Disneyland‘s existed longer than I’ve been alive. Growing up nearby, my childhood was filled with birthday visits, school field trips, outings with friends, band performances, etc. My experience probably resonates with other locals, but Disneyland doesn’t aspire to be just a SoCal hangout. With the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in 2019, they will…
Category: Disneyland Resorts Theme Parks
Disneyland and Disney California Adventure
Fall Fever, Haul-O-Ween Hijinks and Pumpkin Pandemonium Sweep Disneyland Resort During Halloween Time
Fall Fever has swept the nation… or at least the Internet. On September 22nd, as summer moseyed off into the mist and autumn greeted us with promises of cozy comforts and caramel apple treats, social media feeds across America and beyond were filled with cheerful messages of “Happy Fall, Y’all!” Tranquil images of magnificent-golden…
New Fantasmic at Disneyland
Disneyland possesses the prototype, best version of the popular long-running spectacular, Fantasmic. In 2016, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge construction closed the Rivers of America for more than a year. The Imagineers took advantage of the forced downtime to retool and update Fantasmic, 25 years after its debut. Unveiled in July, the new Fantasmic at Disneyland maintains…
Best Attractions for Halloween – Disneyland Resort
Cars Land at Disney California Adventure gets into the Halloween spirit! Halloween is right around the corner, and Disneyland is ready to celebrate this spooky holiday! If you’re heading to the Happiest Place on Earth, here are my picks for the best attractions for Halloween. THE HAUNTED MANSION Disneyland Park’s Haunted Mansion is a classic…
7 Types of Disney Fans Who Will Love the New Disneyland MaxPass
In July 2017, Disneyland introduced a new version of FastPass, known as MaxPass. MaxPass has a lot in common with Disneyland’s existing FastPass system, but increases its efficiency. This souped-up MaxPass currently runs $10 per person, per day. Disney has been coy about how long that price will hold as they get bugs worked out…
Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission Breakout
A year ago, west-coast Disney fans learned that California Adventure favorite Tower of Terror would sadly be closing for a new experience based on the popular Marvel Guardians of the Galaxy movies. While the original Tower of Terror remains open to hapless guests at Walt Disney World, the new Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: BREAKOUT at Disneyland brings…
The Magical Music of Main Street at Disneyland
For Disney fans, it is a phrase almost as evocative as any other – Main Street, U.S.A. This first of the “lands” in many Disney parks, Main Street serves as a conduit, not just physically but emotionally. The sites, smells, and overall experience help transport any visitor into the magic that is their day at…
Halloween Time Creeps Back to Disneyland Resort with Eerie New Enhancements in 2017
Can you feel it in the air? Autumn is right around the corner. At night, there is an ever-so-slight, gradual cool down. It seems to last for only a fleeting moment, but it is a glimpse of what lies ahead. With each passing week, the phenomenon that I call “Pumpkin Pandemonium” picks up steam, as omnipresent pumpkin…
Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland
Every “happily ever after” needs a castle, right? Disneyland’s crown jewel is Sleeping Beauty Castle, at the center of the park and instantly recognizable as an icon of the Disney company. Disney has built fairy tale castles at all of its flagship theme parks around the globe, but this is the original model. Fun fact: The…
Mouse Memories: The 2012 Debut of Cars Land!
Today’s article about the opening of Cars Land in 2012 is the second installment in the “Mouse Memories” series, in which I will periodically cover some of the momentous occasions and my favorite gone-but-not-forgotten highlights of Disneyland Resort’s days gone by. The inaugural Mouse Memories contribution, about the former Springtime Roundup, can…
An Ode to the Back Side of Water: The Jungle Cruise
Ah, the Jungle Cruise. I have had the pleasure of riding this attractions many times, both at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. It’s a Disney classic – an original attraction that Walt Disney was personally involved in creating. Some might find it old fashioned. Others might consider the audio animatronic animals and corny spiels of…
Christmas in July — These Are a Few of My Favorite Things (Disneyland Resort)
Summer is in full swing, and, for many people, it is a time for pool parties, road trips and carefree sunset strolls on the beach. It is a time to sing and tell ghost stories around a campfire, and to enjoy picnics in the park. It is time to grab a boat and explore…