Showing posts with label Peter Pan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Peter Pan. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Adults at Mickey's Halloween Party
by D'land Hubby
Disneyland is normally a magical place, but a few times a year the resort transforms itself into holiday happenings. Disneyland has always had a strong Christmas presence but in 2005 the resort attempted to grab the family into a Halloween event held at California Adventure. The first year my wife and I were given the opportunity to purchase tickets but we thought we were grown adults and thought we would not fully appreciate the family atmosphere and declined. Boy, were we wrong... I had a few coworkers who attended the event and kept raving about all of the fun that they had. From the candy to the small wait times in attractions, they sold me. Since then I've been able to go three different times and enjoyed each one for a different reason.
Our first visit to the Halloween Party was in 2006.
My wife and I still hadn't had kids, so it was just about the two of us. We decided to dress up (this is the only time that adults are allowed to dress up) as the Mad Hatter and Alice.
People seemed to really like our costumes throughout the night. We tried to do everything. Trick or Treat, parade, characters, and the attractions. We were able to make it through most of the night but it started to rain. Being at a park during the rain is challenging enough, but with the added elements of a costume, we decided to head back to our hotel before the event concluded.
We attended our second Halloween party in 2008. My son was just over a year old and we dressed him up as a baseball. Actually, an All Star Baseball since the Angels were going to host the All Star Game the following year.
We had been given tickets just a few days before the party so my wife and I decided to not get dressed up. We arrived right at opening to a long line. The night was fun but as the party started our son was ready for his sleep. We forced our son to stay awake for as long as he could. We pumped him full of candy. We had him pose with characters, some he knew and others he didn't. We went on one or two of his favorite rides. Sadly, we only lasted about half the time before our son had fallen asleep.
This year we decided to attend our third Halloween Party. This is the first time that we've gone since the event has moved to Disneyland. Based upon past experiences we decided that we wanted to leave the kids at home since they would normally be going to sleep just an hour after the party started. We were really excited, and we eventually talked two sets of friends into joining us even though they had no idea what to expect.
Our friends were a bit shocked that adults would be allowed to get dressed up. My wife and I decided to dress as Ellie and Carl from Up. Both of the families decided to get dressed up for the event.
To be honest, some of the fun of the event is watching how other adults get dressed up.
We decided to avoid taking pictures of other guests (to allow them to enjoy their visit) but we had a lot of fun pointing out their great costumes. We found a Jack Skellington that almost looked like the real thing and some great Haunted Mansion Ghosts walking down Main Street.
The second shock for our friends was hearing that we, the adults, could actually Trick or Treat.
Everyone assumed that only kids would be allowed to participate. During the evening it was decided by all adult parties that the traditional diets would be suspended following the outcome of the candy grab! We all felt like little kids again going from station to station receiving candy. Sometimes you would get one or two pieces and other times you would get full handfuls! Either way, we would start trading our favorite candies with each other.
One set of our friends haven't kept their annual passports because of the
increasing costs. They were really excited about visiting Disneyland and
felt the price was worth the experience. I was able to purchase their
tickets using my annual passport discount so it came out to be $112 for
two tickets. Basically, half price from a normal Disneyland ticket and
it included parking (a $17 savings). They were able to get into the
event three hours early and visit some of their favorite attractions
prior to the party starting.
Another advantage to the evening was the attraction wait times. We only encountered one line that was above 15 minutes, Haunted Mansion Holiday. To be honest, the other ride we expected to be a long wait we never found out the wait times, Space Mountain. We did spot 10 minute waits for Indy, walk on for Splash Mountain, five minute wait for the Storybook Canal. Some of the rides were closed for the evening so you should check with the Disneyland website or with City Hall prior to your visit to make sure your favorite ride will be open. If its not, visit before the party begins in the three hour window your allowed to arrive before the park closes.
If you've ever wondered about Mickey's Halloween Treat you should plan to go next year. Most of the Friday events sell out quickly so plan to pick up your tickets earlier rather than later. We have already started planning our 2015 trip and have talked our friends into joining us once again! Disneyland is a place to act like a kid and being able to get dressed up and Trick or Treat makes it just a little more magical!
Disneyland is normally a magical place, but a few times a year the resort transforms itself into holiday happenings. Disneyland has always had a strong Christmas presence but in 2005 the resort attempted to grab the family into a Halloween event held at California Adventure. The first year my wife and I were given the opportunity to purchase tickets but we thought we were grown adults and thought we would not fully appreciate the family atmosphere and declined. Boy, were we wrong... I had a few coworkers who attended the event and kept raving about all of the fun that they had. From the candy to the small wait times in attractions, they sold me. Since then I've been able to go three different times and enjoyed each one for a different reason.
Our first visit to the Halloween Party was in 2006.
My wife and I still hadn't had kids, so it was just about the two of us. We decided to dress up (this is the only time that adults are allowed to dress up) as the Mad Hatter and Alice.
People seemed to really like our costumes throughout the night. We tried to do everything. Trick or Treat, parade, characters, and the attractions. We were able to make it through most of the night but it started to rain. Being at a park during the rain is challenging enough, but with the added elements of a costume, we decided to head back to our hotel before the event concluded.
We attended our second Halloween party in 2008. My son was just over a year old and we dressed him up as a baseball. Actually, an All Star Baseball since the Angels were going to host the All Star Game the following year.
We had been given tickets just a few days before the party so my wife and I decided to not get dressed up. We arrived right at opening to a long line. The night was fun but as the party started our son was ready for his sleep. We forced our son to stay awake for as long as he could. We pumped him full of candy. We had him pose with characters, some he knew and others he didn't. We went on one or two of his favorite rides. Sadly, we only lasted about half the time before our son had fallen asleep.
This year we decided to attend our third Halloween Party. This is the first time that we've gone since the event has moved to Disneyland. Based upon past experiences we decided that we wanted to leave the kids at home since they would normally be going to sleep just an hour after the party started. We were really excited, and we eventually talked two sets of friends into joining us even though they had no idea what to expect.
Our friends were a bit shocked that adults would be allowed to get dressed up. My wife and I decided to dress as Ellie and Carl from Up. Both of the families decided to get dressed up for the event.
To be honest, some of the fun of the event is watching how other adults get dressed up.
We decided to avoid taking pictures of other guests (to allow them to enjoy their visit) but we had a lot of fun pointing out their great costumes. We found a Jack Skellington that almost looked like the real thing and some great Haunted Mansion Ghosts walking down Main Street.
The second shock for our friends was hearing that we, the adults, could actually Trick or Treat.
Everyone assumed that only kids would be allowed to participate. During the evening it was decided by all adult parties that the traditional diets would be suspended following the outcome of the candy grab! We all felt like little kids again going from station to station receiving candy. Sometimes you would get one or two pieces and other times you would get full handfuls! Either way, we would start trading our favorite candies with each other.
Another advantage to the evening was the attraction wait times. We only encountered one line that was above 15 minutes, Haunted Mansion Holiday. To be honest, the other ride we expected to be a long wait we never found out the wait times, Space Mountain. We did spot 10 minute waits for Indy, walk on for Splash Mountain, five minute wait for the Storybook Canal. Some of the rides were closed for the evening so you should check with the Disneyland website or with City Hall prior to your visit to make sure your favorite ride will be open. If its not, visit before the party begins in the three hour window your allowed to arrive before the park closes.
If you've ever wondered about Mickey's Halloween Treat you should plan to go next year. Most of the Friday events sell out quickly so plan to pick up your tickets earlier rather than later. We have already started planning our 2015 trip and have talked our friends into joining us once again! Disneyland is a place to act like a kid and being able to get dressed up and Trick or Treat makes it just a little more magical!
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
Brave Little Tailor Sweet Dream
Brave Little Tailor Tuesday
A few months ago I shared a couple of "Capsule Toys", also known as Gashapon or Gacha.
Today, I'd like to share a few items from the "Sweet Dreams Gallery." These little pieces of animation art are small, just 2 1/2 x 1 3/4 inches, and come in a little plastic bag with their display easel.
First off, the Brave Little Tailor.
This features Minnie prompting Tailor Mickey to go after the giant. The year of the release is above the title, 1938. And check out the ornate frame with Mickey presenting the piece!
Next, we have Mickey's best pal, Pluto, with Dinah the Dachshund, in Pluto's Heart Throb. The year printed on the title scroll is 1931. This isn't even close! Pluto's Heart Throb, was released in 1950!
Finally, Tinker Bell from Peter Pan, from 1953.
I payed $5.84 for each of these on eBay, which included shipping. While the capsules weren't included, this sheet was. It shows the rest of the series, 12 in all, including one mystery piece.
I'm hooked on these capsule toys, and have some more to share in the future. Like Vinylmation, they are tiny collectibles that don't take up a lot of space, but have a lot of personality.
A few months ago I shared a couple of "Capsule Toys", also known as Gashapon or Gacha.
Today, I'd like to share a few items from the "Sweet Dreams Gallery." These little pieces of animation art are small, just 2 1/2 x 1 3/4 inches, and come in a little plastic bag with their display easel.
First off, the Brave Little Tailor.
This features Minnie prompting Tailor Mickey to go after the giant. The year of the release is above the title, 1938. And check out the ornate frame with Mickey presenting the piece!
Next, we have Mickey's best pal, Pluto, with Dinah the Dachshund, in Pluto's Heart Throb. The year printed on the title scroll is 1931. This isn't even close! Pluto's Heart Throb, was released in 1950!
Finally, Tinker Bell from Peter Pan, from 1953.
I payed $5.84 for each of these on eBay, which included shipping. While the capsules weren't included, this sheet was. It shows the rest of the series, 12 in all, including one mystery piece.
I'm hooked on these capsule toys, and have some more to share in the future. Like Vinylmation, they are tiny collectibles that don't take up a lot of space, but have a lot of personality.
Monday, June 9, 2014
The Disability Access Service Card at Walt Disney World
By: Jen Casteneda
This May we took our annual trip to Walt Disney World.
Like many families, we planned for months, made our reservations, changed our reservations, and sometimes even switched them back to the original reservation.
After traveling to Disney for 13 years with 2 children with Autism, this was the one trip I was worried about most.
Every trip we have been fortunate enough to be able to use the Guest Assistance Card, now known as the Disability Access Service card (DAS). This card allowed our family to use the FastPass entrance without wait. We have always taken our children’s medical documentation with us, even though Disney does not need or use it. We last used this pass in September of 2013 knowing the “new” change was coming soon, due to a few bad apples.
We arrived at Magic Kingdom early in the morning and we wheeled our children up the ramp at City Hall. Paperwork in hand, I waited patiently for my turn. When my turn came, I explained our situation and the nice young lady asked if Max and Sadie were present. By this time, everyone in the building knew Max and Sadie were present with their chortling and verbal squeals.
The Cast Member (CM) explained the new process and asked if I had any questions. I had done my homework so I was feeling very prepared. She then asked if they were ready to have their photos taken, and Sadie was first in line.
The new passes have the disabled guest’s photo on the front of the pass.
I was very happy to see this. Each CM must view the disabled person by matching the photo to the person at the attraction the family is planning to ride.
As we made our way around the park, we didn't experience any wait times for the first 4 rides. We were allowed to enter the FastPass line immediately. When we arrived at Big Thunder Mountain we were given a wait time of 15 minutes. I began to get a little nervous that Max and Sadie would not understand that we would have to leave and return in just a few short minutes. We made our way to use the restrooms near Splash Mountain and slowly strolled back, just in time to enter the ride. YEAH, no melt downs!
I was savvy enough to work our FastPass times around the time I knew we would be able to use our DAS card. This enabled us to only have to visit this part of the park one time. Max and Sadie do not enjoy the same rides all the time, so we were able to split up in groups. Downloading My Disney Experience was a true time saver for us.
We then made our way to Fantasyland. The longest wait time we were given was 40 minutes for Peter Pan, so we chose to skip this ride. When we arrived at the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, the CM asked if we wanted to keep out Peter Pan ride time as you are only allowed one open wait time on a card at a time. We explained that the kids would not understand returning to that part of the park at a much later time, and that we would to like to ride this attraction instead. The CM crossed off Peter Pan and inserted the Mine Train with only a 20 minute wait. The kids enjoyed a few snacks and watched others as they rode the new ride.
All in all, I was very pleased with the way our family adjusted to the new program. I recently heard that some of the return times are up to an hour now with the Summer crowds.
This May we took our annual trip to Walt Disney World.
Like many families, we planned for months, made our reservations, changed our reservations, and sometimes even switched them back to the original reservation.
After traveling to Disney for 13 years with 2 children with Autism, this was the one trip I was worried about most.
Every trip we have been fortunate enough to be able to use the Guest Assistance Card, now known as the Disability Access Service card (DAS). This card allowed our family to use the FastPass entrance without wait. We have always taken our children’s medical documentation with us, even though Disney does not need or use it. We last used this pass in September of 2013 knowing the “new” change was coming soon, due to a few bad apples.
We arrived at Magic Kingdom early in the morning and we wheeled our children up the ramp at City Hall. Paperwork in hand, I waited patiently for my turn. When my turn came, I explained our situation and the nice young lady asked if Max and Sadie were present. By this time, everyone in the building knew Max and Sadie were present with their chortling and verbal squeals.
The Cast Member (CM) explained the new process and asked if I had any questions. I had done my homework so I was feeling very prepared. She then asked if they were ready to have their photos taken, and Sadie was first in line.
The new passes have the disabled guest’s photo on the front of the pass.
I was very happy to see this. Each CM must view the disabled person by matching the photo to the person at the attraction the family is planning to ride.
As we made our way around the park, we didn't experience any wait times for the first 4 rides. We were allowed to enter the FastPass line immediately. When we arrived at Big Thunder Mountain we were given a wait time of 15 minutes. I began to get a little nervous that Max and Sadie would not understand that we would have to leave and return in just a few short minutes. We made our way to use the restrooms near Splash Mountain and slowly strolled back, just in time to enter the ride. YEAH, no melt downs!
I was savvy enough to work our FastPass times around the time I knew we would be able to use our DAS card. This enabled us to only have to visit this part of the park one time. Max and Sadie do not enjoy the same rides all the time, so we were able to split up in groups. Downloading My Disney Experience was a true time saver for us.
We then made our way to Fantasyland. The longest wait time we were given was 40 minutes for Peter Pan, so we chose to skip this ride. When we arrived at the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, the CM asked if we wanted to keep out Peter Pan ride time as you are only allowed one open wait time on a card at a time. We explained that the kids would not understand returning to that part of the park at a much later time, and that we would to like to ride this attraction instead. The CM crossed off Peter Pan and inserted the Mine Train with only a 20 minute wait. The kids enjoyed a few snacks and watched others as they rode the new ride.
All in all, I was very pleased with the way our family adjusted to the new program. I recently heard that some of the return times are up to an hour now with the Summer crowds.
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Have You Been "Photobombed"
The definition of a photobomb is "the act of inserting oneself into the field of view of a photograph" according to wikipedia.
We have been the "victim" of this a few times through the years, sometimes accidentally, other times, very intentionally, as is the case with the 3 photos I'm going to share here.
I put victim in quotes because we actually don't mind a photobomb. In fact, we may have, on occasion, been guilty of doing the bombing. Shhhhh.
This 1st photo is from our very first trip to Walt Disney World in September of 2006. We were having dinner at Chefs de France at the French Pavilion in Epcot. I'd asked our server to take our picture, and our neighbors, well, the photo speaks for itself.
We have been the "victim" of this a few times through the years, sometimes accidentally, other times, very intentionally, as is the case with the 3 photos I'm going to share here.
I put victim in quotes because we actually don't mind a photobomb. In fact, we may have, on occasion, been guilty of doing the bombing. Shhhhh.
This 1st photo is from our very first trip to Walt Disney World in September of 2006. We were having dinner at Chefs de France at the French Pavilion in Epcot. I'd asked our server to take our picture, and our neighbors, well, the photo speaks for itself.
I really respected the full on waving from the gentleman. Usually a bomb is a simple smile, like his companion is exhibiting. We actually wound up having a nice conversation with this couple.
Next we have a really fun one, as it's not every day that you get photobombed by Peter Pan! Barbie and I were eating at Goofy's Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel, when we again asked our server for a photo. Pan swooped up from behind, and our server got the shot at the perfect moment!
Lastly, here I am waiting for the "Character Cavalcade", a special event that occurred on Walt Disney World's 40th Anniversary on October 1st, 2011.
Again, I am eating (what is it with food and photobombing?!) and Barbie is taking my picture, when the guy behind me decided to insert himself in the photo. . What makes this my favorite, is the expression on his wife's face! Priceless.
Actually, come to think of it, the young lady to my right is also photobombing!
Have you ever been photobombed? Or are you a photobomber?
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Disney's Famous Faces of Halloween Hallmark Ornaments
By: Nick
I bought this terrific little set of ornaments, "Famous Faces for Halloween", off of eBay recently. I say little, because the ornaments are only about 2 and 3 inches tall.
Released by Hallmark in 2007. I'm not sure what they sold for originally, but I paid $10.99 on eBay.
What I love most about this ornament set is how perfectly the characters match the personalities of the classic motion picture stars they are portraying.
Mickey Mouse is a terrific Peter Pan, as he is eternally young.
Minnie Mouse is wonderful as Wendy.
Goofy as the mischievous but good-hearted Pinocchio is great.
Finally, Donald is an obvious Grumpy! Love it!
They are currently hanging on the garland that is in our living room, which gets decorated for the appropriate season throughout the year.
There is another set of ornaments I purchased this year from the Disney Store Online hanging with these, and I'll share them in a future post.
I bought this terrific little set of ornaments, "Famous Faces for Halloween", off of eBay recently. I say little, because the ornaments are only about 2 and 3 inches tall.
What I love most about this ornament set is how perfectly the characters match the personalities of the classic motion picture stars they are portraying.
Mickey Mouse is a terrific Peter Pan, as he is eternally young.
Minnie Mouse is wonderful as Wendy.
Goofy as the mischievous but good-hearted Pinocchio is great.
Finally, Donald is an obvious Grumpy! Love it!
They are currently hanging on the garland that is in our living room, which gets decorated for the appropriate season throughout the year.
There is another set of ornaments I purchased this year from the Disney Store Online hanging with these, and I'll share them in a future post.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Disneyland is My Happy Place
Guest Writer Wednesday
Disneyland is My Happy Place
By D'land Diva
I have been to Disneyland in the best of circumstances and the worst of circumstances. I have been there when it is so crowded that I have literally been carried down Main Street and I have been there when it was so empty in the park that I was able to ride Alice in Wonderland three times in a row without getting off. I have been there after earthquakes, bomb threats and during those uncertain times after September 11. It is one of the first places my husband took me on a date and where he proposed. It is where I found out I was pregnant with my son. I went to Disneyland to drown my sorrows after losing a job and I spent my honeymoon at Disneyland. As an Annual Pass Holder for some fifteen years, Disneyland has been an important part of my life.
You may ask why. How can someone who has been to Disneyland so many times return? Is there anything left to experience? Do I get sick of the rides? Do I get sick of the crowds or the heat or the walking?
In short, the answer is NO. Disneyland is an ever changing experience for me. I still feel a giddy rush when I step through the turn style. EVERY SINGLE TIME. I still waver between trying to get on Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters or waiting in line for Peter Pan first. I still take note of the beautiful flowers on Main Street and notice when something on the menu has changed at any of the restaurants. I love to wait in line to see the characters and each time I get a picture with one, it's like the first time for me.
Most of all, I love the happiness of being in a place where for just a few hours, I don't have to worry about anything. It's like the rest of the world stops at the front gates and once I enter, it's magic. Do I still get annoyed at the crowds or want to ask a Cast Member to turn down the heat a bit in the summer? You bet, but happiness just fills every inch of my being every single trip I take. For me, Disneyland truly is THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH.
D'land Diva is a contributing writer and editor for the Tips From Disney Diva Blog
Disneyland is My Happy Place
By D'land Diva
I have been to Disneyland in the best of circumstances and the worst of circumstances. I have been there when it is so crowded that I have literally been carried down Main Street and I have been there when it was so empty in the park that I was able to ride Alice in Wonderland three times in a row without getting off. I have been there after earthquakes, bomb threats and during those uncertain times after September 11. It is one of the first places my husband took me on a date and where he proposed. It is where I found out I was pregnant with my son. I went to Disneyland to drown my sorrows after losing a job and I spent my honeymoon at Disneyland. As an Annual Pass Holder for some fifteen years, Disneyland has been an important part of my life.
You may ask why. How can someone who has been to Disneyland so many times return? Is there anything left to experience? Do I get sick of the rides? Do I get sick of the crowds or the heat or the walking?
In short, the answer is NO. Disneyland is an ever changing experience for me. I still feel a giddy rush when I step through the turn style. EVERY SINGLE TIME. I still waver between trying to get on Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters or waiting in line for Peter Pan first. I still take note of the beautiful flowers on Main Street and notice when something on the menu has changed at any of the restaurants. I love to wait in line to see the characters and each time I get a picture with one, it's like the first time for me.
Most of all, I love the happiness of being in a place where for just a few hours, I don't have to worry about anything. It's like the rest of the world stops at the front gates and once I enter, it's magic. Do I still get annoyed at the crowds or want to ask a Cast Member to turn down the heat a bit in the summer? You bet, but happiness just fills every inch of my being every single trip I take. For me, Disneyland truly is THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH.
D'land Diva is a contributing writer and editor for the Tips From Disney Diva Blog
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