One of the hidden gems of Walt Disney World that I only discovered right before it closed was the Animation Academy. As such, I was excited to find that the Disneyland Resort, and more specifically Disney California Adventure, had its own version of the Animation Academy. We were not at all disappointed. The Animation Academy…
Category: Disneyland Resort in California
Disneyland Resorts
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…
Soundsational Parade at Disneyland
Disneyland’s daytime parade, Soundsational, features great songs and joyful performers. It may be overshadowed in some fans’ minds by its nighttime counterparts, the Main Street Electrical Parade and Paint the Night parade, but it holds its own. Come take a look at this vibrant celebration of music! First, you’ll want to find a spot to watch the…
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…
Clarabelle’s Ice Cream in California Adventure
As summer hits, we’ll all need something cool while we’re braving a sweltering theme-park day. Whether you’re just stopping by for an afternoon treat, or attempting to snack your way through the parks, Clarabelle’s Hand Scooped Ice Cream in California Adventure serves special treats that you won’t find anywhere else at the Disneyland Resort. You can…
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…
A Vegetarian Review of the Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe
When starting to plan our trip to Disneyland, and specifically when reading the Unofficial Guide, one of the things that struck me as interesting was that out of all of the restaurants throughout the park, the highest rated one was a bakery with a pretty small menu. However, after eating there, I definitely understand why…
Mickey Pancakes for the Soul: 5 Unexpected Benefits of a Disneyland Trip
Before I begin, I should clarify one important detail. Despite the curious title, this blog will not be a review of the Mickey Mouse pancake. This is also not a tribute to the wonders of the iconic breakfast treat at Disneyland Resort’s Rancho del Zocalo restaurant, nor is this a step-by-step tutorial on how…
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…
Mouse Memories: Remembering Disneyland’s Springtime Roundup
This is the first entry in an ongoing series I am calling “Mouse Memories,” in which I will look back at specific momentous occasions that took place at Disneyland Resort in years past, as well as extinct events, decorations, attractions, merchandise and beyond. I will also share personal stories, recollections and photos from some…
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…