Disneyland offers special kids prices for a limited time

If you thought it would never happen, boy were you wrong. Disneyland Resort has discounted tickets for kids ages 3-9. For as low as $50 per child per day, this special kids’ ticket offer will definitely help parents during this run-up to the holidays when it’s time to keep expenses low to save for special holiday gifts. But this offer is limited for use between January 8 to March 10, 2024 and there are NO blockout dates. The tickets are subject to park reservations, however.

There will be 1, 2, or 3 Day Park tickets available.

Guests are able to purchase these special child discounted tickets beginning October 24, 2023, and they make a great holiday gift (leaving a little spare change in your wallet for all the goodies to purchase while in the parks.)

This is the time to plan your Disneyland Resort visit.

Now it’s a little less expensive for families to head to The Happiest Place on Earth.

 
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.

Disney turns 100

Did you ever wonder why the D23 Disney fan club is called D23? Well, it’s because the Disney Company was formed in 1923. That makes 2023 the hundredth year. Marking this great milestone there will be celebrations throughout all the Disney brands, including Disneyland. The whole shebang kicks off January 27.

Throughout the Disneyland Resort, a new platinum décor will be unmistakable. And Mickey and Minnie, as well as some of the other characters, will be sporting new looks. New food and beverages, as well as merchandise (remember we’re talking about Disney, the king of merch) will be available to mark the anniversary. And not only do the characters get a festive celebratory look, the entire park including Sleeping Beauty Castle will be dressed up for the occasion.

Two special nighttime spectaculars will impress guests of all ages. “Wondrous Journeys” in Disneyland celebrates the Disney animation through the years with fireworks, music and projections. This new show will wow guests not only at the castle and Main Street, U.S.A., but also on the façade of “it’s a small world” and at the Rivers of America. There will be brand new song, “It’s Wondrous,” that will play on select nights.  And over at Disney California Adventure, the new “World of Color – One” has a new song, “Start a Wave,” as well as a fresh story playing out over the water. So guests in both parks will be able to see the new spectaculars honoring the 100 years of the Disney Company.

As the year progresses new features will be unveiled, including the reopening in the spring of Mickey’s Toontown, which has been closed for a complete overhaul. Mickey’s Toontown will have plenty of fun areas for families to enjoy.

And the new Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway attraction is scheduled to open on January 27 when the celebrations begin.

Also in the spring the “Magic Happens” parade returns to Disneyland. This parade has been absent since the park closed due to the pandemic. The return of this daytime parade celebrated the magic of many favorite Disney stories. And since the company has now been around 100 years, there are plenty of them. This parade was created to mark the 65th anniversary of Disneyland and debuted in 2020 but was immediately halted due to the park closing. It returns to awe guests for the 100th anniversary of the company.

As mentioned above, the celebrations will take place in all the Disney parks with new and commemorative shows and merchandise marking the milestone.

Walt Disney was born in 1901 and passed away in 1966. His legacy is more than his movies and theme parks. His legacy is part of our culture.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.

Thanks to Disneyland Resort for all the photos and concept art.

Disneyland Resort update for September 2022

The Disneyland Resort is always growing and changing. Imagination is the key, which the folks at Disney have plenty of.

With the upcoming reimagining of Splash Mountain into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, there was little doubt Tiana’s influence would be felt more than in the one attraction. There will soon be a restaurant in New Orleans Square with plenty of Tiana’s New Orleans tastes. Also, a new shop in the square features apparel, foods, and more. Eudora’s Chic Boutique is inspired by Princess Tiana’s mother Eudora. This shop is a much-needed addition to New Orleans Square. (photos courtesy Christian Thompson/Disneyland Resort)

And Disneyland Resort will soon be supporting the Magic Band+. Finally! This is a welcome addition to the resort. Guests who have visited Walt Disney World know the advantages of having a Magic Band. It is hands free and allows guests to enter the parks and some attractions just by swiping the band next to the electronic icons, making entry to the parks and some lightning lanes fast and easy.

Magic Band+ adds additional elements, which add interactive elements for guests. For instance, some of the nighttime shows will be synched to the bands.  PhotoPass photographers will be able to tap the band to synch your photos.

In Star Wars: Galaxy Edge the bands bring a new interactive element to the galaxy far, far away. More features of the MagicBand+ will be revealed at a future date. If WDW is to be the example, statues around the parks will be interactive simply by waving the band in front of the statues. Let’s wait to see if this feature makes it to Anaheim. Needless to say, many of the new updates to the resort will be a great addition and add more enjoyment for guests as they experience all the fun of Disney.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 28 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. Follow her on Twitter.

Cars Land turns 10

 

It’s hard to believe that Cars Land at Disney California Adventure is now ten years old. To be honest, I remember the night before it opened when the media was treated to a spectacular preview of all the activities and the immersive architecture. It was just like stepping into the film. And it still is. Although there have been some changes over the past decade, Cars Land still holds a special attraction for guests.

Radiator Springs is a fun place to visit, even if you don’t go on any of the three attractions. There are many places to eat as well as a great store. I still use my Lightning McQueen sunshade for my car. It’s easy to spot in any parking lot. All I do is look for my little car sporting Lightning McQueen eyes.

The Radiator Springs Racers seem to be the most popular attraction in the land. Personally I enjoy Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree (just don’t ride this if you have a sore back). Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters is the newest attraction replacing Luigi’s Flying Tires. Having ridden both of them, I am happy they replaced the tire ride with the dancing cars. It’s a fun experience where guests end up laughing in their cars while the cars do their dance to the music. How many times have you laughed when your car dances? With the price of gas these days, this might be the only time guests can really enjoy riding in vehicles.

Between the Cozy Cone Motel, Fillmore’s Taste-In, and Flo’s V8 Café, guests can find just about anything to satisfy their food cravings.

What Cars Land did ten years ago changed the way new areas of the resorts are created. As I mentioned earlier, it is like stepping into the movie. The same thing happened in Walt Disney World when they built Pandora – The World of Avatar. If you visit that land in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you will be transported into the Avatar movie. And in Disneyland they continued that immersive experience with Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. It’s like stepping into another world, the world of Star Wars. These lands create the feeling of jumping into the movies and enjoying the atmospheres as well as the characters. And let’s not overlook the great recipes the creative Disney chefs concoct to enhance the experiences.

The 12-acre land gets transformed for Halloween and Christmas. And periodically guests will run into (not literally) Lightning McQueen as he makes his way down Route 66.

It’s been a fun ten years with Mater, Lightning McQueen, and the others.

Pick up a limited Mater popcorn bucket when you’re there.

 

Click below to see a roundup of Cars Land.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. Follow her on Twitter.

The force is strong in Disneyland

For a limited time Star Wars fans have even more to be excited about in Disneyland. There are special events celebrating all things Star Wars!

Space Mountain has been turned into Hyperspace Mountain through July 4. And to celebrate its 35th anniversary, Star Tours: The Adventures Continues as guests experience the Star Wars galaxy. And in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, there is a battle brewing between the Resistance and the First Order on the Millennium Falcon.

Guests always enjoy encounters with the characters, and for this special event R2-D2, Kylo Ren and Rey, Chewy, Ewoks, and more are on hand to greet guests and take photos. Plus special Magic Shots (with the assistance of Disney photographers) are offered featuring Grogu (the adorable child from The Mandelorian), Stormtroopers, and K-2SO.

During this celebration Disney has not forgotten the best part (in my opinion), which is the food! Ha. Disney Chefs are incredible and have come up with some imaginative and interesting offerings. Some of the offerings include: New Bubo Wamba Family Farms Cup (Milk Stand at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge), Blue Milk: Mon Cala Swirl (Milk Stand at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge), Parfait of Mustafar (Galactic Grill in Tomorrowland), Ishi Tib-style Pasta with Braised Beef Banthak (Docking Bay 7 Food & Cargo at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge), and Sullust Garlic Chips (Jat Kaa’s Coolers at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge). And keep your eyes out for a Wookie cookie!

Over in Tomorrowland Stormtroopers are on the march. They will surprise even the most vigilant guest.

New merchandise will be on sale throughout the event and the Grand California Resort and Spa has decorated its lobby with a Star Wars theme.

This tribute to the movie and TV franchise does not stop in Anaheim. Even Alaska Airlines has changed one of its planes to celebrate Star Wars. Talk about out of this world. Well, I guess it’s not really out of this world, but it is off the ground.

The force is strong at the Disneyland Resort. And guests are really getting into the spirit. With special performances along the Rivers of America by The Cantina Band, a group of Stormtroopers marching through Tomorrowland, transformations of attractions, food and merchandise, this is what Star Wars fans have been waiting for. True fans are on top of the world with this event.

Click below to see a preview video of this event:

If you are a fan of Star Wars, this is a must-do for you. And on May 27, 2022 catch the Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite. This is a very special event:

Early Admission
Enjoy Disneyland Park admission beginning at 6:00 PM, no theme park reservation required.

  • Star WarsFireworks Spectacular
    Fan of the dark side or the light side? Watch an amazing pyrotechnical spectacle illuminate the skies!
  • Character Experiences
    Enjoy sightings of belovedStar Wars Characters throughout the evening.
  • Galactic Dance Party
    Bust a move at an epic event sure to makeStar Wars history!
  • Strike a Pose
    Let Disney PhotoPass photographers capture shots—and incredible memories—against event-themed backdrops.
  • After-Hours Access to Attractions
    Ride some of the park’s most unforgettableStar Wars-themed attractions—including Star Tours: The Adventures Continue, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (subject to availability, which may vary and is not guaranteed) throughout the event, usually with shorter wait times.
  • Themed Eats
    Gobble goodies that are out of this galaxy—purchase unique dining experiences with sweet and savory menu options at select Disneyland Park locations.
  • Themed Merchandise
    Attendees will have the opportunity to purchaseStar Wars-themed items, while supplies last.
  • Commemorative Keepsakes
    Receive a souvenir credential and event guide as well as unlimited downloads of Disney PhotoPass digital photos taken during the party*. (Credentials and guides are limited to one per ticketed person.)
  • Inspired Attire
    Dust off those lightsabers! Dress up as your favoriteStar Wars  (See Costume Guidelines on the website.)

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites.  Follow her on Twitter.

‘World of Color’ is back at Disney California Adventure

Another nighttime spectacular has returned to the Disneyland Resort. “World of Color” is nothing short of stunning.

For those of us old enough to remember the TV show Wonderful World of Color (1961-1969) hosted by Walt Disney and Tinker Bell, this is a throwback, in a way. It was originally conceived as a “living Fantasia” combining animation, color, light, water, and music. And the opening and closing music is the theme from the TV show. Wow, that definitely takes me back.

The water in Paradise Bay features about 12000 fountains that are programmed to coordinate with the music. Height, angle, and color intensity are altered to various positions throughout the show. And a wall of water provides the screen for projections, which show scenes from different Disney shows.  Besides the lights in the water the Incredicoaster and the Pixar Pal-A-Round Ferris Wheel also light up to harmonize with the show, immersing guests in all the magic.

WALL-E, Eve, Jack Sparrow, Dory, Marlin, Crush, Squirt, Ariel, Sebastian, Woody, Buzz, Aladdin, Jasmine, Belle, Beast, Simba, Mufasa, Scar, and more appear on the projections, accompanied by the memorable music we all know and love.

Music, water, and color are each uplifting elements in their own right, so combining them creates a spectacular worthy of the word. There is no way anyone can leave the show unhappy. It is pure delight.

Available for the first time is a dessert party package where guests can purchase a delicious dessert box (cheese, crackers, grapes, and several sweet delights) and also get a reserved location for the show. There is also a dining package complete with a 3-course meal at the Wine Country Trattoria or Carthay Circle Restaurant. Plus, the Storytellers Café at the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa offers an all-you-care-to-eat buffet with a reserved viewing voucher for the show. What a great combination. Food and a show beginning at $50 for adults and $25 for kids ages 3-9. Check the app or website for the various options and pricing.

Do I recommend “World of Color”? Definitely. It is a must-see for guests in Disney California Adventure. Check the Disneyland mobile app or Disneyland.com website for times and more information. Enjoy!

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County.  Follow her on Twitter.

Fun activities for kids at Disney California Adventure’s Food and Wine Festival 2022

 

If you think the annual Food and Wine Festival at Disney California Adventure is just for adults, you are wrong. There are many activities geared for kids during the festival that runs from March 4 – April 26, 2022. And in keeping with the theme of the festival, they are focused on food.

 

Jammin’ Chefs

Jammin’ Chefs is a fun and upbeat show featuring Daisy, Clarabelle, Chip, and Dale, plus a lively MC as well as some hoppin’ chefs. The characters dance and the chefs drum (on the pots and pans) and everyone has a great time. It’s an energetic show that will put a hop in your step. And if you are a bit tired from your visit to DCA, why not stop for a brief time and enjoy the music and the characters as they put on a fun show. It’s short but sweet (no pun intended). And the MC is filled with puns that adults will enjoy while the kids are busy dancing along with the four characters.

This show is presented several times a day in the Hollywood Backlot.

 

Alice’s Wonderland Bakery Unbirthday Party

Alice’s Wonderland Bakery is a new show on Disney Junior, Disney+ and Disney Channel. For the Food and Wine Festival Alice and Princess Rosa help Minnie and the MC of this show as they instruct a select group of little guests how to decorate their very own cupcake. Yep, these little girls and boys get their own cupcake and decorating kit, which includes a vanilla cupcake, icing, and sprinkles. Why don’t they let adults take part in this activity? Just watching the kids and smelling the frosting is enough to make everyone yearn for a sweet, delicious treat.

The stage is in the Hollywood Backlot. There are festive tables in the front of the area where the new little pastry chefs get to work on their cupcakes while their parents and other guests to the park look on. Minnie gets in the spirit of the show while on screen Alice and Princess Rosa lend their support. This is definitely a cute idea and a great experience for the little kids.

Even if you do not have a child taking part in this activity, take a seat on the benches and watch as the little ones work intently on decorating their cupcakes. And you’ll probably see at least a few of them eating the icing right out of the tube. Hey, it’s something I would do!

The expressions on their faces is a combination of joy and intensity as they go about their business of making their cupcakes as pretty as possible. But some of the cupcakes might not make it until the end of the show. Let’s face it, kids love to eat them (and adults too), so once in awhile you’ll catch a glimpse of a child taking a bite. I wish they would let adults do this. Sigh. Anyway, it is a great addition to the Food and Wine Festival this year and something memorable for all the little pastry chefs.

 

Alice’s Wonderland Bakery Unbirthday Party runs a few times a day. Bon Appetite.

 


About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the travel and entertainment industries for over 30 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association, was a longstanding member of the Los Angeles Press Club, and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.

The monorail returns to Disneyland

 

In 1959 The Disneyland Monorail debuted in Disneyland. Back then it was an amazing attraction and a look into the future. It took guests around Tomorrowland for a bird’s eye view of the attractions.

Later the monorail also became a transportation system to and from the Disneyland Hotel. Next the monorail added stops in Downtown Disney.

In the beginning, The Disneyland Monorail was simply another great attraction that folks hoped would be the transportation of the future. Imagine this taking people around Los Angeles or another major city.

The monorail is actually a transportation system in Walt Disney World in Florida. It is one of the several ways guests access the many parks and resorts.

For more information about the history of The Disneyland Monorail, check out the great documentary Behind the Attractions on Disney+.

“The Highway in the Sky” as it is often called, is now back in Disneyland after a long hiatus during the pandemic. And it is definitely a welcome site for all guests. After all, what is Disneyland without the monorail?

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Los Angeles Press Club and the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.

Disneyland is back, baby!!

For those of us who have been patiently, or impatiently, waiting to return to The Happiest Place on Earth, that wait is over. Yeah and yay. Disneyland officially reopens with some new additions and many Covid restrictions.

Space is limited and parking will only be every other space, so don’t expect the same experience when you go. But that only serves to make this an even better place to go since the crowd will be controlled.

So, what is new? First of all, the King Arthur Carousel has been repainted and represents the days of olde when knights were jousters and Arthur was king of Camelot. The carousel made its debut in 1955 and is the first thing guests see when they pass through Sleeping Beauty Castle. With upbeat songs from the Disney archive, this is a must see and must do for fans of carousels (and we know who we are) and Disney lovers.

Speaking of Disney lovers, Snow White’s Enchanted Wish has a colorful update as well. Not only are the colors more vibrant, but with new audio and visual technology the entire attraction is also updated. Plus, the storybook ending of “happily ever after” leaves guests with that happy feeling we all expect from this classic tale. The Snow White’s Enchanted Wish attraction is a fun and colorful experience for the entire family.

The Haunted Mansion has some new updates however they are just minor additions and improvements. Why mess with perfection, right?

Later this year something new and exciting will entice guests back to the park when the Avengers Campus opens in Disney California Adventure. This new land will start recruiting super heroes beginning June 4, 2021.

Join Mickey and all his pals for a return to “happy” after this horrible nightmare of Covid. We can all use a little magic and fun and there is no better place to go for fun, food, and fantasy than Disneyland Resort. “The Happiest Place on Earth” is the place to be. It’s time to enjoy your favorite restaurants, attractions, shows, and shops again. With the reopening of the resort, we can definitely say (and sing) “There’s a great big beautiful tomorrow.”

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Los Angeles Press Club and the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Halloween 2019 – Disneyland Style

Halloween isn’t just for kids. It’s a fun time for everyone and, as in the past, Disneyland Resort has the holiday locked up! With plenty to see and do, not to mention eat, Halloween Time at Disneyland is more fun than ever.

(Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort)

A giant Mickey pumpkin greets guests at the foot of Main Street USA. This is the most popular spot in the park for photos this time of year. And throughout the park pumpkins of all kinds can be seen in various locations – some are recognizable and others are just plain fun. Can you spot the Elvis pumpkin? There is also one of Abraham Lincoln. Keep your eyes open for these and others as you wander through the park. Look up, down, sideways, and all around. There are pumpkins galore.

The characters are all decked out in their Halloween costumes. Chip and Dale wear skeleton costumes, Mickey greets fans in his rather dapper vampire costume, and Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, and Pluto are also dressed up for the holiday. And there are plenty of villains around including The Queen of Hearts, Curella de Vil, Jafar, and Maleficent.

(Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort)

Believe it or not, this marks the 50thanniversary of The Haunted Mansion and visiting this attraction is a must – especially this year. This year’s gingerbread house at the mansion also pays tribute to the attraction’s anniversary, which has transformed from the original ride to “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas” complete with Jack Skellington.

In Disney California Adventure the fun continues. Cars Land has converted Radiator Springs into “Radiator Screams,” and Mater is decked out in his adorable vampire costume. The Halloween Car-stumes can also be seen on Lightning McQueen, Cruz, and Red. Magter’s Junkyard Jamboree is now Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree for the holiday with new Halloween songs to accompany the tractors as they slip and slide around the rink.

(Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort).

The Plaza de la Familia is a tribute to “Coco” with plenty of great interactivities and some fun music and dancing from the film with “A Musical Celebration of Coco.” A memory wall allows guests to put up messages to their departed loved ones, and there are other artistic things to do and see here. Plus, a marionette of Miguel is available for meet and greets, which is new this year. He is absolutely adorable!

(Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort)

Night at Disneyland is filled with the Halloween Screams fireworks show. And a separate admission is required for the new Oogie Boogie Bash, a party that replaces Mickey’s Halloween Party. It’s full of music and fun for everyone. Plus Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout transforms after dark into Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark. This is where guests must help find and rescue Groot who was accidentally left behind and is in danger.

Whatever you do and wherever you go in Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, make sure you keep your eyes on all the intricate details. The folks there have outdone themselves with the decorations.

And, my favorite part of any holiday at Disneyland, is their food for the holidays. There are so many great options, including vegetarian and vegan selections. Make sure you pick up a Food Guide to check out all the latest and greatest created just for Halloween.

Whether you’re an Oogie Boogie fan, a fan of Mater, Coco, Mickey, or just the holiday of Halloween, Disneyland is the place to go. This celebration runs through the end of October, and the Plaza de la Familia does not go away until November 3. After that, everything gets transformed again for the next holiday!

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. Follow her on Twitter.