Disneyland

Disneyland’s Main Street Electrical Parade returns for a limited time

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

It’s back! The Main Street Electrical Parade at Disneyland has come back for a limited time. It is an upbeat, musical, and colorful parade that will not disappoint anyone watching. This beloved parade runs nightly at 8:45 pm and 10:40 pm through September 30, 2019. If you are planning a visit to the Disneyland Resort during this time, by all means make sure you catch this wonderful experience.

To celebrate the return of this beloved parade (I don’t know why they don’t keep it forever) Disneyland streamed the first show online. In case you missed that, here are some memorable moments from The Main Street Electrical Parade. If these images don’t inspire you to visit Disneyland, I don’t know what will!

The parade begins with a colorful train with Mickey Mouse starting off the brilliantly lit floats.

Mickey is followed by an assortment of brightly lit and happy bugs that turn and move to the memorable music (that visitors won’t be able to get out of their heads for days, but it’s worth it).

Next comes Alice and the characters from Wonderland.

 

Following Alice is an assortment of colorful bugs.

Then Cinderella appears in her pumpkin coach.

And Tinker Bell, all lit up in green lights, arrives with several of her fairy friends.

Next Dopey drives the dwarfs mine train, followed closely by Snow White and other dwarfs in the mine.

Pinocchio and the gang follow.

Then the crowd cheers for Elliott, with Pete riding on his back. Elliott breathes smoke from his nose, making him one of the crowd favorites.

The parade wraps up with a tribute to America. This float is lit with red, white, and blue and this is where the music changes to patriotic songs.

Finally, The Main Street Electrical Parade ends with the American Eagle.

Wow, what a sight. No wonder this is one of the favorite parades ever to grace the park. With any luck and a lot of wishes, not to mention some pixie dust, perhaps they will bring it back again.

Don’t forget to make your way to Disneyland before it disappears. We don’t know when it will return.

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

One million and counting

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


The Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge land opened in the Disneyland Resort on May 31, 2019. Less than six weeks later the one-millionth guest enjoyed the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run attraction in the new land.

Yep, the Ridgeway family from Ocean Springs, Mississippi had the satisfaction of being the millionth riders piloting the Millennium Falcon. And what a ride it was. A special guest, Chewbacca himself joined the family on their historic journey through the galaxy.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is an immersive land that is currently the top attraction in the resort. Later this year another attraction will open to complete this 14-acre addition to the Disneyland theme park.

After their historic ride the Ridgeway family (Mom, Dad, Jonathan 8, and Logan 4) celebrated with green and blue milk (some of the traditional libations in this part of the galaxy). They went back to Mississippi with memories they will never forget and also the satisfaction that they were part of Disneyland history.

Congratulations, Ridgeways. Your trip to California was definitely out of this world.

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

Photos: courtesy of Joshua Sudock/Disneyland

Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival for 2019

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


It’s back and bigger than ever. The Disneyland Resort is a fun place any time, and now during the California Adventure Food & Wine Festival it is also a place to sample a wide variety of food as well as wine and beer. The festival runs March 1 to April 23, 2019 and there are plenty of things for everyone in the family.

Entertainment, food seminars, wine seminars, merchandise, and definitely food and drinks are everywhere in the park to celebrate this annual event. This year, besides the marketplaces (kiosks) that are set up around the park, guests can sample special Festival offerings at some of the regular restaurants as well.

With the additional purchase of the Sip and Savor Pass ($49 for Annual Pass holders and $54 for non pass holders), guests don’t have to keep opening their wallets. Simply purchase this Pass and hang it around your neck. There are 8 tickets included in the Pass. When you go to a Marketplace or restaurant that is set up for the event, simply detach one of the tickets and present it to the cashier. That’s all there is to it. With 8 click-off tickets, you’re sure to get your fill of a variety of food and beverages, and for the price it’s a bargain. There are 21 places available to use your Sip and Savor Pass, and if there is a long line at the Marketplace where you want to order, just go to another site and order there then take your ticket to the counter – passing up the long line – and present it in exchange for your food. It’s that simple. Trust me, once you do it once, you’ll completely understand. Disney is making taking advantage of the festival easier and easier every year.

Besides the food and drinks, there are wine seminars, beer seminars in the Beer Garden, and cocktail making classes. And the food is out of this world. How about some Greek Yogurt Cheesecake? Or a Buffalo Style Turkey Leg? Or perhaps it’s a chilly day and you want some Fiscalini White Cheddar Lager Soup in a Mini Boudin Sourdough Bowl. For those who like things spicy, the Ghost-Pepper Mac & Cheese with Chili Cheese Corn Chip Dust is delicious and super spicy. Trust me, it’s not for the meek! It’s bold, spicy and very delicious!

When you purchase your Sip and Savor Pass, pick up the complimentary Tasting Passport. In it you’ll see all the offerings for the festival and where to purchase exactly what you want. (I’m flipping through it now and believe me, I want to go back to try more. Everything I sampled was delicious.) And for Vegans, you have to get the Impossible No Meat Ball Submarine with Marinara Sauce topped with Soy Cheese and served with Kettle Chips. I had to get a couple of these they are so delicious and tasty.

Besides the food and beverages, there are plenty of merchandise items to purchase to commemorate this festival. And there are cooking programs for kids, concerts, and plenty of entertainment.

The Food & Wine Festival runs 54 days this year, the longest festival they have ever had since it originated at DCA in 2006. With 35 specific items created for the festival, this is the best and biggest Food & Wine Festival ever. Featuring the best of California, there is definitely something here for everyone – young and old-er.

For more information, go to this 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. 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

Celebrate the Lunar New Year at the Disneyland Resort

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

It’s the Year of the Pig and everyone is celebrating at Disney California Adventure at the Disneyland Resort. For the first time, guests will be able to see the Three Little Pigs (Fiddler, Fifer, and Practical) in Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession. And of course, there is little Mushu as well as a bunch of other Disney characters on hand to celebrate.

Disneyland always prepares special food items for their celebrations and this is no exception. Pick up a Sip and Savor pass so you’ll be able to sample a wide variety of food from various countries. Personally, I can highly recommend the Stir-fried Vegetables & Pineapple with Soy Protein at the Lucky 8 Lantern. Just thinking about it I want to go back for more! And definitely try the Raspberry Lychee Chia Tea (non-alcoholic) at the Red Dragon Spice Traders. With the Sip and Savor pass, you can go to any of the food kiosks celebrating the Lunar New Year in DCA and sample whatever you want. Of course, if you don’t want to purchase a pass ($36 for annual passholders and $39 for non annual passholders) you can still purchase the individual food and drinks. As Gary Maggetti, General Manager of DCA West, told a group of media, “It’s the Year of the Pig-Out.” And with all the food the chefs have created, that is definitely the case.

(Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort)

There are plenty of things to do during the Lunar New Year Festival. There is an area where guests can create their own paper lantern, there is a Lucky Wishing Wall where guests write their wishes for the upcoming year on little pieces of paper then attach them to the wall, there are musical performances (Dat Ngyuen and the performing group from China called Melody of China) and there is the colorful and musical Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession.

(Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort)

The procession has several of the Disney characters along with Mulan and Mushu, but there are also Asian dances and music. It’s truly a delightful way to immerse guests in the Asian cultures and the spirit of the Lunar New Year.

And last but not least, guests will be inspired to purchase a special item to commemorate this event. Perhaps it will be the beautiful ears, a light-up lantern, some shirts or other items. The folks at Disney have come up with some great items to bring home to enjoy long after you leave the resort.

The Lunar New Year festival at the Disneyland Resort runs through February 17, 2019, so get down there soon to enjoy the sights, sounds, and of course the food and celebrate along with Mickey and Minnie.

(Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort)

Happy Year of the Pig!

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

 

 

Play Disney Parks App

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The new Play Disney Parks App (downloadable free from the App store and Google Play) is an app whose time has come! It makes exploring and enjoying Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort even more fun, if you can believe that. One app works in both Orlando and Anaheim.

So, what exactly is the Play Disney Parks App? It was designed to bring families and friends even closer while enjoying the theme parks. Let’s face it, waiting in lines (queues) is what we all endure when we go to Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, and any of the parks in Walt Disney World. If you look at people in the parks, many of them are standing with their heads down staring at their phones. Well, as long as they are doing this, they might as well incorporate their smart phone with the attraction and share the experience with family and friends.

The mobile app has several modes of play, and some can be played at home too. However, while you are in Disneyland and waiting for the Peter Pan’s Flight attraction, why not play together? Before you even get to the building, there are plenty of fun Q&A games to play. Only one smart phone is needed. The questions are asked to individuals in your party. 2-5 players can play on one phone. Then, when you get to the building part of the queue, there are hidden items to locate and check off on the app. And when you get to the magical lantern, the app will show your party a little magic.

There are several attractions already connected with the app, however if you’re waiting in line for an attraction that doesn’t yet have a special connection, there are some trivia games that will challenge everyone, from young to old.

Another aspect of the app is the Apple Music feature. You can listen to Walt Disney’s Disneyland opening remarks at the location where they were said. And there is plenty of Disney music to play throughout the parks and at home.

Guests ages 13 and older (with a Disney account) can earn achievements while playing with the app.

As Jonathan Ackley, Executive Creative Director Imagineering and Creator of Play Disney Parks, said, it “turns wait time into play time.” The more you explore and play, the more magic there is to encounter.

The technology is being incorporated into the Star Wars Galaxy Edge lands while they are being built in Florida and California. Currently in Anaheim the attractions that have already been specifically associated with the app are Space Mountain, Toy Story Mania, and Peter Pan’s Flight, with more to come.

The Play Disney Parks App provides an immersive experience beyond what the parks already offer. With interactivity and engagement, families and friends spend their time together, while being “together.” This is a multi-generational experience and one sure to add to the fun of Disney Parks.

On a personal note: I played this while waiting for the Peter Pan attraction. It turned the 30-minute wait time into a lot of fun. How’s that for Disney magic?

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about products, travel, and entertainment. 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.

Follow her on Twitter

What’s new and coming to Walt Disney World? Plenty!

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



Walt Disney World is continually growing and evolving. So, what’s in store for the near future? The construction has begun on several projects that will add convenience, fun, and enjoyment for guests.

First, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is adding a new 15-story tower. The tower will have additional dining areas, including a rooftop restaurant where guests will be able to see plenty of WDW far and wide. And at night some of the fireworks displays from different theme parks will be visible from the restaurant.

“For many of our guests, magical memories begin at one of our 27-themed resorts each and every day,” said Josh D’Amaro, senior vice president of Walt Disney World Resort Operations. “At Walt Disney World Resort, we continue to expand our portfolio and invest in new resort developments that allow even more guests to be immersed in all that a Disney resort has to offer.”

Additionally, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is adding a new waterfront dining area and new shopping experience.

There is also a new resort being built in WDW. Disney Riviera Resort will also include a rooftop restaurant with nighttime views of EPCOT and Disney Hollywood Studios. Disney Riviera Resort is also a Disney Vacation Club property, adding another option to the many resorts available to DVC members. This is the 15th property for members.

Toy Story Land just opened in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This 11-acre land is filled with plenty of fun as the guests become toys in Andy’s back yard. With three attractions – Slinky Dog Dash, Alien Swirling Saucers, and Toy Story Mania – plus Woody’s Lunch Box restaurant along with other activities and intricate details throughout the land (including Andy’s shoeprints), this is a fun place for all the fans of Woody, Buzz, and the entire gang.

Opening in late fall of 2019 is the new Star Wars land where guests will be completely immersed in the Star Wars galaxy. It is described as “one of the most ambitious projects” tackled by the Imagineers at Disney. Guests will be transported to the Black Spire Outpost, just as they have been to Pandora in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. With the geographic formations and all the sights and sounds of the planet Batuu, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will be a completely new experience.

To go along with Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will also be a new Star Wars themed resort where guests will be able to continue their interplanetary experience after leaving the park.

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios next year (2019) will be the first ride-through attraction with Mickey and Minnie. “Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway” transports humans inside the cartoon world. Don’t ask me how they are going to do this. I cannot explain it, but I can say that it looks like it will be an incredible and fun experience with the visual effects.

And speaking of Minnie, the Minnie Van service at WDW just started transporting guests around the property. If you don’t want to wait for a complimentary Disney Transport bus or a monorail or a boat on any of the property’s waterways, you can call for a Minnie Van. These adorable red and white vehicles can be ordered through Lyft on your Smart Phone and serve as your personal transportation throughout WDW. Sometimes you want to go from one resort to another, and if you have spent any time at WDW you know that can be a daunting experience. Now all you have to do is to call for a Minnie Van to take you wherever you want to go.

And while we’re on the subject of transportation, the new Skyliner is a transportation system (like the old skybuckets) that provide a fun view of the land below while transporting guests from Disney’s Art of Animation, Pop Century, Disney Riviera, and Caribbean Beach resorts to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the International Gateway at EPCOT. Disney’s Skyliner skyway transportation buckets are just one more way of getting around WDW.

And finally, the Play Disney Parks app was just released. “Play Disney Parks represents the next step in how we use innovative digital technology to enhance the guest experience in our parks,” said Vivek Sharma, Senior Vice President of Digital Guest Experience and eCommerce for Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products. “The app is designed to help guests immerse themselves in the Disney stories they know and love in a whole new way.”

The Play Disney Parks app is available for both WDW and Disneyland Resorts. There are games to play, quests to conquer inside the parks, and plenty to occupy your time while waiting for your next attraction. Plus there are special effects that will undoubtedly raise the level of fun for the shows in the parks and special magic as guests travel through the parks.

With the opening of Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure in Disneyland Resort, Florida and California have many new experiences for Disney fans and plenty just around the corner, or as Pocahontas says, “just around the river bend.” 2018 and 2019 are years of major growth at the Disney parks. Enjoy the magic.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw writes about travel, products, and entertainment. 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.

Follow her on Twitter

Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



Guests to Disney California Adventure are in for a real treat. A new area – Pixar Pier – has recently opened and there are several new areas that will be opening soon. So, what has been reimagined at this waterfront region of the resort? Plenty.

First of all, the Incredicoaster is not only a fun ride, but it also tells a story as guests travel through tubes and along the tracks. Incidentally, this is the fastest ride in the entirety of the Disneyland Resort! As guests get ready to board the ride, they realize little Jack-Jack and Edna Mode are not tall enough to ride the coaster. So Edna stays behind to keep a watchful eye on the little baby. But, as we all know by now, Jack-Jack has plenty of powers and soon escapes Edna’s watchful eyes and is off on a journey of his own, with his family close behind. As guests ride the coaster, they see all the family members trying to catch up with little Jack-Jack. So not only is this a fun and fast coaster, it also tells the story of this adorable little baby who is full of mischief.

The Ferris wheel is also reimagined with each bucket decorated with a different Pixar character. This Pixar Pal- Around has several swinging gondolas that not only take guests on a high flying adventure above the land, but also on a swinging adventure. The wheel tops out at 150 feet high. This is only one of two Ferris wheels in the country that includes both regular gondolas that go around in a circle, but also has sliding gondolas that swing and sway with special movement as the wheel is spinning.

There are plenty of new places to grab some food while you’re visiting the pier. If you’re in the mood for chicken or a turkey leg, visit the Poultry Palace. Or if you are a bit more adventurous, try the spicy hot dogs at Anger’s Angry Dogs. If you recall in Toy Story, Buzz has a “Spanish” mode, and at Senor Buzz Churros, you can munch on either sweet and colorful churros or spicy ones that taste like red hots. We cannot forget about those of us with a sweet tooth. Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats offers plenty of tasty goodies. Try the lemon soft ice cream with white chocolate on top.

The midway is a fun place for families to join together and play some games between eating and riding the attractions. There are several games that will test your skills, and yes, there are some fun prizes to win.

There is no shortage of Pixar items to purchase. Imagine all the Pixar characters we have fallen in love with through the years. They are together in this wonderful location inspired by the films and characters of Pixar.

Next year a new area of the pier will open, featuring Jessie’s Critter Carousel. Personally, I cannot wait to see what she has put together for us.

Dining in style has never been so much fun as in the Lamplight Lounge at the front of the pier. This is a great place to sit down, watch the activities outside, and enjoy some great food. Specialty drinks (both for adults and kids) as well as some wonderful selections of food will be enjoyed in this restaurant but the food isn’t everything here. When you’re there, look around. Everywhere you look are special Pixar touches. Can you spot Ellie and Carl’s mailbox on the wall? While they have a nice variety of main course and lite bite selections, there is only one dessert – their donuts. These are delicious and come with both a warm chocolate and a raspberry dipping sauce. Can you say “delicious?” That’s exactly what they are!

Pixar Pier is just one more fun addition to Disney California Adventure.

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about travel, products, and entertainment. 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.

Follow her on Twitter

Changes to California Adventure in 2018

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



Hang onto your hats all you Pixar fans. Pixar Pier is opening in June 2018 at Disney California Adventure in Disneyland Resort. New Pixar-themed attractions will replace many of the longtime attractions, however there will still be several things that will remain, notably Mickey Mouse on the Ferris wheel.

Pixar Pier will be divided into four neighborhoods: The Incredibles, Inside Out, Toy Story, and a fourth that will include plenty of characters from the other Disney-Pixar films.

With character/movie-inspired rides, merchandise, and food, guests to this area of the park will be immersed in all things Pixar. The Incredicoaster, formally California Screamin’, will feature sights and sounds from The Incredibles. It still promises to be as electrifying as California Screamin’ but with the Pixar flavor. The Inside Out neighborhood will include the characters from that film and a new attraction. The Toy Story neighborhood will keep Toy Story Mania! and build on that in this district for all the Buzz and Woody fans. The Midway games will also be transformed to include the characters from the Pixar films.

The remainder of the pier area will be renamed Paradise Park, which will keep the current attractions: Silly Symphony Swings, Jumpin’ Jellyfist, Goofy’s Sky School, Golden Zephyr, and Ariel’s Undersea Adventure.

“Paint the Night” parade returns with some new elements. Elastigirl, Violet, Dash, and Jack-Jack will be there to entertain guests in this parade featuring pop-art effects and LED lights.

For everything there is a season and a time, so it’s now time to say goodbye to Paradise Pier and hello to Pixar Pier. Mark your calendar for June 23, 2018 when Pixar Pier opens at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering travel and entertainment for over 20 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.

Follow her on Twitter

Celebrate Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



From January 26 – February 18, 2018 Disney California Adventure is celebrating the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Dog. With décor, themed merchandise, and of course entertainment and cuisine commemorating the event, guests will be engrossed in all the festivities with their favorite characters.

Guess who is front and center? Considering it’s the Year of the Dog, it’s none other than Pluto. Along with Mickey and Minnie, and Chip ‘n Dale, Pluto and the gang are all dressed in their special Lunar New Year attire. Make sure to get your photo taken with them when you visit the park.

Besides highlighting Pluto (after all, it is the Year of the Dog), Mulan and Mushu host the “Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession” all decked out in their “god of Good Fortune” outfits and joined by Goofy. (Did I mention it’s the Year of the Dog?)

Paradise Bay presents a special nighttime water show, “Hurry Home – Lunar New Year Celebration” with lanterns and Mulan and Mushu before experiencing the celebrated “World of Color” on the water.

There are special Asian performances and entertainment designed for the occasion along with plenty of activities for guests during this celebration. Guests can try their hand at specific arts and crafts (Chinese calligraphy, paper lantern making) and add their own wishes at the Lucky Wishing Wall. Let’s all have good fortune and happiness in the year ahead!

With lanterns and banners in English, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese, Disney California Adventure is even more colorful than ever. Plus, there are Asian-inspired items to purchase to commemorate this special experience. And, if you haven’t had the chance to visit Shanghai Disney Resort, there are items that are only available in China that guests in California can purchase during this event.

Happy New Year, and in case you didn’t already know, it’s the Year of the Dog.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering travel and entertainment for over 20 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.

Follow her on Twitter

Click below for a glimpse of “Hurry Home Lunar New Year 2018”
Hurry Home Lunar New Year 2018

Downtown Disney is changing and expanding in 2018

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



The Disneyland Resort includes two theme parks (Disneyland and Disney California Adventure) as well as Downtown Disney where guests can explore a variety of shops, restaurants, see movies, and enjoy entertainment and nightlife. Walt Disney once said that Disneyland (and Walt Disney World) will never be complete, and as the theme parks are adding their own new attractions and lands, Downtown Disney is also being updated to bring even more fun to guests. And, the best part, this place does not require an admission.

So, what’s going to be changing in 2018? First of all, World of Disney is going to be reimagined into a new Disney shopping experience. Almost any Disney product you can imagine is available in this store. Even if you don’t buy anything, just looking around is an adventure. From jewelry to toys to clothing to artwork, this is the place to find your Disney items.

(Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland)


Disney Home is taking over where the D-Street store was located. The Disney-themed home goods will change with the seasons, so make sure you check back whenever you are in the area.

Splitsville Luxury Lanes is a great place for families to eat and enjoy a game of bowling. The location in Walt Disney World is always a favorite of mine, so now that there is going to be one in Disneyland, well, you can imagine how excited I am and how much the guests will enjoy this updated twist on the old bowling alleys of the past. This is not your father’s bowling alley. This is a fun, hopping, delicious place for food, activities, and drink.

Ballast Point is coming to Orange County. This popular restaurant pairs good food and drinks. This is Downtown Disney’s first on-site brewery with a tasting room and outdoor beer garden. It’s going to be the busiest place on hot summer days.

Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer is going to be serving up shakes, beer, and burgers all in a modern setting.

Star Wars fans can get completely immersed in the galaxy far, far away courtesy of The VOID, which was opened earlier. And, in Downtown Disney, Jazz fans can enjoy New Orleans food and music at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen, and good Italian food is served at Naples Ristorante. There are plenty of things to do, see, experience, and a lot of choices to shop, dine and drink in this one locale.

(Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland)


Downtown Disney doesn’t charge an entry fee, and you get 3-hours of free parking with a $20 minimum purchase. A validation from a table-service restaurant (as opposed to a quick bite take-out like Starbucks) or the AMC Downtown Disney 12 Theaters will get you five hours of free parking.

“Our guests are constantly looking for unique experiences, which is why we’re refreshing familiar spaces and unveiling new locations around every corner of the Disneyland Resort,” said Michael Colglazier, president, Disneyland Resort. “Innovative venues such as Ballast Point, Splitsville and The VOID are just a few great examples of the transformation taking place in Downtown Disney this year.”

So, if you’re in the mood for some fun and food, not to mention Disney related products of all kinds, and you’re not in the mood for a theme park, think of Downtown Disney. And, if you do go to one of the theme parks, why not stop in for some additional fun in Downtown Disney?

(Scott Brinegar/Disneyland Resort)


The Downtown Disney District is over 300,000 square feet of family fun. And whatever you do, don’t forget to stop in to Marceline’s Confectionery for some delicious caramel apples and other sweet treats. That’s my personal favorite!

About the Author

Francine Brokaw writes about products, travel, and entertainment. 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.

Follow her on Twitter