Holiday Time at Disneyland

The holidays are in full swing at Disneyland.  The Very Merry Christmas Parade returns with twice daily performances.

Bring the kiddos to meet Santa Mickey as well as the real Santa Claus, appearing at both DCA and Disneyland through the holidays.  After dark, "Believe in Holiday Magic" fireworks complete with the snow finale. It's really something special to experience.  The snow fall is only on Main Street, in front of the Castle and in front of Small World.  I've found that the Small World plaza is the best spot to be.


My favorite thing about this time of the year at Disneyland is the chance to buy tamales and freshly made candy canes.  It's a real treat. Take the family out and experience holiday magic, Disney style!

D23 Events for 2012

The crew from DayTrippingMom and Kids and Mice had the opportunity recently to visit the Walt Disney Studios for a preview of coming events for members of D23, The Ultimate Disney Fan Club.  With each passing year of the club, more and more exciting activities have been planned.  2012 proves to be no exception.

First up in 2012 is the Smoke Tree Ranch Roundup.  In case you don't know, Smoke Tree Ranch was where Walt Disney had a vacation home, located in Palm Springs, California.  According to the internet, "STR is a very private resort, membership is by recommendation of a committee only.  To prove his love of the ranch, Disney had his designers design and build three cottages on the ranch, and they let him join. Those cottages are still there today. There are plenty of homeowners still living there that were friends of Disney and knew him well."  D23 members are invited to take part in a weekend getaway to STR in January 2012. Surprises are guaranteed.

D23 Fanniversary events will be held throughout the year.  Everyone has their favorite Disney "thing."  Well every year there are various anniversaries of those "things."  D23 enables everyone an opportunity to celebrate their favorites with special events and activities.  Next year will feature anniversaries of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Pirates of the Caribbean and even Duck Tales.

Right on the heels of the second D23 Expo, the club has announced that the Destination D events will now be annually held.  If you've never been to a Destination D event, you're in for a treat.  There are panel discussions and meet and greets with all sorts of Disney personalities.  It is somewhat similar to the D23 Expo but on a much smaller scale.

Destination D returns August 11-12.  This year it will be held in Anaheim.

The extremely popular studio tours are returning in 2012. They will be held February 11-12, April 28-29, September 8-9 and November 10-11.  They are doubling the number of opportunities to visit the studio.  Don't miss out.

If you aren't already a member, join now. If you are, why not give the gift of D23 to that special Disney fan in your family?