Category: Disneyland Resort

  • Limited Time Annual Passholder Magic

    So now Disney has announced that in addition to this year’s previously discussed Limited Time Magic promotion, there are other promotions being planned exclusively for Disneyland Annual Passholders…

    Sleeping Beauty Castle

    We’re doing something extra special during 2013 to make this the best year to be a Passholder!

    If you haven’t already heard, we’ll be packing more smiles, giggles and magical moments into your Disneyland® Resort visits with Limited Time Magic. And for our Passholders, we’re introducing Limited Time Annual Passholder Magic, an extra sprinkling of pixie dust over your Passport that lets you enjoy special surprises—but only for a limited time, and only for Annual Passholders!

    For more information and to stay up-to-date with the upcoming Limited Time Annual Passholder Magic opportunities, visit us at disneyland.com/apmagic, or like us on the official Disneyland® Resort Annual Passholder Facebook page. Be sure to check back regularly so that you don’t miss out!

  • Studio 365 – Props and Costumes

    I had visited the Disney Studio 365 store in Downtown Disney once before.

    Studio 365 - Props and Costumes

    It’s clearly intended for tween girls but I had decided to quickly poke around because I learned that they had some props and costumes from Sonny with a Chance.

    Studio 365 - Props and Costumes

    Well, the SWAC costumes may be gone but they have some cool new stuff there now. I was there again to see Bridgit Mendler back in September and I had to check out the new props and costumes.

    Studio 365 - Props and Costumes

    These included quite a few items from Jessie.

    Studio 365 - Props and Costumes

    It took me so long to recognize the character of Jessie in a bi-plane… I’m not sure why they chose to display it like that.

    Studio 365 - Props and Costumes

    But as always, it was Shake it Up that stole the show. xD

    Studio 365 - Props and Costumes

    Be sure to click any photo above to see the rest of my photos in the gallery.

  • Holidays at the Disneyland Resort

    It’s Holiday time at the Disneyland resort!

    Holidays at the Disneyland Resort

    My work commitments keep me rather busy durring the holidays, but one of my favorite Christmas time traditions is to see Billy Hill and the Holiday Hillbillies.

    Holidays at the Disneyland Resort

    This year, following the opening of Cars Land across the plaza, Disney had decided to move the Billies out of the Golden Horseshoe and into the Frontierland festival area.

    Holidays at the Disneyland Resort

    The move has upset some, but I must admit that they are certainly taking advantage of the opportunity.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYTordsK-_8

    What really impressed me was that they brought the Country Bears back!

    Holidays at the Disneyland Resort

    Okay, so it’s not their old show, but it is still very cool to see Big Al and the gang back at Disneyland.

    Holidays at the Disneyland Resort

    Meanwhile back over at DCA, Buena Vista St is all decked out for the holidays…

    Holidays at the Disneyland Resort

    Holidays at the Disneyland Resort

    And the town center Christmas tree could not be any more perfect.

    Holidays at the Disneyland Resort

    Cars land got a similar Christmas make over.

    Holidays at the Disneyland Resort

    They did a really good job on it in my opinion.

    Holidays at the Disneyland Resort

    And the make over looks especially good at night.

    Holidays at the Disneyland Resort

    Of course, nothing compares to Sleeping Beauty castle after snowfall.

    Holidays at the Disneyland Resort

    Except for possibly the Holiday Fireworks from the Astro Orbiter.

    As always, you can click any photo above to see the full set of holiday photos from the resort.

  • First Impressions of Cars Land

    On Saturday June 23rd I made my first visit to the newly opened Cars Land at Disney’s California Adventure park.

    First Impressions of Cars Land

    It’s a big place! We’ve been peaking in on it from this angle for years durring the construction…

    First Impressions of Cars Land

    … But to stand at the other end and look back really is something to see.

    First Impressions of Cars Land

    The view of Grizzly Peak from Cars Land is quite impressive. It never really stuck me as a park icon before but now it really seems to stand out.

    First Impressions of Cars Land

    I started with Luigi’s Flying Tires – a really great addition to the park.

    First Impressions of Cars Land

    The line was structured in such a way that you could observe several complete ride cycles before riding.

    That made it a lot easier, I thought, to get the hand of it when actually riding.

    This ride is a winner. I hope it lasts a lot longer than it’s predecessor.

    First Impressions of Cars Land

    Radiator Springs Racers has been described as a “Super E Ticket” and I think that description fits.

    First Impressions of Cars Land

    The line winds through Stanley’s Oasis – the orginal Radiator Springs and the line really adds a lot to the story of the ride itself.

    First Impressions of Cars Land

    I actually saw a certain redheaded Nickelodeon actress in line for this ride, but that’s another story for another site.

    First Impressions of Cars Land

    The ride starts as a slow to medium paced dark ride before going two cars wide for the race.

    First Impressions of Cars Land

    Here, just have a look for yourself…

    And finally, there was Matter’s Junkyard Jamboree.

    First Impressions of Cars Land

    Definately the least impressive of the three rides, but that’s grading on a serious curve.

    Those cars have some serious “whip” to them! I was trying to hold my camera still for the onride video, but it really threw me around quite a bit.

    I’ll save my thoughts on the rest of the Park for another post, but I must say that they did a great job with this new addition.

    First Impressions of Cars Land

    I have 130 orginal photos from around Cars Land in the gallery. Please click on any still image in this post to see the rest of the set.

  • Car’s Land Grand Opening!

    Watch as Bob Iger, Tom Staggs, and John Lasseter officially open Cars Land!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIJLlj8WK1c

    So very exciting! Expect to see move coverage of all the new additions next week and continuing through the summer.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhKR2g222-I

  • Disney’s California Adventure Nears Completion

    More exciting happenings from Disney’s California Adventure in advance of it’s formal June 15th rededication! Even Kobe Bryant is getting in on the fun!

    Disney's California Adventure Nears Completion

    They’ve been putting the finishing touches on the Carthay Circle Theater in advance of it’s formal debuit.

    Disney's California Adventure Nears Completion

    It’s looking very nice – I knew there was something important missing last time I saw it.

    Disney's California Adventure Nears Completion

    The Mad T Party is in previews now ahead of it’s formal premiere.

    Disney's California Adventure Nears Completion

    Mad is definately the right term for it!

    Disney's California Adventure Nears Completion

    Although the flamingo stilt walker was pretty cool.

    Disney's California Adventure Nears Completion

    And the arcade was pretty cool.

    Disney's California Adventure Nears Completion

    Disney's California Adventure Nears Completion

    Meanwhile, Cars Land is doing Cast Member and Passholder Paid Previews…

    Disney's California Adventure Nears Completion

    Disney's California Adventure Nears Completion

    … and the Radiator Springs Racers fastpass machines are in place.

    Disney's California Adventure Nears Completion

    Next door, the new Ghiradelli’s Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop is now open.

    Disney's California Adventure Nears Completion

    … and attracting quite a crowd!

    Disney's California Adventure Nears Completion

    Disney's California Adventure Nears Completion

    Disney's California Adventure Nears Completion

    Meanwhile over at Disneyland, Alice Davis has a new window on main street next to her husband Marc Davis’s window.

    Disney's California Adventure Nears Completion

    I think that’s enough for this update. There are more new photos from the parks in the gallery, just click any picture above to see the rest.

  • Carthay Circle Revealed & More Updates

    Exciting things are happening at the Disneyland resort!

    Disney's California Adventure Carthay Circle Revealed & More Updates

    The Carthay Circle theater, the icon of the new Disney’s California Adventure, has finally been revealed!

    Disney's California Adventure Carthay Circle Revealed & More Updates

    It looks like the resteraunt has a rather impressive (and expensive) menu.

    Disney's California Adventure Carthay Circle Revealed & More Updates

    The new fountain is beautiful as well.

    Disney's California Adventure Carthay Circle Revealed & More Updates

    I’m really excited to see the rest of the new Buena Vista street… just two weeks left!

    Disney's California Adventure Carthay Circle Revealed & More Updates

    Disney's California Adventure Carthay Circle Revealed & More Updates

    We also have a first look at the new “Mad T Party” nightime entertainment.

    Disney's California Adventure Carthay Circle Revealed & More Updates

    Disney's California Adventure Carthay Circle Revealed & More Updates

    We’ll have to wait and see how it’s recieved, but I like the concept more than ElecTRONica.

    Disney's California Adventure Carthay Circle Revealed & More Updates

    Meanwhile, Cars land looks all but finished…

    Disney's California Adventure Carthay Circle Revealed & More Updates

    Disney's California Adventure Carthay Circle Revealed & More Updates

    Disney's California Adventure Carthay Circle Revealed & More Updates

    … and the nearby Ghirardelli Soda Fountain is expected to open next Tuesday.

    Disney's California Adventure Carthay Circle Revealed & More Updates

    Over in Paridise Pier, the Cove Bar has reopened.

    Disney's California Adventure Carthay Circle Revealed & More Updates

    Disney's California Adventure Carthay Circle Revealed & More Updates

    Disney's California Adventure Carthay Circle Revealed & More Updates

    And the boardwalk banners have been redone as well.

    Disney's California Adventure Carthay Circle Revealed & More Updates

    Disney's California Adventure Carthay Circle Revealed & More Updates

    Disney's California Adventure Carthay Circle Revealed & More Updates

    Meanwhile at Disneyland, the Matterhorn renovation looks to be just about finished and they are running test trains with the new cars.

    Disney's California Adventure Carthay Circle Revealed & More Updates

    And the monorails have undergone a minor wrap adding eyes and a mouth to each tain in support of their four wheeled friends in Cars land.

    Disney's California Adventure Carthay Circle Revealed & More Updates

    Disney's California Adventure Carthay Circle Revealed & More Updates

    The new DCA additions look rather spectacular at night as well, although it was difficult to get good nightime pictures without a tripod.

    Disney's California Adventure Carthay Circle Revealed & More Updates

    Disney's California Adventure Carthay Circle Revealed & More Updates

    Oh, and the LEgo store renovations are finally completed!

    Disney's California Adventure Carthay Circle Revealed & More Updates

    I haven’t gotten to go inside yet, but the exterior sculpures are simply amazing.

    Disney's California Adventure Carthay Circle Revealed & More Updates

    Wow, that’s a lot of photos in this update, but we’ve got over 90 new pictures from around the parks in the gallery, so be sure to click any picture above to see the rest!

  • Behind the Scenes at Walt Disney Imagineering & More

    In this new video from Disneyyou’ll get a behind the scenes at Walt Disney Imagineering in Glendale, CA.

    Imagineers are using a tool called the Digital Immersive Showroom or “The Dish.” This virtual-reality technology assists Imagineers in spotting potential design issues before construction. It also helps them to figure out timing, audio cues and special effects. It’s actually quite amazing.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lKysU6Ian0

    It’s also been announced that the Pixar Play Parade will be returning to Disney California Adventure this summer after taking a break due to the ongoing construction work.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKPxe56Dk1A

    And finally, she’s a short video outlining some of the recent Environmental Enhancements to the Disneyland Hotel.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvSZEe3kqlw

  • Cars Land (& More) Photo Update

    Disney has revamped the Blue Sky Cellar with new photos, concept art, schmantics, and a very impressive model of Cars Land!

    Blue Sky Cellar Cars Land Photo Update

    It’s a great model that really shows how the whole project fits together.

    Blue Sky Cellar Cars Land Photo Update

    Blue Sky Cellar Cars Land Photo Update

    Blue Sky Cellar Cars Land Photo Update

    Add that the new are and concept art to get a full look at the new land…

    Blue Sky Cellar Cars Land Photo Update

    Blue Sky Cellar Cars Land Photo Update

    Blue Sky Cellar Cars Land Photo Update

    Blue Sky Cellar Cars Land Photo Update

    … plus some great new atraction posters.

    Blue Sky Cellar Cars Land Photo Update

    Blue Sky Cellar Cars Land Photo Update

    Blue Sky Cellar Cars Land Photo Update

    And there’s a lot more about the three new rides as well!

    Blue Sky Cellar Cars Land Photo Update

    Blue Sky Cellar Cars Land Photo Update

    Blue Sky Cellar Cars Land Photo Update

    Besides Cars Land, there was also a look at the new ride vechicles coming to the Matterhorn.

    Blue Sky Cellar Cars Land Photo Update

    And a little bit about Buena Vista Street.

    Blue Sky Cellar Cars Land Photo Update

    Blue Sky Cellar Cars Land Photo Update

    The Carthaway Circle is coming along very nicely!

    Blue Sky Cellar Cars Land Photo Update

    As is the rest of Buena Vista Street.

    Blue Sky Cellar Cars Land Photo Update

    Blue Sky Cellar Cars Land Photo Update

    Be sure to click on any picture above to see the full gallery of photos from my trip to the updated Blue Sky Cellar and of the park construction updates.

  • A Cars Land Video Update

    Disney is really teasing us with these three new behind the scenes looks at the making of Cars land at Disney’s California Adventure. Radiator Springs Racers is looking phenomenal – you can already see it’s going to be a great ride. And I love that they’re bringing in Disneyland favorites Billy Hill and the Hillbillies for some of the background music of Radiator Springs!

    A camera was mounted on the driver’s side of a Radiator Springs Racers car during a recent test run in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure park for a unique point of view. Here’s sneak peek of what to expect inside the mountain range!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIV4bFHE4FA

    In this video, Billy Hill and the Hillbillies are recording a variation of one of these songs — one that will be heard as background music throughout the town of Radiator Springs. Guests will be able to enjoy this in person as they explore the exciting new Cars Land when it opens June 15.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqyJ-o8acUo

    We love time-lapse cameras here at the Disneyland Resort. We have one in Cars Land that captured the installation of the neon sign at Flo’s V8 Café back in January. Watch it transform from day to night and make sure to hang around until the end of the video. The payoff is worth it.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjvrLYOWv8o

    That’s it for now… June 15, opening day, is fast approaching!