Candlelight Processional : One Solitary Life

The Candlelight Ceremony and Processional has been a cherished Disneyland tradition since 1958. It can best be described as a Biblical presentation of the Christmas story, the story of Silent Night and an essay, One Solitary Life, all narrated by a notable celebrity, and accompanied by countless talented musicians, in the heart of Disneyland. For the first time, during the 2012 Holiday season, it is being performed twice a night for twenty nights. While there were invitation-only performances, AP contests and special dining packages, I was lucky enough to get a seat by waiting just outside the designated area. As photographs alone cannot do this very moving event justice, I have included both photographs and videos from the performance I attended on December 8, 2012.

December 1-2 : Dennis Haysbert

December 3-5 : Kurt Russell

December 6-8 : Edward James Olmos

December 9-11 : Lou Diamond Phillips

December 12-13 : Dick Van Dyke

December 14 : Marcia Gay Harden

December 15-16 : Patricia Heaton

December 17-19 : Molly Ringwald

December 20 : Dennis Haysbert

Wednesdays with Walt : Christmas on Buena Vista Street

Christmastime is my favorite time to visit Disneyland for many reasons. I love the beautiful decorations, the amazing music, the shopping, the special seasonal treats... What's not to love? Here is a recent performance from the Buena Vista Street Community Bell Ringers that I know Walt himself would have loved.

Wednesdays With Walt : Happy Birthday Walt Disney!

“What ever you do, do it well. Do it so well that when people see you do it they will want to come back and see you do it again and they will want to bring others and show them how well you do what you do." As I write and post online for My Adventures in Disneyland, I am often reminded of this famous Walt Disney quote. How true it is... Today is Walt's birthday and fittingly enough we are packing for Disneyland. Our most recent visit was cut short due to illness so we're headed back. Our adventures on this trip will include meeting up with new and old Disney friends, a special lunch at Club 33, the Candlelight Processional, a few rides on the refurbished Indiana Jones Adventures, a special trip to Walt's Apartment on the updated A Walk in Walt's Footsteps tour and hopefully a couple fresh candy canes. It's a trip in honor of my mentor's birthday and one that I know I will never forget. So, stay posted for photos and more from My Adventures in Disneyland. 

Wednesdays With Walt : A Special Tribute To Walt Disney

On November 9th I had the pleasure of participating in an hour-long radio tribute honoring my hero, the legendary Walt Disney. This special tribute featured four invited guests, all who were deeply inspired by Walt. This touching tribute was both organized and hosted by the unforgettable Joe Cosgrove - someone who knew Walt personally, someone who worked with Walt firsthand and someone who has been making Disneyland his home for several decades now. Joe's deep respect for Walt was truly touching as he interviewed each of us and as he shared his own personal thoughts on Walt Disney and the Disney legacy. My favorite moment of the show came as one guest described Walt's memorable visit to Marceline, Missouri, where he stopped by his old school and a very special tree.

To translate the world's great fairy tales, thrilling legends, stirring folk tales into visual theatrical presentations and to get back the warm response of audiences in many lands has been for me an experience and a lifetime satisfaction beyond all value. - Walt Disney 

Special Tribute to Walt Disney Hosted by Joe Cosgrove & Featuring Beth Thorpe, Creator and Writer from My Adventures in Disneyland -- Click here to listen now! 

Happy Birthday To Mickey & Minnie!

Steamboat Willie (1928) is a very important part of both American and Disney history for a number of reasons. It was where we first met one of our greatest heroes, Mickey Mouse. It was where we first saw Mickey's adorable sweetheart, Minnie Mouse. It was notably the first cartoon to successfully use synchronized sound. Yes, Steamboat Willie is very special and you can still feel that when you watch it today. When I hear Mickey happily whistling that familiar tune, I am a kid again and that is the true magic of Walt Disney. I have heard that Walt Disney didn't consider himself to be a "great animator" but I respectfully disagree. Mickey Mouse is the most recognizable and beloved cartoon character of all time and Mickey and Minnie alone have brought countless smiles to children all over the world for several decades. That sounds like the work of a great animator to me.

So, happy birthday to both Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. Thank you for the memories Walt Disney. My childhood would not have been the same without you.

Wednesdays With Walt : My Walt Disney Reading Suggestions

If you are like me and you love to learn about Walt Disney, Disney and Disneyland history then there are certain books that you should definitely check out. I myself especially enjoyed two books about Walt Disney that I would recommend to any serious Disney fan. One book addresses Walt the artist and entertainer and the second book aims to instead paint a better picture of who he was as a man. Both books are well-made and full of many wonderful photographs and images. They are both must-haves for any Disney library. Happy reading!

1. The Art of Walt Disney: From Mickey Mouse to the Magic Kingdoms and Beyond 

Christopher Finch (Forward by John Lasseter)

Currently $53.55 at Amazon.com

"First published in 1973, The Art of Walt Disney is one of the most successful and influential illustrated art books on American popular culture ever published. This book was the first to reveal the wealth of concept art, animation drawings, and archival material created in the course of animating films. In this newly revised edition, author Christopher Finch has thoroughly reworked every chapter to incorporate the vast achievements of The Walt Disney Company in filmmaking, theater, and theme parks, from Walt’s day to the present, including all-new exciting chapters on Pixar Animation Studio and Walt Disney Animation along with extensive interviews with their chief creative officer, John Lasseter, and president, Ed Catmull. Offering hundreds of new images and unparalleled access to leading filmmakers and artists at The Walt Disney Company, The Art of Walt Disney will once again capture the imaginations of animation fans young and old."

Praise for The Art of Walt Disney:

“Every student of art should own and study this book.” —Georgia Times-Union

2. Inside the Dream 

Katherine & Richard Greene

Currently $45.68 at Amazon.com

"A stunning, elaborately illustrated biography of the man who had an immeasurable impact upon American culture. This timely biography, told through the captivating and vivid words of those who knew, and studied Walt Disney, provides the most revelatory protrait to date of the man who has become an icon of American culture. More than 70 men and women were interviewed, including friends, employees, and historians, adversaries and rivals, and, most especially, family members, who add a special 'private' context to a very public work."

A Quick Look Inside The Exclusive Club 1901 Lounge

This video clip is from my most-recent Disneyland Resort adventure. It features a very cool bar trick presented by the friendly bartenders at the new and very private Club 1901 Lounge. It is an ice trick that allows you to fully chill a cocktail without watering it down. Nothing but the best for those lucky few who get the honor to visit 1901, named in honor of Walt Disney’s birth year. 1901 is located in the Carthay Circle Theatre in Disney California Adventure Park.