A most magical Disneyland vacation starts with your onsite stay at one of the three Disney Resort Hotels to choose from! While you can choose to stay at Disney's Paradise Pier for the onsite benefits, many clients find it really comes down to a stay at the classic Disneyland Hotel or the luxurious Grand Californian Hotel. Having stayed at the Disneyland Hotel before during our last trip (and I LOVED it!), I decided it was an important to have experience both to be able to compare the differences between to the two and to experience Disneyland with the most magical vacation to date!

As another school year comes to a close, we started our summer vacation off with a bang! We spent a week in Anaheim, flying into Orange County, Anaheim arriving at John Wayne Airport (SNA) for the first time (as we usually fly into LAX). I was pleasantly surprised at the overall pleasant airport experience. The smaller airport is much easier to navigate through and the arrival was quick and straightforward. WestJet is the only Canadian airlines that flies into John Wayne Airport (SNA) from Vancouver so it is easy to connect with WestJet from other cities.  

We took an Uber from the airport to our hotel, the Disneyland Hotel and the ride was only about 25 minutes. Because it was Sunday, there was minimal traffic on the roads and it was more affordable than taking a shuttle from the airport. And then when we arrived......the magic begins! 

DISNEYLAND HOTEL

The rooms at the Disneyland Hotel are whimsical, fantastical and welcomes you with the magical essence that fills the air. First you notice the headboard and squeal with delight when you see the castle and fireworks as they light up and play a little lullaby "A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes". 

The rooms are delightful with magical touches everywhere, offering a view of the Disneyland Hotel pool area. 

The hotel is comprised of three towers - Frontier Tower, Adventureland Tower and the Fantasyland Tower, nods to the original lands of Disneyland when it opened in 1955. The Frontier Tower is the main building that includes the lobby and gift shops.

As you stroll through the hotel, the walls are adorned with history and provide a glimpse into the classic years of Disneyland. 

And just outside the hotel is the beautiful Rose Garden area perfect for weddings, private parties and gatherings. 

GRAND CALIFORNIAN HOTEL & SPA

After a few nights at the Disneyland Hotel, we headed over to Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Spa, an uber luxurious and embodiment of California coziness. As you enter the lobby, the "grandness" of the space invites you in a warm and intimate setting, oozing sophisticated comfort. 

Being the closest Disney Hotel to the parks, the location cannot be beat! The convenience and proximity to the parks is a perk that is worth its weight in gold! 

Head towards the Downtown Disney District and it is less than 10 minutes to walk to the entrance of the parks. Head out the private entrance into California Adventure and you could be in the queue to Grizzly River Run in less than 10 minutes. Got wet afterward the ride?? Head back to your room for a quick change of clothes and be back in the park in 15 minutes. Being this close to the park, having the early morning access where there are virtually no lines in the morning makes the premium price worth the convenience! We could easily take breaks throughout the day and go back and forth as needed. 

But you can't stay at the Grand Californian and not take the time to enjoy the resort as well!

The pool loungers have got to be one of the most comfortable and most luxurious pool loungers I've ever enjoyed! This is the kind of comfort in the sun I can live with! 

Much of the hotel has undergone a renovation in 2017, redesigning all guest rooms, refreshed the lobby, pool area and concierge-level lounge. 

The new pool lounge, Craftsman Bar, just happened to be having its soft opening during our stay so we took the opportunity to check it out for dinner. This is not your average poolside lounge! The ambiance was cozy providing an intimate setting with great views of the pool. Food and drinks were artisanal and the menu includes a large selection of poolside favourites (nachos, sliders, pizza) to new favourites such as ahi tuna wraps and delectable desserts (we had to try them all)!

Overall, we enjoyed the food and the atmosphere although it felt much more upscale for a poolside lounge! 

Staying onsite at the Disney Resort Hotels was an absolute treat and made our overall Disney vacation so much more magical! We were completely immersed in the experience and could take advantage of all the benefits that came with a Disney hotel stay, including mobile ordering and the early magic morning access as just a couple of my favourites! 

All three of the Disney Hotels are priced as deluxe hotels because of the limited availability of the Disney hotels. And choosing which one to stay at has always been the toughest choice! I love the classic and nostalgic charm of the Disneyland Hotel, but the cozy and sophistication of the Grand Californian and its proximity to the parks is a benefit that is unmatched!! 

You may have noticed I have only discussed the Disneyland Hotel and the Grand Californian Hotel but there is also a third Disney hotel option - Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel. ​It is the the entry level Disney hotel option to consider for an onsite Disney stay at Disneyland to take advantage of all the benefits of staying onsite. It's a smaller property that books up quickly because of the affordability (when compared to the other two Disney hotels) and not as many rooms available to choose from.

For the difference in cost though, I generally recommend spending the extra money to stay at either the Disneyland Hotel or the Grand Californian. 

Why?
- Paradise Pier is located the furthest away from the parks. You do have to walk up towards the Disneyland Hotel, and then through Downtown Disney to get to the park entrance. It can be about a 15 - 20 minute walk (not including the time it will take to get through security to get into Downtown Disney) so it you have young kids, it can be quite the trek, especially after long park days when you've already walked a lot! 

- Also, while they do have a sit down restaurant, PCH Grill, and it has a character dining experience, there is no quick service restaurant option at the hotel. Sometimes you just need a quick bite or something to eat quickly and not having a quick service restaurant at the hotel or even close by can be a huge inconvenience! 

However, I'm sure it is can be a great option for some people! I will just have to wait until our next visit for the chance to stay here so I can provide a bit more personal experience at this hotel. We did enjoy the 4th of July Fireworks show from the third floor pool patio area (which is open to and accessible by all Disney hotel guests), which looks to be a great place to hang out and relax! 


There is always something for everyone at Disneyland and choosing your hotel stay is the same. Let me know if you have any questions or would like any assistance in planning your trip to Disney! I would love the opportunity to help you make it as magical as it can be! ​

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On our recent Disneyland vacation, we just happened to be in Disneyland to celebrate not just one, but rather two nation celebrations! As proud Canadians, we walked through Disneyland on July 1 for Canada Day, sharing our love and support for our home country bringing in a bit of Canadiana to Disneyland wherever we went. And for the most part, everyone we came in contact with had nothing but kind words for us Canadians! 

But the Fourth of July in the USA is something else and being in Disneyland for such a patriotic day is a lot of fun! Walt Disney himself was a true patriotic American and is the epitome of the classic "American Dream". His rags to riches success story includes incredible personal risk and loss, unwavering faith in his passion and daring to dream in creating the impossible. 

His ideals of the American Dream was inspired by the Abraham Lincoln and even as a child, his admiration for the President helped shape his worldview of how he saw his great country. You will see his inspiration for the attractions such as "Great Moments with Mr Lincoln" in Disneyland and The Great Hall of Presidents in EPCOT at Walt Disney World in Florida. He was adamant to offer significant discounts to military families to enjoy the parks in appreciation of their continued sacrifice, dedication and efforts to protect the country. 

When Walt Disney was young, his older brother Roy enlisted in the Army for World War I. As much as Walt wanted to enlist to help support his country, he was not old enough to join. He falsified documents to join a volunteer group with the American Ambulance Corps (with the Red Cross) to become an ambulance driver in France during the war. He continued to support the war efforts through Walt Disney Studios however he could and his legacy continues to honour the patriotism and inspiration of the American Dream.  ​

The stars and stripes, the red white and blue colours adorn the parks to enliven the patriotism inherent in the day. 

We started our day earlier to make sure we could take advantage of early morning crowds and experience as many rides and attractions as we could in the morning before the crowds started to convene. The park was busy as the day went on, but it was not unlike any other busy season in the parks (Christmas, Easter, Spring Break, etc...) We were able to go back and forth between the two parks and our hotel as we did take a break during the afternoon during the peak crowds and heat of the day. 

As it got busier in the afternoon, there were people scoping out spots for the fireworks in the evening. The fireworks show, "Disney's Celebrate America! - A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky" is a nighttime spectacular show once a year on July 4. The fireworks show embodies a start spangled spirit with patriotic songs as the sky is lit with the red, white and blue colours of America.  

Along with fun patriotic touches in the parks, there are numerous smaller events happening throughout the resort to celebrate the Fourth of July with unique foods and dining experiences, BBQs and merchandise. Over at Disney's Paradise Pier, they held a BBQ event on the third party pool patio with traditional American BBQ fare, entertainment and an exclusive view of the fireworks from the pool patio with the music piped in from the show. 

All guests staying at a Disney Hotel is eligible to watch the fireworks from the pool patio at Paradise Pier so we took advantage of that benefit to experience the special Fourth of July fireworks show, without the mass crowds of Disneyland and trying to leave the parks afterwards! 
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And did I mention there were two earthquakes?? 

We just happened to be there when there were two earthquakes in Ridgecrest, California. The first one on July 4 hit M6.4 but we actually had no idea when it happened! We were standing in line to wait for our Mickey photo when the person behind us in line brought it up that we just experienced an earthquake! We had no idea what it was but there were many locals who knew right away what was happening. 

Then the next day, another earthquake happened in the same area in Ridgecrest hitting M7.1 and we definitely felt that one! We were on the second floor in Ballast Point Brewing Company in Downtown Disney having dinner chatting about the earthquake of the day before and then we felt the second one! The lights were shaking and you can feel the ground beneath us swaying and rolling. It almost felt like we were on a ride in Disneyland! We were asked to move away from the windows if it continued. But after a couple of minutes, it stopped and everything was back to normal again. ​

Celebrating the Fourth of July in the US is a great experience to celebrate their pride and love of their country. Not any more than we Canadians celebrate our great country on July 1 though! We just express ourselves differently but no less patriotic though! Being in Disneyland for the Fourth of July just adds to the experience of being in a place where the true spirit of the American Dream is evident and being in the presence of such pride is an honour that makes the experience so worthwhile. 

"Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams, and the hard facts that have created America… with hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world.” Walt Disney 


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We started our summer vacation to a galaxy far far away to the planet, Batuu, a remote outpost planet on the edge of the galaxy in the Star Wars universe. The new land opened in Disneyland on May 31, 2019 and for the first three weeks of opening, reservations were required to enter the land. Since June 24, 2019, the land is now open to the public and no reservations are required, unless the land reaches crowd capacity levels where you will be then asked to join a "boarding group", a virtual queue that will tell you when you can enter the land and enjoy its experiences. 
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The Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is the largest expansion plan to date that Disney has taken on since Cars Land opened in 2012, with the addition in both Disneyland California and one in Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The one in Florida is expected to open on August 29, 2019. Both will be identical experiences in both parks so you do not need to worry about missing out. 

As you enter Batuu, you leave Disneyland behind and you are instantly transported to a new universe, set on the planet Batuu, located on the Outer Rim of the Galaxy, where smugglers, traders and citizens convene to stay out of the First Order’s attention. The setting of the story takes place in the Star Wars timeline after "The Last Jedi" but before "Rise of the Skywalker" and all the experiences are original for guests to enjoy as its own story. Storm Troopers roam the land keeping things in order, and you may see Rey, Chewie or Kylo Ren roaming around the land. There is no Disneyland here. The Cast Members are all citizens of Batuu and you are immersed in their story the minute you enter the land.

Look up, look down and look all around. There is so much to see and take in, so take your time to really soak in the atmosphere of what they have created here. Even non Star Wars fans will be able to appreciate the level of detail and immersive experience of this land.

Black Spire Outpost

Black Spire Outpost is the marketplace where merchants have set up shop for guests to pick up supplies and collect unique treasures from other planets in the galaxy. 

First Order Cargo area where the First Order has arrived in pursuit of the Resistance. You can browse the area and show your support for the First Order. 

There are several quick service restaurants to stop and enjoy some unique food items only found in the galaxy! Rondo's Roasters is where you can enjoy roasted meats cooked with a recycled pod-racing engine. Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo is the main quick service restaurant in the area. The Milk Stand perfect for a quick beverage stop and all the quick service restaurants are eligible for mobile ordering via the Disneyland app for convenience. 

Millenium Falcon: Smuggler's Run

As you walk around the land, you come up to the current highlight of the land....seeing the Millennium Falcon! It is a breathtaking sight to see it in person! 

It is one of two main attractions in the land, but the only one currently open. The second attraction, Rise of the Resistance, is expected to open December 5, 2019 in Walt Disney World (Disney fans will also recognize this date as Walt Disney's birthday!) and January 17, 2020 in Disneyland. As I'm sure it's every Star Wars fan's dream to fly the Millennium Falcon and "make the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs", Smuggler's Run is your opportunity to do just that! 

The wait times for this ride were reasonable, being only 65 minutes for our first ride, and then 50 minutes for our second ride. Fast Passes are not available for the ride but it is an impressive queue to go through and worth the experience. As a part of the story, you become one of Hondo Ohnaka's crew to help collect precious coaxium, a rare form of hypermatter. Chewbacca has loaned the Millennium Falcon to Ohnaka for his less-than-legal missions in exchange for supplies for the Resistance. You board the ship in teams of six, as one of three positions - pilot, gunner or engineer and you work together as a team contributing to the overall success of your mission. The more successful you are, the longer the ride will be. 

The ride is a mix of a motion simulator ride with a video game arcade experience. There are two pilots in the front to help navigate the ship. The gunners in the second row can choose manual (more challenging) or automatic (perfect for beginners) firing against enemy tie fighters. The engineers in the third row are responsible for fixing the ship as required when she gets damaged. But really, all you have to do it push the buttons as they light up. :) 

It's a very exhilarating ride and I was initially concerned about motion sickness but this ride didn't bother me at all! The Star Tours ride in Tomorrowland makes me nauseous so I didn't know what to think about this one, but it was fine and a lot of fun! 

Below is a video of our ride if you are interested in seeing what the ride is like. But don't watch if you don't want to spoil it for yourself! 

Oga's Cantina

Oga's Cantina is a watering hole where the bounty hunters, smugglers and rogue travellers come together for drinks, enjoy music and "conduct meetings" and is the heart of Black Spire Outpost. It's a really neat experience and reservations are highly recommended. Enjoy unique menu items for both young and old, including alcoholic refreshments as the first and only place in Disneyland that you can purchase alcoholic beverages. The cantina is lively with entertainment courtesy of the droid DJ R-3X. 

Reservations are highly recommended for the experience. As of July 25, 2019, reservations can be made in the Disneyland app 14 days in advance. If the land is at capacity, a reservation at Oga's Cantina will ensure access to Galaxy's Edge. They are currently monitoring times for the experience so there is a 45 minute maximum time limit and two drink maximum during your experience. Most of the restaurant is standing room with a few lucky guests who are able to snag a table and chairs. 

Savi's Workshop

Another exclusive experience in Star Wars Galaxy's Edge where reservations are required is Savi's Workshop, where you can customize and build your very own lightsaber. You can make your reservation within the Disneyland app, 14 days in advance. The cost of a custom lightsaber starts at $200 and you can only bring two other guests in with you (in addition to the builder). Purchase of a lightsaber is required to enter Savi's workshop.  

Droid Depot

Visit the droid driven depot to assemble your very own droid, one of the galaxy's most indispensable sidekicks. You can choose from the R-series or BB-series models to build your own droid, based on the blueprint instructions provided to you. Each droid costs about $100 and you are permitted to bring in one other guest with you in help you build your droid companion. 

There are three entrances into Star Wars Galaxy's Edge - from Critter County, from Adventureland and Fantasyland. From Critter Country, the entrance will take you into the area where the Rise of the Resistance attraction will take place. Because that attraction is not open yet, there is not as much to see in that area. From Fantasyland, you will enter where the First Order Cargo area is located and the main entrance through the tunnel is from Adventureland. 

The area is spacious with the majority of the crowd collecting in the Millennium Falcon area. At night, it is also a great place to watch the fireworks! The downside is that you won't hear the music or see any of the projections of the show as the music does not fit with the theme of the land. Nonetheless, you can still enjoy the fireworks from the area. 

​Explore Batuu. Download the Disney Play app (different from the Disneyland app) for a most interactive experience as you explore Star Wars Galaxy's Edge. There are different challenges throughout the land and your success (and failures) add to your experience through the land. The citizens of Batuu will use the information to interact with you through the area. It provides a truly immersive experience that is unique and never boring! 

And when Rise of the Resistance attraction opens, it will be the flagship attraction of the land and promises to deliver an unmatched experience, putting guests in the middle of the battle between the First Order and the Resistance. I can't wait to see how that will all unfold! 

Wanna visit Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge?? Contact me now to see how we can book you your trip to Batuu...and explore the rest of Disneyland along the way! 

Let me know if you have ANY questions about Disneyland or Star Wars Galaxy's Edge! If you are interested in planning a trip, let me know how I can help! 

Contact me now if you would like a travel quote! I look forward to helping you plan your next Disneyland vacation!
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Movies have the ability to tell the best stories visually where you can truly escape and be entertained for a couple of hours (and if you're lucky, with some popcorn, soda pop and sweet treats!). Once of the best part of Universal Studios Hollywood is their Backlot Tour, where can visit the back stage of real films that are in progress! While some elements are the same, you never know what might be filming on the lot so it's a fun activity to enjoy each time you visit. 

If you are a movie fan and are fascinated with behind the scenes content of how movies and TV shows are filmed, there are several other back stage tours in Hollywood to get your sneak peek. I decided that we should visit the Warner Bros Studio Tour in Burbank for the DC Universe, Batman Collection, Friends set and The Wizarding World - all favourites in our household! 
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First up, each group is a fairly small group and we board a tram that takes us around the outdoor sets used for city shots, residential houses and the infamous Stars Hollow gazebo from Gilmore Girls. 

The inside parts of the tour brought you to see sets including the West Wing and lighting and props from a variety of TV and films. It almost looks like a flea market in there but they are very organized in cataloging  the inventory and keeping track of what gets used and where. 

The DC Universe Exhibit showcased props and costumes from recent DC movies, most notably Wonder Woman and the huge Batmobile collection, celebrating 75 years of Batman. 

At the Wizarding World, a large collection of props from the Harry Potter movies and The Fantastic Movies were present for exploration and discovery. 

Then you get the opportunity to experience the action and magic of a green screen! Choose from several different movie-making experiences where you can get in on the action directly. The guide describes your actions as you go through the motions and a video is created where you are in the center of the action! After your experience, you can go and watch yourself in the middle of the video clip and see how it was all put together. (For a copy of the photos or the video, there is an additional fee if you want the souvenir of it).

We also were able to walk through the working set of The Conan O'Brien Show, however we were not permitted to take any photos during this part of the tour. 

Then as you head near the end, you get to see visit the coffee shop set of Central Perk, the iconic couch from Friends. 

And everyone gets the chance to take their own photo on the iconic couch with your own cup of coffee! 

After this part of the tour, you are free to meander around as much as you want to explore the gift shop or pick up a coffee at Central Perk! 

All in all, it was a great afternoon going behind the scenes to all our favourite movies and TV shows to get a sense of how they are created. Expect to spend a couple of hours doing the tour but it is worth checking out. It provides more background that the Universal Studios Hollywood Backlot Tour but not too long where you might get bored. It was a nice change of scenery and activity during our Disneyland trip and I highly recommend it if you are looking at something a bit different from the usual Disneyland or Universal Studios Hollywood days if you have an extra day or two to spare. 

Purchasing tickets in advance are highly recommended as tour times run each day and there is no guarantee of availability if you just show up. Groups are small group tours so they provide an intimate experience with lots of time and space for your own exploration within the section. 

Need assistance with planning your California trip? Please let me know as I would love to help! You can do this tour on its own, or purchase one in conjunction with other popular tours in the area. Let me help you find and book the right tour option that fits within your travel plans! 

I look forward to helping you plan and book your California trip so you can experience so many of the wonderful tours and activities they have in the Hollywood and Anaheim area! 

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Though that may be a Dr. Seuss quote, it seems fitting for the last runDisney race at Disneyland for a few years. runDisney will continue to have marathons at Walt Disney World in Florida, and now in Disneyland Paris but the California Disneyland races have been cancelled indefinitely (at least for 3-4 years) while extensive construction is taking place to expand Disneyland Parks with a new hotel, parking structure and of course, Star Wars Land. 

I wanted to do a runDisney event with my kids so they could experience the joy of running a runDisney race so the Spiderman 5K was the perfect intro to the runDisney world. It's such a great family friendly event for all ages  with kids as young as 5 able to register and participate. There is a minimum age 10 to participate in the 10K, and minimum age 14 to run the half marathon. And we love our Superheroes so the theme was absolutely perfect for us! We were so excited to be running the 2017 Avengers Superheroes Half Marathon Weekend! 

The best part of the race is seeing all the great costumes that people race in, and the incredible support of everyone in the race. It's such a great community to be a part of and I can't believe there won't be any more races. I'm grateful that we took the plunge to register for this race, not knowing it would be the last at Disneyland. ​

We got our Spidey senses tingling, hulked up and ran the race! The best part of the race is simply having fun! There were lots of character stops to take your photos with Captain America, Thor, Hawykeye, Black Widow and Spiderman and photo ops at the mile markers as well. 

We stopped for Captain America and then didn't have time to stop for any of the otters characters. Had we waited in line for another character, we would have risked seeing the infamous balloon ladies who sweep you off the course and you don't finish the race. 

I'm so proud of my kids who not only finished the race, they thought it was too short! It was over so quickly, just as the fun was starting. They are confident they can do the 10K and are eager to try. 

Races begin at 5:00am in the morning and must be completed before the park opens to the public. There are lots of Good Neighbour hotels in the area to stay in, and complimentary shuttle transportation is provided to all race participants throughout the weekend. 

There's nothing like walking around the parks after a race with all your runDisney attire and proudly wearing that medal around your neck! The camaraderie and the community makes the event such a welcoming and worthwhile experience. I'm so sad that there won't be any races at Disneyland anymore, just as I got introduced into the runDisney experience.  

There is no other way  to describe the experience other than it was so much fun! 

I don't know when the next race will be but I definitely want to be running in one again! 

Why not get all dressed up in your Sunday best and head to Disneyland? That's the idea behind Dapper Day, a day to celebrate the days of a bygone era where people would get dressed up in their best attire for a day out in Disneyland. It's not an official event held by Disney, but what started out as a fun way to dress up and spend the day in Disneyland has grown to a bi-annual event in Disneyland, and spread to Walt Disney World and Disneyland Paris for their own Dapper Day events. Spend a day in the parks wearing your most dapper attire, and check out the expo for a lot of great vendors specializing in couture and pinup clothing styles. 

The Disney PhotoPass photographers are plenty around the parks and they are awesome at ensuring you get the best photos always! Sometimes the characters will also be in their most dapper gear so it's so much fun to spend the day being dapper. ​

Disneyland now has the MaxPass system for $10/day per person if you wish to utilize the digital Fast Pass system at Disneyland. With MaxPass, you can choose your next Fast Pass within the Disneyland app, without having to go to the physical distribution location to obtain a Fast Pass. It is very convenient to choose Fast Passes without having to race across the parks for your next Fast Pass. If you have a Park Hopper ticket, you can choose Fast Passes in either park. Once you have chosen your Fast Pass, it will tell you what time to return to redeem the Fast Pass. You will also be notified when you can choose your next Fast Pass. 

Also included in MaxPass are unlimited photos from the day so it's also a great opportunity to take as many photos in the parks as you can. Photos are uploaded into your Disney account about 30 minutes afterwards and you receive unlimited downloads of your photos (without the watermark) for up to 30 days after your return. 

Is it worth it?? Absolutely. It significantly reduces the time you need to spend waiting in lines, especially the really popular rides that always have long wait times. For us, our must do was to visit the new Guardians of the Galaxy attraction in California Adventure. While I was sad that the Tower of Terror was no longer, I can't believe how much fun the new Guardians of the Galaxy attraction is! The music and the energy of the ride is electric! (Note to self: make sure you have some food in your belly before going on this ride!). I always bring my ginger with me to help settle my stomach for rides like this, but definitely worth it!! 

Really, we wish you were here! 

Dapper Day is just another fun and unique way to enjoy Disneyland and it was neat seeing how so many people dress up! I loved the costumes, the clothing and how everyone is able to express themselves through fashion and feel absolutely beautiful at Disneyland. And there is no better backdrop that Disneyland for your picture perfect self! 

For an extra special treat, combine your vacation with a stay at The Disneyland Hotel! It's such a charming hotel, complete with Disney magic that you just can't describe until you're there. The headboard lights up with fireworks and plays soft music. It's simply magical. Sigh. 

The hotel is located next to Downtown Disney for easy access to restaurants and shopping, and only about a 10 minute walk to the parks. Staying onsite at a Disney resort also gives you Extra Magic Hours, an hour before the park opens to the public so that you can enjoy the parks before the crowds! So many extra benefits to staying at a Disney Resort! And you can beat the magic that comes with Disney! 

​Let me know if you have any questions! I would love to help you! 

LEGO fans young and old will not want to miss out on the LEGOLAND experience! A world created out of LEGO for your pure enjoyment! LEGOLAND California is located in Carlsbad, California, about an hour south of Anaheim and about 30 minutes north of San Diego so it ideally located for those travelling on a Southern California vacation!  

If you purchase the Southern California City Pass, it includes 3 day park hoppers to Disneyland, 1 day admission to LEGOLAND and 1 day admission for SeaWorld, with options to add on extra days if you want to stretch out your vacation even further.

This was our first visit to LEGOLAND California but rest assured it will not be our last! Perfect for kids ages under 12 and the LEGO fan in all of us, you could easily spend a couple of days with all the activities to enjoy.

LEGOLAND is divided into several the following areas:
1. Explorer Island
2. LEGO Friends Heartlake City
3. Fun Town
4. Pirate Shores
5. Castle Hill
6. Land of Adventure
7. Miniland USA
8. Imagination Zone
9. Ninjagoland - opening May 2016
10. Water Park
11. CHIMA Water Park
12. Sea Life Aquarium

The basic LEGOLAND admission proves admission into LEGOLAND (does not include Water Parks and Sea Life Aquarium) but you can upgrade to a hopper pass that includes either just the Sea Life Aquarium, just the Water Parks or both the Sea Life Aquarium AND Water Parks access. They often run specials for adding a second day for free, or even purchase one day and receive 4 days for free! 

It was a jam packed day full of LEGO adventure and here are a couple of our favourite activities! 

LEGO Mini Figurine Trading
Hands down this was the favourite activity for the kids! Bring your figurines from home and you can trade them with LEGOLAND Model Citizens (employees) who wear a mini figurine on their badge. They will gladly trade figurines with you! Forgot them at home? Build your own figurine and trade it for another!
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The LEGOLAND 4D, A New Adventure movie debuts in Legoland! The movie brings back your Legoland Movie favourite characters Emmet, Wyldstyle, Unikitty, Metalbeard, and Benny as they face a new villian, Risky Business and his Evil Secret Plot and they must use their Master Builder skills to save the day.   

Henchman Challenge in Miniland USA. Iconic US cities and landmarks are recreated in Miniland USA including San Francisco, New York, Las Vegas, New Orleans. As your walk through the LEGO-created cities, look for evil Henchman who are hiding and trying to “blend” in with the crowds. Share your Henchman finds on Facebook and Instagram with hashtags #LegolandCA and #evilsecretplot. Once you find your first one, you begin to see them everywhere in Miniland!   ​

Iconic US cities are recreated out of LEGO! 

Welcome to Las Vegas! The Strip is LEGO-ified! 

​Driving in Funtown and receiving your driver's license!
​What kid doesn't enjoy driving? It is universally every child's dream to drive a car! Two different tracks are available, one for toddlers/preschoolers (Ages 3 to 5) and one for the older kids! Drive around Lego City in your Lego vehicle and receive your driver's license upon completion of the ride!   ​

​Kids eat free after 4:30pm!
​At designated restaurants after 4:30pm, receive a free kids meal with each adult meal purchase. It's a great way to end your day with a free kids meal! Every little bit helps so if you are planning on spending the day there anyway, it's nice to have the extra bonus to save some money on food. Make sure you head to the Fun Town Market Restaurant, Wok n' Bowl Ramen or Garden Restaurant to take advantage of the Kids Eat Free offer! 

​Another absolute MUST DO - Try Granny's Apple Fries! A LEGOLAND exclusive! Crispy Granny apples generously sprinkled with cinnamon sugar with vanilla cream for dipping! A crowd favourite indeed! Located in the Castle Hill area beside the mini golf course, Granny's Apple Fries is a popular favourite and be prepared to wait in line for sweet cinnamon-y crispy apple goodness! 

Girls just wanna have fun! If you thought LEGO was just for boys, Heartlake City just opened and the area is dedicated to LEGO and Friends, promoting friendship among girls. 

LEGO NINJAGO World – opening in May 2016 featuring all your favourite Lego ninja characters and an exciting new attraction as you help the ninja battle the Great Devourer with special skills including fireball, lightning, shock waves and ice! Much to our dismay, the area was not open yet when we were there so were not able to check it out. But seeing the trailer for the attraction means we will absolutely have to return to experience it! 

Park Hopper tickets provide access to the Water Park and the CHIMA Water Park, which is an area we did not get to experience on this trip. We also didn't get the chance to visit Sea Life Aquarium, a close up look at the creatures from the ocean! 

LEGOLAND is the perfect theme park for LEGO fans, young and old and you can immerse yourself in a world created from LEGO! It has its own unique personality and is ideal for kids under the age of 12. Many of the attractions and the water parks have activities for young kids (toddlers/preschoolers) and then older kids as well. You can easily spend a couple of days here to fully experience what the park and attractions offer. For some kids, they could spend hours just building creations in all the different areas where creativity is encouraged!  

Check the website for park hours as the park is not open late, (usually 5:00pm to 7:00pm, depending on the season) and the water park is only opened seasonally. Nonetheless, it is a great day spent in a very family friendly environment immersed in the world of LEGO! You don't even have to be a LEGO fan to appreciate the wonder and awe of LEGO that inspires the creativity and imagination of kids, and including the kid in all of us! 

Isn't she pretty?? I can only hope I look this good when I turn 60!

​Disneyland in Anaheim is continuing to celebrate the 60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration in the parks but the celebration is only on until September so if you haven't had a chance to visit the park in all her bedazzled beauty, there is still time! As a part of the Diamond Celebration, three spectacular evenings shows were created and re-imagined for the celebration to combine heartfelt tributes to Walt Disney and his vision with the newest technology available to create the most magical experience for guests! Nostalgia and modernity combine to bring awe-inspiring and unforgettable experiences. 
​

1. PAINT THE NIGHT PARADE

Paint the Night is a nighttime spectacular parade with millions of LED light and a catchy tune with all your favourite Disney characters! There are 2 shows each night - 8:30pm and 10:30pm (times may change on different days so check before your trip for specific show times, but these were the times of the show for the week we were visiting) as it is definitely something you will want to do! It is one of the most popular attractions for guests and many pass holder guests enjoy the parade so you will see people reserving their spots for the parade as early as 5:30pm! Benches and curbs are priority viewing seats so they are snagged early if you want a front row view. 

If you check the parade route ahead of time, the parade begins at "it's a small world" and continues toward the castle, down Main St. and ends in the Towne Square near the entrance of the park. For the second show, the parade route is reversed and it begins in Towne Square, heads through Main St, towards the castle and ends at "it's a small world".

 Many of your favourite Disney and Pixar characters dazzle and shine while they dance away into the night! 

Main St and the castle area are the most popular viewing areas so spots in these areas are always reserved early as they are also in a prime location for viewing the fireworks that are on after the parade. 

Strategize your ideal location based on your plans. 
​
1. "it's a small world" - this is where the early parade begins. Be among the first to see the parade as it starts! The parade lasts about 20 minutes and then you are free to head to other attractions and rides to enjoy with less crowds and line ups as most people will be watching the parade! (Just don't head towards the castle or Main St.) If you are planning on leaving the parks after the early parade, then I wouldn't suggest this area for viewing.

2. Castle area and Main St. There are lots of areas around the castle and Main St that people start snagging spots early. The week we were visiting, people were holding their spots with blankets and snacks by 5:30pm and the first parade wasn't until 8:30pm! If you decide to watch from the castle area, make sure you try to get a spot in the circle by Tomorrowland and not Frontierland as the parade doesn't go by that area. 

These central areas are also ideal to view the fireworks after the parade. If you are in these central areas, be prepared for mass crowds and you will not be moving very quickly if you want to head to another area! But they are prime locations to view the fireworks and the projection show on the castle and the Matterhorn during the fireworks show. No need to fret if you are in "it's a small world" though, the projection show is also visible in that area too! So wherever you are to view the fireworks, you'll still get the magical experience of the fireworks show! 

3. Towne Square - if you are planning on exiting the parks after the parade and the fireworks, especially with young ones, I would suggest finding a spot in Towne Square. This is where the early parade ends. Stay for the fireworks, enjoy last minute shopping before exiting at your convenience. Then you can avoid the mass exodus of crowds once the fireworks are complete. 

3. WORLD OF COLOR - CELEBRATE! 

World of Color - Celebrate! takes the Wonderful World of Walt Disney to a whole new level with a live water, lights, special effects and musical show to celebrate Walt Disney, his vision from his early beginnings with animation, a mouse, Disneyland dreams to the unforgettable Happiest Place on Earth it continues to be today. End your day in Disney California Adventure with World of Color - Celebrate! 

The show is hosted by Neil Patrick Harris and Mickey Mouse as they celebrate Walt Disney. Through music and special effects, your hosts pay tribute to the early dreams and creations of Walt, and move you through his journey into the popular Disney favourites of today.  

FASTPASS
If anything, don't miss World of Color!! If you go early enough into California Adventure, you can obtain a FastPass for World of Color. The FastPass distribution for it is at Grizzly River Run. Then you will have preferred viewing area access and don't have to go early to find a good viewing spot for the show. FastPasses are available in limited quantity on a first come, first served basis though and they usually run out fairly early in the day. This particular FastPass does not count toward your daily limit so you can hold a World of Color FastPass, as well as another FastPass for a different attraction. 

If you are a foodie like me, then you will want to experience Disney fine dining cuisine at least once during your trip! Disney cuisine is legendary and the quality, service and experience is a memorable experience! My kids still talk about the food they ate on the Disney cruise a couple of years ago! 

We decided to experience the World of Color dining package at Carthay Circle, the restaurant recreated to pay homage to the theatre that Walt's Disney's first film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, premiered. 

Walking through the restaurant takes you back in time to an era of stylish and chic elegance. (My daughter quietly informed me that we were not dressed properly to dine here.) 

Carthay Circle specializes in seasonal cuisine, featuring California favourites so the menu is based on seasonal availability of ingredients to ensure they are used at highest peak for flavour and colour. The dining package offers a three course meal for children and adults and a decent selection of menu items that are sure to satisfy any palette. 

Disney at night is so different than Disney during the day! Make sure you try to experience even just a little bit of everything during your trip to Disneyland. You can't do it all. There is just too much to experience! And with the 60th Diamond Anniversary Celebration, the tributes to the history and nostalgia pull at your heartstrings as you can see, feel and experience everything that Walt envisioned. How can one person have the vision to create the Happiest Place on Earth and inspire so many to fiercely protect his vision and ensure that every single person, regardless of age, can enjoy the most magical experience in the Wonderful World of Disney. Whether it is your first visit, or repeated weekly visitor, the feeling of walking under the bridge magically transports you into a world where your dreams come true and you simply can't stop smiling! The Happiest Place on Earth delights the child in all of us! 

"I hope we don't lose sight of one thing - that it was all started with a mouse" ~ Walt Disney 

Harry Potter has landed in California! His long awaited arrival is welcomed by Harry Potter fans who don't have to trek east to Orlando and can now visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios Hollywood! The official Grand Opening is April 7, 2016 but the area has been open to visitors who want a sneak peek before big day and we were fortunate enough to check it all out on our recent visit! 

Walk through the entrance into Hogsmeade Village and you are instantly transported to the magical world of wizards, just as described in the books and movies. The Hogwarts Express has arrived and the lead conductor is available for photos. Take a peek into the train cabin, choose from Hogwarts robes and scarves so you can dress up and pose for photos from the train cabin. 

No visit to Hogsmeade Village is complete without Butterbeer! Available as a cold beverage or frozen slushy, it's the perfect beverage to enjoy as you immerse yourself into the world of Harry Potter!

Visit Ollivander's, Makers of Fine Wands since 382 B.C. and peruse through the large selection of wands of your choosing (or rather, the wand chooses you!) and/or choose from a selection of character wand replicas. 

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is *THE* must do attraction! The ride is the same as the one in Orlando, however it is a 3D ride in Hollywood! Become a student of Hogwarts and join Harry and his friends on a thrilling and exciting ride through the familiar classrooms and corridors of Hogwarts, explore the castle grounds from high above and participate in an exciting round of Quidditch!

As you join the queue, you enter Hogwarts Castle and the attention to detail both inside and outside the castle is beyond breathtaking. There were times I wished the line moved slower so I could take the time to enjoy all the painstaking details that went into the design and creation of the attraction. 

To get an idea of the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride, check out the video below. It's a thrilling adventure through Hogwarts full of twists and turns and the 3D effects make the ride come alive! 

Flight of the Hippogriff is an outdoor family friendly roller coaster that is enjoyable for the whole family. Learn how to approach a Hippogriff properly and enjoy twists and turns around the pumpkin patch and visit Hagrid's Hut. 

Cheer on the presentation of Hogwarts, Beauxbatons and Durmstrang students as they lead the excitement for the Triwizard Tournament in a Triwizard Spirit Rally and listen to a presentation of songs by a small choir of Hogwarts students accompanied by their large croaking frogs. 

SHOPPING

Hogsmeade Village is home to various specialty shops so everything you need for your visit to Hogwarts can be found here! Zonko's Joke Shop sells novelty items, jokes, toys and sweets, perfect for playing jokes on unsuspecting friends and family members. Honeydukes sells classic treats such as Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans, exploding bonbons, Peppermint Toads, Fudge Flies, Chocolate Frogs and other delectable delights. Need school supplies and wizarding wares??? Wiseacre's Wizarding Equipment is the place to find all your required House robes, Hogwarts Express items, crystal balls, binoculars, magnifying glasses and other equipment.  Filch's Emporium of Confiscated Goods is your source for Hogwarts clothing, movie prop replicas, chess sets, magical creature toys and Marauder's Maps. Find House robes, ties, scarves, jumpers and other wizard apparel, accessories and jewelry at Gladrags Wizardwear so your visit is memorable for years to come. Can't forget about your Quidditch equipment! Dervish and Banges is where you will find Quidditch equipment, apparel and house items. At The Owl Post, find Harry Potter-themed stationery, stamps, owl -related toys and gifts and send a letter from here with a Hogsmeade postmark! 

DINING

Enjoy dining at Three Broomsticks to grab lunch or dinner. Classic English fare such as fish and chips, shepherd's pie, and bangers and mash are popular favourites. For parties of 4, consider the Great Feast for to maximize variety and selection for the greatest value. Butterbeer and Pumpkin Juice are popular beverage choices. Hog's Head Pub is the perfect place for families to enjoy Pumpkin Juice and Butterbeer for the kids, while adults can enjoy a selection of domestic and imported beer,s specialty beers such as Wizard's Brew and Dragon Scale, Fire Whiskey, wine, spirits and mixed drinks.

Your visit isn't complete until you obtain you a wand!

Choose a character wand replica or an interactive wand that can be used throughout the park in select locations where your wand can unlock magical spells!

​Need help?? Hogwarts prefects are available to assist and unlock your spell-making abilities! 

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the ultimate destination for Harry Potter fans! We simply didn't want to leave! It was so hard to say good bye :( There are a lot of fun attractions to enjoy and do at Universal Studios Hollywood and Harry Potter fans will definitely not want to miss it! Now Harry Potter fans can visit California in addition to Florida for Harry Potter adventures! 

I encourage you to read the books and/or at least watch the movie(s) before visiting to really immerse yourself in the world of Harry Potter and maximize your experience! We have become obsessed with Harry Potter since and will be watching the movies again and again! My daughter has taken to speaking with an English accent since watching the movies (#cutenotcute). 

I have yet to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando so I am not able to offer any comparison details, however I expect that the standards and attention to detail is just as stunning! We were lucky enough to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter during our visit and can't wait to share with you our experience! Let me know if you get to visit as I would love to hear your thoughts and chat Harry Potter with you! 

Disneyland in Anaheim, California held their annual 24 hour marathon event on May 22, 2015 where the parks are open for 24 hours, from 6:00am on Friday, May 22 until 6:00am Saturday, May 23, 2015. Park closes at 6:00am for cleanup and reopens to the public as per regular schedule at 9:00am on Saturday. Disneyland decided to launch their 60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration activities with the 24 hour marathon event. Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida also held their 24 marathon event at the same time to kick off their "Coolest Summer Ever" summer party activities! 

I was joined by my fellow Disney addict-partner-in-crime, Vinnie, to tackle the 24 hour marathon event as Disney marathoner rookies (makes us sound like runners....she is but I'm not!). We didn't make it there for 6:00am rope drop time but arrived early in the morning, fresh faced and ready to see what the  Diamond Celebration experience will bring! 

Here is what we learned from our experience! 

1. ARRIVE EARLY. This may be a no brainer for many Disney addicts and hard core fans but may not be so obvious for ones who are not as familiar with Disney fanatic events. Particularly for this year, this 24 hour event was even more special and memorable as it was the kick off to the Disneyland Diamond Celebration activities and attractions! People began lining up at 10pm on Thursday night. By 2:30am, there were over 7000 in line. Crazy?? Not for Disney fanatics who wanted to be present for the 6:00am rope drop and receive a special commemorative Disneyland 60th Mickey ears. 

(We were not there for that part of it but we have connections! Special friends with exclusive behind the scenes access who was kind enough to permit me to share his photos. Thanks David/coheteboy! )

2. BE PREPARED FOR LINES. Again, may seem like a no-brainer but you have to mentally prepare yourself for the crowds and deal with line ups EVERY WHERE. We have learned to simply stand in line when we see a line up and then someone goes to  find out what the line is for. One line we stood in was for popcorn. Just popcorn! So we hastily moved so we didn't waste our time waiting in line for something we were not interested in yet. Line up for rides, food, bathrooms, etc... EVERY WHERE. But at least in this experience, we met a lot of really friendly people in line and enjoyed our experiences. (Can't always say that about line ups and crowds!) 


3. RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED. We didn't have any specific plans. We didn't know what to expect and we had no idea what to prepare for and how to prepare for an event such as this. So we thought we would "wing" it and see what would happen. Well, without dining reservations, you simply don't get to eat any meals. You could stand in line for the numerous quick service kiosks and stands but one can only eat so many churros and Dole whips before the need for real fuel is required! 

We were extremely fortunate to bump into local friends who are diehard Disney addicts, David and Caitlyn, who know all the ins and outs of everything Disney and gave us a personal tour of Disneyland chock full of history, little tidbits and fantastic tips and suggestions! On top of that, they invited us for dinner with them as they had dinner reservations and their friends could not join them. We jumped at the opportunity because it meant we could eat a real dinner! And have the chance to actually sit down after standing in lines and walking around all day long...:)  

4. FAST PASSES. Get your FAST PASSES when you can as they will run out. FAST PASSES give you the opportunity to return to the attraction at a specified time so you are guaranteed to experience it without waiting in line. This gives you the opportunity to check out another attraction in the mean time. FAST PASSES make life a little less stressful and line ups a bit more manageable as you don't have to wait in line for every single ride. Especially for the extremely popular rides. FAST PASSES do run out and if they are gone for the day, there are no more to be had. The new World of Color show was premiering that day and viewing was only available with a FAST PASS. Although we were generously offered World of Color FAST PASSES by our secret insider access contact for the 3:00am viewing, we regretfully declined (age and parent factor coming into play!) It just means I have to ensure I catch it on my next trip in a few months! This time, I will purchase a dining plan option to get premium viewing seats for the show! 

6. BATTERIES, CHARGERS AND ALL THAT JAZZ! We were armed with our phone chargers and a mobile battery (which provided to be useless if you don't properly charge it ahead of time...*face palm*) but your mobile phone battery takes a huge beating during the day if you are using it to take photos, post photos, text/call, etc...And while we had phone chargers with us, outlets for charging are scarce and probably more difficult to find than Hidden Mickeys in the park! With the amount of people in and around the parks for that particular day, reception was poor and probably ate more of our phone batteries than usual. Charging lockers are available to rent from Disney but were all gone for the day. Again, thankful for our secret-access-Disney-saviour who carried around a mobile phone charger that carried a full 5 phone charge and allowed us to recharge our phones so we could continue to capture more of the Disney experiences! (Oh and in case anyone wanted to call us for emergencies or something...) 

7. CHANGE OF SHOES. Regardless of the shoes you choose to wear for the day, your feet will take a beating, We walked over 20, 000 steps that day! By the end of the evening, we were exhausted. Our feet and our legs were more worse for the wear than anything else. We likely could have made through another couple of hours if we had the foresight to bring a change of shoes just to give our feet something different to walk around in and give our feet the "second wind" it needed to continue on the marathon. 

8. ENERGY. Going to Disneyland is exciting and the energy is overwhelming! Even past the point of pure exhaustion, it's amazing the amount of adrenaline and energy from Disney can fuel you for more experiences! I thought I would need a lot of caffeine to help me get through the day but surprisingly, it wasn't required. The positive energy from Disney addicts who appreciate the wonder of Disney and collectively share their love of Disney provides you with the energy to go on  and do more! While I have been to the parks before for different Disney experiences, a Disney marathon is something different and unique altogether. 

I have never completed a 24 hour event at Disneyland so this was definitely a first experience for us! We may have been rookies but we learned from the best and are going to hone our skills for the next one! 

As much as we would have loved to actually do the whole 24 hours from 6:00am to 6:00pm, the sad reality is that we are not as young as we used to be and the age factor and parent factor comes into play much stronger. Sleep is necessary and required.  With her three kids up before 7:00am up in the morning, we had to make some difficult choices when it was time to leave. 




Leave Disneyland?? It was so hard to leave.....but the longer we stayed, the less sleep we knew we would get! We managed to hang on until 2:00am and were pretty satisfied with our overall 24 hour Disneyland marathon experience! This may have been my first 24 hour event, but it certainly won't be the last!! It was so much fun and definitely worth the experience! (And yes, her kids were up before 7:00am the next morning! :) 

Disney is an addiction and now that I've done this one, I can't wait to go back! Who wants to join me for the next 24 hour event?? Let me know!! 

Disneyland turns 60!! Sixty years ago, Walt Disney opened up Disneyland on July 17, 1955 - a dream he had imagined for so long had come to life! He simply wanted to create a place so magical, so full of happiness that people want to come and put all their troubles behind them. And it was beyond his wildest imagination that it has turned into the the iconic place of happiness for everyone, everywhere in the world to enjoy the "happiest place on earth". 

The Diamond Celebration is all about celebrating the history of Disneyland, the last 60 years of Disney classic and traditional, iconic, vintage memories and visions of Walt Disney with new tributes honouring his vision with the newest technology and resources available to us today. It is the perfect mix of new and classic treasures that pay a loving tribute to the man himself. 

Many rides have been upgraded and refurbished to offer a new and updated experience. Most notably, Peter Pan's Flight, the Matterhorn Bobsleds and the Haunted Mansion are the newest upgraded attractions that are definitely worth checking out! The Hatbox Ghost was brought back to the Haunted Mansion after a 50 year absence, and the Yeti in the Matterhorn Bobsled is scarier than ever! 

But the biggest and newest news for the Diamond Celebration is the debut of three new night time spectacular shows that were shown to guests on May 22, 2015. It is so exciting to be among the first to watch the new shows! 

"Paint the Night" is a new night time parade that is a modern and updated version of their classic Main Street Electrical Parade. It's a energetic, upbeat moving dance party with over a million LED lights dazzling the amazing floats! See larger than life characters from classic Disney to new Pixar characters dancing to the music with more than 80 performers in light up costumes accompanying the floats. The parade is also running in Hong Kong Disneyland to much success but this is the first time it is playing in Disneyland California. 

(My photos simply are nowhere near to snuff to capture the true essence of the parade!) 

And if you have some time to watch the whole parade, here is a video from Inside the Magic, so you can watch the parade in its entirety! 

"Disneyland Forever" - a new fireworks show that lights up the sky with projected imagery on the castle and along the buildings on Main Street USA. It is a fireworks show that honours Walt and the classic characters and stories of Disney.

If you want to watch the fireworks show complete with projections on the Sleeping Beauty castle, Inside the Magic has provided a fantastic video which shows the Disneyland Forever Fireworks presentation in full! 

Last but certainly not least is the new "World of Color" show at Disneyland California Adventure! It is a water and lights show that has been updated and revised to pay tribute to Walt and include new stories of Disney and Pixar characters. With new host Neil Patrick Harris and Mickey leading the show, it is definitely a show not to be missed! 

I don't have any photos from the World of Color show but coheteboy has some AMAZING photos from his behind the scenes viewing experience! Thanks for allowing me to share them! 

Inside the Magic provides another video of the FULL show experience! 

So if you are heading to Disneyland anytime in 2015 for their Diamond Celebration, you definitely need to check out all three of the new night time shows! 

The "Paint the Night Parade" and "Disneyland Forever" Fireworks show are both in Disneyland Park and available on a first come basis for ideal locations to watch. Bring blankets or sheets and scope out the location you wish to watch. 

"World of Color" plays nightly at California Adventure and a FASTPASS is available at the Grizzly River Run area to obtain viewing in the Paradise Bay area. You can also purchase a dining package to obtain tickets for access to Center Stage viewing area for premium views of the shows. Dining packages are available at Carthay Circle Restaurant and Wine Country Trattoria. 

If you watched or experienced any of  their new nighttime shows, or any of their new Diamond Celebration experiences (food, merchandise, attractions, etc,,,) let me know what you think! 

If you would like assistance in planning your Diamond Celebration Disneyland vacation, please let me know!! I would love to assist! 

Disney California Adventure Park is the home of Cars Land, where Radiator Springs from the movie, "Cars" comes alive!! Walk into Cars Land and you feel like you've walked right into the movie itself! 

Popular rides in Cars Land include Mater's Junkyard Jamboree and Luigi's Flying Tires. But the most popular attraction, Radiator Springs Racer is one you don't want to miss! You stroll through Radiator Springs in your car and then you get to race other cars through Ornament Valley!! Fast Passes are available for this attraction but they do run out quickly. We were there around 1pm and the Fast Passes were gone for the day. But the wait in line for this attraction is definitely worth it and is one attraction you definitely don't want to miss! If you get a Fast Pass for this, you can take your time and enjoy the other attractions, return during your Fast Pass designated time frame and get on the ride immediately! 

There are so many rides and attractions you want to make sure you see and obtain Fast Passes wherever you can to guarantee that you can experience them all! 

World of Color
Experience the night time spectacular show involving water, colour, fire and light, creating a fantasy of Disney and Pixar characters and their stories coming to life! Make sure you get a Fast Pass for the show if you want to get a premium location to watch the show. The Fast Pass distribution centre for the World of Color show is located by the Grizzly River Run ride and this Fast Pass does not count towards your daily limit. So make sure you get your World of Color Fast Pass first thing as you enter the park to ensure you get premium seating for the show. You can still watch the show without a Fast Pass in non-ticketing areas around Paradise Bay. You can also make dining package reservations at Ariel's Grotto, Carthay Circle Restaurant and Wine Country Trattoria, which include tickets for reserved viewing areas for the show. 

Back from our recent Disneyland vacation last week and we're going through some serious Disney withdrawal! It's such a magical place where you can immerse yourself in all things Disney, enough to get your Disney "fix" without over doing it! This was a first time visit for my kids, and I'm glad I waited until my youngest was tall enough to go on "most" of the rides! It was well worth the wait as we were able to enjoy many of the "scarier" rides and roller coasters. The minimum height requirement for many of the rides is 40". There are a few that have 46" as the minimum height, with the larger roller coasters having 48" as the minimum height. Once you've crossed 48", you've hit the magic number and can go on every single ride!! 

We chose the 3 day Park hopper pass which allows unlimited admission to both the Disneyland Park and Disney's California Adventure Park on a single day and gives the maximum amount of flexibility for access to both parks. Both parks are pretty big, but right across from each other so that it is very easy to access both parks in the same day. 

Fast Passes are the way to go to ensure you get to experience the popular attractions and rides! Disneyland uses the paper Fast Pass system so you need to head to the Fast Pass Distribution area for the ride or attraction you wish to pick. Only 1 Fast Pass per person per park is permitted at one time. When the Fast Pass is used or the time has expired, you can obtain another Fast Pass for a different attraction. With a park hopper ticket, you can obtain a Fast Pass for Disneyland Park, head to California Adventure to get a Fast Pass for a ride there and effectively have 2 Fast Passes at the same time! But it is a lot of walking back and forth between 2 parks if you decide to do this! There are sufficient rides with decent wait times that you can wait in line for less busy attractions while holding a Fast Pass for busier ones. With a Fast Pass, you return to the attraction during the designated time within the 1 hour time frame and you can skip the lines and go straight onto the ride! Three day park hopper tickets also give you 1 Magic Morning, so that's one morning of early admission to the park before the park officially opens. This is a great option to go early before opening to check out the popular rides without the added crowds! 

Fast Passes are available for the following rides: Indiana Jones Adventure, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin, Autopia, Space Mountain, Star Tours. 

We also had the privilege of being in Disneyland during their 4th of July celebrations and we're so happy we did! It was worth braving the crowds to experience Disney's Celebration of America on July 4th! 

My heart yearns  to travel. It's just in my blood. And when you start in the travel business, my heart is aflutter with so many places to go and see, and I don't even know where to begin to go first! 

But, as I plan for future travel adventures, I look to my past travels to find inspiration and my first travel post takes me to San Francisco, a vibrant and colourful city that invites familiarity and culture to awaken all your senses! 

I've been to San Francisco a few times in my life and it was the first "big city" travel adventure that I took my kids on! Why San Francisco?? There is so much to see and do in San Francisco and surrounding area that it makes a great first time vacation experience. Here are some of my top 10 must see and do experiences in the San Francisco and Bay Area for your next vacation! 

​1. Alcatraz "The Rock"
I've done this tour twice now because it's so fascinating! Buy tickets in advance so you make don't miss out because if tickets sell out for the day, there won't be any more. Your ticket includes a ride on the Alcatraz cruise ferry boat that takes you across to Alcatraz Island to visit the former maximum security prison, housing some of the most famous criminals in US history, most notoriously, Al Capone. It was also where the movie, "The Rock", starring Sean Connery, Nicholas Cage and Ed Harris was filmed. 

It's an audio tour that takes you through the prison main areas and cells and then you are free to explore the island on your own however you wish. When you are ready to leave, you just board the ferry that takes you back to Pier 33. 

2. PIER 39 and Fisherman's Wharf
Downtown San Francisco is all about Pier 39 and you can't NOT visit Pier 39 when in San Francisco. Many water based attractions and adventures are based at The PIER and there are so many restaurants and boutique shops in the area making it a great day to explore and enjoy San Francisco culinary favourites such as the clam chowder bread bowls, and fresh seafood. 

The infamous sea lions hang out at PIER 39 and have been there since the 1989 earthquake. ​

3. Chinatown
Chinatown is always a favourite to visit in any big city as San Francisco has one of the largest Chinatown populations in North America. With over 10,000 inhabitants, the area is bustling with shops, businesses and lots of fantastic Chinese restaurants to choose from! 

4. Lombard Street 
Drive down the "Crookedest Street in the World! Lombard Street is a steep one-block street with eight sharp turns in The Presidio area of the city. It is a famous tourist attraction, receiving over two million visitors each year who want to experience the unique street.

5. Golden Gate Bridge
The iconic Golden Gate Bridge is one of San Francisco's most famous attractions and is visible from so many areas of the city. 

5. Cable Cars
Another iconic San Francisco favourite! The cable car transit system has been running in the city since 1873 and are now considered a National Landmark. 

6. Muir Woods
Just heading slightly north of San Francisco is the Muir Woods National Monument. The California Redwood trees are a breathtaking sight to behold. The trees are anywhere between 400 - 800 years old and up to 250 feet in height. 

7. Napa Valley 
You can't visit San Francisco and not head to Napa County to do a winery tour! More than 400 wineries producing some of the best and most well known wines come from the Napa County region. Experience wine tours paired with culinary tastings, or make it a whole weekend experience staying at any of  their boutique hotels or bed and breakfasts in the area. 

8. Silicon Valley 
As a big Apple girl, it was a neat experience to drive through Silicon Valley and visit the Apple Headquarters at 1 Infinite Loop! 

9. Monterey and the 17 Mile Drive
Head south of San Francisco for some of the most beautiful coastlines in the area to Monterey, Pebble Beach and Carmel-by-the-Sea. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a fun adventure for marine life and education for the kids. 

The Lone Cypress tree is one of the most photographed trees in North America, sitting in Pebble Beach alone the 17 Mile Drive. 

10. The View from Above
Hike up the Twin Peaks hills to get the best views of the city, located in the geographic centre of the city. 

There really is so much to see and do in San Francisco so I definitely recommend it as a destination to visit! Let me know how I can help plan the perfect itinerary for your travels in the area. You won't be able to do it all, but it will definitely be a great start to experience such a great city! 
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