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Disneyland Halloween Time: Decorations, Rides, Food & Tips
Planning a Disneyland trip during Halloween Time? See the best Halloween decorations, seasonal rides, Cars Land Haul-O-Ween, treats, Oogie Boogie Bash and our tips for experiencing Disneyland Halloween with kids.
Main Entrance Mickey and Friends Pumpkins
Updated August 2026
Halloween might be one of my favorite times of year to visit Disneyland!
Disneyland completely transforms for fall with pumpkins lining Main Street, Halloween costumes, seasonal rides, spooky treats and some of the BEST decorations of the year. And then you walk over to Disney California Adventure and the Halloween decorations get even better — especially in Cars Land!
I originally wrote this guide after one of my Halloween visits to Disneyland years ago, but Disneyland Halloween Time has grown so much since then. I've visited Disneyland California hundreds of times over the years, and now that I'm visiting with my own kids, I wanted to turn this into a complete guide to Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort — including what comes back year after year, what you shouldn't miss and what to know before visiting.
Updated August 2026: Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort runs August 21 through October 31, 2026. Seasonal offerings can change from year to year, so I always recommend checking Disneyland's current schedule before your visit.
Planning your trip? If you're visiting with little ones, start with my Disneyland With Toddlers guide for our favorite rides, Rider Switch tips and things we've learned visiting Disneyland with our two boys.
Disneyland Halloween Time at a Glance
When: Usually late August through October 31
Where: Disneyland Park + Disney California Adventure
Best for: Families, Disney fans and anyone who loves Halloween without it being TOO scary
Don't miss: Main Street pumpkins, Haunted Mansion Holiday and Cars Land at night
Separate ticket required? Not for regular Halloween Time. Oogie Boogie Bash is a separately ticketed event.
Most of the Halloween decorations, seasonal attractions and entertainment you'll see during the day are included with your regular park admission.
PRO TIP: If you're visiting Disney California Adventure during Halloween season, check the Oogie Boogie Bash calendar before choosing your park days. California Adventure closes early to regular guests on party nights.
🎃 Related Post: Don't forget to check out the Halloween decor at Disneyland Paris.
Where to Stay Near Disneyland for Halloween Time
If you're coming from out of town — or just don't want to drive home after a VERY long Disney day — staying within walking distance of Disneyland makes a huge difference.
We've stayed at Hyatt House at Anaheim Resort/Convention Center multiple times with our kids. I especially like having the extra space, kitchen setup and breakfast when we're doing Disneyland with little ones.
You can read my full Hyatt House Anaheim review to see the rooms, breakfast, walk to Disneyland and why we keep going back.
Affiliate disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you book through one of my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Is Disneyland Halloween Time Worth It?
YES!
I already love Disneyland, but there's something about seeing the entire resort decorated for fall that makes it feel completely different.
Disneyland Park has more of a classic fall feeling with pumpkins, orange and yellow decorations and The Nightmare Before Christmas taking over Haunted Mansion.
California Adventure gets a little spookier with purple lights, bats, Oogie Boogie and the Headless Horseman.
And then there's Cars Land.
If you're only going to see one area decorated for Halloween, Cars Land would be my pick.
It's fun during the day, but make sure you come back after dark because Radiator Springs — or should I say Radiator Screams — looks AMAZING lit up in green, orange and purple.
Halloween at Disney California Adventure
Disney California Adventure really goes all out for Halloween.
Even before you enter the park, you'll usually see Oogie Boogie welcoming you from above the entrance.
Once you're inside, Buena Vista Street has a completely different feeling from Disneyland's Main Street. Instead of the classic orange harvest decorations, you'll find darker Halloween touches, bats and lots of purple.
After entering the gates, Buena Vista Street had lots of bats and purple banners and lights, which I liked because it differentiated from Main Street at Disneyland that is filled with pumpkins and orange harvest decor.
One of my favorite decorations has always been the Headless Horseman near Carthay Circle.
He's definitely creepier than the pumpkins across the esplanade at Disneyland, but that's part of what I love about California Adventure at Halloween. It feels just spooky enough without turning the entire park into a haunted house.
If you have extra time in California Adventure, you can also check out my Pixar Pier guide for a look at the rides, attractions and the huge transformation from Paradise Pier to Pixar Pier.
Headless Horseman near Carthay Circle
Halloween Characters at California Adventure
Mickey Mouse in his Halloween Costume
Keep an eye out for Disney characters dressed for Halloween, too!
The exact costumes change over the years — Mickey and friends even debuted new Halloween outfits in 2026 — which makes the character photos especially fun if you visit Disneyland regularly.
Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark
If you want something a little scarier, head over to Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark.
The Halloween version takes place after the regular Mission: BREAKOUT! storyline. The Collector's creatures have escaped, Groot is still inside and Rocket needs your help getting him out.
One of the things I loved when we rode was that the Halloween theme wasn't limited to the ride itself. Cast Members were looking for the escaped creatures while we waited in line, which made the whole experience even more fun.
NOTE FOR FAMILIES: This is definitely one of the more intense Halloween experiences at Disneyland Resort. If you're visiting with toddlers or younger kids, there is plenty of Halloween fun elsewhere that isn't scary.
Cars Land at Halloween: Welcome to Radiator Screams!
Cars Land Halloween time - I don’t know this kid, but he’s cute
This is my FAVORITE.
Cars Land becomes Radiator Screams during Halloween Time, and Disney puts Halloween details practically everywhere you look.
Seriously, slow down when you're walking through here.
There are spooky traffic signs, giant spiders made from car parts, Halloween-themed tire displays and all kinds of car-themed Halloween puns.
I LOVE the posters throughout Cars Land. Hocus Spokus still makes me laugh because Hocus Pocus is one of the best Halloween movies out there.
Halloween Posters in Cars Land
Even the Cars characters get into the Halloween spirit with their own "car-stumes."
And some of the regular Cars Land attractions get Halloween makeovers too.
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS CARS LAND
Radiator Springs Stanley at Halloween Town Hall
Mater's Graveyard JamBOOree
Mater's Junkyard Jamboree becomes Mater's Graveyard JamBOOree, complete with Halloween music and spooky decorations.
This is a great Halloween ride for younger kids because it's festive without being particularly scary.
Halloween time Flo’s V8 Cafe
Luigi's Honkin' Haul-O-Ween
Luigi's Rollickin' Roadsters also gets a Halloween transformation and becomes Luigi's Honkin' Haul-O-Ween with Halloween-themed songs and decorations.
Both of these seasonal overlays have returned year after year, although Disney can always change its Halloween offerings.
Don't Miss Cars Land at Night
Even if you've already explored Cars Land during the day, GO BACK AT NIGHT.
I loved how everything was lit up in green and purple when we visited. Looking back at my pictures, I realized there were details on the buildings I hadn't even noticed while we were standing there.
This is probably my favorite place in either Disneyland park to walk around during Halloween Time.
Cars Land lit up at night for Halloween
Trunk or Treat… Get it?
We had to try the Slow Burnin’ Mac & Cheese Cone and got lemonades with pomegranate limeade on top! Review: Mac & Cheese = good, edible cone = bad. It definitely had a nice spice to it but for $9 I was expecting more both palate wise and by size. The crushed chile-cheese puffs were a nice touch. As for the lemonade, you had the option to add vodka to it!
Cute Halloween Decorations
Mickey's Trick and Treat
If you're visiting with younger kids, this is much more their speed!
Mickey's Trick and Treat is a family-friendly interactive show at Disney California Adventure with Mickey, Minnie and friends, dancing, Halloween fun and treats.
Disney's seasonal entertainment changes, so check the entertainment schedule for your dates before planning your day around a particular show.
If you're bringing toddlers or preschoolers, I have a LOT more about planning a Disney day with little kids in my Disneyland With Toddlers guide.
Plaza de la Familia
Halloween season at California Adventure also overlaps with Plaza de la Familia, a celebration inspired by Día de los Muertos and the bonds of family.
You'll find colorful decorations, entertainment and touches inspired by Coco.
Plaza de la Familia typically extends a little beyond Halloween into early November. In 2026, it runs from August 21 through November 2.
Halloween at Disneyland Park
Walk across to Disneyland Park and the entire feeling changes.
Disneyland's Halloween decorations are much more pumpkins + fall + classic Halloween, and I LOVE it.
Main Street, U.S.A. is covered in fall foliage, orange bunting and pumpkins.
And there are SO MANY PUMPKINS!
As we were walking around before the fireworks started, we walked right by the Walt and Mickey statue that had carved pumpkins that were carved from the front and back (they weren't real, but they looked like they were)!
The Giant Mickey Pumpkin
The Giant Mickey Pumpkin
You can't really say you've done Halloween at Disneyland until you've taken a picture with the giant Mickey jack-o'-lantern at the entrance to Main Street.
It's one of the most recognizable Disneyland Halloween decorations and an easy family photo stop.
But don't just take the picture and rush toward the rides.
Look around Main Street!
One of my favorite parts of Disneyland Halloween is seeing all the different carved pumpkin faces decorating the buildings. Disney puts so much detail into the decorations that it's easy to miss half of it if you're racing to your first ride.
Haunted Mansion Nightmare Before Christmas Haunted Holiday
Haunted Mansion Holiday
This is one of the biggest reasons to visit Disneyland during Halloween Time.
Every year, Haunted Mansion gets taken over by Jack Skellington, Sally, Oogie Boogie and the residents of Halloween Town for Haunted Mansion Holiday, inspired by Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas.
I LOVED The Nightmare Before Christmas as a kid, so this is always one of my favorite seasonal Disneyland attractions.
The transformation isn't just a few pumpkins outside, either. The attraction gets an extensive holiday makeover inside and out.
And because Haunted Mansion Holiday continues into the Christmas season, it's one of those funny Disneyland attractions that manages to be perfect for Halloween AND Christmas.
Sing it with me: THIS IS HALLOWEEN, THIS IS HALLOWEEN.....
Don't Forget Galaxy's Edge
Halloween decorations aren't the reason to head into Galaxy's Edge, but if you haven't explored this part of Disneyland yet, definitely leave some time for it while you're in the park.
I have a complete Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge guide with our favorite things to see, do and eat in the land.
Halloween Screams
If it's showing during your visit, stay for Halloween Screams!
The nighttime spectacular features Jack Skellington, Zero, Disney villains, projections and Halloween music.
Fireworks are included on select nights, but the schedule can vary, so this is another one I would check in the Disneyland app on the day of your visit rather than relying on an old showtime you found online.
FRONTIERLAND Halloween Time
Dias de los Muertros took over Frontierland!
Last Year’s BAT WING RASPBERRY SUNDAE at Clarabelle’s Hand Scooped Ice Cream
Halloween Food at Disneyland
Okay, now we need to talk about one of my favorite parts of ANY Disneyland event:
THE FOOD.
Disney goes crazy with seasonal Halloween treats.
Over the years I've tried everything from Halloween churros and spooky ice cream creations to a spicy mac and cheese cone in Cars Land.
Disneyland Halloween Food - Minnie Witch Shake at Schmoozies (Minnie Witch Shake - Mint Chocolate Chip Shake with Whipped Cream and Chocolate Cream-filled Cookie ears)
One year I found a Minnie Witch Shake at Schmoozies made with mint chocolate chip ice cream, whipped cream and cookie ears, and obviously I had to get it.
We've also tried the Haul-O-Ween Churro in Cars Land, which was covered in cookie crumbs, green icing, gummy worms and candy.
And then there was the Slow Burnin' Mac & Cheese Cone.
My review at the time?
Mac & cheese = good. Edible cone = not so good.
Disneyland's Halloween menus change every year, which is actually part of the fun. Instead of planning around a treat you saw from several years ago, check the current seasonal food guide or Disneyland app before your trip.
And if you're like me and Disneyland snacks are a major part of your itinerary, I have an entire guide to Disneyland food and sweet treats you can't miss.
My strategy is usually to pick a few things that sound REALLY good rather than trying to eat everything Halloween-themed in one day.
Although I am always willing to make room for Halloween ice cream.
Haul-O-Ween Churro - rolled in Crumbled Chocolate Creme-filled Cookies, Green Icing, Gummy Worms and Candies
Schmoozies Caramel Apple Smoothie - Apples, Ice Cream, Caramel Sauce and a Caramel Apple Lollipop
What Is Oogie Boogie Bash?
This is an important distinction if you're planning a Disneyland Halloween trip.
Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party is NOT the same thing as regular Halloween Time at Disneyland.
Halloween Time happens throughout both parks during regular operating hours and most of those seasonal decorations and attractions are included with regular admission.
Oogie Boogie Bash is a separately ticketed after-hours Halloween party held on select nights at Disney California Adventure.
The party includes trick-or-treat trails, special characters, entertainment, costumes and other exclusive experiences.
CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE Halloween Time Oogie Boogie MAIN ENTRANCE DAYTIME
Oogie Boogie Bash 2026
For 2026, Oogie Boogie Bash is being held on select nights from August 18 through October 31.
The event officially runs from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM, and party tickets allow guests to enter Disney California Adventure beginning at 3:00 PM.
Ticket prices and dates change every year, and popular nights can sell out, so I wouldn't build your plans around pricing or dates from a previous year. Check Disney's current Oogie Boogie Bash information when you're planning your trip.
IMPORTANT: Even if you're NOT going to Oogie Boogie Bash, you need to know when it's happening. California Adventure has adjusted operating hours on party nights.
CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE Halloween Time MAIN ENTRANCE NIGHTTIME
Do You Need Oogie Boogie Bash Tickets to Enjoy Disneyland at Halloween?
Absolutely not.
This is probably one of the biggest misconceptions about Disneyland Halloween.
You can see the Main Street pumpkins, explore Cars Land's Haul-O-Ween decorations, ride seasonal attractions and enjoy lots of Halloween entertainment without attending Oogie Boogie Bash.
If you're taking a Disneyland vacation anyway, Halloween Time is still worth experiencing without buying another event ticket.
Oogie Boogie Bash is more of an extra Halloween experience.
Electrical Parade Alice in Wonderland - 2019
Disneyland Halloween With Toddlers and Young Kids
For the most part, Disneyland Halloween is very family-friendly.
This isn't the kind of Halloween event where actors are jumping out and trying to scare you.
There are definitely darker decorations and villains — especially around California Adventure — but there's also a TON for little kids.
If you're visiting Disneyland Halloween with toddlers, I'd prioritize:
Main Street's pumpkins
Cars Land during the day
Mater's Graveyard JamBOOree
Luigi's Honkin' Haul-O-Ween
Halloween character photos
Mickey's Trick and Treat
Seasonal snacks
Then you can decide how your child feels about things like Haunted Mansion Holiday and the nighttime decorations.
Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark is in an entirely different category and is intended to be thrilling!
For everything else — toddler rides, Rider Switch, naps, stroller tips and what we've learned taking two little boys — head over to my complete Disneyland With Toddlers: 10 Tips We Learned Visiting With Two Little Boys.
Make a Disneyland Halloween Weekend Out of It
If you're traveling to Anaheim rather than just coming for the day, you can easily turn Halloween Time into a Southern California weekend.
I'd give Disneyland at least one full day — and preferably more if you want to explore both parks without rushing — and then add another family-friendly Southern California activity before or after your Disney days.
Affiliate disclosure: I may earn a commission if you book an experience through one of these links, at no additional cost to you.
My Tips for Visiting Disneyland During Halloween Time
Go to Cars Land twice. See it during the day and come back after dark.
Check Oogie Boogie Bash dates BEFORE buying your park tickets. This is especially important if you're planning a California Adventure day.
Don't assume an old Halloween food guide is current. Disney changes the specialty food every year.
Check entertainment times in the Disneyland app. Seasonal shows and fireworks aren't necessarily offered every night.
Look up! Some of the best Halloween decorations are on buildings, light fixtures and signs rather than at eye level.
Take your Halloween photos early. You'll inevitably say, "We'll get that picture later!" and then discover that everyone is exhausted and it's dark.
Give yourself time to wander. Halloween at Disneyland is one of those times when getting from attraction A to attraction B as quickly as possible means missing half the fun.
Is Disneyland Better at Halloween or Christmas?
Don't make me choose!
Disneyland at Christmas has MORE decorations overall, but I think Halloween Time has some of the most creative transformations — especially Cars Land.
If you love pumpkins, fall colors, The Nightmare Before Christmas and Halloween without anything TOO scary, I'd choose Halloween.
And Southern California doesn't exactly give us a lot of changing leaves and crisp fall weather, so I'll take my fall wherever I can get it!
Disneyland Halloween Time FAQ
When does Halloween Time start at Disneyland?
Disneyland Halloween Time typically begins in late August or early September and continues through October 31.
For 2026, Halloween Time runs August 21 through October 31.
When does Disneyland decorate for Halloween?
Disney begins its Halloween transformation around the start of Halloween Time. Exact dates can change each year, so check the current year's Disneyland Halloween schedule before your trip.
Is Disneyland Halloween included with regular admission?
Most Halloween Time decorations, seasonal attractions and regular entertainment are available with standard theme park admission.
Oogie Boogie Bash is a separately ticketed event.
Is Cars Land decorated for Halloween?
YES! And it's one of my favorite parts of Disneyland Halloween.
Cars Land becomes "Radiator Screams," complete with Halloween decorations, costumed Cars characters and seasonal versions of Mater's and Luigi's attractions.
Is Haunted Mansion different during Halloween?
Yes. Haunted Mansion transforms into Haunted Mansion Holiday, inspired by Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Does Disneyland have Halloween fireworks?
Disneyland presents Halloween Screams on select nights during Halloween Time. Fireworks are included on select nights, so check the entertainment calendar for your visit.
Is Disneyland Halloween good for toddlers?
Yes! Most of Halloween Time is designed to be family-friendly rather than truly scary. Cars Land, Main Street pumpkins, characters and Mickey's Trick and Treat are especially fun with younger kids.
Do you need Oogie Boogie Bash tickets?
Only if you want to attend Oogie Boogie Bash itself. You do not need a party ticket to experience regular Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort.
Final Thoughts: Is Disneyland Halloween Worth It?
If you already love Disneyland, Halloween Time gives you a completely different reason to visit.
For me, the best part isn't one particular ride or treat. It's walking through Main Street surrounded by pumpkins, discovering all the ridiculous Halloween details in Cars Land and then seeing everything light up after dark.
Disney changes the food, costumes and entertainment from year to year, but that's why I wanted to make this guide more evergreen. The details may change, but the things that make Disneyland Halloween so much fun come back year after year.
And if I had to give you just ONE piece of advice?
Don't leave Cars Land before seeing it at night.
Happy Halloween! I can't wait to go back! Hurry baaacccckkkk, hurrry baaaaaaaaaccccckkkk!
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More Disneyland Tips & Guides
Planning more of your Disneyland trip? Here are some of my other Disneyland guides:
Disneyland Paris Guide: Best Things to Do, Rides & Must-See Attractions
Planning a trip to Disneyland Paris? Discover the best things to do, must-ride attractions, Halloween highlights and what’s different from Disneyland California. I couldn’t stop taking photos along the way—there were so many unique Disney details to see!
Disneyland Paris entrance and Disneyland Hotel with fountains and Mickey Mouse flower display
Originally published after our 2012 visit. Updated August 2026 with current Disneyland Paris planning information
Everything you need to know about DISNEYLAND PARIS GUIDE - best things to do and must see from a Disneyland expert!
If you’re planning a trip to Paris and LOVE Disney, you may be wondering: Is Disneyland Paris worth visiting?
For me, the answer was YES!
I’ve been to Disneyland in California literally hundreds of times, so naturally, when I went to Paris, I had to see how the two parks compared.
There are so many fun things to do at Disneyland Paris, especially if you love spotting the differences between Disney parks. From unique versions of classic rides to Sleeping Beauty Castle (and the dragon hiding underneath!), these are some of the best things to do in Disneyland Paris—plus a few newer experiences I’d add to my list today.
I seriously couldn’t stop taking photos while we were there! From the details of the castle to the Halloween decorations throughout the park, there was something different around every corner.
We visited in 2012 during the Halloween season, so the photos and my firsthand experiences in this guide are from that trip. A LOT has changed since then—including a major transformation of the second park! I’ve updated this guide with current 2026 planning information while keeping all of those original experiences, comparisons and photos.
I couldn't stop taking photos of Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Paris—especially with all the Halloween decorations!
Disneyland Paris at a Glance
Disneyland Paris has two theme parks:
Disneyland Park — This is the classic castle park and the one that feels most like Disneyland in California or Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.
Disney Adventure World — Formerly Walt Disney Studios Park, the second park has undergone a HUGE transformation and officially became Disney Adventure World in March 2026.
If you only have one day and you’re choosing one park, I’d prioritize Disneyland Park, especially if this is your first visit.
That’s where you’ll find Sleeping Beauty Castle, Big Thunder Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, Phantom Manor and many of the things that make Disneyland Paris unique.
What’s New at Disneyland Paris in 2026?
Okay, this is where my original 2012 Disneyland Paris guide needed a BIG update!
When we visited, the second park was called Walt Disney Studios Park.
As of March 29, 2026, it is officially Disney Adventure World.
The park has undergone a huge expansion that includes World of Frozen, Adventure Way, Adventure Bay, a Tangled-themed attraction and new restaurants and experiences.
There’s also Marvel Avengers Campus, which opened long after my visit. The old Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster that I remember has been transformed into Avengers Assemble: Flight Force.
So if you’re looking at my older photos and wondering why parts of Disney Adventure World look completely different today — that’s why!
How to Get to Disneyland Paris From Paris
One of the things that surprised me about Disneyland Paris was how EASY it was to get there from Paris.
We were staying in Paris and took the RER A train to Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy.
The ride from central Paris takes about 40 minutes, and the station is right by the entrance to Disneyland Paris.
For us, it made Disneyland Paris completely doable as a day trip without changing hotels.
TIP: I wouldn’t rely on old blog posts for train prices (including the original version of this post!). Check current transportation information before your trip since fares can change.
Walt Disney Studios Paris, now Disney Adventure World
Disneyland Park vs. Disney Adventure World
If you’ve been to the Disney parks in the United States, the easiest way to understand Disneyland Paris is to think of it as two separate experiences.
Disneyland Park
This is the classic Disney park.
You’ll find:
Sleeping Beauty Castle
Big Thunder Mountain
Pirates of the Caribbean
Phantom Manor
Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain
“it’s a small world”
Fantasyland
Adventureland
Discoveryland
Frontierland
Main Street, U.S.A.
But don’t assume you’ve seen everything just because you’ve been to Disneyland in California.
Some of the Paris versions are VERY different.
Disney Adventure World
Disney Adventure World is the dramatically expanded second park, formerly known as Walt Disney Studios Park.
Today you’ll find experiences including:
World of Frozen
Marvel Avengers Campus
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Crush’s Coaster
Toy Story Playland
Avengers Assemble: Flight Force
Ratatouille: The Adventure
Adventure Way
Adventure Bay
This park is probably the biggest difference between the Disneyland Paris I visited and the Disneyland Paris you’ll experience today.
WALT AND MICKEY STATUE - Hollywood Tower of Terror PARIS - Disney Adventure World
Best Things to Do at Disneyland Paris
Wondering what you absolutely shouldn't miss at Disneyland Paris? From exploring Sleeping Beauty Castle and its dragon to riding Big Thunder Mountain, Phantom Manor and Hyperspace Mountain, there are plenty of attractions that feel surprisingly different from their California counterparts. These are some of my favorite Disneyland Paris must-dos, plus a few newer experiences I'd add to my list today.
Big Thunder Mountain
If you love Big Thunder Mountain in California, you HAVE to ride the Disneyland Paris version.
It’s one of those rides that’s familiar but different enough to make it exciting.
The biggest difference?
The attraction is located on an island in the middle of the Rivers of the Far West!
That alone makes it worth riding even if you’ve been on Big Thunder Mountain dozens of times in the United States.
Phantom Manor AKA Haunted Mansion in Disneyland Paris
Phantom Manor
Disneyland Paris has its own take on the Haunted Mansion called Phantom Manor.
And I LOVE seeing how Disney reimagines attractions for different parks.
Phantom Manor fits perfectly into Frontierland and has a darker Western feel than the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland in California.
If Haunted Mansion is one of your favorites, don’t skip this one.
SPACE MOUNTAIN MISSION 2, now Hyperspace Mountain at DISNEYLAND PARIS
Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain
When we visited, this attraction was called Space Mountain: Mission 2, and it was one of my favorite rides at Disneyland Paris!
Today, it’s Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain.
Unlike Space Mountain in California, the Disneyland Paris coaster is much more intense. It has a loop and inversions which none of the other parks do.
And here’s another reason my old photos are kind of fun now: Disney has announced that the current Hyperspace Mountain version will eventually give way to a newly reimagined version inspired by the attraction’s original Jules Verne concept.
Skull rock and Peter Pan’s Pirate Ship at DISNEYLAND PARIS
Pirates of the Caribbean
Pirates is another attraction that feels familiar but isn’t exactly the same as its California counterpart.
I always recommend riding Disney attractions that exist at multiple parks because comparing them is half the fun!
Crush’s Coaster
Over in Disney Adventure World, Crush’s Coaster is one of the attractions I’d have on my list.
This spinning coaster is themed to Finding Nemo and is unique to Disneyland Paris.
I wish they had this in California Adventure! You ride with Crush from Finding Nemo in a turtle shell along the EAC. It's fast, it spins, it's fun! We waited about an hour for it, but it was worth it (and dry).
DRAGON UNDER SLEEPING BEAUTY'S CASTLE
Don’t Miss the Dragon Under Sleeping Beauty Castle!
THIS was one of my favorite discoveries at Disneyland Paris.
Sleeping Beauty Castle — Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant — is beautiful on its own.
But underneath it?
There’s a DRAGON.
Head underneath the castle into La Tanière du Dragon, where you’ll find a huge Audio-Animatronic dragon lurking in the cave.
I remember thinking this was SO COOL because there isn’t anything like it underneath Sleeping Beauty Castle in California.
It’s exactly the kind of detail that makes Disneyland Paris worth exploring instead of just running from ride to ride.
If you’re a Disneyland regular visiting Paris for the first time, DO NOT MISS THIS!
BONJOUR BUZZ! Toy Story Playland
Toy Story Playland
Elements of Disneyland Paris felt familiar from the Disney parks back home, but when we walked into Toy Story Playland and were greeted by a GIANT Buzz Lightyear saying “Bonjour,” Disneyland Paris definitely had its own unique charm!
The entire area makes you feel like you’ve been shrunk down to the size of a toy in Andy’s backyard, with oversized toys and larger-than-life details everywhere.
When we visited, we were kid-free, so we didn’t spend as much time on the rides here. Today, Toy Story Playland is part of Worlds of Pixar in Disney Adventure World, and you’ll still find Slinky Dog Zigzag Spin, Toy Soldiers Parachute Drop and RC Racer.
Funny enough, now that I’ve visited different Toy Story-themed lands around the world, I still love comparing them. Disneyland Paris was my first experience with Toy Story Playland, although I personally liked Hong Kong Disneyland’s version the best!
CAR'S LAND CORNER
What About the Cars Area?
Near Toy Story Playland, we also came across a little taste of Cars. It wasn’t anything like the full Cars Land at Disney California Adventure, but seeing familiar Cars theming in Paris was another fun Disney-parks-around-the-world moment.
This area has changed quite a bit since our visit. Today, the larger Worlds of Pixar area includes several Pixar-themed attractions, including Cars Quatre Roues Rallye and Cars ROAD TRIP, along with Toy Story Playland, Crush’s Coaster and Ratatouille: The Adventure.
If you’re used to Cars Land in California, don’t expect a Paris version of Radiator Springs. Instead, think of it as several Cars-inspired experiences within the much larger Worlds of Pixar area.
Indiana Jones et le Temple du Péril - Outdoor roller coaster
Indiana Jones et le Temple du Péril
As a HUGE fan of the Indiana Jones Adventure at Disneyland in California, I was surprised when we came across Indiana Jones et le Temple du Péril at Disneyland Paris.
Despite the name, this is a completely different ride!
Instead of the dark indoor adventure you’ll find in California, Disneyland Paris’ Indiana Jones attraction is an outdoor roller coaster through ancient temple ruins. It actually reminded me more of the coaster-style thrills of Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom than California’s Indiana Jones ride.
It was definitely fun, but when we visited, Space Mountain: Mission 2 was my favorite of the two. Today, that attraction is called Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain, but if you’re trying to prioritize thrill rides, I’d put Hyperspace Mountain ahead of Indiana Jones.
California Disneyland fans: Don’t go into this one expecting the Indiana Jones Adventure you know from Anaheim. They’re VERY different attractions — which is also part of the fun of visiting Disneyland Paris!
Don't Miss the Disneyland Paris Drone Show!
One thing I REALLY wish had existed when we visited Disneyland Paris is the incredible nighttime drone technology they have today!
The newest show is Disney Cascade of Lights at Disney Adventure World. It takes place over Adventure Bay and combines more than 380 aerial and aquatic drones with fountains, water screens, projections, flames and other special effects.
I've seen videos of Disneyland Paris' drone shows all over social media, and they look AMAZING. This is definitely something I'd put on my list for a future trip!
Disney Cascade of Lights takes place in the evening and is included with valid admission to Disney Adventure World. Check the Disneyland Paris app for the showtime on the day of your visit, since schedules can change and the show may be affected by weather or technical conditions.
TIP: Disneyland Paris currently has TWO nighttime spectaculars — and you can't see both on the same night! Disney Cascade of Lights at Disney Adventure World takes place at the same time as Disney Tales of Magic over at Disneyland Park. If seeing both nighttime shows is important to you, Disney recommends planning at least two days.
What’s Different About Disneyland Paris vs. Disneyland California?
This was honestly one of my favorite parts of visiting.
Because I knew Disneyland California so well, I loved spotting all of the differences.
Disneyland Paris isn’t simply Disneyland transplanted to France.
The castle is different.
Big Thunder Mountain is different.
Space Mountain is VERY different. It has a loop!
Phantom Manor has its own story.
And then there are completely unique details like the dragon underneath the castle.
My advice?
Don’t skip an attraction simply because you’ve ridden the “same” ride in California or Florida.
Sometimes comparing the different versions is the most fun part!
🏰 Related Post: Guide to Hong Kong Disneyland
Halloween at Disneyland Paris
We happened to visit during the Halloween season, and I LOVED seeing Disneyland Paris decorated for fall!
There were pumpkins, ghosts, orange decorations and Halloween touches throughout the park. Looking back at these photos is actually one of my favorite parts of our trip.
And Halloween is still a BIG deal at Disneyland Paris.
For 2026, the Disney Halloween Festival runs September 26 through November 1 at Disneyland Park.
Disneyland Park gets covered in colorful pumpkins, lanterns and autumn decorations, particularly around Main Street, U.S.A. and Frontierland.
There are also special seasonal experiences, including:
Mickey’s Halloween Celebration
Disney Characters dressed for Halloween
Disney Villains
Jack Skellington and Sally on select dates
Halloween-inspired food and treats
Seasonal merchandise
Special Halloween decorations throughout Disneyland Park
And I especially love that Disneyland Paris describes its Halloween celebration as family-friendly rather than super scary.
If you already love fall and Halloween, I think this would be an especially fun time to plan a Disneyland Paris trip.
Our photos in this post show the Halloween decorations from our 2012 visit, so the exact decorations and entertainment you’ll see today will be different.
🎃 Related Post: Halloweentime at the Disneyland Resort
Can You Visit Disneyland Paris in One Day?
YES — that’s exactly what we did.
If you’re visiting Paris and mostly want a taste of Disneyland Paris, I think a day trip can absolutely work.
But there’s one big difference between our trip and visiting today:
Disneyland Paris has MUCH more to do now.
With the massive expansion of Disney Adventure World, trying to thoroughly experience both parks in a single day would be a lot.
If I were planning a first trip today, I’d think about it this way:
One day: Focus primarily on Disneyland Park and choose a few priorities at Disney Adventure World if you have a park-hopper ticket.
Two days: Much better if you really want to experience both parks.
Three days: Gives you time to slow down, repeat favorites and enjoy shows and entertainment without feeling like you’re racing through everything.
What Replaced FastPass at Disneyland Paris?
Here’s another major change from our visit.
When we went to Disneyland Paris, we used Disney’s old FastPass system.
That system is gone.
Disneyland Paris now uses Disney Premier Access, a paid service that allows you to access a faster queue at participating attractions.
There are different options, including Premier Access One for individual attractions and Premier Access Ultimate for access to multiple eligible attractions.
Because pricing and participating attractions can change, I’d check the Disneyland Paris app shortly before your trip rather than planning around an old list.
Food at Disneyland Paris
One of the places we ate during our visit was Restaurant Hakuna Matata in Adventureland.
We mainly ended up there because we were hungry, it was raining and we wanted something quick!
Funny enough, Restaurant Hakuna Matata is STILL THERE.
The menu has changed since our 2012 trip, so definitely don’t use my old meal as your current menu guide. Check the Disneyland Paris app for current restaurant menus and opening hours.
If I were planning another trip today, I’d also make dining reservations for any must-do table-service restaurants rather than waiting until we were hungry to figure out where to eat.
Paris Disneyland Hotel and mickey statue with floral arrangement
Disneyland Paris Tips for First-Time Visitors
Here are the biggest things I’d keep in mind when planning:
Download the Disneyland Paris app before your trip.
You’ll be able to see attraction wait times, show schedules, restaurant information and other current park details.
Don’t assume the rides are identical to Disneyland or Walt Disney World.
That’s part of the fun!
Give yourself time to explore the castle.
Don’t just take a picture in front and walk away. Go underneath it and FIND THE DRAGON.
Check attraction closures before your trip.
Disneyland Paris attractions can close for refurbishment, and you don’t want to discover that one of your must-do rides is unavailable after you arrive.
Prepare for weather.
We experienced plenty of rain during our trip. Paris weather can be unpredictable, so pack accordingly.
Consider two days if you want to see both parks.
Disneyland Paris has expanded considerably since our one-day trip.
If you love Halloween, consider visiting in the fall.
Disneyland Paris really embraces the season!
Is Disneyland Paris Worth It?
For a Disney fan?
I think so!
I wouldn’t necessarily sacrifice a huge chunk of a first-ever trip to Paris just to visit Disney. Paris has SO MUCH to see.
But if you have an extra day, you’re traveling with kids, or you’re a Disney fan who loves experiencing the different parks around the world, Disneyland Paris is an incredibly fun addition to a Paris itinerary.
For me, one of the best parts wasn’t simply riding Disney attractions.
It was discovering how DIFFERENT everything could be.
From Big Thunder Mountain’s island location to Phantom Manor and the dragon hiding underneath Sleeping Beauty Castle, Disneyland Paris has its own personality.
And now that Disney Adventure World has completely transformed the second park, there’s even more to experience than when we visited!
ENTRANCE TO WALT DISNEY STUDIOS
Disneyland Paris FAQ
Is Disneyland Paris close to Paris?
Disneyland Paris is outside central Paris in Marne-la-Vallée. The RER A train ride from central Paris takes about 40 minutes and arrives at Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy, right by Disneyland Paris.
How many parks are at Disneyland Paris?
There are two: Disneyland Park and Disney Adventure World, formerly Walt Disney Studios Park.
Is one day enough for Disneyland Paris?
You can absolutely visit Disneyland Paris as a day trip, especially if you focus on Disneyland Park. If you want to thoroughly experience both parks, I’d plan at least two days.
Is Disneyland Paris worth visiting if you’ve already been to Disneyland?
YES! That’s actually what made the experience so fun for me. Attractions like Big Thunder Mountain, Phantom Manor and Hyperspace Mountain are different from their U.S. counterparts, and Disneyland Paris has unique experiences like the dragon underneath Sleeping Beauty Castle.
When is Halloween at Disneyland Paris in 2026?
Disney Halloween Festival runs from September 26 through November 1, 2026 in Disneyland Park. The park features Halloween decorations, seasonal entertainment, Disney Characters and Villains, special treats and other Halloween experiences.
Is Disneyland Paris Halloween scary for kids?
Disneyland Paris describes its Halloween Festival as suitable for the whole family. Expect colorful pumpkins, cute ghosts, Disney Villains and playful Halloween decorations rather than a traditional haunted theme park experience.
What is Walt Disney Studios Park called now?
Walt Disney Studios Park officially became Disney Adventure World on March 29, 2026 as part of a major transformation and expansion of Disneyland Paris’s second park.
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DISNEYLAND PARIS GUIDE
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Hyatt House Anaheim Review: Our Favorite Family Hotel Near Disneyland
Looking for a family hotel near Disneyland? See why we keep staying at Hyatt House Anaheim with toddlers—walkability, kitchen suites, breakfast, and more.
Sleeping Beauty’s Castle decorated for Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary
We love to stay at the Disneyland Resorts but if you’re looking for a budget family friendly hotel, the Hyatt House Anaheim Resort / Convention Center is one of our favorites!
Location: 1800 S Harbor Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92802
We have stayed here multiple times now and honestly… It is a closer to walk from the hotel than it is from the Disneyland parking structure.
It has become one of our favorite family hotels because it checks so many boxes when traveling with little kids:
✔ Walking distance to Disneyland
✔ Large family rooms
✔ Small kitchen area
✔ Sitting space to spread out
✔ Free breakfast
✔ Hyatt points and free night certificates can work here
As parents of little kids, having a hotel that gives us room to breathe after a long Disney day makes a HUGE difference.
➡️ CHECK ROOM RATES HERE: HYATT HOUSE ANAHEIM
Kitchen, desk, and sitting area in the kitchen suites of the Hyatt House Anahiem
Why We Keep Staying at Hyatt House Anaheim for Disneyland Trips
Disney trips with toddlers can be amazing… and also exhausting!
By the time we leave the parks our boys are usually tired, we are carrying snacks, souvenirs, maybe a stroller, and everyone just wants to get back quickly.
That is one reason we keep coming back to Hyatt House Anaheim.
The walk has always felt very manageable with kids, and once we get back we actually have room to spread out instead of all sitting on one hotel bed.
For us, it hits that sweet spot between close enough to Disneyland and comfortable enough for families. There is even an option to have a family suite with bunk beds! If you walk through Downtown Disney to the Disneyland Hotel, the distance to the Hyatt House is equivalent, if not closer!
Sitting area and couch sofa in kitchen suite at Hyatt House Anaheim
How Far Is Hyatt House Anaheim From Disneyland?
One of the biggest reasons we stay here is the location.
Hyatt House Anaheim Resort / Convention Center is within walking distance of Disneyland, and we have done the walk multiple times with kids. At half of a mile from the front door to the main entrance, that’s nothing on a Disney day!
Honestly, I have joked before that it almost feels closer than parking and walking from the structure.
After a full day at the most magical place on Earth, not needing another shuttle or long transfer is a win.
If you have little ones, strollers, or kids that suddenly “cannot walk anymore” after fireworks… being able to get back to the hotel fairly quickly is huge.
The Kitchen is equipped with everything you could possibly need - refrigerator, dish washer, coffee maker, microwave, and stove.
Hyatt House Anaheim Rooms: Why We Love Them for Families
This is probably my favorite part of staying here.
The rooms feel much more family-friendly than a standard hotel room. It’s called a kitchen suite and for good reason!
You get:
Extra space to spread out
Sitting area
Small kitchen setup complete with dish washer and electric stove
Refrigerator for snacks and drinks
More room for all the Disney stuff that somehow multiplies during the trip
We almost always stock the room with fruit, cereal, snacks, yogurt, and easy breakfast foods.
Not every meal needs to be a Disney meal.
Sometimes everyone is happier with strawberries and cereal before rope drop.
Hyatt House Anaheim rooms are perfect for families visiting Disneyland. Double beds or room for cribs and toddler beds.
Hyatt House Anaheim Free Breakfast: Is It Worth It?
I’ll be honest…
This is not the most amazing hotel breakfast we have ever had.
BUT.
Not paying for one extra Disney meal? That is a win in my book. Especially for families.
Breakfast usually works well enough for us to grab something quick before heading out, and then we supplement with our own snacks and fruit in the room.
Disney days add up fast, so saving even one meal for four people can make a difference.
Yogurt, granola, fruit, donut holes, eggs, breakfast potato option, bagels, bananas, cereal, milk, juice, COFFEE, and tea. There is something for everyone. We loved the donut holes which our little ones called bagels… 🤷🏻♀️
Our Toddler boy visiting Mater in Radiator Springs in California Adventure in the Disneyland Resort
PLANNING A DISNEYLAND TRIP WITH TODDLERS OR YOUNG KIDS?
→ Start here with our Disneyland with toddlers post
Using Hyatt Points at Hyatt House Anaheim
One of the extra reasons we love staying here is that Hyatt points and free night certificates can sometimes work here.
We have used Hyatt stays to help offset family travel costs before, and this hotel has become one of our favorite ways to use those benefits near Disneyland.
If you already collect Hyatt points, this one is worth checking.
Is Hyatt House Anaheim Good for Families?
For us? Absolutely.
Especially if you have:
Toddlers
Preschoolers
Kids who still nap or need downtime
Families wanting more space than a traditional room
Parents trying to keep food costs down
Pros
✔ Walking distance to Disneyland
✔ Larger family-friendly rooms
✔ Kitchen area + fridge
✔ Sitting space
✔ Free breakfast
✔ Hyatt points eligible
Cons
✖ Breakfast is fine, not amazing
✖ Popular family hotel so it can feel busy, especially in the morning and at night
✖ Disneyland days still mean tired little legs on the walk back
kids walking to their hotel - where to stay with toddler boys near the Disneyland Resort
kids walking to their hotel - where to stay with toddler boys near the Disneyland Resort
Hyatt House Anaheim vs Staying at a Disneyland Hotel
We have stayed both on-property and off-property over the years, and honestly this has become one of our favorite Disneyland hotel choices.
You get more room.
You still have walkability.
You can keep snacks in the room.
And depending on your stay, it can be significantly less expensive.
For our family, that balance has made it our repeat choice.
Hyatt House Anaheim FAQ
Is Hyatt House Anaheim walking distance to Disneyland?
Yes! Hyatt House Anaheim is about half a mile from the Disneyland entrance, and we’ve walked it multiple times with little kids.
Does Hyatt House Anaheim have free breakfast?
Yes, breakfast is included. It’s not fancy, but it saves us from buying one extra Disney meal, which is a big win for families.
Is Hyatt House Anaheim good for families?
Yes. The larger rooms, kitchen suites, sitting space, fridge, and free breakfast make it a great option for families visiting Disneyland.
Can you use Hyatt points at Hyatt House Anaheim?
Yes, Hyatt points and free night certificates may work here depending on availability.
Does Hyatt House Anaheim have kitchen suites?
Yes. Some rooms have kitchen suites with a full sized refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, coffee maker, and electric stove.
Final Thoughts: Would We Stay at Hyatt House Anaheim Again?
Yes. Without hesitation.
This has honestly become our go-to Disneyland hotel.
The combination of location, space, kitchen setup, breakfast, and family-friendly rooms keeps bringing us back.
And when you are traveling with little kids, finding a hotel that simply makes the trip easier is worth a lot.
➡️ Book now: HYATT HOUSE ANAHEIM
Disneyland With Toddlers: 10 Tips We Learned Visiting With Two Little Boys
Planning Disneyland with toddlers? Here are our favorite Disneyland tips, Rider Swap hacks, toddler rides, hotel recommendations, and California Adventure favorites from visiting with our two boys.
One of my favorite parts of Disneyland with toddlers isn’t even the rides — it’s watching them take it all in. ✨
Disneyland with toddlers is one of those trips that feels equally magical and slightly chaotic at the same time.
We’ve now visited Disneyland multiple times with our two boys and every trip we learn something new. We’ve learned where to start, which rides are actually worth it for little kids, when Rider Swap saves the day, and which waits are absolutely not worth it with toddlers. Don’t miss our Southern California ticket hack too!
If you’re heading to Disneyland with little ones, these are the tips that have worked best for our family.
Look closely - Mary Poppins and Bert are often found in Fantasyland!
1. Bring ALL the Snacks (and Don’t Feel Like You Have to Take the Tram)
My number one Disneyland tip for toddlers? Snacks. So many snacks. Don’t forget to bring some for you too.
We usually load up before heading into the parks because little kids seem to become hungry approximately every 17 minutes at Disneyland.
We always bring a stroller because it ends up carrying everything — snacks, water bottles, jackets, souvenirs, and occasionally tired children. Also, you might want to put an Airtag in the stroller in case you forget where it is!
One thing to know though: if you take the tram from the parking garage, you have to fold the stroller. Our stroller is a pain to fold so we usually skip the tram entirely and walk through Downtown Disney to the parks instead. It’s an easy walk and saves us the stroller fold-up process.
Sleeping Beauty's castle decorated for the 70th Anniversary celebration at Disneyland.
2. Get There Right When the Park Opens
If you only take one piece of advice from this post, let it be this:
Get there early!
The first few hours of the day are magic at Disneyland with toddlers.
Wait times are shorter, it’s cooler outside, kids still have energy, and you can knock out several rides before the crowds build.
Rope drop is absolutely worth it for families. Besides, aren’t you up at the crack of dawn anyway?!
3. Start in Toontown
If you have toddlers, Toontown is our favorite place to start.
Our boys love:
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Gadget’s Go Coaster
Exploring Toontown
Meeting Mickey in his house
Meeting Mickey first thing in the morning has usually meant shorter waits for us too.
Toontown just feels made for little kids and is such a fun way to start the day.
There is a stationary Dumbo when you get off the ride so you can get that picture perfect shot!
4. Keep an Eye on Fantasyland Wait Times (or Head to Big Thunder!)
Fantasyland is obviously classic Disneyland toddler territory, but don’t forget to watch the wait times. Don’t wait more than 40 mins for anything. Dumbo is great but only when the line is 20 mins or less.
And if you happen to have a little thrill seeker…
Big Thunder Mountain might surprise you.
Our son LOVES Big Thunder.
A 20–30 minute wait for Big Thunder is pretty good in our book, and it has become one of his favorite rides. There is a 40 inches height requirement for this one! Check before you go!
We also LOVE Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters.
5. Learn Rider Swap — It Is the Parent Hack Nobody Told Us About
Rider Swap is one of the best things Disneyland offers for families with little kids.
Here’s how it works:
If one child is too small (or doesn’t want to ride), one parent rides first while the other waits with the younger child.
Then the second parent gets to ride without waiting in the full line again.
You just need to talk to the Cast Member at the ride entrance before anyone gets in line.
We’ve used Rider Swap on so many attractions and it makes a huge difference.
It’s especially helpful if you have one toddler who loves bigger rides and one who isn’t ready yet.
Galaxy’s Edge ended up being way more toddler-friendly than we expected. Meeting Chewbacca was a huge hit for our little Star Wars fan. ✨
6. Don’t Skip Galaxy’s Edge if Your Kids Love Star Wars
Our boys are huge Star Wars fans and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run was a massive hit.
Honestly, Galaxy’s Edge ended up being way more toddler-friendly than I expected.
Even walking around the land was fun for them. Give Chewbacca a high five and say hi to Han Solo!
If you have little Star Wars fans, definitely add this to your Disneyland day.
Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree is the best toddler ride and relatively short line!
7. California Adventure Has Some Great Toddler Rides Too
We love Disneyland, but California Adventure has become one of our boys’ favorites too.
Our must-do rides are:
WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure
Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree
The Little Mermaid
Mater is always a hit.
And The Little Mermaid is such a nice break when you need air conditioning and a slower ride.
Eat at Flo’s and catch Lightning McQueen an Mater roll by!
8. Don’t Wait in the Radiator Springs Racers Line
This may be my slightly controversial Disneyland opinion…
Don’t wait in the regular Radiator Springs Racers line.
We have almost never seen it under an hour and it breaks down fairly often.
If it fits your budget, this is the ride I would consider buying Lightning Lane for.
And if you can combine it with Rider Swap? Even better.
Pro Tip: Our favorite place to eat is Flo’s Cafe. If you sit in the back patio area, Lightning and Mater drive by! Chicken nuggets and fries for the kiddos is one of our favorite meals there.
Meeting Mater and Lighting McQueen was DEFINITELY a highlight for our little Cars fan!
9. Pixar Pier Is Great for Toy Story Fans
If your kids love Toy Story, don’t miss Pixar Pier.
Toy Story Midway Mania is one of our family favorites and is always a hit.
There’s just something about competing for points that keeps everyone happy — kids and adults included. I will beat Josh one day… I swear!
10. Don’t Miss the Spider-Man Show in California Adventure
One thing that surprised us was how much our boys loved the Spider-Man training show near the entrance of California Adventure.
The show runs pretty frequently (about every 50 minutes or so) and lasts around 10 minutes.
You don’t need a huge strategy here.
We usually just walk over when it’s about to start.
Bonus: you can often meet Spider-Man nearby too.
Buzz Lightyear greeting our toddler at the beginning of the ride.
What We Pack for Disneyland With Toddlers
A few things we always bring:
✔ Snacks (LOTS!)
✔ Refillable water bottles
✔ Stroller
✔ Portable charger
✔ Change of clothes
✔ Hats + sunscreen
✔ Small toys for line waiting (always Hot Wheels cars - we have them everywhere)
✔ Extra wipes (always)
For quieter moments back at the hotel, we also usually pack a few screen-free activities.
Lately our boys have loved bringing books from The Trucks That Saved series and truck activities for downtime between park days.
Disney days are amazing, but having a little quiet hotel reset time has helped us a lot.
More Disneyland Posts You Might Like
Planning a holiday Disney trip?
→ Read our Disneyland at Halloween guide or Disneyland at Christmas guide
Need a sweet break between rides?
→ Check out our favorite Disneyland desserts
Disney fan?
→ Check out Walt Disney’s Office
Southern California Parent Hack: Use the 3-Day Resident Ticket
If you live in Southern California, this is one of our favorite Disneyland hacks.
Disneyland often offers a Southern California resident 3-day ticket between January and mid-May, and one of the best parts is that the days typically do not have to be consecutive.
We love this because it makes Disneyland feel so much more manageable with toddlers.
Instead of trying to squeeze everything into one long weekend, we can spread visits out and move at toddler pace.
Just make sure to check Disneyland’s current offers because they change year to year. Costco also sometimes offers a 3-day pass!
Our Favorite Family Hotel Near Disneyland
We almost always stay at Hyatt House Anaheim Resort / Convention Center and honestly… I think it might actually feel closer to walk from there than the parking structure.
It has become one of our favorite family hotel stays because it checks so many boxes for traveling with kids.
What we love:
✔ Walking distance to Disneyland
✔ Large rooms for families
✔ Small kitchen area
✔ Sitting space to spread out
✔ Free breakfast
✔ Hyatt free night certificates or points can work here
The breakfast isn’t the most amazing hotel breakfast we’ve ever had, but not paying for one extra Disney meal is a win in my book.
I’m planning a full review because this has honestly become our go-to Disneyland hotel.
Hyatt House Anahiem Resort Convention Center
1800 S Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92802, United States of America
Final Thoughts: Disneyland With Toddlers Is So Worth It
Disneyland with toddlers definitely looks different than pre-kid Disney trips.
There are more snack breaks, slower mornings, stroller parking, and bathroom stops…
But there’s also seeing Mickey through their eyes for the first time, watching them light up on their favorite ride, and hearing them talk about the trip for weeks afterward. 🥹
And honestly? That magic is pretty hard to beat.
More Disneyland Posts:
Ideas for Winter Family Travel 2022
Looking for a change of scenery, or want to get away from the cold winter weather? Why not book a family holiday this winter. There are many great places to choose between – from sunny escapes to snowy mountain towns. We’ve put together a list of things to do and places to go that families will love, so pack your bags and get ready for some fun.
Northern Lights in Tromso, Norway
Family holiday inspiration for winter
Check out this amazing guest post written by Mike Sheer!
Looking for a change of scenery, or want to get away from the cold winter weather? Why not book a family holiday this winter. There are many great places to choose between – from sunny escapes to snowy mountain towns. We’ve put together a list of things to do and places to go that families will love, so pack your bags and get ready for some fun.
Hobbiton in Auckland, New Zealand
1. New Zealand
27% of parents say travel helps their children to be more brave and adventurous. And where better to be adventurous than in New Zealand? The country is renowned for its natural beauty. Families can explore stunning landscapes, from towering mountains to verdant rainforests, and encounter unique wildlife, such as kiwis and tuataras.
It’s also home to a vibrant culture, with a rich Maori heritage and a growing food scene. Families can learn about the country's history and customs while enjoying delicious local produce. And with plenty of activities on offer, from hiking and biking to kayaking and surfing, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
New Zealand has four seasons per year but because it’s located in the southern hemisphere, these come at different times, with their summer falling at the same time as the northern hemisphere’s winter. So it’s a great opportunity to escape the cold too!
Side note: Josh and I went here on our honeymoon and went to visit Hobbiton! Anyone watching the new Lord of the Rings series?!
Visiting Reindeer in Tromso, Norway
2. Lapland
Lapland is a truly magical place, and there is no better time to visit than during the winter months. Families can enjoy all the festive activities that the region has to offer, from meeting Santa Claus and his reindeer to going on a sleigh ride through the snow-covered forests, and curling up in front of the fire with a delicious hot cocoa.
In addition, Lapland is home to some of the best ski resorts in Europe, making it the perfect destination for a winter sports holiday if you’re looking for something more active.
With so much to see and do, it's no wonder that families flock to Lapland every year. So if you're looking for a truly unforgettable Christmas experience, be sure to add Lapland to your list of must-visit destinations.
Check out how we found the Northern Lights in Norway!
Disneyland Paris
3. Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris is the perfect destination for families who are looking for an unforgettable vacation. The park offers a wide range of activities that will appeal to people of all ages, from thrilling rides to enchanting shows, and extra festive events throughout the winter season to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.
There is also a variety of dining options available, so everyone can find something to their taste. Best of all, Disneyland Paris is home to some of the most iconic characters in the world, making it the perfect place to create lifelong memories. So why not take the whole family on a magical journey to Disneyland Paris?
Winter is a great time to take a family vacation. We’ve shared some of our favourite winter destinations, but we want to hear from you. Where do you like to go on winter vacations? Let us know in the comments below and don’t forget to share this post with your friends and family.
Wanna read s’more? Did someone say s’mores?
Disneyland food you can't miss - where to find the best food and sweet treats!
Attention Disneyland Foodies! In this post, we’ll tell you all the places you must go to try Disneyland Resort’s best food and dessert options! Want a Mickey-shaped milkshake or sundae? Check-out where to go! Did someone say ice cream?
See our top Disneyland dessert picks!
Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlour
Two of my favorite things in the world make a perfect combo: Disneyland & ice cream!!! I am such a Disney nerd and have been to Disneyland (literally) hundreds of times since I was little. Josh and I have even ventured to Hong Kong Disneyland and Paris Disneyland. We still have Tokyo and Shanghai to visit!
We averaged going to Disneyland almost once a month for the past few years, checking out the treats the Food and Wine Festival offered in Spring, Summer specials, Halloweentime in the Fall, and Holiday specials during winter. I present to you my findings of delicious treats around the resort that you can find throughout the year and the seasonal specialties offered.
Note: Most seasonal treats come back each year, but not guaranteed.
Mickey’s Cookies and Cream 90 Sprinkle Milkshake
Schmoozies!
Location: California Adventure - Hollywood Land
Let’s start with my favorite, the Mickey shakes at Schmoozies in California Adventure’s Hollywood Land are not only super cute to look at, but they taste DELICIOUS too! The shakes change with the seasons and are typically made cookies and cream style.
PRO-TIP: Order on the Disneyland mobile app. We’ve waited over 30 mins on a crowded day!
The Churro Shake (Brown Sugar-Cinnamon Ice Cream, Cinnamon Churro Cereal, Whipped Topping and Churro Toffee) can also be found here for you churro lovers!
If you don’t want a milkshake and want a more “healthy” option, there are also smoothies including our favorites Mango Madness and Strawberry Banana Sensation!
Minnie Witch Shake at Schmoozies Halloween
Sorcerer Mickey Shake at Schmoozies
Santa Mickey Shake at Christmas at Schmoozies
Tropical Hideaway - Pineapple Raspberry Swirl
Tropical Hideaway
Location: Disneyland - Adventureland
Located directly behind the Tiki Room, the NEW Tropical Hideaway is open for ice cream business. Orange, Pineapple, or Raspberry are your options here.
Pro-tip: You can even add bacon bits as a topping, which is part of their Secret Menu!
You can even sit and watch the Jungle Cruisers come back from their journey.
Dole Whip Soft Serve
Pineapple Dole Whip Soft Serve
Location: Adventureland Entrance - Disneyland Park
So creamy and fruity, pineapple Dole Whip is the best soft serve around! Lines can be long for this sweet treat, but it is worth it. Makes me want to sing “in the tiki tiki tiki room…”
Pro-Tip: You can order via the Disneyland Mobile app! GENIUS!
Funnel Cake Fries - Award Wieners
AWARD WIENERS
Location: California Adventure - Hollywood Land
Who doesn’t love a hot dog and fries? The key here is Funnel Cake Fries! From flavors like Apple Pie Fries (Coated with Cinnamon-Sugar, topped with Apple Pie Filling, Caramel Sauce, Whipped Cream, and Streusel) to standard funnel cake strips, the toppings are the game-changers.
Throughout the different seasons, toppings vary from Oogie Boogie themed with crushed Oreos and gummy worms at Halloween to cereal and condensed milk with whipped cream. No matter when you go, they’re always tasty!
The CrazyShake
Location: Black Tap Craft Burgers and Beers Restaurant - Downtown Disney
Black Tap is known for their amazing hamburgers and their CrazyShake milkshakes! Dine in or hop in their shake window line to grab one to go!
I would enlist help taking these shakes down because yes, that is an ice cream sandwich hanging off the side of the shake in the picture (in case you were wondering)!
Pictured - The Cookie Shake: Vanilla cookie shake on steroids - vanilla frosted rim with cookie crumbles topped with a ‘cookiewich,’ crumbled cookies, chocolate chips, whipped cream & chocolate drizzle
Black Tap CrazyShake - The Cookie Shake Milkshake
Blue Milk - Galaxy’s Edge
Blue Milk
Location: Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland
Do you remember the scene from Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi when Luke squeezes gross milk from the udder of a female Thala-siren (basically an alien sea cow) and gulps it? Yeah, it was disgusting. Anyhoo, Galaxy’s Edge is now serving a Blue Milk and a Green Milk from a machine… not a creature.
Blue Milk: Plant-based Dairy blend of Coconut and Rice Milk with alluring fruity characteristics.
Green Milk: Plant-based Dairy blend of Coconut and Rice Milk with zippy citrus and tropical characteristics.
The consistency is strange, it’s like a smoothie, or somewhere between a slushie and a milkshake! We preferred the Blue Milk, which had a sweet, dessert-like taste. The Green Milk tasted almost floral like as if it were lavender ice cream. These drinks are also one of the hottest commodities right now, so make sure you use the mobile order with the Disneyland app. It’s not worth waiting in line!
Batuu-bon found in Galaxy’s Edge
Batuu-bon
Location: Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo
If you’re traveling to a Galaxy Far Far Away… Batuu is the last stop before entering Wild Space. You must try the Batuu-bon, a decadent chocolate cake with white chocolate mousse and coffee custard. The green sponge-like cake tasted fruity and the coin was a piece of chocolate! You’ll need nourishment before your trip into space, light speed ahead!
Ghiradelli - Lands End Salted Caramel Brownie Sundae with Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream
Ghirardelli's Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop
Location: California Adventure - Wharf
The Ghirardelli headquarters can be found in San Francisco, but I'm not opposed to having some chocolatey goodness in California Adventure. This scoop shop is next to cars land, just as you are entering the wharf (where the food court is).
Their menu will have you drooling. With 10+ sundaes to choose from and 10 of shakes or ice cream scoop combos, you can customize to your tastebuds content.
Our faves:
Lands End Salted Caramel Brownie Sundae - Vanilla Ice Cream, a full-size Ghirardelli® Chocolate Brownie, Caramel Sauce, Sea Salt and handmade Hot Fudge topped with Whipped Cream, Caramel Sauce, Ghirardelli® Chocolate Sauce and a Cherry
Nob Hill Chill - a sundae you can sip (vanilla ice cream, fudge and chocolate chips on top)!
Clockwise from left: Cookie Bits Sundae, Nob Hill Chill, Ice cream cone
Ghirardelli Chocolate, Rocky Road and Cookie Dough cone
This rich, creamy ice cream his the spot! But make sure you eat it quickly! Don't let this happen to you!
Huge Chocolate Chip Cookies
Location: Jack-Jack Cookie Num Nums on Pixar Pier at California Adventure
If you want a chocolate chip as big as your face, this is your place! Jack-Jack’s cookies are as super as he is! Choose from chocolate chip, shortbread and jam-filled, gluten-friendly cookies.
Pro-tip: Grab one of these to share with your friends and family while waiting for the Incredicoaster!
Jack-Jack and Edna on the Incredicoaster
Pink Strawberry Ice cream!
Clarabelle's Ice Cream
Location: Near Entrance of California Adventure
As you enter the park, Clarabelle's can be found at the end of the Buena Vista Street on your right (next to Starbucks). It isn't homemade but a nice selection of Dreyer's ice cream!
You can always get a chocolate-covered ice cream bar but at Christmastime, you can get a refreshing Peppermint Ice Cream Bar with your ice cream of choice!
Peppermint Ice Cream Bar from Clarabelle’s at Christmastime
At Halloweentime, they serve up a mean raspberry bat sundae, and by mean, I mean YUMMY! See more: Halloween Time at Disneyland
Peppermint Soft Serve - Cozy Cone Motel
Cozy Cone Motel Ice Cream
Location: California Adventure - Cars Land
You can always get vanilla or chocolate soft serve at the Ice Cream Cozy Cone (HUGE PORTIONS) but at Christmas time, you can get also get the peppermint soft serve topped with holiday sprinkles and a star! It’s as pretty as a Christmas tree and VERY MINTY.
Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats - Soft Serve
Location: California Adventure Boardwalk (Pixar Pier)
Formally known as the Paradise Pier Ice Cream stand, Pixar Pier took over and Abominable is serving up some sweet treats! Soft serve lemon flavored ice cream is the ticket here. You may have been warned not to eat yellow snow, but here, it’s perfectly acceptable. See the before and after:
Señor Buzz Churros
Location: Pixar Pier and Carts
Buzz whips up some good churros over on Pixar Pier! Churros taste better while at the parks for whatever reason! Pick up some cinnamon sugary goodness with Buzz or any other cart in the parks.
Pro-Tip: Grab a churro while you wait in line for Midway Mania! It’s the BEST ride in the park!
Buzz’s Churros - Pixar Pier
Cookies, Candies, and Sweet Confections
Locations: Candy Palace and Candy Kitchen on Main Street in Disneyland or Trolley Treats on Buena Vista Street in California Adventure
AP discounts offered
Fresh cookies and confections treats are made daily at the bakeries! Sink your teeth into a Cheshire Cat marshmallow tail or Mickey shaped candy apple. From cake pops to rice krispies, your sweet tooth will be more than satisfied.
If you go on the right day, maybe you’ll find a cookie that matches your manicure.
Ice Cream Cones and Sundaes
Location: Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor on Main Street USA in Disneyland
AP discounts offered
Cones are made fresh daily and seasonal sprinkles along with select flavors of Dreyer's ice cream!
Our favorite is the Chocolate Chip Cookie Sundae with cookie dough ice cream! Comes in a Mickey shape, OF COURSE!
Mickey Ice Cream Sandwiches
Location: Ice Cream Carts
Grab a Mickey-shaped ice cream sandwich to cool down at various ice cream carts and restaurants around the park.
A classic that I have loved since I was a kid! The ice cream sandwiches are so frozen at first, it is so hard to be patient to wait for it to soften!
Artisan Ice Cream
Location: Salt and Straw in Downtown Disney
I love Salt and Straw and I’m excited one has opened in Downtown Disney. Originally from Portland, Oregon, Salt and Straw has the best handmade ice cream made with local ingredients. Every month they feature a handful of unique original flavors.
Experience World of Color from premium seats in Paradise Gardens Park!
After a day at the park, take a load off and enjoy some dessert with VIP waterfront views during World of Color! For $84 per guest (make sure you make reservations ahead of time - up to 60 days prior), make it a party and enjoy the following:
A sweet and savory selection of desserts and appetizers
Beverages
Paradise Gardens Park reserved seating in the World of Color preferred viewing area.
Sounds like the perfect way to end your magical day doesn’t it?!
I’m dying to get back to Disneyland now and craving sweets! Let me know if you get to try any of these!
Don’t forget these guys on your magical day:
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Behind the Scenes at Disney: Inside a Private Walt Disney Office
Come tour Walt Disney’s office set up just as he had it when he worked on the Walt Disney Studios lot from 1940-1966. Read all about the fun stories, famous Walt Disney quotes, and experience where magic once happened.
Updated January 24, 2026
Team Disney Building with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Insider Tour of Walt Disney's Restored Office Suite at Walt Disney Studios - Los Angeles, CA
Most Disney fans will never step foot inside this space — and I didn’t even know it existed until I was there.
Tucked away from the parks and crowds is a private Walt Disney office in Burbank, California. It’s filled with history, creativity, and details that feel frozen in time. This is a rare behind-the-scenes Disney experience few people ever get to see — and one I’ll never forget.
As a kid, my Mom would take us to the Disney lot to see Snow White’s Seven Dwarfs (that were 19 feet tall) hold up the now Team Disney building. Years later, who knew I’d be working for the company?! As an employee, I was selected in a lottery to tour Walt Disney’s office suite. Unlike other lots like Warner Bros, Universal, or Paramount, Walt Disney Studios doesn’t offer lot tours often, only D23 Members receive offers now and again. Well friends, I’ll give you the tour for free!
Who Will Love This Experience
Disney history fans
Creative professionals & designers
Disney adults who love behind-the-scenes stories
Anyone obsessed with rare, invite-only experiences
Hyperion Bungalow
What It’s Like to Experience a Private Disney Space
I thought I’d give you a tour of Walt Disney’s office set up just as he had it when he worked on the Disney Studios lot from 1940-1966. Disney’s first office was over at Hyperion Studios in Silverlake. The original home of the Disney Publicity and Comic Strip Departments was moved from Hyperion Studios to the Burbank lot and is now known as Hyperion Bungalow.
Walt’s office was in the top left corner - Suite 3H
Unique Disney History
After the success of Snow White, Disney was able to purchase the land in Burbank to build a new campus. Disney moved into Suite 3H in the Animation building until his death in 1966. There were a few occupants in the office including Roy Disney, and even television producer, Marc Cherry. The office was restored in 2016 and now looks just as if Disney had walked away for the day thanks to Disney Legend and archivist, David Smith, who carefully catalogued and documented every inch of the suite after Walt had passed.
Walt Disney’s Office Desk
What It Felt Like to Step Inside a Private Disney Space
Trophy Cabinet and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Oscar
When you enter the lobby and secretary area of Suite 3H, there is a trophy case including a replica of the Oscar for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. This special Oscar was presented by Shirley Temple to Walt Disney and was a special statue made with the 7 little Oscars behind the main one! Walt Disney won 32 Academy Awards between 1931 and 1968, and still holds the record for most individual Academy Awards won (per Google). This replica was used in Saving Mr. Banks, the real Oscar is up on display at The Walt Disney Family Museum near San Francisco.
Walt Disney’s Secretary Desk
Walt had two secretaries to maintain his busy schedule!
Hidden Disney History Inside the Formal Office of Walt Disney
Walt Disney’s Formal Office Desk
Walt’s suite essentially had 2 offices, a formal office, and a working office (pics to come). This desk is part of his formal office which initially was his only office in 1940.
Here are 5 fun facts about his formal desk area:
MINIATURES - Walt loved to collect miniatures and had a collection from his travels as well as gifts from family and friends.
NORMAN ROCKWELL - Pictures of his daughters, Sharon and Diane, hang on the wall to complete his corner. Oh, and the pencil drawings were originals, drawn by Norman Rockwell. Most Dad’s have that in their office, right? Walt had his daughter’s shoes bronzed and made them into bookends.
GIANT BELL - The giant bell on his desk was presented to Walt by the United States Coast Guard, in recognition of a film Walt produced showing how icebreakers make their way through heavy Arctic icepacks. One day in the office, Walt’s secretary rang the bell to get his attention to remind him about lunchtime. He loved it so much, he asked her to do it every day at 12:30, so he would remember that it was time to go to lunch.
FURNITURE - Most of the furniture in the office was designed in a Streamline Moderne style by industrial designer and architect, Kem Weber. Disney loved the style so much, he made Weber the supervising designer of the original animation building, along with several of the original studio lot buildings.
CURTAINS - Those are the original curtains and blinds in the windows! What stories they could tell.
Walt Disney’s Piano
Many songwriters auditioned songs and score for features on this piano. Famous singers would also audition for Walt, accompanied by this piano. Disney songwriter Richard Sherman frequently played Walt’s favorite song from Mary Poppins (1964), “Feed the Birds,” on this 1914 Knabe grand piano. The piano was customized just for Walt by Kem Weber in 1940 to match the other Weber designed furniture.
The books on the shelves behind the piano were meticulously returned as Walt had them. Disney archive historians looked through many photographs to replicate the shelves as Walt once had them.
Guest seating and treasured trinkets
The birds in the cage were found on one of Disney’s travels and inspiration for audio-animatronics in Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted House. Do they remind you of the Enchanted Tiki Room? There’s a reason for that. ;-) There is also a Lady plush in the cubby under the table.
Panoramic View of Walt’s Formal Office
Inside Walt Disney’s Working Office: A Space Frozen in Time
Walt Disney’s Working Office Desk
Here are 5 Fun Facts about Walt’s working desk:
SCRIPTS - On the right side, it looks ordinary stacks of paperwork. Those are actually original scripts that Walt read and would take home in his briefcase that you can see on the right behind his desk.
BAMBI - Up in the corner, below what looks like a figurine of a head, there is a little Bambi miniature figurine that Walt Disney made himself!
PLANES - There is a model of a Grumman Gulfstream which was the type of plane Walt would fly over Central Florida in to view the property that would become the Walt Disney World Resort!
SPACE - The desk here was lower and larger than the formal office as it was often used to layout large blueprints.
BROTHERLY LOVE - The window on the right looked across to Roy O. Disney’s office. He wanted to keep a close eye on his brother.
Aerial View of Disneyland
Walt had an aerial view of Disneyland in his office. The red markers represented completed projects and yellow markers were in progress. The in-progress markers included a New Tomorrowland and It’s a Small World!
There was even a full kitchenette! Meals were made here using famous products like V-8 and Spam. There are also engraved personalized glasses with WED - Walter Elias Disney.
Walt Disney’s Working Office
Original Disney Animators Desks
Disney Animator Desk
Here is another Kem Weber furniture design specific for animators so they would be comfortable while working long hours.
Disney Animator Desk Drawer
Walt Disney and the Olympic Games
There was even an Olympic torch in the office! Why? For the 1960 Squaw Valley Winter Olympics, Walt Disney served as the Chairman of the Pageantry Committee.
Here are fun facts from WaltDisney.org:
As Chairman, Walt’s duties included staging the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, scheduling nightly entertainment for the athletes, providing decorations to enliven the valley, and taking care of a number of logistical details including parking concerns, security, and ticketing systems. He enlisted the help of a number of seasoned employees of WED, design and development of Disneyland, (and forerunner to Walt Disney Imagineering).
Veteran Disney artist John Hench designed the 1960 Winter Olympic torch. Though the design was modeled after the torches for the 1948 and 1956 Olympiads, Hench decided on a slightly smaller version that would be easier for torchbearers to carry. The earlier, taller models proved to be difficult to manipulate as they were top-heavy when filled with fuel. Hench also added black tape to the top part of the shaft to enable runners to pass the torch easily and ensure a stable grip.
Walt Disney Studios
And that’s our tour! For more fun Disney history, check out The Imagineering Story on Disney+! If you’re a die-hard Disney fan, you’ve probably already seen it!
5 Great Walt Disney Quotes:
“It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.”
“All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.”
“Why worry? If you’ve done the best you can, worrying won’t make it any better.”
“That’s the real trouble with the world, too many people grow up. They forget.”
“A man should never neglect his family for business.”
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The Best Christmas Sweets, Ice Cream and Treats at the Disneyland Resort 2019
Merry Christmas Eve! See where to find the best Ice Cream and Sweet Treats at the Disneyland Resort. See the best finds at the Festival of Holidays 2019, only a few more days left, don’t miss out!
Merry Christmas Eve! Christmas is my FAVORITE time of the year, especially at Disneyland! Although this post is a little late, I imagine there are still many people going to Disneyland the next few weeks! Here’s a rundown of my favorite desserts at Disneyland during Christmas time!
Peppermint Mickey Shake at Schmoozies
Peppermint Mickey Shake
Found at Schmoozies in California Adventure
This adorable Peppermint Mickey Shake is made with Peppermint Chocolate Crème Cookie Shake, Whipped Topping, Christmas Accents, Chocolate Crème-filled Cookie Ears for only $7.99 (AP and Cast member discount available).
Peppermint Ice Cream Bar
Chocolate Peppermint Bar
Found in Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream Shop
Peppermint and chocolate is my favorite combo, I’m glad there are multiple options this year! Find the seasonal chocolate peppermint ice cream bar at Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream shop in California Adventure!
The Chocolate Peppermint Bar includes your choice of Ice Cream Bar dipped in Chocolate, drizzled in Peppermint Icing, topped with Crushed Peppermint $5.69
Peppermint Soft Serve
Peppermint Soft Serve
Found at the Cozy Cone Motel in California Adventure
Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree, how lovely are your sprinkles!!! This Christmasy peppermint soft serve can be found at the Cozy Cone Motel in California Adventure! It’s almost too minty (and I LOVE peppermint ice cream) so be prepared. Can be served in a cup or cone for only $5.49!
Cran-Blackberry Mimosa and a Hot Cocoa Marshmallow Macaron
Festive Cran-Blackberry Mimosa and a Hot Cocoa Marshmallow Macaron
Festival of Holidays - Making Spirits Bright Booth At California Adventure
We always enjoy the Festival of Holidays booths, this year seems to offer the best treats yet! I double fisted with a Hot Cocoa Marshmallow Macaron and a Cran-Blackberry Mimosa from the Making Spirits Bright booth.
Hot Cocoa Marshmallow Macaron (Gluten-Friendly) for $5.50 - The macaron was better than is looks! So soft and chocolatey with a marshmallow fluff to it.
Cran-Blackberry Mimosa for $15 - both festive and delicious! There was a flight option along with Apple and Pomegranate for $17
See the full menu here: Festival of Holidays Menu
Trolley Treats
Find these wintery sweet treats including themed Cake Pops, Caramel Apples, and Rice Krispie Treats. Something for everyone!
MERRY CHRISTMAS from us to you and may all your Christmases be sweet!
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Fall Ice Cream Flavors in Los Angeles
In LA it’s hard to find the leaves turning, but you can find the ice cream churning! Check out the fall ice cream flavors in Los Angeles!
It’s often hard to find fall leaves around Los Angeles but if you look in local scoop shops, you’ll find all your favorite autumn flavors: pumpkin, apple, and sweet potato. Sweet potato?! Yes, sweet potato.
If you’re feeling spoopy, check out these scoop shops! Info below is copied straight from their site!
Sweet Potato with Torched Marshmallows at Jeni’s
Jeni’s Ice Creams
Locations: Click HERE for all Locations
PUMPKIN CAKE ROLL PINT - Sweet heirloom pumpkin ice cream swirled with spiced sweet cheese and cake.
Nutty and creamy with lots of warm spices, pumpkin rolls are a fall favorite of Jeni. We’ve infused this ice cream with all the same character as the classic dessert. Part rich, sweet cream cheese ice cream. Part pumpkin ice cream—bursting with the deep roasted flavor of buttercup pumpkins grown just for us by Mike Hirsch in Chillicothe, Ohio. And lots of brown sugar and Jeni’s unique Chinese 5-Spice blend of cinnamon, fennel, star anise, white pepper, and ginger. (No allspice to be found!) It’s said to represent all the elements: sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and umami—and it makes a perfect pumpkin spice. The finishing touch? Lots of vanilla-spiced cake pieces.
SWEET POTATO WITH TORCHED MARSHMALLOWS PINT - Roasted sweet potatoes scented with nutmeg and cinnamon. Studded with handmade, hand-torched marshmallows.
When we whip up a batch of this ice cream in our kitchen, we make the marshmallows, cube them, and then spread them on sheet trays and caramelize them with blowtorches. Millions and millions of them (or so it seems). Then we roast cinnamon-scented sweet potatoes, grown for us by our longtime farm partner, Mike Hirsch, on his family farm just an hour from our kitchen. It’s definitely kitschy, but it reminds us of a certain delicious casserole on Midwestern holiday tables, which makes it even better.
Salt and Straw
Locations: Click here for all locations
Salt and Straw’s October flavors in Los Angeles don’t sound too bad!
The Great Candycopia - As darkness falls across the land, the candymaking hour is close at hand. Swarms of housemade trick-or-treat favorites—crisp shortbread and nutty nougat buried in caramel, peanut butter trapped inside walls of chocolate, pecans smothered in BOOrbon vanilla toffee—all get folded into a disgustingly delicious salted butterscotch ice cream, stuck for eternity.
Creepy Crawly Critters - One, two, ten prickles along your skin. Dozens of critters are hiding in the grass by way of this matcha ice cream with toffee-brittle mealworms and chocolate crickets. Don Bugito in Oakland provided the delicious insects, we delivered the creepy.
Mummy’s Pumpkin Spiced Potion (v) - In the middle of our lab, a cauldron boiling. Amber leaves of rooibos flicker, then flakes of pumpkin make the gruel thicker. A fuming broth of caramel sizzles, while a sliver of blackberry shoot fizzles. Three stinging droplets of vanilla smolder. Featuring August Uncommon Tea, this intoxicating, buttery concoction will satiate your deepest, darkest PSL desires.
Dracula’s Blood Pudding - A blood-curdling chocolate-y ice cream. We start with pig’s blood from Portland butcher Nicky USA and cook it with warm spices, like cinnamon and coriander, and brandy. The flavor ultimately is a nod to the Italian dessert sanguinaccio: rich in cocoa with a hint of minerality.
Black Cat Licorice & Lavender - Rounding the corner with a ghastly squeal, a jet-black figure pounces on your shadow. In this ominous, unexpected flavor, we’ve conjured up superstition with a silky, pitch-dark anise and fennel caramel swirled with luminous salted lavender ice cream. We wouldn’t turn our backs if we were you.
Ginger’s Divine Ice Creams
Location: 12550 W. Washington Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90066
Butterscotch Pumpkin Brulee
Ginger Cinnamon
Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake
Vegan Pickled Strawberry & Boysenberry Pie
Sweet Corn Blueberry & Thyme
Ample Hills
Sweet as Honey at Ample Hills
Location: Los Feliz Scoop Shop - 1824 Hillhurst Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027
Maple Bourbon Barrel - Maple bourbon ice cream made with Widow Jane bourbon and Crown Maple syrup aged in bourbon barrels and sprinkled with chocolate-coated maple-candied pecans
Sweet as Honey - Sweet cream ice cream with homemade honeycomb
Carmela Ice Cream Co.
Locations: Mid-City and Pasadena
Pumpkin Spice - Sugar, spice, and everything nice! Pumpkin mixed with seasonal spices. Just like pumpkin pie!
Spiced Apple Sorbet - Apple Cider? Say no more! Organic, tart, farmers' market apples with spices and citrus vest.
Yogurtland
Locations: Find the closest location HERE
Pecans & Pralines NSA - Let the flavors of sweet southern pralines, with freshly toasted pecans, work their charm on you.
Pumpkin Pie - So much to give thanks for in every spoonful. Dip your spoon into the creamy, spiced comforts of home.
Ben & Jerry’s
Locations: Find the closest location HERE
Pumpkin Cheesecake - Pumpkin Cheesecake Ice Cream with a Graham Cracker Swirl
Disneyland
This might not be Los Angeles, but it is in Southern California!
Minnie Witch Shake at Schmoozies
Minnie Witch Shake at Schmoozies in California Adventure
Dead-Cadent Funnel Cake which is funnel cake topped with a brownie, white chocolate raspberry ice cream, and chocolate pearls! Only $8.99 at the Hungry Bear Restaurant in Disneyland. AP and employee discount offered.
Mozart Chocolate Cream Pumpkin Spice Liqueur
Create your own boozy Pumpkin Spice Milkshake!
1 graham cracker
1 tsp of Vanilla Extract
2 shots of Kahlua
2 shots of Mozart Chocolate Cream Pumpkin Spice Liqueur
3-4 scoops of ice cream
Mozart Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Liqueur - Boozy Milkshake Recipe
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10 Things You Must See and Do at Star Wars Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland
Star Wars Land also known as Galaxy’s Edge is now open at Disneyland! Check out the best things to do, see, and eat in this new land! See our pro-tips and following along with the map!
UPDATED Sept 21, 2019…
I’ve always liked Star Wars, but Josh is a much bigger fan than I am! Galaxy’s Edge before is almost like walking onto a movie set but as you see the characters walking around and the cast members acting like you’re on another planet, this place becomes real! Here are 10 things you can’t miss in Disneyland’s newest galaxy far far away!
Click here for a map: Disneyland Star Wars Land - Galaxy’s Edge Map
Build and design your very own Light Saber!
Get in line as soon as you can so you can get a reservation to come back later. You can bring a friend in with you to build it. These light sabers might be a bit pricey at $200, however it is quite the experience. First you select your theme to your light saber and you’re instructed to come back later wearing your pin since light sabers are only made by Jedis. Cast members will often refer to it as scrap metal since you build your saber in the junk yard! Tristan was our guild and put on quite the performance.
Don’t forget to pack these guys:
Blue Milk at Galaxy’s Edge
2. Try the Blue Milk!
Do you remember the scene from Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi when Luke squeezes gross milk from the udder of a female Thala-siren (basically an alien sea cow) and gulps it? Yeah, it was disgusting. I guess there was a similar scene with milk from another creature that was cut from the first Star Wars movie, A New Hope. Anyhoo, we liked the Blue Milk since it was much sweeter than the Green Milk but give both a try!
Menu Descriptions (Both are $7.99):
Blue Milk: Plant-based Dairy blend of Coconut and Rice Milk with alluring fruity characteristics.
Green Milk: Plant-based Dairy blend of Coconut and Rice Milk with zippy citrus and tropical characteristics.
The consistency is strange, it’s like a smoothie, or somewhere between a slushee and a milkshake! The Green Milk tasted almost floral like, as if it were lavender ice cream or something. As Kimmy Schmidt would say, “Ew that’s a smell!”
PRO-TIP: Make sure you mobile order! It’s not worth waiting in line!
The Blue Milk scene:
Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Cove ride
3. Be a pilot on the Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Cove ride
We went on this ride 4 times and tried all three positions: Pilot, Gunner, and Engineer. The pilot that sits in the front left steers the ship up and down and also gets to throw you into light speed! I was nervous it would be hard, but it’s a slower move so that you have more time to react (and hopefully not crash).
Pro-tip: If the line is long, there is a single rider option, but you will most likely be an engineer. 30-45 minutes is a decent wait time if the park is crowded. Late at night is a good time to go!
4. Find Chewie or other beloved characters from the Star Wars series!
Characters were roaming around instead of standing somewhere to pose for pictures!
PRO-TIP: I started to take a selfie near Chewie and he came up and photo bombed me!
5. Watch fireworks light up the sky over the Millennium Falcon!
Fireworks usually blast off nightly around 9:30p. The only bad part is, you can’t hear the music the fireworks is playing to like you can throughout the rest of the park!
6. Explore the shops, you’ll never know what you might find!
There are a few different themed shops - pet store, toy shop, clothing… Here in Galaxy’s Edge, these Merchants are referred to as: Resistance Supply, Creature Stall, Toydarian Toymaker, Black Spire Outfitters, and Jewels of Birth. I think that sums it up.
PRO-TIP: The creature stall has a sleeping creature! Give it a visit!
Build a droid!
7. Build a droid!
Take home your very own droid by assembling one in the Droid Depot! You can make a BB8 or even your own R2, they make great companions!
PRO-TIP: Visit R2D2 here - He’s full size and for sale!
8. Visit the Antique Shop!
So many worldy and weirdly things here! Fun things to purchase and others are fun to look at.
9. Get a soda!
For only $4.25 you get a coke and a souvenir! Your favorite soda comes in a unique Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge package! Try a Coca-cola, Diet Coke or Sprite!
10. Get a treat at Docking Bay 7!
If you’re traveling to a Galaxy Far Far Away… Batuu is the last stop before entering Wild Space. You must try the Batuu-bon, a decadent chocolate cake with white chocolate mousse and coffee custard. The green sponge-like cake tasted fruity and the coin was a piece of chocolate!
BONUS: Have a drink at Oga’s Cantina
Reservations are recommended, very seldom do they have walk-ins. Make your reservations up to 14 days in advance or same-day reservations will be made available each day at 7:00 AM Pacific Time for visits that day, subject to availability. Here is the reservation site: Reservations for Oga’s Cantina
Try the Fuzzy Taun Taun… it’ll give you a tingly feeling… literally! The Chardonnay on tap is BLUE!
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HOTEL REVIEW: Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress - Orlando, Florida
The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort is a great place to stay when visiting Orlando, Florida! Not only do they have everything you need in a resort, but it’s just 15 mins from the Disney parks with free shuttles that run all day. It’s a no brainer to stay here.
Updated May 2026: We originally stayed here in 2018 and have refreshed this review with current information and tips for families visiting Disney World.
Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Review: Is It Worth It for Families Visiting Disney World?
Address: 1 Grand Cypress Blvd, Orlando, FL 32836
Website: Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
We ALWAYS find THE BEST rates through Booking.com. See deals of up to 50% off! You can save a bunch of money if you book a bundle flight+room+rental car! They even have apartments, lodges, and houses you can rent, just like AirBnB or VRBO! By booking through this link, I receive a commission at no additional cost to you! PLEASE support our blog and bookmark this link!
The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort is a great place to stay when visiting Orlando, Florida! if you’re looking to stay off Disney property but wanting to keep close to it, it’s just 15 mins from the Disney parks with FREE shuttles that run all day. It’s a no brainer to stay here.
Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress at a Glance
✔ 15 minutes from Disney World
✔ Large family-friendly rooms
✔ Huge lagoon-style pool with waterslide
✔ Complimentary Disney transportation available
✔ Multiple restaurants on site
✔ Resort fee applies
✔ Great use of Hyatt points and free night certificates
Would I stay here again? Yes. The pool alone makes this one of the best family-friendly Hyatt hotels near Disney World.
PACKING? Here are some of my favorite dresses I highly recommend!
What We Loved
Massive pool area with a waterslide
Plenty of activities included in the resort fee
Spacious rooms for families
Easy access to Disney World
Beautiful resort grounds
Great use of Hyatt points
Things to Know Before You Book
Resort fee applies
Elevators can be slow during peak times
Disney transportation schedules may change
Breakfast buffet is excellent but pricey
Hotel Rooms at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
The rooms are fairly large with a nice seating area with a couch that’s also a bed which is perfect for families with young kids! There are small balconies that aren’t really big enough to do anything on, just a nice touch.
I love that they prepared these rooms for travelers! There were outlets everywhere and even a few USB plugs. After a long day at Disney World, my batteries were drained (physically and electronically).
Mini fridge, desk, and dresser at Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
The bed had a lot of pillows, which I liked, and the mattress was on the firmer side. I usually prefer a soft mattress, but I was so tired I could have slept on a rock.
➡️ CHECK BEST ROOM RATES HERE: HYATT REGENCY GRAND CYPRESS
Hotel Room Bed at Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
Large Hotel Bathroom at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
The bathroom was a decent size with a giant rain shower! The tiles were iridescent, looking like mermaid scales up close. That’s a win in my book! There was also a big shelf in the shower for all my toiletries.
I loved the mirror and lighting, it was perfect for putting on my makeup and realizing I needed a few tweezers on my eyebrows! The closet was an ok size, a little small for my taste, but we managed!
Closet in hotel room at Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
Is Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Good for Families?
We found this hotel to be a great option for families visiting Disney World because:
The rooms are large enough for families to spread out.
The pool area kept our kids entertained for hours.
There are multiple dining options on-site.
Disney transportation is available.
The resort offers activities beyond the theme parks.
Food and Restaurants at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
There is a restaurant called the Lakehouse in the back of the lobby and down a flight of stairs that offers a decadent breakfast buffet - you can get anything you’ve dreamed for breakfast! Things like quiche, eggs, breakfast potatoes, donuts, oatmeal, BACON, waffles and pancakes made to order or even an omelette station! I really liked their coffee too, all 3 cups. They also serve lunch and dinner.
If you’re looking for a quick to go kinda place, there’s a Market that is like a Starbucks with lattes, coffee, pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and options in the afternoon like sandwiches, wraps, and WINE!
Market at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Orlando Florida
Lobby at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
Lobby at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Orlando Florida
The lobby is MASSIVE and has a cute little parrot by the check-in desk! You’ll also find the lobby bar on the opposite side from check-in. They have food options as well!
Parrot in the lobby of the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Orlando Florida
Beware of the elevators, it can take a while early in the morning and at night when it’s crowded. We stayed on the 14th floor and I stopped on every floor on the way down. Stairs would have been better. Luckily they have nice chairs and views while you wait on your floor!
Resort at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
There is a ton to do here on the property which is all included in the daily resort fee.
The pool is large and even has a water slide! The pool and spa are open until midnight, however the slide closes earlier. Other activities include put put golf, kayaks, bikes, rock climbing, driving range, and a tennis court.
Pro-tip: A lot of things are included in the resort fee, make sure you check the fine print of the paperwork given at check-in or on the desk in the room!
➡️ CHECK BEST ROOM RATES HERE: HYATT REGENCY GRAND CYPRESS
Family Friedndly Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress near Walt Disney World
Shuttles to the Walt Disney World Resort and other theme parks from the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
Epcot Center - Walt Disney World
The shuttle service couldn’t be easier! All you need to do is check-in with the concierge in the lobby to reserve your spot on a shuttle the day before you need it. THE SHUTTLE IS FREE!!! The shuttle drops you off at the main hub (Transportation and Ticket Center) where you can take a monorail or bus to any of the Disney theme parks or hotels. You can even buy your Disney World tickets/Magic Bands here as well.
There are also shuttles for Sea World and Universal Studios, ask the concierge for more information.
Complimentary private car is available, there may be a wait for it.
Parking at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
Pricing changes frequently, so check Hyatt's website for the most current rates. Check their website for the latest prices here: Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress.
FAQ
Does Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress have a Disney shuttle?
Yes, transportation is available to Disney parks, though schedules can change.
Is Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress walkable to Disney World?
No. You'll need to use transportation.
Does Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress have a resort fee?
Yes. Check Hyatt's website for the current fee and inclusions.
Is the pool heated?
(Answer based on current info.)
Can you use Hyatt points?
Yes. This property participates in the Hyatt loyalty program.
We ALWAYS find THE BEST rates through Booking.com. See deals of up to 50% off! You can save a bunch of money if you book a bundle flight+room+rental car! They even have apartments, lodges, and houses you can rent, just like AirBnB or VRBO! By booking through this link, I receive a commission at no additional cost to you! PLEASE support our blog and bookmark this link!
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Disneyland: Pixar Pier Rides & Attractions (Before and After Photos)
Where can you get a cookie as big as your face? Check out the makeover in California Adventure to the Pixar Pier! Get the latest on your favorite Pixar themed attractions including #ToyStory, Incredibles, and Inside Out. See the pier before and after photos! #disneyland
Pixar Pier Now Open!
Although Pixar Fest officially ends on Sept 3rd, 2018, the new Pixar Pier rides and attractions will remain in California Adventure! Here are some before and after photos:
PARADISE PIER - BEFORE
PIxar Pier After
PIXAR PIER - AFTER
To be honest, not much has changed, Disney just gave everything a bit of a Pixar face-lift!
PARADISE PIER ENTRANCE - BEFORE
PIXAR PIER ENTRANCE - AFTER
RIDES AND ATTRACTIONS ON PIXAR PIER
Best ride, hands up (see what I did there), is the Incredicoaster! If you haven't seen Incredibles 2 yet, I highly encourage watching it before you ride! Jack Jack is on the loose and using all of his new powers throughout the ride causing the family to team up and try to catch this newly super-powered baby.
What's changed? Not much. Same track just moves to the Incredibles theme song and you see the characters in the tunnels. I must say though, adding the red tunnels to the outside of the coaster has kinda made it look like the ride is under construction. I miss the clean look of California Screamin'.
CALIFORNIA SCREAMIN' ENTRANCE - BEFORE
INCREDICOASTER ENTRANCE - AFTER
CALIFORNIA SCREAMCAM - BEFORE
INCREDICOASTER SCREAM CAM - AFTER
CALIFORNIA SCREAMIN' FRONT ROW - BEFORE
INCREDICOASTER FRONT ROW - AFTER
What has really changed is the wait time... We've waited over an hour for the Incredicoaster (twice). That never happened with California Screamin'! BUT while you wait, you have to get a giant warm chocolate chip cookie from Jack-Jack Cookie Num Nums!
This cookie is as big as my face!
They heat them up right there!
Thanks for the cookie, Jack jack!
Of all the things to take off the pier, I thought King Triton's Carousel actually fit when it was Paradise Pier with The Little Mermaid Ride and Ariel's Grotto it was a mermaid theme! I feel like they could have made this a Finding Nemo ride and they could have kept some of the underwater elements. No one consulted with me! Jessie’s Critter Carousel is NOW OPEN! Looked like a regular carousel with some Toy Story umph to it! Also, Jessie has a very harsh light on her.
Jessie’s Critter Carousel
Toy Story Mania is still there with a slight adjustment to the front. Basically, Fast Passes were added and changed the entrance around. I still haven't beat Josh at this yet, but I'm still reigning champ at Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters!
The boardwalk games are now Pixar themed. Maybe I'll actually play them! :)
FOOD ON PIXAR PIER
What was on Pixar Pier before it was Pixar Pier? I don't remember either. Nothing stood out on Paradise Pier but now its crystal clear what each food vendor is now serving.
PARADISE ICE CREAM ON PARADISE PIER - BEFORE
ADORABLE SNOWMAN FROSTED TREATS ON PIXAR PIER - AFTER
The line was ALWAYS long for Paradise Ice Cream during the summer but now it's just ridiculous. People were waiting an hour for the new lemon treats! Also, don't try and get ice cream 30 mins prior to closing. They close early and have no mercy.
Everyone loves Disneyland Churros! Pick one up at Senior Buzz Churros! Ole!
HOT DOG! GET YOUR HOT ANGRY DOG!
Turkey Legs are still being served... I still won't get one. Only because I have issues with eating meat on a bone! Josh calls me weird!
How cute is this Zurg?!:
PIXAR FEST - Summer 2018
Summer of 2017 the theme was Hero Up with the release of The Guardians of the Galaxy ride. Last summer, Pixar was the theme applying to a parade, fireworks show, specialty food and decorations, and the launch of Pixar Pier.
Cars land had a few decorations including Buzz and Woody decked out cars with this random girl (check out her Sully popcorn holder):
These posters are my absolute favorite! They are always so clever and make me laugh out loud!
Toy Story can always be found in the Paint the Night parade!
It was a fun summer, Pixar Fest! I wonder what summer 2019 will bring (besides Star Wars!)!
See our related post: Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort
Don’t forget to pack these guys
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Everything you need to know about Disneyland's Food and Wine Festival 2019
A complete guide to everything you need to know about the 2019 Food and Wine Festival at the Disneyland Resort. Check out the menu, map, how to get tickets, and our favorite treats & eats you can find in California Adventure!
Disneyland Food and Wine Festival 2019
Runs from March 1 to April 23 at California Adventure
Chocolate Crunch Cake
For the past few years, the Disneyland Resort has hosted the Food and Wine Festival along the walkways of California Adventure! Booths are setup along the stretch from Carthay Circle down to the end of PIXAR Pier with a different theme at each one. Items range from food to drinks (with and without alcohol) as well as dessert. All food is served as small portions, appetizer like, and priced from $5-$9 each.
This year, we indulged many great items that I MUST share with you! Here we go…
Get the Sip and Savor Pass!
Sip and Savor Pass - Food and Wine Festival 2019
First off, we purchased the Sip and Savor pass giving 8 tickets for $49, which was the discounted price for Annual Passholders and Employees, otherwise it is $56. Tickets are good at all booths and good for all items except for alcohol. You have to break them off as you purchase your items, otherwise they yell at you. Ok, maybe not yell, but just show them you’re breaking it off. It was a good deal since most of our cuisine averaged out to about $7!
The Food and Wine Festival 2019
There’s a great menu available on the Disney Food Blog site. I saved their free downloadable doc to my phone for easy reference. You can also grab the menu and map at the start of the Food and Wine Festival, I just needed to do my research ahead of time!
Fiscalini White Cheddar Lager Soup served in a Mini Boudin Sourdough Bowl
The first stop on the Food and Wine tour is the Nuts About Cheese booth where we tried the Fiscalini White Cheddar Lager Soup served in a Mini Boudin Sourdough Bowl and the Ham and Vella Jack Cheese Pinwheel with Smoked Pistachios. I LOVED the soup! So creamy and the bread was so fresh and delicious!
Ham and Vella Jack Cheese Pinwheel with Smoked Pistacios
Pepperoni Pizza Egg Rolls with Marinara and Pesto Sauce
Next, we picked up some Pepperoni Pizza Egg Rolls with Marinara and Pesto Sauce at the California Craft Brews booth. Such an interesting texture when you’re used to pizza, nonetheless, they were delicious.
Esquites Sweet Corn Nuggets with Bacon Lardons
Chocolate Crunch Cake
My favorite booth was the Garlic Kissed booth! Not only did they have Esquites Sweet Corn Nuggets with Bacon Lardons and Creamy Mac & Cheese with Garlic Bread Crumble but also the Chocolate Crunch Cake.
Creamy Mac & Cheese with Garlic Bread Crumble
Creamy Mac & Cheese with Garlic Bread Crumble
Salt and Vinegar Parmesan Chicken Wings
Cluck-A-Doodle Moo served up some mean Salt and Vinegar Parmesan Chicken Wings which didn’t taste too much like vinegar. My favorite food of the night was definitely the Harris Ranch Grilled Beef Tenderloin Slider with Chimichurri Sauce. The meat was perfectly cooked topped with extraordinary chimichurri sauce.
Harris Ranch Grilled Beef Tenderloin Slider with Chimichurri Sauce
Ghost Pepper Mac & Cheese with Chili Cheese Corn Chip Dust
We had already tried the Garlic Kissed Mac & Cheese so we had to compare the Peppers Cali-Ente’s Ghost Pepper Mac & Cheese with Chili Cheese Corn Chip Dust. Personally, I preferred the Garlic over the spicy. The garlic had a better flavor and we were expecting the Ghost Pepper to be a little spicier. Either way, it was still superb but if I had to choose one, it would be the Garlic Kissed Mac & Cheese.
Beer Garden
We finished the night with one more beer in the beer garden where live music was playing both Disney tunes and popular songs today.
Beer in the Beer Garden
That’s it! Basically try everything you can and you really won’t be disappointed!
Chocolate Crunch Cake
More information about the Food and Wine Festival, visit the Disneyland website: Click Here
Again, there’s a great menu available on the Disney Food Blog site. I saved their free downloadable doc to my phone for easy reference.
Don’t forget to bring these guys:
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11 Things You Must See in Hong Kong Disneyland
As a Disney fanatic, we HAD to check out Hong Kong Disneyland while we were there! See how it differs from the other parks and 11 things you cannot miss!
Hong Kong Disneyland Main Entrance
First off, I LOVE DISNEY (and I’m not just saying that because I work for the company)! I've been to the Disneyland in California hundreds of times. Literally. Josh and I have been to Disneyland (California), Walt Disney World, and Disneyland Paris, so when we were on our way to Thailand and had to make a stop in Hong Kong, we just HAD to check out Hong Kong Disneyland, even if we didn't stay the whole day.
After having been to the other parks, here are the top 11 things you can't miss at Hong Kong Disneyland:
1. Main Street
There were many comparisons to the California Disneyland. Main Street looked fairly similar with a few different buildings here and there but we didn't find a Hall of Presidents here! Ha! They also served fish balls and watermelon juice at the food vendors. Not your typical Disneyland food!
The character, Duffy, is big in Hong Kong! Duffy was a lovable teddy bear that was handmade as a gift from Minnie to Mickey Mouse. Story has it, Duffy and Mickey would travel the world sharing exciting adventures and making lifelong friends, including ShellieMay, Gelatoni, StellaLou and Cookie. Cookie is Duffy’s newest friend, and she is only available in Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. You can watch their adventures together at the theater on Main Street!
Hong Kong Disneyland Main Street
It was so weird to see the Disneyland castle I grew up seeing with mountain behind it that wasn’t the Matterhorn!
Hong Kong Disneyland Castle
2. Tomorrowland
Tomorrowland Entrance - Hong Kong Disneyland
Tomorrowland had some of the best rides: Hyperspace Mountain and the Iron Man Experience (more on that in reason #3).
Hyperspace Mountain was just like the Space Mountain in Disneyland, traveling through space with Star Wars music.
X-wing parked at Space Mountain
There was even a parked X-Wing in the line queue. Pew Pew Pew!
3. The Iron Man Experience
The Iron Man Experience was basically Star Tours 3D Motion simulator with Iron Man instead. Initially Jarvis is taking you on a tour of Hong Kong however evil strikes where its up to you and Iron Man to save the city against the extraterrestrials!
4. Mystic Manor
Walking in I was expecting a classic Haunted Mansion ride - Haunted rooms stretching, doom buggies, Madame Leota, grim grinning ghosts coming out to socialize. This was NOT a Haunted Mansion ride. Due to differences in the Chinese culture they did not have references to ghosts or an afterlife situation. Instead we entered Lord Henry Mystic's manor to which he introduces himself and his pet monkey, Albert. His manor hosts a great collection treasures from around the world which all come to life after Albert opens a magical music box.
This ride was charming and fun, complete with music composed by Danny Elfman. There were a few nods to the Haunted Mansion including a Medusa changing portrait, a conservatory, and busts that follow visitors as they move. There was even a tribal arts room that looked like the Tiki Room but they shot wind darts like Indiana Jones. I can't say enough how much I loved this ride!
5. Toy Story Land
Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney World both have Toy Story Land, but the rides in Hong Kong Disneyland were so much better! I loved how everything made you feel like you were a toy yourself and your surroundings are much bigger. The rides were cute kiddie/carnival type rides, but we did go on the RC Race Car ride which was similar to a swinging ship-pendulum-type ride.
6. It's A Small World
It’s a Small World - Hong Kong Disneyland
It's a Small World after all! Can you find your favorite characters on this classic ride?
The Hong Kong skyline was even included in our adventure around the world which was the same view from our hotel!
7. Fantasyland
This Fantasyland seemed like a combination of Disneyland in California and Walt Disney World. Classics included Winnie the Pooh, Carousel, Tea Cups and Dumbo. There was even the Festival of Foods restaurants which is a take on Hunchback of Notre Dame's Festival of Fools.
8. Fantasia Garden
I loved the Sorcerer Mickey fountain and the cute Fantasia themed topiaries.
9. Frontierland
Even Frontierland had a unique ride! The Lucky Nugget Mine Car was a great combination of Big Thunder at Disneyland, Mount Everest at Animal Kingdom and the Seven Dwarves Mine Train at WDW. It went forwards AND backwards! There were even cute bears throughout it!
All of the parks have a Lucky Nugget Saloon. The one in Hong Kong is just a restaurant, there isn't a show.
10. Adventureland
There was some construction going on, so I hope they are adding more rides. All they had was Tarzan's Treehouse and The Jungle Cruise. The Jungle Cruise was pretty much the same as the other parks. It does get a little fiery at the end and a baby elephant wishes you farewell instead of Trader Sam looking to trade one of his heads for yours.
11. Mickey Train
One of the MTR lines goes straight to the Disneyland Resort stop where you have to take the cutest train to get to the park! This train was spangled with Mickey as well as other statues of Disney characters. Even the handle rings where Mickey shaped!
Don’t forget these on your magical day:
We loved our trip to Hong Kong Disneyland! Only 2 more parks to go!
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Planning a Disneyland trip during Halloween Time? See the best Halloween decorations, seasonal rides, Cars Land Haul-O-Ween, treats, Oogie Boogie Bash and our tips for experiencing Disneyland Halloween with kids.