Disneyland News | Off to Neverland Travel - Disney Vacations

Glow Fest Joins Summer Nightastic! in California

Earlier this year, we shared details of the popular shows and after-dark entertainment that are returning for Summer Nightastic! In Florida, at the Walt Disney World® Resort, Guests will experience a new fireworks show at the Magic Kingdom® Park as well as the favorite, Disney’s “Main Street Electrical Parade.” Guests visiting California will get to experience a new, high-energy experience called Glow Fest that will light up summer nights at Disney California Adventure® park in addition to the “World of Color” water spectacular.

While “World of Color” brings a whole lot of color to the Paradise Pier section of the Park, you will find bright lights and beams of color in Sunshine Plaza and the Hollywood Backlot at this summer’s Glow Fest.

Glow Fest begins with the sound of drums and powerful rhythms that will draw you to Sunshine Plaza. An electric energy fills the evening air. As the sun goes down, colors burst to life and music starts to play from a brightly-lit stage that seems to glow. Dancers and world music performers create a fun vibe that you will only find at Disney California Adventure® park.

During Summer Nightastic! the daily experience takes center stage in Sun Plaza from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and continues in the Hollywood Backlot until Park closing. What a way to end the night!

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:24:40-05:00June 4th, 2010|Categories: Disney News, Disneyland News|Tags: Disney California Adventure, Disneyland, Glow Fest, Summer Nightastic|0 Comments

Hidden Mickeys

What is a Hidden Mickey? A Hidden Mickey is a representation of Mickey Mouse that has been inserted subtly at the Walt Disney World® Resort, Disneyland® Resort, and on the Disney Cruise Line®. The Hidden Mickeys are placed by the Imagineers and artists to blend into the designs of attractions, hotels, restaurants, and other areas.

Hidden Mickey on Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros

Three drum heads make up the Hidden Mickey on the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros attraction in the Mexico Pavilion.

Hidden Mickeys started in the late 1980’s in Epcot® as an inside joke among the Imagineers. Some historians believe in that Hidden Mickeys were born as the Imagineers were designing Epcot® in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. At that time, Disney management felt that the characters belonged in the Magic Kingdom® Park only. The Imagineers disagreed and began slipping Mickeys into Epcot®! Because of the popularity, Imagineers are encouraged to place them all over the Disney parks and cruise ships.

The most common Hidden Mickey is a formation of three circles that may be perceived as the silhouette of the head and ears of Mickey Mouse. The term Hidden Mickey has now come to refer to a range of possibilities. It can be anything from a more complete representation of Mickey Mouse as one mixed in with a crowd or in the background, or a representation of another Disney character. Mickeys may be painted, made up of objects, or be references such as someone wearing Mickey Mouse Club ears in a painting. Hidden Mickeys can take on many sizes and forms.

A true Hidden Mickey is one that is not meant to be seen immediately, and is usually placed purposefully by a Disney Imagineer or artist in a context that would not normally contain Mickey Mouse. When the shape of Mickey Mouse is used as an obvious part of the design, such as Mickey ears on the top of lampposts, it is considered decorative and sometimes referred to as a decor Mickey.

Although approximately 600 Hidden Mickeys have been recorded, The Walt Disney Company has never compiled a complete list of all the “known” or “deliberate” Mickeys (whether created by an Imagineer or a Disney Cast Member), so there is no way to confirm or disprove every single Mickey sighting.

Can you find the Hidden Mickey in the mural at The Garden Grill Restaurant in Epcot? Click the smaller image below for the answer.
Hint: It isn’t the three circles that make up this Mickey. Look for his eyes and nose. Click for larger image.

Click image to see the answer.

Where have you found Hidden Mickeys at the Walt Disney World® Resort,
Disneyland® Resort, or on the Disney Cruise Line®?

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:24:40-05:00June 2nd, 2010|Categories: Disney Cruise Line News, Disney News, Disneyland News, Walt Disney World News|Tags: Disney Cruise Line, Disney World, Disneyland, Garden Grill Hidden Mickey, Hidden Mickeys|0 Comments

Reimagining Star Tours

Today, were looking ahead in the galaxy to the “reimagining” of Star Tours at the Disneyland® Resort and the Walt Disney World® Resort. Scheduled to open in 2011, the power of the Force and the magic of Disney once again will combine to create an all-new Star Tours. When it reopens, it’ll feature a new 3-D, immersive experience that’ll take guests to familiar places in the Star Wars galaxy. To prepare for the reopening, Star Tours will close at Disneyland® Park on July 27 and at Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ on September 8.

If you’d you like to take a last daily express ride to Endor,
make your plans to visit the parks before the closing dates.
Click one of the destinations below for a quote:

Walt Disney World® Resort
Disneyland® Resort

Don’t forget the annual Star Wars Weekends is going on right now! Fans of the Star Wars universe don’t have to travel to “a galaxy far, far away” to come face to face with droids, alien creatures and many of their favorite Star Wars characters. You just have to travel to Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ at the Walt Disney World® Resort.

Dates left in 2010: May 28 – 30, June 4 – 6, June 11 – 13

Can’t make it this year? Stay tuned for more information for next year’s event!

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:24:40-05:00May 29th, 2010|Categories: Disney News, Disneyland News, Walt Disney World News|Tags: Star Tours Disneyland, Star Tours Renovation, Star Tours Update, Star Wars Disney World|0 Comments

Genie’s Run Extended at Hyperion Theater

By popular demand, “Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular” will remain at Disney’s California Adventure® park. It was announced earlier in the year that the Genie would be leaving the Hyperion Theater at the end of this summer. The Disney Company received many comments on their blog asking for Aladdin to continue its run.

Although “Toy Story – The Musical” was scheduled to move into Hyperion Theater following Genie’s last bow, Buzz, Woody and their pals will stay focused on the new additions in Toy Story Mania…for now.

Construction has been scheduled near the Hyperion Theater for August 15. That may still impact some performances, but Disney’s California Adventure® park is doing everything they can to keep the show up and running.

Now, close your eyes, make a wish and click here to see Genie in action at the Disneyland Resort.

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:24:41-05:00May 23rd, 2010|Categories: Disney News, Disneyland News|Tags: Aladdin Musical, Disney's California Adventure, Disneyland, Toy Story Musical|0 Comments

Cars Land Making Tracks to Disney’s California Adventure

Vroom, Vroom…Vroooooom! Early ride system tests are happening already in Disney’s California Adventure® park at the Disneyland® Resort this week. Guests may hear the sound of engines revving for the Radiator Springs Racers, the new E-ticket attraction coming to the all-new Cars Land, which opens in 2012.

The legendary adventure and excitement of Route 66 and California’s celebrated car culture is coming to life with the magic of Disney stories and characters. Cars Land recreates the memorable town of Radiator Springs just as it appeared in the Disney·Pixar animated classic, Cars.

You’re invited to a town built for, and by, cars. All the locals are home including Lightning McQueen, Sally, Mater, Doc and their friends. The whole city is recreated in detail just as you were walking through the movie complete with three new attractions. You’ll float on Luigi’s Flying Tires, dance to Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree and rocket through the desert on Radiator Springs Racers.

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:24:41-05:00May 21st, 2010|Categories: Disney News, Disneyland News|Tags: Cars Land, Disney's California Adventure, Disneyland California|0 Comments

Testing for New Talking Mickey Meet and Greet

Some lucky Disneyland® park guests experienced a very special meet and greet with Mickey Mouse this week. Mickey, who usually saves his voice for shows and parades, talked with guests and interacted with them in never-before-seen ways! “We’re always looking for innovative ways to let guests interact with our beloved characters,” says Disney Imagineer and head of Advanced Development Scott Trowbridge. “And we have many more surprises up our sleeves.”

Check it out for yourself:

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:24:41-05:00May 17th, 2010|Categories: Disney News, Disneyland News|Tags: Disneyland Resort, Talking Mickey Meet and Greet, Talking Mickey Testing|1 Comment

Spring/Summer Room-Only Offer at the Disneyland Resort

This special is no longer applicable. Please click here to see current Disneyland Resort Specials.

You can now enjoy special savings with all the fun and excitement of the Disneyland® Resort in California with these special room-only rates!

Offer Details:
Save up to 40% with a 2-night minimum hotel stay at one of the Hotels of the Disneyland® Resort.

Booking Window:
Now through September 1, 2010

Travel Window:
This offer is available for arrivals May 1 through September 29, 2010.
Travel on this offer must be completed by October 1, 2010.

Sample Pricing

2-night minimum stay at Disney’s Paradise Pier® Hotel: $168 per night
2-night minimum stay at Disneyland® Hotel: $169 night
2-night minimum stay at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa: $213 per night

Booking Information:
Contact your Magic Maker® to book your Disneyland® Resort Vacation today or click here to request a quote.

Upgrades:
You can add Theme Park tickets or Disney Character Dining to your Room Only reservation.

*40% savings based on the non-discounted price for the same room at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa. Must stay two (2) consecutive nights or longer. Offer valid for arrivals May 1, 2010 through September 29, 2010 when booked between March 16, 2009 and September 1, 2010. Other restrictions apply. Applies only to standard and concierge level rooms. Other room rates and hotel rates will vary. Excludes Resort fees and taxes. Advance reservations required. Subject to availability as the number of rooms allocated for this offer is restricted. Limit two (2) rooms per reservation and five (5) people maximum per room. Not valid in combination with any other hotel discounts or offers. Subject to change without notice.

By Off to Neverland Travel|2010-11-30T11:17:06-05:00May 11th, 2010|Categories: Disney News, Disneyland News, Expired Specials|Tags: Disneyland Special 2010, Disneyland Summer Offer|0 Comments

Toy Story 3 Attraction Updates and Characters

Coming later this May! A new game with new faces is being added to Toy Story Mania! at Disney’s California Adventure and Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ as part of the celebration of the soon-to-be-released Disney*Pixar film, “Toy Story 3.” A new character from the new movie will be coming soon with a chance to see and greet at both locations.

The new Toy Story Mania! game, called “Rex and Trixie’s Dino Darts,” will involve shooting virtual darts at all new balloon targets in a primeval world filled with volcanoes and lava balloons. You’ll be cheered on by Rex and his new friend Trixie beginning in late May. The game will be replacing “Bo Peep’s Baaa-loon Pop” and has a few hidden surprises of its own.

Starting May 9, you’ll also get a chance to see “Lotso” (short for Lots-O’-Huggin Bear) at both parks. He’ll be greeting Guests in the meet-and-greet area inside The Magic of Disney Animation and be part of the “Block Party Bash” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios™. The new character will also join “Disney’s Pixar Play Parade” at Disney’s California Adventure and guests will be able to pose alongside the “Toy Story” gang inside a life-sized “blister pack” as if they themselves are toys.

What is your favorite game in Toy Story Mania!?

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:24:43-05:00May 7th, 2010|Categories: Disney News, Disneyland News, Walt Disney World News|Tags: Toy Story 3, Toy Story 3 Meet and Greet, Toy Story Lotso, Toy Story Mania new game, Toy Story Midway Mania|0 Comments

‘World of Color’ Water Spectacular Debuts June 11

Lights, water, fire, music and animation will come together like never before on June 11 when “World of Color” makes its dazzling debut at Disney’s California Adventure park. You will get to experience some of your favorite Disney stories, from the charming to the adventurous, in a magical, new way.

The show is brilliantly choreographed as it combines nearly 1,200 powerful fountains, popular Disney music, larger-than-life projections, lasers, fire, fog, surround sound and stunning images. On top of that, the magnificent, moving fountains are capable of reaching enormous heights — from 30 to 200 feet -– while maintaining their dazzling colors.

“World of Color” debuts this year as part of Summer Nightastic! –- a lineup of exciting, after-dark entertainment at the Disneyland Resort. Summer Nightastic! will run from June 11 through August 29, and you’ll be able to catch “World of Color” year-round at Paradise Bay.

Click here to book your Disneyland® Resort package and be a part of Summer Nightastic!

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:24:43-05:00May 5th, 2010|Categories: Disney News, Disneyland News|Tags: California Adventure, Disneyland Summer 2010, Disneyland World of Color, Summer Nightastic, World of Color|0 Comments

Surf’s Up! Breakfast with Mickey & Friends

Now you have the chance to hit the beach with Mickey and friends at this new character dining option at Disney’s Paradise Pier® Hotel at the Disneyland® Resort in California. The famed Pacific Coast Highway along California’s golden coast is the inspiration behind Disney’s PCH Grill. With fresh, California-inspired cuisine served in a beach-themed atmosphere, this colorful restaurant offers a sun-filled family dining experience.

The newly themed restaurant not only features a standard kids’ buffet with such favorites as pancakes, waffles and bacon, but also includes some delicious choices for adults including breakfast flatbreads from the wood-burning oven, grilled breast of chicken with roasted garlic sauce, and the signature chilaquiles with shredded beef, salsa verde and queso fresco.

In addition to the food, there are some really fun experiences for kids that set this character breakfast apart from the rest. It’s the only place at the Disneyland® Resort where you can dine with Mickey Mouse. Snap photos, practice hula hooping and hang ten with some of your favorite Disney Characters!

Of course, Disney’s PCH Grill isn’t the only place you can dine with the Characters. At the Disneyland Hotel®, you can find Goofy and his pals at Goofy’s Kitchen, and look for Chip ‘n’ Dale at Storytellers Cafe in Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel®& Spa. Character dining experiences can also be found in the parks. What is your favorite character meal?

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:24:44-05:00April 19th, 2010|Categories: Disney News, Disneyland News|Tags: Disneyland Character Dining, Eat with Mickey Mouse, PCH Grill Character Meal, Surfs Up Breakfast|0 Comments