Captain EO returns to Disneyland

It's kind of funny if you think about it... Disneyland's Tomorrowland, known for it's futuristic glimpses at life, is now taking guests on a trip back in time. Recently, Disneyland celebrated the opening of it's newest, old attraction. That's right, Captian EO has returned to the Tomorrowland Magic Eye Theater.

I was lucky enough, along with fellow blogger Suz Broughton & several other hardcore fans who had been standing in line since 9pm the night before, to attend the first official viewing of Captain EO. & Let me tell you, it was just as good as I remembered, in fact, even better. Thanks to "renovations" made to the Magic Eye Theater when Honey, I Shrunk the Audience was playing on the big screen, Captain EO has a little surprise in store for movie-goers.

For those of you aren't familiar with Captain EO, it is a "17-minute interactive film starring Michael Jackson as Captain EO on his quest to change the world. With show-stopping musical numbers written by Michael Jackson, and stunning effects orchestrated by executive producer George Lucas and director Francis For Coppola, Capatin EO is a sight and sound spectacular with an enduring message." Basically, it is Star Wars meets cheesey classic 80's music video. & Just because I think it's interesting... Did you know that until Titanic was made, Captain EO was the most expensive movie (per minute) ever made?

For those of you who just can't wait until your next Disney trip to see Captain EO, here's the entire movie. Although, personally... I'd suggest you hold out until you can see it on the big screen.





xoxo, K

Disneyland provided an entrance passes for K. No compensation, of any kind, was received for this post & the opinions represented are 100% those of Just Spotted.

Give a Day, Get a Disney Day FREE with SaveOurBeach.org

I'm sure by now, you've probably heard of Disneyland's FREE ticket offer... "Give a Day, Get a Disney Day." Disney parks is hoping to inspire 1 million people to perform a day of volunteer service to a participating organization in their community during 2010, by giving them a FREE, one-day, one-theme park admission ticket to a Walt Disney World Resort or Dsineyland Resort theme park.

But did you know that one of our very favorite & very local, service organizations is one of the "participating organizations?" Yep! Yep! SaveOurBeach.org is one of the many local Orange County non-profits where you can volunteer your time & get a FREE one-day Disney Resort admission ticket. (You can search for other local, participating organizations HERE.) Honestly, I know it sounds too good to be true, but it is! Who would have thought that getting a FREE ticket to Disneyland would be so easy & so much fun? (All it takes is about 4 hours!)

 Ready to earn YOUR free tickets to Disneyland?  If you want to participate in the "Give a Day, Get a Disney Day" you must pre-register & sign-up  HERE (the easiest way to find the SaveOurBeach.org opportunities is to search "Animals & Environment" volunteer opportunities & check the box that says "show opprotunities that allow parents/ guardians to bring volunteers under the age of 18.) Once you've registered & selected your beach clean up date (which should be easy, they have several clean ups a month), all you have to do next, is pile the entire family into the car, & head over to Seal Beach. SaveOurBeach.org  thinks of everything (all day parking passes, garbage bags, gloves will be provided), so all YOU have to do is - show up & participate.

Tickets are limited to the first million people who participate, so you might wanted to get started on this, sooner rather than later. In order to take part in the free ticket offer, participants must be a least 6 years old & each person can only receive one ticket, which must be used by December 15th, 2010.
 
To find out more about SaveOurBeach.org or upcoming beach clean-up dates, go HERE.
 
xoxo, K

12 for Tuesday: Disney Treats & Eats to Crave

For me, part of the "Disney" experience is definitely the yummy treats. Rarely do I go & not get something to nibble on. Sometimes, only an entire meal can suffice me. Other times all I need is a little sugar fix. Here are some of my favorite Disney treats & eats, in no particular order...

1. Corn Dog from the Little Red Wagon on Main St.
2. The Dole Whip at the Tiki Juice Bar, outside the Tiki Room
3. Chicken Tenders from the Stage Door Cafe
4. Churro (have you tried the filled churros found in Downtown Disney?)
5. The famed Monte Cristo from either Cafe Orleans or the Blue Bayou
6. Beignets from Cafe Orleans (you can also pick some up from The Jazz Kitchen in Downtown Disney)
7. Turkey Leg
8. Funnel Cake from the Stage Door Cafe
9. Sonoma Chicken & Apple Salad from the Pacific Wharf Cafe in California Adventure
10. Candy Apples on Main St.
11. Big Thunder Ranch BBQ (come hungry, it's all-you-can-eat)
12. Macaroon from the Blue Ribbon Bakery

So which of YOUR favorite Disney treats or eats did I leave off the list?

xoxo, K

Believe in Holiday Magic Fireworks at Disneyland

We've already gushed & gushed about how incredibly fabulous Disneyland is this holiday season HERE. We talked about all the pretty lights, the amazing decorations & all of the incredible little touches... Disneyland really does think of everything. (If you view our Whrrl story HERE, you can see every last detail for yourself.) But, we haven't even mentioned the latest firework show to light up Disneyland's night sky - Believe in Holiday Magic. Straight from Disneyland's website: "Revel in an awe-inspiring spectacular that paints the night sky with dazzling colors and artistry expressing the holiday spirit - set against the majestic beauty of Sleeping Beauty's Winter Castle! Experience true magic as Disneyland Park twinkles & glow while snow gently falls in the unforgettable finale."

C & I were able to experience this beautiful firework show this past weekend, when Disneyland played host to an amazing holiday experience at the Disneyland Resort. I literally felt the chills go up my back as I watched the beautiful display. & Did we mention the snow? The finale is absolutely perfection, complete with falling "snow."

Want to experience the fireworks for yourself? Ready for a little "holiday spirit"? Then this is your lucky day... Mr. DAPs of DAPs Magic (the unofficial Disney Fan club) has made it possible for you to have front row seats for the "Believe in Holiday Magic" firework show, virtual front row seats that is.

xoxo, K
video courtesy of Mr. DAPs

It's Holiday Time at Disneyland

The holidays are coming to Disneyland, & I'm so excited, it's my most, favorite time of year there.... it definitely is magical! The entire park is decorated with ornaments, lights, glistening snow & sparkling icicles. (Be sure to pay special attention to Sleeping Beauty's Castle, I love how the snow "gathers on it" throughout the day! & As always, the Haunted Mansion & It's a Small World are always incredible.) Besides all the decorations, there is also a special Christmas Parade & Fireworks show, as well as lots of other holidays-inspired activities & yummy treats (only available this time of year!) You definitely don't want to miss all the fun, so mark your calendars.... Disneyland will be celebrating the holidays from now until January 3, 2010.

xoxo, K

p.s.  Want your very own sneak peek of all the Holiday Happenings at  Disneyland? View the Whrrl story documenting C & my recent Disneyland trip. (Yep! Yep! We are such Disney nerds, we braved the crowds, & headed out to view all the decorations, the very first day of the "holiday season" at Disneyland.)

Disneyland Giveaway

The Holiday Season is coming a wee bit early, for one special Just Spotted reader. Are you getting giddy yet? Well you should! Just Spotted, with a little help from the Disneyland Resort, is inviting one very lucky Just Spotted reader to start the holiday season off with a bang! Are you feeling the tingles yet? One Just Spotted reader is going to be chosen to join C & I (and our families), to celebrate the Holidays at the Happiest Place on Earth on November 21st. Yep! You read that correctly... If you win, YOU & THREE guests will be invited to attend a very special Holiday Celebration at the Disneyland Resort. Not only will you get to experience all the wonderful holiday decor in the park firsthand, but you will also participate in some very special activities planned just for YOU! Are you excited yet? Because I am! I'm beyond excited... I'm thrilled, ecstatic & jumping for joy!

Still in shock about our HUGE announcement? Are you pinching yourself, still trying to decide if your dreaming? Well you don't have to take our word for it. Feel free to watch as Mrs. Clause (wife of the famed Mr. Clause) makes the announcement herself...



Ready to enter? Here's the low-down on how to play & all the nitty-gritty details:
* You have until Midnight PST on THURSDAY, October 15th, 2009 to play our little game, that could ultimately get YOU invited to the "Happiest Holiday Celebration on Earth."
* Simply leave a comment on THIS post, telling us about your favorite Disney memory, story or even wish... maybe it's the first time you & your daughter watched Cinderella together. Or perhaps, you're looking forward to seeing the excitement on your little one's face when he meets Mickey Mouse for the very first time. What ever it is, share it HERE, with us.
* An "anonymous" panel of judges (definitely not C or K, we'd never be able to make up our minds) will choose their favorite memories, stories & wishes as our "finalists."
* On Monday, October 19th - Monday, October 26th, we will post the "finalists'" memories, stories & wishes and YOU (the public) will get to vote on your absolute favorite.
* The person who's memory, story, or wish, that most touches the hearts of our readers, or makes them laugh the hardest (a.k.a. the person with the most votes) will be announced Tuesday, October 27th, 2009.
* Anyone can enter (so tell your friends), although anonymous comments will be ignored unless accompanied by an email address.
* Please, just one entry per person.
* The person chosen to to be guests of Just Spotted will receive FREE park entry for themselves & THREE guests (for a maximum of 4 people), including parking for one vehicle. Any other travel, transportation or accommodation costs will not be included.
* FREE entry is valid on November 21st, 2009 only, this is non-transferable.

Good Luck to all & may the "force" be with you.

xoxo, C, K & the Disneyland Resort

p.s. Want to increase your chances of being chosen for this ultra-fabulous, one-of-a-kind Disney Holiday Adventure? These fabulous ladies are also hosting giveaways: 

Alive in Wonderland

Babes in Disneyland
Domestic Chicky

Los Angelista

Peace, Love and Momminess

Sweet Life in the Valley

The Glamorous Life Association

Disneyland's Halloween Screams Fireworks Show

Have you figured out yet how much we LOVE Halloween Time at Disneyland yet? We've always been big Disneyland fans, but when the "villains" took over the Parks, they really outdid themselves! & Although the "boo-tiful" decorations, yummy" treats" & spooky-fied rides are all incredible, I think, no, I know,  my absolute favorite Halloween Time addition is definitely the Disneyland Halloween Screams Firework Show. It is amazing! Absolutely A-mazing! Once again, the "villains" know how to take care of business...  As the fireworks explode in the night sky, the castle is bathed in ghostly lights, all the while each of the "villains" takes his or her turn commanding "center stage," so to speak. But, words alone can't even begin to describe the firework show (or extravaganza as I like to think of it), you absolutely have to see it! Here's your personal 11-minute sneak peak of the Disneyland Halloween Screams Firework Show. (And if you want to catch the real thing, all you have to do is head on out to Disneyland before November 1st).





Can't watch all 11-minutes? Not a problem.  Here's Disneyland's 30-second version...



xoxo, K

12 for Tuesday: Tips from the Disney VIP Tour

We were lucky enough to go on a VIP tour of Disneyland with Chris (the best tour guide ever) this weekend and it was an amazing experience. She pointed out out all the important and interesting facts about Disneyland, while guiding us through the park with ease on one of the hottest days of the year. To top that off she also managed to delight our kids with her friendly personality and revealing where some of the hard to find "hidden mickeys" were located in the park. Chris has created tours for princesses to groups that just wanted to focus on the thrill rides. I recommend a VIP tour to anyone that would like a more personalized Disney experience, you will not be disappointed and can find more information here. These are 12 of my favorite tips and hints from Chris (you can request to have Chris at your VIP tour guide when making reservations for your tour):

1) As you walk in to the Haunted Mansion look at the floor to find a spider web
2) Take the Train at the park entrance to avoid the traffic on Main Street
3) The Morse Code that you hear at New Orleans Train Station is from the opening day speech from Walt Disney
4) Indiana Jones has the most Hidden Mickeys
5) A Disney Makeover is a must for any little princess
6) There is great face painting available right outside of Big Thunder Mountain (in the Dia de los Muertos exhibit)
7) Try to time your eating around Fantasmic for a good view
8) If you go on a VIP tour you can see if there is VIP seating available that day for Fantasmic
9) Her favorite spot to eat is the Storytellers Cafe
10) There are large lockers in the back of each locker room for families
11) Fast Pass is seasonal for the Haunted Mansion and will be available until Christmas
12) Check out the Disneyland Blog to find out the latest news about Disneyland

xoxo, C

Halloween Time at Disneyland

The "villains" have taken over Disneyland & transformed the parks for the Halloween Season, September 25th - November 1st. Of course, we've already mentioned the ever-popular Mickey's Trick-or-Treat Party (have you gotten your tickets yet?), but that's just the beginning of the festivities! Disneyland recently treated C & I to a "Halloween Preview," so we can tell you first hand, they've got a few tricks up their sleeves...

First of all, the "villains" have completely 'boo'-tified the Parks. "Wild candy is growing at Candy Corn Acres at Disney's California Adventure Park" not to mention all of the amazing & clever "jack-o-lanterns, candy corn, ghouls, bats & other fabulously frightful Halloween decorations that are 'boo'-tifing both Parks." & You definitely don't want to miss the ginormous 16-foot tall Mickey Mouse jack-o-lantern on main street! But that's not all the fun in store...although the "villains" may be in charge, all of the characters have gotten into the spirit of things - I'm sure you'll see a character (or two) fully decked out in their own Halloween costumes.

Once again, Jack Skellington has returned to take over the Haunted Mansion & bring back the Haunted Mansion Holiday to New Orleans Square in Disneyland. "Transformed to a mix of Halloween spookiness and Christmas tradition, Haunted Mansion Holiday is inspired by the classic animated film Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas. Jack and his friends provide plenty of havoc and surprises as they celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Haunted Mansion in their unusual style. Jack’s return to the Haunted Mansion includes the traditional Halloween/Christmas gingerbread house in the Mansion Ballroom, with some special spooky surprises in this year’s design."

New this year, and recommended for older kids & adults (although my 4 year old LOVED it), is Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy. "The scary new experience will begin as a typical Space Mountain adventure, but will suddenly launch voyagers into an uncharted and haunted section of the universe. Ghosts appear out of the starry darkness and swirling galaxies of Space Mountain, reaching out as if to grab guests as they speed through space. The exhilarating drops and curves of the journey are punctuated by piercing screams, creepy sound effects and haunting music. The Halloween transformation occurs outside the mountain as well, as frightening images, audio and lights illuminate the Space Mountain exterior."

Gracing the evening skies this ghoulish season is the "Halloween Screams - A Villainous Surprise in the Skies" Fireworks display. This "new fireworks spectacular will haunt the nighttime sky throughout the Halloween season. To start the show, 'Master of Scare-omonies' Jack Skellington appears in a flash of fire above Sleeping Beauty Castle. Thanks to Jack’s ghoulish charm, haunting melodies fill the air and a Halloween pyrotechnics extravaganza explodes into the night. Such classic Disney villains as Maleficent, Ursula the Sea Witch and Oogie Boogie join in the 'spirit' of the celebration, and even Zero, Jack’s faithful ghost dog, will make an appearance. Spectators in Disneyland are encouraged to participate in a bone-chilling Halloween Scream-Along during the show."

Amazingly enough, there is still more! As if ALL of that wasn't enough, you don't want to miss the Main Street Pumpkin Festival, the villain "meet & greet" at “it’s a small world” Mall in Disneyland, while other characters in seasonal costumes greet guests in Town Square, Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland and Sunshine Plaza in Disney’s California Adventure, the Halloween Roundup at Big Thunder Ranch, & all of the delicious seasonal goodies only available this time of year (my personal favorites? the caramel apple cider & candy corn rice krispie treats).

For more details information, crafts (including pumpkin craving patterns & more), Halloween videos, & very, very cool, very interactive computer games for the kids (or even you) be sure to check out Disneyland's Halloween Time website HERE.

xoxo, K
images via Disneyland

Mickey's Trick-or-Treat Party

Most kids look forward all year, to trick-or-treating. What's not to love? Costumes & candy all rolled into one fun-filled night? The only thing that could possibly top that, would be trick-or-treating at Mickey's Trick-or-Treat Party at Disney's California Adventure Park. This "not-so-scary" party encourages your little ghosts & goblins to join their favorite Disney characters for an evening filled with lively music, trick-or-treating, crafts & activities, and lots of other Halloween games & fun. C & I took our kiddos last year & they LOVED it. (You can read about it HERE.)

Ticket Prices & Event Dates

For the dates:
October 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29
General Advance Purchase Price - $32
Day-of-Event Price - $42

For the dates:
October 30, 31
Price: $42

* Annual Passholders pay just $26 on advanced purchases on select days!

Event Times:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thurdsay - 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm
Friday & Halloween Night - 7:30 pm to 11:30 pm

Buy tickets HERE.

xoxo, K
image via Disneyland

Disneyland's Fantasmic! Dragon has Arrived!

image by armadillo444 via flickr

If you've been waiting all summer for the newest star of Disneyland's Fantasmic! show to make his appearance, like my boys have, your wait is finally over! That's right, Maleficent (nicknamed "Murphy" for Murphy's Law) made his debut this past week. He made his first, official public appearance on Tuesday, although he didn't actually breathe "fire" until Wednesday night's performance. You can catch the dragon's performance yourself, any weekend (Friday through Sunday) until the Christmas holidays. If you are planning on catching his act, you might want to check out THESE Fantasmic! viewing tips. In the meantime, if you're too excited to wait. Or, if you want a sneak preview of Maleficent in action... then you have to check out this video HERE.

xoxo, K

Cheap Souvenirs: Disneyland Pressed Pennies

Sometimes it's hard to escape going to the Happiest Place on Earth without coming home with some kind of souvenir. Luckily, my boys have become infatuated with the cheapest of Disneyland souvenirs - pressed pennies (also known as elongated pennies, smashed pennies & sometimes called squished pennies). Okay, okay, it's not actually the cheapest souvenir, there is a 48¢ sucker that holds that claim, but at 51-ish¢ (I say ish, because they actually only cost 50¢, you get the penny back), the Disneyland pressed penny is quite a deal.

If you are new to pressed pennies, you might be surprised to hear that it can be serious business. In fact, there are entire websites dedicated to the subject. You also might not realize that there are over 100 places in Disneyland, California Adventure & Downtown Disney that you can squish your pennies, & you can also find machines that press quarters & nickels as well.

While researching the "subject matter" I came across THIS website that had some great penny pressing tips I thought I'd pass along:

1. Use pre-1982 pennies – they contain more copper and thus hold their (new) shape better. You can buy rolls of these older pennies on Ebay in preparation.
2. Pickup a copy of the Pressed Penny Map at the Guest Services Desk when you enter the park. Takes the guessing out of where all the stations are. Also, some of the machines are only around for a short period of time, so you want to be sure to add those to your collection while they are available.
3. When you put your penny in the slot, along with the quarters, make sure the head of the penny is facing out and is upright.
4. Be careful when cleaning your pressed pennies – some are highly valuable and harsh cleaners can ruin them. Doubtful that would be a problem for most of us casual collectors, but good to know, just in case someone gifts you a rare Disney elongated coin (that is the fancy, collector name for pressed pennies).
5. If you are going to press more than a couple pennies, you might want to invest in a pressed penny book to store your loot. You can find these at most of the shops in the Park.

So there you have it, just about everything you've even wanted, or could possibly need to know about one of Disneyland's cheapest souvenirs. (However if you should happen to want to know more, go HERE for all kinds of wonderful information.) As mentioned earlier, you can always pick up a Pressed Penny Map at Guest Services upon arrival at Disneyland. But, if you want an easy to print guide of Disneyland pressed pennies go HERE. Happy collecting!

xoxo, K
image by addixon777 via flickr.

Beat the Heat at Disney's California Adventure

Awhile back, C did a great post on "Staying Cool" at Disneyland. I thought I'd do a follow up, with some of my favorite tips for beating the heat, while exploring Disney's California Adventure. & Luckily, DCA is full of great places to escape to when it's blazing hot!

* Grizzly River Run (be prepared, you WILL get wet, but isn't that the point?)
* Head inside, & take a tour of the Boudin Bakery or the Mission Tortilla Factory. These are both great, "quick" escapes & you get FREE samples, which is a plus.
* Catch a flick: It's Tough to Be a Bug!, Muppet Vision 3D
* It may not be air conditioned, but lots of trees provide plenty of shade inside the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
* Little ones LOVE the Princess Dot Puddle Park, (bring a change of clothes because they WILL get soaked, or, lots of kids show up in their bathing suit.) The S.S. rustworthy is fun too - a great place to play, with just enough water to keep you cool.
* Looking for a great escape from the heat? Check out the "Playhouse Disney - Live on Stage!" productions (lasts 20 minutes), or my absolute favorite way to beat the heat is "Disney's Aladdin - A Musical Spectacular". (4o minutes of air conditioned bliss, & the show's dang good too!)
* & Finally, if you want a cool treat, be sure to visit: Bur-r-r Bank Ice Cream (love that waffle cone smell), Catch a Flave for delicious soft-serve, Schmoozies for smoothies (duh!), & my personal favorite are the milkshakes found at Sam Andreas Shakes.

Don't forget to drink lots & lots of water!

xoxo, K
image by jeff pearce via flickr

Disneyland: Staying Cool

image via Disney

We love Disneyland, but the summer heat and long lines can test even the most faithful of Disney fans. Here are a few places at Disneyland to stay cool and make the most of a Disneyland trip this summer:

1) Tiki Room (and pick up a Dole Whip)
2) Pirates of the Carribean
3) Blue Bayou
4) Space Mountain
5) Splash Mountain

6) A Baby Center
7) Nemo's Submarine Voyage
8) Small World
9) Penny Arcade
10)Donald's Boat


xoxo, C

Nothing Short of Magical!

As you probably already know, this summer Disneyland is pulling out all the stops. Everything is bigger, bolder, & more fantastic than ever before, especially the firework spectacular! With Eden Espinosa (best known for her starring role as Elphaba in the LA & San Francisco run of Wicked) singing Magical's theme song as well as classic Disney tunes like "Baby Mine," you know it's going to be incredible... & the show doesn't let you down. You know it's good when the very big (as in strong), very manly man standing in front of me, whispers to his friend "Wow! That was good. That was really really good." So, without any further ado, here's a sneak peak at the incredible finale for Disneyland's newest firework spectacular Magical, if you want see the ENTIRE show you'll just have to go to Disneyland this summer. Or, if you are really, really antsy & just have to see the whole show right this very minute, you can watch it HERE (part I) & HERE (part II). But, if you really want the "full" effect, watch THIS video of Steve Davison, Vice President of Parades & Spectaculars, reenacting the finale of the show. Then, watch the following video of the "real" thing. & I apologize in advance for any shaky camera work, i was busy juggling a one-month old baby & the camera...



xoxo, K

Almost Famous.

Sometimes, being a "mom blogger" has it's advantages & perks. For instance, last week, C & I (and the new baby) were invited out to preview Disneyland's new Summer Nightastic!, & I for one felt famous, or at least almost famous. Once I finish editing all the video, I'll give you a little taste of all the fabulous happenings. (All I can say is you definitely want to plan a trip or two to the Magic Kingdom this summer, because these shows won't disappoint you!) In the meantime, let me introduce you to all the other Orange County mom bloggers we were lucky enough to spend the evening with... from left to right: Suz of the Orange County Register Mom Blog & Alive in Wonderland, Coleen, Kelly & baby Charlie of Just Spotted, Marcy of The Glamorous Life Association, Debbie of Peace, Love and Momminess, & Araceley (not pictured) of Daytripping Mom.

xoxo, K

The Fireworks at Disneyland this summer are SPECTACULAR

K and I were able to see the preview the Magical fireworks show at Summer Nightastic last night. The Magical show takes you on a Disney adventure in lights and the fireworks are more colorful and bolder than ever before. During the show Tinkerbell makes a quick appearance and Dumbo soars in the sky above Sleeping Beauty's Castle. I can't wait to go to Disneyland again this summer just for the great fireworks. For a great reenactment of the show click here, but the fireworks show at Disneyland is really something that you should see in person this summer.


xoxo, C

Magical, the New Disneyland Fireworks Spectacular

Friday, June 12th Disneyland is unveiling a brand new line-up of nightime entertainment called Summer Nightastic! including a new & improved Electrical Parade; a bigger & bolder Fantasmic! complete with a 40-foot, fire-breathing dragon, Ursula the Sea With & her pet eels; & a fireworks spectacular created especially to celebrate Summer Nightastic! called Magical...

Tinker Bell is once again your host, waving her wand to ignite the brilliant color, stunning special effects and charming music. But she won’t be alone in the sky this summer. Dumbo will make his surprise airborne debut in the new show. Tink’s sparkling touch awakens a fantastic array of Disney’s most magical characters, from Pinocchio to Mary Poppins to Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother, and the Three Good Fairies from "Sleeping Beauty."

Just because you aren't at Disneyland at this exact moment, doesn't mean you can't watch this sure-to-be-fabulous fireworks display. Although it's not the actual fireworks spectacular, here's the next best thing... Steve Davison, Vice President of Parades & Spectaculars (I love his title! So fitting because he is spectacular!), reenacting the finale of the show. He is super animated & very entertaining, think "jazz fingers."



To see Steve Davison complete reenactment go HERE, you'll be amazed. But don't forget to watch all 6 videos to get the whole experience.

xoxo, K

p.s. If you want to catch Disneyland's all new Firework Spectacular Magical, & you are a Southern California resident (residents who live in zip codes 90000 through 93599 & 21000-22999) can purchase a 3-Day Disneyland Park Hopper Ticket for just $99. Hello?! That's just $33/ day! Plus, the tickets are valid for 45 days from the first use, so you don't have to use all 3 days at once! For more information & all the details, go HERE.

Cook with Guy at California Adventure!

image via food network

It was only a few years ago, when Guy competed and won the second season of The Next Food Network Star. Today this "bad boy" of the Food Network hosts four popular programs. His shows include Guy off the Hook, Guy's Big Bite, Ultimate Recipe Showdown and Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, bringing his colorful personality to the Food Network several times a week.

The evening begins with delicious appetizers and exquisite wines followed by a question and answer session. This is a unique opportunity to get up close and personal, take a photo or get an answer to that question you've always wanted to ask. Don't miss out on this superstar, evening to remember!

Date: Sunday, May 31, 2009
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Animation Courtyard, Disney's California Adventure® Park
Price: $185 per person, plus tax, gratuity included

Click here to register

xoxo, C

Face Painting at Disneyland

One of my kiddos favorite Disneyland treats is to get their face painted. The Disney Face Painters are incredible & create these beautiful works of art, starting at about $8 depending on the design chosen. You can find Face Painters at the following locations:

* Downtown Disney District (near the Lego Imagination Center)
* Inside Disney's California Adventure near the Paradise Pier (exact location varies with the construction going on there)
* Inside Disneyland in: Fantasyland (near the Matterhorn), Princess Fantasy Faire, & Pixie Hollow. The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, just inside Sleeping Beauty's Castle, takes face painting a step further - transforming young guests from head to toe into princesses & young knights (reservations are suggested).

xoxo, K