Our very first Memory Maker Photo! One of the questions I see frequently online is whether or not Memory Maker is a good thing to add to a Walt Disney World vacation. The answer is going to be different for everyone. However, I wanted to share with you why my family was very pleased that…
Author: Kristina Valcarce
My first Walt Disney World vacation was in 1976, and my first Disneyland experience was in 1995, when I moved to Los Angeles. I am a bi-coastal Disney nerd and proud of it!
Top 5 Reasons to Stay at the Paradise Pier Hotel
Welcome to the Paradise Pier Hotel in the Disneyland Resort Choosing a hotel for your Disneyland trip isn’t quite as overwhelming as doing the same for a Walt Disney World trip. If you decide to stay on property at Disneyland, there are only 3 hotels from which to choose. Here are my top 5 reasons…
Top 5 Reasons to Stay at the Grand Californian Hotel
Welcome to Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel Choosing a Disneyland resort is somewhat easier than choosing a Walt Disney World resort, simply because the number of onsite choices is so much smaller. Once you’ve decided to stay on property, you have three Disney owned and operated hotels from which to choose. Here are my top 5…
Top 5 Reasons to Stay at the Disneyland Hotel
The entrance to the Disneyland Hotel from Downtown Disney Picking an onsite hotel at Disneyland is not quite as nerve racking as doing the same thing at Walt Disney World. After all, Disneyland only boasts three onsite hotels. Still, there are good reasons to stay at each of Disneyland’s resorts. Here are my top five…
Top 5 Reasons to Stay at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
photo ©Tim Rogers My very first trip to Walt Disney World involved a stay at the Contemporary Resort. It was 1976, and I was a wee lass, so I don’t remember a lot about that stay. But certain memories took hold: being thrilled as our monorail swept right into our hotel lobby, my parents waking…
Disneyland’s Picnic Area
Like the sign says, the picnic area is nonsmoking I’ve been enjoying the Disneyland Resort for about 22 years, so when I try something I’ve never tried before, it’s a big deal. During my daughter’s Spring Break this year, I did just that. We had a picnic lunch in Disneyland’s picnic area. Disneyland’s Picnic Area…
Top 5 Reasons to Stay at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
photo © Jocelyn Martins I love staying at Disney resorts. On the West Coast and the East Coast, a stay at a Disney owned and operated hotel makes the entire vacation feel more magical. At Walt Disney World, there are so many different resorts that my first instinct is to stay at a different one…
A Tale of Two Buzz Lightyear Rides
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin The Evil Emperor Zurg is up to no good – on two coasts! Unfortunately for him, Buzz Lightyear has recruited park guests, er, I mean, Space Rangers, to help him take the no good Zurg down one and for all! The Disneyland and Walt Disney World versions of this ride…
My Favorite Places to Meet Mickey – Walt Disney World Edition
Mickey Mouse is always happy to greet his friends! If you want to meet Mickey Mouse at Walt Disney World, the options can seem overwhelming. Do you want to meet him at a park? At a resort? During a character meal? What outfit do you want him to wear? We’ve been fortunate to meet Mickey…
My Favorite Places to Meet Mickey – Disneyland Edition
Inside Mickey’s House, where you can meet The Mouse To many, a Disney vacation is all about meeting the Main Mouse himself. After all, Walt Disney himself famously said, “I only hope that we don’t lose sight of one thing – that it was all started by a mouse.” If you’re heading to the Disneyland…
A Guide to Character Meals at Disneyland
Goofy’s Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel One of the most popular things to do on a Disney vacation is to enjoy a meal with the characters. The Disneyland Resort has many opportunities to enjoy a character meal. I’ve listed each one so you can decide which one is the best bet for your family. ARIEL’S…
Disney Cruise Line First Day Tips
The Atrium of the Disney Dream It’s finally here, the moment you’ve been planning for! You’re on the first day of your Disney Cruise Line vacation! Many people wouldn’t consider this a real first day of their trip. After all, on day one, you basically board the boat and get settled in, right? Well, it…