Disneyland’s Main Street Electrical Parade

This iconic parade has fascinated thousands of people over many decades. Read more about this million-light parade and hum along with the catchy tune!

Tulum Ruins, Mexico

Looking for more information on what an excursion from a cruise ship to the Tulum Ruins might be like? Check out this post!

Disneyland vs Disney World

Interested in my take on which park is better? Check out my guide, all about how rides compare to their counterpart across the coast from each other.

What to do in Monterey, California

There are endless beautiful sights in Monterey, California – from the beautiful beaches and hiking to the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. See what else there is to do!

Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island

One of the most iconic statues in the world, see what it’s like with this complete tour of the Statue of Liberty in New York.

Sunday, February 05, 2023

Wondrous Journeys - A NEW Disneyland Fireworks Spectacular!

 



Have you seen the new fireworks show at Disneyland, called Wondrous Journeys?  It's fantastic!  This is the opening night show, from Jan 27, 2023.  The location for this view was to the left of the castle, right in front of the turkey leg/corn on the cob cart.  It was an excellent view!  My favorite part of the show was the mash up of classic Disney songs...seriously awesome.  Fans were crying, this show was so touching!

Check out my video below:



Here is a map, showing my view.  If you look on Google, you'll see the turkey cart listed.  We were directly in front of that, on the curb.  You can sit most of the waiting, but about the last 30 minutes to an hour before the show, they try to make you stand.






A Spark of Inspiration

Gaze in wonder as Sleeping Beauty Castle and Main Street, U.S.A. become a marvelous canvas for 100 years of Walt Disney Animation Studios storytelling. Thrill as talented artists transform empty pages brimming with possibility into beloved Disney characters and vivid animated worlds awash with magic.

All of this and more is brought to life by soaring music, stunning state-of-the-art projection technology—and on select nights, sensational pyrotechnics!

 

100 Years in the Making

For over 100 years, Walt Disney Animation Studios has unlocked a special kind of wonder in our lives. These films have inspired us to dream bigger, unleash our spirit of adventure, discover the power within—and realize that it’s kind of fun to do the impossible.

Wondrous Journeys is an enchanting celebration of the wishers, dreamers and artists at Walt Disney Animation Studios who have shared their imagination and talents with the world.

 #disneyland #wondrousjourneys #fireworks #disney #celebrate #100year #100 #waltdisney #mulan #moana #hercules #notredame

Friday, April 22, 2022

Orca Encounter at Sea World, San Diego!

 

The Orca Encounter at Sea world in San Diego, California is an amazing experience.  This was my first time ever seeing this show, and I thought they did a great job!  It's very interactive, audience participation is requested, and there is a giant screen showing cool facts and pictures behind the water.

 

The view for this video was filmed in the row behind what is painted as the splash zone. We did not get wet in our spot, so I'd say the zones are accurately marked! "See orcas in the first experience of its kind. Dive deeper into the orcas masterful hunting techniques and complex communication codes. Learn about the role of family, the importance of play and what we learn from the whales in our care every day is actively helping whales in the wild survive. Witness natural orca behaviors while an expansive infinity screen brings their story to life. Leave with a deeper connection to one of the sea’s mightiest, most magnificent animals."


 Watch my video, and let me know what you think in the comments!



Saturday, March 12, 2022

Mickey and the Magical Map - Full Show, front row!

 

This was one of my favorite shows at Disneyland!  I am sad to say, it seems like they are retiring this show and not bringing it back.  I am so glad I filmed it, so I have this reminder of what a great show this was.  So entertaining for kids, and enjoyable for all.

This 25-minute musical, which casts Mickey Mouse in his classic role of the Sorcerer's Apprentice from Fantasia, features songs from half a dozen Disney animated films. The show was arranged by Timothy Williams.  

Show summary (from Wiki):

The story begins with Mickey once again in the studio of Yen Sid, as a team of mapmakers puts the finishing touches on an enormous map using giant paintbrushes. Trouble ensues when the mapmakers quit for the day, leaving a curious Mickey alone in the studio with a nearly complete map capable of taking dreamers to any place imaginable. Before long, a paintbrush-wielding Mickey is absorbed into the world of the animated painterly map (an ingeniously disguised LED screen spanning the width of the stage, along with a trapdoor to initiate the shrinking effects). His nemesis throughout the story is an amusing and stubbornly unfinished portion of the map named Spot.

From here, a series of choreographed set pieces starring a succession of Disney characters leap from itinerary stops made during Mickey's journey through the magic map. After Mickey paints his way out of the map, the show concludes with a pair of big production numbers set in Hawaii and New Orleans.

In the end, Mickey realizes his mentor has been watching over him the entire time, when the adversarial Spot is revealed as the pupil of Yen Sid's eye.

 

 




#disneyland #mickeyandthemagicalmap #disney #theater #musical #show





Saturday, March 05, 2022

Disney Food & Wine Festival 2022

 


Wow!  I can't believe I haven't updated the blog in 2 years, almost to the date.  With the crazy world out there, I just haven't remembered to post here.  There also hasn't been a lot of new stuff or traveling going on for me to post about.  That being said, I've got a new video all about the Disney Food and Wine Festival held at Disney California Adventure this year.  Running from March 4, 2022 to April 26, 2022, it's going to be an event you don't want to miss.  

My favorite part?  Soarin' over California is making a return!  The fan favorite version will be running while the food and wine event is going on, so make sure to check it out!  Take a deep breath when you soar over the orange groves, because that's the best smell in the park :)

 Check out my video, and let me know what you think; I love reading comments! 


From Disney about the event:

Culinary Delights with a Disney Twist

The Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival is back! Through food and beverage, art and entertainment, we welcome you back and give you a taste of what you’ve been missing.

During the festival, your whole family will get to experience local, celebrity and Disney chef demos and delight in a smorgasbord of delicious dishes curated by Disney chefs.

Whether you’re a seasoned home gourmet or simply eager to glean pro tips and tricks, the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival serves up heaping helpings of culinary fun for all. Here’s a look at highlights for this year’s festivities:

Festival Experiences

  • Culinary Demonstrations – Local, visiting and Disney chefs prepare a few of their favorite recipes on stage––available weekends only!
  • Festival Marketplaces – Outdoor kiosks offer an assortment of mouthwatering bites, wine, beer and specialty beverages.
  • Family Programming – Throughout the duration of the festival, find something fun for everyone in the family including special activity zones and demonstrations.
  • Cocktails @ Sonoma Terrace hosted by CORKCICLE® – Enjoy an expanded menu of craft brews, signature cocktails, savory snacks and more.
  • Live Music – Groove to toe-tappin’ musical performances presenting the perfect side dish to complement the bon viveur vibe.
  • Soarin’ Over California – See the state’s natural and manmade wonders as this California classic returns for a limited time!

Bookable Experiences*

Festival Shopping

  • Festival Merchandise – Select shops and kiosks feature apparel, gifts, souvenirs, signed art and Festival Gift Cards.

*Additional fees for seminars and events may be required. Space is limited for all such ticketed events; advanced reservations are recommended. Full payment for separately priced events is due at time of booking and there are no cancellations, exchanges or refunds.

All events and experiences represent offerings available in 2022 and may not necessarily return for future festivals.

 

 

#disneyland #disney #foodandwine #2022festival #festival #DCA #DLR #California #food #top10 #disneyfoodandwinefestival2022 #familyevent #aliceinwonderland #livemusic #culinarydemonstrations

Sunday, March 01, 2020

Magic Happens - First new parade at Disneyland in 10 years!



I don't know about you, but I had not realized that it's been 10 years since Disneyland last created an original parade!  That's a lot of Mickey's Soundsational Parade, The Electric Light Parade, Paint the Night and Pixar Pal's Parade that I've seen over and over...so Magic Happens was a breath of fresh air.

This larger than life, super colorful and catchy music-filled parade is one you won't want to miss on your next visit to Disneyland.  There are lots of good spots to view this parade, as characters and dancers interact on both sides of the street.

So check out my video below and leave me a comment telling me what you think!



#groundtravel #disneyland #magichappens #parade #disney #parade2020 #brandnewparade #disneylandparade #frozen2 #coco