Disneyland Archives

10 Reasons to Visit Disneyland Now

July 26, 2017 by Momstart Leave a Comment

I’ve been to Disneyland quite a bit the past few months and have written about the number one reason to visit Disneyland twice now, Summer of Heroes. But, Summer of Heroes and the new Guardians of the Galaxy Mission Breakout ride are not the only reasons to go to Disneyland right now. We have that top ten reasons to visit Disneyland and California Adventures listed here.

10 Reasons to Visit Disneyland:

1. Summer of Heroes: includes the Avengers Training Initiative, one of 10 epic moments you’ll experience this summer! Then, celebrate your training at the “Guardians of the Galaxy Awesome Dance Off” with Peter Quill and Gamora. You can meet all the heroes from the Avengers face to face and eat some really great Marvel themed food. I recommend doing Heroes of Summer first because sometimes on busy days they run out of themed food.

2. Return of Fantasmic! I wrote all about what I thought about Fantasmic! or what I saw of it last week from my D23Expo Experience. Disneyland provided some footage from the first show

3. The Return of the Electric Parade: The Electric Parade is my husband’s favorite parade at Disneyland. He knows the music by heart and just loves seeing all the lights parade down main street.

photo credit: Disneyland

4. The Fireworks Display: The fireworks display at Disneyland and at Disney World is so immersive. They project lights onto all the buildings, have Walt speak, and amazing music from different movies and themed rides playing while the fireworks dance in the sky.

5. World of Color: If you have not taken the time to see World of Color you are missing out. World of Color is in California Adventures and visually moves through Disney films in a fantastic way displaying on water and fire.

Here is a preview of what you would see at World of Color:

6. Return of the Disneyland Train: I have missed the train. The train is a great way to get from one part of the park to the other, and I believe they made some improvements to what you see while you are on the train. There was one section that was

7. Disney Junior Shows: Disney Junior Dance Party!”: Debuting Friday, May 26, this fun concert experience invites adults and kids to dance and sing along to the music. Popular Disney Junior characters from Disney Junior TV shows “Doc McStuffins,” “Sofia the First” and “The Lion Guard” are joined by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse from the new series “Mickey and the Roadster Racers.”

8. A revamp to Tom Sawyer Island with a better Pirate’s Lair: My kids love going to play over at the Prate’s Lair.

9. Rivers of America attractions. The attraction is better than ever as you have more things to look at while you are on the ride.

10. Possibly sneak a peek at Star Wars Land The Galaxy’s Edge. There are certain locations at Disneyland that are high enough you can just barely get a glance or two at how The Galaxy’s Edge is coming along. You’ll have to let me know if you get a peek of the Millennium Falcon.

A Photo Tour of Summer of Heroes Food

June 20, 2017 by Momstart 3 Comments

Like all Super Heroes, you need the right fuel and training to make it through the day and the Summer of Heroes has everything you needs.

Photo credit Disneyland

Summer of Heroes Food Options:

As part of the Summer of Heroes celebration at Disney California Adventure Park, guests will find Super Hero-inspired food and beverages at six different locations in the Hollywood Land area of the park, including Schmoozies, Award Wieners and Market Place.

New locations include the Cosmic Canteen and Knowhere Eats. Dishes and drinks in lively colors of green, purple, red, blue and orange reflect the bold personalities of some favorite Super Heroes. One of the fun new desserts is inspired by baby Groot. The Angry Little Pudding Cup features chocolate pudding with crumbled chocolate sandwich cookie, whipped cream and funnel cake fries.

Guests who enjoy the Mickey-shaped sourdough bread available in Disney California Adventure will want to check out the fun, new Groot-shaped breads, in sourdough and jalapeno-cheddar flavors.

The Most Dangerous Tacos in the Galaxy, a must-try, are inspired by the fiery personality of Gamora, featuring barbacoa, green onion slaw and habanero salsa. In addition, guests can try the Savory Strength Falafel Pita, Super Size Subs,

Space Outpost Tacos, Gamma-Sized Donuts and Bifrosties (shave ice with fun themed flavors).

They have some great drink options too. From a wine flight, a beer flight, to spiked Lemonade.

with fun blinking lights

To some non-alcoholic beverages too.

And sweets like this amazing Spiderman Doughnut

To use all the energy you made with the amazing food options be sure to find all the fun Avengers in the park…

Train and perfect your skills with Black Widow and Hawkeye at the Avengers Training Initiative, one of 10 epic moments you’ll experience this summer!

Then, celebrate your training at the “Guardians of the Galaxy Awesome Dance Off” with Peter Quill and Gamora.

How To Ride Guardians of the Galaxy Mission Breakout Twice & A Photo Tour

June 20, 2017 by Momstart Leave a Comment

We’re so excited to introduce you to the new attraction, Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: BREAKOUT! and give you advice on how to ride Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: BREAKOUT Twice on one day. Finally, I got to ride the ride! I got to ride it twice, it was a fight to ride it twice but I got to ride it twice. It was AWESOME both times.

Now, word to the wise, if you want to ride this ride you should split your group up. One of you needs to go directly, California Adventures,

then to the ride Mission Breakout, the other one needs to go to the fast pass line for Mission breakout and (yes it could possibly be wrapped around blocks by the time you get to it) with both of your Disneyland park passes. The Fast Pass. Both lines get LONG fast. If your friend that goes to the fast pass line is able to get back in line with you to ride the ride that’s once. Then you have fast passes for later in the day and you’ll get to ride the ride twice.

Here are a few pictures taken from inside the fast pass line of Guardians of The Galaxy Mission Breakout. Like how happy I was after I rode the ride.

And this is while I was on the ride

First let’s just take a look at the ride itself, it’s beautiful in the sunlight.

As soon as you enter the gates there is a statue of the collector I believe as it is his place in the line.

Then his many collections

The collector has a lot of things.

And last but not least, The Guardians of The Galaxy are currently in his collection…

Also new is with Summer of Heroes is the new “Disney Junior Dance Party!” And a lot of great food that will be in our next blog post.

How Disney Archives Help Make Movies #TomorrowlandEvent

May 19, 2015 by Momstart Leave a Comment

One thing I love more than anything is finding out how a movie is made and with a history as rich and deep as Disney they leave no stone unturned when it comes to making them. I think I’ve only been in the Disney Archives three times total, it’s not something they share very often but every time it’s amazing and I learn something new. This time I learned about how the archives helped movie makers make the movie Tomorrowland and we saw a few things from opening day of Disneyland. Disneyland is going to be celebrating it’s 60th anniversary this year, it’s pretty exciting.

The Disney Archives keep everything. They have more history than most studios here in Hollywood have. So when they are asked to help they say sure what do you need. The story of “Tomorrowland” started with a box labeled “1952,” supposedly discovered by accident in the Disney Studios archive. The mystery box contained all sorts of fascinating models and blueprints, photographs and letters related to the inception of Tomorrowland and the 1964 World’s Fair. Lindelof was excited by the find and recalls, “I began to imagine that the contents of the box were a guide to a secret story that nobody knew. But if so, what would that story be? And the most obvious answer to me was that there really was a place called Tomorrowland that was not a theme park but existed somewhere in the real world.”

Lindelof began to develop the story by researching the history of Disney and its originator, which led to research on the company’s involvement in the 1964 World’s Fair. “Walt Disney was a futurist in that real mid-century modernist sense,” says Lindelof. “He was very optimistic. He believed that technology held the key to building a better world. He also believed in technology as a means of creating great entertainment. For the 1964 World’s Fair, the Walt Disney Company created three rides, the It’s a Small World ride being the one we remember most. Though quaint by today’s standards, back in 1964, Carousel of Progress and Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln were revolutionary in how they used robotics and ride technology to create a thematically rich experience.”

The people that work in the Archives offices are amazing and Disney fanatics. They love getting their hands in the information and you can see and hear their passion as they tell their stories. But I can’t blame them because seeing the history the pictures and everything is just so awesome and inspiring. Walt Disney was a true innovator. He made a difference and was always looking to push the edges of technology as far as he could. He made changes environmentally and started preservation projects before it was even cool to do so.

Bird adds, “One of Disney’s quotes was, ‘I don’t make movies to make money; I make money to make movies.’ Was he a perfect guy? No. But when you look at how much he accomplished in his lifetime it’s just staggering. So I view him as an innovator. He had a very proactive and positive view of the future. I like to think that this film is something that he would enjoy.”

Going to the archives and hearing these stories and seeing the artifacts reminds me of stories my grandmother used to tell me about herself and when she went to Disneyland. She had her own artifacts and memories and it’s these rich memories that really make stories stand out.

Celebrate 60 Years

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Tomorrowland is in theaters Friday May 22.

Disneyland Apps To Download For the Park #DisneySMMoms #ATTSeattle

March 31, 2014 by Momstart Leave a Comment

My family and I are on the way to Disneyland and I couldn’t be more excited. The last time I was there I downloaded the MouseWait app and was able to find which rides we could ride without waiting a long time and I was able to navigate the park with more ease. Having two young children all by myself at the park wasn’t as much of a challenge as I thought it would be. While I was chatting about my plans with my local AT&T rep he told me about a few more apps and I wanted to share them. Here are three free app recommendations for iPhone/iPad, Windows Phone and Android :

1. Disneyland Explorer App: Download Disneyland Explorer at the iTunes App Store. Take the magic with you almost anywhere you go with this free official Disney app that lets you discover the many things to do at both Disneyland theme parks, the Downtown Disney District and the 3 Disneyland Resort Hotels. Available for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch, Disneyland Explorer puts the Disneyland Resort at your fingertips by featuring: Pictures, hi-res videos and 360-degree panoramas of more than 130 Disneyland Resort attractions, characters and entertainment; interactive activities that let you experience 16 classic Disneyland attractions like never before; and Digital postcards to share with friends. Select from iconic images, including the abominable snowman of Matterhorn Mountain, or create your own character drawings from Animation Academy to send.

2. MouseWait App: Download MouseWait from the Windows Phone store. Taking your kids to Disneyland? Stay sane with MouseWait, now on Windows Phone 8. MouseWait is a very popular app on both Android and iOS. It’s been around since 2009 and has appeared on many app lists centered on Disney. You can basically think of it as the unofficial guide to your Disney stay. It’s most useful feature is knowing at any given moment the estimated wait for a line to an attraction. But it does do more. You can then check the wait times for various attractions inside either park. When you’re checking out the wait times you can sort attractions by either their name or what “land” they’re in. You can also help the community by updating the wait times if you’re in line and it changes. You can also check out what attractions are closed, different events in the park, and whether or not you have a blackout date as an Annual Passport holder. The other side to MouseWait is the social network centered on the parks. You can share pictures, review food, and post various messages to “the lounge”. This social network aspect is fairly basic on Windows Phone compared to the iOS or Android versions.

3. Disneyland Wait Times App: Download Disneyland Wait Times app from the Google Play store for Android devices (smartphones and tablets). Disneyland attraction wait times:

· Covers Disneyland Park and California Adventure

· See rides nearest to your GPS

· Ride wait times are based on user submissions & crowds

· Submit a ride wait time when in Disneyland

· Time displayed in minutes, a CL if closed or dashes if unavailable

Take a Visit To Asgard Meet Thor & See Disneyland Christmas Style #ThorDarkWorldEvent

November 18, 2013 by Momstart Leave a Comment

Asgard, take me to Asgard I would love to meet the infamous gods from Asgard that we see in the Thor/Avenger movies. The Gods, Thor, Loki, Sif and each one unique interesting and larger than life. Well if you take a trip to Disneyland and go on over to Tomorrow land you’ll find yourself beamed into Asgard where Thor will greet you.

Thor: Treasures of Asgard, is located in Tomorrowland, it presents an epic collection of objects brought to Earth straight from Thor’s home world of Asgard. The treasures inside are amazing, it reminded me of when I was a kid and visited the King Tut exhibit. It’s amazing! The best of every Asgardian artifact is on display. Like this Mace, I don’t even think I could pick this up if my life depended on it.

Right off of Loki’s head! This I wanted to try on just because I’m such a huge Loki fan. I actually talk about Loki so much now that my husband rolls his eyes anytime I get started with someone new about my Loki obsession. He’s probably reading this post rolling his eyes. Yes dear, I like Loki!

The Disneyland Resort just gets merrier, starting Nov. 12, 2013, with all our traditional Holiday favorites plus these new additions:

“World of Color – Winter Dreams” premieres Nov. 15. This is an all-new, holidays version of the very popular “World of Color” nighttime, water spectacular at Disney California Adventure Park. The world of Color is really an amazing sight to see.
Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas inspires the great transformation from haunted house to Halloween Town, brimming with jack-o-lanterns and wreaths, sinister toys and kooky characters from the hit animated film. Don’t miss the ginger-dread houses and blood-curdling pies as the Oogie Boogie Man and others scare up some extra festive fun. Season’s Screamings, everyone!
“Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” – This new celebration, inspired by Latino culture and celebrations, features music, food, dancing and an exciting Street Party multiple times a day. It begins Nov. 15 at Disney California Adventure. This precedes our Jan. 3-6 Dia De Los Reyes celebration for Three Kings Day.
Jingle Cruise – The Jungle Cruise skippers decorate for the Holidays and add some fun new jokes to their riverboat tour, at Disneyland Park.

Stay up to date with Thor: The Dark World on Facebook, Twitter (#ThorDarkWorldEvent), and the website and stay connected with Disneyland on the website, twitter (#Disneyland), and facebook..

Photography: Thor of Asgard at Disneyland #ThorDarkWorldEvent

November 11, 2013 by Momstart 2 Comments

I got to go to Disneyland, I got to go to Asgard. I got to meet Thor.

By the way, he does not have time for movies!

Spending My Birthday At Disneyland:Road Trip!!!

May 6, 2013 by Momstart 1 Comment

Today is my birthday and I’m in California. I love California and in California is the sunshine, and Disneyland and lots of people that I know. I have family and friends here and when I was at Disneyland I actually ran into Gabby, who works at Disney and I happen to work with and love here at MomStart.

I love spending time with my family and I’m so glad my husband was able to come down too. Last time we took a road trip he couldn’t make it.

And I always love being with my kids!!!

What is Hip at Disneyland’s California Adventure These Days? #DisneyInHomeBloggers

August 29, 2012 by Momstart 11 Comments

Disneyland’s California Adventure – Experiences to Last a Lifetime! (With #DisneyInHomeBloggers)

By: Ashley

“I’m going to Disneyland!” We’ve all heard it on the Superbowl commercials, heard the stories from our friends, and some of us are even lucky enough to have those special memories from the happiest place on Earth. I was pretty much just as excited and flipping out like I’d just one the Superbowl when I got to use that phase last week. It was my first trip to Disneyland and it had been YEARS since I’d been to Disneyworld.

So what’s hip and happening in Disneyland these days? What are some things you should check out? If I learned anything on my trip, it’s that you can’t go to Disneyland and not explore the California Adventure.

Walking down the street of California Adventure takes you to a time and place like only Disney can do. Storefronts, streetcars, and cast members take guests back to the 1920’s/1930’s Hollywood. And much like you’re in the middle of a Disney film, song and dance can come in at any time. The Newsies perform throughout the day in the streets. If you listen closely, you can even get a nice history lesson about Walt Disney himself. After all, you know he came to Hollywood with nothing but a suitcase and a dream, right?

When you head out into California Adventure, you can’t miss Cars Land. As soon as you pass the welcome sign and head on in, you are immediately transported to the streets of Radiator Springs. Whether you’re looking to fill up at Flo’s Diner, take a swing on Luigi’s tires, or get some groovy snacks and gear from Fillmore’s Taste-In, Cars Land will have you asking if they filmed the movies right there!

Raidiator Springs in the newest attraction in Cars Land and an experience like no other with fast cars, amazing characters, and great storytelling. It all comes together to take you into the world of Lightening McQueen, Tow Mater, Luigi and the rest of the cars gang. Cars Land is definitely a place that you need to see in the daytime AND at night.

Planning a trip to Disneyland is tough, mostly because there is just SO MUCH to see. If you’re heading to Disneyland and hoping to tie it into a little more sightseeing in the LA area, you should probably spend AT LEAST 2 days in Disneyland. You’ll want to catch the nighttime festivities, the daytime excitement, and have enough time to take it all in. After all, these are memories that you (and your family) will hold onto forever.

About Ashley (Managing Editor at MomStart): Ashley is a mom, wife, sister, daughter, friend, and former teacher working to navigate through the mysterious world of Mommyia. Read more about her adventures atMomicles and follow her @Momicles2010 .

I went to Disneyland as part of a #DisneyInHomeBloggers Press Trip. All opinions expressed are my own.

Red Car Trolleys Singing Down Buena Vista Street in California Adventures

July 8, 2012 by Momstart 8 Comments

Last month while I was exploring the new and improved California Adventures on the Brave Red Carpet Press Trip, I saw so many new things on Buena Vista Street. One of them came singing at us right as we walked into the park. The new Red Car Trolley pushed it’s way towards us singing a song that reminded me of the Newsies with Mickey Mouse riding along in the back.

Red Car Trolleys Fact Sheet:

· The Red Car Trolleys are inspired by Los Angeles’ historic Pacific Electric Red Cars from the 1920s and ‘30s.

· Two Red Car Trolley cars operate daily, traveling from Buena Vista Street through Hollywood Land and on to the Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror. The trolleys traverse back and forth, making several stops along the way

· The Red Car Trolley route passes the new icon of Disney California Adventure, the Carthay Circle Theatre, inspired by the site where Walt Disney premiered “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” in 1937.

· Two conductors operate each Red Car Trolley, engaging riders with fun details about Disney California Adventure, including architectural, design and historical facts about the Red Car Trolleys and Carthay Circle Theatre.

· The trolley interiors showcase the soft green and cream colors of the time period. Guests also find vintage-looking ads highlighting food locations and shops in the park.

· Each Red Car Trolley has a bell and a whistle, adding to the melodic sounds of the street.

· The “Red Car News Boys” roll into town on one of the Red Car Trolleys singing “California Here I Come!” and other fun songs inspired by the spirit and style of Disney’s Broadway show, “Newsies.” Even Mickey Mouse joins the show.

· From the Red Car Trolley, guests can wave to “citizens” of Buena Vista Street, resplendent in their period attire and filled with the optimism of the era.

· The Red Car Trolleys are 26 feet long, 8 feet wide and 11 feet tall. They seat 20 passengers with an additional space for a wheelchair.

· Each Red Car Trolley has a number. The 623 car, with “23” as a nod to the year 1923 when Walt Disney arrived in California, is based on the 600 series of trolleys built by the St. Louis Car Company in 1922. The 717 car is inspired by the 700-750 series manufactured by the J.G. Brill Company in 1925 (7-17 also refers to the birthday of Disneyland Park, July 17, 1955).

· Catenary lines – the classic above-vehicle electric cabling – have been added above the trolleys to enhance authenticity. The trolleys are actually powered by onboard 12-volt batteries and they are fully recharged in the Red Car barn each night.

· The Red Car Trolleys were engineered from the ground up to meet today’s industry standards, operating efficiently with steel wheels on steel rails.

· When necessary, the trolleys recharge at one of the stops using inductive power transfer. This technology is used on Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage and also used to recharge consumer products such as cell phones.

Photo and information provided by Disneyland.