The Heartbeat of New Orleans – A Living Mural Coming to Disneyland Park

The Heartbeat of New Orleans – A Living Mural Coming to Disneyland Park

By Disney Destinations

Nov. 7, 2023

 

Beginning Sept. 29, 2023, a new limited-time nighttime entertainment offering “The Heartbeat of New Orleans – A Living Mural” will enchant guests at Disneyland Park. Set to a dynamic jazz score, projections on the Rivers of America will tell a short, whimsical tale of a mischievous little from from the bayou that leaps into the lively heartbeat of New Orleans when he is lured by the jazzy sounds he hears in the distance.

 

This unique art installation will animate original artwork by Disney Live Entertainment graphic designer Marcella “Marci” Sweet, best known for her chalk art at Downtown Disney District during Celebrate Soulfully. “The Heartbeat if New Orleans – A Living Mural” and Queenie and the Jambalaya Jazz Band will enhance the atmosphere on the Rivers of America on select evenings this fall, and will run nightly during the holiday season.

 

Guests can check Disneyland.com or the Disneyland app for details and show times.

Rogers the Musical Review

Rogers the Musical Review

Recently we went and saw Rogers the Musical at Disney California Adventure Hyperion Theater. His is a limited run show and is scheduled to end its run August 31^st, 2023. Here are my thoughts. Spoiler Alert!  I will be telling you about the show.

 

Hyperion Theater is a approximately 2,000 seat theater in the Hollywodland area of Disney California Adventure. It has a very retro 1920’s feel. It is state-of-the-art as far as sound and effects. To get tickets to see this live stage show you can join the Virtual Queue or join the standby. To join the Virtual Queue you open the Disneyland App and go to join Virtual Queue at 10 am or 2 pm. Just keep refreshing the page and hopefully you will get a spot. You will be assigned a return time for the show. It is advisable to get to the theater about an hour early. This is a 3-story building and if you have problems with stairs I suggest you request Orchestra Level. You can just show up about an hour early and join the Standby Line and hope there is room for you.

 

Rogers the Musical based on a short sequence in the Disney+ Christmas Serries, Hawkeye. In the TV show they show Hawkeye watching the play with his children and dreading how silly it makes the Avengers look. I kind of equate what I saw to being so bad its good like Attack of the Killer Tomatoes. In the TV show we just saw the stage actors acting out what they thought the Avengers did to save the world.

 

While you wait for the play to start you will listen to 1940’s music being played on a large radio on the set. This sets the mood for the play and is a lot of fun. This play does not take itself seriously. It is just seriously FUN!!

 

The show is a Musical so there is LOTS of singing and dancing. You get to see the transformation of Steve Rogers from scrawny kid to a super soldier. He stumbles over his tongue when he talks to Peggy Carter. In the 4pm 08/11 showing there was a young lady in a wheelchair as part of the cast.

 

I loved the moral of this little play. I came away with don’t tire of doing the right thing and don’t be afraid to reach out for the good you want. It is also very Red, White, and Blue patriotic!

 

SPOILER ALERT!! STOP HERE IF YOU DON’T WANT THE STORY!:

 

The show starts much like the first Captain America movie with Steve trying to join the army. He meets Peggy Carter and gets tongue tied. He is transformed and goes on to do his War Bond bit and then off to fight the war. His exploits are show off in very cartoon ways. He ends up crashing, like the movie in the artic. He wakes up 70 years later and starts to fight modern bad guys. You see his attitude of I can do this all day. He is getting tired of the fight and Old Steve shows up and tells him to go back in time where he stays with Peggy. This basically ties all of the Avenger Movies together in one little 45 minute play.

Good bye Pacific Wharf. Helo San Franokyo!

Good bye Pacific Wharf. Helo San Franokyo!

Have you seen Big Hero 6? It is a great movie with lots of heart. It takes place in the fictional city of San Franokyo. San Franokyo is a mix of San Francisco and Tokyo. You will recognize elements of both as you watch the movie.

The Imagineers of Disney have reimagined Disney California Adventure’s Pacific Wharf area as San Franokyo! You will see a Golden Gate Bridge that is more Japanese in feel. Dining areas are changing over to fit the theme as well. Some have changed and some are in the process of changing. Food locations are still open while the retheming is going on. When the process is complete there will be meet and greets with Baymax and Hiro and some new food offerings.

For the chocoholics out there, don’t worry!! Ghiradelli is still there serving delicious chocolate and ice cream treats! They have changed the signage and the animated art inside to fit the new theme.

Bounding Bakery is still there with a different name. You can still take the bakery tour. Not all the signage changes are done yet.

When we went the bridge was not open for walking across. I’ve heard it is sporadically open to walk across. One friend said it was open one day and closed the next during a recent visit. You can enter San Franokyo from 2 areas in Cars Land. There is a area behind Filmore’s shop near the entrance to Cars Land. The other is a grand arch that leads you out of Cars Land near Flo’s outside dining area where you can sit and watch Radiator Springs Racers run. So if the Bridge is closed remember there are other entrances.

 

Overall this is a change in theme and signage that brings a new fun look to this area. There will be some new food offerings as well as visits with Baymax and Hiro. This reteaming should be completed in August but could take a little longer to complete.

 

I’m going to take a moment and be  honesty right now. I love the Big Hero 6 and the fun idea of a city that is a mix of San Francisco and Tokyo. I was a little underwhelmed with what I saw of the retheming that is done. It did not seem like a wow moment when I saw it for the first time. It was more like, well that is nice. Having had a couple days to think about it I think I understand my reaction. The Pacific Wharf area was very much like a wharf area in Los Angeles or San Francisco. It was one of my favorite areas to grab a bite and relax. It very easily could have been a wharf in San Francico. It feels maybe a little too real. I can’t fully honestly judge it yet because it is not finished. We were there early in the morning and did not get to eat so I can’t tell you about any changes there. I do know we enjoyed the food offerings in the old Pacific Wharf.

Step into San Fransokyo Square at Disney California Adventure Park, Beginning Summer 2023

Disney Travel News

Step into San Fransokyo Square at Disney California Adventure Park, Beginning Summer 2023

By: Disney Destinations

February 20, 2023

At D23 Expo 2022, we announced to much fanfare that Pacific Wharf in Disney California Adventure park will turn into San Fransokyo from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Award-wining “Big Hero 6”

Those of you who have recently been to the park may have seen that this exciting transformation has already begun. Later this summer, during the Disney100 celebration at Disneyland Resort, Guests will be able to step ito the new area – named San Fransokyo Square – and discover new offerings inspired by Baymax and friends.

Today we’re excited to tell you more about the Walt Disney Imagineering story behind San Fransokyo Square and some of the fun that awaits.

San Fransokyo Square will transport you to the not-too-distant future, in a fictional mash-up of two iconic cities – San Francisco and Tokyo. As the tech industry began to emerge and the local fishing trade fell on hard times entrepreneurs came together to reinvent the seaside canneries into a vibrant, multicultural district of neighborhood restaurants and small businesses where Guests will be able to eat and shop.

An iconic landmark of the area will be the San Fransokyo Gate Bridge, which will span the tied pools linking San Fransokyo Square to the Paradise Gardens Park obelisk. Once guests cross the bridge, they’ll catch a view of the floating wind turbine atop an old fishing net tannery, powering the district from high in the sky. Clues to the area’s storied and charming past can be found in the details throughout San Fransokyo Square.

Outside the converted warehouse at the south end of San Fransokyo, Guests may have the opportunity to encounter Baymax. Today, Pacific Wharf is home to eateries featuring sough dough bread, ice cream sundaes, delicious Mexican fare, Asian dishes, and more. Guests will still be able to enjoy all your favorite Pacific Wharf dining locations during this transformation.

When the transformation to San Fransokyo Square is completed this summer, Guests will find familiar favorites like soups in freshly baked bread bowls, as well as many new Asian-inspired selections. The new Port of San Fransokyo Cerveceria draws inspiration from its tri-cultral influences with signage in English, Japanese and Spanish. Outside will be a fun and inviting beer garden decorated with festoon lights and papel picado.

The San Fransokyo Square Public Works Department is hard at work on this transformation. Be sure to stay tuned to the Disney Travel News for more details, and we look forward to bringing San Fransokyo Square to life in Disney California Adventure park this summer!

Theme Park reservations and valid admission for the same Park on the same day are required for Park entry. Park reservations are limited, subject to availability and not guaranteed. Park admission and offerings are not guaranteed. Visit https://DisneyTravelTradeInfo.com/DLR for important information to know before visiting the Disneyland Resort.

MagicBand+ Launching July 27 at Walt Disney World

  

MagicBand+ Launching July 27 at Walt Disney World

By: Disney Destinations

July 21, 2022

At Walt Disney World, MagicBand+ can do everything a MagicBand can do and more – from entering theme park with a tap* and connecting guests Disney PhotoPass memories, to unlocking Disney Resort hotel rooms and more.

MagicBand+ also had great new features, including color-changing lights, haptic vibrations and gesture recognition – plus it pairs to a smartphone using the My Disney Experience app. Once MagicBand+ launches, guests can pick the perfect band from more than 25 designs and enjoy several new experiences available at launch.

Disney Fab 50 Quest

As part of Walt Disney World 50^th Anniversary celebration, guests can interact with the “Disney Fab 50 Quest.” Help Tinker Bell bring the sculptures to life across all four Walt Disney World theme parks using virtual pixie dust from Tink.

Guests can wave their hand to sprinkle virtual pixie dust at each Disney Fab 50 Character sculpture for different reactions! To unlock even more, use the Play Disney Parks app to collect the sculptures and enter the worlds of favorite characters through an augmented reality feature.**

Tar Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters

On Batuu, the bounty hunting business is booming. MagicBand+ is the guide to seeking numerous virtual bounties hidden across Black Spire Outpost with the Star Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters experience. Vibrations and lights on MagicBand+ guide guests down the right path. When you find your Bounty use the Play Disney Parks app’s augmented reality thermal viewer to reveal who’s hiding in the shadows.** Local guild members Raga Bua will reward guests with galactic credits.

Nighttime Spectaculars

MagicBand+ brings the magic of Disney nighttime spectaculars closer than ever before during “Disney Enchantment” at Magic Kingdom Park and “Harmonious” at EPCOT! MagicBand+ complements the magic in the skies, lighting up and vibrating in sync with the fireworks, visual effects, and music. Guests MagicBand+ will also engage as all four them park icons transform into Beacons of Magic!

Before Guests embark on these experiences, make sure the MagicBand+ is charged, up to date and paired to a device.

Disney Resort hotel guests may purchase MagicBand+ online at special prices before their arrival. Annual Passholder discounts will also be available on MagicBand+. All guests can buy MagicBand+ at select stores across Walt Disney World and online at shopDisney, starting at $34.99

At Walt Disney World, guests can purchase a MagicBand+ at the following locations:

·         Magic Kingdom Park: Emporium

·         EPCOT: Pin Traders – Camera Center

·         Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Celebrity 5 & 10 and Tatooine Traders

·         Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park: Discovery Trading Company

·         Disney Springs: Disney’s Pin Traders

·         Select merchandise locations at Disney Resort hotels

Although features and experiences across Disney Parks will vary, Disneyland Resort guests will be able to get in on the MagicBand+ fun later this year. Stay tuned for more updates on the exciting future for MagicBand+ at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts!

*With valid admission and park reservation

**To use the Play Disney Parks mobile app to enhance the MagicBand+ experience, guests must be logged into the Play Disney Parks app with the Disney account linked with their MagicBand+.

 

Splash Into Summer with More Benefits at Disneyland Resorts Hotels

 Splash Into Summer with More Benefits at Disneyland Resorts Hotels

It’s time for summer vacy, and the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort have lots of fun for every member of the family! While nighttime spectaculars are lighting up this summer with excitement in Disneyland Park ad Disney California Adventure Park, Guests can stay and play a little longer with even more magic and more benefits at our three on-property hotels including summer pool parties and Early Entry into the parks, coming soon!

Overnight guests can immerse themselves in Disney day and night, just steps from the parks and the Downtown Disney District, enjoying special amenities, activities, offers and unrivaled convenience Vacation in the grandeur of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, relish in the nostalgia and mid-century modern design of the Disneyland Hotel, or enjoy the beachy boardwalk theme of Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel. All distinctly Disney!

Make a Splash!

Soak up some relaxation - and some thrills – by splashing down the waterslides! Or simply go for a refreshing dip in the hotel pools before or after a day in the parks. *Guests can even lounge the day away by renting a cabana to enjoy a spacious shady poolside oasis with a well-appointed amenities.

New Summer Pool Parties!

Have a blast at the new summer pool parties, taking place for a half-hour daily at all three Disneyland Resort Hotels, July 1 – Aug. 31, 2022. Our Disney poolslide squad will be on deck to lead games like the water sponge relay and a fun floaty toss, a play high-energy music for dancing the Pluto doggie paddle! Disney pals will stop by the pool and join in the fun!

More Hotel Benefits for You!

The benefits of staying are unmatched, magical and only available to Disneyland Resort Hotel guests:

Early Entry: Get a jump start on your day! Beginning Aug. 8, 2022, Disneyland Resort Hotel Guests will be able to enjoy Early Entry for 30 minutes prior to each park's opening, daily to enjoy select attractions, dining and shopping.*

Hotel Activities: Learn how to draw Disney characters, or learn to play the ukulele and hula dance! Guests can visit the Guest Services Desk located in each hotel lobby during their stay for a complete schedule of current activities and locations.

Direct-to-Room Service: Go straight to the room when notified it is ready with online check-in, and the digital key feature from a smartphone opens the door! A Bluetooth-enabled device with the latest version of the Disneyland App** is required.

Dining Delivery: Select restaurants in the Downtown Disney District provide meal delivery services. Scan the QR code right from your in-room TV to access the links to those restaurants’ delivery webpages to place an order that can be delivered right to a Disneyland Resort Hotel Lobby.***

Package Delivery: Available beginning Aug. 8, 2022, the treasures Guests have purchased during their visit in the parks can be delivered to their Disneyland Resort Hotel the net day. Plus, they can even charge select Disneyland Resort shopping and dining purchases right to their room through the Disneyland App.-

Coming Soon! Preferred Dine Access will offer Disneyland Resort Hotel Guests the opportunity to have preferred access to a limited number of reservations at select hotel table service restaurants during the dates of their hotel stay. Stay turned for more details!****

Delectable Disney Dining

At the award-winning Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, savor upscale California fare and an extensive wine list in an elegant setting. For character dining. Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures is a fairytale morning at Napa Rose, where Disney Princesses, activities and a three-course breakfast make for special memories! For more character dining, visit Mickey Mouse and his pals nearby a Storytellers Café, or Goofy and his friends at Goofy’s Kitchen over at the Disneyland Hotel!

At the Disneyland Hotel, Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar has legendary island cocktails and tropical delights on the menu. Overlooking the Disneyland Hotel pools, Tangaroa Terrace Tropical Bar & Grill is a South Seas hideaway where tiki torches and palm trees sway, along with an express menu with Polynesian flair. Guests can even get a DOLE Whip, and for any pirates, add a splash of rum! (Don’t forget, mobile ordering from the Disneyland app is super handy!)

Another poolside spot is GCH Craftsman Bar at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, where Guests can dive into delicious dishes and signature cocktails, and listen to music on summer afternoons.

Special Fireworks Viewing

Here’s tip! A great spot to watch fireworks, which Is open to all hotel Guests, is from the rooftop of Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel!

Or Guests may choose deluxe, club level accommodations at either Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa or at the Disneyland Hotel with access to The Veranda or the E-Ticket lounge. Each offers a continental breakfast, afternoon tea, a wine and cheese reception, cookies and desserts, and personal concierge and fireworks viewing when available.

Treat Yourself at Tenaya Stone Spa

Relax and reinvigorate into an even more beautiful glow at Tenaya Stone Spa, which is a gorgeous getaway tucked within Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Guests can choose from an array of message and body treatments, facials, hair services, manicures, pedicures, and foot treatments to keep their toes in tip-top shape!

A new experience is the Gemstone Sparkle Facial, an 80-minute treatment that is the ultimate fusion of nature, science and luxury. This facial is formulated with luxurious oils, gemstones and a diamond collagen mast to restore natural vitality and glow, leaving skin revitalized and radiant.

Tenaya Stone Spa also offers innovative, 30-minute fitness classes. Show your style in Disney Ears Yoga, or try Paddleboard Yoga or Paddleboard Fitness, perfect for summer! ϯ

End of Summer Getaway Savings

If Guests are visiting later this season, they may save up to 25% on select rooms at the hotels of the Disneyland Resort on most Sunday through Thursday nights from Aug. 7 – Sept. 9, 2022. Bookings begin now through Sept. 22, 2022! Save up to 25% off select stays of four nights or longer at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa or Disneyland Hotel. Or save up to 20% on accommodations at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. 15% at the Disneyland Hotel and 10% at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel. These special offers are ideal for an end-of-summer getaway, or an overnight stay during the first few weeks of Halloween Time, which begins Sept. 2, 2022 at the Disneyland Resort. ϯ ϯ

Welcome to Happy!

*Theme Park reservations and valid admission from some Park on the same day are required for Park entry, and a hotel reservation does not guarantee theme park access. Park reservations are limited, subject to availability and not guaranteed. Each registered hotel guest (ages 3 and older) must have a valid park admission, park reservation, and hotel room key card for early entry park admission. Entertainment, experiences, and offerings may be modified, limited in availability or unavailable, and are subject to restrictions, and change or cancellation without notice. Park admission and offerings are not guaranteed. Visit Disneyland.com/Updates for important information to know before visiting.

** Message, data and roaming rates may apply. Availability subject to handset limitations and features may vary by handset or service provider. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. If you’re under 18. Get your parents’ permission first.

***Participating Downtown Disney District locations have various operating hours and delivery menus, and may be subject to change and restrictions including required minimum order amounts. Disney is not responsible or liable for the operations of such locations, any food or beverage, or the fulfillment and delivery of such food and beverage orders. Please contact the applicable location for questions and concerns.

****Preferred access dine reservations are subject to availability, and change or cancellation at any time, and may not be available on certain holidays or for special dining events.

ϯ Group fitness classes are offered to overnight Disneyland Resort Hotel guests for an additional fee. Fitness classes are for adults age 18 and older. Hotel guests 14 to 17 may participate in a fitness class if the minor’s parent/guardian consents in writing and accompanies the minor during the class.

 ϯ ϯ Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same room stay at the same hotel and is valid for most Sunday through Thursday nights from 8/07/22 through 9/29/22; travel must be completed by 9/30/22. Book from 6/28/22 through 9/22/22. Room types included in this offer are Standard, Premium, Deluxe and Woods/Garden/Courtyard rooms; select Concierge rooms; and Paradise, Artisan, Junior and Family suites. Not valid for select Concierge rooms or for Signature or Premium suites. Not valid on previously booked rooms. Advance reservations required. Subject to availability as the number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Excludes applicable fees and taxes. Limit two (2) rooms per reservation, and occupancy restrictions apply per room. Additional per-adult charges may apply if more than two (2) adults per room. Not valid in combination with any other hotel discounts or offers. Subject to restrictions and change or cancellation without notice.

Do you want to book a Disney Cruise Line or other Disney Vacation? Let me know!

 

Carolyn@EliteMemoriesTravel.com

https://www.facebook.com/CarolynsPixieDustedMemoriesAtEliteMemoriesTravel

Navigating Disney Parks Disability Access System (DAS) Quick Overview and How/When to Ask for It

Navigating Disney Parks Disability Access System (DAS)

Quick Overview and How/When to Ask for It

The DAS (Disability Access System) at the Disney Parks is to assist those with disabilities have access to the attractions.

In simple terms the DAS system is to help those with Disabilities have the access they need. With the fact that Walt Disney World Parks and Disney California Adventure Park were built after the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) went into effect it means they comply with ADA laws. That means the lines for the attractions and show areas are designed with disabled access in mind. The lines are wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs and scooters and if the loading area is not accessible they have a secondary loading area. Disneyland on the other hand was made before ADA laws and lines do not always accommodate wheelchairs and scooters. Many of these lines can’t be changed due to space limitations. Disneyland has separate lines set up for wheelchairs/scooters where applicable. What does this all this ADA information mean? It means that just because you have a mobility issue you will not automatically be given a DAS Pass. You can sit on your scooter/chair in the regular lines.

So if the DAS is not for “physical disabilities” that require mobility devices what is it for? It is for those with issues that make being in long lines hard or impossible. Mostly it is for those with cognitive disabilities. Autism, extreme ADHD, Panic Attacks and PTSD are several things that fall into the list. But that is not the only thing. If you have a physical disability that makes sitting or standing in one place impossible/dangerous then you can get the DAS Pass.

So how do you get a DAS Pass? Go to Guest Relations in any park. Be ready to explain your disability. Tell them in simple terms why you need help and what your limitations are. BE HONEST!! Do not lie and ask for the DAS when you don’t truly need it. Be persistent if you truly need it. If you tell them you can’t stand for a long time they may well tell you to go rent a wheelchair or scooter so you can sit. Don’t be intimated by their questions nor the fact they may say no at first. They are not there to outright deny you the pass or judge you. They are there to weed out those that are faking and taking advantage to “cut lines”. They are there to find the best possible option for you. As long as you honestly need it and you are willing to explain why you need it they will at least try. If your disability makes you nervous talking in a loud room ask to be taken to a back stage quiet room to discuss your needs.

For further information on how DAS works check out an earlier blog post:

Yes it does repeat some of the same information I just gave but it is important information and people have told me they can’t get DAS when I know they should.

http://pixiepranks-panstinkerbell.blogspot.com/2014/11/changes-to-das-disability-access-system.html

Changes to the DAS (Disability Access System) at the Disneyland Resort

Changes to the DAS (Disability Access System) at the Disneyland Resort

11/19/2014

First off what is DAS. DAS is the system at the Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts intended to help Guests whose disability prevents them from waiting in a conventional queue environment. It is not intended for those with mobility issues only. Those with mobility issues in wheelchairs and ECVs will go into regular Standby Lines where the lines can accommodate and into special lines where they don’t. Everybody can use the FastPass and FastPass+ systems. (Note: Disneyland was built before the ADA laws so some lines do not accommodate wheelchairs or ECVs and Disney has long had policies in place to accommodate. Disney California Adventure is ADA compliant so lines there will accommodate wheelchairs or ECVs.)

Who will this help? It will help those with cognitive and behavioral disabilities or those physical disabilities that make confined spaces or long periods of confinement hard. Some examples are Autism, ADHD, Anxiety, Brain Injury and PTSD. If the person has a medical condition of any kind that makes it so they legitimately can’t cope for the length of time it takes to do a regular stand by line ask at Guest Relations about the DAS.

How do you get a DAS? Stop by City Hall or the Chamber of Commerce at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure and discuss your needs with the Cast Member there. Take the Tickets or Annual Passes for everybody in your group when you talk to them. They will give you the appropriate level of help. They do not need or want a doctors not or proof of disability. They will fill out a form explaining your needs and take your picture. They will then link your DAS with your Ticket or Annual Pass. (Before they use to print up a paper card. This system is new as of 11/19/14.) It will be good for the length of stay or a maximum of 60 days.

When discussing your need of a DAS with the Cast Member remember that mobility issues alone will not qualify you for the DAS. You must tell them why you can’t stay in a long line. If you can’t stand long they will suggest you get a wheelchair or ECV and not give you a DAS. If you can’t do stairs they will say stay in the regular line and tell the Cast Member at the attraction you need to bypass any stairs on entrance or exit. Please do not lie and say you have ADHD or some other issue if you do not to qualify. This just makes it harder for those that really need the help to get it. Be honest and tell them truthfully the legitimate reason you can’t be in line for over 30 minutes or so.

You are only allowed to have one Return Time at a time with DAS. The Return Time is just like a FastPass Return Time. The only difference is a DAS Return time is 10-15 minutes less than the regular Standby Line wait time for the ride you request it for. Example: You ask for Space Mountain as your next Attraction. The Standby Line for Space Mountain is 60 minutes long at that time. Your Return Time will be for 50 minutes from the time issues. You can have only one Return Time at a time. You can use the DAS system in conjunction with the FastPass system. Unlike the FastPass your Return Time for DAS does not expire.

You will pick your first attraction while at Guest Relations getting your DAS and be given a Return Time to ride. After your first ride you can choose your next attraction at any of Kiosks located around both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. Anybody in the party can go to get the Return Time after the DAS is issued. Just take all the tickets for everyone in your group who will be riding that attraction when you go. You can get a Return Time for Attractions in either park from any Kiosk.

The person named on the DAS must ride the attraction for the party to ride. They will be required to show their ticket for the party to ride. You will personally be responsible to keep track of your return time. They will not give you any written reminder. I suggest setting an alarm on your phone or watch, take a pad of paper to write it down, make a note on your phone or send yourself a text with your Attraction and Return Time information.

DAS is good for the guest and up to 5 others or a party of 6. Larger groups can be accommodated but you need to talk to Guest Relations for approval. You can change the number of people in your group at any Kiosk that gives Return Times.

If you are unsure if you need DAS or if you qualify for DAS ask the Cast Member at Guest Relations. If you don’t think the DAS system will give you the assistance you need then tell them what assistance you need and why.

Here is a list of where the Kiosks are at this time:

For more information check out the Disneyland website section on DAS:

https://wdpromedia.disney.go.com/media/wdpro-assets/dlr/help/guest-services/guests-with-disabilities/dlr-disability-access-service_2014-11-19.pdf 

After a long conversation with Disney I found out that this same system is going to be implemented at Walt Disney World sometime in the future. The date has not been set as of yet.

Traveling Disney Parks with Babies and Children

Traveling Disney Parks with Babies and Children

Traveling to a Disney Park with an infant or young child can be daunting. There are many concerns. What supplies do you need? What accommodations are available inside the parks and at the Disney hotels? Is it worth the stress? Should you wait until they are old enough to remember the trip?

First off if your child is very young (under 2 or 3) they may not be able to remember this special trip, so why take them? Because YOU will remember it! You will have precious memories of your child at Disney. You will have pictures of your little prince or princess with the Disney characters that soon will become part of their lives through cartoons and movies. These will become part of their memories by you telling the stories and showing them the pictures.

There are lots of ways to make taking a baby or young child to Disney easier. Bring or rent a stroller for a young child. Bringing your own stroller can be a chore if you are flying. Checking it in and picking it up and the risk of loss or damage make it a risk as well as a hassle to bring your own strollers. The Disney Strollers are good enough for a single day but if you are staying multiple days you may want to consider renting from an outside rental company that will allow you to take the stroller back to your hotel either on property or off. Do you really want to carry your child back to the hotel from the park? How about the hassle of having to check in the stroller at one park when going to another in the same day? Here are two companies recommended by the Disney Experts at the Disney’s Mom’s Panel.

Disneyland and the California area:

http://www.citystrollerrentals.com

Walt Disney World and the Orlando, Florida area:

http://www.kingdomstrollers.com

Both of these companies deliver to your hotel and provide the extras needed upon request. You can order cribs and other needs as well. You can take your strollers out of the resort and to different resorts and areas if you wish.

Restrooms around the parks have changing stations so you can care for your little one. But when you need a quiet place to nurse, feed or just let your little one calm down check out the Baby Care Centers in each and every Disney Park. At the Baby Care Centers you can warm bottles, change diapers and clothing, nurse in privet and just find a quiet place rest.

While traveling around the parks you will find many rides your little bundle of joy can’t go on. You have a choice. You can skip the attractions all together or do child swap. One parent stays with the child while the other rides. This works really well if you have an extra family member or two come along. One parent can wait with the child, the other rides the attraction. When they return the parent that wait hands the child over to another family member and the parents can go ride the attraction together.

While at the parks look for quiet places to let your little one relax for a few. You can find these spots in restaurants and little off the path areas. Just keep your eyes open for an open bench in the shade. If they fall asleep in the stroller so much the better!

When taking a toddler be aware they may be afraid of characters. Please don’t force little ones to get their picture with Mickey if a tall Mouse panics them. Hold them, tell them what will happen before you go up to the character. Let them watch others be close to Mickey and see they are safe. I know you want the cute picture of your tot hugging Mickey and Minnie all smiles but it is not worth making them afraid of the characters for the rest of their lives.

Give your child a chance to rest! Be aware of their physical limitations. Your time will be much more enjoyable if you return to the hotel for a nap and maybe a swim. Be aware of the weather as well. Is it so hot it will tire your kiddo out faster? Are they so cold they are grumpy? Get them comfortable and let them rest. Do not push them further than their little bodies can take. Be aware that their little ears are more sensitive than yours. Is the music and sound effects too loud for them? Bring cotton to put in their ears or some other type of ear protection. Make sure they have shade in their stroller to protect them from the sun and bring sunscreen for them. Make sure you have plenty of the food and drinks they enjoy.

Adults and other kids think of all of Disney Parks as giant playground. Smaller children get bored easy. Make sure you give them time to play and run around. Little ones that are learning how to crawl or walk need the time and space to practice. Let them out and about some. Bring some toys, books, blankie or other comfort item. This is especially true if the child is ADHD or has other special needs. There are places at the parks and hotels to let a child be a child. Tom Sawyers Island and Challenge Trail are just two of the spots at the Disneyland Resort. Every park has several areas for kids to let of pent up energy. It is up to you to make sure it happens.

The most important this is ENJOY!! You are there to walk in Walt Disney’s Dream of having a place where families can “play” together! Just do what is natural and right for your family and if that means only spending a few hours a day in the park and heading back to the hotel then it is worth it.

Mike Peraza will be at Disneyland for Steampunk Days!

Mike Peraza will be at Disneyland for Steampunk Days!

Mike Peraza is a Disney art director and concept artist who has worked for Walt Disney Feature Animation, Walt Disney Television Animation, Disney Comics, Disney Interactive, WED and Disney Fine Art Galleries.

Some of his past work for Disney includes designing multiplane shots for “The Fox and the Hound”, design and layout work on “Mickey’s Christmas Carol”, “The Great Mouse Detective”, “The Black Cauldron”, “Tron”, “Something Wicked this way Comes”, “Return to OZ”, “Aladdin” and “Beauty and the Beast” for feature films. For Disney TV he worked on “DuckTales”, “Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers”, “TaleSpin”, “Goof Troop” and “Darkwing Duck”.

Now that I’ve told you about Mike Peraza let me explain Steampunk if you have never heard of it before. Steampunk is a sub-genre of science fiction that typically features steam-powered machinery. This is often sent in an alternative history of the 19^th century’s British Victorian era or the American Wild West. Shows like Wild Wild West fit into the Steampunk genre as do the works of Jules Vern, H. G. Wells, Philip Pullman, Scott Westerfield, Stephen Hunt and China Mievill. Steampunk is often a hybrid genre blending Victorian-era faction, art nouveau design and films from the mid-20^th century.

On February 22^nd, 2014 Mike will be at Disneyland to autograph prints of his original Disney themed Steampunk work. He will be at the Disney Art Gallery on Main Street USA.

Here are links to Mike’s webpages and to the wiki page on Steampunk if you’re interested!

Mike Peraza Portfolio

http://mikeperaza.com/

Mike Peraza Disney Ink & Paint Club Blog

http://michaelperaza.blogspot.com/

Steampunk Wiki Page

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steampunk

The Joy of Being a Disneyland Annual Passholder

The Joy of Being a Disneyland Annual Passholder

Disneyland often does extra little things for the Annual Passholders. This month in celebration of Sleeping Beauty’s 50^th anniversary Disneyland is having a special event for Annual Passholders only.

There will be screening of Sleeping Beauty in the Main Street Opera House. These will be at various times during the day.

After the park closes those who got to see the movie in the Opera House will be allowed to stay and play in Fantasyland for an extra two hours! Because the Opera House is so small this means a very limited number of people will be in Fantasyland that night!

During the extra 2 hours for Annual Passholders only there will also be special character meet and greets available! Maleficent, Aurora, Philip, Flora, Fauna and Meriwether may be found wondering around Fantasyland!

At this time it is only Fantasyland that will be open the extra 2 hours. The rest of the park will be closed at the regularly scheduled time.

Currently Scheduled Fantasyland After Hours Attractions are:

·        Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough

·        Peter Pan’s Flight

·        Snow White’s Scary Adventures

·        Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride

·        Pinocchio’s Daring Journey

·        King Arthur Carrousel

·        Dumbo the Flying Elephant

This list may change and rides listed could be closed and rides not scheduled to be open may be open.

Select restaurants and shops will be open during this extra 2 hours. There will be limited food and shopping choices.

This is one of the wonderful little extras that Disneyland gives to its Annual Passholders. For those of us with Premium APs it helps us feel like we are getting our money’s worth. Not quite enough but it does help.

Check out the link for further information:

https://disneyland.disney.go.com/news/sleeping-beauty-anniversary-for-passholders/

Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Holiday Magic Lighting

Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Holiday Magic Lighting

January 6^th was the last day for the holiday decorations and shows at the Disneyland Resort. This means that last weekend was the last weekend for Sleeping Beauty’s Castle to be lit up.

Often little kids can’t stay awake late enough to see the fireworks. During the holiday season Disney does a special holiday castle lighting with snow early in the evening. There are actually 2 lighting displays before the evening fireworks each night. They are at 7:30 and 8:30 before the evening fireworks.

Here is my video of the evening castle show done on January 5^th, 2014.

Tinder Rides at the Disneyland Resort

Tinder Rides at the Disneyland Resort!

What is a Tinder Ride, you ask? Tinder Ride is a ride on the “Tinder Car” of the train. The Tinder Car is the car directly behind the engine that carries water and fuel.

When Walt Disney designed his original two engines (both built by WED Engineering aka Disney Imagineering) Walt had seats put on the Tinder Cars so he could have his friends and VIP guests ride up there while he drove the trains. Walt loved to show off his trains!

There are still plenty of train enthusiasts that love sitting behind the engineers and watching them drive the powerful locomotive around Disneyland. Disneyland has continued to share Walt’s love of trains with guests by allowing them to ride on the Tinder Cars when it is safe to do so. There are no Tinder Rides when they are refueling, doing a blowdown or during a shift change.

Up until last year only the original trains built by WED had seats on the Tinder Car. You could only ride the Tinder on the #1 C. K. Holiday and the #2 E. P. Ripley locomotives. In 2013 Disneyland altered the Tinder Car on the #4 Earnest S. Marsh locomotive to add one more locomotive for giving Tinder Rides. The #3 Fred Greely and the #5 Ward Kimball still do not have seats on their Tinder Cars and it may not be possible to accommodate seats on them do to the Engine/Tinder car configuration. There is just not enough room between the Engine and Tinder to allow it.

For our anniversary this year we took a Tinder Ride and were excited that the train we got to ride on was the #4 Earnest S. Marsh! We have already ridden on the Tinder Cars of the other 2 trains.

The Tinder on the Earnest S. Marsh is much closer to the engineer than on the Holiday and Ripley. This offers you the chance to have more of a conversation with the engineers as you ride. It is truly an enjoyable experience!

So how do you get a Tinder Ride? Ask! Just go up to the first Conductor you see at the Main Street Train Station and ask if they are doing Tinder Rides that day. The Conductor will check and find out if they are doing them and about how long it will be before you can ride. You may have to sit around the Main Street Station for a couple of hours before you get on. It all depends the needs of the locomotive and engineers. If they need to do a blowdown (let off steam to clear out hard gunky water) you cannot ride for safety reason. If they are refueling you cannot be on the Tinder because of safety concerns. If there is going to be a shift change you can’t ride because they want you to have the continuity of one engineer being your guide. So you may need to wait for the train to go around a couple of times before you get on. Each trip around the park is about 20 minutes. Only two people (or two adults and a small child) can ride the Tinder at a time.

On the Tinder Ride you will hear the history of Disneyland from the view point of the trains circling the park. You will hear why there is a train, how it has changed and how it being there has affected the design of attractions at the edge of the park near the tracks. The engineer will share history and interesting facts about the park and trains. You can also learn about the workings of a steam engine and how it shaped the country. What you hear depends on the questions you ask and the engineer driving the train. It is never exactly the same twice. The Tinder Ride last about 20 minutes or one complete circle of the park. On our last Tinder Ride we asked a lot about the workings of a steam engine and how to drive a locomotive.

Here is our video of our Tinder Ride on the #4 Earnest S. Marsh: