What Kinds Of People Like Disneyland?

I found this on Pinterest today... I agree completely. If you hate to be happy, please don't ever go to Disneyland. For the rest of us, see you there!

Lunch At Ariel's Grotto : Introducing My Sidekick

In honor of Valentine's Day, I wanted to introduce my trusty sidekick. Like most Disney royalty, I have a special friend who makes my travels and adventures that much better. In fact, it was revisiting Disneyland with my young son that first reminded me of how special Disneyland is for the young at heart. My son is now six years old and, no matter how many times he has been there, Disneyland is his favorite place too and it's where he wants to go every year for his birthday.

One of his favorite days at Disneyland... "Driving" the Mark Twain Riverboat!!!

Below is a short video from my son's second trip to Ariel's Grotto in Disney California Adventure Park taken in April 2010. Our family loves the character dining experiences offered at the Disneyland Resort and, a flirt since birth, my son loves to meet the beautiful princesses. On his first trip to Ariel's Grotto, he was all about Ariel. On this second visit, his favorite was Cinderella. Character dining experiences are offered at Ariel's Grotto (princesses only), the Plaza Inn, Storytellers Café ("critters" only) at Disney's Grand California Hotel & Spa, Goofy's Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel and the PCH Grill at Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel. You might also see Mickey and Pluto at Sunday brunch at Club 33. If you are looking for the most budget-friendly character dining experience, visit the Chip 'n Dale Critter Breakfast at the Storyteller's Café where you can eat from the impressive buffet or you can save a little money by ordering items off the menu. 

"Disneyland... Again?"

"You are going to Disneyland again?"

Most loyal Disneyland fans have been asked this question. I have heard it many times before and I am certain that I'll hear it many more times in my lifetime. In the past, my response has typically depended on their tone (as I personally find this question to be very annoying and often judgmental) but that has since changed.

Yes, I am going to Disneyland again. Disneyland is where I can act like a child. It is where I enjoy quality time with my family. It is where I teach my son about traditions and that the world is a wonderful and magical place when you have an open mind and a kind heart. I go there to celebrate my home state of California and to be inspired by the storytelling and, of course, Walt Disney. I go to Disneyland to try new food, to hear live music and to meet up with friends. I love to laugh, to make others laugh and to be around creative and playful people so Disneyland is a perfect fit for me. Yes, Disneyland is my laughin' place.

Recently I had an epiphany. I decided that I will just smile when I am asked this dubious question. I'm not going to get offended or feel judged. After all, I am one of the lucky ones. I have found my laughin' place and I can only hope that the person asking me this question has also found theirs, where ever that may be.

My Adventures in Disneyland Is Having A Little Work Done...

I am currently working on a new logo and blog layout for My Adventures in Disneyland. I want them both to represent me and my love for Disneyland in a playful but chic way. Submissions are both welcomed and encouraged. If your logo or Blogger layout is picked, you will be compensated accordingly and, of course, adored by me. If you are interested, please contact me and I will gladly give you additional information. Professional experience is not required. - Beth

Wednesdays With Walt : Paperman - Full Animated Short Film

Walt Disney was well known for being an innovator. He was known for doing things in his own way and I think he would have really loved the new animated short from the Walt Disney Animation Studios, Paperman. I first saw Paperman when I went to see Wreck It Ralph with my family and I can definitely see why it was recently nominated to win the Oscar this year for Best Animated Short.



My favorite part of Paperman is the clever use of color. While Paperman is mostly black and white, the vivid bursts of red are very dramatic and poetic and reminds me of the "girl in the red coat" from Steven Spielberg's Schindler's List. If you haven't had a chance to see Paperman, you really should. The story is charming and the animation and imagery alone is worth seven minutes of your time.

Wednesdays With Walt : A Walk In Walt's Disneyland Footsteps

December 8th, 2012 was a very memorable day for me. Not only did I get to spend the day at Disneyland, but it was also the day that I visited a special place in Disneyland that I had only dreamt of visiting before. Thanks to the newly updated A Walk In Walt's Disneyland Footsteps tour at Disneyland, I was finally able to visit Walt Disney's private apartment just above the Main Street Fire Station.

The photo opportunity in Walt's apartment comes at the end of your visit. They will use your camera and take one pic like this for you. I didn't think they'd allow pictures or I would have put on makeup... 

I highly recommend this three-hour tour to anyone (other than young children) interested in Walt Disney and Disneyland history. With the help of several audio clips, our friendly and enthusiastic tour guide explained exactly what makes it all so special. We walked through Disneyland and learned about Walt's childhood, his home life, his career and, of course, his special relationship with Disneyland. We walked down Main Street U.S.A. to Sleeping Beauty Castle before taking a ride on Peter Pan's Flight and discussing Walt's childhood as a dreamer and entertainer and his special relationship with his brother Roy. We strolled through New Orleans Square and discussed Walt's ex-girlfriend Beatrice and his unforgettable love affair with Lillian, the special girl who would later become Mrs. Walt Disney. We visited the lobby of the exclusive Club 33 and were able to take photos in front of the french lift. Throughout the tour, we learned about Walt and all his roles as an artist, a husband, a father, an American and as a leader. We took a ride on the Disneyland Railroad and ended our tour back on Main Street U.S.A. with a private lunch (which we ordered at the beginning of the tour) provided by Disneyland's own Holly Jolly Bakery. In addition to a boxed lunch, complete with a cold drink and dessert, each of us were given a tour pin as a souvenir from our special day. 

So if you are interested in Walt Disney and Disneyland history you should go on the updated A Walk in Walt's Disneyland Footsteps tour during your next adventure in Disneyland. It's a very supervised tour and you have limited photo opportunities in both Walt's apartment and Club 33 but it is truly amazing just to visit those special places and see it all firsthand. With my Annual Passholder discount, I paid $87.20 for the tour. As always, theme park admission was required. 

A (Wordless) Wednesday With Walt : Because His Smile Says It All