Disneyland With Kids

2010-03-22T07:46:00.000-07:00

We've moved over to Kids And Mice - where you can still keep up with Disneyland and California Adventure info from Daytrippingmom and friends.

Thanks for visiting!

Mickey's Trick or Treat Party at Disney's California Adventure

2009-08-23T06:10:00.000-07:00

This October, Disney's California Adventure will hold it's fifth year of Mickey's Trick or Treat party, a special ticketed event. The park adds additional decoration, special entertainment and trick or treat stations throughout DCA as it closes the park to the general public.

In the Sun Plaza, there is a giant candy corn and a DJ playing music that you can dance to and several other dance party stations. We have had the opportunity to attend almost every year and have had a blast. One of my favorite parts of Mickey's Trick or Treat Party is that there are several character greet and meet photo locations throughout the park. Our daughter's dream came true last year as she was able to meet Cinderella, who took her hand, posed with her and walked around a bit of the park with her. Needless to say it made her night and she was thrilled.

Be prepared for a couple of bagfuls of candy. You are given a bag at the entrance of the park and you will easy fill it up. My kids love trick or treating and this was definitely the highlight for them. Of course the fact that the park limits the amount of guests and it is closed down to the general public doesn't hurt to the appeal. It's my favorite part of the evening. Here is a tip -if you can, make sure to buy tickets for a weeknight. I've gone on both a weekend and a weeknight and we had a better experience on the weeknight. There are less crowds and the party has more of an exclusive feel to it.

This event invariably sells out every single year. Tickets go on sale in the beginning of summer and are usually sold out by the end of September. It is an amazing event for the kiddos. Kiddos and adults are encouraged to wear their Halloween costume to the park. I love it because it allows the kiddos to wear their costume on more than one night. It runs for four hours either from 6:30 to 10:30 or 7:30 to 11:30 PM depending on the night of the week.

If you have never had the opportunity to attend Mickey's Trick or Treat Party, make this the year. Your kiddos are going to love it!

Ticket Prices and Event Dates*

Advance purchase by Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club Members and Disney Visa card holders for selected dates: $26.00

Annual Passholder/DVC/Disney Visa discount is available for the following dates: October 2, 8, 15, 21, 22, 28

Advanced Purchase Ticket Prices
$32 Regular Admission Price for These Dates — October 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29

Day-of-Event Ticket Prices
$39 If Purchased and Used on These Dates — October 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29
$42 If Purchased and Used on These Dates — October 30 and 31

Ages Two and Under: No Charge

For additional information head over here

Disneyland Resort FASTPASS System

2009-08-20T06:24:00.002-07:00

If you are heading over to the pass and want to avoid waiting in long lines make sure to take advantage of the FASTPASS system. Basically a Disney FASTPASS allows you to cut your wait time at certain attractions by standing in line for you electronically. The FASTPASS system is included with your admission/annual pass and one that you will want to use whenever you are heading over to the Disneyland resort.

Here is how it works- You head over to one of the rides(I included a list at the end of the post) that uses the FASTPASS system. Once you are there look for the distribution area near the entrance of the attraction. Check the return time (be sure to get your passes early because on very busy days they run out!) and insert your ticket or annual pass into the FASTPASS machine. Once you insert your ticket/annual pass a ticket will print out with your return time. When it's time to return to the attraction enter through the FASTPASS line/queue and you will avoid the long wait.

It's simple, painless and will save you time!Once you have your ticket in hand head out to enjoy the other attractions. We usually grab a FASTPASS and catch a show or ride an attraction with a minimal wait line.

Here are two things that you should also know about FASTPASS.

You can only have one FASTPASS ticket to one attraction at a time. This means you can't head over to Splash Mountain and pick up a FASTPASS then walk over to Big Tunder Railroad and pick up another while you wait. You can grab another FASTPASS as soon as your return time comes up.
Your FASTPASS tickets don't expire. I met my sisters at the park a little late last week only to find them complaining about their FASTPASS tickets expiring. There is no such thing. Your recommended time is printed on your ticket but you are always welcome to come after that time on the day of your visit.

Here is the list of attractions at both parks that utilize the FASTPASS system.

Disneyland

Autopia
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
Indiana Jones
Haunted Mansion(holidays)
Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin
Splash Mountain
Space Mountain

Disney's California Adventure

California ScreaminGrizzly River Run
Mulholland Madness
Soarin Over California
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Have a terrific rest of the day and use a FASTPASS next time you are heading over to the parks!

2009-08-20T06:24:00.001-07:00

Haunted Mansion Celebrates 40 years of Haunts!

2009-08-12T10:37:00.000-07:00

The Haunted Mansion celebrates 40 years of Happy Haunts. Check out this fun little video from the Disneyland Resort about this classic attraction. Enjoy!

Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters

2009-08-10T06:44:00.000-07:00

Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters is definitely my almost three year old's favorite attraction. If your kiddos love Toy Story this is a must ride attraction.

You and your space ranger will blast off to "infinity and beyond" as you join Buzz Lightyear on his quest to defeat Emperor Zurg. This ride is an interactive dark ride that allows you to compete with your fellow space rangers for the ultimate score. You and your co-pilot will be able to shoot at different targets with your laser blasters. Two people are allowed to ride per space vehicle and one is able to rotate and spin around.

It is so fun to compete as a family. We love comparing our scores and trying to out do each other. It is an amazing family ride.

Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters is located in the immediate entrance to Tomorrowland from Main Street. It is a popular ride and tends to have somewhat of a wait. I would not wait more than 15 minutes for this ride. If the wait is longer than 15 minutes, go ahead and take advantage of the fast passes and come back without having to wait. Better yet- head over towards the end of the night and you will rarely have more than a 5 minute wait.

Don't forget to stop and email your free picture and score back home as you exit the ride.

Flik's Flyers

2009-08-09T23:34:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite attraction's at Disney's California Adventure is Flik's Flyers. The attraction which is located inside A Bug's Land is a must ride attraction when visiting the park with the little ones.

Flik's Fliers is a spinning bucket attraction. The buckets are all made to have the appearance of various containers including a Chinese food box, animal cracker box and a raisin box. The ride is approximately 90 seconds long. There are 8 boxes that can seat up to 4 people.

Kids of all ages will enjoy this fun little ride. It is primarily geared to younger children but I've yet to meet anyone that does not love this fun little ride.

Wait time is minimal and less than 5 minutes. I have never had to wait (even on New Year's Day) longer than 10 minutes. If you are heading to DCA make sure to stop and take a ride. You will love it!

Disney's Electrical Parade

2009-08-09T23:14:00.000-07:00

Happy Sunday everyone! I hope you are all having a fantastic Sunday with plenty of fun and relaxation. For this week's installment of Disney Sunday I wanted to write about my favorite parade - Disney's Electrical Parade in Disney's California Adventure.

The parade is back this summer big and better than ever. Among the new surprises is the new lead float featuring Tinkerbell. She sprinkles her pixie dust along the parade path and it can be seen sparkling along the sides of many of the floats.

Another fabulous feature is the return of the Pinocchio floats and the Seven Dwarf's mine float. Both of these went MIA after the parade's visit to Tokyo Disneyland. If you are a fan of the Parade you will also notice that the music has a new layer on the background and I think it's better than ever.

We found some terrific seats just outside the Golden Vine Winery facing the Fisherman's Wharf area, just 30 minutes before showtime. I've usually caught it at the entrance of California Adventure and it usually one of the busiest locations to catch a glimpse. If you head further down the parade route there are plenty of seats and in my opinion a better view.

We sat down and waited for a few minutes for the parade and as we waited you could feel the anticipation and excitement in the crowd. There is nothing quite like experiencing the parade up close with the kiddos. My family loved every single minute of it.

I want to hear from you. Do you love the parade? If you do what is your favorite part of it? Where do you usually sit? Would you love to see it return to Disneyland?

The parade is running nightly through August 23, 2009. It's the perfect excuse to head over to California Adventure. It then will go on a hiatus for a time. Rumor has it that it could wind up back at Disneyland next year as part of the 55th park anniversary. We'll have to wait and see.

Parking at the Happiest Place on Earth

2009-08-09T23:03:00.000-07:00

I love going to Disneyland and DCA, as you have probably figured out. The one thing that I do not like is having to deal with parking. I usually don't mind parking in the Mickey and Friends parking lot(the big structure) unless it is a busy day. On busy days parking and then riding the tram to the entrance of the resort can feel like a bad nightmare. I can't tell you how many times I have seen people almost scuffle over their place in the "stroller line".

The stroller line is found on the very first car of the tram and the very last car. It allows you to ride without having to fold your stroller. It is very popular and the wait for a spot in the first or last car is usually long. In fact the wait on a busy days for a tram can take a long long time. It is definitely not what you want to be doing when you have tired and cranky kids and have to be around other cranky people. It's just not a good combination.

Here are a couple of alternatives to parking in the Mickey and Friends parking lot($12.00) and taking the tram.

My favorite option for parking on nights when I know that I will be spending less than 3 hours is to park in Downtown Disney. If I'm heading over for the evening- I will usually park in the Downtown Disney lot. Parking is free for the first 3 hours. When I park in the DD parking lot I either take the monorail to Disneyland or walk through the Grand Californian Hotel to the DCA hotel entrance. It's easy, painless and only a short walk.

My second option would be to park in the Mickey and Friends parking structure. Take the tram in but on the way out, only have the driver in your party head on the tram(they will usually be able to squeeze right on to a tram). The rest of the party will head over to the 15 minute parking on Harbor blvd(just follow the walkway to Harbor Blvd- it's the parking lot on the right hand side) and be picked up from there. This is what we usually do on a busy day.

The last option is to park in the Mickey and Friends parking structure. Take the tram on your way in and at the end of the night, walk the path back to the structure. It's a nice walk and on a busy night you will get to your car faster walking, then waiting and loading for the tram.

Guest post- Disney Dollars

2009-08-02T19:37:00.000-07:00

This guest post comes from the fabulous Lisa, founder of the wonderful blog and website Babes in Disneyland. Lisa is a former Disneyland tour guide, teacher and mother of two little ones. Her website is a must read if you love Disneyland or are heading to the park for the first time with the tiny tots. It's a wonderful resource and filled with fun facts about the park.
Lisa writes
Disney Dollars save the dayDisney Dollars can easily save the day when visiting the Disneyland Resort. You don’t have to get stuck paying ATM when you need cash for items like popcorn, churros, and balloons from the outdoor vendors. Instead, stop by City Hall (located on the west side of Main Street) or the Guests Services lobby (located right inside California Adventure to the east) and purchase Disney Dollars with your credit card, check, or Visa/Mastercard ATM card. Disney Dollars are bills that come in ones, fives, and tens and can be used as cash (the same dollar for dollar exchange) at the Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World, Disney Stores, or on Disney cruise ships. At the end of your visit, you can cash in any unused dollars for regular cash or save a few for souvenirs.

I have found that Disney Dollars can save the day in one more fun way that I call the “Disney Dollar Budget.” Purchase an inexpensive Disney-themed wallet before your next trip and fill it with Disney Dollars. (Such wallets can often be found at dollar discount stores.) Kids who want to spend, spend, spend at Disneyland will (hopefully) think twice before parting with their Disney bucks and once they are gone from their wallet, they are gone. Disneyland does sell gift cards, but as an elementary school teacher, I feel that Disney Dollars offer a far more teachable moment for you and your child to discuss budgeting and having to make correct change when purchasing items from store cashiers.

Favorite restaurants at Disneyland/Disney's California Adventure

2009-07-27T00:31:00.000-07:00

Today I wanted to write about my favorite places to eat inside the park. I've pretty much tried every restaurant or stand in the park and I wanted to share with you my favorite places at both parks.

Top picks for Disneyland
1. Tastiest and filling treat- This is a seasonal item- The yummy turkey legs!
You can find the delish turkey legs in Frontierland. The cart is usually located directly across from the Mark Twain Landing and next to Rancho Del Zocalo Mexican restaurant. They sell for $7 and the carts only take cash. You can also find them by the Matterhorn entrance. They are very filling and make a great lunch!

2. Favorite dessert- Funnel Cakes! - The Hungry Bear Restaurant
Disneyland's fruit topped funnel cakes are out of this world! You will love them. I also love pretty much anything that The Hungry Bear serves. It's a great place to relax and catch a bite to eat in a beautiful setting(you can watch the ducks and boats go by- it's lovely in the evening- perfect for date night! ). The Hungry Bear Restaurant is located in Critter Country - you can't miss it!

3. Favorite restaurant- Rancho Del Zocalo- Pretty good Mexican Food!
I love Rancho Del Zocalo. As a girl that grew up on fresh homemade Mexican food - I have to say that I find the food at Rancho Del Zocalo to be quite tasty. My favorite is their enchilada plate. It's really good. A little on the pricey side-(around $9-13) but the food is great, excellent seating and one of my favorite places to hang out on a cold night-wonderful heating lamps! My born in Mexico parents love the carne asada plate.

4. Favorite drink-Mint Juleps(non-alcoholic)- Mint Julep Bar
I love love the Mint Juleps that are found at the Mint Julep Bar in New Orleans Square. They go for around 2.50 and they are a yummie and refreshing treat. The Mint Julep Bar is located across from the New Orleans Square train station.

5. Tastiest and least expensive way to feed a family- Redd Rockett's Pizza Port in Tomorrowland.You can buy a whole pizza for $31.99- not bad for a theme park. It's a good way to feed the family and the pizza is actually really good! The Hawaiian is one of my fav's!

6. Soup to die for!- Clam chowder sourdough bowl- Royal Street Veranda
The soup at the Royal Street Veranda is amazing. A little pricey($9) but so worth it. The Royal Street Veranda is located in New Orleans Square. It's that little place across from the parasol cart and visible while you wait in line for Pirate's of the Carribean.

7. Last but not least- my absolute favorite treat- Dole Pineapple Whip
I love love DPW. It is a must in the summer. Yummie. You can buy one at the entrance to Adventureland, right next to the Enchanted Tiki Room,

Top picks for Disney's California Adventure

1. So good but so bad for you treat- Full Throttle Fries- Taste Pilot's Grill
These frieds are amazing. Perfect for sharing and incredible. The fries are loaded with cheese, chilli, onions, tomatoes and sour cream. The downer- probably not good for the waistline or your heart!

2. Best Hot Dogs- Award Wieners
I love the hot dogs at Award Wieners. The hotdogs come with chips and the combo's are under $6. A tasty and reasonable treats. Award Wieners is located directly across from Playhouse Disney in the Hollywood Back Lot

3. A refreshing treat- Schmoozie's Smoothies!
I'm all about fun drinks and Schmoozie's Smoothies are made to order and absolutely delish! You can find Schmoozie's Smoothies in the Hollywood Back lot- Directly across from the animation building

4. Favorite Ice Cream- Burr-Bank Ice Cream-
My family loves the ice cream at DCA. It's less crowded than it's Disneyland counterpart and just as tasty! You have to try their sundaes- Delish! Burr-Bank Ice Cream is located near the entrance of Disney's California Adventure.

Free Stuff at Disneyland/Disney's California Adventure

2009-07-12T15:11:00.000-07:00

I wanted to list a couple of fun and FREE things you can pick up while visiting Disneyland or Disney's California Adventure. Make sure to try or pick up one of the freebies next time you are at the park. Enjoy!!

1. Free entrance to either park on your birthday. Just register online and show up with your birth certificate or ID. If you already have an annual pass- head to the ticket booth to pickup your $69 gift card for merchandise or a family pack of 6 fast passes to every attraction at the park of you choice. Another tip- turn your free admission at the end of the day into an annual pass. All you will have to do is either pay the difference or sign up for the installment plan. It's a great deal!!
2. Pick up a free pin from City Hall in Disneyland, DCA guest services or the information booth. You can get a Happy Birthday pin, Happy Anniversary,Just Married,Family Reunion,1st Visit,Happily Ever After and the I'm Celebrating button which could be used anytime!
3. Pick up a fresh, warm and delicious tortilla from the Mission Tortilla Factory tour in Disney's California Adventure. If it's your birthday make sure to pick up your free dozen.
4. Try a taste of Sourdough bread from The Boudin Bakery tour in DCA. It's located right across from the Mission Tortilla Factory Tour.
5. Animation Academy- Head over to DCA's Hollywood Backlot and try your drawing skills at The Disney Animation building. You are provided with drawing pencils and pads and taught by Disney animators a series of simple steps that enable you to create your own character drawings. You can take your drawings home or better yet- ask nicely and usually the Disney Animator will be more than willing to give you their fresh character sketch.
6. Head over to Disneyland's Tomorrowland and ride Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blasters. While you ride you will have your photo taken and at the end of the ride you can e-mail your Astro Blaster score and photo home. It's a fun and free souvenir!
7. Free stickers - make sure to head over to Toontown and meet Mickey and Minnie. You will receive a free sticker when you meet them.
8. Free beads at New Orleans Square- Head on over to New Orleans Square when the bands are playing. The beads are usually thrown out by cast members and are a fun treat. Best of all they are Free!!
9. Last but not least- My daughter's Favorite- Head over to Autopia and pick up a Free License. This is sometimes hit and miss. However, I've received one every time I have ridden Autopia.

Pixar Play Parade at Disney's California Adventure

2009-07-06T07:05:00.000-07:00

My kiddos are big Pixar Movie fans. In fact, we play at least one Pixar movie a day in our home, sometimes even two or three. As you can probably imagien Disney's California Adventure's Pixar Play Parade is a big hit with my kiddos.

The parade is led by Lightning McQueen from Cars. It then goes on to feature a Monsters inc float that is driven by Sulley. It's followed by the Incredibles foat, Ratoutille float, a Finding Nemo float that features everyone's favorite turtle- Crush, A Bug's life float and ends with a Toy Story float that is out of the world. It is a three part float. The first part features the green toy soldiers, the second features Buzz Lightyear and the final section of the float holds Woodie, Jesse and Slinky Dog. My kids absolutely adore Toy Story and the end of the parade is their favorite.

The parade has a water element that is a welcome surprise in the summer. The floats feature small water jets that shoot water into the crowds. The parade entertainers also squirt the crowd with water guns. The kids go bonkers over this and love getting "hit" by the floats/entertainers. A warning to those that don't want to get wet-If you are sitting or standing in the front of the crowd- You will get wet!! If you don't want to get wet, head over towards the back of the crowd.

The Parade runs from The Sunshine Plaza to the Paradise Pier. We usually like to catch it in The Sunshine Plaza and we will usually plant a blanket and sit down to enjoy the fun. I would recommend you do this about 15-20 minutes before the parade starts. The parade averages about 12 minutes. There is usually only one parade and it usually happens around 5pm. Check your entertainment/parade guide for exact time.

Haunted Mansion

2009-07-05T23:54:00.000-07:00

Disneyland's Haunted Mansion is a 7 minute dark ride that is a must visit on a first visit to Disneyland. It is considered a classic and an icon by Disney Geeks. I absolutely love this ride and I usually try to sneak in a visit every time I head over to Disneyland.

Although I love this ride, it can be a little scary for younger children. I'm not going to sugar coat it- It can be very scary for the little ones. My two and a half year old refuses to ride it. My 4 year old clutches on to me and I have decided that this ride will have to wait when I visit the park with the kiddos. I have even seen school aged children freak out a bit. This is a ride that is geared towards older children and teenagers/adults.

If you have an older child or a younger kiddo that doesn't easily get scared- head over to this classic ride. The lines move fairly quickly and you will usually be riding with less than a 10 minute wait. Even on a busy day- expect to wait less than 40 minutes.

The ride takes you on a tour of the mansion where you are first brought into a waiting room. The lights go out and you are led down to rest of the mansion. You are led into the dimly light hallway into a doombuggy that will take you on your ghostly tour. Your tour will take you through the endless hallway, a seance room, the "lively" ballroom, the attic and finishing off through a stroll in the graveyard.

It is a classic that is not to be missed!!

It's Tough to be a Bug

2009-07-05T15:18:00.000-07:00

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!!

What to pack when heading to the Disney Resort

2009-07-05T13:08:00.000-07:00

What to pack when heading to the Disney Resort.

I try to head over to one of the parks at least twice a week during the summer. Through much trial and error I have learned what to pack with me to be able to enjoy a day at the park and not shell out much money. Here is my essential list-

What do I bring with me??
1.Make sure to pack a couple of snacks. Some good ideas are - cut up fruit, individual baggies of cookies/chips, grapes(a big favorite of ours)goldfish and fruit snacks. I try to avoid buying snacks at the park at all costs. It can get pretty expensive!! You will also need a good backpack - I'm usually prepared with a great backpack- I never leave home without one .
2. Bring a stroller if you have small children. If you can, make sure to bring a light or umbrella stroller. They are easier to fold up and store. Make sure to have some kind of labeling on you stroller to help yours stand out in the sea of strollers. If you really don't want to hassle with bringing one (although I strongly recommend it)- rent one at the front of the park. I usually avoid this at costs but if you can't bring a stroller and want one this is a good alternative and trust me a stroller is indispensable if you have kids under 5.
3. Make sure to pack a jacket /sweater/blanket. - The nights cool off and I've had to leave once or twice because I had a cold kiddo- I've also had to drop $50 on sweatshirts because mommy didn't prepare efficiently. Learn from my mistakes and pack a sweatshirt or two.
4.Bring a bottle or two of water per person- I usually freeze mine the night before and throw them in a Ziploc bag- I pack them in at the bottom of my bag and they have been a lifesaver!! You can also bring your own insulated water bottles and refill them at the park.
5. Bring your own soda- I usually bring a can for each of us and then head to one of the local restaurants and ask for cups of ice. This has saved us so much money!!
6. Bring baby wipes. I always carry them even if I don't have my youngest with me. They are great for sticky hands and clean ups. I think they are a necessity !!
7. Bring some sandwiches-If you are planning on staying for more than a couple of hours- they are a must. Cheap and easy to transport!!
8. Bring a dollar or two to the park. My kids are used to one tradition when we head over to the park. On the way out we always stop by at the last souvenir kiosk and buy a 50 cent Minnie Mouse heart sucker. I only spend $1.00 and the kids absolutely are happy as clams on the way out. A little sticky but happy- and that's what it's all about!!

My love affair with Disney's California Adventure

2009-06-29T00:40:00.000-07:00

Disneyland is a classic and untouchable. There is no debating that. However, when looking at California Adventure- it's important to not compare it to its iconic next door neighbor. When you look at DCA as a whole, by itself - it is a really impressive little theme park and one that I just happen to be in love with.

Here are the top ten reasons why I think Disney's California Adventure is a fantastic place for the kiddos and why I am madly in love with DCA.

The kiddos can get wet-We love the Irrigation Station and Princess Dot Splash Pad in the Flick's Fun Fair Area. It is the perfect spot on a hot spring/summer day.
I hate waiting in line. I mean really who does?? I love that the attractions in Flick's Fun Fair have minimal waiting lines and are a big hit with my kiddos. They love every single ride - especially Flick's Fun Flyers.
If your kids love the Disney Channel's cartoons then they will absolutely love The Playhouse Disney Show- my kids LOVE it!!
Who loves Free stuff? I do- I do!! I love that you can get a fresh warm tortilla from the Mission Tortilla Factory tour and a sourdough taste from Boudin Bakery.My kids love the fresh tortillas and I'm not going to lie, so do I. Here's a little tip- on your birthday pick up a dozen free tortillas from the Mission Tortilla Factory. Just show them your birthday pin and you are set!
They have an amazing baby center. Not as big as Disneyland's but still great.
DCA is home to Disney's Electrical Parade. Love it. It's new and improved and a must see!!
They are home to three amazing shows that your kiddos will love-MuppetVison 3D, It's tough to be a bug and Aladdin.
In my opinion, DCA is home to one of the BEST(if not the best!!) attractions in the Disneyland Resort, Toy Story Mania.
They have a pretty spiffy Ferris Wheel. You can either pick a gondola that moves or is stationary.
I love that I can park in the Downtown Disney lot ( free for 3 hours)- walk over to the DCA entrance at the Grand Californian Hotel in Downtown Disney(next to Sephora) , spend a couple of hours there and then I don't have to deal with taking a tram back to the parking lot. I love love that I can do this, especially on a crowded day.

DCA is in the middle of a major expansion - which includes a new water show, a Little Mermaid Ride and sure to be a big hit with my son- A thrill ride- featuring the characters from CARS!! The expansion should be complete by 2012.

There are so many other things I love about DCA but I tried to limit myself to my favorite 10. Next time that you are heading over to the Disneyland Resort make sure to show DCA some love ! It deserves it!

Walt's Magic Kingdom

2009-06-26T09:54:00.001-07:00

If you get a chance, pop over to my husband's website WaltsMagicKindom.com. He finally got around to installing Microsoft Expressions Web onto his laptop and he updated the site for the first time in ages. Lots of good stuff there!

The Enchanted Tiki Room

2009-06-25T07:32:00.000-07:00

The Enchanted Tiki Room has to be my favorite show in the park. The 17 minute musical show is a perfect place to cool down on a hot summer day. It's a great little show and one that the little ones love. The show features four parrots- Jose, Pierre, Michael and Fritz. They will lead you on a musical adventure that your family won't soon forget.

I love to sit in the back row of the theater to be able to take it all in - but really any seat in the house will do. Did I mention that this was air conditioned and always cool? It really is a great way to give your tired feet a break and cool off.

There is nothing really scary about the attraction and even the tiniest of tots will get a kick out of the show.

Enjoy!!

Jungle Cruise

2009-06-25T06:53:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite rides in the park as a family has to be The Jungle Cruise in Adventureland. This ride even on busy days has a pretty short line. It's perfect when you have the little ones in tow because we know they hate to wait. The longest I have ever waited is about 15 minutes.

This original attraction(been around since opening day) will leave you with a different experience every time you ride. The journey begins on a riverboat that takes you down the major rivers of Africa, Asia and South America. Your skipper will usually tell silly jokes (my kids eat them right up) along the 7 minute ride. You will come across elephants, lions, zebras, man eating piranas and of course- the back side of water.

This a ride that you will most definitely want to experience more than once. We usually try to ride it twice a day-during daytime and then at night. Totally different experiences but equally enjoyable.

There are no height restrictions on this attraction- we have taken our newborns on this ride before(yes we are obsessed!).

Jungle Cruise is located in Adventureland between Indiana Jones and Aladin's Oassis. Enjoy!!

How to keep cool at Disneyland/DCA

2009-06-22T09:14:00.000-07:00

My family loves to visit Disneyland/DCA often and yes we are a bit crazy, even in the busy summer season. I've picked up a thing or two from my many visits to the parks on hot summer days. Here are some of the things I've learned to stay cool at the parks on sweltering days.

During peak times I try to avoid waiting in line for any attraction. This is the time when we usually head to catch a show. A favorite of our family is the Enchanted Tiki Room- Nice and cool and a great way to sit back and relax. Other great ones- Honey I shrunk the audience, Bug's life @ DCA.
We always take a ride on the Disneyland Train to check out how busy the park is and judge from there. It's also a great way to cool down and I've been known to take it two or three times around the park on a hot summer day. If you have heavy sleepers like I do- great place to let them take a nap.
Pack a swimsuit for the kids and head over to the irrigation station at Disney's California Adventure. Let the kids run around at Princess Dot Puddle Station. Make sure to pack towels and an extra set of clothes because the kiddos will get soaked!!
Keep hydrated- If you can ,bring a bottle or two of water. I usually freeze mine the night before and throw them in a Ziploc bag- I pack them in at the bottom of my bag and they have been a lifesaver!!
If your tots are tired and need a nap- head over to the seating area in the Hungry Bear Restaurant. It's located between New in Critter Country. I head towards the back, grab a little something to eat and enjoy the shade and watching the Mark Twain go by. It's always nice and cool. Usually my youngest falls asleep in the stroller. It's a perfect spot and way relaxing.
Make sure to pack a jacket /sweater/blanket. - I've left home without one thinking that there was no possible way that I would be cold on a summer day. Boy was I wrong!! The nights cool off and there is nothing worse than shelling out $50.00 for a sweatshirt because your four year old is cold. Trust me on this one!!
Take advantage of the Baby Center if you have little ones. It's a great place to feed the teeny ones and I have even rocked both of my babies to sleep here. Best part- super cool in there!!
Peak times are from 2-4pm at both parks. This is the best time to grab a bite to eat and not have to fight for a table.
Head to rides that have the least waiting time. Top of our list-all in Adventureland/New Orleans Square- Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion, taking a stroll on the Mark Twain and of course a ride on the Disneyland train.
Enjoy yourself and remember to take it easy and have fun!!

Pinocchio's Daring Journey

2009-06-20T08:55:00.000-07:00

Pinocchio's Daring Journey, located in Fantasyland, is one of my family's favorite attractions. It is a traditional "dark ride" in every sense. So I must warn you - the under 3 crowd might be a little scared. My son who is two and daughter who is 4 absolutely love it. However this has not always been the case. It has taken some time but it is now a favorite.

Each car has two rows and can hold up to 4 people. You will Join Pinocchio on his adventurous journey into Pleasure Island and much more!

The ride is very short and the lines are usually very small. It's a 3 minute ride and there is no height restriction. You could bring a baby on without a problem. This is a ride we often visit in the park since the lines are usually not too bad. Save this one for the end of the day since the lines tend to be shorter at night than during the day.

3 Day Summer Fun Pass for $99

2009-06-18T07:17:00.000-07:00

If you are planning on heading over to the Disneyland Resort this summer- there is a deal that is too good to pass up!! The 3 day Summer Fun Pass for $99. Here is basically how it works- The offer is good for Southern California and Northern Baja residents(however if you are out of the area- you can probably have someone in line who is a resident buy it for you- just bring cash!!).

With this special ticket, local residents can play at the Disneyland Resort for three days within a 45-day period, for just $99. Guests who live in zip codes 90000 through 93599, and 21000-22999, will be able to enter both Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure, enjoying three days of fun for only $33 per day.

The 3-day Summer Fun Pass is available for sale at Disneyland.com, Disney Stores and at the Disneyland Resort box office. Resident ID is required.
To skip ticket lines and enjoy straight-to-the-gate convenience, the 3-Day Summer Fun Pass is also sold at local supermarket and retail chains such as Vons, Albertsons, Ralphs, Stater Bros., Food 4 Less, Gelsons, Dearden’s and Toys ‘R’ Us.

The best part is that on the last day of your visit you can take your season pass to the ticket booth and upgrade to an annual pass. You can pay the difference or you can make monthly payments- Simple as that!! It's a fantastic deal!!

Rider/Baby Swich Program

2009-06-17T10:22:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-06-15T07:06:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-12T06:44:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-12T06:26:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-19T07:53:00.000-07:00

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!!

Spring into Disneyland

2009-04-27T13:55:00.000-07:00

While parents might want to enjoy the Food and Wine Festival at DCA through May 7th, your kids will love taking advantage of the last of the off-season time at Disneyland. Weekday attendance is low which will allow you and your children to enjoy your favorite rides with minimal wait time and great weather.

Also worth noting is the opening of 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

2009-04-03T11:16:00.000-07:00

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.

Celebrate: A Street Party

2009-03-24T15:46:00.001-07:00

In this year of Disney celebrations, their new parade-esque show will be unveiled this week.

Celebrate: A Street Party, the new don't-call-it-a-parade that will make its debut this Friday, March 27th at Disneyland. This show/street party/cavalcade/street-acular will be presented daily at 3:30pm and 6:30pm through April 19th.

Starting April 20th, Celebrate: A Street Party is scheduled once daily (7:00pm) Monday - Thursday, and twice daily (3:30pm and 6:30pm) Friday - Sunday, through at least the end of May.

We'll be there this weekend to check it out.

Small World Fans!

2009-02-02T09:03:00.000-08:00

it's a small world
ANNUAL PASSHOLDER PREVIEW

Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders are invited to preview the newly enhanced "it's a small world" on February 5. From Disneyland's Annual Passholder website:

Preview the Enhanced "it's a small world"!

Join us for a special preview of the newly enhanced "it's a small world" before the official reopening! Dubbed "the happiest cruise that ever sailed the world" at the New York World's Fair 45 years ago, "it's a small world" takes you on a joyful boat ride as memorable as the delightful song that serenades you on your journey.

This classic attraction has been renovated, adding new places as well as familiar faces. Be sure to look for some of the "it's a small world" dolls dressed up as some of your favorite Disney characters in the countries where those stories take place!
Annual Passholder special preview:
Thursday, February 5, 2009
10:00am - 8:00pm
Just show your Annual Pass to the Cast Member at the attraction entrance to be permitted entry during this special time.
The attraction opens to the public on Friday, February 6, 2009.

Previews are on a first-come, first-serve basis and may involve long wait times. Each Guest must show a valid Annual Passport to be permitted entry during this specific preview time. Valid Theme Park admission is required. Event subject to change without notice.

Toy Story Midway Mania

2009-01-14T00:01:00.000-08:00

Over at California Adventure, you can find Toy Story Midway Mania, the newest attraction to the park. It is a 3-D dark ride that is fun for all ages. It is interactive and allows you to play midway-style games for points. Riders sit four to a car, two per row. We were able to ride this with our 2 and 3 year old children without any problem. My 2 year old was not really able to work the pull-string firing mechanism, but he enjoyed seeing the Toy Story characters, which is currently his favorite movie.

Since the ride is so new, the line for this can be pretty long, but it moves at a good pace. It is definitely a must-see when you visit the park.

Disneyland/Disney's California Adventure 2 for 1 tickets (2fer)

2009-01-08T00:22:00.000-08:00

If you are a Southern California resident and you have been meaning to visit Disneyland or Disney's California Aventure you're in luck!! For a limited time you can visit either park and come back on another day and visit the other park for free!!

You can take advantage of this offer until June 6. A single day admission ticket is $69 for guests 10 and up and $59 for kids 3-9 - kids 2 and under are free. If you haven't been in a while this is a perfect excuse to visit.

Did you know that this is the best time of the year to visit? The crowds are minimal and you can actually take in a park in one day. Our family loves visiting this time of year because we can usually hop right on to a ride and if there is a wait, it's usually very short. You can maneuver through the park easily with a stroller and there's plenty of room to get great seating at restaurants, benches, etc.. Trust me, as a seasoned Disney pass holder and being married to the ultimate Disney fan - there is nothing worse than a visit to either Disney park on a hot summer day.

Here are the details on the tickets-* Tickets are valid for Southern California residents within ZIP codes 90000 to 93599 and Northern Baja California residents within ZIP codes 21000 to 22999. Proof of residency is required for admission. Admission valid for one day at Disneyland® Park and another day at Disney's California Adventure® Park, but not for both parks on the same day. Tickets are valid 30 days from first use. First use must occur between January 6, 2009 and June 6, 2009. Each day of use constitutes one full day of use. You can purchase up to eight tickets per person per day with valid identification.

Pirates of the Caribbean

2009-01-07T00:10:00.000-08:00

Pirates of the Caribbean is my family's ride at Disneyland. The ride is great for children of all ages. It's a 14 minute long boat ride that starts out in the bayou and takes you back to a time when pirates ruled the world. The boat is made up of a couple of rows and you can easily fit two or three kids with you in one single row. There are a couple of mild drops that you and your kiddos will love and it's an absolute must attraction when you visit Disneyland.The ride is a classic that even the tiniest tots will love. My 2 and 3 year old march around singing yo ho ho a pirate's life for me. After a ride through this so will yours!!

Pirates of the Caribbean is located in New Orleans Square and even on a busy day expect to wait no longer than 20 minutes. We usually breeze through and wait less than 5 minutes. My only warning about this ride is to avoid it like the plague on nights when Fantasmic will be shown.

Baby Center at Disney's California Adventure

2009-01-06T22:59:00.000-08:00

The Baby Center will be a welcome sight if you have babies/toddlers at either park of the Disneyland Resort. The Baby Center in Disney's California Adventure is located next to the Mission Tortilla factory/experience. They have toddler restrooms, a changing area, a feeding area, a breastfeeding area and a small coloring section for your older children while you nurse/change/feed your baby. If you are missing wipes, bottle, diapers or baby food(I always forget something even when I think I'm prepared) no worries, the baby center will probably stock it at a reasonable price.

Disneyland Annual Passports- Payment Plan

2009-01-05T15:25:00.001-08:00

With the state of the economy it can be kind of tough to plop down a couple of hundred dollars to buy annual passes for the entire family. The folks at Disney have come up with a solution to this problem by allowing you to buy your pass in payments.

It works like this- The offer is available only to Southern California Residents
For New Annual Passholders - purchase your pass at the Main Entrance Ticket Booth at the Resort. You pay for the 1 day ticket-$69.00 and pay as little as $5.42 a month for the rest of the year.

If you are a renewing Annual Passholder-you have a choice- you can pre-pay the entire year or pay month by month. Go to Disneyland Main Entrance Ticket booth to renew if you would like to set up a payment plan. This is a great deal if you would like to spread your payments apart. I hope many will use. I have been an annual passholder for over a decade and I just love visiting the park. I love that I can take my time and if it's crowded only do a couple of rides and not be in a rush. It's also a great date night without the kiddos. I had a "girls night out" with my 12 year old niece last Saturday and we had such a blast. We got there at 8:30pm and rode all the "big kid" rides that I don't usually get to ride in about 2 hours. If you don't have a pass already - get one - you will love it!! The best part is that you get into both parks.. It's a total deal!!!

Happy New Year 2009!

2008-12-31T08:51:00.000-08:00

If you are planning to visit Disneyland today, you should have already left for the park. Today is often the busiest day of the year with the turnstiles being closed frequently throughout the afternoon and evening. If you are in the park and have to leave, be sure to have the hand stamped, even if you are an annual passholder.

Those of you who do attend will be in for a big treat. Also, if you are not up to crazy crowds but still want the Disney experience on your New Year's Eve, try DCA. They are also open till the new year and it will feature mass amounts of entertainment.

Happy New Year To All!

Christmastime At Disneyland

2008-11-19T00:51:00.000-08:00

November 21st marks the kick-off to the Holiday Season at the Disneyland Resort. This includes more extensive Christmas decorations, the special holiday fireworks show complete with a snowfall.

Also its a small world Holiday will be presented. Its a small world has been under renovation for most of the year, so it will be exciting to see it refreshed.

Haunted Mansion Holiday is also around through the New Year. Young children even get a kick out of this since most of the scare is replaced with holiday fun.

Happy Birthday Mickey

2008-11-18T15:45:00.000-08:00

80 years ago today, Steamboat Willie opened. This date is also recognized as Mickey's Birthday. Happy Birthday Mickey!

11/18/08

Mickey's Trick or Treat Party - 2008

2008-09-01T23:14:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-01T21:15:00.000-07:00

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.

Tips For Visiting Disneyland With Kids

2008-06-23T06:39:00.000-07:00

We visit Disneyland or Disney California Adventure at least a couple of times a month. Usually we try to visit at least once a week. Through trial and error , I could easily say that I have learned what it takes to have a fun and stress free day at Disneyland. Here is what I usually bring with me to have a fun day and general tips on making the most out of your visit.

What do I bring with me??
1. You need a good backpack - I'm usually prepared with a great backpack- I never leave home without one .
2. Bring a stroller if you have small children. If you can, make sure to bring a light or umbrella stroller. They are easier to fold up and store- and this is always a plus if you have to take some sort of tram to the theme park entrance. Make sure to have some kind of labeling on you stroller to help yours stand out in the sea of strollers. If you prefer don't bring a stroller and rent one at the front of the park. I usually avoid this at costs but if you can't bring a stroller and want one this is a good alternative and trust me a stroller is indispensable.
3. Make sure to pack a jacket /sweater/blanket. - I've left home without one thinking that there was no possible way that I would be cold on a summer day. Boy was I wrong!! The nights cool off and there is nothing worse than shelling out $50.00 for a sweatshirt because your three year old is cold. Trust me on this one!!
4. If you have little ones make sure to pack a couple of snacks. I usually bring a baggie or two of
goldfish and fruit snacks. Just keep it simple.
5. If you can bring a bottle or two of water. I usually freeze mine the night before and throw them in a Ziploc bag- I pack them in at the bottom of my bag and they have been a lifesaver!!
6. Bring baby wipes. I always carry them even if I don't have my youngest with me. They are great for sticky hands and clean ups. I think they are a necessity !!
7. Make sure to pack a blanket if you plan on watching Fantasmic.
7. Last but not least I always pack my camera to make sure to capture my little one's smiling faces.

How can I make my visit stress free and as smooth as possible?
1. I think the most important thing to do is to be prepared and do a little research- Make sure to visit the park's website . There are other websites that I think are filled at the rim with information and are a must read if you plan on visiting. Mouseplanet.com is a great resource.
2. Get there as early as possible. You've heard the saying "the early bird catches the bird" and this holds quite true with Disneyland. . You will be able to make the most out of your day this way.In my opinion it's the best time of day to ride your favorite attraction-you usually won't have to wait in line and if you do- you won't usually mind because it will be nice and cool.
3. Pick up a map/event guide at the front entrance- The first thing I do is try to plan out my day as soon as I have the map in my hands. Head to the most popular attractions first and plan out your day with the help of your map/event guide.
4. Avoid the lunch time rush. I would try to stay away from eating between 11am to 2pm. Usually the lines to attractions are shorter at this time because everyone is heading out to lunch. If you can , try to eat before 11 am and after 2pm.
5. Avoid attractions between 2 to 4 pm. This is usually peak time at a theme park. We usually use this time to grab a bite to eat and catch a couple of shows. Most restaurants and shows are air conditioned and it's a great time to take a break. If you have little ones- it's the perfect time to catch a snooze in the stroller.
6. Maximize your visit by taking advantage of the Fastpass system.
7.Make sure your family is well rested the night before and also well fed before you arrive at the your park of choice. There is nothing worse than dealing with cranky and hungry kids.
8. Last but not least- Enjoy yourself- Don't feel rushed. If you're visiting on a super busy day- odds are you probably wont' be able to take everything in one day and that's fine. It will give you the perfect reason to come back- or even better- upgrade your one day pass to an annual pass and come back as often as you like.

Strollers at the Disneyland Resort

2008-06-22T20:55:00.000-07:00

update:
Thanks to reader Stace- if you present your Disney card at the counter you will receive a free stroller rental.
If you don't plan on bringing your own stroller you can always rent one when you get to Disneyland or DCA. You can take your rented stroller back and forth between the two parks, but you cannot take the stroller into Downtown Disney.

Strollers can be found inside Disneyland's main entrance just before the east passageway under the railroad tracks or at the Star Trader located in Tomorrowland. . At Disney's California Adventure, the strollers can be rented across from Guest Relations near the Entry Plaza, or in Condor Flats at Fly 'n' Buy. They rent for $10 per day.

There are many benefits to renting a stroller. It can be difficult to get on and off the tram with your own stroller or you may not wish to bring your expensive carrier to the parks. Disneyland's strollers are very easy to maneuver and you don't have to worry about it getting stolen. If your stroller is taken, you can get a new one free of charge.

Whether you are renting or using your own stroller, mark it somehow to easily identify it in a crowd of strollers like tying a ribbon around the handle. Disney will provide you a namecard to place on the roof of your rented stroller. Since many strollers are similar, this will make yours easily visible, and also keep someone else from mistaking it as their own. We experienced this with the popular Winnie the Pooh umbrella stroller sold at Target stores.

Heimlich's Chew Chew Train

2008-06-18T00:37:00.000-07:00

Heimlich's Chew Chew Train has to be one of my daughter's favorite rides at Disney's California Adventure. It's a fun and short train ride that takes you on Heimlich's food adventure.

Heimlich, everyone's favorite caterpillar/butterfly takes you with him on his food hunt. The ride is very short but very swet. Your kids will love everything about this ride. From the actual train cars(you ride on Heimlich's back) to the different smells you will experience on your little adventure. The ride is located inside A Bug's land- which is designed for the little ones. This ride is geared for the tiny tots , but kids of all ages will enjoy this cute little ride. The best part about this ride is that the waiting area is very shaded and the lines are usually short. I would however only ride this if the line is 5 minutes or shorter. Hope you enjoy it as much as we do!!

Playhouse Disney @ Disney's California Adventure

2008-06-17T19:53:00.000-07:00

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

First things, First

2008-06-11T10:48:00.000-07:00

This is a place that might be overlooked or unknown. Those of you visiting Disneyland with babies and small children should definitely take advantage of the baby care center. It is located down a sidewalk at the end of Main Street on the right hand side just past the photo store. Inside, there are toddler sized toilets, changing tables complete with wipes and, perhaps best of all, air conditioning. They will only allow one adult per child to enter the station. There is a cast member that makes sure only a few people come in at a time to ensure this peaceful non-chaotic place remains that way. They sell about every baby necessity like bottles, pacifiers, formula, diapers and more. There are even bottle warmers if you need them. Nursing mothers can also come here for some privacy. The place is a wonderful retreat when the baby just needs to calm down from a day of over-stimulation.

If you go a bit past the baby care center, you will find the park first-aid center.

DCA also has a baby care center located directly next to their first-aide station which is found by the Mission Tortilla Factory in the Pacific Wharf area.

Why Disneyland with Kids

2008-05-27T22:24:00.000-07:00

I decided to start this blog because our little family loves Disneyland . My husband has had an annual pass for over twenty years now!! We visit Disneyland often and have learned a thing or two along the way about visiting the park with kids. I figured someone out there could find our tips useful and more importantly it would be a fun new blog. I also blog at daytrippingmom.com- It's a Southern California guidebook and event guide for families with young children. We hope you come back often!!