Over The Top Mommy

Disneyland Resort

Plaza de la Familia Returns to Disney California Adventure With a Musical Celebration from “Coco”

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% my own. 

Guests at the Disneyland Resort can, once again, enjoy special seasonal experiences this fall, inspired by Día de los Muertos, at both Disney California Adventure Park and Disneyland Park. The festivities and displays, now available through November 4, are a celebration honoring loved ones who have passed and honoring familial bonds that last forever. At Disney California Adventure Plaza de la Familia returns for a limited-time festivity. The area, located at the Paradise Gardens area of the park, celebrates Disney•Pixar’s Academy Award®-winning film “Coco” and the everlasting bonds of family.
Guests visiting Plaza de la Familia will enjoy an immersive celebration that includes:

  • Live entertainment with storytelling
  • folklórico dancers and mariachi musicians
  • delicious Mexican fare

and interactive experiences such as the new craft where guests make colorful masks like
the ones seen in the “Coco” film.

  • A Musical Celebration of Coco – This festive show by the entertaining Storytellers of Plaza de la Familia celebrates the popular songs from the film “Coco”, including the Oscar®-winning Best Original Song “Remember Me”. As the lead storyteller Mateo recounts Miguel’s fantastical journey into the Land of the Dead, guests are immersed in the story of “Coco.” New this year, Miguel appears as a whimsical, hand-animated dimensional figure, joining a musical gathering that brings together a lively troupe of singers and Folklórico dancers dressed in beautiful costumes accompanied by the Grammy® Award-winning Mariachi Divas. A Musical Celebration is performed several times daily.
  • At the Paradise Gardens Bandstand, guests will enjoy an uplifting and moving family celebration featuring beloved Mariachi music and traditional songs that touch the hearts of all.
  • The World of Coco, an evocative art exhibit, allows guests to rediscover their favorite characters and settings from the film “Coco.” The immersive exhibition features framed imagery that showcases the depth of imagination that went into creating the Land of the Living and Land of the Dead.
  • Guests also will encounter a three-dimensional “ofrenda” inspired by the remembrance altar seen in “Coco.” In the film, Miguel, the 12-year-old lead character, builds an “ofrenda” in honor of his idol, the legendary late musician Ernesto de la Cruz. “Ofrendas” traditionally are created by friends and family members to honor relatives or loved ones who have passed away.
  • Guests are invited to take commemorative photos in front of the iconic Mexican “Árbol de la Vida”, or Tree of Life. The Tree of Life at Plaza de la Familia celebrates the everlasting bonds of family and friends. Guests will be able to add a remembrance note on the Memory Wall to honor the many loved ones who have been − and will forever be − part of their lives.
  • Guests visiting Plaza de la Familia can design their own paper “alebrije” (spirit guide) mask as part of a new craft activity.
  • Mexican Food Menu: The Mexican menu at Paradise Garden Grill features delicious offerings such as the traditional Día de los Muertos Pan de Muerto, Mole Verde con Pollo, a scrumptious Pan Dulce Conchita and a special “Coco” cake.

More Día de los Muertos in Cars Land
Guests who cruise into Cars Land will find that Ramone, one of the citizens of Cars Land, also pays tribute to Día de los Muertos at Ramone’s House of Body Art. Ramone celebrates this time when families gather to remember their loved ones with a traditional “ofrenda” display honoring the gone, but not forgotten, Doc Hudson.

At Disneyland Park
Disneyland Park continues to offer its traditional Día de los Muertos display at Zócalo Park in
Frontierland. This immersive setting features marigolds and papel picado, along with a traditional “ofrenda,” sugar skulls known as “cavaleras” and an iconic figure of La Catrina. Nearby Rancho del Zócalo Restaurante offers delicious Mexican cuisine for lunch and dinner.

For more information about these special festivities and more, please visit Disneyland.com.

Some images and logos are property of the Disneyland Resort and used with permission. 

CHOC Walk in the Park at Disneyland Resort on 8/26 + Meet the CHOC Walk Ambassador

I was invited to a media event in order to share this exciting news about this year’s CHOC Walk in the Park. All opinions are my own. 

This year’s CHOC Walk in the Park is, once again, presented by Disneyland® Resort and will take place on Sunday, August 26,  2018. I really hope you’re going to be able to join in! choc-walk-in-the-park-logoIf you’ve never participated in this annual event, I highly recommend you sign up to join the fun and experience Disneyland® Park, Disney California Adventure® Park, and Downtown Disney® District as never before. This is the one and only walk to take place at the Disneyland® Resort with all proceeds benefiting the health and well-being of Southern California’s kids.choc-walk-in-the-park-starting-lineWe’ve had the pleasure of participating in this beautiful event for a few years now and to see something that is such a huge production being put together, all in the name of the kids, is an incredible thing.choc-walk-finish-lineI recently attended a special CHOC Walk media event held at Disneyland Hotel, to learn about this year’s special programming and some of the FUNdraising events that’ll lead up to the big August event. I think you’re going to want to participate in all of these fun offerings so keep reading for more information.choc-walk-in-the-park-justins-helpers-1

For me, the most special part about attending the CHOC Walk media event was getting to know this year’s CHOC Walk Ambassador, Justin Helpers”. I got to chat with his entire family including his parents, Colby and Tricia, and his big sister and little brother.choc-walk-in-the-park-justins-helpers-3Justin is an 11 year old boy with a very rare neurological condition called lissencephaly, which causes his brain’s surface to be smooth and leads to significant developmental delays. Justin is severely neurologically impaired and has several seizures a day and is fed through a feeding tube. From early on in his life, Justin has spent extensive amounts of time being treated at CHOC Children’s and he’s really defied the odds of his condition. They have a giant CHOC Walk team named Justin’s Helpers that they’ve walked with over the past few years. They are an amazing family and I’m so excited that he was selected to be this year’s CHOC Walk Ambassador.

Some of the highlights of the CHOC Walk in the Park media event included getting a peek at the new artwork for this year’s medal and pin, which was recreated by Disney’s culinary team in the form of cupcakes, as well as getting a very special visit from our favorite gal pal, Minnie!choc-walk-in-the-park-cupcakeNew for this year is the CHOC Walk FUNdraiser Mobile App which will make it easy and FUN to exceed your CHOC Walk fundraising goals. This app is power-packed with extra tools for team captains! CHOC-Walk-mobile-appTo read more about the CHOC Walk FUNdraiser Mobile App, please go here. You can download it from the App Store and on Google Play.choc-walk-in-the-park-minnieIf you haven’t registered as an individual or as part of a team for this year’s CHOC Walk in the Park, what are you waiting for? For more information about CHOC Walk in the Park or to register or donate, please go here.

Some images and logo are property of CHOC Walk and used with permission.

 

Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort Returns 9/7 + Mickey’s Halloween Party Dates

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. 

Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort will return for more spook-tacular days than ever this year beginning September 7 and extending through October 31, 2018. Guests of all ages visiting the parks will encounter frightfully fun experiences themed especially for the season!. Eerie encounters and fiendish fun will await visitors to both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park as favorite experiences are transformed into dreadful delights, with seasonal attraction overlays. You’ll find Halloween-themed décor and food and beverage offerings, plus encounter with Disney villains and happy haunts that’ll materialize around every corner.halloween-time-disneyland-resort-mickey-bat-cookieMickey’s Halloween Party 2018
Additionally, the guest-favorite Mickey’s Halloween Party will return with 15 nights of after-hours fun on the following dates:

  • Wednesday, Sept. 19
  • Friday, Sept. 21
  • Monday, Sept. 24
  • Wednesday, Sept. 26
  • Friday, Sept. 28
  • Tuesday, Oct. 2
  • Friday, Oct. 5
  • Tuesday, Oct. 9
  • Friday, Oct. 12
  • Tuesday, Oct. 16
  • Friday, Oct. 19
  • Tuesday, Oct. 23
  • Friday, Oct. 26
  • Monday, Oct. 29;
  • Wednesday, Oct. 31

mickeys-halloween-party-mickey-and-minnieThis separate-ticket event features some exclusive entertainment, Disney characters in their Halloween attire, trick or treating at locations throughout Disneyland Park and a chance for the entire family to visit both parks in costumes.(See below for more info about Mickey’s Halloween Party.) mickeys-not-so-scary-halloween-party-selfieHalloween Time at Disney California Adventure Park
Guests entering Disney California Adventure. will have a spell cast over them as Oogie Boogie will take over with his twisted tale of a forever Halloween. Inspired by “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Oogie Boogie’s oversized silhouette will beckon guests through the main entrance of the park, and hover over a swarm of bats that circle around Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge.DCA_entrance_halloweenhalloween-time-carthay-circle Halloween décor extends along Buena Vista Street to Carthay Circle, where guests will encounter a 10-foot-tall statue of the Headless Horseman holding his jack-o-lantern head to the sky.halloween-time-dca-headless-horsemanThe citizens of Cars Land will celebrate Halloween by turning Radiator Springs into Radiator Screams. The entire land will be transformed with a special Haul-O-Ween makeover as the townsfolk of Radiator Springs don Halloween costumes and decorate their respective homes for the season. Guests will encounter Lightning McQueen, Mater, Cruz, Red and DJ in “car-stume” as they get ready to go “trunk-or-treating.” Popular Cars Land attractions will transform as well: Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree takes on a spooky tone as Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree, and Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters gets a seasonal twist to become Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween. halloween-time-flos-cafehalloween-time-materGuardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! will transform nightly into Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark, bringing Halloween adventure to this popular attraction. As the sun sets, the attraction’s exterior goes dark and then suddenly powers back up with lighting effects, a signal that something has gone awry. The Guardians have successfully escaped The Collector’s Fortress, but have accidentally left Groot behind. Guests will help Rocket distract the creatures that have been released so he can find and rescue Groot in this exciting seasonal overlay.halloween-time-at-the-disneyland-resort-guide-mapHalloween Time at Disneyland Park
The Halloween magic continues at Disneyland, where guests will enjoy beautiful décor on Main Street, U.S.A., including a giant Mickey Mouse jack-o’-lantern and a Pumpkin Festival.halloween-time-at-disneyland-resort-giant-mickey-pumpkin halloween-time-disneyland-resort-crystal-arcadeIn Frontierland, guests will encounter the colorful Día de los Muertos tribute, an exhibit that commemorates the Mexican holiday of Day of the Dead with a musical trio of iconic skeleton figurines, brightly colored flowers and other decorative items.disney-halloween-time-zocalo-parkdisney-halloween-time-dia-de-los-muertos-3-calacasTwo  of the most popular attractions will transform into their annual Halloween themes, delivering Halloween thrlls for guests who dare to take a ride. Haunted Mansion will become Haunted Mansion Holiday, inspired by the Walt Disney Pictures classic “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.” The seasonal attraction celebrates the collision between Halloween and Christmas as Jack Skellington offers his unique take on the holidays. halloween-time-at-disneyland-resort-haunted-mansion-holiday-signhalloween-time-at-disneyland-resort-haunted-mansion-holiday-facadeSpace Mountain in Tomorrowland will become Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy, a reimagining of the popular attraction. Guests on board the speeding Space Mountain vehicles are thrust into a ghostly galaxy where they are surrounded by eerie screams, sound effects and music. Spine-chilling spirits pop out of the darkness, appearing to reach out and menace the space travelers.halloween-time-at-disneyland-resort-ghost-galaxyMore about Mickey’s Halloween Party 2018
As I mentioned before, this year there are more nights available for guests to enjoy Mickey’s Halloween Party. This separate-ticket, after hours event permits guests to dress in costume and have the opportunity to trick-or-treat throughout Disneyland Park for candy and healthy goodies. Mickey’s Halloween Party also includes special entertainment, classic attractions and the added bonus of unlimited Disney PhotoPass downloads of the night**, making it easier than ever to capture memories during the party.2017-halloween-fireworks

"Halloween Screams-A Villainous Surprise in the Skies"An exclusive treat for guests attending Mickey’s Halloween Party is “Halloween Screams,” a supernatural firework show. The nighttime spectacular is hosted by “Master of Scare-omonies,” Jack Skellington. mickeys-halloween-party-headless-horsemanAlso exclusive to Mickey’s Halloween Party is the “Frightfully Fun Parade” led by The Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow (from the Disney animated classic, “The Adventures of 3 Ichabod and Mr. Toad”). The Horseman rides down Main Street, U.S.A., on his ghostly black steed with a flickering jack-o’-lantern to usher in the parade, which features Jack Skellington and a procession of grim, grinning (and hitchhiking) ghosts from the iconic Haunted Mansion attraction. mickeys-halloween-party-mickey-and-minnieGuests attending Mickey’s Halloween Party may also visit Villains Square for a chance to encounter and take photos with Disney villains. Additional Disney characters donned in Halloween attire can also be found throughout the park. As an added value, guests with a Mickey’s Halloween Party ticket will have the opportunity to “mix in” with regular park guests for three hours prior to the party’s start time. These guests also will be able to visit both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks with their tickets.halloween-time-at-the-disneyland-resort-pooh-pumpkinTickets for Mickey’s Halloween Party
Beginning Tuesday, June 5, 2018, tickets for Mickey’s Halloween Party go on sale for Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club members and Disney Visa Card holders. The general public will be able to purchase tickets beginning Tuesday, June 12, 2018. They may be purchased online at Disneyland.com/party as well as at the Disneyland Resort main gate and by phone at 714-781-4400. Be sure to grab your tickets sooner rather than later as this special event sells out quickly every year!mickeys-not-so-scary-halloween-party-popcorn-bucketPlease 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 is a nonsmoking event.

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

Some images are property of Disneyland Resort and used with permission. 

To Infinity and Beyond With Eats and Treats During Pixar Fest at Disneyland Resort

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

In case you haven’t heard yet, the first-ever Pixar Fest is coming to Disneyland Resort starting April 13 and I couldn’t be more excited! It’s the biggest theme park celebration of beloved stories and characters from Pixar Animation Studios. pixar-fest-lamp-logoDuring PIxar Fest, the culinary team at the Disneyland Resort looks like they’ll go to “infinity and beyond” with special thematic eats and treats offered especially for the festival! Park guests will find that many of their favorite Pixar Pals are the inspiration behind some of the limited-time treats offered. Let’s look at some of them and where you’ll be able to find them in the parks.pixar-fest-eats-logoTuna Poke at Cove Bar (March 16 to end of May) and then when the location transforms to Lamplight Lounge opening June 23. (Disney California Adventure park) pixar-fest-tuna-poke-cove-bar-poke-bowlDeviled Eggs and Toast at Cove Bar (March 16 to end of May) and then when the location transforms to Lamplight Lounge opening June 23, 2018 (Disney California Adventure park)pixar-fest-deviled-eggs-and-toastFried Bologna Sandwich at Carnation Café (Disneyland park)pixar-fest-fried-bologna-sandwichPork Chop TV Dinner at Carnation Café (Disneyland park)pixar-fest-pork-chop-TV-dinnerShrimp Ratatouille Byaldi at Café Orleans (Disneyland park)pixar-fest-ratatouilleCharcuterie Plate Starter at Cafe Orleans (Disneyland park) pixar-fest-charcuterie-platterGreen Pesto Pasta in Tomorrowland (Disneyland park)pixar-fest-green-pesto-pasta

pixar-fest-treats-logoPixar Fest Celebration Cake – This scrumptious cake is inspired by the familiar yellow Pixar Ball and can be found at Plaza Inn (Disneyland Park) and at Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta. (Disney California Adventure park)pixar-fest-celebration-cakeBerry Funnel Cake at Golden Horseshoe (Disneyland park)pixar-fest-jesse-funnel-cake“Lotso” Funnel Cake at Hungry Bear Restaurant (Disneyland park)pixar-fest-lotso-funnel-cakeRootbeer Float served in a Souvenir Woody’s Boot at Golden Horseshoe (Disneyland park)pixar-fest-rootbeer-float“Lotso” Strawberry Churro in Tomorrowland (Disneyland park)
pixar-fest-strawberry-lotso-churroCocoa Churro in Frontierland (Disneyland park)
pixar-fest-coco-churroAlien Macaroon in Tomorrowland (Disneyland park)pixar-fest-alien-macaronsIn addition to all of these limited-time food offerings for Pixar Fest, at Disneyland Park, the popular Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port will transform into Alien Pizza Planet: “A Better Place,” inspired by Disney•Pixar’s “Toy Story.” Among the menu items will be new pizzas, including a special pepperoni pizza topped with green peppers and mushrooms, and a hearty cheeseburger pizza.pixar-fest-tomorrowland-pizzaWill you be sharing your Pixar Fest eats and treats with a friend, with your family, or just eating them all on your own? What are you most excited to try at Pixar Fest, which will run from April 13 through Sept. 3, 2018 at the Disneyland Resort. For more information about it,  please go here.

Images are property of Disneyland Resort and used with permission. 

Guide to Making the Most of the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort

It’s the merriest and most wonderful time of year at the Disneyland Resort. The hustle and bustle along Main Street, U.S.A. and Buena Vista Street is in full swing. With holiday decor and twinkling lights all around, both parks are adorned and ready for guests of all ages to visit this holiday season.disneyland-holidays-sleeping-beauty-castle-adornedDisney-Holidays-Buena-Vista-StreetOur family spent a day out at the resort taking in all of the sights, sounds, and holiday fun to be had. I think it’s my most favorite time of year to visit.disneyland-holidays-with-mickeyFrom riding special holiday attractions like “it’s a small world” Holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday to watching A Christmas Fantasy Parade and “Believe….in Holiday Magic” Fireworks to enjoying holiday treats and offerings in the Festive Foods Marketplace at the Disney Festival of Holidays, we had an excited and jam-packed day.disneyland-holidays-castle-1I feel as giddy as a little girl when I visit Disneyland Resort this time of year. Of course, I could actually say that about every visit there! Do you feel that way too?holidays-at-disneyland-resort-its-a-small-world-2Since there’s so much to do at Disneyland Resort this holiday season, I’ve put together a a guide for you to be able to make the most of your visit. You don’t want to miss out on any of the magic of both parks. I highly suggest a multi-day ticket, so you can take more time exploring each of the parks’ holiday offerings. However, it is possible to fit a lot of the holiday magic into just one day. Here’s my best advice. I hope it’s helpful.guide-to-making-the-most-of-holidays-at-the-disneyland-resortSpend some time planning before you go
I’m a definite planner so before each of our visits, I’ve found myself looking online, on the Disneyland Official Site, looking at Park Hours and the Entertainment Schedule for the day we’re going to visit. It’s a great way to plan ahead and have an idea in your head of how you should map our your stay. The site also has a ton of other info, including Disneyland Resort hotel information if you’re looking to make it a complete vacation experience.disneyland-holidays-mainstreet-at-nightDownload the Disneyland Mobile App
It’s the most magical app and the official app for the Disneyland Resort. Download it on App Store and/or get it on Google Play. The Disneyland Mobile App allows you to do such things as see park hours and maps, check wait times, buy park tickets, check FASTPASS return times, see restaurant menus and make dining reservations, view Disney PhotoPass photos, locate Disney Characters, and so much more. For more info about the Disneyland Mobil app, go here.disneyland-appDo add Disney MAXPass to your ticket
By now, you’ve probably heard a lot of talk about Disney MaxPass. If you haven’t, it’s a great feature to add to your park ticket (or Annual Pass) for $10 a person. MaxPass allows you to schedule your FASTPASS reservations to your ticket ELECTRONICALLY from your phone, through the Disneyland app. What this means is you don’t have to walk over to the attraction you’re hoping to grab a FASTPASS for. You can just schedule it from your phone. You can even be in the other park as you make your reservation. It’s such a great feature. Plus, it allows gives you access to download , save, and share, all of your PhotoPass photos from the day. Character photos, family photos, photos from designated attractions! It’s a great option to add and I highly recommend exploring it, especially during the holiday season. For more information about MaxPass, go here.disney-max-pass-imagedisneyland-resort-celebrate-summer-max-passMake a dining reservation beforehand
There are so many dining options at Disneyland Resort. Some are quick dining while others are table service. There are also grab & go food options throughout both parks. I highly suggest you make 1 dining reservation ahead of time. During the holiday season, the table service restaurants can be extra busy and I know for our family, when the hunger hits, there’s only one way to make everyone better and get them back into a good mood: FOOD! It’s easy to make a dining reservation on the app or on the site. You can also call 714) 781-3463.to make one.disneyland-grilled-cheeseStrive to make it to park opening
There are a couple advantages of making it there before opening. I feel like the parking situation is lighter when it’s early in the morning. Also, if you are there early, you’ll have better access to FastPass+ reservations, especially for the big ticket attractions that tend to “sell out” quickly. My favorite reason to get to the parks before opening is to be able to experience “Rope Drop”, which is a fun countdown right before they allow guests to head into the park. Also, if you make Rope Drop in Disneyland Park, you’ll be able to see a bunch of Cast Members all along Main Street, U.S.A. as they are giving out High 4’s to guests! (They wear Mickey gloves so that’s why it’s a “High 4”). There’s truly nothing like being in one of the parks at opening though.

Utilize Disney PhotoPass Services
PhotoPass photographers are all throughout both parks and are your best bet to capture the best shots from your visit. They are equipped with professional equipment and are set up in front of attractions, with characters, and some other fun places. They also know how to capture your best side, in the day or nighttime. I already shared that one of the benefits to adding MaxPass to your day is the ablity to access all of your PhotoPass photos from the day. It’s the best money you’ll spend and our own family loves to use one of the PhotoPass photos for our own holiday card.disneyland-holidays-photopass-with-tree-1Seek out special holiday-inspired attractions
During the holidays at Disneyland Resort, there are a few attractions that have holiday overlays and you won’t want to miss out on experiencing any of them. In Disneyland Park set sail aboard “it’s a small world” Holiday and hop on a dune buggy in Haunted Mansion Holiday. In Disney California Adventure Park, be sure to get over to CarsLand and take a holly jolly spin on Mater’s Jingle Jamboree and Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl. Once January 7 passes, these specially transformed attractions will go back to their original versions. (Kind of like what happened to Cinderella at midnight.)holidays-at-disneyland-resort-its-a-small-world-1Enjoy all the holiday treats
Although there are many foods I enjoy eating when I’m visiting the parks, my most favorite this time of year are the holiday treats. Whether it’s a special bakery treat, a hand-twisted candy cane or something warm and festive to sip on, the holiday treat offerings at the Disneyland Resort are not to be missed!disneyland-holidays-festive-treats-1Watch A Christmas Fantasy Parade
There are usually 2 performances of “A Christmas Fantasy Parade” each day. It’s a beautiful parade that the whole family will enjoy watching together. All of your favorite characters and princesses make an appearance, dressed in holiday attire, as do Santa and Mrs. Claus.disneyland-holidays-santa-in-parade-1

disneyland-holidays-a-christmas-fantasy-parade-gingerbread-manFireworks are a must!
There’s nothing ore magical than watching the nightly “Believe…in Holiday Magic” Fireworks at Disneyland Park. It’s one of our family’s favorite parts about nighttime in Disneyland Park during the holidays. Be sure to plan out where you’ll want to watch it from and try to get a spot a little early.disneyland-holidays-fireworksSave room for “The Festival of Holidays” food
Over at Disney’s California Adventure Park you’ll find 12 different kiosks set up for the “Festival of Holidays”. For more information about the foods and offerings this year, go here.disneyland-holidays-festival-of-holidays-sign-1Celebrate the season with the entertainment at Disney Festival of Holidays
In Disney California Park, there is a full lineup of holiday-inspired performances that’ll warm your heart. Be sure to check times for live music and dancing, as well as performance times of the Disney ¡Viva Navidad! street party.disneyland-holidays-viva-navidad-signLook for special holiday merchandise – Every year, I look forward to the newest holiday EARs available in the shops. I had a tough time deciding this year between the black sequinned Minnie EARs with a plaid bow or the red sequinned ones with a green bow, so I bought both! I just coudn’t resist! There is so much fun holiday-inspired merchandise to choose from this time of year. It makes my Disney heart happy!disneyland-holidays-mickey-merchandisedisneyland-holidays-merchandise-ears-1disneyland-holidays-red-sparkly-earsThere’s truly no better time like the present to create new holiday memories that will last a lifetime and no better place to do so than the Disneyland Resort! Do you have plans to visit this year? Share with me in the comments. Just be sure to do so before January 7th! Happy Holidays!\\

Some images are property of Disney. 

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. 

2015 Mickey’s Halloween Party Dates Released! We Can’t Wait! #HalloweenTime

Guess what’s returning to the Disneyland Resort on September 11? Halloween Time! We are SO excited for it’s return too! If you’ve never been to the parks during Halloween Time, it’s something you’ll want to make happen this year.

halloween-timeWith the Disneyland Resort’s Diamond Celebration already happening in the parks this year, guests will get to enjoy extra sparkly Halloween decorations this year. There are also seasonal attractions to experience such as Haunted Mansion Holiday and Space Mountain’s “Ghost Galaxy”.

One of the biggest events of the year at the Disneyland Resort is Mickey’s Halloween Party! This is an after-hours Halloween party that requires the purchase of a separate ticket. (don’t worry, it’s totally worth it!) The party is held inside Disneyland and guests of all ages are invited to wear their favorite costumes for the occasion. There is plenty of trick or treating throughout the park and the characters will be out and about in their own Halloween costumes.

IMG_0126This year, guests in attendance at Mickey’s Halloween party will be able to watch a special “Halloween Screams” fireworks show, in addition to the “Paint the Night” parade. It’s truly a party not to be missed!

With your Mickey’s Halloween Party ticket you get:

  • Admission to Disneyland Park up to 3 hours prior to the event’s start time.
  • Parking for one standard-size vehicle. (Larger vehicles may require an additional fee.)

Here are the dates for Mickey’s Halloween Party 2015: 

  • Friday, Sept. 25
  • Monday, Sept. 28
  • Wednesday, Sept. 30
  • Friday, Oct. 2
  • Monday, Oct. 5
  • Wednesday, Oct. 7
  • Friday, Oct. 9
  • Monday, Oct. 12
  • Wednesday, Oct. 14
  • Friday, Oct. 16
  • Monday, Oct. 19
  • Thursday, Oct. 22
  • Friday, Oct. 23
  • Sunday, Oct. 25
  • Tuesday, Oct. 27
  • Thursday, Oct. 29
  • Saturday, Oct. 31

Tickets for Mickey’s Halloween Party sell out every year and you’ll want to plan now for your date and grab a ticket as soon as they go on sale. This year, you’ll also be able to purchase your Mickey’s Halloween party tickets early on your mobile device. How cool is that?

Here are the dates for ticket sales: 

July 22: Ticket sales to Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders, Disney Rewards Visa card holders and Disney Vacation Club members.
July 29: Ticket sales begin for the general public.

The hours for each day of Mickey’s Halloween Party vary slightly from day to day. The prices also vary. For more information about times and ticket prices, visit the official Disney site here.