It’s hard to believe that in just a few hours, we will be saying goodbye to 2013! It has been a great year. All of our favorite Disney Destinations have received some great additions and improvements over the past 365 days, and we’d certainly be remiss to not reflect on our favorites (listed in no particular order).

• Starbucks® – Our Magic Makers® aren’t the only ones over-the-top excited about this addition. In 2013, three Starbucks® locations were opened inside the gates of Disney Parks – Magic Kingdom® Park, Epcot®, and Disneyland® Park. These full service locations offer a wide selection of famous Starbucks® products like iced and regular coffees and teas, frappuccino, espresso, smoothies, and refreshers. As an added bonus for guests at the Walt Disney World® Resort, most of the drinks are only (1) snack entitlement for those on one of the Disney Dining Plans!
• Mickey and the Magical Map – Disneyland® Park debuted a brand new stage show in the newly remodeled Fantasyland® Theatre this year called “Mickey and the Magical Map.” Many of our Magic Makers® had a chance to see the new show which features music and beloved characters from several classic Disney films just last month and immediately fell in love. From start to finish, the show will captivate guests of all ages.
• The Garden – Disney Destinations has always had a strong focus on assisting guest with dietary restrictions. The Walt Disney World® Resort added a special kiosk inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park this summer that is staffed by knowledgeable Cast Members that are able to assist guests with restrictions. Click here for more details.
• Frozen – Disney Animation Studios’ film Frozen recently made its way into the Walt Disney World® and Disneyland® Resort, and to say guest response has been great would be a huge understatement! In both Disneyland® Park and Epcot®, guests can meet the royal sisters, Anna and Elsa, during their visit. Since opening, wait times for this meet and greet at Epcot® have peaked at over 3 hours! If you are visiting the sisters at Disneyland® Park, be sure to watch for an audio-animatronic Olaf!
• Norsk Kutler Gallery – Also part of the Frozen fun is a new gallery, Norsk Kultur, which opened in the Norway pavilion at Epcot®. The new exhibit explores how the culture and beauty of Norway inspired the filmmakers during the creation of the film. The gallery is well worth the visit.
• Friday the 13th ‘Unleash the Villains’ Event – This September, Disney’s Hollywood Studios® hosted an ‘Unleash the Villains’ event on Friday the 13th. When promoted, the Limited Time Magic event was described as something that “you won’t want to miss – and won’t soon forget… even if you try!” In true “Disney-fashion,” they lived up to their words! Click through the link to view our photos from the event.
• L’Artisan des Glaces – The France Pavilion in Epcot® World Showcase debuted a new “sweet spot” this year. L’Artisan des Glaces serves a variety of artisan ice cream and sorbet that is made right there on premises. Forget the diet and try a scoop (or two – we won’t judge)!
• Disney Magic® – Disney Cruise Line® performed a reimagination of their first ship, the Disney Magic®. From stem to stern, no details were overlooked in this huge refresh. Even if you have sailed on this ship before, you’ll want to check out the exciting changes and new areas onboard.
• Monstrous Summer All-Nighter – Disney Parks welcomed summer by keeping Magic Kingdom® Park, Disneyland® Park, and Disney California Adventure® Park open for a full 24 hours on Friday, May 24th!
• Tangled Themed Restrooms – When walking through the new Tangled themed area of Fantasyland®, it’s easy to get caught up in the details. This beautifully designed area features a sitting area with much needed charging stations as well as restrooms.
• Princess Fairytale Hall – This fall Magic Kingdom® Park debuted a new location for loyal subjects to visit Cinderella, Rapunzel and some of their visiting princess friends. Click here to view our photo tour of the hall.
• Garden Marketplaces – New Garden Marketplaces were added this year to the offerings at the Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival. These kiosks, similar to those at Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival, provided guests with garden- and backyard-living-inspired food and beverage items. These marketplaces will return in 2014.
• MyMagic+– Off to Neverland® Travel has had guests participating in the MyMagic+ system since testing started earlier this year. Words can’t describe how much convenience using the MagicBands adds to your vacation. And scheduling your Fastpass+ in advance ensures you’ll have the chance to do your family’s “must do” attractions. We are excited to see the future of MyMagic+.

What were your favorite additions in 2013?

Disney’s Hollywood Studios® popular Disney Junior Play n’ Dine at Hollywood & Vine will see some new faces in 2014!

Beginning Jan. 26, 2014, Doc McStuffins and Sofia the First will join Handy Manny and Jake from Jake and the Never Land Pirates in greeting guests during Hollywood & Vine’s breakfast and lunch service. Disney Junior Play n’ Dine is a fun way for your youngsters to meet their favorite TV stars!

This change will remove June from Disney’s Little Einsteins and Special Agent Oso from the character dining experience. For more information or to make an Advanced Dining Reservation at Disney Junior Play n’ Dine for your upcoming Walt Disney World® Resort vacation, please contact your Magic Maker®.

Over the years, our guests have fallen in love with Disney’s Beach Club Resort’s Beaches & Cream Soda Shop. Upon stepping through the doors, you are taken back in time to an old-fashioned soda shop complete with a jukebox serving classic hot foods and cool treats! You may have heard about their featured dessert – The Kitchen Sink: 8 scoops of ice cream smothered in every topping they have!

This quaint table service location has limited seating and didn’t accept Advance Dining Reservations (ADRs) which has made it difficult in the past for guests to enjoy without an hour or longer wait. Now, Beaches & Cream Soda Shop will accept ADRs up to 180 days in advance for both lunch and dinner!

For more details, please contact your Magic Maker®!

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!