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.
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.
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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!
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!
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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.
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.
Photo courtesy www.dlrprepschool.com
Put it in reverse!
Another option is to reverse your strategy and plan for the later parade. This one begins at Towne Square, goes up Main St, heads to the castle and towards "it's a small world". If you stay in the Towne Square area, you can easily leave once the parade is finished. This is not as ideal if you have young children, but you will definitely have a better viewing experience as the crowd is probably about 1/4 of the early parade/fireworks crowds. The advantage of going to the later parade is that during the early parade time, you can experience more rides with shorter lines because the majority of the guests are enjoying the parade!
Not everyone wants to waste valuable Disney time scoping out a location for the parade and fireworks though! If you are short on Disney days and want to maximize your experience without sacrificing time, dining packages for the Paint the Night Parade are available so you can ensure you have access to preferred viewing areas.
DINING PACKAGES:
You have to eat anyway so why not consider a dining package to ensure you get premium viewing and enjoy Disney cuisine favourites too! Reservations are recommended beforehand as there are limited packages available each day. For quick service option, you can reserve a Grab & Go Meal at Aladdin's Oasis, select from one of three available entrees and receive vouchers to the preferred viewing area. Or, for a more upscale dining experience, a three course meal (starter, entree and dessert) is available at the Blue Bayou Restaurant.
Reservations are recommended and a credit card is required to guarantee. There is no penalty to cancel or change your reservation if 24 hours notice is provided. If you cancel within 24 hours of your reservation or decide not to show, there is a $10/person charge that will be applied to your credit card.
Each person in your party is required to purchase the dining package to receive a preferred viewing area voucher. The voucher is only valid for the designated show time and date of the dining experience.
Packages are non-refundable and there is no refund or exchange if shows are cancelled, due to weather or technical issues.
Another option is to reverse your strategy and plan for the later parade. This one begins at Towne Square, goes up Main St, heads to the castle and towards "it's a small world". If you stay in the Towne Square area, you can easily leave once the parade is finished. This is not as ideal if you have young children, but you will definitely have a better viewing experience as the crowd is probably about 1/4 of the early parade/fireworks crowds. The advantage of going to the later parade is that during the early parade time, you can experience more rides with shorter lines because the majority of the guests are enjoying the parade!
Not everyone wants to waste valuable Disney time scoping out a location for the parade and fireworks though! If you are short on Disney days and want to maximize your experience without sacrificing time, dining packages for the Paint the Night Parade are available so you can ensure you have access to preferred viewing areas.
DINING PACKAGES:
You have to eat anyway so why not consider a dining package to ensure you get premium viewing and enjoy Disney cuisine favourites too! Reservations are recommended beforehand as there are limited packages available each day. For quick service option, you can reserve a Grab & Go Meal at Aladdin's Oasis, select from one of three available entrees and receive vouchers to the preferred viewing area. Or, for a more upscale dining experience, a three course meal (starter, entree and dessert) is available at the Blue Bayou Restaurant.
Reservations are recommended and a credit card is required to guarantee. There is no penalty to cancel or change your reservation if 24 hours notice is provided. If you cancel within 24 hours of your reservation or decide not to show, there is a $10/person charge that will be applied to your credit card.
Each person in your party is required to purchase the dining package to receive a preferred viewing area voucher. The voucher is only valid for the designated show time and date of the dining experience.
Packages are non-refundable and there is no refund or exchange if shows are cancelled, due to weather or technical issues.
2. "DISNEYLAND FOREVER" FIREWORKS
Fireworks at Disney is unlike any other fireworks experience! Each night, the sky is lit up in an exciting song and dance visual experience in the sky. Using a mix of pyrotechnics and projection mapping technology, the show takes you on a journey though Disneyland, Disney movies and all the lands it encompasses. Original music scores and classic Disney movie scores combine with jaw dropping visual effects transport you to experience the magic of Disney with your all your senses and tugging at your heart the most. The show moves beyond the fireworks in the sky! Tinkerbell comes alive while the show projections on Main St, Matterhorn and "it's a small world" transport you on an adventure through Disney classics and all-time favourites.
As Walt Disney once said, "Disneyland will never be complete, as long as there is imagination in left in the world". The "Disneyland Forever" Fireworks spectacular is forever evolving and proves that the magical experience of Disneyland truly is the Happiest Place on Earth.
Unfortunately for us, the fireworks were cancelled each night leading up to and after our visit due to high winds in the Anaheim area for that week so my kids were not able to experience the fireworks spectacular. I am forever grateful that I had the pleasure of viewing the fireworks show last year during the 24 hour marathon on May 22, when the new night time shows were being launched for the Disneyland 60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration.
Fireworks at Disney is unlike any other fireworks experience! Each night, the sky is lit up in an exciting song and dance visual experience in the sky. Using a mix of pyrotechnics and projection mapping technology, the show takes you on a journey though Disneyland, Disney movies and all the lands it encompasses. Original music scores and classic Disney movie scores combine with jaw dropping visual effects transport you to experience the magic of Disney with your all your senses and tugging at your heart the most. The show moves beyond the fireworks in the sky! Tinkerbell comes alive while the show projections on Main St, Matterhorn and "it's a small world" transport you on an adventure through Disney classics and all-time favourites.
As Walt Disney once said, "Disneyland will never be complete, as long as there is imagination in left in the world". The "Disneyland Forever" Fireworks spectacular is forever evolving and proves that the magical experience of Disneyland truly is the Happiest Place on Earth.
Unfortunately for us, the fireworks were cancelled each night leading up to and after our visit due to high winds in the Anaheim area for that week so my kids were not able to experience the fireworks spectacular. I am forever grateful that I had the pleasure of viewing the fireworks show last year during the 24 hour marathon on May 22, when the new night time shows were being launched for the Disneyland 60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration.
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.
DINING PACKAGE
If you missed out on the FastPass but don't want to waste valuable attraction-enjoying Disney time, dining packages are also available for World of Color with several options so there is definitely something for everyone. Reserve a dining package for Ariel's Grotto. Wine Country Trattoria and/or Carthay Circle to receive a World of Color Dining package and preferred viewing area vouchers to ensure you maximize your show experience.
Reservations are recommended and a credit card is required to guarantee. There is no penalty to cancel or change your reservation if 24 hours notice is provided. If you cancel within 24 hours of your reservation or decide not to show, there is a $10/person charge that will be applied to your credit card. Reservations are accepted up to 60 days before your arrival date.
Each person in your party is required to purchase the dining package to receive a preferred viewing area voucher. The voucher is only valid for the designated show time and date of the dining experience.
Packages are non-refundable and there is no refund or exchange if shows are cancelled, due to weather or technical issues.
If you missed out on the FastPass but don't want to waste valuable attraction-enjoying Disney time, dining packages are also available for World of Color with several options so there is definitely something for everyone. Reserve a dining package for Ariel's Grotto. Wine Country Trattoria and/or Carthay Circle to receive a World of Color Dining package and preferred viewing area vouchers to ensure you maximize your show experience.
Reservations are recommended and a credit card is required to guarantee. There is no penalty to cancel or change your reservation if 24 hours notice is provided. If you cancel within 24 hours of your reservation or decide not to show, there is a $10/person charge that will be applied to your credit card. Reservations are accepted up to 60 days before your arrival date.
Each person in your party is required to purchase the dining package to receive a preferred viewing area voucher. The voucher is only valid for the designated show time and date of the dining experience.
Packages are non-refundable and there is no refund or exchange if shows are cancelled, due to weather or technical issues.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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Herb Crusted Lamb Scaloppini with jalapeños, artichokes, red peppers, avocado
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
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