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Posts Tagged ‘disneyland’
Thursday, January 26th, 2012
a) 1875
b) 1953
c) 1955
d) 1963
Scroll down for the answer…
Taking a dizzy spin on the King Arthur Carousel with my daughter in 2007
Although the King Arthur Carousel was one of the original Disneyland rides at the California park’s opening in 1955, the merry-go-round was originally made in a) 1875 by the Dentzel Carousel Company. Walt Disney purchased the ride for $22,000 from Sunnyside Park, a popular amusement park in Toronto, Canada that operated from 1922 to 1955. Walt Disney insisted all 72 horses be leaping, so some had to be reconfigured from their original design while others were found on other old carousels.
I love the idea of a carousel in theory. In actuality, all of that spinning makes me dizzy. I’m more of a Space Mountain type of gal.
What’s your favorite Disneyland ride? Tell us in the comments below!
You might also like:
• Disneyland Hotel & Pools Review
• Little Mermaid Ride Premiere & Interview with Jodi Benson, the Voice of Ariel
• Top 10 Disneyland Rides & Attractions for Babies & Toddlers
• Which Disneyland Character Meal is Best for Your Family?
Tags: carousel, Dentzel, disneyland, king arthur, sunnyside park
Posted in Theme Parks, Travel Trivia | 2 Comments »
Wednesday, December 14th, 2011
If you need a little extra incentive to donate $10 for a chance to win a Disneyland-Hilton Garden Inn Prize Pack while helping Passports with Purpose build two libraries in Zambia, I’ve got it for you! In addition to a four-pack of Disneyland Park Hopper tickets and two nights at any Hilton Garden Inn in the world (like the Anaheim/Grove location!), the winner will now also receive over $64 of bonus Disney goodies. Disney wanted to sweeten this already super-sweet package, so they’ve donated a Dooney & Bourke Disney Sketch Wristlet, a Minnie Mouse plush toy, and a Disney holiday tote bag to encourage donors to give to this worthy cause.
Bonus Disney Passports with Purpose prizes
Each Dooney & Bourke Wristlet design is unique. According to the Disney Store website, “Castles and Cheshire Cats, enchanted roses and Disney Princess crowns, these are just a few of the Disney icons that make up our whimsical Disney Sketch Wristlet Bag from famed handbag makers Dooney & Bourke.” It has a snap closure, detachable leather strap, and “Dooney & Bourke” heart medallion. Retail cost is $49.
Dooney & Bourke Disney Sketch Wristlet (Photo from www.DisneyStore.com)
The Minnie Mouse plush toy is all dolled up for the holidays and is carrying a Christmas wreath. If you win, you could tuck this under the tree with a note to the family announcing your upcoming Disneyland-Hilton Garden Inn getaway! I couldn’t find the exact same stuffed toy on the Disney website, but a similar holiday Minnie retails for $11.95.
The holiday-themed reusable Disney tote is a jolly carrier for groceries or other shopping items. Or, use it to bring your cookies and potluck dish to holiday parties! This tote is not available on the Disney website, but similar bags cost $3.50.
The original prize pack was worth $820. With this extra swag, the value is now $884.
Are you ready to change the world by spreading literacy? DONATE AND ENTER TO WIN the Disneyland-Hilton Garden Inn Prize Pack or 88 other Passports with Purpose travel prizes now! Hurry! The last day to donate for a chance to win a prize is this Friday, December 16, 2011.
Have you donated to the Passports with Purpose fundraiser yet? Tell us why and what prize(s) you picked in the comments below!
You might also like:
• Christmastime at Disneyland
• Passports with Purpose – World Tour of the Web
• Reasons to Stay at Hilton Garden Inn
• World Tour of the Web – Africa Edition
Tags: Christmas, disney, disneyland, Dooney & Bourke, Hilton Garden Inn, holiday, Passports with Purpose, Zambia
Posted in Family Vacations, Giveaways, Theme Parks, Toys & Gear | No Comments »
Tuesday, November 29th, 2011
You could win four Disneyland Park Hopper tickets AND a two-night stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Anaheim/Garden Grove AND help build two children’s libraries in Zambia! All you need to do is donate $10 (or more!) to this year’s Passports with Purpose holiday fundraiser. What could be better than helping children, encouraging reading, making the world a better place, AND winning a fabulous prize?!
The Fundraiser
Passports with Purpose is a blogger-supported fundraiser. Each year a different charity and goal is chosen. Then bloggers (like yours truly) gather up incredible prizes (hello, Disneyland-Hilton Garden Inn Prize Pack!) to encourage donors (like YOU) to contribute money to the cause.
Last year Passports with Purpose raised over $65,000 to build a village in India. This year’s goal is to raise $80,000 to give to Room to Read to build two children’s libraries in Zambia. Room to Read believes world change starts with childhood education. According to their website, ”If all children in low-income countries left school with basic reading skills, 171 million people could be lifted out of poverty.”
With the exception of of a very small percentage of fees that go to PayPal for processing, 100% of the donations will be given directly to Room to Read.
The Prize Pack
Spend a weekend at the happiest place on Earth…Disneyland in Anaheim, California. Fly through outer-space on Space Mountain, sing with the birds in the Enchanted Tiki Room, pose with princesses, and go Soarin’ Over California. The prize includes four complimentary Disneyland® Resort One (1) Day Park Hopper® Tickets. These tickets, valued at $420.00, are valid during normal operating hours and provide admission to a magical experience at both Disneyland Park and Disney’s California Adventure Park for one day. Tickets will be valid for approximately 24 months, with expiration and blackout dates listed on the back of the tickets. Passports with Purpose will mail the tickets to the winner.
With two nights at Hilton Garden Inn Anaheim/Garden Grove, you can explore Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure parks and still have time to relax in the hotel’s pool and whirlpool spa (shown above), or to work off those Mickey Mouse-shaped ice cream treats in the on-site fitness center. The 24-hour Pavilion Pantry Market, plus the in-room microwave and refrigerator, make snacks a cinch. Located about a mile from Disneyland with affordable shuttle service to the parks, Hilton Garden Inn Anaheim/Garden Grove is a convenient option for travelers. I love Hilton Garden Inn for its fabulous customer service and family-friendly atmosphere. The winner will receive a Hilton Garden Inn Be My Guest Card, valued at $400 and good for two free nights at any Hilton Garden Inn. There are no exemptions or blackout dates. The card will expire on December 31, 2012. Hilton Garden Inn will mail the gift card to the winner.
As if this weren’t enough…Disney has donated some extra swag to sweeten this prize pack, including a Dooney & Bourke bag! Read more about these BONUS PRIZES.
The Disneyland-Hilton Garden Inn Prize Pack total value is $820. Everyone can enter to win this prize besides me (boo!), people directly related to me, and anyone who works for Disney or Hilton. If you are one of these people, there are a bunch of other awesome prizes to choose from! Make your bids for prizes by December 16, 2011 at 11:59 pm PST. Winners will be chosen at random.
What You Do
So, how does it work? For every $10 you donate to the Passports with Purpose 2011 fundraiser, you are eligible for one virtual raffle ticket good for a myriad of prizes valued anywhere from $100 to $5,000. It’s up to you how much you donate–every $10 gives you one more chance to win. For example, if you would like to donate $100, you can put all 10 of your chances toward winning one fabulous prize (like the Disneyland-Hilton Garden Inn Prize Pack!), or you could split up your chances…one chance to win this prize, two chances for another prize, etc. DONATE AND ENTER TO WIN NOW!
You might also like:
• Christmastime at Disneyland
• Passports with Purpose Wrap-Up & Thank You 2010
• Reasons to Stay at Hilton Garden Inn
• Romance at Disneyland
Tags: anaheim, California, disneyland, Hilton Garden Inn, park hopper tickets, Passports with Purpose, Room to Read, win, Zambia
Posted in Family Vacations, Giveaways, Grown-Up Getaways, Hotel Reviews, Mixed Baggage, Theme Parks | 7 Comments »
Monday, November 28th, 2011
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Disneyland. Mixing the wonder of the holidays with the magic of Disney makes for some very jolly family fun. Here are photos of the special touches, decorations, and treats at Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure parks at Christmastime to get you in the holiday spirit.
Christmas touches are everywhere at Disneyland during the holidays. Santa can even be spotted spinning popcorn inside a vendor’s cart!
This Christmasy display of white Sweet Alyssum and red Amaryllis greet Disneyland visitors at the start of Main Street USA.
This giant Christmas tree is the focal point of the traditional decorations featured along Main Street.
Stop by Santa’s Reindeer Roundup to see real-live reindeer like this handsome guy.
“It’s a small world” is all dolled up for the holidays with lights, characters, and decorations.
Modern wreaths near “it’s a small world” Holiday represent different cultures, like this Mexico-themed wreath.
Mrs. Claus is joined by Pluto and other Disney characters in A Christmas Fantasy Parade. Santa rides on a separate finale float.
Tigger tosses a handful of “snow” at parade viewers.
You can buy a tasty loaf of sourdough bread in the shape of a snowman, Christmas tree, candycane and other holiday designs at the Pacific Wharf Cafe at Disney’s California Adventure.
There are plenty of holiday-themed Disney treats and gifts available for purchase throughout Disneyland, Disney’s California Adventure, and Downtown Disney District.
If you want to get in the Disney holiday spirit but don’t have the cash to spend on entrance tickets, you can always head to Downtown Disney District to take in the twinkling lights and do some Christmas shopping.
Disney characters like Mickey and Minnie are dressed up for the holidays and happy to pose with your family at both Disneyland theme parks.
For more detailed information about the special rides and activities offered, read Holidays at Disneyland!
What’s your favorite part about Christmastime at Disneyland? Tell us in the comments below!
You might also like:
• Christmas at Knott’s Berry Farm with Snoopy & Friends
• Christmas DreamWorks Experience at Gaylord Palms Resort
• Disneyland Hotel & Pools Review
• Holidays in Phoenix at Zoolights
A Note from The Travel Mama: Thank you to Disneyland for inviting my family and me to visit Disneyland at Christmastime as part of a blogger event!
Tags: Christmas, christmastime, Disney's California Adventure, disneyland, downtown disney, holiday, it's a small world, photos, reindeer, santa
Posted in Family Vacations, Theme Parks | 6 Comments »
Sunday, November 27th, 2011
Of Disneyland’s three hotels, I know many Disney-lovers prefer the more upscale Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa with its woodsy detailing and grand lobby. Those on a budget might enjoy the beach-themed Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel (or one of Disney’s Good Neighbor hotels). I, however, like the traditional Disney elements of the Disneyland Hotel best. Located at one end of Downtown Disney with a nearby Monorail stop, this hotel feels very much at the center of all things Disney. With its recent remodel, the Disneyland Hotel is better than ever.
Disneyland Hotel D-Ticket Pool
Pools
Last summer I named the Disneyland Hotel’s Monorail Slide Pool one of the 10 Best Kid-Friendly Hotel Pools in the USA for its whimsical Monorail-themed waterslides. There are two large slides on which sliders zip through enclosed Monorail tunnels and then spin about before splashing below. There are two mini slides for young children too. This pool is open 11 am – 5 pm daily.
Last weekend, the hotel’s D-Ticket Pool area finished its remodel and opened to the public. While not as fantastical as the Monorail Slide Pool, this traditional pool area is still super fun. One large pool has a loopy shape while a smaller rectangular pool sits beneath a flower-ensconced footbridge. Plenty of complimentary cushy lounge chairs are available. Shaded cabanas with flat-screen TV, Internet access, and refrigerator can be rented at an additional charge.
Both D-Ticket Pools are 4-feet-deep all of the way across. This means there’s no diving and you must keep a close eye on young children whose feet cannot touch the bottom. Children’s life vests as well as disposable swim diapers are available at no charge. The D-Ticket Pools are open 6 am – 10 pm daily.
My family visited on a chilly November day and we were pleased to find the pool heated to a swimmable temperature. If visiting during colder winter months, note that the smaller pool is slightly warmer. Still, I spent most of my time in the toasty whirlpool spa. A second spa decorated with Minnie Mouse ears and bow is available near the Monorail Slide Pool.
Disneyland Hotel “magical” headboard
Standard Rooms
The Disneyland Hotel keeps the magical feeling of Disney alive without hitting you over the head with cartoon-y decor. Standard rooms are decorated with subtle Disney elements like Mickey Mouse-shaped faucets, white-on-white Mickey-patterned duvet covers, and royal blue fireworks-inspired coverlets.
At the turn of a switch, a fireworks display cut into the headboard comes to light above a carved castle design while the tinkling sound of Sleeping Beauty’s theme song, “Once Upon a Dream” plays. My children delighted in pressing this button again…and again…and again.
I appreciated the little touches, like a magnified makeup mirror in the bathroom and mini bend-able reading lights beside each bed.
Beware of hidden costs at this resort. When my husband called down to ask for a corkscrew and wine glasses, he was told it would cost $15 to have the items delivered to our room. (We opted to stay thirsty.)
The hidden passageway in the Signature Adventure Suite
Suites
I am a big fan of booking a suite whenever possible. Having a separate room for the kiddos allows for some post-bedtime privacy and enables better sleep all around. At a more expensive hotel, like the Disneyland Hotel, I would probably opt for a standard room and save my money for the parks. Besides, after a big day riding Teacups and roller-coasters, families are pretty worn out and ready to sleep, no matter how many people are in the room.
If you have a large family, will be visiting with grandparents, or have money to spare, by all means opt for one of the Disneyland Hotel’s one-, two-, or three-bedroom suites. These can sleep up to six people.
Better yet, go all-out and book one of five Signature Suites. Choose from these themes: Pirates of the Caribbean, Mickey Mouse Penthouse, Fairy Tale, Big Thunder, or Adventureland. I got a chance to tour all of these (besides the Fairy Tale Suite, which was booked up) and each would make a wonderful splurge for a big anniversary, birthday, wedding proposal or other celebration. The Adventureland Suite was the favorite amongst my blogger friends (with whom I toured the rooms) for its lush fabrics, safari prints, settee with curtains, and secret passageway behind a faux bookshelf.
Restaurants
There are five restaurants to choose from at the Disneyland Hotel. Goofy’s Kitchen is the place to go for a character meal and all-you-can-eat buffet. Goofy “spills” a bunch of plastic dishes and then encourages children to make music from the mess. Disney characters visit each table for lots of photo opportunities. As with all character meals, only the title character (Goofy) is guaranteed to make an appearance but expect to see the likes of Pluto, the White Rabbit (from Alice in Wonderland), Winnie-the-Pooh, or others here.
For a quick breakfast of coffee, rolls, yogurt, and such head to The Coffee House. There is no indoor seating but you can enjoy your meal at an outdoor table on the patio. (My family opted to camp out on a couch in the lobby during our frosty visit.)
Steakhouse 55 is the fancier sit-down restaurant option at the Disneyland Hotel. This restaurant is open for breakfast if you’re not up for a full character experience but you want something more substantial than what The Coffee House offers. I’d recommend this as a date night restaurant.
The poolside Tangaroa Terrace offers casual island fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner plus grab-n-go items. I’d love to try the French toast with bacon and banana-caramel sauce some morning, wouldn’t you?!
Trader Sam’s–Enchanted Tiki Room is an old-school tiki bar with appetizers such as Asian chicken wings and Ahi poke, plus tropical drinkies like Krakatoa Punch made with light and dark rums, orange curacao, orgeat syrup, organic agave nectar, and fresh lime juice. Hold onto your hula skirt because you never know when a tropical storm is going to hit…complete with thunder, lightning, and “raining” walls.
What is your favorite aspect of the Disneyland Hotel? Tell us in the comments below!
You might also like:
• Disney Dream’s Christening Ceremony – Dreams Do Come True
• Disney’s Goal: Hawaii’s Greatest Hotel Pool
• Holidays at Disneyland
• Which Disneyland Character Meal is Best for Your Family?
A Note from The Travel Mama: Thank you to Disney for inviting my family to stay at the Disneyland Hotel as part of a media event!
Tags: D-Ticket, disneyland, hotel, Monorail, pool, remodel, review, waterslide
Posted in Family Vacations, Hotel Reviews, Restaurant Reviews, Theme Parks | 3 Comments »
Tuesday, November 30th, 2010
The next time you are planning a trip to Disneyland, schedule an extra day or two to explore the nearby Irvine Regional Park. I fall a little more in love with this park every time I visit this treasure in California’s Orange County. You could easily spend a whole weekend just exploring this 477-acre park with its plentiful hiking trails, zoo, horse rentals, miniature train and more- all amid tall, leafy trees and the natural beauty of Southern California.
Freely roaming peacocks add to the magic of Irvine Regional Park
Bicycle and Surrey Rentals
I can’t remember the last time I laughed as much as I did during my most recent visit to this park a couple months ago with my family. Nothing made us laugh more than our surrey ride through the park ($25 per hour). Rent cruisers, kids’ bikes, tandem bicycles, surreys, and other wheeled items from Wheel Fun Rentals near the boat dock.
I am a bit of a worry wart and my husband, Phil, tends to think no rules apply to him. Although the rental attendant warned us to avoid a couple of specific hills on the park’s trails for safety reasons, Phil peddled our surrey straight toward these areas. As we zipped down the hills I commenced yelling, which led to our daughter’s nervous screaming, and caused our two-year-old son to turn around from his front basket seat and ring the bicycle bell frantically – apparently as a warning to Daddy to slow down. Once we reached the bottom of the hill safely the whole family would burst out into laughter. Until the next hill.
For a giggling good time, rent a surrey!
Paddle Boats
Since the paddle boats only fit three, my husband and I took turns peddling the children around the small, picturesque lake. Our little boy’s chubby cheeks squished up by his life preserver busted his big sister and me into more rounds of giggles.
The paddle boats are available to rent by the half hour (for $12), and that’s about all you’ll need. My legs tired quickly as I followed ducks around the lake, while the kids gazed in awe at the birds’ submerged orange feet.
The paddle boats are a fun way to explore the lake and get some exercise
Pony Rides and Horse Rentals
Kids can ride ponies at the Country Trails and Riding School ($4 per child – closed Mondays). A parent leads the pony and child around a gated ring a few times. My daughter was delighted by her pony ride on a visit earlier this year.
Horse rentals are also available for adults ($40 for a one-hour trail ride). Rentals are by appointment only, so plan ahead! The trail horses meander sloooowly along one of the park’s many trails. There’s no cantering, certainly no galloping, and barely any trotting allowed. As a teenager I rode horses competitively so trail rides are a bit of a yawn for me. But it’s always nice to climb aboard a horse and take in the scenery, especially in a setting as lovely as Irvine Regional Park.
My daughter, Karissa, sits proudly atop her rental pony
The Orange County Zoo
Contained within Irvine Regional Park is the Orange County Zoo, home exclusively to native inhabitants of Southern California ($2 admission for children and adults aged 2+). During a trip to this zoo, you can expect to see animals such as raccoons, eagles, burros, snakes, mountain lions, black bears, and others.
According to Zookeeper Lauren Howell, the zoo’s residents live here because they cannot be rehabilitated and released back into the wild. Many have been injured by cars, gunshot, hunting traps, or by predatory animals. Others are orphans who could not survive in the wild because they were never taught survival skills by their mothers. Some were confiscated from people who illegally kept the animals as pets.
Willie the Screech Owl, who is blind in one eye possibly due to being struck by a car
Miniature Train
If visiting the park with young children, be sure to make your way over to the Irvine Park Railroad for a journey on the miniature train ($4 per rider aged 12 months+). Listen to commentary about the park’s history as you chug through the foothills of Orange.
Kids love a ride through the park aboard the Irvine Park Railroad
More to Explore
There are several playgrounds equipped with swings, jungle gyms, and such throughout the park. Picnic tables are also plentiful. There are a couple of on-site snack bars with affordably priced items like hamburgers, corn dogs, burritos, and ice cream. I’ve never ordered anything beyond a bag of chips and a soda because we like to pack a picnic lunch for our Irvine Park adventures.
On my three visits to Irvine Regional Park I’ve been too busy with all of the other activities to explore the park’s several hiking trails. This gives me an excuse to come back!
My kids, Karissa and Leo, soaring through the air on swings at Irvine Regional Park
I think spending a day outdoors at Irvine Regional Park was good for my family. I know it was good for my soul. This park is now officially one of my favorite places in the world. It’s a place to connect with nature. To play. To laugh. To breathe. To take joy in the little things.
Where is your favorite place to take joy in the little things? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
You might also like:
• 5 Yosemite Kid-Sized Adventures
• Orange County with Kids – Beyond Disneyland
• San Diego’s Birch Aquarium: A Worthwhile Alternative to SeaWorld
• Stop to Smell the Roses in San Diego’s Balboa Park
A note from The Travel Mama: Irvine Regional Park provided my family with complimentary surrey rental, paddle boat rental, train tickets, and entrance to the Orange County Zoo on our most recent visit. My horse rental was provided by Travel Media Showcase, a conference for travel writers that I attended earlier this year.
Tags: California, disneyland, Irvine Regional Park, Orange County, paddle boat, peacock, playground, pony ride, surrey, zoo
Posted in Family Vacations | 4 Comments »
Sunday, November 21st, 2010
Dear Santa Claus,
Last year I made ten holiday wishes. You certainly delivered on a few, my jolly old friend. I’ll be one happy Travel Mama if you can come though on all of ‘em this year!
1) Last Year: A Disney Cruise. I knew a Disney Cruise would be a difficult item to fit on your sleigh but I asked for it anyway and put a photo of a Disney ship on my vision board. Now I’m a believer because I was recently invited by Disney Cruise Line to sail on the new Dream ship’s inaugural cruise in January 2011! My family and I can’t wait spend two nights at sea and make a stop at one of my Bucket List destinations, Disney’s private Caribbean island, Castaway Cay.
This Year: An Alaskan Cruise. Now, I might just be getting greedy here. I should just be thankful for the Disney Cruise and leave it at that, right? But nooooo…I gotta keep dreaming!
2) Last Year: A Jogger. Last Christmas I camplained that I was the only mama in my Stroller Strides class bumping along at the back of the pack with my standard stroller. Well, I got my jogger, but I got a cheap one. Now I am the only mama in class whose front tire doesn’t turn so I have to push down on the handle and lift my son into the air every time I want to turn. If you are looking for a jogger, I suggest you spend the extra bucks and get a revolving front tire! By the way, I’m still at the back of the pack. I can’t blame the stroller anymore so I guess I just have to admit that I’m slow.
This Year: Fitness & Connection with Nature. I won’t request another, better jogger. But I do want to focus more on getting outdoors and being active as a family. It’d be nice to splurge on some fun classes to keep the kiddos fit too- like swimming, dance lessons, or Tae-Kwon-Do.
3) Last Year: Long-Sleeved Shirts and Pajamas.
This Year: Just Fit into Last Year’s Clothes. ‘Nuff said.
4) Last Year: A Publisher for My Book, The Travel Mamas’ Guide a humorous, how-to guide for traveling with babies and tots. My agent recently sent out my book proposal to mid-size to large potential publishers. They all pretty much said the same thing: Love the voice. Think the book fills a need in the market. Worried there’s too much information already online (ironically).
This Year: A Publisher for My Book. I am starting my search for a smaller publisher now. I know there is a need for this book. I know many moms and dads struggle to figure out how to continue to travel after becoming parents. I know I can help parents minimize the stresses of traveling with babies and children and enjoy the time spent together as a family on the go. I can’t give up yet. If J.K. Rowling gave up at this point, we never would have heard of Harry Potter!
5) Last Year: A Sponsor for BlogHer 2010 in New York. Well, I didn’t find a sponsor for the BlogHer conference, but JetSetBabies did sponsor my trip to the Travel Bloggers Exchange conference (TBEX) in New York this past summer! And, BlogHer is scheduled to come to my hometown of San Diego in 2011, for which I have already purchased my ticket.
This Year: Attendance at TBEX ’11 in Vancouver, Canada. I’ve always wanted to visit Vancouver and this conference gives me the perfect excuse to go! I look forward to chatting, touring, and toasting with some of my favorite bloggers and making new travel-loving friends.
6) Last Year: An Appearance on Oprah’s Show.
This Year: A Place in Oprah’s Audience. This is Oprah’s last year as a daytime talk show host and I’m just dying to attend a taping before it’s off the air. Sure, I’d love a spot on her couch but I’d settle for anything at this point. Do you think if I mention Oprah in enough blog posts that eventually one of her producers will stumble across Travel Mamas and invite me on the show?! (Hey – it could happen!) So far, I’ve included Oprah in five stories. Hmm…maybe you should expect to see her in a few more!
7) Last Year: Annual Passes to Disneyland. Well, I may not have gotten annual Disneyland passes but I was fortunate to have been invited to Disneyland three times in 2010 for Travel Mamas stories. As an added bonus, last year I attended Disney Social Media Moms, a conference in Orlando that enabled me to connect with other bloggers and to experience Walt Disney World with my mom and two kiddos!
This Year: Disney Gift Cards. Since we will be flying to Orlando for the Disney Dream Cruise in the new year, we have decided to extend our stay by a few days so we can explore the Disney World Parks and other Orlando attractions. I’m asking my family for Disney gift cards in lieu of holiday gifts to help us fund our park entrance tickets and vacation dining.
8)Last Year: More Date Nights OUT with my Husband.
This Year: More Date Nights IN with my Husband. We can’t seem to find a reliable babysitter or afford many fancy date nights. So now I’m wishing for some home date night fun. Specifically, I’d love a fire pit for the backyard by which the hubs and I could snuggle up after the kids are in bed. I’d also like a couple of date night movies on DVD to watch while nibbling popcorn on the couch with my honey, like Julie & Julia (what blogger doesn’t dream of having her story made into a movie starring Meryl Streep?) and Eat, Pray, Love (because I could use a spiritual tour of the world!).
9) Last Year: A Month in a Foreign Country.
This Year: Travel. Period. While I didn’t spend a month in a foreign country last year, I traveled to Texas, Puerto Rico, Cabo San Lucas, Arizona, Florida, Maine, New York, and throughout California. Being a travel blogger does not pay well, but it does have some great perks! I’m not sure where Travel Mamas will take me in 2011…but I hope you’ll come along for the ride.
10) Last Year: Good Health. Lots of Love. Family. Friends. This year has been quite the journey for me. I have struggled with some health issues related to stress and have made a few trips to the emergency room for complications related to my son’s asthma. My husband and I have argued more this year than any other during our 11 years together due mostly to our constant worry about his job in this stinky economy (he’s had six within three years), the difficulties of making a living as a travel writer, and the likelihood of making our mortgage payment.
I am incredibly blessed for my overall good health and that of my children. I try to focus on the love that surrounds me, even when the world seems filled with noise and worry. I am blessed to be part of our family of four and to have siblings and parents, who are always in my heart even though they live far away. And I am thankful for my friends…from my neighbor, Sara, with whom I often trade harrowing parenting stories over a glass of wine while our kids run in wild circles around us…to Erin who accompanied me on my trip to Freeport, Maine and reminded me of the giggling college girls we used to be…to my online friends with whom I share my hopes, frustrations, and love of this crazy world of blogging and social media.
This Year: Joy in the Journey. I hope to discover how to make a living doing what I love: writing, exploring the world, and helping others get the most out of their travels. I have been working so hard to make Travel Mamas and myself into a success story that sometimes I have forgotten to enjoy the ride. Wherever this year takes me, I plan to enjoy the journey. I wish the same for you in 2011!
What’s on your holiday wish list? Please share your wishes in the comments below!
You might also like:
• The Travel Mama’s Holiday Wish List - Year 1
• Build a Village in India & Win a JW Marriott Getaway
• Holidays at Disneyland
• How to Survive Visiting Family during the Holidays
Tags: Castaway Cay, Disney Cruise, disney world, disneyland, holidays, jetsetbabies, Oprah, TBEX, The Travel Mamas' Guide, vision board, waterslide
Posted in Mixed Baggage, Toys & Gear | 15 Comments »
Thursday, September 30th, 2010
A friend emailed me this week inquiring about Halloween at Disneyland. She said, “I always see advertisements for it but don’t really get it. What’s the difference in seeing Disneyland after closing for Halloween? Is it pretty much the same just that you get to wear scary costumes? Is there something special to it?”
My daughter posing with Goofy in his Halloween garb in 2008
There are two ways to experience Disneyland during Halloween, which may have led to my fellow Travel Mama’s confusion. Mickey’s Halloween Party is a separately ticketed event that takes place on special evenings after the amusement park closes to the public. However, you don’t necessarily need to attend the party to enjoy this holiday at Disneyland because Halloween decorations, special treats, rides, and special touches are available to all park goers.
Mickey’s Halloween Party
Yes, dressing up in costumes is part of the fun of attending Mickey’s Halloween Party. If you plan to go, plan to don a costume! This is a great excuse to act like a kid again. Many attendees choose Disney-themed gear and some go above and beyond to purchase or create elaborate outfits. Families often come in group ensembles, such as the whole clan coming dressed as The Incredibles.
Yes, there IS something special to this party beyond the attire! Trick-or-treating stations are strategically placed throughout Disneyland. (The party moves this year from Disney’s California Adventure to Disneyland.) Treat-seekers are given a map and a treat bag. Finding the booths becomes a scavenger hunt of sorts. Half a million pounds of candy are doled out to party attendees each year! For those seeking healthier treats, alternative snacks like carrots, apple slices, and raisins are also available.
The fun doesn’t end there! Halloween music adds to the party atmosphere. Living Scarecrows that speak directly to guests are a favorite among attendees year after year. The Halloween Screams Fireworks Show is only shown during Mickey’s Halloween Party and features spooky effects and images of Jack Skellington. New this year, Mickey’s Costume Party Calvacade Parade includes surprise interactions with guests and takes place twice per night.
Halloween Screams Fireworks Show
Two dance parties offer family-friendly fun, Club Skellington at the French Market Café and Buzz Lightyear’s Intergalactic Family Party at the Tomorrowland Terrace. The title characters (and friends) make appearances throughout the evening to show off their dance moves and pose for photo opps.
Since Mickey’s Halloween Party is a separately ticketed event, this is a more intimate affair. Ahem! That means shorter lines for the rides and other attractions! All areas of Disneyland Park remain open during the event besides Toontown, which is closed due to the fireworks displays.
The cost to attend Mickey’s Halloween Party is $49 if purchased in advance, $54 at the door, and $59 on October 31. The cost includes entrance to the park up to three hours before the party starts. Parties take place Tuesdays and Fridays throughout October, plus on Halloween. Find out more or purchase tickets for Mickey’s Halloween Party.
Halloween Beyond Mickey’s Party
If the party doesn’t pique your interest, you can enjoy the parks during regular hours for a taste of something spooky instead. Both parks are decked-out with holiday decorations of the jack-o-lantern and semi-scary variety. The bulk of the festive décor can be found along Main Street as part of the Main Street Pumpkin Festival, which features over 300 hundred pumpkins in store windows. Go here for special treats like caramel apples, pumpkin-flavored fudge, and pumpkin spice cupcakes. Themed souvenirs like jack-o-lantern mouse ears can be found in the stores too.
Halloween goodies at Disneyland
The Haunted Mansion becomes the Haunted Holiday thanks to Jack Skellington and friends from The Nightmare Before Christmas. This ride maintains its mixed up Halloween/Christmas makeover through the winter holidays and may actually feel more less frightening to young visitors during this time-frame. (Still, I had to leave the line with my terrified, screaming two-and-a-half-year-old before we were even able to board.)
Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion all dressed up for the holidays
My favorite ride takes a sinister spin, with a haunting soundtrack and a creepy goblin chasing the coaster through the dark in Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy. Of course, the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, while not transformed for the holiday, is a must-ride during Halloween.
Here I am with the hubs having a screaming good time (with eyes closed, apparently) on Space Mountain’s Ghost Galaxy
Friendly characters like Mickey and Minnie are dolled up in their own Halloween costumes and there is an influx of villain characters available for meet-and-greets. This year, the Evil Queen, Ursula, Captain Hook, Maleficent, Cruella De Vil, and Jafar are campaigning for your vote as your favorite baddy. You can vote online for who you love to hate the most. (I voted for the Queen. Poor thing! No one likes to age! And who needs a talking mirror reminding you that there’s a hotter number in town all the time?!)
The Queen (Snow White’s nemesis) was not impressed with my daughter’s princess pen
I hope that clears up what makes Halloween at Disneyland special! Since having kids, Halloween has become my favorite time of the year. It’s got all of the fun of the winter holidays, without all the stress! A trip to Disneyland is a spooktacular way to celebrate Halloween in a family-friendly, spirited way.
What’s your favorite Disney Halloween activity? Please leave a comment below!
You might also like:
• Disney Cruise – The Ideal Family Vacation
• Disney’s “World of Color” Premiere & My Red Carpet Hullaballoo
• Epcot’s Best Rides & Hidden Treasures for Kids
• Holidays at Disneyland
A note from the Travel Mama: This year my family was hosted by Disneyland for our Halloween visit.
Want to read about more Halloween fun? Check out the Halloween blog carnival over at Best Family Travel Advice or on Trekaroo’s Spotlight Thursday.
Tags: Disney's California Adventure, disneyland, Halloween, Haunted Mansion Holiday, Mickey's Halloween Party, parade, Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy
Posted in Family Vacations, Theme Parks | 16 Comments »
Sunday, June 6th, 2010
Each of the five Disneyland character meals has its own feel, special touches, and star character. These meals are a great way to meet many characters in one fell swoop, which frees up park time to enjoy rides, shows, and other attractions rather than waiting in long lines for a brief photo opp. But how do you know which character meal is best for your family? Let me break it down for you…
Most character meals are served buffet-style. I am not a huge fan of buffets but Disney does everything well, and buffets are no exception. For dinner, expect kid-friendly food like macaroni and cheese, pizza, and chicken plus some especially delicious desserts. For breakfast, you will find made-to-order omelets, pastries, Mickey-shaped waffles, and other tasty treats. Ariel’s Grotto is the only character meal option that serves a sit-down, three-course meal of appetizers, main course, and dessert.
Breakfast in the Park with Minnie & Friends
Where? The Plaza Inn inside Disneyland (so you must have a Disneyland park entrance ticket to dine here).
Meals offered? Breakfast only.
Characters? We saw a multitude of characters at this meal, from Minnie herself to Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother.
The Verdict? Dining with Minnie with a view of Tomorrowland’s Asto Orbitor was a wonderful start to our day at Disneyland. However, I’d rather not “waste” precious park time eating a long breakfast. I suggest eating a character meal at one of the hotels either on the day of arrival or departure to squeeze in some extra Disney magic on a day when you don’t want to spend your money or time at the parks.
Tips? Be sure to request a seat indoors when you make your reservation and again when you check in so you can get out of the heat or the cold, as the case may be. The pink stained glass mosaics inside are darling, plus you will feel more “a part of the action.”
Chip n’ Dale Critter Breakfast at Storyteller’s Cafe
Where? Storyteller’s Café at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel.
Meals offered? Breakfast only.
Characters? Chip n’ Dale and other woodland characters like Brother Bear and Winnie the Pooh.
The Verdict? Children who have their hearts set on seeing a specific character may be a tad disappointed to be greeted by the array of woodsy creatures here. On the other hand, kids collecting signatures might be pleased to find some off-the-beaten-path characters to sign their autograph books!
Tips? Don’t follow the characters around the restaurant. Enjoy your meal and they will come to you! (This is true of all Disney character meals.)
Goofy’s Kitchen
Where? Goofy’s Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel.
Meals offered? Brunch and dinner.
Characters? The only character guaranteed to make an appearance at any meal is the meal’s namesake. So, for sure you’ll see Goofy here. You are likely to see other classic characters like Pluto, Donald Duck and the like.
The Verdict? Watching the kids dance with Goofy was definitely the highlight and added a little something special to this meal. Goofy parades about the restaurant before clumsily “spilling” a bunch of clanking, non-breakable dishes. Then he invites children to join him in making music by banging the dropped plates and bowls.
Tips? This will soon be the only Disney restaurant offering a character dinner, so if you want to dine with characters in the evening, book this one early!
Ariel’s Disney Princess Celebration
Where? Ariel’s Grotto in Disney’s California Adventure Resort (so you must have a Disney’s California Adventure entrance ticket to dine here).
Meals Offered? Breakfast and lunch. In mid-June 2010, dinners at Ariel’s Grotto will no longer feature the princesses. Instead a special World of Color dining experience will be offered here in the evenings only.
Characters? Ariel and other princesses like Cinderella, Belle, Jasmine, and Aurora. Unlike the masked characters, the princesses talk to diners and never break character. My husband said, “You really look like Snow White.” To which she replied in her tiny, bubble gum voice, “Why, whatever do you mean?”
The Verdict? For a little girl, this is the ultimate treat for a birthday or other celebration. Younger children scared of plush characters will find the princesses less intimidating. My son, Leo, was 19-months-old when we visited and he seemed just as enthralled as his big sister by all of these sweet, beautiful women stopping by his table to say hello. I enjoyed the more relaxing, upscale dining experience of this only sit-down Disney character dining option. Hors d’oeuvres and mini pastries are presented on tiered trays, adding to the fanciful feel of the meal.
Tips? There is both indoor and outdoor seating at Ariel’s Grotto. Make your preference known when making a reservation and checking in.
Surf’s Up! Breakfast with Mickey & Friends
Where? Disney’s PCH Grill at the Paradise Pier Hotel.
Meals Offered? Breakfast only.
Characters? Mickey Mouse and other Disney characters.
The Verdict? This is the newest Disneyland character meal. We ate here back when Lilo & Stitch were the title characters. Attendance seemed low to me, probably due to the hotel’s slightly longer walking distance from the theme parks and because Lilo & Stitch don’t draw the crowds like the more well-known characters. It looks like Disney is going all out to draw diners here by having the head cheese himself, Mickey Mouse, as the headliner. I’ve never seen Mickey at any of the other meals, so that just might do it. Plus, this meal offers interactive activities with the characters, who show youngsters how to surf and do the hula hoop.
Tips? Save a seat for me! Since I haven’t attended this newly-revised character meal, this gives me an excuse to head back to Disneyland to check it out. (All for you, dear readers, all for you!)
More Character Meal Tips
Some young children are fearful of these life-sized cartoon characters. Before attending a character meal, you may want to get your little one acquainted with Disney creatures by reading books featuring Disney characters, watching Mickey Mouse Playhouse or other shows on the Disney Channel, or renting a couple of Disney movies. Also, consider waiting until after your tot has had a day in the parks to get used to the idea of the characters at a distance before plunging into a character meal.
An autograph book brings a whole new, entertaining dimension to the character meal experience. Hold off purchasing one until your child is old enough to appreciate it. My daughter, Karissa, requested her first autograph book at age five and proudly brought it to preschool for “show & tell” the following week.
Whatever you do, don’t forget your camera! Shots of your kids cuddling up to their favorite Disney characters are priceless.
Reservations are recommended for all of the character meals and can be made up to 60 days in advance by calling 714-781-3463. Call as soon as you know you will be attending; you can always cancel later.
What is your favorite Disney character meal? Leave a comment below!
You might also like:
• Eat, Drink & Be Merry Disney-Style
• Holidays at Disneyland
• LEGOLAND for All Ages
• Nickelodeon Suites Resort: A Hotel & Water Park for a Splashing Good Time
A note from the Travel Mama: My family and I recently received free passes to Disneyland so that I could review the Breakfast with Minnie at The Plaza Inn. We paid for all of the meals mentioned in this post ourselves. I will always let you know if I receive any complimentary or discounted goods or services in conjunction with a story on TravelMamas.com.
Tags: California, character breakfast, Disney's California Adventure, disneyland, Mickey Mouse
Posted in Family Vacations, Restaurant Reviews, Theme Parks | 5 Comments »
Sunday, April 18th, 2010
I was asked to share a few of my happiest travel memories to coincide with Lay’s potato chips’ Happiness Exhibit, a campaign that showcases the moments of simple happiness that people treasure most. Share one of your happiest travel memories in the comments below for a chance to win a $200 gift card to Southwest Airlines, provided by Lay’s potato chips!
Happiness is Family
When we travel with family, the focus isn’t on work, school, and never-ending to-do lists. Family vacations allow us to spend quality time with people we love, live more fully in the present moment, take notice of our surroundings, and enjoy life. This must be why my daughter often cries at the end of a vacation, “But I don’t wanna go home!”
And, it must be why so many of my happiest childhood memories took place while on a family vacation…swimming in indoor hotel pools with the gleeful calls of “Marco! Polo!” echoing against the walls…playing 20 questions in the backseat of our spitfire orange station wagon…or knowing I was safe on Disney’s Haunted Mansion ride because my dad told me my green Mickey Mouse ears would protect me. I am pictured above at age four (sporting my magical green mouse ears) with my brother and Pluto at Walt Disney World in Florida.
Happiness is Getting Away from it All
One of the happiest moments of any trip for me is after I arrive at my destination and I realize, “Hey, I’m on vacation!” Here I am pictured with my son, Leo, with my hometown San Diego in the background on a Carnival Cruise to Mexico. A sweet thing about a cruise is, the minute you step onboard, your vacation starts!
Happiness is Being Together
Since my two siblings and I live in three different states and we each have families of our own, it is a very rare occasion when we, our children, and our parents are all able to meet in one place. We made a point to get together in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico for a few days of family fun in the sun before my brother, a naval officer, was deployed to Iraq for six months.
While it was thrilling to swim with dolphins in The Bahamas and to climb a waterfall in Jamaica, most of my happiest travel memories take place when doing simple things with people I love. By far my favorite memory of this trip was simply splashing around in one of the hotel’s pools with the whole family.
In total, there were fourteen family members who went on this multi-generation vacation. From left to right, pictured above are my niece Siobhan, husband Phil, nephew Trevor, and sister Karen hamming it up at the pool at Solmar Resort.
Happiness is Relaxation
It is a happy moment indeed when children successfully take a nap while on vacation! This is especially true when such a nap takes place poolside at a beautiful resort, allowing for a mid-day snooze or dip in the pool for the Travel Mama and Travel Daddy! Here’s a photo of my daughter, Karissa, asleep in her stroller at the Kauai Marriott Resort in Kauai, Hawaii.
Happiness is Dreaming
I spent a lot of time visualizing taking my baby to Disneyland to distract myself from contractions during a very, very, very long labor with my firstborn. I couldn’t think of a happier place to be. It is, after all, The Happiest Place on Earth!
So, for my daughter’s first birthday rather than throwing her a birthday party, we took a three-day trip to Disneyland. Did the trip live up to my expectations? I think this picture of Karissa clapping with joy on her inaugural Disney ride aboard Dumbo’s back says it all!
Happiness is Simple
The message of the Lay’s potato chips’ Happiness Exhibit is that the happiest moments in our lives are truly the simple ones. From the online exhibit, select photos will be chosen to be featured on millions of Lay’s potato chip bags. You can submit photos that showcase simple, happy moments to Lays.com. Submitting photos on the Lay’s site does not affect your chance of winning the Happiest Travel Memories Contest on TravelMamas.com but it sure would be fun to see your photo on a bag of Lay’s potato chips!
Happiest Travel Memories Contest Sponsored by Lay’s Potato Chips
I shared just a few of my happiest travel memories with you. Now it’s your turn! Leave a comment below describing one of your happiest travel memories for a chance to win a $200 Southwest Airlines gift card. Lay’s potato chips will provide the prize to the winner.
This contest ends at 11:59 pm Pacific Standard Time on Saturday, May 1, 2010. The winner will be selected at random using Random.org and will be notified by email. If no response is received within one week, the first winner will forfeit the prize and another entrant will be selected. THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED. To find out who won and to read my favorite entries, read Thanks for Sharing the Memories.
You can enter a maximum of four times, using each method of entry once. The first option is required for entry. For each bonus entry, you must add an additional, separate comment to this blog post.
• REQUIRED ENTRY: Leave a comment below about your happiest travel memory. Please be specific! General comments like, “I love to travel” or “I have many happy travel memories” will be disqualified.
• BONUS ENTRY: Follow @TravelMamas on Twitter and tweet this contest. Be sure to add a link to your tweet below! Copy and paste the following phrase into Twitter:
Share a happy travel memory on @TravelMamas to WIN $200 for AIRLINE TIX from Lay’s potato chips http://bit.ly/arRHw7 #giveaway
• BONUS ENTRY: Become a Fan of Travel Mamas on Facebook. Then submit a comment like the one below, filling in the blanks, on the Travel Mamas Fan Page wall. Be sure to come back here and repeat the phrase in a separate comment on this blog post!
If I win the Happiest Travel Memories Contest on TravelMamas.com I will go to ___________ because _______________.
• BONUS ENTRY: Become a Travel Mama to receive bimonthly e-newsletter updates. If you already receive the e-newsletter, that counts! Just be sure to make a comment below saying that you are on the distribution list!
You might also like:
• Beach Day in Zihuatanejo, Mexico
• Carnival Cruise Line’s Onboard Activities for Kids
• 10 Best Family-Friendly Hotel Pools in the World
• Top 10 Disneyland Rides and Attractions for Babies and Toddlers
• Why We Travel with Children
Tags: cabo san lucas, California, Cruise, disney world, disneyland, Florida, hawaii, kauai, lay's potato chips' happiness exhibit, Mexico, multi-generation vacation, pool, San Diego, vacation naps
Posted in Family Vacations, Giveaways | 357 Comments »
Sunday, February 7th, 2010
I felt naked as I walked down Disneyland’s Main Street, so odd was it to not push a baby in a stroller or pull a dawdling four-year-old through the crowd. I surprised my husband with an overnight romantic getaway at Disneyland for our wedding anniversary last summer. I felt a tad guilty visiting the Happiest Place on Earth without the kids, and I worried my husband would find our destination less than romantic. However, I quickly realized just how freeing and romantic a child-free Disney trip can be.
Me with the hubs at Disneyland for our 8th wedding anniversary
Simple Pleasures
My husband, Phil, and I started by touring all the rides normally off-limits with wee ones. First we rode Space Mountain (my personal favorite), then the Matterhorn Bobsleds (with the “scary” Abominable Snowman) and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (the twisting mine train roller coaster). We practically ran from one site to another, holding hands like teenagers in love.
We searched for our photo snapped while aboard Space Mountain. My husband was grinning so wide in the picture that some other Disney-goers giggled and pointed at his expression. Phil told them, “That’s what I looked like in all my wedding photos – I was so happy.”
Phil and I paused between grown-up rides long enough to split a churro, which seemed like a glorious indulgence since my daughter is a churro-hog and usually I’m lucky if I get a couple of bites.
Then we hit the Haunted Mansion. A little boy around my daughter’s age almost broke my heart when he wailed, “No quiero!” as his parents carried the preschooler aboard the ride.
Wine-tasting at Disney’s California Adventure Park
Remembering Couplehood
After lunch at my favorite Disneyland buffet-service eatery, French Market Restaurant in New Orleans Square, we popped into Crystal d’Orleans, where the shopkeeper was etching a name into a glass mug. A woman in her late sixties asked me which of the two necklaces she should buy, the blue or the purple. We learned that she and her husband celebrate their anniversary at Disneyland every year – this year was their twenty-ninth. When we told them it was our anniversary, the husband said, “May you always be as happy together as you are today.” Phil and I smiled at each other, appreciating that our love was shining through – not clouded by the back-and-forth order-giving that often accompanies parenthood.
At the California Adventure Park we tasted a flight of three one-ounce white wines for $10 in the Golden State, an activity in which we’ve never been able to indulge with the kiddies in tow. We lingered for a while in the shade and rested our feet. It was so peaceful, so relaxing, so not like our usual family vacations of non-stop hustle, soothe, and wipe.
Phil had been looking forward to riding the huge roller coaster, California Screamin’ from the minute I told him our destination that morning. However, my balance was off from so many fast rides and a wee bit of wine. Instead, we made bets about who would be the best shot on the new Toy Story Mania, which is half-ride, half-carnival-game. Apparently I still owe him a massage.
Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel
Celebrating Romance
We strolled across the street to our hotel to shower and ready for our “date night.” We stayed at the Paradise Pier Hotel, the least expensive of the three on-site Disney resorts. It has a fanciful beach-theme and all the charm you’d expect from Disney, with a slightly longer walking distance to the parks.
To help us celebrate our anniversary, the bubbly gal at check-in upgraded us from a standard room to one on the top floor with a view of the California Adventure Park. Room service also made us feel special by delivering two complimentary chocolate-dipped, Mickey-shaped crispy rice treats that afternoon.
I had made dinner reservations for the evening at the Chef’s Counter at Napa Rose, the upscale wine country cuisine restaurant located in Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel. We were seated practically inside the open kitchen, at a counter where we could see all of the action. Executive Chef Andrew Sutton asked our preferences – no artichokes and easy on the red meat for me – open season for Phil. Then he and his staff prepared a multicourse tasting menu for us that would leave the toughest food critic pleasantly stuffed. We felt like our foodie dream had come true as we imagined we were guest judges on one of our favorite cable TV cooking competition shows.
Hand-harvested diver scallops at Napa Rose at the Grand Californian Resort
It was supposed to be a four-course meal, but the chef surprised us with three additional mini courses. From the amuse bouche of pureed cantaloupe and honeydew with crispy prosciutto, to the tempura lobster salad served on a bed of greens with coconut lemongrass dressing, each dish was a celebration unto itself.
To top off the meal, Pastry Chef Graciela Cordero served us not two, but three desserts because, as she said, “We take care of our guests at the counter.” The winning dessert was the crème brulee in pastry crust served with fresh raspberries. Phil and I delighted in watching Graciela caramelize the sugar crystals into a sweet crispy lacquer with a mini blow torch.
Phil and I toasted our eight years of marriage and exchanged sappy anniversary cards. I gave him a pair of Mickey Mouse boxer shorts, purchased at the park earlier in the day. Neither of us had to walk the baby through the restaurant or worry about our children tossing crayons at the other diners. We talked, and listened, and even snuck in a smooch every now and then.
To top it all off, we were given a box of four chocolate truffles made on-site as a souvenir of our delectable meal. The meal was not cheap, but I highly recommend this unforgettable experience as splurge for a special occasion. To make reservations for the Chef’s Counter, call 714-300-7170.
Before heading back to the hotel, we ended the night with a romantic stroll through Disneyland to do one more thing we usually miss on family Disney trips due to an early kids’ curfew; take a peek at Sleeping Beauty’s Castle all lit up with pink, turquoise, and purple lights.
Why Disneyland for a Romantic Getaway?
Disneyland is the perfect place for children. Why, then, should you choose Disney for a romantic getaway? Because sometimes it’s nice to ride scary rides…and eat an uninterrupted meal in a nice restaurant…and do whatever makes YOU happy…for as long as YOU want…without worrying about bedtimes and potty breaks. And, because visiting Disneyland without kids reminds you of how it feels to be a kid, rather than caring for kids.
Our Disney getaway was exactly what we needed: to connect, to have fun, to feel carefree and in love. What could be more romantic than that?
Would you consider a Disney trip for a romantic getaway? Why or why not? Please leave a comment below!
For more information on this topic, see:
• Holidays at Disneyland
• How to Plan a Disney World Vacation
• Inspiration from a Disney Expert
• Tips for a Romantic Getaway WITH the Kids
• Top 10 Disneyland Attractions for Babies & Toddlers
A Note from The Travel Mama: We gained entrance to the Disneyland and California Adventure Parks using our Annual Passes, for which we paid full-price. We did not receive any discounts on our hotel or dining due to my status as a travel writer. I will always let you know if I receive any sort of discount or complimentary goods or services related to a blog post.
Tags: amusement park, Disney's California Adventure, disneyland, Napa Rose, Paradies Pier Hotel, romantic getaway, wine-tasting
Posted in Grown-Up Getaways, Hotel Reviews, Restaurant Reviews, Theme Parks | 5 Comments »
Sunday, December 13th, 2009
Although I have been to Disneyland a multitude of times, up until last week, I had never visited during the holiday season. Now that I have experienced the happiest time of the year at the Happiest Place on Earth, I defy Scrooge himself to remain cranky during a trip to Disneyland during the holidays.
My son, Leo, and I standing in front of the
huge Christmas tree on Disneyland’s Main Street
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!
A trip to Disneyland during the holidays is worthwhile, even if only to stroll down the quintessentially Christmas-y Main Street. Of course, the decorations don’t end on Main Street. Throughout Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure Park, everything is doused with greenery, ornaments, and twinkling lights. You can’t miss Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, in the center of the park all dolled up with snow, icicles, and lights galore.
Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle
Haunted Mansion Holiday
It is worth waiting in an enormous line to see the Haunted Mansion Holiday…for older kids and adults. The attraction is transformed with a jack-o-lantern-laden, red and green “Nightmare Before Christmas” theme during the Halloween and Christmas seasons. This ride may be a bit too spooky for youngsters; I’d say hold off on this one until age six or so.
“it’s a small world” decked out with holiday lights
“it’s a small world” Holiday Celebration
This ride is an absolute must-see at Christmastime. Yes, the line is long. Yes, you will get the cutesy song stuck in your head. Yes, your children will adore the animatronic dolls representing cultures from around the world dressed up in their holiday finest. The China display features fireworks in red and gold to commemorate Chinese New Year, while Polynesia wishes you a “Mele Kalikimaka” and includes hula dancers jingling in unison with strings of bells draped across their hips. Try to hit “it’s a small world” holiday early in the day before the line gets too long and stimulation-overload sets in.
A Christmas Fantasy Parade
A Christmas Fantasy Parade
Usually we skip the parades during our Disney visits. Rather than waiting with two wriggling kids for a viewing spot along the parade route, we use parade time to take advantage of shorter ride lines. On this trip, however, I got a sampling of what I have been missing out on. The Christmas Fantasy Parade features dancers, spinning snowmen, and trumpet-playing toy soldiers, plus floats topped with everyone’s favorite characters. Most impressive was the float on which Mickey and Minnie skated across a real ice rink!
The parade was my four-year-old daughter’s admitted favorite part of our holiday visit. When I asked her why she liked it so much, she looked at me as though I had reindeer antlers growing out of my head and said, “Because it ended with Santa Claus!”
Well, duh, of course!
My daugher, Karissa, posing with a festive Pluto and Donald Duck
Holiday-Clad Characters
Be sure to find your favorite characters decked out in their festive sweaters and scarves. You may even get a holiday-card-worthy photo out of it! Kids love to meet their favorite Disney characters. Parents love to snap those adorable photos. My daughter is stubborn about getting her picture taken so I take full advantage of Disney character meetings as the one time she merrily smiles for the camera.
My kids munching on Disney’s holiday brownies and cookies
Tasty Treats
Bring a sweet tooth and leave the diet at home during your Disneyland holiday visit. My family and I enjoyed brownies topped with red and green candies as well as snowman-shaped sugar cookies. And, next year, I vow to sample more holiday treats!
I stumbled across Guy’s Disney Holiday on the Food Network just after our visit. I wish I had seen this special featuring Guy Fieri BEFORE we went! Who knew I should have been on the lookout for waffle ice cream cones dipped in chocolate and crushed candy canes? Or Yule logs made of chocolate sponge cake, butter cream, and chocolate ganache?
Santa’s Reindeer Roundup
Apparently there are live reindeer and “western fun” at Santa’s Reindeer Roundup at Big Thunder Ranch. According to the Disneyland website, Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Pluto the rein-dog can be found here in addition to festive face-painting.
I’m sorry to say we missed this attraction during our visit. It’s hard enough to squeeze in everyone’s favorite rides and shows on a regular day, much less when there are special parades and holiday-themed attractions to see! The summer crowds were nothing compared to the crush of people we experienced during our Christmastime visit. My advice? Plan to go for at least two days. One day just wasn’t enough!
“a bug’s land” holiday decorations
Magic in “a bug’s land”
Head over to ”a bug’s land” at Disney’s California Adventure to pose before giant Christmas ornaments and humongous glowing holiday lights.
My favorite memory of our Disneyland holiday adventure took place over here when I took my ride-phobic 21-month-old son, Leo, on Flik’s Flyers. It’s a circular flying ride, much like Dumbo, but with giant pretend boxes of animal crackers, Chinese take-out, or raisins functioning as the cars instead of elephants.
Leo said, “No, no, no” and clung tightly to me as we boarded the ride. But I sat him on my lap and whispered reassuring words into his ear and he settled down. I could feel his body tense as we slowly took flight, but he didn’t cry. He just leaned his head into my chest hard and stared at the wonder of the world whipping past him. He’s getting to be a big boy in a world full of so many things to explore and it’s hard to get him to slow down long enough to snuggle up with me too much anymore. As I rubbed my chin across the tufts of his fine baby hair, I wondered how much longer will the world seem completely safe to him, just as long as he is with his mama. It was one of those moments you want to stop and bottle up and keep forever – just the two of us flying through the crisp winter air together.
Beyond the decorations, treats and shows – this is what I love about Disneyland – magical moments that I will carry with me forever.
What is your favorite Disney holiday memory? Do you have any questions about visiting Disneyland during the holidays? Please leave a comment below!
Disclosure: My family and I received free one-day Park Hopper passes as part of Disneyland’s Family Media Day. This did not affect the content of this post in any way. I love Disneyland no matter who pays!
For more information on this topic see:
• Amusement Park & Disney Resources
• A Travel Mama’s Holiday Wish List
• How to Survive Visiting Family During the Holidays
• PassPorter’s Top Tips for Doing Disney with Children
• Top 10 Disneyland Attractions for Babies & Toddlers
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Tags: Christmas, Disney's California Adventure, disneyland, holidays
Posted in Family Vacations, Theme Parks | 3 Comments »
Thursday, December 10th, 2009
Dear Santa,
I’ve been a good Travel Mama all year…well…most of the year. All I want for Christmas is…
1) A Disney Cruise. Why a Disney cruise? Because a Disney Cruise is a fabulous vacation option for a family with young children (especially with a child under age two). Everyone’s needs are taken care of, so there is no guilt for having fun. We had to cancel next year’s Disney Cruise due to this stupid, icky economy. We booked this cruise when I was newly pregnant with my son (who is now 21-months-old) while we were on our first Disney Cruise. In the larger scheme of things I wish for a better economy. Amen.
2) A jogger. More specifically, a BOB jogger. I am one of the only mamas in my Stroller Strides class bumping along at the back of the pack with my standard stroller. It’s kind of ironic, really, that Travel Mamas has a contest right now for a $150 gift certificate to JoggerMom.com. Is this a silly ploy to include my contest in another blog post? Maybe…but I WANT A JOGGER!
3) Long-sleeved shirts and pajamas. What?! I need some long-sleeved shirts and pajamas. It gets cold here in Southern California sometimes. You would never know it from looking at my wardrobe. The Travel Mama’s chilly!
4) A publisher for my book, The Travel Mamas’ Guide. My agent will be sending out my book proposal in early 2010. A nice big, fat advance would be nice too. Wish me luck!
5) A sponsor for BlogHer 2010 in New York. I read Fodor’s Family: New York City with Kids and interviewed its author for the two stories I wrote on New York City’s Best Sites, Activities, and Restaurants with Kids and New York City Holiday Travel Tips, and now I’m convinced my family needs to go to the Big Apple! Since BlogHer takes place in NYC this year, all I need now is a sponsor! Interested? You just need to send me, not the whole Travel Mama family!
6) An appearance on Oprah. Did you see the show where Oprah talked about Vision Boards and people showed her how they had included Oprah on their vision boards and Oprah was all, “Wow! Isn’t that amazing!” Here’s the deal, Oprah, you are on EVERYONE’S vision board. If someone makes a vision board and doesn’t include Oprah, that’s crazy. Invite me as a guest on your show and you can quote this blog post and we can all sit around and go, “Doo do doo do doo do doo do…isn’t that crazy how she included Oprah in her blog?! It was meant to be!”
7) Annual passes to Disneyland. I may sound like I am trying to kiss some Disney booty. I’m not. I’m just a bit of Disney freak. Plus, when things were getting very stressful up in my house, it was really nice last year (as an annual passholder) to take a detour to the Happiest Place On Earth.
8) More date nights with my husband. I love my husband…I think…I’m pretty sure. It’s much easier to love him when we have time together. Away. From. The. Kids. I love the kids, but they can squelch any ideas of romance faster than…you know…stuff that kills romance…cockroaches, umm, boogers, you get the idea.
9) A month in a foreign country somewhere…anywhere! I’m open…Costa Rica…France…wherever! No, not really…I’d prefer Costa Rica or France. The point is…I’d like to go somewhere for a month or two with the kids. They are young (almost two and almost five) and they are not yet tied to any sort of school requirements. They would learn a heck of a lot more on the road than sitting at home. I just need to figure out where to go and how to finance the trip. Any suggestions?
10) Good health. Lots of love. Family. Friends. That’s all we really need, isn’t it? Oh…and I’d like to be able to pay the bills too. Bills suck.
I was inspired to write about what’s on my holiday wish list after reading A Flight Attendant’s Wish List (which happens to have been written by former Travel Mamas’ Blog Contest Winner, Sara Keagle!). Let’s face it, this is an excuse for me to blather on about what I want in hopes that Santa (my husband) will take notice.
Disclaimer: I did not receive any money or goodies from Disney, BOB, BlogHer, Oprah, or anyone else mentioned in this story. Oh, and I do love my husband. Really, honey, I do!
What’s on your holiday wish list? Leave a comment below!
Tags: BlogHer, Christmas, Disney Cruise, disneyland, holidays, Oprah, The Travel Mamas' Guide
Posted in Mixed Baggage, Theme Parks | 2 Comments »
Monday, May 25th, 2009
Before I brought my daughter to Disneyland to celebrate her first birthday, some well-meaning friends warned, “It’s better to wait until she’s five or six to go. What’s the point in taking her now? She won’t even remember it.” But when I held my birthday girl in my arms as we soared through the air on Dumbo’s back and she clapped her hands, grinning and baring her two teeth, I knew that moment mattered. Even if she doesn’t remember it, for that moment she and I were soaring through joy.
As a Disneyland enthusiast and former Annual Passholder, I have since visited the Happiest Place on Earth a multitude of times with my two young children. Many parents worry there are not enough rides for babies and toddlers, but amusements for all ages abound at Disneyland. The best part is the entire family can enjoy most attractions together.
Here are my favorite Disneyland rides and attractions for babies and toddlers:
1. Dumbo the Flying Elephant in Fantasyland
After failing to get my daughter (then age three) to ride Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride and instead taking my infant son, who clawed at my face with fear throughout, I have given up waiting out the ridiculously long lines for the dark rides in Fantasyland. Instead, we head to everyone’s favorite flying elephant.
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
2. It’s a Small World in Fantasyland
It is worth getting the cutesy Small World song stuck in your head all day for the smiles this ride will induce for your child. Plus, you get a big return (an eight-minute ride) for your small investment (typically a brief wait in line).
It’s a Small World
3. A Bug’s Land at Disney’s California Adventure
This area includes three rides for little ones that you can hit pretty quickly since the lines tend to be minimal. While Tuck and Roll’s Drive’Em Buggies bumper cars are fun for preschoolers, the other two rides are wonderful choices for kids and babies alike. There is Flik’s Flyers, which is a slightly less magical version of Dumbo’s ride, and Heimlich’s Chew Chew Train, for which you board a talking caterpillar who chews his way though a garden of sweet-smelling treats like watermelon and animal crackers. Wait until kids are older to brave the 3-D film It’s Tough to Be a Bug! I took my daughter when she was a little over age two. Too scary!
Tuck and Roll’s Drive’Em Buggies
4. Minnie’s House in Mickey’s Toontown
When you tire of waiting in lines, this walk-though attraction keeps toddling kids busy with dials and buttons galore.
Minnie’s House
5. Jungle Cruise in Adventureland
Here’s an old-school ride for the whole family. Adults will chuckle (or groan) at the humorous commentary of the adventure guides. As for the kids, I remember believing I had actually been to Africa and back when I embarked on this ride during my first trip to Disney World at age four.
Jungle Cruise (Photo: armadillo444, Flickr Creative Commons 2.0)
6. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh in Critter Country
This brightly colored, sweet ride is one of my daughter’s all-time favorite rides! I keep hoping my (ride-shy) son will warm to it, but perhaps the psychodelic Heffalump scene and loopy feel are not his cup of milk. Most non-ride-phobic kids will love this one.
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
7. Mickey’s Fun Wheel at Disney’s California Adventure’s Paradise Pier
Formerly the Sun Wheel, this huge Ferris wheel provides a great aerial view of the park. Skip the long lines for the swinging, scarier gondolas and opt for the milder, merely-swaying ones.
Mickey’s Fun Wheel
8. Disneyland Railroad
I have yet to meet a child who is not enthralled by choo-choo trains! You can climb aboard or disembark at Main Street U.S.A., Tomorrowland, Mickey’s Toontown, or New Orleans Square. The best part is the “surprise” trip through the Grand Canyon and Primeval World (a scene of Animatronic dinosaurs) between Tomorrowland and Main Street.
Historic photo of Walt Disney aboard the Disneyland Railroad (Photo Courtesy of Disneyland)
9. The Enchanted Tiki Room in Adventureland
Birds and flowers serenade the audience in this pleasant indoor show, giving you time out of the sun (or rain, as the case may be) to rest your tootsies while the baby nurses or sips a bottle. Beware of a brief, somewhat scary tropical thunderstorm at the end of the show.
The Enchanted Tiki Room
10. King Triton’s Carousel at Disney’s California Adventure’s Paradise Pier or King Arthur’s Carousel in Fantasyland
Whether you choose Triton’s underwater-themed carousel with seahorses, whales, and other ride-able sea creatures or you choose Arthur’s classic hand-carved horses, most tots love a carousel! It may seem like a boring choice to grown-ups, but not so for the kiddos!
King Triton’s Carousel
What are your favorite rides for young children at Disneyland or Disney World? Leave a comment below!
For more information on this topic see:
• Disney’s New Ship Is a Dream for Babies, Toddlers, and Children
• Epcot’s Best Rides & Hidden Treasures for Children
• LEGOLAND Splash Zoo for Toddlers & Beyond
• Which Disneyland Character Meal is Best for Your Family?
Tags: babies, California, Disney's California Adventure, disneyland, rides, toddlers
Posted in Family Vacations, Theme Parks | 12 Comments »
Monday, April 27th, 2009
An Interview with Jennifer Marx, co-author of the PassPorter guides to Disney
Hanging in my office is a page torn from a PassPorter’s guidebook to Disney World, across which I have written, “DO WHAT YOU LOVE!”
PassPorter was developed by Disney enthusiast Jennifer Marx. Jennifer originally made homemade binders filled with itineraries to take on Disney trips with her husband and PassPorter co-author, Dave Marx. The organizers helped her plan their vacations and served as a souvenir scrapbook. During one of their Disney adventures, it occurred to Jennifer that she could sell a combination organizer/guidebook to help other vacationers plan and remember their trips too.
During a recent interview, Jennifer gave me her top tips for touring Disney with kids and divulged some of her Disney favorites.
Top Tips for Doing Disney with Children: Jennifer suggests, “Go at their pace. Don’t try to do 50 rides. Try to keep to their schedule as much as possible and get back to the hotel if you can for a nap or to go swimming.”
Jennifer also recommended bringing along a good stroller instead of renting one of the hard plastic strollers from Disney. Her favorite is the McClaren Quest, “because it folds in half for getting on and off the buses and monorail plus it reclines for naps.” She sewed patches on her four-year-old son Alexander’s stroller from the 15 countries their family has visited together.
Favorite Park: Epcot. “It’s probably because of sentimental reasons because that was the first park that I ever went to when I was a teen. We went just for one day and didn’t go to Disney World until a couple years later.” Epcot is one of four theme parks at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. It is divided into the Future World (which focuses on technology and innovations) and World Showcase (with shops, restaurants and attractions representing the cultures of 11 countries).
Favorite Disney Restaurant: “Victoria and Albert’s because that’s where Dave and I got married. We had a small wedding with 18 people – just immediate family.” Victoria and Albert’s is the most upscale of all Disney restaurants. It is located at the Grand Floridian hotel at Disney World and is solely for guests aged 10 and older.
Favorite Disney Attraction: “The Carousel of Progress at Disney World. It is quintessential Disney. There are a lot of new great rides these days but this is old school Disney. It’s kind of cheesy, but I like it. It just feels like Disney.” The 21-minute show was created by Walt Disney for the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair and then was moved to Disneyland in California. The show moved to the Magic Kingdom park in Florida in 1975.
Jennifer and Dave’s authenticity and approachability has helped to sell nearly a third of a million PassPorters to fiercely brand-loyal fans. Jennifer seems like one of your best girlfriends- unpretentious, fun, self-depricating. She said, “I don’t look like a supermodel. I look like a mom.” It is this couple-next-door realness that readers can relate to. Jennifer admits, “I’m really shy so at events Dave is in charge and I’m standing back and smiling and trying not to say something stupid.” I never would have guessed that from our conversation – she seemed nothing but confident, witty, and easy to talk to.
This year PassPorter is celebrating 10 years of helping people enjoy Disney World, Disneyland and Disney cruises. Jennifer and Dave are currently on a weeklong Disney Cruise to Tortola with about 150 readers. The festivities will continue at Disneyworld next week. Plans are in the works for a Disneyland party in the fall for West Coast fans.
I read PassPorter several months ago while planning a family trip to Disney World. The guidebook’s easy-to-read format and neighborly advice prompted me to flip to the to the front to read more about the authors, where I discovered how Jennifer was inspired to create the first PassPorter. I tore the page from the book (sorry, Jennifer and Dave!) and put it on the bulletin board in my office.
Jennifer’s story encouraged me to follow my dream. She transformed her love for Disney into a successful career writing a unique series of Disney guidebooks. She inspired me to turn my love of traveling and writing into a career too.
You can imagine how thrilled I was to interview the woman who has been such a source of inspiration to me! I just hope I didn’t say anything stupid.
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Are you a fan of PassPorter or another Disney guidebook? Or do you have any Disney tips to share with other Travel Mamas? Leave a comment below!
For more information on this topic see:
• Amusement Parks & Disney Resources
• Holidays at Disneyland
• Top 10 Disneyland Rides and Attractions for Babies and Toddlers
Tags: California, Cruise, disney world, disneyland, Florida, jennifer marx, passporter
Posted in Family Vacations, Theme Parks, Travel Tips | No Comments »
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