The Happiest Place on Earth is about to get merrier, once again, as Holidays at the Disneyland Resort returns Nov. 10, 2017. The magic is endless at both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Parks, through Jan. 7, 2018. Park guests will experience festive cheer as the entire resort transforms into a winter wonderland, filled with seasonal attractions, joyful entertainment, jolly décor and themed treats. 
This festive season, available in the Parks through Jan. 7, 2018. includes the return of favorite holiday experiences, including Festival of Holidays, “World of Color – Season of Light,” and the “Believe … in Holiday Magic” fireworks spectacular. The Holidays at Disneyland Resort is one of our family’s favorite times of year to go and experience all of the holiday magic together! 
Experience beloved Holiday traditions in both Parks, from snowfall on Main Street U.S.A., to glistening décor, delicious Disney-themed treats and eats, holiday entertainment and the one-of-a-kind transformations that create “it’s a small world” Holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday and merry new merchandise including fun items with the “ugly sweater” theme, along with home décor and festive holiday headwear., 
Here are some of the highlights in each park:
At Disneyland Park
- Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle is a guest favorite with shimmering icicles and more than 50,000 twinkling LED lights. In the evening, the spectacular “Believe … in Holiday Magic” fireworks and its magical snowfall finale captivate guests and create unforgettable holiday memories.
- A 60-foot Christmas tree with nearly 1,800 ornaments welcomes guests on Main Street, U.S.A. This picturesque sight is a popular backdrop for family and friends to take holiday photos year after year.
- Disney characters celebrate the season in “A Christmas Fantasy” parade, a daily procession with floats, music, marching “tin soldiers” and holiday cheer. Santa, who makes a jolly appearance in the parade, also will be found welcoming guests at his special location in Critter Country.
- The “it’s a small world” attraction shines brighter than ever as it transforms into “it’s a small world” Holiday to celebrate children around the world and the holiday traditions of their countries. The iconic music of “it’s a small world,” written by the legendary Sherman Brothers, is weaved in between the joyous caroling of holiday favorites “Jingle 3 Bells” and “Deck the Halls.” As a special treat this holiday season, FastPass will be available for this attraction.
- Haunted Mansion becomes Haunted Mansion Holiday, celebrating the collision between Christmas and Halloween with Jack Skellington and his friends from “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.”
At Disney California Adventure Park
- The residents of Radiator Springs decorate their establishments with festive fun along Route 66, while two Cars Land attractions put the magic in overdrive as they transform for the first time this holiday. Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters becomes Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl and Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree becomes Mater’s Jingle Jamboree. Mater and Luigi add even more cheer to the seasonal fun by singing new holiday tunes for the occasion.
- At Santa’s Holiday Visit, at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, guests will play festive Elf Games, enjoy cookie decorating and maybe have a chance to meet Santa Claus and his mischievous elves.
- The nighttime spectacular, “World of Color – Season of Light” celebrates the warm and heartfelt spirit of the holidays as it illuminates Paradise Bay with a sparkling winter fantasy that combines classic holiday songs with memorable moments from treasured Disney and Disney•Pixar animated films.
- In anticipation of the new Disney•Pixar film “Coco,” guests will enjoy the Coco Sneak Peek experience at Bug’s Life theater from Nov. 5-Jan. 7, along with special décor.
- “a bug’s land” transforms for the holidays, too, as Flik and his bug friends deck their land with oversized lights and ornaments.
- Carthay Circle along Buena Vista Street features a 1920s-inspired holiday theme to emulate Los Angeles as it appeared when Walt Disney first moved to California. A stunning, 50-foot Christmas tree features vintage-style ornaments and surrounding buildings are adorned in old-fashioned seasonal decorations.
The popular Festival of Holidays is back with the sights, sounds and tastes of diverse cultural festivities and plenty of Disney magic! 
This heartwarming holiday celebration is inspired by Christmas/Navidad, Hannukah, Diwali, Kwanza and Three Kings Day. Guests will experience:
- The new Holiday Sunset Concerts: Fun dance parties featuring performing groups Phat Cat Swinger (Friday-Monday) and Mariachi Divas (TuesdayThursday) at Paradise Park
- The soulful a capella group The Sound, which joins returning holiday performances by Mostly Kosher, Blue13 Dance Company and the Holiday Toy Drummers
- The lively “Disney ¡Viva Navidad!,” with authentic music, dance, décor, crafts and special greetings by Disney characters, including Princess Elena of Avalor
- The Festive Foods Marketplace, serving multicultural holiday fare at marketplace kiosks, including a range of flavors: beef corn tamale a la plancha with spicy rojo sauce, braised lamb cheeks with Mediterranean cauliflower, sweet potato pie and fruit and nut rugelach
- Fun family activities, with holiday arts and crafts, face painting and cookie decorating
- A festive celebration of Three Kings Day in the final days of Festival of Holidays, Jan. 4-7
The Downtown Disney shopping, dining and entertainment district and all three Hotels of the Disneyland Resort join in the holiday festivities with twinkling lights and ornaments, holiday displays, special entertainment and holiday dining with themed menus. Guests can follow the scent of gingerbread into the lobby of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa to find a big treat – a giant gingerbread replica of the hotel itself.
A very special “Holiday Time at Disneyland” tour is available for guests who wish to experience a close-up look at this festive transformation of the Disneyland Resort. This walking tour shares favorite Disneyland holiday traditions from around the world, along with reserved seating for “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade, delicious holiday treats, a collectible pin and more.
Will you be visiting the Disneyland Resort for the Holidays this year with your family? This is the place where traditions are shared, memories are made and new experiences make the spirit of the season shine even brighter. Be sure to keep your eyes on the Disney Parks Blog for the more updates about holiday happenings!
Here are some of the other locations you’ll find birthday surprises celebrating Mickey:
About Mickey’s Birthday
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Curves® recently celebrated its 25th birthday. Wow, 25 years of empowering women to take control of their health and fitness levels! 
I was excited to participate in their birthday celebration on one of the days I went to work out.
I want to share about my experience with you and share 5 Things (I think) you’ll love most about working out at Curves.
This limited time event will bring some of the beloved stories from Pixar Animation Studios
A new fireworks spectacular – “Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular,” will
Two favorite parades will return to the Resort, both with fresh new Pixar surprises – . For the first time, “Pixar Play Parade” will make its way through Disneyland Park this spring, and it’s being led by someone new. The parade will begin just as all Pixar films have, with an appearance by Pixar’s iconic lamp from the short film “Luxo Jr.” Other new parade elements will welcome characters from “Up” and “Inside Out.”
Also on April 13, the guest-favorite “Paint the Night” parade returns, and this time the
To be honest, I think I spent half the party looking around at everything in awe, As the park is transformed for the occasion, frightfully fun décor, grinning ghosts, costumed characters, and extra entertainment pop up all around. There’s just so much to see and do at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Party and it can be overwhelming, in a good way, of course.
I put together a guide of tips to “know before you go” as a way to help future Mickey party-goers get the most out of their experience. Here’s my best advice for what you should see and do when you attend.
Purchase your party tickets right away – Dates for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party are announced during the summertime on 
DO Wear a Costume – There isn’t even a question. DO wear a costume. It doesn’t matter if you’re a kid or an adult. A majority of guests at the party are dressed up and if you don’t wear a costume, you’ll most likely feel a bit left out. I saw so many fun costumes. My favorites were groups of people with coordinating group Disney costumes. We put together simple DIY costumes from Monsters, Inc. because we were traveling and needed to pack our suitcases wisely, but I already know that next year, I’m going to get a little more nuts with our costumes. Actually, I can guarantee it!
You’ll receive a party guide for the evening as you enter at the Main Gate which is helpful to guide you to the treat stations and has other useful information. I just recommend planning a little bit beforehand so you don’t run out of time because there’s a lot to see.
Get there during daylight – Guests are able to enter Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party up to 3 hours prior to the event’s official start time of 7p.m. I highly recommend getting there while there’s still daylight, mainly for the photo opportunities. Luckily, the Disney PhotoPass photographers are very experienced and take great pictures even when it’s dark outside. Grab as many photos as you can though, while it’s still light outside. Also, getting to the party early will allow you to maximize your time on the attractions and explore all of the other things.
Get your trick or treat on – Guests can pick up a trick-or-treat bag at any of of the treat stations throughout the park. Locate the treat stops by looking for the super tall, lighted up stations. Expect to leave the party with a ton of candy. Tip: Bring an bag or backpack to the party so you can dump out the trick-or-treat bags as they fill up. 
Eat ALL the Halloween treats – It’s always fun to find the exclusive treats and food offerings during the party, only offered this time of year. If you keep an eye on The Disney Parks Blog before your party date, they usually share about these treats so you’ll know what to look for. Check out this fun post on the Disney Parks Blog featuring 
Seek out the characters and take photos – During Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, there are a plethora of photo opportunities with more Disney characters and Disney Villains than you can imagine! Even more fun is that you’ll find these characters dressed up in their own Halloween costumes. 
The party is your chance to grab photos with the characters without waiting in lines that are very long. PhotoPass photos are available to download and share almost instantly through the 
Don’t miss the Mickey’s “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade (& Beware of the Headless Horseman) – There are 2 performances of this special Halloween-themed parade, each night of a party. See Disney characters as well as the stars of the Haunted Mansion. Each parade starts with a spooktacular ride by The Headless Horseman so beware!Happy HalloWishes Fireworks are a must! – There are so many great spots in Magic Kingdom Park where guests can go to watch the Happy HalloWishes fireworks.
Check out the special souvenirs and merchandise – Special souvenirs and exclusive merchandise are also available during the party and you’ll want to save some time to check out the shops along Main Street, U.S.A.
The first film, Bad Moms, gave me an excuse to let loose with the girls, but I must admit…. I haven’t been out for any kind of “girl time” since then. I’m literally doing a happy dance right now because, come November 1st, I’ll have an excuse to get out with the girls! 
Can you tell I rarely get out? Before we go any further, if you haven’t watched the trailer for “A Bad Moms Christmas” yet, please do:
I didn’t hesitate to call up a bunch of my funnest (and maybe craziest) girlfriends to start planning the Baddest Moms Night Out EVER! It was so easy to plan it with Evite™, which make helps make getting together effortless and more memorable. In this case “memorable” is more like kick-ass! Excuse my French, I just think an epic movie like this requires a crazy-good Moms Night Out though! How perfect is this Evite™ invitation I chose to send all my friends?
I put together a list of 6 Necessities for the Baddest Moms Night Out EVER! 
The 700-room hotel will feature a sophisticated design and be something never-before-seen for Anaheim. It’ll offer dynamic dining and entertainment options and a hotel experience for both resort visitors and local residents. Extensive landscaping and water elements will create a resort oasis, showcasing nature on every level of the hotel. The hotel’s location embraces the iconic Disneyland Monorail with a dedicated platform inside the hotel for direct transport into Disneyland park. Having the monorail stop inside of the hotel is such a great part about this addition and reminds me of when we stayed at Disney’s Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World! (Have you been there before?) 
The guest rooms, public spaces and gardens at the new hotel will provide views of the Downtown Disney District. The addition of an upper-level restaurant and lounge will give guests a view of the spectacular nightly fireworks in Disneyland Park. The ground level of the hotel will include shops and restaurants, opening onto an expansive landscaped plaza, and complete with playful water features, creating a gathering place for guests and visitors. The new hotel will connect all four Hotels of the Disneyland Resort through lush gardens and beautifully landscaped walkways, transforming the gateway on the west side and creating a welcoming entry for our Disneyland Resort guests.
The additional parking capacity and access lanes will streamline vehicle arrivals on the west side of the resort and eliminate backups onto city streets. In addition, the tram boarding area will be reconfigured to enhance the transportation experience for guests parking at both the new structure and Mickey & Friends. Construction is scheduled to begin in February 2018, with the structure set to open the following year.
The Monster Academy features a “day-scare” learning center designed exclusively for teaching junior monsters what it takes for school success. Activities focus on creative play, shapes and colors as part of an Early Learning Core Initiative and electricity, chemistry, and optical illusions as part of a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Proficiency Core Initiative.
My contributor spent a very special evening at Discovery Cube Orange County with some other “young monsters”, participating in the Monster Academy. Some of the activities to explore during your visit include:
All of the “Spooky Science” activities will be available through October 31 and are included in the price of regular admission. For more information or to purchase your tickets online, please visit 
Connect with Discovery Cube OC on
During NFL Happy Hour, everything offered on the happy hour menu is under $10., including loaded Island Nachos ($7.99), Sliders ($4.99), Big Island Iced Tea ($5.95) and Coors Light ($2.99).
Each location also has multiple big screen TVs playing NFL RedZone and NFL Sunday Ticket, and each restaurant features bartender-call-it specials/trivia games for chances to win gift cards and swag.
We stopped by our local Islands to join in all the fun NFL Happy Hour offers. It’s always a great time at Islands, especially when we get to enjoy some of our favorite appetizers such as the Spinach & Artichoke Dip and the Cheese Fries.
Our family also just loves dining at Islands for their regular food too. Whether it’s a salad, a wrap, a burger, a BLT, or even something off their Gremmie Menu, there’s something for everyone in your party on their menu.
Oh and of course, there’s always room for dessert! Specifically, Kona Pie! Have you had one before? They’re HUGE and plenty to share with your family! 
I’m hosting a giveaway on my Facebook page right now for one (1) of my lucky readers to win a $25 Islands gift card, so they can go in and enjoy NFL Happy Hour (or anything on the menu.) To enter, go 
So, what’s your favorite thing to eat at Islands Restaurant? Leave a comment below and share with me.