Imagineers leave traces of their artistry in everything they create. But one Imagineer left a special legacy behind: she shaped one of the most famous attraction characters ever to come out of the Disney parks…a character that was named after her. Let’s meet Leota Toombs Thomas. Source: Disney Parks Blog Thomas started her career at […] Read more…
Tips & Trivia
Holiday Season 2021
Like every other retail store you’ve been in lately, Disneyland is always thinking one season ahead. We haven’t hit Halloween yet, but the resort is already announcing this year’s holiday lineup – running between November 12 and January 9. Source: Disneyland Resort TREE TRIMMING & ORNAMENT STRINGING Disneyland, California Adventure, and Downtown Disney all dress […] Read more…
Snapshots Vol. 2
You may remember a few weeks ago I shared some snapshots from my visits to the parks. I just want to take a minute to say thank you – I’ve never received so many DMs, emails, and messages asking for a follow up post! I’m so glad you all share my love of random Disneyland […] Read more…
Merriest Nites
For many years, Disney World visitors had a special event we Disneylanders did not: an after-hours holiday party. These mysterious ticketed events taunted us from the east coast, but we were left out of the fun…until this year! For the first time, Disneyland is hosting Merriest Nites – and the west coasters can finally get […] Read more…
Concept Art: Cars Land
Sometimes, finding concept art for Disneyland spaces can be really tricky, especially when they were designed more than 60 years ago. But other times, the art is so plentiful that it can feel overwhelming! And then…there’s Cars Land. Honestly, the best concept art for this space is the movie Cars itself. Imagineers really went as close […] Read more…
Ride Evacuations
If you visit Disneyland enough times, you’re bound to get evacuated from an attraction. From time to time, computers freeze, a blinking light comes on, the power goes out…any number of harmless things can happen. But many guests have yet to experience this phenomenon, and I get this question often: “what happens during ride evacuations?” […] Read more…
Snapshots Vol. 1
Once I started blogging, I started taking pictures like crazy every time I visited the parks. Who knew if I’d eventually need a photo of that angle? That building? That seemingly insignificant tree? Over time, I’ve amassed quite the collection of fun – but useless – images from around the resort. Since they’ll probably never […] Read more…
Genie, Genie+, and Lightning Lane
When Disneyland reopened after it’s 2020 closure, the MaxPass and fast pass systems didn’t reappear in the parks. For months, fans have speculated as to how the system would be updated, or even if it would return at all. And finally, Disneyland has announced its replacement – along with a few other new additions to […] Read more…
Imagineer Influence: Harriet Burns
Imagineers undoubtedly pave the way for future theme park designers, often being the first to implement a new technology, style, or even standard that raises the industry bar. But sometimes, Imagineers themselves achieve firsts within Disney itself. Meet Harriet Burns, the first female Imagineer. Source: D23 A born and raised Texan, Burns and her family […] Read more…
Magic Key
Source: Disney Parks Blog After Disneyland announced the end of the annual pass program last year, fans have eagerly been awaiting its replacement. And starting later this month, the new Magic Key program officially enters the Disneyland universe. The Magic Key program has some general similarities and some general differences from the previous pass program: […] Read more…
Concept Art: A Bug’s Land
Concept art is never an exact architectural plan for a land. Instead, it’s more like a stylized vision board conveying the land’s story, major elements, etc. Concept art brings the written and technical ideas to life in a visual way. I love looking through concept art to see how a land’s ideas eventually translate into […] Read more…
Imagineer Influence: Alice Davis
A few weeks ago, I shared the first of a new series highlighting some amazing Imagineers that shaped Disneyland. For this post, I’d like to share the contributions of a lesser-known Imagineer: Alice Davis. Source: The Kingdom Insider Alice Davis, born 1929, never set out to be an Imagineer. As a student as the Chouinard […] Read more…
Halloween Season 2021
As the Disneyland Resort continues to reopen and expand offerings, fans have been waiting with baited breath to hear about this year’s Halloween lineup. Finally, we know what to expect, with this year’s season running from September 3 to October 31. Let’s see what’s coming. OOGIE BOOGIE BASH RETURNS Source: Disneyland Resort This year, California […] Read more…
Concept Art: New Orleans Square
If you’ve been a reader of this blog for any amount of time, you know New Orleans Square is my absolute favorite land at the resort. I love exploring the different streets, listening for the sounds coming from the windows and admiring all the little details. And when you take a look at the land’s […] Read more…