Off to Neverland Travel

While many people know about Disneyland® Resort’s ultimate seasonal sweet treat, they may not realize that is it part of a longtime tradition dating back to 1968! Made inside the kitchens of the Candy Palace on Main Street, U.S.A., the Hand Pulled Candy Canes are carefully crafted most mornings by a group of skilled Cast Members.

Watch as Disneyland® Park Cast Members give you a behind the scenes look at the making of this “holy grail” of holiday treats!

Remaining Candy Cane dates for 2013 include:

Disneyland® Park Candy Palace:
Dec. 13, 17, 20, 22, and 24

Disney California Adventure® Park Trolley Treats:
Dec. 14, 16, 21, 23, and 25

Here is some important information if you are interested in purchasing one of the candy canes: You’ll want to arrive at the park early and head directly to the location. Wristbands are distributed at shop opening and are available only while supplies last.  Due to limited supplies, one (1) wristband will be given per guest allowing you to purchase ONE (1) Candy Cane at that designated location. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Theme Park admission is required.

As we continue with Part 3 of our series on Disneyland® Resort, Magic Maker® Brenda Wenk is will walk you through Disney Destinations newest park on the west coast, Disney California Adventure® Park! If you missed the previous two posts in our series, you can click to read Part 1 and Part 2!

In 2001, Disney California Adventure® Park opened and was not initially the destination that Disneyland® Resort had hoped it would be..  There were few family attractions and very little connection to Disneyland® Resort..  Park attendance never came close to that of Disneyland® Park.  The commitment to revive this park was made; it was revamped and rededicated on June 15, 2012 and has become a favorite of many visiting the west coast! There are eight lands squeezed into 67 acres at this smallest of Disney Parks.

Buena Vista Street represents Hollywood of the 1920s, when Walt moved to California.  You will find the Chamber of Commerce (guest relations,) First Aid and Lockers here.  Pick up a free copy of the Buena Vista Bugle, Disney California Adventure® Park’s official publication.  You will find a replica of the elegant Cathay Circle Theater which is where Walt received an Oscar for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in 1937.  A lovely restaurant and lounge are housed inside.  Advance reservations are recommended for this fine dining restaurant.  Take a ride on the Red Car Trolleys.  Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at Fiddler, Fifer and Practical Café.   Check out Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream or Mortimer’s Market for snacks.  Shops abound in this area.

Hollywood Land is a tribute to Walt and the Disney empire.  Its sights and sounds evoke the glamor of early Hollywood when it was in its heyday.  In this land, you can experience Disney Animation.  You enter through the Courtyard Gallery where a 25 minute film is looping continuously.  Visit Animation Academy if you want to learn to draw a Disney character.  In Character Close-Up, you can view exhibits and meet Disney characters.  The Sorcerer’s Workshop allows you to draw and animate, view the Magic Mirror and the Beast’s library.  There are touch screens that reveal which character you are most like.  Turtle Talk with Crush is in this building.  Disney Junior, Live on Stage and Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular are part of Hollywood Land.  Check your guide for times.  Live performances take place on the Hollywood Backlot Stage.  Mad T Party launches as night falls.  Board a taxi for a ride through Monsters, Inc. Mike and Sulley to the Rescue and this movie’s key moments.  Muppet Vision 3D was recreated from the Disney Hollywood Studios.  Twilight Tower of Terror is this land’s E ticket attraction.  Award Weiners, Fairfax Market, and Mad T Party Production Truck offer snacks and light fare.

“a bug’s land”  is based on the Disney-Pixar film A Bug’s Life.  Flik’s Fun Fair is for toddlers: Flik’s Flyers is a whirling, flying attraction that is enjoyed by all ages.  Francis’Ladybug Boogie is a miniature teacup ride.  Heimlich’s Chew Chew Train has an engaging setting – take a ride if the line is short.  Princess Dot Puddle Park will soak your little ones!  It’s Tough to be a Bug!  has the potential to frighten young and old alike but has great entertainment value.  There is little shopping or food in this area.

Condor Flats focuses on California’s history of aeronautical testing and is themed around the desert testing facilities.  Get your FastPasses for Soarin’!  Taste Pilots’ Grill serves breakfast and offers ribs, chicken, and burgers for lunch and dinner.  Try to catch Minnie’s Fly Girls – Minnie actually sings!

Grizzly Peak showcases California’s wilderness, Native American history and natural resources.  If you use the Disney California Adventure® Park entrance from the Grand Californian Hotel, you enter directly into this area.  Grizzly River Run is a white water raft journey.  Stow your gear in a locker (located near Grizzly Peak legend boulder) or wear a poncho (available at Rushin’ River Outfitters.)   Consider going on the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail.  This self-guided attraction features ropes and zip lines in the Northern California environment.  Badges/stickers can be earned by completing Wilderness Explorer challenges.

Pacific Wharf represents the Monterey Bay and San Francisco areas.  Wander into Walt Disney Imagineering Blue Sky Cellar if you are interested in seeing improvements being made to the resort area.  There is a film and exhibits to entertain you.  You may take a tour of the Boudin Bakery.  The real draw to this area is its many eateries.  There is a Boudin Bread cart, Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill, Ghiradelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop, Lucky Fortune Cookery (Pan-Asian rice bowls,) Mendocino Wine Bar, Pacific Wharf Café, Pacific Wharf Distribution Co. (beer and snacks,) Rita’s Baja Blends (margaritas,) Sonoma Terrace (picnics that include World of Color tickets,) and Wine Country Trattoria at the Golden Vine Winery.

Paradise Pier is filled with rides and attractions!  You will not want to miss the roller coaster, California Screamin’ (FP.) The Golden Zephyr is a rocket shaped swing ride.  Goofy’s Sky School is a rather tame roller coaster.  For a parachute ride, hop on Jumpin’ Jellyfish.  King Triton’s Carousel is technically a merry go round.  Did you know that carousels are merry go rounds featuring horses only!  The Little Mermaid – Ariel’s Undersea Adventure is similar to the ride in the Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland expansion.  Mickey’s Fun Wheel is a ferris wheel with both fixed and swinging cars.  If you enjoy classic swing rides, jump on Silly Symphony Swings.  Toy Story Midway Mania is a hot ticket just as in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  The nighttime spectacular, World of Color is staged in this area.  There are many shops and good food options.  Stop in Bayside Brew for wine and beer.  Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta, Corn Dog Castle and Paradise Garden Grill serve lunch, dinner and snacks.  Ariel’s Grotto is a dining experience complete with princesses.  You can get drinks in its Cove Bar.

CarsLand is the crowning jewel of Disney California Adventure® Park.  Situated on 12 acres of prime real estate, this new kid on the block delivers entertainment and dining experiences.  The town of Radiator Springs celebrates the history of Route 66.  Use a FastPass or take advantage of your resort guest Magic Morning to ride Radiator Springs Racers without a long wait.  Check out Luigi’s Flying Tires and Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree.  If you are hungry, try out Cozy Cone Motel or Flo’s V8Cafe for a meal or Filmore’s Taste-In.  Plenty of souvenirs are available in this land.

With Disneyland® Resort currently offering early 2014 resort discounts, now is the perfect time to plan your trip to the ‘Happiest Place on Earth!’ Contact your Magic Maker® today to help you plan the magic!

In our last Neverland News we re-introduced you to the idea of Disneyland® Resort, Walt Disney World® Resort’s older brother on the West coast.

For part 2 of our series on Disneyland® Resort, Magic Maker® Brenda Wenk is going to give you a look at Walt Disney’s dream realized, Disneyland® Park.

How did Disneyland® Park come to be?   Walt Disney frequently visited Griffith Park in Los Angeles with his two daughters.  As he sat on a bench watching his girls ride the merry go round, this visionary imagined a place where families could enjoy rides and attractions together.  As a proven master storyteller, Walt created the first theme park ever, Disneyland® Park, which opened on July 17, 1955.

Both Disneyland® Park and Magic Kingdom® Park at Walt Disney World® Resort have a similar footprint.  You enter the park via either of two tunnels beneath the Walt Disney World Railroad.  You arrive at Town Square on Main Street, USA, at the southern end of Main Street.  Note the Fire Station on the southwest corner of Town Square.  Walt and his family had an apartment above the Fire Station.  A lamp burns in the window in his memory.

You may opt to board the Walt Disney Railroad and take the Grand Circle Tour to get a feel for the layout of this park (enjoy the surprises between the Tomorrowland Train Station and the return to Main Street.)  In the Opera House, you may view Disneyland:  The First 50 Magical Years narrated by Donald Duck and Steve Martin.  Steve Martin was a cast member in Main Street Magic Shop at Disneyland® Park!  Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln is housed in the Opera House as well along with a bench from Griffith Park! There are many shops to wander through, including Disney Gallery, Celebration Custom Printers, Disneyana, Fortuosity Shop, 20^th Century Music Company and the Market House (this shop has cold and allergy meds under the counter.)  There is a small porch with chairs outside the China Closet where you may sit and people watch.  Eateries include Carnation Café that takes reservations for priority seating.  Look for Oscar, a cast member with short white hair in a chef’s hat – he is the longest serving cast member in Disneyland® Park!  Plaza Inn is a cafeteria/buffet that hosts a character breakfast.  On Main Street, USA, you will also find Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor, Jolly Holiday Bakery, Little Red Wagon and Refreshment Corner.

From Main Street, you will see Sleeping Beauty Castle just beyond the hub at the north end of Main Street.  From the hub, you can head to Adventureland , Frontierland, Fantasyland, or Tomorrowland.  You must go through Frontierland to access New Orleans Square and and Critter Country.  Toontown is north of Fantasyland.

How about an overview of each land?

Adventureland is home to the Enchanted Tiki Room and the Jungle Cruise.  Exclusive to Disneyland are Indiana Jones Adventure (FP) and Tarzan’s Treehouse.  You can get a Dole Whip fix at Tiki Juice Bar or eat at Bengal Barbecue.

New Orleans Square boasts E ticket rides Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean.  The façade of the Haunted Mansion was finished in 1963, but the ride did not open until 1969.  Walt vowed that the exterior of the mansion would be pristine.  He is quoted as saying, “We will take care of the outside and let the ghosts take care of the inside.”  In September of each year, this ride gets a Nightmare Before Christmas overlay.  Pirates of the Caribbean opened in 1967, shortly after Walt died in December of 1966.  This ride is longer and more elaborate that its sister ride in Walt Disney World® Resort.   New Orleans Square has great shops including Mlle. Antoinette’s Parfumerie where you can purchase two exclusive Disney fragrances.   A portrait artist sets up shop in this area.  There is fine dining at Blue Bayou where you can watch the boats from Pirates of the Caribbean float by.  Café Orleans offers French and southern cuisine with lovely outside dining.  French Market is a cafeteria/buffet style restaurant.  Royal Street Veranda offers clam chowder and gumbo in bread bowls.  You may want to search out the Mint Julep Bar for nonalcoholic juleps, coffee and beignets.  There is a private club known as “33” housed in this square past the Blue Bayou entrance.  Want to join?  There is a 14 year waiting list!

Northwest of New Orleans Square is Critter Country where you will feel that you are in the backwoods.  While here, you can paddle in Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes around Tom Sawyer Island, visit The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, or take the plunge at Splash Mountain (FP.)   Hungry Bear Restaurant serves burgers, salads and such.  If you dine here, look for the Disney feral cats!  Soup and baked potatoes are available at Harbour Gallery.

Frontierland pays tribute to the old American West and covers the most acreage in Disneyland® Park.  In this land, you may ride Big Thunder Railroad (currently being refurbished,) board the Mark Twain Riverboat or Sailing Ship Columbia, go to Frontierland Shootin’ Exposition, explore the Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island, laugh and dine at the Golden Horseshoe Stage, or walk the serene Big Thunder Ranch trail with its cabin,  petting zoo and Big Thunder Ranch Barbeque.  Fantasmic! is staged on the Rivers of America in this land.  River Belle Terrace offers breakfast, lunch and dinner.  From here you can view Fantasmic!  Note:  get tray, napkins, etc. before ordering.  Stage Door Café has chicken nuggets, fish and chips and corn dogs.  Rancho del Zocalo features Cal –Mex treats.

On to Fantasyland, the heart of the park!  Several rides and attractions are repeated in Magic Kingdom® Park and several are exclusive to Disneyland® Park.  Decide which of the following are must dos for you:  Alice in Wonderland, Casey Jr. Circus Train, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Fantasy Faire where you meet Disney princesses, “it’s a small world,” King Arthur Carousel, Mad Tea Party, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, Matterhorn Bobsleds, Peter Pan’s Flight, Pinocchio’s Daring Journey, Pixie Hollow where you meet Tinker Belle and friends, Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough, Snow White’s Scary Adventure, Snow White Grotto and Wishing Well, or Storybook Land Canal Boats.  Village Haus Restaurant offers burgers, flatbread pizzas, chicken sandwiches and salads.  Snacks are available at several venues.

Mickey’s Toontown is an immersive cartoon world.  The toons allowed visitors starting in 1993.  You may visit Chip ‘n Dale Treehouse, Donald’s Boat, Gadget Go Coaster, Goofy’s Playhouse, Mickey’s House, Minnie’s House, and Roger Rabbit’s Cartoon Spin.  Food is available at Clarabelle’s, Daisy’s Diner, and Pluto’s Dog House.

Tomorrowland celebrates Walt’s belief in the future and his push towards progress and ongoing improvement.  This land houses Astro Orbitor, Autopio (the original version of the Tomorrowland Speedway in Magic Kingdom,) Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, Disneyland Monorail (2.5 miles compared to WDW’s 14.7 miles) where you can still ask to ride up front, Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, Honey I Shrunk the Audience/Captain EO, Innoventions, Jedi Training Academy( check the Times Guide for times, then hang out around Tomorrowland Terrace.  Listen for the Star Wars music and look for the Jedi Master who will ask for volunteers), Space Mountain and Star Tours.  Get FastPasses for these last two rides or take advantage of your Magic Morning privilege.  Dining includes Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port which you should bypass if you are impatient and head to Tomorrowland Terrace for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Check the Entertainment Times Guide for parades, fireworks and character meet and greets to get the most out of your visit to Disneyland® Park!

As you can see, there is a lot to see and do at Disneyland® Park! While there is something to be said for walking in Walt’s footsteps, there is also an incredible land full of amazing attractions and entertainment that you just have to experience for yourself!

Contact your Magic Maker® today to learn more about the ins and outs of Disneyland® Park, and how it may just be the perfect getaway your family was looking for!

One of the best parts of visiting the Walt Disney World® Resort during the holiday season is a stop at Epcot® to explore Holidays Around the World. Each year the event celebrates the time-honored traditions of the nations of the World Showcase. Having started last week after Thanksgiving, Holidays Around the World will run through Dec. 30, 2013.

In addition to returning favorites, you’ll find that a few new offerings have been added to this years lineup including special holiday food and beverage opportunities. This year’s offerings include:

Future World:

• Gingerbread Village – display inside the Land Pavilion
• Joyful! – A gospel celebration of the season

World Showcase:

• Promenade Refreshments – enjoy holiday snacks like Savory Seasonal Waffles, Hot Holiday Twinings Teas, and Flavored Hot Chocolates and Teas
• Canada Pavilion – New for 2013, Canadian Holiday Voyageurs perform a musical tour of the Great White North. Season food offerings include Pecan Maple Bark Popcorn
• United Kingdom Pavilion – Father Christmas tells stories of Christmas past. Hot Applejack Cider is served from the UK Beer Cart
• France Pavilion – The magic of Christmas is shared by Père Noël. Seasonal food offerings include Bûche de Noël au chocolat (Chocolate Christmas Log) and Glace au pain d’Epices (Gingerbread Ice Cream) available at Les Halles Boulangerie & Pâtisserie and L’Artisan des Glaces respectively
• Morocco Pavilion – Taarji celebrates the customs of Ramadan
• Japan Pavilion – Hear the story of the Daruma doll and the Japanese customs of the New Year
• The American Adventure – Pay a visit to Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy tonight’s performance of the Candlelight Processional,  learn about the spirit of Kwanzaa and Hanukkah, and hear the amazing Voices of Liberty Dickens Carolers. Seasonal food offerings include fresh baked cookies, hot chocolate, and sparkling wines
• Italy Pavilion – La Befana, the good Christmas witch, tells of her first Christmas 2,000 years ago
• Germany Pavilion – Helga tells the story of the first Christmas tree and of her first Nutcracker. Enjoy hot spiced wine, holiday fruit cake, and various Werther’s® Original® drinks
• China Pavilion – The celebration of Chinese New Year is told by Monkey King
• Norway Pavilion – Listen closely as Sigrid tells you of Julenissen, the mischievous Christmas Gnome
• Mexico Pavilion – Los Tres Reyes Magos, the Three Kings, tell of their journey to Posada

For more information on these events, please pick up a Festival Map and Times Guide inside the park. Entertainment subject to change without notice.

The popularity of runDisney events have been on the rise. Even with additional races, many of the runDisney events sell out within days of the opening of registration!

Some exciting news was released today about the 2015 Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend at the Disneyland® Resort. This women-focused event will be changing dates to Mother’s Day Weekend – May 7-10, 2015!

What better way to celebrate Mom than by participating in this exciting runDisney event at the Happiest Place on Earth! Be sure to save the date and follow along for future updates on registration.

When planning a Southern California vacation for our clients, one of the most often asked questions is why they should stay at the Hotels of the Disneyland® Resort. With so many Good Neighbor locations to choose from, we understand why this question comes up so often.

There are several reason to stay on property, so check out this video for more details. Whether you choose the Disneyland® Hotel, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa, or Disney’s Paradise Pier® Hotel – you’ll enjoy staying where the magic never ends!

Please click here for more information on current Disneyland® Resort discounts!

When visiting the Walt Disney World® Resort, we often find ourselves running from Point A to Point B for most of our vacation. With so much to see and do, it’s easy to get stuck in “overdrive!”

The Walt Disney World® Resort is nearing its peak season, so crowd levels will start to rise and patience of your fellow guests will start to run thin. Sometimes the best plan is to retreat to a quiet, secluded location and spend a few minutes (or hours) away from it all.

We tasked our Magic Makers® with compiling a list of their favorite places to relax at the Walt Disney World® Resort. Whether visiting during a peak holiday or on a September weekday when crowds are low, we’re sure you’ll enjoy a few minutes of “R&R” at these locations.

Magic Maker’s® Top 8 Retreats at the Walt Disney World® Resort

1. Baby Care Centers – (all four Theme Parks)
   All four of the Walt Disney World® Resort Theme Parks have a special Baby Care Center that welcomes parents and their little ones into a quiet location to feed, change, nurse, and cool off. The facilities also include a kitchenette with microwave and a nice sitting area with TV.
2. United Kingdom Pavilion (Epcot®)
   The majority of Epcot® guests walk through the United Kingdom Pavilion without ever knowing of the back area behind the main shops. In this garden-type setting you’ll rarely find any traffic and it is quiet except for during performances of the rock band British Revolution. Grab some Fish and Chips from the Yorkshire County Fish Shop and enjoy the area even if the band is playing (they are a great act)!
   
3. Polynesian Beach – (Disney’s Polynesian Resort)
   While many of the Walt Disney World® Resorts have beautiful sand beaches with hammocks to relax on, our favorite is the beaches of Disney’s Polynesian Resort. If you plan your visit right, it is the perfect location to watch the evening performance of Wishes nighttime spectacular and the Electrical Water Pageant.
4. The Writer’s Stop – (Disney’s Hollywood Studios)
   Located in the Streets of America section of the park near Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant, The Writer’s Stop is a perfect place to enjoy a iced mocha, carrot cake cookie, and a comfy chair!
5. Columbia Harbour House – (Magic Kingdom® Park)
   Located in Liberty Square, Columbia Harbour House is a popular quick service dining location serving seafood dishes that have become a favorite of many guests. Even with its popularity, few people utilize their upstairs seating area. Grab a seat near the windows and watch the people as they pass through Liberty Square.
6. Canada Pavilion – (Epcot®)
   The Canada Pavilion hosts some of the most amazing gardens in Epcot®. On the upper level of the Pavilion near the château is a beautiful waterfall that is great place to sit down and re-energize.
7. Parks before Opening –
   Many are unaware that several restaurants and some experiences like Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and The Pirates League inside of the theme parks offer Advance Dining Reservations before scheduled park opening. Obtaining one of these reservations gives you access to a basically empty park while you are on your way to your reservation. It’s fun (and relaxing) to experience your surroundings without the typical hustle and bustle so early in the morning.
8. Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress and Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover –
   These two Tomorrowland® attractions are classics for the Walt Disney World® Resort but lack popularity when compared to the “mountains” and other attractions in the park. This makes for a perfect place to sit and relax while enjoying a bit of nostalgia.

That’s quite a list, isn’t it? Where is your favorite retreat at the Walt Disney World® Resort? Tell us in the comments below or on our Facebook page!