I write a lot about hidden gems on this blog; they’re forever my favorite part of Disneyland. And sometimes, those hidden gems are especially exciting to find…because they only appear for a limited window each year. Today’s post is about one of those seasonal details…the Brakes Motel. To find this hidden gem, start at the […] Read more…
Tucked into the lively streets of Hollywood Land, the Hyperion Theater stands tall and proud, a grand stage where California Adventure brings its stories to life (that is, when it’s not sadly dormant like it is now!). While most guests race toward rides or snacks, the Hyperion quietly celebrates something different: the magic of live […] Read more…
Compared to Disneyland, California Adventure is a relatively “young” park. But even with its fewer years of operation, the park has gone through major changes. And once in a while, Imagineers manage to squeeze in little tributes to attractions and spaces that disappear off the park map over time. One of those hidden tributes can […] Read more…
February 2001 – present LOCATION Hollywood Land – the Studio Store is a small shop in the backlot section of Hollywood Land. To find it, head toward Mickey’s Philharmagic. You’ll see the shop to the right of the attraction entrance, just beyond the theater and Schmoozies!. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – Miscellaneous apparel, accessories, and toys […] Read more…
If you find yourself wandering Pixar Pier, there are probably three major structures that you notice right away: the Ferris wheel, the roller coaster, and the restaurant on the water. But if you walk through the boardwalk section, you’ll notice a more subtle building that takes up a lot of real estate and does some […] Read more…
Within Pixar Pier, there are many places to grab a snack. One of those eateries is Angry Dogs, inspired by Anger from Inside Out. But within this snack spot, you can also find a cute little hidden gem: the Angry Dogs Heat Levels. Walk over to the condiment table, and you’ll see the spice levels […] Read more…
If you’re a Marvel fan visiting the Disneyland Resort, Avengers Campus is undoubtedly on your to-do list. But don’t race in too quickly, or you’ll breeze past a hidden gem right at the land’s entrance: the arc reactor. For the uninitiated, the Arc Reactor is the crown jewel of Tony Stark’s genius. First glimpsed in […] Read more…
There’s a famous hidden gem above Main Street’s fire station: Walt’s Lamp. The idea is that it stays illuminated permanently, to symbolize Walt’s spirit staying in the park. So when I started to notice an always-on light in California Adventure, I started to wonder if it had special meaning too. Head over to Hollywood Land […] Read more…
I think San Fransokyo Square looks its best at night. The glowing lanterns reflecting on the water, the restaurant signs lit up in bold colors…it’s so inviting and always smells great during peak meal times! As the night goes on, this area gets quieter and quieter too. It’s the perfect place to sit for a […] Read more…
There’s something softer about Paradise Gardens Park after sundown. Maybe it’s all the gentler lighting compared to the neon of Pixar Pier and Cars Land. Maybe it’s the open walkways along the water. Or maybe it’s the numerous places where you can grab a drink and snack and just people watch. Whatever it is, the […] Read more…
In Avengers Campus (or California Adventure more broadly), there is no building that stands out quite like the Collector’s Fortress. This looming, mysterious structure houses one of the most popular attractions at the resort (Mission Breakout), and is home to just a fraction of the Collector’s massive store of treasures. But why does this building […] Read more…
Avengers Campus is home to superheroes at the Disneyland Resort, with a vast collection of galactic artifacts on display in the Collector’s Fortress. But just steps away, another shop houses the most powerful artifacts in the known universe. Let’s head over to the Avengers Vault. On the back wall of the shop, between the goods […] Read more…
Have you ever watched a super hero movie where a city got absolutely wrecked in the big fight and thought…yikes. Who cleans that mess up? If you have, Marvel has an answer for you – and you can see nods to it in Avengers Campus. Scattered throughout the land, you’ll find boxes labeled “DDOC”. DDOC […] Read more…
San Fransokyo Square definitely changed the vibe of California Adventure’s eastern side. Before, Pacific Wharf was kind of a quiet little corner between two super loud and energetic lands: Cars Land and Pixar Pier. And while the new land doesn’t have any big rides or dramatic happenings, the color scheme and decor definitely make it […] Read more…