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Halloween Time at The Disneyland Resort Begins September 9 + Mickey’s Halloween Party Dates

It’s hard to believe that another year has almost gone by since Halloween was here! Here it is, the middle of summer and I’m absolutely giddy about the arrival of Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort and this year it begins September 9th! halloween-timeI can’t even tell you which part of it I’m most excited for because there is so much going on at the Resort during that time of year. Plus, it also begins the entire Holiday Seasondisney-wallMickey’s Halloween Party 
So, let’s first talk about Mickey’s Halloween Party, because that’s what Disney lovers of all ages look forward to during all year, right? The event requires a separate ticket and takes place on 17 select nights, beginning Friday, Sept. 23, inside of Disneyland. Entry to Disneyland Park before the party is included with a Mickey’s Halloween Party ticket. Guests have the opportunity to play in Disneyland park for three hours before the party starts, and then go trick or treating , for candy and healthy treats,  in the ultimate Disney neighborhood.

Mickey’s Halloween Party has some extra thrilling surprises around every corner and treats party guests to some unforgettable experiences including:

  • The eerie atmosphere along Main Street, U.S.A., animated Halloween images (ghosts, bats, pumpkins and skeletons) appear and disappear mysteriously on the facades of buildings throughout the evening
  • The ghoulish Cadaver Dans quartet performs Halloween tunes aboard a drifting graveyard-themed raft, on the fog-filled Rivers of America in New Orleans Square and Frontierland halloween-time-at-the-disneyland-resort-dans
  • The sensational “Halloween Screams” fireworks spectacular, which is a guest favorite presented exclusively for guests of Mickey’s Halloween Party and is hosted by “Master of Scare-omonies” Jack Skellington. "Halloween Screams-A Villainous Surprise in the Skies"
  • A family-friendly dance party to rock out to at Tomorrowland Terrace
  • Disney Villains at select locations for photos and character greetings
  • Mickey Mouse and his pals dressed in their Halloween costumes
  • Nearly all the favorite Disneyland rides and attractions will be open to party guests, plus Haunted Mansion Holiday and Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy.
  • New for Mickey’s Halloween Party in 2016, The Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow rides his ghostly black steed and carries his flickering jack-o-lantern through the heart of Disneyland, heralding the arrival of Mickey’s Halloween Party character cavalcade, (The character is from Disney’s animated feature, “The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad.”)

Adults and children are encouraged to dress in costume for the party as they trick-or-treat throughout Disneyland for a scary good time. For costume policy guidelines, please check http://www.Disneyland.com for prior your arrival, so you don’t have any surprises. Tickets for Mickey’s Halloween Party* go on sale for Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club members and Disney Visa card holders on Thursday, July 21. General public ticket sales begin Thursday, July 28.

HALLOWEEN TIME AT THE DISNEYLAND RESORT (ANAHEIM, Calif.) – Haunted Mansion Holiday brings the frightfully fun cheer of “Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas" to the Disneyland Resort. The friendly spooks of Halloween Time return in 2016 from Sept. 9 through Oct. 31 along with fun seasonal décor, themed food and beverage offerings and attractions that get a special seasonal overlay for Halloween Time. (Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland)

What Else To Expect During Halloween Time
Now let’s talk about Halloween Time in general at the Disneyland Resort. Whether you are going to attend one of the ticketed Mickey’s Halloween Party Nights or just visiting the Parks during Halloween Time, you’re going to be in Halloween awe!  Some of the temporary Halloween offerings include:

  • Jack Skellington makes his annual appearance in Disneyland to take over the Haunted Mansion and bring Haunted Mansion Holiday back to New Orleans Square. Haunted Mansion Holiday is inspired by the classic animated film “Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas” and transforms the Mansion with a collision of Halloween spookiness and Christmas cheer. Oct. 3, 2016 marks the 15th anniversary of this special attraction’s premiere in Disneyland.HALLOWEEN TIME AT THE DISNEYLAND RESORT (ANAHEIM, Calif.) – Haunted Mansion Holiday brings the frightfully fun cheer of “Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas" to the Disneyland Resort. The friendly spooks of Halloween Time return in 2016 from Sept. 9 through Oct. 31 along with fun seasonal décor, themed food and beverage offerings and attractions that get a special seasonal overlay for Halloween Time. (Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland)
  • Guests in search of Halloween chills may “drop in” to visit the ghostly full-time residents of The Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror in Disney California Adventure. Here, in the remains of the Hollywood Tower Hotel, dwell the spirits of hotel guests who disappeared during a “supernatural” event on Halloween Night in 1939. halloween-time-at-the-disneyland-resort-TOT
  • Spooky Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy in Tomorrowland draws guests back again and again during the Halloween season. The unique Halloween-themed experience launches voyagers into a haunted section of the universe, where ghosts appear out of the starry darkness and swirling galaxies of Space Mountain, reaching out as if to grab guests as they speed through space. The exhilarating drops and curves are punctuated by piercing screams, creepy sound effects and haunting music.
  • On select, non-Mickey’s Halloween Party nights, guests visiting Disneyland will enjoy a special treat: the “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks spectacular. In addition, the dynamic “Mickey’s Soundsational Parade” will march down Main Street, U.S.A., each day throughout Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort.
  • Also, in Frontierland, the traditional Dia de los Muertos is observed through Tuesday, Nov. 1, with a holiday skeleton display in the plaza near the entrance of Rancho del Zocalo. Park 10-12-09

Ticket Information and Purchases for Mickey’s Halloween Party 
Tickets for Mickey’s Halloween Party* may be purchased online and on mobile devices at Disneyland.com/party, as well as at the Disneyland Resort main gate and by phone at 714-781-4400. Guests may check for availability for the 17 nights: Friday, Sept. 23; Monday, Sept. 26, Wednesday, Sept. 28; Friday, Sept. 30; Monday, Oct. 3; Wednesday, Oct. 5; Friday, Oct. 7; Monday, Oct. 10; Wednesday, Oct. 12; Friday, Oct. 14; Monday, Oct. 17; Wednesday, Oct. 19; Friday, Oct. 21; Monday, Oct. 24; Wednesday, Oct. 26; Saturday, Oct. 29; and Monday, Oct. 31, Halloween night.

Tickets purchased in advance are available at a discount on select nights. Tickets purchased on the day of the event are $89 each. All tickets to Mickey’s Halloween Party on Saturday, Oct. 29, and Monday, Oct. 31, are $99 each. Mickey’s Halloween Party is a non-smoking event. Smoking will be permitted only in the Esplanade outside the Disneyland main entrance. Please note: Online and mobile purchases are not available the day of the event. Parking is not included in the ticket price, and parking fees will apply.

MICKEY'S HALLOWEEN PARTY (ANAHEIM, Calif.) – The “Halloween Screams” fireworks spectacular lights up the skies surrounding Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland park, as part of the entertainment exclusive to the annual Mickey's Halloween Party. Returning for 17 nights in 2016, beginning Friday, Sept. 23, Mickey’s Halloween Party is a time for guests to dress up for a ghoulish good time and enjoy seasonal scares such as Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy and Haunted Mansion Holiday. (Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland)

For more information about Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort, please visit here. Entertainment and attractions are subject to change without notice. Also, don’t forget that Guests may currently enjoy the Disneyland Diamond Celebration which continues through Labor Day, Sept. 5!

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% my own. Some images are property of the Disneyland Resort. 

Spring Dapper Day EXPO at Disneyland® Resort April 30-May 1

In case you hadn’t heard, Spring Dapper Day will take place this year on May 1 at the Disneyland Resort. These fun and fashionable gatherings are held twice a year at the Disney parks and are attended by over 20,000 well-dressed guests.
In addition to the in-parks event, there’ll be a free DAPPER DAY Expo held at the Disneyland Hotel on Saturday April 30 from noon-7pm and Sunday, May 1 from 10am-7pm. Note: Early Bird Tickets for Saturday morning will be available for purchase here. (see below)dapper-day-expo-2016The free 2-day DAPPER DAY® Expo marketplace celebrates “stylish living from yesterday & today!” Shop vintage and classic fashions for men, women, and children, jewelry, hats, cosmetics, men’s hair cuts and shaves offered by Port City Pomade and Suavecoto Pomade, home decor, and more, all at The Disneyland Hotel. There’ll be live music and dancing! Visit the DAPPER DAY Photo Spot and pick up exclusive DAPPER DAY merchandise, too!

spring-dapper-day-mapHere’s the EXPO Schedule:
Saturday, April 30

  • 10a-12 Early Bird Entry BUY EARLY BIRD TICKETS HERE spring-dapper-day-early-bird
  • 2-2:45 & 5-6p Performances by the GRAMMY-nominated CALIFORNIA FEETWARMERS
  • 1:30 & 4:30p Dance Presentation & Dance Class with THE BOBBYSOX BRIGADE / ATOMIC BALLROOM

Sunday, May 1

  • 1-1:45 & 5-5p Performances by BIG SANDY & HIS FLY-RITE BOYS
  • 2-3p “Disneybound Meet & Greet with Leslie Kay” Joined by Brizzy Voices, Tessa Netting, James Hull, Lizzy Jones, and Tingamavlogs(Near Expo Stage)
  • 12:30 & 4:30p Dance Presentation & Dance Class with THE BOBBYSOX BRIGADE / ATOMIC BALLROOM

spring-dapper-day-expo-1

Some of the amazing sponsors this year include: Pinup Girl, Alice Through the Looking Glass, PUBLIC Bikes and LA Weekly! spring-dapper-day-giveawyEnter to win a special customized DAPPER DAY PUBLIC Bike inspired by the Special Edition PUBLIC C7 9th Avenue. For a limited time only, you can enter the PUBLIC x DAPPER DAY Giveaway for a chance to win a grand prize bike worth $699. Visit here to enter the giveaway.

PARKING: If you are visiting the DAPPER DAY Expo, at The Disneyland Hotel, but NOT visiting the theme parks, you may use Downtown Disney Parking (first 2 hours free), or self parking at The Disneyland  Hotel – let the parking attendant know you are attending a Dapper Day event in the hotel.

If you are visiting the theme parks AND the Expo, you may want to first park in Downtown Disney and shop the Expo with 2-hours free parking, then move your car to the Mickey & Friends structure and take Disney’s tram to the park. You may also take our free shuttle from the Grand Californian to the Expo or walk directly from the Mickey and Friends parking structure to the Expo at The Disneyland Hotel. (It’s the same distance to walk from the parking structure to the Expo as walking from the tram drop off area to the Expo). NOTE: Monorail  will not be operating.  SEE HERE FOR PARKING PRICING

For more information about Dapper Day and Dapper Day EXPO, visit http://www.dapperday.com.

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% my own. Images and logos are property of Dapper Day. 

Bibs Still Available for the 2016 Disneyland® Half Marathon Weekend

The 2016 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend will be held Sept. 1- Sept. 4 this year at the Disneyland® Resort. This year, , a non-profit organization that works to prevent child abuse. has joined the runDisney Charity Partners program for the 2016 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend.

run-disney-halfThe races are a great way to get the whole family outside and active while also being a ton of fun! Did I mention that every runner has the chance to pose with Disney characters at the finish line? Team-All4Kids

Currently, there are still bibs left in the Half Marathon, 10K and 5K. Come and run with Team All4Kids and support a wonderful cause by helping to provide children with brighter futures. disney-half-weekend-photosFor more information about the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend or to register, please visit  https://www.all4kids.org/rundisney or the general Disney event page: http://www.rundisney.com/disneyland-half-marathon/.

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% my own. Images and logos are property of Children’s Bureau of Southern California and Disneyland Resort. 

The Disney Parks Egg-stravaganza Was SO Much Fun!

We were super “egg-cited” to fit a trip to Disneyland Resort into our schedule this weekend, specifically to do the 2016 Egg-stravaganza Easter Egg Hunt! This family friendly, hunt for special hidden “eggs” , themed to Disney characters, is another fun way create memories on your visit to the Resort. As you discover each egg, you record your findings by placing the corresponding sticker on the specially themed Egg-stravaganza map (which are available for purchase) to represent that location. At the end of your hunt, you may return to any redemption center with your map and collect your special Disney “surprise”. disney-eggstravaganza-mapThis year, there are 3 different Egg-stravaganza maps (and hunts) to choose from at the Resort.  Maps, which come with the stickers, can be purchased for $5.95, plus tax. There are no discounts for these. You can find the 2016 Egg-stravaganza maps at the following parks and locations:

  • Disneyland park – Disneyana, Disney Showcase, “it’s a small world” Toy Shop, Little Green Men Store Command, Pieces of Eight, Pioneer Mercantile and Stromboli’s.
  • Disney California Adventure park – Elias & Co., Humphrey’s Service & Supplies, Off the Page, Oswald’s, Sarge’s Surplus Hut and Treasures in Paradise
  • Downtown Disney District – Anna & Elsa’s Boutique, D Street, Disney Pin Traders, WonderGround Gallery and World of Disney Store
  • Hotels of the Disneyland Resort – Acorns Gifts & Goods, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa; Mickey in Paradise, Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel; and Fantasia Shop, Disneyland Hotel

disney-parks-eggstravaganza-on-the-huntWe opted for the one inside Disneyland Park. I purchased 2 maps. Our plan was to use one of them and keep the other as a souvenir. That’s what huge Disney fans like us do.disney-parks-eggstravaganza-we-did-itI’m not going to post a ton of spoilers because that would take away all of the fun for you, I’m just going to list some tips to help you plan a little, in case you’re attempting to fit one of these hunts into your day. The hunt takes you on a search around a good part of Disneyland. It was fairly crowded on the day we visited, since it’s Spring Break, but we had no problem navigating our way around to find the eggs. disney-parks-eggstravaganza-basketAlthough we brought an Easter basket full of mini Tsum Tsums, as backup support, you don’t need one in order to do the hunt. However, it does make for cute pictures, don’t you agree? disney-parks-eggstravaganza-stickersMy daughter insisted we find every single Easter egg, so it probably took a couple of hours, total. She’s 10 years old and was really “into” it so, as you can see, the hunt is a great activity for kids of all ages. The “hidden” eggs are all really cute and we got excited every time we discovered another one! disney-parks-eggstravaganza-tink-eggThis Tink egg is the only egg I”m going to post a picture of because it was my favorite one! (I’m not a fan of spoilers!) disney-parks-eggstravaganza-flowersWhether you choose to hunt for eggs or not, just return with your map to one of these redemption locations: Elias & Co. at Disney California Adventure park; Disney Showcase in Disneyland park; World of Disney Store in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort before April 2 to pick up your surprise. disney-parks-eggstravaganza-prizesThere are 6 different “surprises” to choose from. (These are the 2 that we chose.) Oh and YES, they let you keep the map afterwards! Yay! disney-parks-eggstravaganza-keep-the-map

disney-parks-eggstravaganza-surprisesI recommend getting there to participate sooner, rather than later, as the maps are only available until March 27, or when supplies last! Have you participated in the Disney Parks Egg-stravaganza before? If not, are you planning to do so this year? Share your thoughts with me in the comments below!

My Perfect Celebration: A Disney Birthday Button and Dinner at Steakhouse 55

One of my most favorite annual birthday traditions is to get a Disney birthday button and celebrate my day at Disneyland Resort. The most special part about getting to wear one of a birthday button around the parks and the Resort, is that Cast Members everywhere will continue to wish you a “Happy Birthday”! Some may even catch you by surprise when they call you out by name! steakhouse-55-my-bd-buttonThis year, my birthday was a little different though because we had to be out of town (for a cheer competition) on my actual day. My daughter was so sweet as she insisted we stop by the Resort on our way out of town, just to grab my button and spend a little time in the parks. We only had a few hours to do so, but we made every minute count and got to:

  • grab my 2016 birthday button
  • go down Main Street and give a bunch of High 4’s to Cast Members
  • ride the Matterhorn Bobsleds
  • hang out with Farley the Fiddler
  • grab a Matterhorn Macaroon for the road steakhouse-55-matterhorn-macaroon

As we drove away from Disneyland Resort that morning to get on the road, my daughter said, “Mommy, I’m sorry we barely got time to celebrate your birthday in the parks today.” steakhouse-55-hitting-the-roadLittle did I know, just as soon as we returned home from our road trip that Sunday afternoon, I’d be swept away from home and back to do some more celebrating! This time, we had a reservation at Steakhouse 55 at the Disneyland Hotel! Wow, what a special birthday treat!

steakhouse-55-disneyland-hotelSteakhouse 55 is one of my favorite places to dine at the resort. The menu offers so many delicious choices but I’m such a creature of habit that I always end up ordering practically the same meal, beginning with a celebratory glass of wine. steakhouse-55-menuI can’t get enough of the Steakhouse 55 Wedge Salad. It’s topped with cherry tomato, bacon lardons, candied pecans, and the most amazing blue cheese vinaigrette. Although I’ve never actually asked for it, I’ll bet the recipe for the dressing is a secret! steakhouse-55-wedge-saladThe Center-cut Filet Mignon at Steakhouse 55 never disappoints. Neither do the sides you can order to compliment your meal. We went with some Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes, which are topped with traditional brown gravy and green onion, and some Steamed Local Asparagus, complimented with olive oil hollandaise and Maldon-flaked Sea Salt. steakhouse-55-center-cut-filetsteakhouse-55-asparagusBy this point, I was extremely content and almost too full for dessert…almost! I felt extra special when our server, Cast Member David, brought out a special dessert just for me. Mickey was right there on top, along with a single candle to make a birthday wish. steakhouse-55-mickey-birthday-dessertI can’t tell you what I wished for because it won’t come true, but let’s just say it was Disney-related! steakhouse-55-what-a-magical-birthdayMy birthday dinner at Steakhouse 55 was so Magical. I’m happy that my family closed out my birthday weekend by surprising me and taking me there!  It was delicious and the service was wonderful. Have you gotten to eat there yet? If not, I highly recommend making a reservation soon!

 

 

Celebrate the Magical Holiday Season at the Disneyland Resort!

If you haven’t visited the Disneyland Resort during the holiday season yet, it’s something I highly recommend because it’s even more magical than ever and there is so much happening this time of year. disney-holidays-ticket-to-a-magical-dayA visit to the Disneyland Resort during the holiday season, especially during Disney’s Diamond Celebration, will make you feel like a kid in a candy store. You’re bound to make a ton of new family memories together on your visit, which you’ll cherish forever!disney-holidays-kid-in-a-candy-storeI’m excited to share a few of my personal favorites and must-dos with you, in hopes that it will help make the most of your day at “The Merriest Place on Earth“! There’s actually a ton to see and do and if possible, I suggest a 2-day visit at minimum so you can fit it all in.

Take a Family Tree Photo 

Whether you choose to visit Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park first, prepare to be in constant awe….not only by the glamorous decorations adorning both of the parks, but also the larger-than-life Christmas tree that stands in each one. There’s also a tree standing tall in Downtown Disney and inside each of the hotels. disney-holiday-family-tree-photo A Disney Christmas Tree is the perfect holiday backdrop for photos and you’ll find the friendly Disney PhotoPass Photographers standing by to snap your pictures, using their professional equipment. PhotoPass pictures are easily accessed online afterwards and available for purchase. Disney-Holidays-Buena-Vista-Street

*Tip: Take advantage of Disney PhotoPass services available in both parks. The high quality photographs would look beautiful on your holiday cards and in your family’s memory album. 
Check out the Festive Attractions

During the holiday season, a few attractions get extra special holiday makeovers and are all dressed up for the holidays. You’ll definitely want to make it onto all of these out during your trip to the parks. Disney-Holidays-Haunted-Mansion-Holiday

  • Haunted Mansion Holiday – the Haunted Mansion is transformed during the holidays with jack o’ lanterns and wreaths, terrifying toys and kooky characters from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before ChristmasDisney-Holidays-Haunted-Mansion-Holiday-Facade
  • “it’s a small world” Holiday – Take an enchanting cruise around the world and experience how the holidays are celebrated internationally! Disney-Holidays-Small-WorldBoth the inside and outside of this attraction are adorned with some of the most beautiful decorations you’ll see and there are colorful twinkle lights around! Be prepared to sing along in all of the different languages. Disney-Holidays-Peace-on-Earth
  • Jingle Cruise – Take an extra jolly cruise through the jungle with The Jungle Cruise skippers and see how they, along with the native tribes, celebrate this time of year.

*Tip: Try grabbing your first Fast Pass for one of these popular festive attractions, first thing in the day.

Indulge in some extra special holiday treats Disney-Holidays-TreatsDuring the holiday season at Disneyland Resort, you’ll find some extra special treats in both parks. I can never get enough popcorn or Mickey pretzels, but this time of year, there are also many other treats to sample during holiday time. Disney-Holidays-Mickey-AppleMickey apples are a popular choice as are chocolate and peppermint-covered Tigger Tails. Why not try a few different treats? They’re even perfect for sharing. Disney-Holidays-Holiday-Time-Treats

*Tip: If you have someone in your party with special dietary needs, be sure to stop by City Hall and request a list of eateries that offer choices for special dietary needs. 

Holiday Entertainment Schedule 

Disneyland Resort has an extensive year-round schedule of entertainment which includes some special holiday additions to the schedule that you won’t want to miss. Disney-Holidays-Christmas-Fantasy-float

  • “A Christmas Fantasy” parade (Disneyland Park) – Guests can catch Mickey, Minnie, and an entire parade of all their favorite Disney characters, dancing and singing and celebrating the season, from the top of Main Street, U.S.A. to ‘It’s a Small World”. Don’t forget to wave to Santa and tell him what you’re wishing for this year. Disney-Holidays-Christmas-Fantasy-Mickey
  •  Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party (Disney California Adventure Park) – This vibrant street celebration will give you a taste of some Latino holiday traditions and features festive music, dancing, and storytelling. Disney-Holidays-Viva-Navidad-DonaldDonald and his friends Panchito and Jose sing and dance up on their float while Folklorico dancers, mariachi and samba musicians and get the party going on the street. Disney-Holidays-Viva-Navidad-MojigangaThere are also 12-feet tall mojiganga puppets, including 2 of Santa and Mrs. Claus that join in the celebration too! Disney-Holidays-Viva-Navidad-SantaBe prepared to sing and dance along as you join in on some of the Latino holiday celebrations of la Navidad!
  • Disneyland Forever Fireworks (Disneyland Park) – Fireworks are a favorite of park guests of all ages. There are several great viewing spots throughout Disneyland Park but the fireworks can actually be seen across the Resort.

*Tip: Plan out which entertainment you’d like to fit into your day’s schedule right when you arrive at the Resort. There are sometimes advanced dining and dessert packages available for some features. Stop by Guest Services to obtain more  information. 

Get Festive with Holiday Merchandise

Whether you’re shopping for souvenirs to commemorate your trip or need to grab some holiday gifts to put under the tree, there’s so much festive holiday merchandise available throughout the parks. Some of the most popular items this year include:

  • Character Plush – You’ll find plush characters of all sizes, wearing their special holiday attire. It’s often difficult to choose just one, which is why we end up purchasing several. Disney-Holidays-Character-Plush
  • Holiday Balloons – A Disney holiday balloon is guaranteed to bring a smile to any child’s face. Disney-Holidays-Balloon
  • Holiday “Ears” and hats – There are special holiday hats and festive pairs of EARS to purchase in shops and carts throughout the Resort. Disney-Holidays-minnie-ears-hat
  • Holiday Glow Necklaces – These are so much fun to wear, especially at night! Disney-Holidays-holiday-glow-necklace

Keep Your Eye Out For Santa! Disney-Holidays-Santa-float

There are multiple opportunities at the Resort to see Santa. He’s easy to spot in “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade. You can also find him in the parks to take photos with. It’s hard to think about the holidays without thinking about “The Big Guy”, isn’t it?

Consider Purchasing a Disney Annual Pass for Yourself or Someone Else

One of the most Magical gifts anyone could receive is a Disney Annual Passport. Visits to the parks, discounts on food and merchandise and other benefits are just some of the reasons to purchase one. During your visit to the Resort, you’ll have the opportunity to apply the cost of your Park ticket towards the purchase of an Annual Passport. Click here for more information about Disney Annual Passports. Disney-Holidays-Small-World-FacadeHave YOU had the opportunity to visit Disneyland Resort during the holidays? If so, what’s your favorite thing to see or do? Leave a comment below and share with me! Happy Holidays! Disney-Holidays-Happy-Holidays

Disclosure: My family and I were invited to Holiday Family Media day at Disneyland Resort and were provided with park tickets. No monetary compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own. 

Mickey’s Beach Bash at Disney Social Media Moms Celebration #DisneySMMC

As if staying at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort during the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration wasn’t amazing enough, we were invited to attend a private family party on the shore of the Beach & Yacht Clubs on one of the nights. mickeys-beach-bash-family-photoAs our family walked together towards the beach, we could hear relaxing steel drum music playing in the distance. The beautiful sunset that evening reflected off Disney’s Boardwalk and the lake in the background. I loved the casual vibe in the air and how relaxed everyone was. It was so fun to see Mickey & his friends dressed in “beachy” attire for the occasion, I was also in awe of the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration sand sculpture that must have taken quite some time to carefully construct.mickeys-beach-bash-sand-sculpture

Everywhere we turned, there were mini buffets set up for guests to enjoy delicious salads, gourmet main dishes and delectable desserts. The chefs at Disney really took the time to put together a menu that offered something for everyone in a family, even including adults and children with dietary restrictions and food allergies. mickeys-beach-bash-buffet2mickeys-beach-bash-buffet1There was also an bar set up along the beach, serving all kinds of drinks, including some refreshing tropical libations for the adults. It’s much more fun to drink Rum Punch through a Mickey straw, don’t you agree? mickeys-beach-bash-at-the-disney-social-media-moms-celebration-drinksThe kids had a blast playing on the sand and dancing with the Mickey and his frends, as well as some of the young, energetic Disney dancers. My daughter adores Teen Beach Movie, so this kind of dancing and entertainment was right up her alley! mickeys-beach-bash-emi-and-iI enjoyed myself immensely and took advantage of the time to connect with other social media Disney friends like Flowers Croon and her daughter. mickeys-beach-bash-us-and-flowers-croonMickey’s Beach Bash was a blast and definitely a night our family will always remember!

I was invited to The Disney Social Media Moms Celebration as media and received a media rate for our accommodations. All opinions are 100% my own. 

 

4 Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration Merchandise Items I WILL Be Buying For My Daughter! #Disneyland60

Raise your hand if you’re really excited about the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration! (raises hand) Me!!!! diamond-celebration-bannerI’m actually more than excited for It! Although I didn’t have a chance to attend the 24-Hour Kickoff Party at Disneyland Resort this year, I did sneak over to the parks for a few hours the following weekend. I don’t even think I saw a quarter of the special merchandise availalble during this glorious time at Disneyland Resort and yet, I’ve already managed to make a list of the first 4 Diamond Celebration Merchandise items I WILL be buying the for my daughter! I say “the first 4” because I know there will be so many other things I’ll want to buy aside from these 4.

minnie-headband

I-need-these-earsThis special sequin Minnie Mouse headband with a jeweled bow is a must-have for every Disney girl! The way these ears were displayed in this box made them look extra fancy, too! What girl doesn’t dream about getting their hands on a pair of these? I need a pair of these to wear to the parks. Oh wait, I mean my daughter needs some. Ok maybe we’ll both get a pair of these ears.

mickey-mitts

sequin-mickey-mittsOne of my favorite merchandise items, normally available in white (and a couple of pastel colors), are the giant Mickey mitts because whenever we make it into Disneyland at Rope Drop, we love to walk down Main Street and give all of the Cast Members “a High Four”!  When I saw the sequin version, I immediately added them to the shopping list!

anniversary-doll

disney-doll

 

This precious doll is dressed for a day in the parks! I love everything about her, especially her tiny set of EARs! She’s ready to celebrate this joyous occasion! castle-set

light-up-castleOh, I saved the best, and my most favorite item, for last! This castle play set is beautiful and hardly compares to the regular castle play set we bought when my daughter was 3! This Limited Edition castle is blinged out, just like the real Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, and it lights up!  I NEED IT! 

are-you-readySo, what are YOU most excited for at the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration? Do you have any favorite merchandise that you’re hoping to grab, or perhaps already have? Do tell!

To see more of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration Merchandise, take a peek at this video from the Disney Parks Blog! Warning: You’re going to want it all, too!

 

4 Intangible Things I Took With Me to The 2015 Disney Social Media Moms Celebration! #DisneySMMC

reachingIn the two years I’ve been blogging, I’ve been fortunate enough to attend a few different conferences. I love going to conferences! The more I attend, the more I want to seek out to attend! I take away something new and valuable from each conference and always leave feeling recharged and newly inspired. I’ve also experienced what I like to call “conference regrets“. If you’re not sure what those are, they are the things you wish you’d done at a conference, but either forgot or were too intimidated to do, for whatever reason. I feel like I get brave after the conference is over, except then it’s too late to go back.  I’m almost sure that every blogger has experienced “conference regrets” at least once in their career.  What I’ve found to be most effective for tackling this problem is to take some time, prior to attending a conference, to set some small personal conference goals for myself.

THE-emailI was recently invited to attend The 2015 Disney Social Media Moms Celebration at Walt Disney World Resort. I can still remember how magical it was when I opened that email containing such a special invitation! I think I let out a squeal that was probably heard around the world! It was such an honor to be invited and I really couldn’t believe it had happened for me. I KNEW I had to make every moment of what would be a “once-in-a-lifetime experience” count! So, in the weeks leading up to the conference, I proceeded to jot down notes on post-its until I’d put together a list of my personal goals for this conference.

At first I felt a bit overwhelmed by this goal-setting because I didn’t know what to expect from the conference itself. I’d heard so many stories and read several posts from others who had attended in the past, but I really wanted to focus on what was most important for me to take away from the experience. Finally, I compiled a list of 4 intangible things I’d be bringing with me to The 2015 Disney Social Media Moms Celebration, so let me share these things with you!

my-love-for-disney-2The first thing I brought to the conference was my love for Disney. I believe each and every one of the invited attendees has a love for Disney that’s unique and special. My own love for Disney stems from my childhood. I grew up in Southern California and our family was fortunate enough to live very close to Disneyland. (It was just Disneyland back then, not Disneyland Resort)  As a child, I got to visit the park about once a year, usually during summertime. Visiting Disneyland with my family, as a little girl, is one of those childhood memories I can still actually recall vividly.

vintage-DisneylandMy love for Disney has grown by leaps and bounds as I’ve grown up. (Confession: I’ve actually never grown up though) I’m a proud Disneyland Resort Annual Passholder and visit the parks as frequently as I can. As a mom, I’ve had the opportunity to create special Disney memories with my own daughter.  My love for Disney also carries over into many other aspects of my life too. I try to live life in “a Disney way”, which is something other lovers of Disney can fully understand. To be in an entire ballroom filled with other Disney-loving moms (and a dad) was an amazing experience.

optimism-2Optimism was a very important thing to bring with me as well! It’s beyond important to come to a conference with an optimistic attitude. I consider myself a “Glass Half-Full Kind of Girl” and always try my best to see a positive side in every situation. Each conference is an new opportunity to connect with other influencers and often times, brands. If you walk in with a positive attitude and are full of optimism, it’ll draw people towards you and they’ll to want to get to know you. It’s also something that will make brands want to work with you. I’m always optimistic that something good is going to happen. Remember, “If you can dream it, you can do it!” Stay optimistic!

courage-and-confidence-2I’ve saved the best for last. I think courage and confidence are the most vital things you can bring to a conference! I am speaking from experience and as someone who has had “conference regrets” in the past for not bringing these with me! As I entered the convention center at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and started to walk down the long hallway, it felt as if my breath had literally been stolen away. (in a good way)  Hanging from the boughs were these amazing and enormous banners! It was surreal. I had mixed emotions at the moment before I entered the room for registration. On one hand I felt like royalty, on the other hand, doubt started to set in and I began to second guess myself. You can’t do that! You CAN’T doubt yourself! This is where courage comes into play!

bannersIf this starts to happen to you, just do what I did….I gave myself a pep talk (inside of my head of course). I told myself that I needed to remember my courage! I needed to have courage and confidence because I was there for a reason! I needed to have courage to approach people and make those connections that I’d come all this way to make. I needed to have courage and confidence in myself when others would ask me about what it is that drives the passion behind my own blogging. It’s important to remember that you are worth something! You are just as good as anyone else at the conference! If you think for one moment that you aren’t as good as some of the “bigger bloggers” who may also be at the same conference as you, just remember, they were once just like you! Honestly, if you approach most of those women, you’ll find that they aren’t as intimidating as you envision. I’ve become friends with many of the “bigger bloggers” and I can say they are some of the kindest, most uplifiting women in social media and, often times, will even help you out.

leap-of-faithI packed all 4 of these intangible things into my suitcase and took them with me to The 2015 Disney Social Media Moms Celebration. I walked into that conference with all that I needed and I did my best! What’s most important to remember is why you came and what you hope to achieve.  As you can see, I took a leap of faith (or should I say a jump of faith). Believe in yourself and don’t ever lose your courage or confidence!