I know I am not alone in looking forward to the holidays and the ushering in of a new year. And this year, the holidays are going to be super weird for so many of us. Maybe a tiny bit of Disney magic or even Disney window shopping can help bring some much needed cheer […] Read more…
Approx. 1996 – present LOCATION Fantasyland – Despite its name, Fantasy Faire Gifts is actually nowhere near the Fantasy Faire itself. This little shop faces It’s A Small World, just before the walkway starts winding into Mickey’s Toontown. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – Bubble wands, popcorn, candies, and other miscellaneous goods Price Range – Most items […] Read more…
Hollywood Land might be the land in California Adventure with the strangest mix of personalities. The main drag of the street resembles a movie studio backlot, complete with false exteriors and forced perspective murals. But then the rear area mixes superhero meet and greets, Monstropolis, the Beast’s library, a sorcerer’s lair, etc. To explore Hollywood […] Read more…
Dapper Day is a magical day that happens twice a year, when Disneyland visitors step back in time and dress in their finest vintage looks. Some create pinup interpretations of classic characters, and others dress with no Disney influence at all. If you’ve admired these looks and want to join in on the fun, I’ve […] Read more…
Source: iCollector May 1987 – July 1991 LOCATION Fantasyland – Guests walking under Sleeping Beauty Castle went from the splendor of Aurora’s new home to the quaint charm of her old one. Briar Rose Cottage sat to the immediate right of the castle’s inner courtyard, steps from the exit to the Castle Walkthrough. Today, this […] Read more…
May 2019 – present LOCATION Downtown Disney – Black Tap winds around the lower level of the large circular courtyard in the middle of the district. If you’re coming from the parks side, keep to the right of the main path, you’ll see it just beyond the Ballast Point entrance. And if you’re coming from […] Read more…
Tons and tons of artists have lent their imaginations to Disneyland throughout the years. One artist, however, had a creative vision that captured Walt’s imagination. In fact, Walt trusted her so much that he called on her to design one of his biggest ever park projects. Her name was Mary Blair, and she brought bold colors, […] Read more…
I’ve started and re-started writing this post a dozen times. What can you say when 28,000 people lose their jobs? This week, Disney Parks employees on both coasts found out they were being laid off. These talented, hard-working people devoted themselves to making magic every day – and somehow did it with a smile on […] Read more…
As much as I hate when a fun day in California Adventure ends, there’s something so nice about taking one last stroll through Buena Vista Street. In the evening, the street glows. Twinkling lights hang from the trees, while lanterns and spotlights bathe the buildings in warm light. That final walk down the street on […] Read more…
Source: Reddit Summer 1977 – January 1996 LOCATION Tomorrowland – Space Place was one of the most hidden restaurants at the resort. To find this spot, diners had to go into Space Mountain‘s building, down the long hallway, and up the rear ramp. This massive restaurant space is used today as Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port, […] Read more…
Note: As of 2024, the Paradise Pier Hotel has been replaced by the Pixar Place Hotel, and the dolphin has once again disappeared somewhere into Disney’s behind-the-scenes treasure box. The Paradise Pier Hotel takes its name from Paradise Pier, a former land in California Adventure celebrating old-fashioned beach boardwalks and oceanside living. Though Paradise Pier […] Read more…
I don’t know if you heard, but Indiana Jones recently uncovered a map revealing the location of an ancient Bengalese temple! His friend Sallah has been hosting tours of the temple to raise money for its excavation. Seems like a perfect day for a jeep tour! Before we can hop into the jeep, we’ve got […] Read more…
December 2000 – January 2024 LOCATION Paradise Pier Hotel – The Sand Bar was the Paradise Pier Hotel’s poolside bar. To find it, you’d head to the pool deck. Turn right, and you’d see the small building behind the loungers on the far side of the deck (opposite end from the slide). EXPERIENCE After a […] Read more…
Over the years, I’ve developed a terrible obsession with pins (combined with my ear collection, I’m starting to feel like a Disney hoarder!). I try to just stick to my absolute favorite characters and attractions, but it’s so hard not to keep grabbing new ones. My mom made me a beautiful felt Minnie board, but […] Read more…