Note: As of 2024, the Paradise Pier Hotel has been replaced by the Pixar Place Hotel, and the dolphin has once again disappeared somewhere into Disney’s behind-the-scenes treasure box.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…
 Source: Daveland Web 1960 – 1972 LOCATION Main Street USA – Wonderland Music stood on the southern end of Main Street, and was the first storefront on the eastern side of the walkway. Today, this space houses the Main Street Magic Shop. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – Disney movie soundtrack records, sheet music Unique Features – […] Read more…
January 2019 – present LOCATION Downtown Disney – Ballast Point overlooks Downtown Disney’s central circular courtyard. If you’re coming from the parks side, keep to the right along the main walkway. You’ll see the red doors on the right, just after Wetzel’s Pretzels. If you’re coming from the hotels side, keep to the left. The […] Read more…
I know I’ve said it many times before on this blog, but Cars Land remains my absolute favorite part of California Adventure. Even if you’ve never been, you’ve likely seen enough images to picture it in your mind. The long, bustling street leads right up to a tall mountain range. But part of the fun […] Read more…
Sometimes, counting down for a Disneyland trip can be just as exciting as walking through the gates. A countdown calendar definitely helps build the excitement – especially when the numbers hit single digits. A while back, I shared a block countdown calendar that’s easy to put together. Here’s another variation that can be a daily […] Read more…
Yesterday marked an incredible anniversary for space exploration: 51 years since the Apollo 11 mission and moon landing. Incredibly, Disneyland visitors on July 20, 1969 had the opportunity to watch the events unfold live from inside the park. In Tomorrowland, across the plaza from Flight to the Moon, visitors watched an attraction become reality. Source: […] Read more…
There’s a weird, magical little shop hidden in Galaxy’s Edge. Visitors from other planets often find themselves in awe as they stand in the Den of Antiquities, a mysterious place with eclectic treasures stacked from floor to ceiling. Look up to the balcony, and you’ll spot a familiar creature: the wampa! Wampas come from the […] Read more…
Frontierland‘s main plaza is a busy place. The shooting gallery, shops, and restaurants all beckon visitors from far and wide to come explore. And within Frontierland lies a small mining town, Rainbow Ridge. The mining town offers train rides through the mines – shall we go for a ride? As we head down the walkway […] Read more…
December 2000 – January 2024 LOCATION Paradise Pier Hotel – Mickey in Paradise faced the hotel’s central atrium. To find the shop, you’d turn to the right when you walked into the lobby. You’d see the shop on your right, across the walkway from Surfside Lounge. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – Clothing, ears, hats, accessories, mugs, […] Read more…
 Source: Mickey Mouse Park July 1955 – July 1957 LOCATION Frontierland – The Miniature Horse Corral faced Frontierland’s central plaza, overlooking the Rivers of America. To find the animals, guests entering Frontierland took an immediate right, passing the trading post’s porch. Today, this space is used for the Frontierland Shootin’ Exposition and part of the […] Read more…
One of the highest possible honors for Disneyland Imagineers and employees is receiving their own window on Main Street; their name and a fictional business become part of Main Street’s story. Well, the residents of Toontown got wind of this tradition, and they liked it so much they adopted it themselves. You’ll see windows throughout […] Read more…