Guess what just came in my inbox? Disney has officially announced the date of the opening of Cars Land and Buena Vista Street at Disney California Adventure. They are putting the peddle to the medal to have the expansion completed by June 15, 2012!
Anyone else just mark this date on their calendar with a smilie face?
Here’s a shot I snapped from Blue Sky Cellar looking down Route 66 into Cars Land. Looks very close to being completed.
You can really get a feel now of just how massive the new land will be. It spreads over 12-acres, offering three attractions—Radiator Springs Racers, Mator’s Junkyard Jamboree, Luigi’s Flying Tires—and the highest point of Radiator Springs Ridge is a soaring 125 feet.
You can watch my video from the topping out ceremony of Radiator Springs Ridge from back in November of 2010.
If you want more updates on Cars Land, make sure to stop by Blue Sky Cellar at Disney California Adventure next time you’re in the park. They just updated the video and also added additional Cars Land models.
Tom Staggs, Chairman of Disney Parks and Resorts, spoke to me after delivering the keynote address at the Orange County Business Council’s annual dinner. In his speech in front of 1,000 Orange County business people Staggs spoke about Disney Parks overall approach to the guest experience saying they are in the business of ”making memories that last a lifetime.” He also thanked guests for being patient and gracious through the 5-year, one-billion dollar expansion of Disney’s California Adventure. In our interview he is enthusiastic about the opening of “the biggest piece” of the park — Cars Land.
My daughter and I have been eagerly waiting for the release of the new animated movie by Japanese filmmaker, Hayao Miyazaki — The Secret World of Arrietty. During the first preview we saw last summer she grabbed my arm in the darkened theatre and whispered, “We’re totally seeing that when it comes out.”
As fortune had it, we actually were lucky enough to see it in a private screening BEFORE it came out. We were invited by the Walt Disney Company to come to their Burbank studio lot and see a sneak peek of the movie.
Furthering our delight, the next day we were asked to come interview the big Disney Channel star, Bridgit Mendler, of Good Luck Charlie and Lemonade Mouth fame, about her role as the voice of Arrietty in the movie that will be released February 17.
We spent the night in Los Angeles and woke up early and headed to the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills for the Secret World of Arrietty press junket. My daughter was nervous but excited, and like a good little journalist she had her notes ready.
The small roundtable was filled with fellow OC bloggers and our daughters when Bridgit breezed in and right away put us all at ease by saying, “Yay, it’s take your daughters to work day!” Everyone laughed and the questions from the young girls started coming.
My daughter kicked it off by asking Bridgit what her favorite scene from the movie was. Bridgit said her favorite scene was when Arriettty goes on her first borrowing mission. Later in the interview she elaborates by sharing with us her emotional connection with Arrietty. Bridgit said when she first started working as an actress she’d come to LA on her own: “… it was kind of like a whole new world for me doing that. Arrietty is exploring the bigger world and I feel like I’ve kind of been doing that.”
The young girls went back and forth with her, telling her the parts of the movie they liked the most and asking her questions about Good Luck Charlie. After talking about her hit Disney Channel TV show and her music, the conversation circled back around to The Secret World of Arrietty.
“Arrietty is a really good role model. You know, and in a bunch of different ways. She’s growing up and she’s adventurous and curious and I mean she was a little rebellious but not too bad,” Bridgit reflects. ”She makes friends with somebody who is different than her. And she really helps him when he’s having a hard time.”
After the interview we all went out the deck for a photo opp. The girls were smiling and striking a poses and as I watched them I saw the same role model similarities in Bridgit as in Arrietty. It’s refreshing — and frankly a relief — to meet one of my daughter’s favorite actresses, someone she looks up to, and be happy for her to aspire to be more like her.
I’ll post my full review of “The Secret World of Arrietty” on February 17. Check back then. But here’s the trailer for you to enjoy:
Before my visit to Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa, in Ko Olina, Hawaii, I would have said I loved the Hawaiian culture. Though I readily admit, most of what I knew about it I learned from the cursed tiki Brady Bunch Hawaii special or from my one-week honeymoon in Maui. The picture of tiki torches, hula skirts and umbrella-ed drinks is probably typical of most mainlanders’ impression of Hawaii, and it’s exactly the clichéd archetype that Disney had no interest in recreating at Aulani.
“We wanted to tell Hawaii’s true story,” a relaxed, tanned, and sandaled Bob Iger, President and CEO of The Walt Disney Company, told me as we sat in one of the 481 cozy Disney Vacation Club villas, overlooking the sparkling lagoon at Aulani. “The best way we thought to do that was to let children engage in what Hawaii really is, not what we’ve all been told it is.” To help the resort provide that kind of unique experience—that was both fun for kids and educational—Disney harnessed the artistic visions of local artists to create a place that reflects a true representation of the Hawaiian culture. The resort houses one of the world’s largest collections of Hawaiian contemporary and Disney reached out to locals to create the mosaics seen on the side of each hotel tower, design the guest room quilts, and paint the murals for the restaurants.
The new Aulani Resort is Disney’s first venture into a full stand-alone resort; there’s no theme park attached to the 21-acre oceanfront resort to keep guests busy. Sure, you’ll still get to mingle with Mickey, Minnie, Stitch, and Goofy, but no attractions, snazzy stage shows, or booming fireworks. So, with none of the usual “Disney” activities to keep your family busy, Aulani gives kids and adults alike new ways to experience a Hawaiian vacation.
The resort, from the magnificent open-air lobby to the protected lagoon, has been designed with families in mind. Here is a quick hit of just some of the many family activities available at the Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa. You’ll notice in almost every one the seam of interactive learning that was so important to Disney when creating the resort:
Aunty’s Beach House: Kids, ages 3–12 years, old are securely checked in and brought into Aunty and Uncle’s house to play dress-up, do crafts in Uncle’s garage, romp outside on the expansive green grass lawn or in treehouses, and listen to Aunty tell stories—a cherished Hawaiian tradition—and sing songs. They can stay and eat a meal at Aunty’s with their new friends for a small fee ($12), but a stay at Aunty’s Beach House is complimentary, included in your stay at Aulani. Painted
Sky Teen Spa: Don’t let the label “spa” steer you away for this teen club at Aulani. The idea is to dedicate 1,500 square feet to young guests as a place all their own. The spa indeed offers massages, facials, and manicures, but also computer stations, a yogurt bar, and daily “teen-only” events. Waikolohe Stream: The stream winds through Waikolohe Valley and is likely the most beautiful and creative “lazy river” you’ll ever experience. Not only do you feel like you’re floating through a lush tropical garden, but Walt Disney Imagineers thought to carve animals in the lava rock along the way. Every trip through the stream will surprise and delight.
Menehune Bridge: The Menehune are Hawaiian mythical creatures who come to life at night to create mischief. Aunty describes them as “Hawaiian elves.” Even though they’re rascals, they are industrious little guys and one night they built the Menehune Bridge inside the Waikolohe Valley. Think of it as a mini-water park, right in the middle of the pool area.
Pools: The pool area offers a beach-like area for little kids, then scrolls throughout the Waikolohe Valley with lots of twists and turns, giving it a feel of a natural lagoon. Here you’ll find Hawaiian shaved ice, the Lava Shack for snacks and refills on soda, and two of the resort’s jacuzzis.
Rainbow Reef: For a small additional fee, kids and adults can snorkel in 3,800 square feet of water wonderland. I never snorkeled in my life and took to it like…dare I say, a fish to water (sorry!), and spent a good half hour splashing around with tropical fish and a few undersea Menehune. Perfect for family to experience snorkeling together and learn about undersea life in a safe and controlled environment.
Starlit Hui: Steeped in Hawaiian tradition, this hui is like nothing you’ve seen in Hawaii. Kids are invited to join local artisans in making Hawaiian crafts, learning about the culture in a natural and creative experience. The show (the Hui) includes sweeping, magnificent music and both traditional and contemporary hulas along with the ukulele duet act of, “Heart and Soul.” These two guys will change the way you think of the ukulele FOREVER. The evening ends with a Character Dance party. (Think: Mickey and Minnie grooving on the beach with the kids.)
Lagoon and Beach: Guests at Aulani can enjoy the benefits of the protected lagoon that sits at the far end of the resort. Families will love that there are no waves—thanks to the natural rock breakers—so little ones can splash away at the shoreline while older kids enjoy paddleboarding and swimming out to the rafts dotting the middle of the bay.
Aunty’s Breakfast Celebration (Character Breakfast): Offered a few times a week at the Makahiki restaurant, Aunty hosts the interactive fun, inviting kids to join in the dance line and sing along to Hawaiian songs. Served buffet-style, breakfast offers what you’d expect from a Disney kitchen—Mickey Mouse waffles—but also has some Hawaiian specialties liked baked fish and fresh tropical fruit.
Menehune Adventure Trail: Pick up your Adventure Trail iTouch at the Pau Hana Room. Aunty will show kids where to go using maps and clues. Young explorers will make rocks move, drums play, and trees light up when they follow Aunty’s directions. Every adventure is different and highly interactive, so kids can explore the trail several times during their stay—all while learning about the Hawaiian Islands and its culture as they go.
Disney has packed Aulani with family activities, keeping in mind that all families are different. While some like to just kick it on the beach all day, others like adventure and lots of activity. At Aulani, you’ll find the trusted Disney standard of quality service and craftsmanship, as well as the usual cast of familiar characters, but the real star of the resort is the Hawaiian culture.
“We really wanted to get it right,” Iger said about the way Disney approached their first resort outside of its parks. After four days at Aulani Resort, I can vehemently agree, they have done it right. Mixing the service, magic, and quality of Disney with the warm and vibrant culture of Hawaii makes a visit to Aulani like no other Hawaiian vacation.
Rumors have been swirling in the online commuity as we waited to hear what the folks at Disney Parks and Resorts had up their sleeves for 2012. We were told we would hear news on New Year’s Eve about a new promotion and sure enough, as the east coast rang in the new year, I received an email that laid out two unique endeavors for Disneyland and Walt Disney World.
“We’re honored that so many guests have shared their Disney memories with us as part of ‘Let the Memories Begin’, and I’m pleased to announce that the campaign will continue throughout 2012,” says Tom Staggs, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “To celebrate, for the first time ever, the Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Parks will remain open for 24 hours on Leap Day, so that our guests can take advantage of every minute of their extra day to make memories with friends and family.”
For one day this leap year, February 29, 2012, the parks will be open from 6 am to 6 am the following day, March 1, for the first time in Disney history. Further information on “One More Disney Day” was posted this morning on its exclusive web site: here.
Along with “One More Disney Day” in February, starting today, Disney Parks and Resorts will be giving away 60 vacation packages for Disneyland and Walt Disney World — one a day through February 29, 2012. The packages include 5-day/4-night vacation at Disneyland Resort in California or Walt Disney World Resort in Florida! You can go to the sweepstakes page and enter everyday.
You can also text your entry: Text DISNEYDAY to 347639, Good luck! There are also some sweet and funny messages from a variety of celebrities on the page telling you what they’d do with an extra Disney Day.
Though this campaign will be over by March 1st, 2012, don’t forget, Disney Parks and Resorts’ “Let the Memories Begin” campaign will continue throughout the whole year. That means you can still share your favorite Disney Parks memories — vacation videos, photos and stories — online on the “Let the Memories Begin” web site. And when you’re at the park, you’ll have the chance to be part of the special nightly show “The Magic, the Memories and You” projected on to “it’s a small world.”
I caught the premiere of the show last year, watch my exclusive video here:
Also, don’t forget all of the other fantastic things happening at the resort this year — the opening of Cars Land and then Buena Vista Street with the new shops, red car trollies and Carthay Circle Theatre! All set to open in mid-2012! It’s going to be a landmark year for Disney Parks and Resorts. Stay tuned here for updates on it all!
By now, you’ve seen this heart-wrenching video from a local teenage boy who was being tormented by bullies at school because he is gay, but just in case you’ve been in a holiday stupor, please watch it. Over eight million people have already viewed it …
When I first watched Jonah’s tear-filled face and read his words, I too cried. But what could I do to help other than teach my kids to be tenderhearted, compassionate and accepting? Then I learned about The Trevor Project.
The Trevor Project is the leading national organization that aids gay, lesbian, transgender and questioning teens and young adults through crisis intervention and suicide prevention services. Everyday the Trevor Project fields hundreds of calls from kids in crisis and over 23,000 use their Trevor Space message boards to connect and get support.
The Trevor Project Lifeline — open around the clock and staffed by 210 counselors — has taken over 200,000 calls since it opened its lines in 1998. The Trevor Project also offers classes and support for parents and teachers and an online “Ask Trevor” service that fields questions of a non-time sensitive nature to anyone who needs more practical questions answered, like where to find a good counselors in the user’s area.
In every respect, The Trevor Project is reaching out to kids where they are, in the method they feel most comfortable, to help them deal with bullies and with the colossal pressure of being young and gay. Through connections with other people, wether it’s a peer or a trained professional, these kids receive the support of a community and I’m truly grateful for the Trevor Project for offering that to them.
“No life is a one person show,” says Bruce Vaughn, Chief Creative Executive Walt Disney Imagineering, in this video produced by The Walt Disney Company for The Trevor Project titled: It Gets Better. ”You need to surround yourself with people who love you for who you are and encourage you to share with the world the unique gifts that you have to offer,” says Vaughn.
Good for Disney for lending a hand to the incredible organization by making this raw and honest video. I recognize so many of the participants through my work with Disney. These are the people who bring you the products, stories, experiences and magic we all love.
I would encourage you to help spread the word by sharing it to help reach kids in crisis everywhere. The single, simple message at the end might be just what a gay or lesbian youth need to hear right now: It gets better!
If you or someone you know ever needs help, call The Trevor Lifeline at 866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386). It’s toll-free, confidential and available 24/7.
It’s the holidays so the parks are sure to be crowded. Don’t let that stop you for visiting Disneyland or Disney California Adventure! Me and the girls at Three Disneyland Moms made this video to help you strategize on the best line tactics when visiting on busy days.
I bet you didn’t know some of these tips. For instance, the wonder that is the child switch pass! Watch our video:
The Three Disneyland Moms are now on Google +. You can join us there where we combine our Disney knowledge and efforts for the good of all who love Disneyland Resort. We’re like Disneyland’s own super heros! Really! (too much?)
If you have a Disney fan on your Christmas list I have the perfect gift idea for you: A member to D23, Disney’s Official Fan Club! It truly is the gift that keeps on giving all year long.
Disney D23 was founded in 2009, and offers its members access to the web site, a special quarterly publication (Disney Twenty-Three), offers on exclusive merchandise, and specially tailored events throughout the year that will make any Disney fan as happy as Stitch at an Elvis revue in Vegas.
Think of the Disney 23 Fan Club like a hub of everything Disney–movies, TV, theme parks, resorts, characters, archives, and anything else that you can label as “Disney.” It’s like Grand Central Station for Disney and a membership is your ticket to … everywhere!
Once you purchase a gift membership, the nice folks at Disney D23 will send out a gift pack for your lucky friend or loved one. They’ll receive a membership card and certificate, the latest copy of Disney Twenty-Three (Which is really a gift in itself with the Muppets on the cover), a special gift. So they will have something to open right away.
Then throughout the year your grateful friend or loved one will receive bi-weekly e-newsletters, fantastic offers on unique Disney stuff–like artwork and videos–, discounts on purchases at D23 selected merchants and invites to some pretty phenomenal events.
I’m giving two gift memberships this year. So if you’re a red-headed teacher of a certain first grader or a brown-eyed Disney blogger, monitor your mailbox for something with a postmark from Disney D23 and you’re welcome!
The lowdown:
To find out more about Disney D23, go to the web site, here.
For a list of special offers extended only to Disney D23 members, click here.
Wondering what special events are in store for 2012 for Disney D23 members? Check them out, here.
To watch videos from our beloved Disney Geek, you simply HAVE to go here. You see at D23, being a Disney Geek is celebrated. I know! It’s like we’ve all finally come home!
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To read a great Disney D23 story you can go to my blog–Alive in Wonderland. It will explain the overload of sass in this photo and answer the question, what do me, Tinker Bell and Veronica Lake have in common?
The Holidays at Disneyland Resort bring more than just decorations and festive music, the special desserts and sweet offerings are alone worth a special trip to the parks. I had the chance to spend some time with Chef Moises Carranza (Chef Mo) of The Blue Bayou Restaurant in Disneyland and he showed me what tasty treats guests can find at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure; then we make The Paradise Grill’s famous Brownie Skewers.
If you’d like to make the brownie skewer at home with your kids, here is the recipe:
Brownie Skewers from The Paradise Garden Grill Disney California Adventure
Brownies
1 cup all purpose flour
1 / 4 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
2 sticks unsalted butter at room temperature
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/4 cup milk
2 eggs
3/4 cup chocolate chips
1. Preheat oven to 325ºF. Grease a 9×9 square pan; set aside.
2. Sift flour and cocoa powder into a medium bowl; set aside.
3. Combine butter and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer; beat until fluffy, about 30 seconds.
4. Slowly add flour mixture, mixing just until combined. Add chocolate chips, and mix just until combined; do not over mix.
5.) Pour mixture into prepared pan. Bake until a wooden pick inserted in the center of the brownies comes out clean, about 35 minutes. Let cool completely, at least 2 hours, before cutting into 9 2-inch squares. Cover and set aside.
For the Skewer
9 medium strawberries
3 8-inch wood skewers
3 teaspoons caramel sauce (heated in microwave for 1 minute at 50% power)
3 teaspoons chocolate sauce
3 teaspoons jimmies
1/2 cup mini marshmallows
Assemble to your taste! Have fun!
In other SWEET Disneyland Resort NEWS: Ghirardelli’s is coming to Disney California Adventure!
I knew something good must be coming along to replace the recently closed Mission Tortilla Factory at Disney California Adventure. I had heard rumors of Ghirardelli, but nothing was announced until Thursday when Disney release the news along with more details on what the new “Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop” will offer.
Ghiradelli’s is set to open in late spring 2012 in conjunction with the expansions of DCA and the long-anticipated launch of Cars Land. It will fit nicely in DCA’s Pacific Wharf, making it feel even more walk through San Francisco’s famed wharf area, the home of Ghirardelli chocolates.
I know your next questions. I know what you’re going to ask: Yes, each quest will receive a sample chocolate square when they tour Ghiradelli’s at Disney California Adventure. Sheesh! You’re so predictable!
The Holidays bring a whole different kind of magic to the Disneyland Resort. I know “holiday magic” seems about as plausible as flying reindeer or lowfat eggnog, but even the most cynical of hearts can’t help but be swept away in the music, lights and decor that take over the Resort during the holidays.
Mid-November through January 8, the entire resort–Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, Downtown Disney, and the three hotels–suits up for the holidays in Disney style. Over 700 decorated trees, new shows and special holiday foods crescendo into one massive holiday experience you don’t want to miss.
Here are just a few of my favorite things at Disneyland Resort for the holidays:
Picture at The Ginormous Christmas Tree on Main Street USA: A Disneyland tradition since 1955 the tree stands 60-feet tall and has over 2,000 ornaments; making it a must for a family photo. The best part about the tree? It makes all who stand under it look like tiny presents. It’s a family tradition of ours to have our photo taken there every year.
The Decorations and Special Entertainment: There are over 700 decorated trees through the resort and you’re sure to spot Carolers, The Dapper Dans–signing Christmas tunes–and all your favorite Disney characters decked out in their Holiday best.
The “Believe in Holiday Magic” Firework Show: One of my favorite things about the holidays is the special festive fireworks show that ends with snowfall. I’ll admit it–I get a little teary each year watching the kids’ faces light up as they watch the “snow” fall on Main Street, USA.
Santa’s Reindeer Roundup: During the holidays Big Thunder Ranch Roundup is taken over by the big guy himself. Most people don’t know, but Disney has a very special relationship with Santa and he spends most of his pre-Christmas days in the little log cabin next the quant corrals, which hold all 12 of his reindeer.
Holiday Treats: It’s a surprise to many Disneyland Locals that Disneyland makes all of their speciality food items right there at the park and durning the holidays they have special offerings available only during a short period. Starting November 30 you can purchase homemade candy canes made at Candy Palace on select days. These are a holiday MUST! We snatch up a whole bunch, grab a hot chocolate and find a place on the curb on Main Street to watch the “Christmas Fantasy” parade, another family tradition.
Along with other specialty items at Disneyland like their Peppermint Bark and holiday-themed candied apples (all available at The Candy Palace), Disney California Adventure has gotten into the act this year with its own special offerings.
The Lucky Fortune Cookie has my two favorite desserts for the holidays. The handmade Almond Cookie with Strawberry Filling is the perfect mix of cookie and cream. Soft and chewy this is plenty big enough for two people though I ate the entire cookie myself…for researching purposes of course.
The Mango Paraif, also at the The Lucky Fortune Cookery, comes in a close second to the almond cookie. The toasted coconut and fortune cookie give a nice crunch to the sweet mango yoghurt and tart (tart!) raspberry layer. I’m a tart fan and would give up anything chocolaty for something nice a puckery sour taste. This dessert was right up my alley, though I was forced to share it with my daughter who proclaimed it “killer!” So there you go.
Also available just for the holidays is the more traditional White Chocolate Cranberry Bread Pudding at The Pacific Wharf Cafe and the Sweet Dulce de Leche Nachos with Fruit Topping available at Cocina Cucamonga. All worth the taste-testing durning the holiday season.
See, I told you, Disney Magic is in full swing at the resort for the holidays.
When I first watched Jonah’s tear-filled face and read his words, I too cried. But what could I do to help other than teach my kids to be tenderhearted, compassionate and accepting? Then I learned about 
