greet, which is set up so that you have one line to see three Princesses or Princes. There is a person at each station to take pictures and give you a Photo Pass card. The line forms behind the stations so while in line you will not see which characters are waiting to meet you. This area is usually held on the theater floor in-between coronations and storytelling.

Princess Storytelling

The storytelling takes place on the floor of the area. Times are listed on your daily entertainment guide. Each day they have each Princess tell her story twice. Carpet circles are laid out for children and parents to sit for the story. On our day, we heard a story told by Snow White. She also has a prince-type character assist her as narrator. This is the same experience that used to held in the Tinkerbell Toy Shoppe just before the Princesses exploded in popularity.

Our daughter loves to dance and thoroughly enjoyed the coronation. If you have younger children, they might be a bit overwhellmed by all the activity, but all will enjoy the storytelling.

Playhouse Disney @ Disney's California Adventure

The Playhouse Disney Show at Disney's California Adventure is a must visit if you have little ones. Last Friday my daughter and I caught an afternoon show and boy did she love it. The show is about twenty minutes long and your kids will be jumping for joy!! Your kids will dance and sing along to their favorite characters from the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Handy Manny, Winnie the Pooh and The Little Einsteins. The stage opens up and the show begins with the planning of Minnie's Surprise Birthday party. It's followed by a revolving stage that brings your kid's favorite show to life. My daughter loves Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Little Einsteins. She couldn't get enough!! She danced and sang through the whole show. The Playhouse Disney show is geared for toddlers and preschoolers. It's a must if you have a toddler or preschooler.

For additional information click here