Category Archives: California

Look for the Details and Story Behind Disneyland’s Matterhorn Bobsleds

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

One of the classic attractions at Disneyland park is the Matterhorn Bobsleds. Let’s take a look closer at this classic attraction!

The idea for the Matterhorn Bobsleds was inspired during the filming of the 1959 live action Disney feature film, “Third Man on the Mountain.” During filming in Zermatt, Switzerland, Walt Disney became fascinated with the Matterhorn and his thoughts turned to how he could incorporate this inspiration at Disneyland.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

When you first approach the attraction, you may notice the unique station where you wait to board the bobsleds. While the attraction was being designed and built, Walt and his Imagineers wanted guests to be able to enjoy the view of the Matterhorn, similar to how one might view it from its home town of Zermatt. Rising from the roofline is a picturesque tower, inspired by a famous clock tower near the real Matterhorn mountain. The clock tower is probably the second most famous sight in Zermatt, following the Matterhorn itself, and recreates a familiar scene of Switzerland’s famed chalets.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Adorning the front of this quaint building are shields representing the cantons, or states, in Switzerland. The opposite side is adorned with fanciful alpine-style floral cutouts edged in brightly colored paints. The design recalls the colors and motifs found both in traditional Swiss embroidery designs as well as the decorative painted patterns found on some mountain chalets.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

As you whisk through the Matterhorn on your bobsled, you’ll pass a hoard of mountaineering supplies and collected treasures from the mountain’s past. This scene is full of historical details, including a tribute to the late Frank Wells, who was president and Chief Operating Officer of The Walt Disney Company from 1984 until his death in 1994.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Racing on, you’ll encounter the growling Abominable Snowman for one last harrowing escape. This grizzly resident has been a fan-favorite since the attraction first opened 1978. In 2015, he received a transformation to give him a whole new look. Walt Disney Imagineering wanted to ensure that the mountain’s most famous resident would maintain a realistic look and even consulted with an anthropologist to give him convincing anatomy.

The Matterhorn Bobsleds – Disneyland park – Anaheim, CA – 5/8/17 (Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

To put a smile on your face until you can experience the Matterhorn Bobsleds on your next visit, here is a fun perspective to think about: according to Disney legend, when King Baudouin of Belgium asked Walt Disney why the Disneyland version of the Matterhorn had holes in it, Walt replied: “Because it is a Swiss Mountain!”

(Thanks Disney Parks Blog)

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Call her at 734-771-1290 or email her at siera@destinationsinflorida.com for your free, no obligation quote. 

Top Ten Cold Snacks at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Southern California is warm and sunny most of the year – so it’s almost always the perfect season for some cold snacks at Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park! Here are the top 10 best cold snacks at Disneyland Resort.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

10. Bifrosties – Behind Schmoozies at Disney California Adventure park, Bifrosties is serving up flavored shaved ice…but only during Summer of Heroes, which ends September 10. My favorite is Spider Venom (blue raspberry and cherry with condensed milk)!

9. Caprese on Focaccia Bread – Tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, lettuce, citrus aioli, basil vinaigrette and balsamic glaze combine on delicious focaccia bread for a satisfying summer lunch at Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe in Disneyland park.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

8. Lobster Roll – If you haven’t yet found this gem at Harbour Galley in Critter Country, you are missing out! Chilled lobster salad is served on a toasted, buttered roll for a filling – but not too filling – meal.

7. Gourmet Cheese Plate and Cold Cut Plate – Enjoy these nibbles with a chilled glass of Chardonnay at Sonoma Terrace in Disney California Adventure park for a relaxing afternoon.

6. Flo’s Classic Chocolate Shake – I love a chocolate milkshake, especially when it’s topped with “Road Gravel.” And Flo’s V8 Cafe has one of my favorite outdoor dining locations in all of Disneyland Resort, where you can chill out in the shade with your shake and a spectacular view of the Cadillac Mountain Range.

5. Fanta Orange Float – Two Scoops of Vanilla Ice Cream plus Fanta Orange soda equals heaven in a cup. Creamy, refreshing and colorful, this drink always has other guests asking me, “What’s that?!” That’s when I point them in the direction of Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor on Main Street, U.S.A.

4. Ahi Poke – You can find this traditional Hawaiian dish at a variety of locations throughout Disney California Adventure park, but I’m recommending Tangaroa Terrace at Disneyland Hotel as a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks. Order up a serving and sit in the outside dining area, overlooking the retro-themed pools and waterslides.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

3. World Famous Hot Fudge Sundae – At Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop, I ask for mine with a scoop of Cookies ‘n Cream and a scoop of Cookie Dough ice cream.

2. Cobb Salad – Hands down, without question, the Cobb Salad at Plaza Inn on Main Street, U.S.A., is my favorite salad. Not just at the Disneyland Resort – anywhere. I don’t know if it’s some magic with the salad itself or the iconic location, but in my opinion, you can’t beat it.

1. Boysen Apple Freeze – Sharing the top spot with Red’s Apple Freeze (its cousin at Disney California Adventure park), Boysen Apple Freeze wins the top spot for me because it is refreshing and a bit lighter – made with frozen apple juice, a hint of wild berry and topped with passion fruit foam.

What are your favorite cold snacks at Disneyland Resort on a hot day?

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Call her at 734-771-1290 or email her at siera@destinationsinflorida.com for your free, no obligation quote. 

Fourteen Best Roller Coasters at Disney Parks Around the World

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Not everyone thinks of thrill rides and roller coasters when they think of Disney World or any of the Disney Parks, but when it comes to immersive, high-energy thrill rides – Disney Parks do it better than anyone. Millions of our guests “get their coaster on” at Disney Parks around the world every day. Although it’s hard to narrow down our favorites, here are the fourteen best roller coasters at Disney Parks all over the world!

  1. Space Mountain – A classic. From Disneyland Resort in Anaheim to Hong Kong Disneyland and everywhere in between, this indoor coaster has dipped and tripped guests on a one-of-a-kind outer space adventure. At Disneyland Paris, you can find the Star Wars version of the attraction, Hyperspace Mountain; and a ghoulish version shows up at the Disneyland Resort during Halloween called Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy.
  1. TRON Lightcycle Power Run – An ode to the hit Disney films, “TRON” and “TRON: Legacy,” guests of Shanghai Disney Resort hop on the iconic lightcyles and Experience high-speed thrills and chills as the Grid comes alive in a heart-pounding race for survival. And we just announced its inclusion in Magic Kingdom Park here at Walt Disney World – VERY exciting!
  1. Barnstormer, Featuring the Great Goofini – Much more my speed. Located in Storybook Circus at Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort, The Great Goofini is known for his aerial expertise and high-flying stunts. Perfect for smaller visitors, Barnstormer has guests rolling through some of his most iconic swoops and swirls – at a graceful pace.
  1. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – a HUGE hit at Magic Kingdom Park and now the toast of Shanghai Disney Resort. Guests “rock” and “roll” through scenes from Dwarfs’ mine – showcasing characters and songs from the iconic film “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” You haven’t lived until you’ve heard “Heigh Ho” sung in Mandarin!
  1. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – Amid rugged bedrock and desert cactus, venture inside a nearly 200-foot mountain to the Big Thunder Mining Company, established in the early days of America’s Gold Rush. Traipse down into an abandoned mine shaft and discover a mysterious 5-car locomotive waiting to take you on a journey inside an abandoned shaft. Guests around the world love this attraction with versions at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Disneyland Paris, Tokyo Disneyland and Hong Kong Disneyland.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

  1. Expedition Everest – A trek through the Himalayas and “The Forbidden Mountain,” no coaster tour of Walt Disney World Resort would be complete without a ride on Expedition Everest. Walt Disney Imagineers spent years researching legends and myths of Southeast Asia to be able to accurately immerse guests into this world. The views from the climb to the top are some of the most exquisite on Walt Disney World Resort property. It makes you anticipate and appreciate the inevitable thrills and chills as you fall even more.
  1. California Screamin’ – One of the icons of Disney California Adventure park, this ode to the classic wooden roller coaster can be seen for miles around. With Mickey Mouse’s cute face watching, guests almost forget going through the 120-foot plunge to 360-degree loop. Almost.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

  1. Indiana Jones et le Temple du Peril – Guests of Disneyland Paris can re-create their favorite mine car scene “Temple of Doom”-style as they twist and turn through dark, cursed ruins.
  1. Crush’s Coaster – Guests of Walt Disney Studios Paris join Crush and friends in Toon Studio®, where they board turtle shells and prepare for a ride through memorable moments from the the Disney•Pixar film, “Finding Nemo.” This is a REALLY cool ride for younger and young-at-heart guests alike.
  1. Raging Spirits – A hallmark attraction of Tokyo DisneySea, this is a high-speed rollercoaster attraction racing through the excavated ruins of an ancient ceremonial site. This thrilling ride will turn your world upside down – literally.
  1. Matterhorn Bobsleds – Another Disneyland classic – taking guests twisting and turning through the Swiss Alps. As guests swoop in and out of shadowy caves and along jagged rocky ledges; throttle through icy chutes and around frozen precipices, the “real” danger is not in the landscape. I won’t spoil it for newbies who haven’t ridden yet. Opening in 1959, the Matterhorn Bobsleds was the very first tubular steel roller coaster in the world.
  1. Water Coasters – Those looking for a wetter coaster experience look no further than Disney Parks. Crush ‘n’ Gusher at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park pushes and splashes guests through 400-foot-long tubes with uphill climbs and a plunge into Hideaway Bay at the end. And we can’t forget the water coasters aboard our Disney Cruise Line ships – the AquaDuck aboard the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy and the AquaDunk aboard the Disney Magic give Disney Cruise Line guests a ride they will never forget.
  1. Gadget’s Go Coaster – Another attraction for the entire family, this engaging “coaster” is based on the work of the character Gadget Hackwrench from the Disney animated series Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers. Guests of both Disneyland Resort in California and Tokyo Disney Resort can enjoy its family-friendly twists, turns, humps and bumps.
  1. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, Starring Aerosmith – A game changer in indoor rollercoasters, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster features one of the fastest rides at Disney Parks paired with a one-of-a-kind soundtrack. Guests of both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Paris know to “hang on” when the 0-to-60-MPH launch starts.

Which of these do you think are the best roller coasters at Disney Parks? Be sure to let us know in the comments!

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Call her at 734-771-1290 or email her at siera@destinationsinflorida.com for your free, no obligation quote. 

New Incredibles Float Joins Paint the Night Parade at Disney California Adventure

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

The fan-favorite “Paint the Night” parade at Disney California Adventure park is currently dazzling audiences during the limited-time Pixar Fest at the Disneyland Resort. This electrifying parade uses more than 1 million brilliant lights, high-energy music and cutting edge special effects featuring many beloved Disney and Pixar pals. A new Incredibles float will be added to the Paint the Night Parade at Disney California Adventure Park on June 23, 2018.

Joining “Paint the Night” on June 23 is a new float inspired by Disney•Pixar’s “The Incredibles” and “Incredibles 2.” The Parr family and their pal Frozone will make their debut in this spectacular parade with high-tech, pop-art effects.

Here’s how the fun and excitement of The Incredibles float will be brought to life:

  • The dynamic and colorful new float connects both “The Incredibles” and “Incredibles 2,” picking up where the first film left off and portraying the scene that shows the Parr family banding together against the supervillain known as “The Underminer.”
  • Violet Parr uses her super powers to surround herself with a “force field.” It will come to life through a custom-built persistence-of-vision (POV) globe – the first and largest ever to be installed on a Disney parade float.
  • Dash’s super-human speed is captured through an innovative system of 64 individually lit frames, flashing as he races in circles around the float.
  • Mr. Incredible and Mrs. Incredible, along with their pal Frozone, light up the night in new super suits. The suits have been installed and wired by hand and are fully programmable to be in sync with the music and the float lighting.
  • The super suits, designed by eccentric fashion designer Edna Mode, are illuminated with nearly 100 sheets of flexible, miniature LEDs. This is the first time these light-up suits will be worn by any Disney or Pixar character.
  • The chest logos on the Incredibles’ glowing super suits are made up of 60 individually programmable LEDs.

This “super” float joins “Paint the Night” this summer during Pixar Fest, the limited-time celebration happening now through September 3. Pixar Pier will also welcome guests at Disney California Adventure park on June 23.

Be sure to catch “Incredibles 2” in theaters now!

(Thanks Disney Parks Blog)

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Call her at 734-771-1290 or email her at siera@destinationsinflorida.com for your free, no obligation quote. 

Lamplight Lounge to Serve Gastro-Pub Cuisine and Cocktails at Pixar Pier

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

There’s a hot new spot coming to Disney California Adventure park! Located at the entrance of Pixar PierLamplight Lounge will be a stylish, fun place to hang out with the whole family. The lounge will be serving up playfully presented California casual gastro-pub cuisine and unique signature cocktails.

Disney’s culinary team has been hard at work cooking up a spectacular menu, and they shared a sneak peek at some of the delicious items you can taste when Pixar Pier opens on June 23.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Starting with “Shorts” to Share – also known as appetizers – the Potato Skins will make for the perfect crunchy snack to start off your meal. Made with crispy Yukon gold potatoes, these skins come with brown butter-caper yogurt, smoked paprika aïoli, and Manchego cheese.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

If creative sushi is more your style, then the Carne Asada Roll will be right up your alley, with New York grilled strip steak, roasted Fresno chili salsa, escabeche, and crema.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

For the Bigger Bites menu, a vegetarian entrée will take the “lamplight” – the Spinach Salad! This salad consists of curly spinach with warm wild mushrooms, a soft poached egg, charred onion vinaigrette, shiitake “bacon,” and blue cheese toast.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Another featured entrée will be the Chicken Sandwich. This savory, spicy sandwich comes with crispy chicken with spicy chili glaze, vinegar slaw, and pineapple butter and served on an Amish bun alongside malted fries.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

On the kids menu, “Budding Artists” will love the PB&J Roll! A fun twist on a traditional peanut butter and jelly sandwich, this creamy peanut butter and whole wheat “roll” comes drizzled with strawberry jelly. It’s also served with fresh fruit and a flower pot of hummus and veggies.

Lamplight Lounge and Pixar Pier are set to officially open later this summer at Disney California Adventure park. This expansive reimagining will transform the shores of Paradise Bay with your favorite Pixar stories. Other exciting food and beverage locations coming to Pixar Pier include Poultry Palace, Señor Buzz Churros, Angry Dogs, and the recently-opened Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats.

Lamplight Lounge opens on June 23, and if these dishes are making you hungry, then you’ll be excited to know that reservations are now open! Reservations can be made on the Disneyland Resort website or by calling (714) 781-DINE (714 781-3463) between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. daily Pacific Time.

(Thanks Disney Parks Blog!)

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Call her at 734-771-1290 or email her at siera@destinationsinflorida.com for your free, no obligation quote. 

Pixar Pier to Include Four Neighborhoods Inspired by Pixar Stories

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

When Pixar Pier opens later this summer in Disney California Adventure park, guests will find four whimsical neighborhoods inspired by beloved Pixar stories. Here’s a bit more detail on what to expect at Pixar Pier!

Incredibles Park – Inspired by “The Incredibles,” Incredibles Park will be an inviting plaza featuring mid-century modern design aesthetics. Guests will enter through an archway where the iconic Incredibles logo will be seen overhead. Once inside, the new Incredicoaster will take you on a thrilling race alongside the Parr family. A combination of character figures, lighting, music and special effects will bring all the action to life! Upon exiting the attraction, the Jack-Jack Cookie Num Nums stand will tempt guests with freshly-baked treats.

Toy Story Boardwalk – Adjacent to Incredibles Park, Toy Story Boardwalk will be themed to “Toy Story.” Guests will be shrunk down to the size of a toy on the fan-favorite Toy Story Midway Mania! Jessie the yodeling cowgirl will invite you for a rootin’ tootin’ spin on Jessie’s Critter Carousel (opening in 2019). At Poultry Palace, big appetites and small fries alike can enjoy a fun meal inspired by Pixar’s short, “Toy Story Toon: Small Fry.” There will even be a fun-sized Zurg—perfect for photo ops! You can also stop by Señor Buzz Churros, where Buzz has switched into Spanish mode to offer this classic treat. ¡Delicioso!

Pixar Promenade – This charming seaside promenade inspired by classic turn-of-the-century California boardwalks will celebrate the heartwarming stories and beloved characters from all of Pixar’s films. The focal point of Pixar Promenade will be the Pixar Pal-A-Round. This reimagining of a guest favorite will still include the iconic face of Mickey Mouse on the Paradise Bay side of the wheel. But now, each of the 24 gondolas will feature different pairs of Pixar pals!

Pixar Promenade will also feature the Games of the Boardwalk, offering guests a chance to test their skills and win a prize. The four colorful game booths will include Heimlich’s Candy Corn Toss, Wall-E Space Race, La Luna Star Catcher and Bullseye Stallion Stampede. Also featured along the promenade will be a classic band-shell stage, ideal for musical entertainment acts and encounters with your favorite Pixar characters. Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff will feature delightful confections, including saltwater taffy and rainbow cotton candy. For some savory bites, head over to Angry Dogs, where the dogs heat up as Anger from “Inside Out” burns with rage!

Inside Out Headquarters – Located on the western end of the pier, the lush and colorful area inspired by “Inside Out” will be known as Inside Out Headquarters. This playground for the emotions will feature a whimsical family-friendly attraction, scheduled to open at a later date.

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Call her at 734-771-1290 or email her at siera@destinationsinflorida.com for your free, no obligation quote. 

New Menu Debuts at Flo’s V8 Cafe at Disney California Adventure Park

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

That’s right, racers! Cruise on into this Route 66-inspired diner and fuel up on the amazing new menu. There is a brand-new lunch and dinner menu at Flo’s V8 Café in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure park. You’ll definitely want to make a pit stop to try these delicious dishes!

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Starting with the Pit Stop Classics, you’ll be saying “Ka-Chow!” when you try the amazing Ka-Cheeseburger. This 1/3lb angus beef patty comes served on a sesame seed bun with cheddar cheese, 1000 Island, and caramelized onions. If you’re looking to dine in style, then Ramone’s Low & Slow Club is for you with turkey breast, crispy bacon, avocado-bacon mayo, lettuce, and tomato on toasted white bread. And then there’s the Fin-tastic Tuna Sandwich with albacore tuna salad, lettuce, and tomato on toasted wheat bread.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

If comfort food is more your style, then you’ll love the Drive In Dishes. Flo’s Famous Fried Chicken starts off this list and comes with roasted garlic mashed potatoes, gravy, and seasonal vegetables. Then there’s the Cobb de Ville Salad with mixed lettuce, turkey breast, crispy bacon, blue cheese, hard boiled egg, corn, and tomatoes all topped with house-made ranch dressing. Fillmore has chipped in on the menu, too, with Fillmore’s Pot Pie! It comes in a flaky pie crust with creamy sweet corn, potato, chiles, and cheddar cheese and is served with fresh fruit.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

In addition to the Drive In Dishes and Pit Stop Classics, you’ll love the Checkered Flag Chicken Noodle Soup. And don’t forget to ask about the Blue Plate Specials. These specials aren’t listed on the menu, and you never know what you might find!

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

For the Jr. Pit Crew, little racers can enjoy a Micro Burger, Chicken Fenders, Mack’s Mac & Cheese, or the Taillight Turkey Slider. All these dishes are served with fresh fruit, baby carrots, and a choice of a small lowfat milk or a small bottle of water.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Now what diner would be complete without some tasty milkshakes? Flo’s Classic Shakes are just the thing to satisfy that sweet craving. Try a vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry shake topped with “Road Gravel” cookies and cream crumbles. You can even get it in a fancy souvenir glass to take home! Also on the dessert menu will be a rotational dessert, starting with the delicious Strawberry Pie.

You can also fill up your tank with refreshing fountain beverages, milk, orange juice, coffee, hot tea, or hot cocoa. For guests over the age of 21, specialty draft beer and wine is also available. Drafts include Victory Prima Pilsner and Bear Republic Racer 5 IPA, and wines include Kendall-Jackson VR Chardonnay, Coppola Rosso & Bianco, and Red Sangria.

Once you stop by for a meal, you’ll be revving your engines for more – this new menu is now available at Flo’s V8 Café in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure park. Drive on over to Radiator Springs and take these new eats for a test drive!

(Thanks Disney Parks Blog!)

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

2018 Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort to Run September 7- October 31

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

2018 Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort is returning for even more days of wicked fun! Beginning September 7 through October 31, a spell will be cast at both Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park, transforming the Disneyland Resort into a frenzy of happy haunts.

This limited-time seasonal celebration will include special attraction overlays, themed décor, seasonal treats and merchandise, plus spooky encounters with favorite characters.

Oogie Boogie will once again take over Disney California Adventure park with stylish Halloween decor along Buena Vista Street and a swarm of bats encircling Carthay Circle Theatre. Cars Land will celebrate Haul-O-Ween as Radiator Springs turns into Radiator Screams! For the occasion, Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree will transform into Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree while Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters changes into Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween. In Hollywood Land, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! will transform nightly into Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark.

Over at Disneyland park, the Pumpkin Festival will greet guests as they make their way down Main Street, U.S.A. Fan-favorite attractions will also return, including the eerily delightful Haunted Mansion Holiday and Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Additionally, the highly anticipated Mickey’s Halloween Party will host 15 nights of fun. This separate-ticket, after hours event gives you the chance to make your Halloween Time experience even more fun with some exclusive entertainment, Disney characters in their Halloween attire and trick-or-treating throughout Disneyland park!

Be sure to purchase your Mickey’s Halloween Party tickets* early and mark your calendars for the dates below. Tickets may be purchased online at Disneyland.com/party (until the day before the event), at the Disneyland Resort main gate and by phone at 714-781-4400.

  • June 5: Tickets on sale to Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders, Disney Rewards Visa card holders and Disney Vacation Club members
  • June 12: Tickets on sale to general public
  • Mickey’s Halloween Party 2018 dates: Sept. 19, Sept. 21, Sept. 24, Sept. 26, Sept. 28, Oct. 2, Oct. 5, Oct. 9, Oct. 12, Oct. 16, Oct. 19, Oct. 23, Oct. 26, Oct. 29, Oct. 31

For more information about Halloween events at the Disneyland Resort, please visit http://www.Disneyland.com/Halloween. Entertainment and attractions are subject to change or cancellation without notice.

Are you heading to 2018 Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort? Start planning your spooky fun today!

*Mickey’s Halloween Party tickets are subject to availability and are valid only for specific event dates and hours. Space is limited. Limit eight (8) tickets per person, per event date. Tickets are nonrefundable and may not be resold. Ages 2 and under: no ticket required. Subject to restrictions and change without notice.

Jack Skellington and Haunted Mansion Holiday are inspired by Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.

(Thanks Disney Parks Blog)

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Call her at 734-771-1290 or email her at siera@destinationsinflorida.com for your free, no obligation quote. 

Hidden Details in the Indiana Jones Adventure Queue at Disneyland Park

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

One of my favorite things about Disney Parks is the way they immerse guests in a story, often down to the tiniest details. The Disney Parks Blog is helping us take a closer look at details you might have missed in some of your favorite attractions or maybe even details you may have noticed and always wondered about! This time, we get to dig deeper with one of history’s most famous archaeologists at Indiana Jones Adventure queue in Disneyland park.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

From the moment you enter the queue, Indiana Jones Adventure transports you to the past with immersive details and interactive elements. Take a close look into Indy’s office and you’ll find 1930s copy of “Life” magazine featuring Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse on the cover.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

There are also nods to the famous films. The wall of Indy’s office is made of crates, one of which is labeled, “Deliver to Club Obi Wan.” This is a reference to the opening sequence of “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” – which takes place in Club Obi Wan, itself an homage another famous Lucasfilm character. (If you can name this reference – of course you can – leave your guess in the comments!)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

There are also clues to the adventure ahead. Next to his desk, you will find a bulletin board posted with correspondence between Indy and Sallah as well as a large map of the entire temple drawn by Dr. Jones himself. Depicted here are traps, landmarks and even a guide to which gifts can be found behind each of the doorways inside the Chamber of Destiny.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

There are even hidden details to find once on board your troop transport. Past a menacing 45-foot-tall decaying skull of Mara and before a lunging 100-foot long King Cobra, you’ll see a skeleton wearing Mickey ears embroidered with the name “Bones.”

The Temple of the Forbidden Eye is full of many more immersive details. The next time you make your way through the temple passageways, keep an eye out for archaeological tools, traps and even try to decipher some of the Maraglyphics carved into the walls.

What is your favorite detail of Indiana Jones Adventure queue at Disneyland park? Tell us in the comments!

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

10 Fun Facts About Paint the Night and Pixar Play Parade at Disneyland Resort

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Now through September 3, you’ll be able to experience the adorable “Pixar Play Parade” and dazzling “Paint the Night” parade at the Disneyland Resort for Pixar Fest!

“Pixar Play Parade” features fun, new story elements, adding even more playfulness to this daytime parade at Disneyland park. “Paint the Night” makes its way through Disney California Adventure park with more than 1 million brilliant lights, high-energy music and cutting edge special effects featuring many beloved Disney and Pixar pals.

Here are 10 fun facts about Paint the Night and Pixar Play Parade at Disneyland Resort!

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

1. In “Pixar Play Parade,” which is now in Disneyland park, the Pixar Lamp and Ball from Pixar’s original short, “Luxo Jr.” now leads the parade in a larger-than-life fashion. The Lamp is 14 feet tall and the Pixar Ball is nearly four feet wide.

2. You’ll also will want to keep an eye out for Kevin, the friendly bird from “Up” who stands nearly 12 feet tall from her toes to the top of her feathers. The new “Up” story element also features Carl Fredricksen and Dug, while Kevin romps through the parade with pal Russell riding on her back.

3. The new “Inside Out” story element features Riley’s rocket wagon. Nearly 280 memory orbs of all different emotions appear at its base!

4. Baby Jack-Jack sits in one of the claws of the Omnidroid on “The Incredibles” float and, just like in the Pixar film, flames rise from his head when he gets excited.

5. 120-plus performers and crew entertain guests and dance along to the original songs “Countdown to Fun” and “The Party’s On” by Matthew Gerrard and Robbie Nevil, who wrote many of the songs for the successful “High School Musical” movies.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

6. “Paint the Night” parade requires more than 200 “universes of control” to operate everything from the video presentations on the floats to the lights on individual costumes.

7. Including the video screens, the parade contains more than one million sources of light. The 500 strobes used in the parade are a custom lighting product developed by Disney.

8. Slinky Dog from “Toy Story” is 32 feet long, with his ears measuring at 18 feet tall and 11 feet across! The 10 spinning disks rotate at 120 RPM and are programmed with custom video content.

9. The five animated doors on the “Monsters Inc.” float are more than nine feet tall with 40 individual LED video panels. They were created in collaboration with Pixar Animation Studios.

10. Mack from “Cars” features a 3D display that creates exceptional depth of image. The display contains nearly 27,000 individual orbs. Almost 2,000 feet of LED “neon” helps bring this float to life.

In June, a new float will be added to the “Paint the Night” parade, featuring Mr. Incredible, Mrs. Incredible and Frozone. The fun and excitement of “The Incredibles” will be brought to life with high-tech, pop-art effects!

What are you most excited to see when these two parades return during Pixar Fest?

(Thanks Disney Parks Blog!)

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote.