Rider/Baby Swich Program

Did you know that you can ride attractions at Disneyland/California Adventure with height restrictions even if you have munchkins in tow? There is a rider switch program available at any ride with a height restriction. At the entrance of the attraction there will be a cast member that will be able to assist you and explain the switch program. You will be handed a pass-similar to a fastpass. You will wait in line- while the member/s in your party will be able to sit with the children. Once it is your turn to ride the other member/s in your party can come up. Once you have finished riding you can "switch" the kiddos and the other member can ride. Each pass is good for two riders and is only to be used once per attraction.

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!!

Goofy's Kitchen

A couple of weeks ago we had the opportunity to celebrate my son Mikey's birthday at Goofy's Kitchen. What's Goofy's Kitchen you might ask?? It's Disney Character Dining at it's finest.It was fun from the very first moment. We checked in with a very friendly hostess and while we waited to be seated we were able to take a family picture with Pluto. The kids were in heaven. We proceeded to be seated and enjoyed a scrumptious buffet(we went for brunch).

The food was fantastic. The hubby and I absolutely loved the waffles and well the kids loved every single morsel of food.After we sat down and started to eat the parade of characters kept coming by and giving our family individual attention. It's a pretty special experience because let's face it - meeting a favorite character at the park is usually not the most pleasant experience. There is always a pushy adult and the interaction is very limited. The experience at Goofy's Kitchen was the complete opposite. The characters interact with the little ones in a take your time kind of pace. It was so much fun. The look on the kiddos faces was priceless as they were able to have their picture taken with Goofy, Pluto, Chip and Dale and Minnie. My daughter was in princess heaven as she was able to meet Sleeping Beauty, Belle and Mulan. The best part is that she was able to have a conversation with them. They took their time and the interaction was priceless. The characters were warm and friendly and posed for many photos and of course signed a million autographs.

The buffet servers were fantastic. They kept our drinks refilled and the quality of the food was amazing. As parents we were in heaven. Our children cleaned out their plates and they actually hit the buffet line for seconds. It was almost a miracle. I loved their made to order omelettes. Make sure you order one if you go for brunch or breakfast.

Almost forgot-Two times an hour there is a little show and the children were able to participate with the Goofy and Pluto. Make sure to bring a camera to capture all of the wonderful memories your little ones will make.Would I recommend this to anyone and everyone? You bet. It was a very special experience and it was worth every penny. If you are visiting Disneyland for the first time and you are visiting from out of town- This is a must. If you are a local- I would save this place for a special event. It can actually be a good alternative to a pricey birthday party. It can be a little expensive but trust me on this - Your family will be enjoy a truly magical experience.

Goofy's Kitchen is located inside the Disneyland Hotel. If you are planning on taking your family Make sure to call ahead for reservations. You can call (714) 781-DINE. You don't want to just show up because you will probably have to wait for some time to find a spot.Oh almost forgot.. Kids under 3 are free. Kids 3-11 - 18.00 for lunch ( I believe)and adults $32.00. I know.. I know.. kind of a silly review since I can't remember the exact price. Oh and by the way if you are an Annual Passholder you will receive either a 10 percent or 15 percent off if you are a Premium Annual Passholder.P.S. I know I'm a biased mom but my little boy is such a cutie pie!!!Don't forget to enter the giveaway. You have until Sunday to enter. Good luck!!!

Aloha Breakfast with Lilo & Stitch at the PCH Grill - Paradise Pier Hotel

My daughter Lauren celebrated her 4th birthday this past Saturday and we decided to start off the day by enjoying the Lilo and Stitch Aloha Breakfast at the PCH Grill inside the Paradise Pier Hotel. I can't begin to describe what an amazing time we had.

We were greeted by Minnie Mouse (in Hawaiian attire of course) and had the opportunity to take quite a few pictures with her and the kids . We were also able to take a few as a family and of course given leis to wear around our neck. We were giddy with excitement. After we finished taking pictures we headed over to our seats and our fantastic server took our drink orders. We then headed over to the breakfast buffet. The food was fantastic!! There was a good selection which included the most delicous salmon I've ever had, breakfast pastries, a special section just for the kiddos and an unbelievable made to order omelet bar. My kids are usually very picky with their food but you would have never guessed it. They munched on Mickey Mouse shaped waffles, pancakes , fresh fruit and muffins.

The food was exceptionaly good, however,what really made this a magical experience was the character interaction. My kiddos love Lilo and Stitch and were beyond excited to spend one on one time with them. Minnie and Goofy were a plus!! The atmosphere was really laid back and the characters were really able to spend time one on one with each of my kids. The characters posed for endless pictures with the family and interacted with each of the kids. My son loved high fiving Stitch and my daughter loved dancing with Lilo. The highlight of the breakfast for my kids would hands down be spending time with their favorite characters and learning how to hula. Every half hour there are hula lessons given by Lilo and a cast member . The Hula dancing was a HUGE hit with the kiddos. They loved learning the steps and loved participating in the conga line through the restaurant. The experience was finished off with cast members and Lilo singing Happy Birthday to the birthday girl.

We had a fantastic time and I would hands down recommend this to Everyone!! It is definitely worth the price and perfect for a birthday celebration, an out of town visit or a special occasion. This year we decided to skip a pricey birthday party and instead opted for what turned out to be a memorable time for the entire family. My daughter and son were grinning from ear to ear the whole time. It was a truly magical experience and one that won't soon be forgotten. It was priceless. Now down to the nitty gritty. The grand total for our magical experience was $60.00 and that included tip!!! Our son who is two was free and we received a 15% discount with our annual pass. The best part is the parking. Just drive up to the entrance and valet- you receive complimentary valet if you dine at the PCH grill for 5 hours! I believe the price for ages 10+ is $27.00 and $15.00 for children 3-9. This includes tax and gratuity. The Aloha Breakfast is a great alternative to a traditional birthday party and one that your family won't soon forget. For additional information click here.

Princess Dot Puddle Park and Irrigation Station

We have annual passes for Disney and I like to take full advantage by trying to visit at least once a week. My husband has had passes for over 20 years and I've had one for about 10 years. It's funny how there are many things that one can overlook until you become a parent. One of the areas I always bypassed at California Adventure until I became a Mom was Bug's Land and Flick's Fun Fair. What a difference a couple of years make!! It has become a family favorite and a must visit when we head over to California Adventure.

When we visited last week, my children begged to play in the water area at Flik's Fun Fair, Princess Dot's Puddle Park. I was not prepared at all to let them get soaked but I let them anyway. They had such a great time and I know that we will back this summer often to cool off. There is also another spray area at the entrance to Bug's Land and adjacent to Bountiful Farms that was also a big hit with my kiddos. I believe it's known as the "irrigation station". It is seriously fun and my kids were squealing in delight. The kids had a great time and I'm excited that I won't have to spend money on a pool membership or water park when I can just make the most of my passes and have the kids splash around at California Adventure. I now know to be prepared and bring a couple of towels, sunscreen, bathing suits and a change of clothes. If you are an annual passholder or will be making a trip to California Adventure soon, make sure to take advantage of the water areas with your little ones. They are going to love it!!

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

If you have a little princess or you are a princess at heart, you might want to check out the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in Fantasyland. This is found where the former princess shop was located. Some of you may even remember it as the Tinkerbell Toy Shoppe. There are three options for girls and one for boys:

• The Coach Package – for $44.95 plus tax, includes hairstyle, shimmering make-up, princess sash, princess cinch sac and body jewels.
• The Crown Package – for $49.94, includes everything in the Coach Package, as well as nail polish.
• The Castle Package – ranging from $195.85 to $205.85, includes everything in the Crown Package as well as princess gown of choice, wand, shoes and portrait package courtesy of Disney's PhotoPass® Service. The price range varies and is determined by the gown and shoes chosen.
• The Knight package for boys is $12.95 and includes a costume shield and sword, plus a hairstyle with colored hair gel and confetti.

AP Appreciation Days in DTD

Step into Spring with Special Savings and Offers!

April 19 –25, 2009, take advantage of shopping opportunities and savings at participating Downtown Disney®District locations including World of Disney® Store, Disney Vault 28, Marceline's Confectionery as well as special offerings at Build-A-Bear Workshop®, House of Blues®, Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria, Rainforest Café®, Pearl Factory, and more.

This offer includes the following:

• 20% off for ALL Annual Passholders at the World of Disney store, Disney Vault 28 and Marceline’s Confectionery.
• Special "Early Shopping Opportunity" with "Doorbusters" on April 19 & 20.
• 20% off lunch or dinner at the House of Blues
• Private wine and cheese tasting event at Naples on April 22. ($20 per person)
• Free all-day parking in Downtown Disney April 20-23 with meal purchase at a participating location.

Annual Passholder Appreciation Days offers are only available from April 19 –25, 2009 (unless otherwise noted above) at the listed locations. Merchandise offers valid while supplies last. Offers not valid on any previous purchases nor for phone, e-mail or mail orders. Valid Annual Passport must be presented at time of purchase. Separate admission required to enter Disneyland® Resort theme parks. Other restrictions may apply. Information subject to change without notice For additional information visit the special offers page of www.Disneyland.com/AP or www.ArtofDisneyParks.com.