Disney Parks Blog

Did you know that there is now an official Disney Parks Blog? The new blog is DisneyParksBlogs.com

The Disney Parks Blog will feature Cast members from Disneyland Resort blogging from and about Disneyland. There will be a number of other Cast Members from all areas of Disney Parks. The Blog will be a source of information on our destinations that Guests can rely on to learn about new attractions, new programs, and experiences that make a Disney vacation so magical.

You'll also find exclusive video and images, coverage of in-park events and profiles of unique cast members who make magic for our guests every day.

The Disney Parks Blog will allow comments, but like many corporate blogs, they will be moderated. The purpose of the moderation is to keep the conversation clean and on-topic.

Fantasmic Dragon is finally here!

I had the opportunity to catch Fantasmic and the much anticipated new dragon this weekend. Let me just say this- She is absolutely amazing! The crowd went wild with excitement as the dragon made her grand appearance and she did not disappoint. The new dragon who was originally set to appear in the summer nightastic shows has had some pretty major technical difficulties. She is absolutely worth the wait. The addition of the dragon takes Fantasmic to a new dragon. I wanted to include my pictures of the dragon and a video courtesy of the Disneyland Resort.

Catching the Dragon is a great reason to head to Disneyland. You will not be disappointed!

Disneyland Magic Mornings

Did you know that you can enjoy admission to Disneyland on select days before the park officially opens?

On select days, Disneyland offers Magic Morning early admission to the park when you either stay at any of the Disneyland Resort Hotels (Disneyland Hotel, Grand Californian or Paradise Pier Hotel), purchase a Disneyland Resort Vacation Package or purchase a special Disneyland online ticket that includes the Magic Morning Admission. Magic Mornings are also included with the purchase of a 3-5 day Park Hoppers. Magic Mornings are held only at Disneyland and not at Disney's California Adventure.

Here is how Magic Mornings works. Magic Morning admission allow guests to enter Disneyland one hour before the park opens to the public on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday.Guests are allowed to enter Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. Select shops and restaurants will be open during Magic Mornings.

If you are planning on heading to Disneyland during one of the busy times of the year(Summer Season, Christmas Season or Spring Break), Magic Mornings would be the perfect option to maximize your visit to the Disneyland Resort.

For additional info head over here.

Taking the kids to D23 Expo- Our review!

Yesterday I packed a bag, stroller and costumes and headed to Disney's D23 expo with the kids. The kids were super excited to head out. I don't really know what they were expecting but they knew it had to do with Disney and they were beyond excited.

We spent three hours but could have easily spent more. I'm not exaggerating here- The kiddos did not want to leave the main exhibition hall floor. We spent hours walking through the Disney Consumer Product Pavilion and the kids couldn't get enough!

My daughter fell in love with the Disney Beauty Booth and begged for a makeover. We didn't have to wait for very long and my princess received the royal treatment. My son, a Toy Story fanatic, could not get enough of the Crayola Animation Booth which featured Andy's Bedroom from Toy Story. An animator will lead you and your kiddos through a 45 minute lesson on drawing your favorite Disney Characters. We had a blast.

The kiddos loved dancing at Radio Disney's booth. They were in their own kiddo dance heaven! Fun music played while Radio Disney stuff handed out Disney "swag" to those on the dance floor.

There is also two rooms that every parent of young children should be aware when heading to the expo. First is the Expo's baby care center located on the second floor and the Baby Einstein Room which is a perfect place to decompress and let the kiddos play and relax. It's the perfect place to hang out with he kids in between events.

There are plenty of restrooms, bathrooms and even a place to rent strollers, if you don't feel like bringing yours.Parking is plentiful and $12. I would bring cash for parking and snacks. Better yet, pack some snacks and save some $.

We had an incredible time and I hope you do too! I will be heading back with the kiddos tomorrow afternoon. If you see me, please stop and say hello. Have an incredible time!

Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure Baby Care Center

The Disneyland/Disney's California Adventure Baby Care Center is one that every parent with infants or young children should become familiar with. This is a place that might be overlooked or unknown.

Those of you visiting Disneyland or DCA with babies and/or small children should definitely take advantage of the baby care center. It is located down a sidewalk at the end of Main Street on the right hand side just past the photo store. Disney's California Adventure baby care care center is located directly next to their first-aid station which is found by the Mission Tortilla Factory in the Pacific Wharf area.

Inside, there are toddler sized toilets, changing tables and in my opinion best of all, glorious air conditioning. It is the perfect place to rest with the little ones on a hot summer day.There is a cast member that makes sure only a few people come in at a time to ensure this peaceful and non-chaotic place remains that way.

They sell about every baby necessity you may need. Everything from bottles, pacifiers, formula, diapers, diaper rash ointment, baby food and more. There are even bottle warmers if you need them.

My son is not yet potty trained and we use the Baby Care Center often to change his diapers. My daughter who is 4, loves using the toodler sized toilets and sinks. The centers are usually not crowded and you can change your baby or take your toddler to the restroom without having to worry about a thing.

It is also the perfect place to nurse a baby. I have nursed both of my babies at the center. It provides a calm private setting where you can lull the little ones to sleep.It also an ideal place to feed babies. There are a couple of high chairs at your dispoal and a kithcen area to wash up.

My son has sensory issues and he can be over stimulated easily and have horrendous meltdowns. The baby care center has provided an invaluable service to us. The place is a wonderful retreat when your baby or child has to calm down from a day of over-stimulation. I can't tell you enough how many times I have used the baby care center. It has been a lifesaver.

I love the Baby Center and I can't recommend it enought. It's an essential when you have the little ones.

Coming Soon!

Mickey's Trick or Treat Party at Disney's California Adventure

This October, Disney's California Adventure will hold it's fifth year of Mickey's Trick or Treat party, a special ticketed event. The park adds additional decoration, special entertainment and trick or treat stations throughout DCA as it closes the park to the general public.

In the Sun Plaza, there is a giant candy corn and a DJ playing music that you can dance to and several other dance party stations. We have had the opportunity to attend almost every year and have had a blast. One of my favorite parts of Mickey's Trick or Treat Party is that there are several character greet and meet photo locations throughout the park. Our daughter's dream came true last year as she was able to meet Cinderella, who took her hand, posed with her and walked around a bit of the park with her. Needless to say it made her night and she was thrilled.

Be prepared for a couple of bagfuls of candy. You are given a bag at the entrance of the park and you will easy fill it up. My kids love trick or treating and this was definitely the highlight for them. Of course the fact that the park limits the amount of guests and it is closed down to the general public doesn't hurt to the appeal. It's my favorite part of the evening. Here is a tip -if you can, make sure to buy tickets for a weeknight. I've gone on both a weekend and a weeknight and we had a better experience on the weeknight. There are less crowds and the party has more of an exclusive feel to it.


This event invariably sells out every single year. Tickets go on sale in the beginning of summer and are usually sold out by the end of September. It is an amazing event for the kiddos. Kiddos and adults are encouraged to wear their Halloween costume to the park. I love it because it allows the kiddos to wear their costume on more than one night. It runs for four hours either from 6:30 to 10:30 or 7:30 to 11:30 PM depending on the night of the week.

If you have never had the opportunity to attend Mickey's Trick or Treat Party, make this the year. Your kiddos are going to love it!

Ticket Prices and Event Dates*

Advance purchase by Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club Members and Disney Visa card holders for selected dates: $26.00

Annual Passholder/DVC/Disney Visa discount is available for the following dates: October 2, 8, 15, 21, 22, 28

Advanced Purchase Ticket Prices
$32 Regular Admission Price for These Dates — October 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29

Day-of-Event Ticket Prices
$39 If Purchased and Used on These Dates — October 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29
$42 If Purchased and Used on These Dates — October 30 and 31

Ages Two and Under: No Charge

For additional information head over here