Blog Archives
The Tower of Terror’s Final Drop!
The fan favorite Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is going to have it’s final drop on January 2, 2017. With the attraction leaving, Disney has decided to have a special celebration guests will be wanting to drop by for. The celebration will start on September 9th and will continue until October 31, 2016.
Each night, beginning after twilight, Disney California Adventure Park guests will be treated to “Late Check-Out” as they experience The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror as they never have before … in complete darkness!
In addition to “Late Check-Out,” they will find commemorative merchandise as well as special food and beverage items throughout the celebration. They’ll also get the chance to picture themselves “checking out” with a special photo location in front of the Hollywood Tower Hotel marquee, complete with vintage luggage and other nods to the landmark’s story and the glitz and glamor of a bustling young movie town.
And, each day during Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort, the Hollywood Tower Hotel will host special performances by Buena Vista Street’s own Silver Lake Sisters.
Be sure to drop by for one last scream!
Cody Woodbrey
New “Frozen”-Inspired Stage Musical Coming to Disney California Adventure Park
In the summer of 2016 at the Disneyland Resort, “Frozen” will come to life in an all-new theatrical production at the Hyperion Theater at Disney California Adventure Park. This new show will immerse guests in the world of “Frozen” as never before, with elaborate costumes and sets, stunning special effects and surprising scenic transformations.
With a new show set to open at the Hyperion Theater, the award-winning “Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular” will prepare to take its final curtain call on Jan. 10, 2016, so be sure to see Aladdin before it closes.
– Cody Woodbrey
Top 15 Reasons for Staying at a Disneyland Resort Hotel
Throughout the years, I have been lucky enough to stay in all three Disneyland Resort Hotels. If you are looking for that extra special something on your next Disneyland vacation, this is it! Below you will find a list of the many benefits of staying at a Disneyland Resort Hotel. Trust me when I say, Disneyland can get more magical than it already is, and staying at one of these hotels can make a big difference!
1. Guests have quick and easy access to the Disneyland parks and Downtown Disney – they are literally steps away!
2. Disneyland Resorts are the top rated hotels in the Anaheim area – All Disney Resorts are AAA Diamond rated.
3. Resort rooms are much nicer and more spacious than the surrounding hotels.
4. You can request a wake up call from your favorite Disney characters.
5. Step into the storytelling and magic of Disney everywhere you go – Disney touches are in your rooms, the lobby, pool area, restaurants, even in the carpet and wall paper! You will be completely immersed in the magic!
6. Get Disney’s legendary quality services and help 24 hours a day – If something goes wrong or you have questions, a Disney cast member will be right there to help. Disney has very high standards when hiring their cast members. They are polite and always willing to help. They will go the extra mile!
7. Each day guests have the opportunity to take advantage of the Early Morning Extra Hour into the parks. So, with a five day park ticket guests will be able to enter into the parks an hour before the parks open to the general public for five days. This is particularly nice for Disney’s California Adventure Park. As you may know, Radiator Springs Racers attraction is extremely popular and the line is always long. Having the extra hour in the morning not only saves you time, but within the first hour you can ride this attraction several times. We usually ride it three times during this hour. The same can be true for any of your favorite attractions at either park.
8. Resort pools are larger and are nicer than the surrounding area hotels, plus, each resort includes fun slides.
9. Each of the Disney Resorts have several activities that take place every day that the whole family can enjoy including: arts and crafts, special showings of Disney films, pool parties, computer games, and dinner at the fun-filled child activity center. You don’t get anything like this at the other hotels.
10. Use your “Key to the Magic” card (room key) to charge meals and merchandise purchases right to your room.
11. Have merchandise delivered right to your hotel with Package Express Services at no extra charge.
12. If you’re staying at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa you have a private entrance into Disney’s California Adventure. In the afternoon, only Disney Resort guests can use this entrance.
13. When staying at one of the Disney hotels you can enjoy many of the amenities from all three hotels including the Mandara Spa at the Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.
14. Guests have access to special tours available exclusively to Disney Resort guests (Experiences change pretty regularly. Ask the front desk when you arrive what they are during your stay).
15. Music from the fireworks and/or World of Color can be listened to in each guest room. If your room is facing the parks, you can watch the shows from your hotel.
If you are planning a trip to Disneyland, please contact me for more information and deals.
– Cody Woodbrey
Frozen Fun at Disney California Adventure Park
Disney California Adventure Park is celebrating an all-new event this winter, “Frozen Fun.” Here guests will be able to immerse themselves in all new Frozen-inspired activities. Guests will get the opportunity to meet characters from Disney’s famous film Frozen, build a snowman, sing-along to well-known songs, eat delicious treats, and dance the night away at the all new dance party. The “Frozen Fun” event runs until May 22, but it is rumored that it will extend through the summer. I was lucky enough to experience every part of the celebration and am here to give you all the tips you will need to fully experience this event.
“For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration”
Join your favorite characters from Disney’s Frozen in an all new Sing-Along Celebration. Here guests have the opportunity to sing-along, listen, and laugh with Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff as they reenact their “Frozen” story. The Sing-Along takes place in the Muppet Vision building in Hollywood Land and runs several times throughout the day. This is an extremely popular celebration, so I would highly recommend either attending one of the first shows of the day or getting a FastPass. Show times: 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
“Anna & Elsa’s Royal Welcome”
These two famous sisters have moved from Disneyland Park to the Animation building in Disney California Adventure Park. Here guests will be able to meet and greet the sisters and be part of their new royal welcome. These sisters are the most popular characters in the parks, and because of their popularity guests are required to get “Return Time Tickets,” which are distributed just outside the animation building at the beginning of the day until all the tickets are taken. These tickets allow you to come back at a pre-selected time to meet the sisters. Note: You will still have about a 15–30 minute wait once you come back with your ticket. All park tickets must be active when getting the “Return Time Tickets” from the cast member, meaning that the ticket needs to have been scanned at the turnstiles. When returning to meet the sisters, everyone has to have a “Return Time Ticket” in hand to enter. They will not let anyone without a ticket in, and there are no latecomers, so make sure you are on time or early! While you wait to meet the sisters, you have the opportunity to learn how to draw a snowman. That’s right! You can learn how to sketch either Olaf or Marshmallow. Sessions take place all day long. This is a great activity for the whole family.
“Olaf’s Snow Fest”
Olaf has decided to celebrate the winter season and snow with his very own celebration in Olaf’s Snow Fest. This celebration takes place daily in the Stage 17 building in Hollywood Land at Disney’s California Adventure Park. Here guests will be able to play in the snow, build a snowman, go sledding, buy fun Frozen souvenirs, and eat delicious treats and hot cocoa. Guests will also be able to enjoy performances by The Frolicking Fjords and The Tubadors band; and of course, no winter celebration is complete without Olaf. That’s right. Guests have the opportunity to get warm hugs from Olaf himself. Olaf is a very popular snowman, so I would highly recommend seeing him early in the day. He meets inside the building, but you have to get in line outside the building, where you will be given a pager. The pager will notify you when it’s your turn to meet Olaf. Make note: Once your pager goes off, you may still wait up to 15 minutes to see him. One of the nice things about the pager is that you can be anywhere in the park and it will still work. Once your pager goes off, just head back into the building where you will hand the pager to the cast member and get in line to see Olaf.
For even more Frozen-inspired souvenirs, just head outside to the “Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post.” They have apparel, plush dolls, toys, mugs, and more.
Freeze the Night! A Family Dance Party
If you’re looking for the perfect way to end the night, head over to Hollywood Land to the new dance party, “Freeze the Night! A Family Dance Party.” The area is decked out in wintery décor, dazzling lighting effects, and fun photo opportunities. Enjoy live music from DJ Chill, dancing, fun interactive games at The Ice House, live ice carving, and delicious treats and beverages. Located in the back of the dance area through the archway, you will find Marshmallow, another famous snowman from Disney’s Frozen. He starts meeting guests about 5 minutes after the dance party starts. Don’t worry; he is much friendlier than in the movie. He continues to meet guests through the length of the party, but if the line gets too long, they will close it early so he can end once the party finishes up.
For more information on Disney’s Frozen Fun Event or to book a trip to Disneyland, please contact Woodbrey Family Travel.
– Cody Woodbrey
New Nighttime Spectaculars coming to Disneyland Resort for their Diamond Celebration
Starting on May 22, 2015, Disneyland Resort will begin it’s 60th anniversary celebration! In honor of their Diamond Anniversary, the Disneyland Resort will be adding three new nighttime spectaculars that will take place in both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Parks. In addition to the nighttime excitement, both the Sleeping Beauty’s Castle at the Disneyland Park and the Carthay Circle theatre at Disney California Adventure Park will have extra sparkle and shine for this diamond celebration. Each park will be draped in diamond celebration décor with exclusive merchandise and foods… Pictures and descriptions of the nighttime entertainment happenings are provided below by Disney Travel Professionals.
“Paint the Night” Parade
New technology and immersive special effects lift the “Paint the Night” Parade beyond anything seen in the past at Disneyland Park. Vibrant color and more than 1.5 million brilliant LED lights that flash and glow will bring Disney stories to life during this after-dark parade. Featuring unforgettable music and spectacular floats, “Paint the Night” will include special appearances by Mickey Mouse and friends, as well as beloved characters from tales such as “Monsters, Inc.,” “Cars,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Toy Story,” and “Frozen.”
“Disneyland Forever Fireworks Spectacular”
Also at Disneyland Park, the largest installation of projection mapping technology in a Disney Park and surprising special effects will transport your Clients into the worlds of beloved Disney and Disney•Pixar films during the “Disneyland Forever” fireworks spectacular. The show will extend to Main Street U.S.A., “It’s a small world,” Rivers of America and the Matterhorn as projections transform familiar park icons into stunning story scenes.
“World of Color – Celebrate the Wonderful World of Walt Disney”
And, at Disney California Adventure Park, Mickey Mouse will entertain Guests as mischievous host of a fun-filled new presentation of the popular, nighttime “World of Color” spectacular. “World of Color – Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney” brings to life the remarkable story of Walt and The Happiest Place on Earth with animated imagery, live-action film, fountains, lasers, special effects and stirring musical score, all on the magical water canvas of “World of Color.”
– Cody Woodbrey
Your Guide to the Happiest Place on Earth During the Merriest Time of Year
Most people who have been on a trip to Disneyland often think of it fondly as a place where they could let loose and just be happy. Few people doubt Disneyland’s claim to being the “happiest place on earth.” What not everyone knows is that during the Christmas season, Disneyland gets a head-to-toe makeover and it becomes not only the happiest, but the merriest place on earth.
Christmas at Disneyland is one of my favorite seasons. The added decorations in the park alone leave you immersed in a festive holiday wonderland. However, there are some additions to the park during the Holiday season that are wonderful bonuses to an already magical place.
As with anytime of year though, if you don’t know what you are getting yourself into at Disneyland, you may miss out on some of the magic and festivities that are just waiting for you to discover. Below you will find some of the “extras” that can add a little bit more sparkle to your Disneyland vacation during the Christmas season. Read closely. You won’t want to miss a thing!
Jingle Jangle Jamboree
Hidden back behind Big Thunder Mountain resides one of the merriest places in the whole park – the Jingle Jangle Jamboree. This is one of my family’s favorite places to visit during the holidays. Here you’ll find your favorite Disney characters all dressed up in their Christmas outfits, special entertainment, reindeer games & activities, merchandise, treats, and of course meet the big guy himself, Santa Claus. While enjoying the live entertainment families can make their own holiday decorations at the craft station or try some of the reindeer games. My favorite reindeer game is the ‘Dashing Thru the Snow on a Slippery Slope’, its much like Plinko but instead of getting points at the bottom you race against others and whomever gets their puck to the bottom first wins.
Haunted Mansion Holiday
Each year, for both the Halloween and Christmas Seasons the Haunted Mansion is transformed to the theme of Tim Burton’s ‘Nightmare Before Christmas.’ This transformation makes the Haunted Mansion one of the most popular attractions in the park during the holidays. It is definitely on the top of my list of must-sees each year. Notice the ginger bread house in the main ballroom of the attraction. The bakers at the Disneyland Resort come together each year to create an original gingerbread house. Last year’s gingerbread house was perched on a tall and spindly mountain featuring a flying Zero and a ghost train. At 9 feet tall, it was one of the tallest they’ve ever built.
Jingle Cruise
The well-known attraction, the Jungle Cruise, gets a transformation this season with holiday gifts and décor. The skippers are as witty and funny as ever but with a holiday twist this time. Having the holidays intertwined with this attraction brings even more life and excitement to one of our favorite classics. You have to go on it several times to see all the added extras. I’ve ridden it several times now and still don’t think I’ve seen all the little touches. It’s a holiday don’t miss!
it’s a small world – The Happiest Cruise that ever sailed just got Merrier!
One of the biggest icons of the Disneyland Park is transformed into one of the happiest attractions ever created. They have done this by the explosion of decorations in and around every inch of this attraction. Additionally, they have created a medley of songs using Christmas carols from around the world. We usually only ride this attraction once each visit but with things made up for the holidays, we find ourselves riding in several times. There is just so much to see and enjoy. One of the things we like to do while riding the attraction is to find all the Disney characters mixed within the 300 plus dolls. Can you find them all? The characters you will find are Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, Cinderella, Pinocchio, Jiminy Cricket, Aladdin, Jasmine, The Three Caballeros, Ariel, Flounder, Lilo, Stitch, Woody, Jessies and Bullseye.
Believe…in Holiday Magic Fireworks
Ending the day watching one of the merriest fireworks show on the planet is particularly fun and special. With the incredible Sleeping Beauty’s Castle covered in 80,000 twinkling lights, snow, and icicles in the foreground, there really is no better setting for a firework show. Watching the fireworks choreographed to traditional Christmas music really brings the holidays to life. To top it off it snows! That’s right it snows along Main Street all the way to the castle. Yeah, Disney knows how to celebrate the holidays!
Tips for seeing the Fireworks
- For the fireworks, I would stand between the Refreshment Corner on Main Street and the main hub in front of the castle. I would not stand between the hub and the castle because you’re so close you will not be able to see the fireworks as well.
- On top of the Train Station behind the preferred seating, is another great place to view the fireworks. Those siting in the seats are required to stay seated. You will get an amazing panoramic view of the fireworks. Make sure you arrive early for a spot.
A Christmas Fantasy Parade
Disneyland’s Christmas parade is so much fun to watch and really gets the whole family into the spirit of Christmas. I love how Disney has been able to create a parade with so much tradition and memories of the holidays we have all come to love. You get so much more than just seeing your favorite Disney characters but are surrounded by prancing Reindeer, dancing ginger bread man, houses made out of gingerbread, marching toy soldiers, dancing snowman, Christmas trees and to end it all, Santa Claus. This magical parade runs twice a day during the holiday season. If time allows, it is kind of fun to watch it during the day and at night to get a different perspective.
Tips for viewing the parade:
- There are always less people at the second parade. If the weather is looking bad, choose the first parade in case the second one is canceled.
- I recommend watching the parade around the “it’s a small world” attraction or near the Matterhorn area
- Avoid Main Street and the main area in front of the Castle! The crowds are the biggest around these areas.
- Start finding a place to view the parade about 45 minutes before it starts. While you save a spot, this is a good time to eat. Have part of the family stay and hold the viewing spot, while the others go and get food or snacks for everyone.
Disney Viva Navidad Celebration!
Join your favorite three amigos, Donald Duck, Panchito from Mexico and Jose from Brazil in their high-spirited celebration street party. This party focuses on Latin American traditional songs, dancing, and the larger than life 12-foot-tall mojiganga puppets of Santa and Mrs. Claus. Of Course, no Disney celebration is complete without Mickey and Minnie Mouse in attendance. You will definitely find yourself dancing and singing along with everyone. This fun celebration takes place daily several times throughout the holiday season. Between these celebrations you can actually meet the three amigos along with Mickey, Minnie and Goofy all dressed in their Latin Christmas outfits. Check the daily times guide for specifics.
Cars Land
Cars Land is probably the most decorated area in any of the parks between both Walt Disney World and Disneyland. It doesn’t matter where you turn there are creative and fun decorations everywhere. My favorite thing to do in Cars Land during the Holidays is find all the creative trees put up around the area. I think my favorite tree is Sally’s Construction Cone Tree with Lizzie’s Route 66 Signs tree in a close second. All the trees are pretty amazing so make sure you take the time to look through the pictures below and decide which one is your favorite. If you will be in the parks this holiday season, I would also recommend making sure to go back and explore Cars Land at night because it is a totally different experience with all the neon lights turned on. For those not visiting the parks this season, take a look at the pictures below and enjoy! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
World of Color – Winter Dreams
One of my favorite nighttime shows World of Color is transformed into an amazing wintry wonderland celebration know as Winter Dreams and is hosted by everyone’s favorite snowman, Olaf! With the mists of water, lazars, HD projections, fountains and a mixture of your favorite Christmas songs this is one of the top things for my family to see during the holiday season.
– Cody Woodbrey
Disney’s Cars Land During the Holidays
Cars Land is probably the most decorated area in any of the parks between both Walt Disney World and Disneyland. It doesn’t matter where you turn there are creative and fun decorations everywhere. My favorite thing to do in Cars Land during the Holidays is find all the creative trees put up around the area. I think my favorite tree is Sally’s Construction Cone Tree with Lizzie’s Route 66 Signs tree in a close second. All the trees are pretty amazing so make sure you take the time to look through the pictures below and decide which one is your favorite. If you will be in the parks this holiday season, I would also recommend making sure to go back and explore Cars Land at night because it is a totally different experience with all the neon lights turned on. For those not visiting the parks this season, take a look at the pictures below and enjoy! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
– Cody Woodbrey
Oswald the Lucky Rabbit is coming to Disney California Adventure
Starting on September 14, 2014, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit will be meeting guests at Disney California Adventure Park. This will be his first appearance at the Disneyland Resort. His meet and greet area will be along Buena Vista Street. Oswald was one of Walt Disney’s first animated characters. “Trolley Troubles” was the first film he appeared in on September 5, 1927.
Thank you for reading and stay tuned for more great information on all things Disney Characters & Disney Travel.
– Cody Woodbrey
Meeting Disney Characters 101
There are several ways in which to get the most out of your “meet and greet” with your favorite Disney Characters. As a performer at Walt Disney World, I can tell you that I’ve seen and experienced it all – the good, the bad, and everything in between. I have therefore compiled some tips and information for you in order to help make this experience the best for your family. This blog post is created to help you better your experience and maximize your “meet and greet” time with the characters.
Lesson 1: Be Prepared
There are a couple of things you can do to be prepared before you ever meet the character.
1. Have your autograph books and cameras ready. This will give you more time to play and interact with the characters versus trying to get your book out or camera ready. This also helps the line go quicker.
2. Take off jackets, bags and/or ponchos. Doing this makes for better-looking pictures. Waiting until you get up to the character takes away from your time to interact with them.
3. Put down any food or drinks. The characters will not take pictures with them in the picture.
Lesson 2: The Approach
When you approach the Disney character, don’t shove your book into their hands.
1. They want to say hi first with a hug or a high five. They want to know you are there for more than just a signature.
2. Make sure the character sees you approaching. They don’t have the best eyesight, and at times they don’t even realize there is a young child by their legs.
3. Please do not jump up on them.
4. Be careful when touching their heads – it’s actually preferred that you don’t touch their heads at all.
5. Everyone must be wearing shoes unless they are being held.
6. They cannot hold your baby.
7. Don’t be rough with the characters. They can be hurt!
Lesson 3: Helping Unsure Kids
I’ve seen hundreds of families that wait in long lines to see the characters only to get up to them and find that their child no longer wants to see them or is crying. These tips will help you get those pictures without the big hassle or need for convincing.
1. Let them watch the character interact with the other families and talk to them about all the fun the other families are having.
2. Holding the child or getting down to the child’s level helps the child feel safe and protected.
3. Hold the child’s hand while walking up to the character.
4. Ask someone to take the picture for you so you can stay with your child. I usually ask the family behind me to do it just in case there isn’t someone at the front of the line to do it. Always check the photo before moving on, as not everyone knows how to use a camera correctly.
5. When taking a picture with your child, put them on the outside shoulder away from the character. By doing this you will help keep them from looking at the camera instead of at the character and/or help them stop crying.
6. If the opposite shoulder strategy doesn’t work, take several steps in front of the character, get their attention to look at the camera, and take the picture. This helps because the child is far enough away that they feel a bit safer and you still get a picture with the character.
Lesson 4: Writing Material for Autographs
By having the right kind of writing utensils it will help you get the best signature possible.
1. Even before you hand the character the autograph books, make sure you use the words “Please” and “Thank You”. These words are often forgotten, but greatly appreciated!
1 – 2-inch pens are hard for anyone to write with, and with a paw it is even harder.
2. Light ink pens or coloring utensils make it hard for the characters to see what they are signing. Use dark ink or colors for signing. When the character can see what they are signing you will get a great signature.
3. Larger-than-life pens are also not the easiest to write with for the characters. The thickness of the pen does make it a bit hard to get a good grip for a great signature.
4. Disney characters’ favorite type of writing utensil is a regular-sized SHARPIE. The inks are thick and they are extremely easy to hold.
5. Characters love it when you use different colors – For example: Tigger loves using Orange colors, whereas The Green Army Man loves using Green to write.
6. The characters also love writing with the fun different Disney pens. They love tickling your faces with the ones with the fuzz on the ends or twirling the character on the end of the pen. They especially love pens with themselves on them.
7. 2-inch size papers or loose papers without something hard behind them are hard to sign on. If you are going to have the papers loose, then use a small clip board. Doing this will help you get the best quality of signatures possible.
Lesson 5: What Characters Can Write On
Disney characters love to sign their name on things, but there are a few things they cannot sign.
1. They cannot sign currency, checks, receipts, other important documents, or things with inappropriate materials on them.
2. They can sign shirts, hats, toys, blankets, and things like that
3. They can’t sign anything while it is being worn. You can take the item off only if it doesn’t reveal skin or undergarments.
4. They can sign the cast of a broken arm or leg – this is the only exception to the previous rule. (Signing casts at the Walt Disney World parks is allowed but NOT at Disneyland parks)
Lesson 6: Creating a Little Bit of Extra Magic
1. The characters love holding, signing, and playing with things that have them on it. Buzz Lightyear loves pretending to fly with his action figure… Or should I say, “Falling with style.”
2. They love giving hugs and high fives
3. Be creative with your pictures. Don’t just stand there; strike a pose! They take thousands of pictures a day with guests posing the same way and they are eager to do something different. Go with the flow – If they want you to pose a certain way, do it. They do some great poses. You can even ask them, “What pose should we make today?” and they will respond with some great ideas. If you have some ideas, they will also join in, as long as it is appropriate.
4. Use more than just your phone camera – you will get better pictures using a real camera.
5. Take a “Selfie” with the characters.
6. Share with the characters why you love them and are there to see them.
Lesson 7: Leaving
When you leave, make sure you thank the Disney characters and the character attendants for letting you come and see them. It’s not easy standing out in the heat all day, but it’s worth it when they feel appreciated and loved. Give last minute high fives and hugs!
If you are planning a trip to one of Disney’s theme parks or a Disney Cruise, please contact me for more information.
– Cody Woodbrey
Woodbrey Family Travel Blog 