Babes in Disneyland

Real Steel DVD Review and Giveaway

2012-01-30T21:07:00.000-08:00

Remember when I said my husband would probably never write another piece for Babes In Disneyland? I was wrong! He recently watched Real Steel with my boys and graciously offered to write a review for me! Without further ado...

I just watched the DVD of "Real Steel" with our two boys aged 4 and 6. They had wanted to see the film in theaters when it first came out, but we never had the chance to see it. Watching it now, I wish we had seen it in the theater to get the full experience of the awesome special effects.

The robot boxers in the film are amazing. At no time did I or my boys not believe that they were actually standing there next to the “real” people in the film. The fight scenes are really fun. The boys favorite part was when the robot boxer fought the bull at the rodeo at the beginning.

The acting by Hugh Jackman and the actor who played his son were fun and believable. The story is basic and certainly feels like the writer was a fan of the Rocky films, but it does have a fresh feeling and in the end, we were cheering for ADAM as he defeats the big and bad villain boxer at the end.

The best apart about the film is that it is totally appropriate for kids ages 4 and up. The “violence” is all on the robot vs. robot side, and the boys understood that no person was actually getting hurt. It was like a kid friendlier version of the Transformers, because none of the robots had any evil intentions. There is one scene where some bad guys beat up Hugh Jackman because he owes them money, and our youngest looked away and said he didn’t like it, but it only lasts a couple of minutes and in the end he forgot about it right away.

"Real Steel" has a good message that we should never give up even when things seem overwhelming or too hard. The little guy that no one believes in becomes the champion. The storyline of the dad who left his son but then realizes that he is only happy being a good dad was a great overall theme.

Overall, the boys and I really liked the film, and they have already asked to watch it again. This DVD will certainly become one of our go-to movies for a good long time.

"Real Steel" came out on DVD on January 24. You can get your copy now at major retailers throughout the country and online.

One lucky Babes In Disneyland reader will win a "Real Steal" a Blu-ray / DVD combo set! All you have to do is enter a comment below telling me who you would like to watch this movie with! The contest ends tomorrow at 3p.m. PST. Please be certain to leave you name and email address with your entry. I received a complimentary copy of "Real Steel" in order to do this review.

Merchandise Monday: Finding Candy on Main Street

2012-01-30T08:00:00.000-08:00

With Candy Palace being closed as part of the current refurbishments and closures on Main Street at Disneyland Park, you may be wondering, "Where can I get a caramel apple? I need my caramel apple!" Though caramel apples, along with other fresh made candy, can be found at Marceline's in Downtown Disney and at Pooh Corner in Critter Country, many guests want to grab something sweet on their way in or out of the park -- Main Street is place to do that.

Main Street candy lovers, do not fear, I have good news -- many of your favorite candy and caramel apples are currently available at Showcase on Main Street! Please remember that this only temporary and the candy will most likely all return to Candy Palace when it reopens.

Ringing in the Lunar New Year at Disneyland

2012-01-29T07:00:00.000-08:00

Today is the final day of the ten day Happy Lunar New Year Celebration at Disneyland Park. This special event of happiness, good health, and prosperity celebrates Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean ancient cultures. Chip 'n' Dale -- dressed in Asian inspired outfits -- join Mulan and Mushu to greet Guests in celebrating the beginning of the Year of the Dragon. Along with enjoying Asian inspired food such as edamame, egg rolls, and fortune cookies, you will be entertained by a traditional Chinese lion dance troupe, kung fu martial arts demonstration and ribbon-wand dancers, Vietnamese musicians and dancers, Korean drummers, and the Terracotta Warrior. There is also a place to color and watch traditional Korean brush-stroke painting by a local artist. The Happy Lunar New Year Celebration, which takes place in front of "it's a small world" from 10 am to 5 pm, is a great way to give your family a cross-cultural experience that is fun and educational!


Chip 'n' Dale pose with Guests in their Lunar New Year's Best

This post was written as a personal opinion piece and without pay. Neither the text nor the pictures were provided as proprietary information and does not represent the views or opinions of The Walt Disney Company.

Babes In Disneyland Sponsorship Opportunities Now Available!

2012-01-26T13:37:00.000-08:00

Are you looking for a way for your business to reach out to Disney fans and families with young children? Babes In Disneyland is now offering sponsorship opportunities. Sponsorships on Babes In Disneyland are great for the following businesses:

Disney Authorized Travel Agent
Hotels, restaurants, and stores near the Disneyland Resort.
Southern California tourist attractions
Etsy businesses that sell travel-related items or Disney-related items
Companies that sell clothing, jewelry and accessories, cosmetics, and other items moms use and love
Companies that sell toys, clothing, school supplies, and travel gear for children
Companies that sell or rent baby gear
Rental car agencies
Camera and photography-related companies
And more!

Sponsorships opportunities vary and start as low as $20 per month! Sponsorship opportunities include:

· 125 x 125 ads on my side bar

· 300 x 250 ads on my side bar

· Large banner ad space at the top of the blog

· Sponsored posts relating to your business

· Sponsor a series of posts (i.e. Wordless Wednesday posts for a set time period, etc.)

The best part of it is that in my “real life” I am a marketing consultant and can guide you in selecting sponsorship opportunities that will best highlight your business.

For specific information on my the demographics of my readership, please click here.

To discuss appropriate sponsorship opportunities for your business that work within your budget, please email me.

Are you a business looking to promote services near Walt Disney World in Florida? Soon, I will be announcing exciting sponsorship opportunities in conjunction with my coverage of the Disney Social Media Moms conference I'll be attending in Walt Disney World in April. Be among the first to get snag a sponsorship by emailing me today!

TV Star Megyn Price Will Earn "Wings" With Half Marathon Runners

2012-01-26T10:50:00.000-08:00

This weekend at the Disneyland Resort, runners will join Tinker Bell, Peter Pan, the lost boys, and TV sitcom star Megyn Price (Rules of Engagement) at the three day inaugural Tinker Bell Half Marathon. On this Sunday, January 29, Megyn will be among the 11,082 female and 920 male runners who will be earning their "wings" by running along the 13.1 mile trek through Disneyland, California Adventure, and Anaheim city landmarks. Megyn, and the other runners in this women focused half marathon, will receive an exclusive Tinker Bell inspired inaugural Finisher medal. The pixie dust will begin to fly when the race begins at 5:45 am.

Though the main event will take place on Sunday, the Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend will kick off tomorrow, January 27, with the Never Land Family Fun Run. This warm up fun run will take adults, teens, and tweens on a nighttime 5K course through the Disneyland Resort. On Saturday, January 28, little ones will walk, toddle, and crawl at the Disney Kids' Races. The kids' dashes include a Diaper Dash for crawlers 12 months and under, a 100m dash for 1-3 year olds, a 200m dash for 4-6 year olds, and a 400m dash for 7-8 year olds. There will also be a one mile run for children 13 years old and under.

Runners, friends and family of runners, and spectators can show their support and participation in the inaugural Tinker Bell Half Marathon by visiting the Half Marathon Expo Center at the Disneyland Hotel from January 27-28. There, you can pick up merchandise, including fashion, novelty and performance tees, hats, souvenirs, and more.

Disney Blog Hop: Bucket List Edition!

2012-01-26T09:50:00.000-08:00

There's no denying it. I've led an amazing Disney life. I was a tour guide, I've attended exclusives and premieres, experienced the amazing Disney archives and much, much more. I am honored and blessed to have had so many incredible experiences. All that being said, believe it or not, I do have a Disney bucket list.

1. Go on a Disney cruise in the Caribbean with my family.

2. Go to Aulani with my family.

3. Take my husband to Club 33.

4. Take my family to Walt Disney World. (I've gone without them...shame on me!)

5. Enjoy a date weekend at the Disneyland Resort with my husband...including number 3.

6. Take a trip to Disneyland Paris.

7. Get and frame an old Disneyland Tour Guide costume.

8. See one of my boys work at Disneyland.

9. Buy Walt Disney's home in Los Feliz.

10. Go back to work for Disney.

So that's my list! Can't wait to see what's on your list.

Now on to the Disney Blog Hop!

The Disney Blog Hop is a great opportunity to network with other Disney bloggers and reach new readers. The blog hop is intended for all bloggers who blog about any aspect of Disney. Bloggers who do not blog exclusively about Disney should link to their Disney-tagged posts.

• Enter your blog below.

• Check out the other blogs and follow them through Google Friend Connect, on Facebook, etc. Just let 'em know you checked them out and like what they are doing. We all like to know we have new readers. I see you do it on other blogs, so make sure you let me know too!

• Welcome new readers to your blog! Each week we do something a little bit different. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE WEEKLY THEME/POST TO PARTICIPATE. Next week's theme is "Favorite Disney Parks Dinner." If you don't blog specifically about Disney Parks, please consider writing something "dinner related."

• Also optional, please consider posting the Disney Blog Hop button on your blog or web site so that we can spread the word. It would also be great if you wouldn't mind tweeting about the blog hop so that more Disney blogs with participate. The more bloggers who find out about the hop, the more new readers you'll have linking over to read all about you.

Right now I am giving away a Disney Baby prize pack. Click here to enter to win!

Merchandise Monday: Shops & Merchandise of Buena Vista Street

2012-01-23T11:59:00.000-08:00

Though the exact opening date of Buena Vista Street has not yet been announced, we do know that we'll be able to step into those new stories sometime this summer. To satisfy the Buena Vista Street craving until then, here's a look at the soon-to-be shops of Buena Vista Street!

When you first enter Disney California Adventure, make sure to stop at the gas station themed Oswald's for Disneyland Resort must-haves, including autograph books, hats, bags, "Cars"-themed antenna toppers, and other souvenirs.

As you continue on your California adventure, Los Feliz Five & Dime will remind you that you are in a the bygone time of Walt's first trip to California. Here, you'll find collections of t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, figurines, souvenirs, and more -- themed to railways, trolleys, and retro versions of our favorite characters -- for the entire family.

Next door to Los Feliz Five & Dime will be Big Tops Toys, a circus-themed toy store that is sure to be a fantastical environment for kids and kids at heart. The shelves of Big Tops Toys will be filled with innovative and interactive toys, games, and plush inspired by many Disney Parks attractions and characters to get you "on with the show!"

The last stop on Buena Vista Street will be an opulent art deco department store of yesteryear, Elias & Co. At Elias & Co., you'll find yourself stepping back in time to stand in an idealized version of 1923 Los Angeles when a young traveler named Walt Disney first stepped off a train into California. Throughout the store, you'll be reminded of Walt's California with retro-style attraction posters that will also be featured on the store's collection of clothing, souvenirs, and collectibles. While there, be sure to pick up your own fedora or antique accessories!

I hope that this sneak peek down Buena Vista Street has given you a Buena Vista Street fix until the summer!

Club Penguin Announces Coins For Change Results

2012-01-20T14:33:00.000-08:00

If you have ever worried that your child’s video game time is not very beneficial, I have some encouraging news for you – Club Penguin fans (which could include your little ones) have helped donate $2 million to medical treatments, protecting the earth, and providing safe places to kids!

To celebrate the fifth year of the Coins For Change online giving campaign, which empowers the children who play Club Penguin to help change the world by donating virtual coins they earn playing games online to real world causes that matter to them, Club Penguin doubled its overall donations to $2 million after players filled the virtual world’s lighthouse with over 10 billion virtual coins.

The Coins For Change online giving campaign happens every December, when players are given the ability to donate virtual coins to their choice of three charitable projects – providing medical help, building safe places, or protecting the earth. When the event ends, the virtual donations to the projects serve as votes to determine how a cash contribution from Disney Online Studios will be divided among the charitable projects.

To see how the cash donation – through your children’s virtual donations – was divided, watch this announcement from Club Penguin!

“Our players are always looking for ways to make a difference and help others, and over the past five years they’ve embraced the opportunity to give through Coins For Change,” says Lane Merrifield, one of Club Penguin’s co-founders and executive vice president of Disney Online Studios. “It was especially exciting to see kids from 191 countries participate together to help change the world.”

Beauty and the Beast 3D Review

2012-01-19T11:55:00.000-08:00

There's something about Disney films on the big screen that is pure magic. Don't get me wrong, we love our Disney DVD collection, but the silver screen really allows film lovers and fans the opportunity to see Disney films in their full glory.

Beauty and the Beast is in theaters in 3D. The film captures the fantastic journey of Belle (voice of Paige O’Hara), a bright and beautiful young woman who’s taken prisoner by a hideous beast (voice of Robby Benson) in his castle. Despite her precarious situation, Belle befriends the castle’s enchanted staff—a teapot, a candelabra and a mantel clock, among others—and ultimately learns to see beneath the Beast’s exterior to discover the heart and soul of a prince.

If your kids have never seen it on the big screen, this is your chance to share the magic of the film. My boys and I attended the premiere of the film at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood. They were blown away seeing it for the first time not on the tiny television in our playroom.

Is Beauty and the Beast in 3D for small children?
I know that's the question on your mind and here's my opinion. First, you have to figure out if your child will keep on those fabulous 3D glasses. If they won't, the movie will be blurry and they won't enjoy it. I would recommend taking children 3 1/2 and over, as otherwise, they will probably whip off those glasses halfway through. Second, consider contacting your local theater to ask if they have child-sized glasses. Smaller glasses make a huge difference. Finally, don't be surprised if your child gets a headache. My six-year-old got a horrible headache from the 3D. He has said he doesn't really want to see anymore 3D movies for a while, and we agree that perhaps they just aren't for him for now. We'll try again in a few years to see if his eye development is in a place where he can better tolerate the imagery.

Just prior to the film beginning, Disney is presenting a fantastic new short called "Tangled Ever After." It was so cute with great action and 3D effects and everyone in the theater was rolling with laughter. Here's a clip of the short.

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If your children can't get enough Beauty and the Beast, Disney Publishing Worldwide has released a Beauty and the Beast: Storybook Deluxe app for iPad. With the app, children and parents re-experience the classic “tale as old as time” retold in a new format, complete with games, movie clips, puzzles, coloring pages, and sing-along songs from the film. The new digital book app is also perfect for every reader level - kids can hear the story read aloud, explore at their own pace, and even record their own narration.

Disney Blog Hop: Special Smiles with the Characters Edition

2012-01-19T00:01:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Disney Blog Hop! If this is the first your first Disney Blog Hop, welcome! If you are a returning blogger, I'm really glad you are back. Today's theme is "special smiles with the characters."

My favorite part of visiting Disney Parks are the looks on children's faces when they see the characters. There is nothing that melts my heart more than a child's squeal of delight at seeing their favorite on-screen pal live, in-person. Here are some of my favorites of my boys that have brought tears to my eyes.

Family shot at Mickey's House. Connor is in love with Mickey. Just prior to this lovely moment, Connor was in complete,
stage 4 meltdown mode...on the floor. I carried him into Mickey's set like a load of bricks. Connor's fit ended the very
instant he laid eyes on Mickey. My exhausted toddler started right back up the second we left. 2012

Connor meeting Mickey for the first time. 2010

Aidan with Suz's son, Ben. 2011

Now on to the Disney Blog Hop!

Brandon with Jake. 2011

• Enter your blog below.

Brandon with Peter Pan. 2011

• Welcome new readers to your blog! Each week we do something a little bit different. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE WEEKLY THEME/POST TO PARTICIPATE. Next week's theme is "Disney Bucket List." Write about the Disney things you dream about doing/experiencing.

Right now I am giving away a Disney Baby prize pack. Click here to enter to win!

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday: It's always smoothe sailing aboard the Mark Twain Riverboat (plus a little history)

2012-01-18T08:39:00.000-08:00

Mark Twain Riverboat taken from Tom Sawyer's Island.

When the Mark Twain Riverboat was built, it was the first time a paddle boat had been constructed in the United States in fifty years. The decks of the ship were built in beautiful Burbank, California, the home of the Disney Studios and the original location where Disneyland was to be built. The hull of the ship was built some 35 miles away in San Pedro, California. When they ship parts were brought together in Anaheim, they fit perfectly.

The Mark Twain's first voyage was indeed a memorable one. Taking place four days before Disneyland opened on July 13, 1955, the first trip along the Rivers of America was also a celebration of Walt and Lillian Disney's thirtieth wedding anniversary.

Mark Twain Riverboat taken from Tom Sawyer's Island

Mark Twain Riverboat taken from the raft dock.

Want to make your trip aboard the Mark Twain extra special? Check out this video about how you can really cruise the Rivers of America in style!

Disney Announces DisneyBaby.com + a Disney Baby Giveaway

2012-01-17T20:21:00.000-08:00

There's no secret that there's two things that I adore: babies and Disney. After all, this is a Disney blog written for families with little ones and I wrote the only Disneyland travel guide just for families with babies, toddlers and preschoolers.

With all that being said, I am thrilled that today Disney announced today the launch of DisneyBaby.com, a new online destination and product showcase for expectant and new parents, filled with inspirational ideas, tips from real moms and the most comprehensive collection of Disney Baby brand products on the web.

At the heart of the site experience is Disney Baby Magical Moments, an easy-to-use tool for parents to upload their favorite baby photos and memories, adding to a dynamic collection of shared family experiences from other parents that flow throughout the site. DisneyBaby.com features the mom-trusted Huggies brand, as its exclusive sponsor.

To make the most of these special bonding moments with Baby, DisneyBaby.com is organized around key moments of the day: Getting Ready, In the Nursery, Dressing Baby, On-the-Go, Mealtime, Playtime, Bathtime and Baby’s Firsts. Key site features include:

o Disney Baby Product Collections -- Parents will find an extensive selection of Disney Baby products to meet Baby’s needs for every key moment of the day, including one-of-a-kind nursery products, on-the-go baby gear, delightful products for feeding and bathtime, magical toys, and Disney Baby’s softest, cuddliest clothes. Parents and gift givers can quickly browse Disney Baby product collections and filter by gender, product type, Disney character and retailer.

o Inspired Ideas – Chock-full of ideas that add a touch of Disney magic to everyday moments with Baby, DisneyBaby.com offers creative inspiration throughout the site, from nursery design tips to age-based playtime activities to DIY party ideas for Baby’s first birthday and more.

o Tips from Real Moms – Real moms offer go-to tips on a wide range of topics from making bath time fun for baby to stocking the diaper bag with must-have essentials to games sure to get baby giggling.

o Disney Baby Magical Moments – Disney Baby invites moms and dads to weave their own experiences with baby into the very fabric of the site by uploading and sharing their favorite moments and photos. Parents will watch them come to life as part of a vibrant panorama of shared experiences of parenthood.

In celebration of the new Disney Baby website, I am happy to be giving away a Disney Baby Prize Pack of two beautiful Disney Cuddly Body Suits to one lucky Babes In Disneyland reader. The body suits, pictured here, are for a sweet baby girl and are size 6/9 months. Disney Cuddly Body Suits are great because they are designed to not get stretched out at the neck and have two rows of snaps at the crotch that allow the body suits to last longer as baby grows.

No mandatory entries this time. Just enter a separate comment for each entry method below. Don't forget to leave me your email address. This giveaway will end January 31, 2012 at noon, PST and the body suits were provided by Disney Baby.

· Like Babes In Disneyland on Facebook.

· Like me on Twitter.

· Follow me through Google Friend Connect.

· Subscribe to my blog via email. (Click on the orange subscribe button at the top of the blog.)

· Like Disney Baby on Facebook.

· Like Disney Baby on Twitter.

· Tweet about this giveaway with a direct link and include @dlandmom and @disneybaby in your tweet.

Jake and Peter Pan Coming to DVD in April

2012-01-17T00:12:00.000-08:00

As I announced earlier this month, Peter Pan will be joining Jake and his pirate crew for the very first time for a special Jake and the Never Land Pirates special on Monday, February 13. (Click here for more details.)

If your little buccaneer can't get enough of this very special movie, you'll be happy to know that it will go on sale on DVD and digital download on April 3, 2012.

I'll be attending the Walt Disney Studios premiere of "Jake and the Never Land Pirates Peter Pan Returns" on January 28 and will have my review here on the blog the first week of February!

Merchandise Monday: It's "Time" For Art!

2012-01-16T14:15:00.000-08:00


January Watch of the Month Artist: David Smith

February Watch of the Month
Artist: Eric Scales

If you have never checked out the Artisan Watch Collection at Fortuosity Shoppe, it's time you did! If you visit during the month of January, check out the January Watch of the Month, "Rock N' Roll Mickey". Designed by artist David Smith, this fun design features Mickey and Goofy rocking out to their own tune. Next month, check out the February Watch of the Month, "Mickey Through the Years". Eric Scales designed this Mickey time line timepiece, which portrays how the main mouse has progressed over the years. Both watches are available for $250 in Fortuosity Shoppe on Main Street, USA, in Disneyland Park. Lisa bought her husband a custom watch at Fortuosity Shoppe in 2010. Read about her family's cherished creation.

While on Main Street, stop by Disneyana Shop for more Disney artwork. There, you can purchase this month's two Artist Sketches of the Month -- David Mitchell's "Tigger and Pooh" and Kevin Hill's "Bolt". Both $35 color sketches are 15" x 17". Also, be sure visit Off the Page in Disney California Adventure Park to check out the 15" x 17" framed sketch of the month -- Brian Growe's "Ursula" -- for $133.95.

Framed Sketch of the Month
Artist: Brian Growe

All information and artwork provided by the Disneyland Resort.

Friday Family Fun: 2012 Disney & Pixar Movie Releases

2012-01-13T09:38:00.000-08:00

Spending time at the movies with my family has always been a favorite past (and present) time of mine -- especially when the movies are Disney! Now I know that having young children can be a bit challenging at times, but I also know that being able to spend time together as a family is equally rewarding. Because Disney aims to provide entertainment that the whole family can enjoy, taking the kids to see any of the following movies is sure to delight everyone!

The Secret World of Arrietty

When I was in elementary school, I loved reading Mary Norton's The Borrowers, a story about small people that live under the floorboards. On February 17, Disney and Studio Ghibli (Spirited Away, Ponyo) will take us under these floorboards for an animated adventure story about the little people who quietly reside there in a secret world (that is ultimately discovered) where the smallest may stand tallest of all. Bridgit Mendler provides the voice of Arrietty (prounounced AIR-ee--ett-ee), a tiny but tenacious 14-year-old who lives with her parents (voiced by Will Arnett and Amy Poehler) in the recesses of a suburban garden home. Because Arrietty and her family stay hidden from view -- except during occasional covert ventures beyond the floorboards to "borrow" scrap supplies like sugar cubes from their human hosts -- their presence is unknown by the garden home's owner and her housekeeper (voiced by Carol Burnett). When 12-year-old Shawn (voiced by David Henrie), a human boy who comes home, discovers his mysterious housemate Arrietty, a secret friendship blossoms. If discovered, their relationship could drive Arrietty's family from the home and straight into danger.

Brave (also in Disney Digital 3D)

I love when people speak with accents. Aside from Australian and English accents, I really enjoy hearing Scottish accents, which is one of the reasons I am really looking forward to the release of Disney and Pixar's upcoming movie. Brave, hitting theaters on June 22, joins the ancient Scottish lore of stories of epic battles and mystical legends that have been passed though the generations across the rugged and mysterious Highlands of Scotland. Courageous Merida (voiced by Kelly MacDonald), a skilled archer and headstrong daughter of King Fergus (voiced by Billy Connolly) and Queen Elinor (voiced by Emma Thompson), is determined to carve her own fate by confronting tradition and challenging destiny. During the course of this, Merida defies an age old custom sacred to the unruly and uproarious lords of the land: massive Lord MacGuffin (voiced by Kevin McKidd), surly Lord Macintosh (voiced by Craig Ferguson), and cantankerous Lord Dingwall (voiced by Robbie Coltrane). Her actions inadvertently unleash chaos and fury into the kingdom, and when she turns to an eccentric witch for help, she is granted an ill-fated wish. The ensuing peril forces Merida to harness all of her skills and resources -- including her clever and mischievous triplet brothers -- to undue a beastly curse before it's too late, discovering the meaning of true bravery.

The Odd Life of Timothy Green

This magical tale about a happily married couple, Cindy and Jim Green (played by Joel Edgerton and Jennifer Garner), who can't wait to start a family but can only dream about what their child would be like, will be budding into theaters on August 15. When young Timothy (played by CJ Adams) shows up on their doorstep one stormy night, Cindy and Jim -- and their small town of Stanleyville -- learn that sometimes the unexpected can bring some of life's greatest gifts.

Finding Nemo 3D

Return to the ocean on September 14 to swim with worrisome Marlon and forgetful Dory (and their eccentric aquatic friends) on their journey to find and save Nemo and his lucky fin from P. Sherman, 42 Wallaby Way, Sydney. This time, though, see the movie that the American Film Institute named as one of the top 10 greatest animated movies ever made closer than before with the rendering of Disney Digital 3D!

Wreck-It Ralph (also in Disney Digital 3D)

Give your kids a reason to put down the video game controller and embark on what should be a hilarious, arcade-game-hopping journey of Ralph (voiced by John C. Reilly), who is tired of being overshadowed by Fix-It Felix (voiced by Jack McBrayer), the "good guy" star of their game who always gets to save the day. But after decades doing the same thing and seeing all the glory go to Felix, Ralph decides he's tired of playing the role of a bad guy. He takes matters into his own massive hands and sets off on a game-hopping journey across the arcade through every generation of video games to prove he's got what it takes to be a hero. On his quest, he meets the tough-as-nails Sergeant Calhoun (voiced by Jane Lynch) from the first-person action game Hero's Duty. But it's the feisty misfit Vanellope von Schweetz (voiced by Sarah Silverman) from the candy-coated cart racing game, Sugar Rush, whose world is threatened when Ralph accidentally unleashes a deadly enemy that threatens the entire arcade. Find out if Ralph realizes his dream and saves the day before it's too late when Wreck-It Ralph crashes into theaters on November 2.

This post was written as a personal opinion piece and without pay. Neither the text nor the pictures were provided as proprietary information and does not represent the views or opinions of The Walt Disney Company. Information for this post was provided by the Disneyland Resort for media use.

Disney Blog Hop: Welcome 2012 Edition!

2012-01-11T23:55:00.000-08:00

It's a new year and time to start the blog hop again! If you have never participated in a blog hop here's the details:

What is a blog hop?
A blog hop is popular in the mommy blog realm and Babes In Disneyland is the home of the very first blog hop uniting Disney bloggers and providing them for an outlet to network with one another. Simply enter your blog information into the linky below. It will populate a list of participants that you can check out. Feel free to follow their blogs, check out all of their Disney goodness, and leave some comments on their posts (or not). It's that easy! Following the bloggers through Google Friend Connect let's them know you were there and let's face it, we all like knowing we have fans.

Each week, the Disney Blog Hop has a theme. It is not mandatory to participate in the theme, but it's nice to do and fun to see what others come up with. This week's theme is "what you are looking forward to most in 2012." Next week's theme is "special smiles with the characters."

What kind of blogs should participate in the blog hop?

Although I love blogs of all types, this blog hop is for Disney-related blogs so that we can network with one another and provide Disney fans (bloggers and nonbloggers) a place to find our links in one convenient place. If you are a blogger who occasionally writes about Disney, just include a link to your Disney-tagged posts.

Spread the Magic!
You can help spread the word about the Disney Blog Hop by posting the Disney Blog Hop button on your blog for all to see. You can also tweet about it and post about it on your blog. The more Disney bloggers that communicate the better it is for all of us! I also ask that you please

Today theme is to talk about what you're looking forward to most this year when it comes to Disney of course. Here are my top 5 things in no particular order:

1. Cars Land opening because I know that no one throws a party like Disney and it's going to be a grand celebration that I cannot wait to share with my family.

2. Buena Vista Street unveiling because the REAL Buena Vista Street is less than a mile from my house and I drive it every day! Can't wait to see if they took anything from the "real deal" as inspiration.

Mickey's House circa 2006.

3. Pretty much every time we go to Disneyland, we wave to the characters in passing because the line's too long. This year, I'm determined to get as many character photos as possible because my boys are growing up way too fast and after a while, they won't even want to wave when we pass by them.

4. Brandon, my four-year-old, has never seen Fantasmic!. This is the year and I cannot wait! I know he'll love it.

5. It's been tough to get back on track after the holidays, but this year I promise to continuing to bring you the very best coverage of all things Disney for families AND MORE! I love this blog and all of the amazing moms, dads and Disney fans I've met as a result. I guess as far as this list goes, I've saved the best for last!

Thanks for joining the Disney Blog Hop! Don't forget to check out some of the blogs on the list below. Be sure to show 'em some love by following them on Twitter, Facebook or Google Friend Connect. Check out some of their posts and leave 'em some comments! Stop by the Babes In Disneyland Facebook page and follow me on Twitter. I would love to get to know you better!

Disney Junior to become 24-hour channel this March

2012-01-10T22:02:00.000-08:00

On Monday, Disney Junior and Disney Channels Worldwide announced that a new Disney Junior 24-hour basic cable/satellite channel for kids age 2-7 and their families, will launch FRIDAY, MARCH 23 (12:00 midnight, ET/PT) in the U.S., joining 28 other Disney Junior channels around the world.

The popular Disney Junior daily programming block will continue on Disney Channel while the new 24 hour channel will fulfill parents' demands for Disney programming throughout the day. The Disney Junior channel will be available via major cable and satellite providers Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Cablevision, Bright House Networks and Verizon, among others. Additional information regarding Disney Junior is available at DisneyJuniorTheChannel.com.

Disney Junior invites mom and dad to join their child in the Disney experience of magical, musical and heartfelt stories and characters, while incorporating specific learning and development themes designed for kids age 2-7. A council of academic advisors comprising experts in the fields of child development, transmedia, storytelling, early education and creativity will guide Disney Junior's learning and development curriculum.

Disney Junior series each have specific curriculum experts and now, to maximize overall learning value, Disney Junior is deepening its conversation to include a channel advisory council that will share research and knowledge in the world of education and bring important perspectives on innovations in early childhood learning.

The 24 hour Disney Junior schedule will include daily telecasts of "Jake and the Never Land Pirates" and the hit series "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse." It will also introduce the animated series "Doc McStuffins" at launch, and will feature new editions of the acclaimed short-form series "A Poem Is..." and a weekend movie block, "Magical World of Disney Junior." New interstitials featuring Disney heritage characters, including Sebastian and Flounder from "The Little Mermaid," Mrs. Potts and Chip from "Beauty and the Beast," and pups Lucky and Pepper "101 Dalmatians," will also debut.

Here’s what you and your kiddos have to look forward to:

· "A Poem Is…" -- Laura Linney, Viola Davis, John Leguizamo, Jessica Alba, Owen Wilson and Liev Schreiber are among the narrators of the second season of the acclaimed short-form series designed to introduce young children to the beauty of a poem.

· "Doc McStuffins" – an animated series about a six-year-old girl who communicates with and heals stuffed animals and toys in her backyard clinic. Under the consultancy of the Hollywood Health & Society division of the USC Annenberg Norman Lear Center, the series will highlight the importance of taking care of oneself and others, while showcasing the hallmarks of great Disney storytelling – fantasy and wish fulfillment. Emmy Award-winning writer/producer Chris Nee ("Little Bill" and "Deadliest Catch: Crab Fishing in Alaska") is the creator and executive producer, and Emmy Award-winning Norton Virgien ("Rugrats") is the director. "Doc McStuffins" is a production of the Dublin, Ireland-based Brown Bag Films (two time Academy Award nominee for "Granny O'Grimm" and "Give Up Yer Aul Sins"). DisneyJunior.com will debut a "Doc McStuffins" supersite featuring an interactive clinic where kids can assist Doc in nurturing toys back to health.

· "Magical World of Disney Junior" -- a weekend movie night featuring telecasts of Disney's vast array of classic and contemporary movies, including "Beauty and the Beast," "Bambi," "Dumbo," "The Princess and the Frog," "Cars," "Toy Story 2," "Monsters, Inc." and "Aladdin," among others.

· "Gaspard and Lisa" -- the adventures of two best friend puppies as they experience the wonders and challenges of school and family life in their Paris neighborhood. Based on the books by Anne Gutman and Georg Hallensleben, "Gaspard and Lisa" is produced by Chorion.

· "Guess How Much I Love You" -- a tender animated series centered on the father-son relationship between Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare. Based on the UK picture book, Guess How Much I Love You, by Sam McBratney and Anita Jeram, the series will air exclusively on Disney Junior the Channel. "Guess How Much I Love You" is a production of the Australia-based SLR Productions.

· In addition to current hits "Jake and the Never Land Pirates," "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse," "Little Einsteins," "Handy Manny" and "Special Agent Oso," the channel will also present viewer favorites from the past, "Higglytown Heroes," "Stanley," "JoJo's Circus" (YEAH!!!!) and "Rolie Polie Olie," among others.Other upcoming programming includes "Sofia the First," a television movie and series introducing a new little girl princess with stories designed to communicate positive messages and life lessons that are applicable to preschool-aged children; and "Oki's Oasis," the first western for preschoolers, starring actress and singer-songwriter Mandy Moore (Disney's "Tangled") as the voice of Oki, a kitty cat sheriff who ensures that the town of Nice and Friendly Corners remains the friendliest town in the West.

Disney Rewards Visa Brings Pin Magic to Cardmembers!

2012-01-10T11:19:00.000-08:00

Disney and Visa are once again partnering together to bring even more magic to Disney Rewards Visa Cardmembers with an exclusive open edition pin! The 2012 cardmember exclusive pin features everyone's favorite Sorcerer, Mickey Mouse. As of January 5th, the pin is available at the following locations at the Disneyland Resort:

• Disney’s Pin Traders and World of Disney in Downtown Disney

• Little Green Men Store Command and Westward Ho Trading Co in Disneyland Park

Cardmembers can also order the “Sorcerer Mickey – Your Every Day Magic” pin by visiting DisneyPins.com or through Merchandise Guest Services by calling 877-560-6477 or emailing them at DisneysMerchandiseServices@disney.go.com. All pins are available while supplies last, and may not be available via Merchandise Guest Services at time of inquiry.

Learn more about the Disney Rewards Visa and Debit Card here.

Terrific Tip Tuesday: Filtered Water at the Disneyland Resort

2012-01-10T08:13:00.000-08:00

Staying hydrated is an essential part of every family's Disneyland game plan. Whether your downing it yourself or need it to make baby's formula, you cannot make it through a day at Disneyland without it. Bottles of water cost $3 at the Disneyland Resort. Ouch! Here's a few things ways you can get this unnecessary expense.

Bring your own water from home. You are welcome to bring water, juice boxes, milk, cups, and cans of soda into the park. Glass bottles and containers are not allow.
Consider purchasing a metal, reusable water bottle. These refillable bottles are great and can even be purchased with sippy cup lids or as sports bottles. Water bottles can be refilled at a variety of locations, including the Baby Center. Although I have not verified these locations recently, here is where I typically get my filtered water·

The French Market in New Orleans Square
Rancho del Zocalo dining area courtyard in Frontierland
Tomorrowland Terrace to the left of the order window in Tomorrowland
Inside the Baby Care Center on Main Street
In Disney California Adventure Park there is a filtered water spigot inside the Baby Care Center.

Ask for water at food service locations where you see a soda fountain. If they sell bottled soda and water, you are probably out of luck, but if you see cups, then they will be able to give you a free small (kids') size cup of water with a lid. You can have it with or without ice. I often just ask for a cup of ice to cool down beverages I've brought in from home.

In my opinion, I really don't see the point in purchasing Dasani water, as it is nothing more than filtered water from a municipal source (city water!). Why not just get the free filtered water Disneyland offers? The city of Anaheim has excellent water. Anaheim's water was named best tasting water in Southern California and 15th best in the nation by Men's Health Magazine in early 1997. In June of 1997, it was also recognized by the U.S. Conference of Governors for its taste, clarity, and aroma.

Merchandise Monday: "Unlock the Magic" and Celebrate a Galactic Milestone

2012-01-09T20:52:00.000-08:00

Star Tours Commemorative Tee Concept Art

On January 9, 1987, in a galaxy far, far, away (well, not that far) Disneyland and a certain Hollywood icon joined "forces" to create one of our favorite attractions. Can you guess which one? If you guessed Star Tours, you are correct! Today, the Disneyland Resort celebrated twenty five years of galactic voyaging. Beginning this month, Star Trader in Tomorrowland will begin selling a Star Tours 25th Anniversary Commemorative Tee. Though the exact release date has yet to be announced, this tee is sure to be a great way to celebrate this event!

Also starting this month, Annual Passholders can "Unlock the Magic" of the Disneyland Resort with the newest AP exclusive pin set. The commemorative open-edition pin set (set to release on January 26th, for $54.95 -- before your AP discount!) includes six different lock inspired pins that are themed to some of the great Disneyland Resort attractions. Each pin honors one of many Disney attractions, including Sleeping Beauty Castle, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel's Undersea Adventure, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, and The Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror. On January 19th, APs will also have access to purchase one of 3000 limited edition "The Lost Keys of Disneyland" pins. These pins, which will be released one at a time every other month, will each correspond (and connect) to its respective attraction lock pin.

Whether you're searching for the first "Lost Key" or celebrating the opening of a classic Disneyland attraction, January is sure to be a memorable month or merchandise!

This post was written as a personal opinion piece and without pay. Neither the text nor the pictures were provided as proprietary information and does not represent the views or opinions of The Walt Disney Company. Information for this post was provided by the Disneyland Resort for media use.

Disneyland Resort Announces Special Southern California Resident Discount Special

2012-01-04T15:36:00.000-08:00

Today, the Disneyland Resort announced an exciting ticket offer for Southern California residents. The discounted ticket allows locals to enjoy two days of fun and adventure at two parks for just $99. To explore all there is to do at Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park, guests may purchase a 2-day ticket for just $99, with their choice of one park per day. With the 2-day ticket, guests get the flexibility to make memories with family and friends any two days from Jan. 4 to June 9, 2012. Plus, for the first time, SoCal residents may choose to add a third day to this ticket for just $30 and visit one park per day. (For blockout dates and restrictions, visit www.Disneyland.com/2days)

The 2-day ticket offer is available to residents who live in the zip codes 90000-93599 and 21000-22999. Proof of residency is required and should include a valid California identification showing that you live within the zip codes above. If you do not have a valid California identification but live in Southern California, in the past, the resort has accepted another picture identification along with a utility bill (i.e. water, gas, electricity, home telephone) for proof. I would recommend calling to ensure you have the correct documentation if you fall within the latter category.

SoCal residents must purchase the 2-day ticket by June 1, 2012. First use must occur on or before June 8, 2012, and the tickets expire on June 9, 2012. The 2-day ticket can be purchased at Disneyland.com/2days, The Disney Stores, Albertsons and other retail locations, as well as any Disneyland Resort ticket booth. Guests who purchase online can print their tickets at home.

Additional offers are available for guests who want to turn their Disneyland Resort visit into a getaway:

Hotel savings: Guests can save up to 35 percent on hotel stays for most Sunday through Thursday nights at a Disneyland Resort hotel for travel from January 2 through February 29, 2012, when the reservation is booked before February 29. Hotel guests may also enjoy Magic Morning admission to a Disneyland Resort theme park on applicable days.
FASTPASS Tickets: Guests who stay at any Disneyland Resort hotel from January 4 to February 29 will receive 2 Disney's FASTPASS tickets for each registered guest in their party (ages 3 and older). Valid theme park tickets are required, of course.#
Vacation package: Guests get one more Disney day and night free! As part of the One More Disney Day campaign, when guests purchase a non-discounted Walt Disney Travel Co. 3-night, 3-day Room and Ticket Package before January 31, 2012 for arrivals most nights between February 26 and March 10, 2012, they will receive a ticket for an additional theme park admission and a hotel night for free.

For vacation package details, see www.disneyland.com/offers.

Dreamy Disney Dates: 2012 Movie Night Ideas!

2012-01-04T11:24:00.000-08:00

As Disney fanatics, my boyfriend Chris and I love finding fun ways to bring Disney magic into our dates. We especially love getting dinner and seeing a movie that we both love -- which is most always Disney. With the excitement of the new year, I am sure you are all as eager as we are to find out what movies Disney will be releasing during 2012. The wait is now over! Since this post is geared towards mommy and daddy (or me and my boyfriend) date nights, below are the movie releases that can be enjoyable while the kids are away. For family fun nights, look for my next post with the list of movies that the kiddies will enjoy most!

Beauty and the Beast 3D
Since I have been writing for Babes in Disneyland for a few months now, I finally feel comfortable admitting to something that I have not yet shared -- I am a Beauty and the Beast FANATIC. Though I am a 21 year old college graduate, I still proudly announce my love of the eighty four minute masterpiece when asked what my favorite movie is. I do not know if it's book-loving Belle's kind heart and determination, or the cold-hearted Beast's transformation into a compassionate prince that have captured my Disney loving heart, but I do know that I am experiencing greatness for those eighty four minutes. With all of that being said -- well, written -- it's not surprising that I am most excited about the January 13th release of Beauty and the Beast 3D! This classic returns to theaters, but with the addition of 3D technology. Imagine what the "Be Our Guest" scene will be like in 3D -- dancing plates all around!

Make next Friday a date night by seeing the movie at the AMC Downtown Disney 12, then get dinner at Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen or get a drink at the tiki themed Trader Sam's at the Disneyland Hotel! Evening showtimes are at 5:10, 7:30 and 9:50. Or make a day date and see it at 10:10am, 12:30 or 2:50 and spend the evening experiencing the romance of Disneyland! Here's the official trailer:

John Carter
Experience life and an adventure on another planet in John Carter, premiering on March 9th. This action-adventure film -- which is based on the novel "A Princess of Mars" by Edgar Rice Burroughs -- is set on the mysterious and exotic planet of Barsoom (Mars). War-weary, former military captain John Carter (played by Taylor Kitsch) is inexplicably transported to Mars, where he becomes reluctantly embroiled in a conflict of epic proportions amongst the inhabitants of the planet. Among the inhabitants are Tars Tarkas (played by Willem Dafoe) and the captivating Princess Dejah Thoris (played by Lynn Collins). In a world on the brink of collapse, Carter discovers his humanity when he realizes that the survival of Barsoom and its people rests in his hands. If the epic plot line is not convincing enough, it is also worth mentioning that the movie's scores are produced by award-winning composer Michael Giacchino, who has won several accolades for movies such as Up, Ratatouille, and The Incredibles.

Since the movie is set to release in a little over three months, it could be a fun couple activity to begin reading the novel together now -- or take turns reading chapters and giving the other a synopsis.

Check out the trailer:

Chimpanzee
After the excitement of March's date night, spend some quality time with your loved one watching the incredible story of Oscar the playful chimp in Disneynature's Chimpanzee, swinging into theaters on Earth Day (April 20th). I have to admit, I have not always been a huge fan of nature-themed documentaries, but Disneynature does a fantastic job of captivating the magic of the wild in a way that brings the spirit of Disney to nature -- just look at the poster and try not to be captivated! The film takes moviegoers deep into the forests of Africa for the True Life Adventure of an adorable baby chimp named Oscar and his entertaining approach to life in a remarkable story of family bonds and triumph.(Lisa will review the movie just before it comes out
and let you know if it is appropriate for younger audiences.)

After watching the trailer for Chimpanzee, I will now begin planning an Earth Day date around the movie. I'm thinking of a day at the LA Zoo, picnic lunch at Griffith Park (or Rainforest Cafe in Downtown Disney), then seeing Chimpanzee in the evening.

Marvel's The Avengers

My excitement of the Beauty and the Beast 3D release is matched by my boyfriend's excitement for this next movie. Return to action-adventure on May 4th, with the release of Marvel Studios' Marvel's The Avengers. In this Super Hero team up of a lifetime, iconic Marvel Super Heroes Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye, and Black Widow join together to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, Director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team of Super Heroes. This exciting event movie, based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series "The Avengers", is packed with action and spectacular special effects and stars Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johanson, Jeremy Renner, and Samuel L. Jackson.
Make it a date night by making The Avengers themed desserts or meals. Captain America is Chris's favorite, so I'll make a blueberry and raspberry cobbler with a white chocolate sauce that will make him feel super satisfied! I also found a recipe for a drink called the Black Widow that could be a fun addition to the world-saving evening.

Frankenweenie

Both Chris and I are equally excited for this upcoming Tim Burton film, which will be premiering just in time for the Halloween season. On October 5th, experience creative genius Tim Burton's (Alice in Wonderland, The Nightmare Before Christmas) heartwarming tale about a boy and his dog. When young Victor unexpectedly loses his beloved dog Sparky, he harnesses the power of science to bring his best friend back to life -- with just a few minor adjustments. He tries to hide his home-sewn creation, but when Sparky gets out, Victor's fellow students, teachers, and the entire town all learn that getting a new "leash on life" can be monstrous. A stop-motion film, Frankenweenie will be filmed in black and white and rendered in 3D, which will elevate the classic style to a whole new experience. The voice cast includes Martin Short, Winona Ryder, Martin Landou, and Catherine O'Hara, who have all been part of other Burton films.

In honor of Victor's home-sewn creation, turn seeing the movie into a date night by making a gourmet dinner out of whatever is in your cupboards already. Not only will it be fun to see how you can revive last night's leftovers and transform it into a new meal, it is also a great way to save money on food! Try mixing up a franken-cocktail that neither of you have tried to add an extra "spark" to the evening.

As part of my new Dreamy Disney Dates series, I'll be highlighting fun outings for those kid-free nights. Share your Dreamy Disney Date experiences with us by posting on the Babes in Disneyland Facebook page!

This post was written as a personal opinion piece and without pay. Neither the text nor the pictures were provided as proprietary information and does not represent the views or opinions of The Walt Disney Company.

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday: Meet Melanie's Prince Charming

2012-01-04T09:40:00.000-08:00

With the addition of the "Dreamy Disney Dates" posts (a new series in which I provide tips and experience for kid-free date nights), it seems necessary to introduce the guy that will be helping me with my "research" -- Wordless Wednesday style! Here is a picture of us on our six month-iversary (over a year and a half ago -- taken at Blue Bayou), during one of my favorite dreamy Disney dates with Chris. Find out more details to follow.

Once Upon A Time: My favorite new show!

2012-01-03T20:58:00.000-08:00

Fairy tales--they are the root of fantasy as we grow up. Being raised a Disney child, I yearned to be a princess and live in the magical worlds created so many years ago. They were magical, beautiful, romantic and all together enchanting.

As grown-ups, it's hard to keep that sense of fantasy and wonderment alive between work, running the kids to and fro and the many trappings of adult life. We read the fairy tale books with our kids and even watch the movies with them, but up until recently, it had been close to impossible to recreate that fairy tale fantasy in a way suitable for adult tastes.

And then there was the new television show, "Once Upon A Time." I tuned in to the first episode with a healthy dose of hope mixed with skepticism. I knew that if anyone could really pull off a fairy tale series for adults, it would be ABC (whose parent company is Disney), but I was nervous given the fact that Snow White is my favorite character and I'm pretty protective of her and her image. (As if we're buddies, right?!)

By the end of the first episode I was hooked. Actually, "hooked" isn't a strong enough word. Perhaps "enchanted" like I was with fairy tales as a child. The series focuses on the life of Emma Swan, whose life has been anything but a fairy tale. She is a 28-year-old bail bondsperson and has been taking care of herself since she was abandoned as a baby. But when Henry—the son she gave up 10 years ago—finds her, everything changes. Henry is desperate for his mom’s help and thinks that Emma is actually the long, lost daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming. Even stranger, Henry believes that Storybrooke, the sleepy New England town he calls home, is really part of a curse cast by the Evil Queen, freezing fairy tale characters in the modern world with no memory of their former selves. When the show isn't focusing on the lives of the fairy tale characters in modern-day society, it flashes back to their lives long, long ago and show the relationships and events that shaped their lives and the stories we adore.

And how do I feel about Snow White these days? I love her all the more. Gennifer Goodwin, my favorite sister wife from the dearly departed "Big Love," is perfect. She strong yet sensitive, sensible and beautiful. The writers got it right and she plays her wonderfully. In fact, all of the characters are outstanding and you'll love learning their "back stories."

All new episodes for "Once Upon A Time" will begin again this Sunday, January 8 (check your local listings). If you are a Disney fan (and I know you are), I highly encourage you to add this show to your television rotation.

I'm not going to lie, my husband works in television and we are both harsh critics when it comes to new shows. "Once Upon A Time" is well done with great attention to detail and I think you'll agree that each episode leaves you wanting more.

You can catch up on the first seven episodes and watch them online now by clicking here.

HUGE Jake and the Never Land Pirates News.

2012-01-02T22:02:00.000-08:00

Are you sitting down? Ok. I'll wait, because this is big, BIG news.

Everyone’s favorite boy from Never Land is FINALLY making his first-ever appearance in the hit series "Jake and the Never Land Pirates," in a primetime special presentation, "Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Peter Pan Returns” on MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13 (7:00-8:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel.

You read it right. Peter Pan is coming to “Jake and the Never Land Pirates.” And if that was not enough, the new special features six original songs and finds Peter Pan returning to Pirate Island to enlist Jake, Izzy, Cubby and Skully in finding his lost shadow. Adam Wylie ("Picket Fences") voices the role of Peter Pan. I don’t know about your family, but we will be making February 13 a major event—which in our house probably equates to pizza on the floor of the family room while we watch the show.

Can’t get enough of Jake and all of the Never Land adventures? The second season of “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” will debut MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20 with new episodes airing daily at 8:30 a.m., ET/PT throughout the week. Sharon Osbourne, Josh Duhamel, Jane Kaczmarek and Tiffani Thiessen star in recurring roles, joining the series notable voice cast including David Arquette, Tori Spelling, Lisa Loeb, Adam West and Ariel Winter.

Photos and video clips provided by and used with permission of Disney Channel / Disney Junior.

Disney Announces "One More Disney Day" at Walt Disney World and Disneyland

2011-12-31T23:52:00.000-08:00

Tonight Disney Parks made a historic announcement. Here's the information straight to the source:

"Disney Parks guests can get the most out of February 29 when Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California celebrate Leap Year by keeping a theme park on each coast open for 24 hours of nonstop memory-making fun.

For the first time ever, both the Magic Kingdom Park and Disneyland Park will stay open for 24 hours straight as part of a bi-coastal salute called “One More Disney Day.” From 6 a.m., February 29 to 6 a.m., March 1, 2012, local time, guests can fill the extra day of leap year with a marathon of Disney magic and fun.*

And for 60 days straight – from Jan. 1, 2012 to Feb. 29, 2012 – a daily winner will be chosen in the “Disney Parks One More Disney Day Sweepstakes” to receive a Disney Parks vacation. One entrant each day will win a vacation for four to make memories at either Disneyland Resort in California or Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.**

For the past year, Disney Parks has invited guests to “let the memories begin,” noted Tom Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.

“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,” Staggs said. “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.”

In addition to the extra time, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California will feature a special offer: Guests get one more day and night of memory making, free when they buy a 3-night/3-day non-discounted Walt Disney Travel Co. room and ticket package at select Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort hotels. The package offer is good for arrivals most nights Feb. 26 – March 10, 2012 and must be booked by Jan. 31, 2012. ***

In 2011, Disney Parks has encouraged families to “Let the Memories Begin,” with guests celebrating their only-at-Disney memories by sharing their vacation stories, photos and videos online at DisneyParks.com/memories.

Guests can find out more information about other Disneyland Resort offers and tickets at www.disneyland.com and other Walt Disney World Resort hotel and ticket offers at www.disneyworld.com. Guests can find out more information about “One More Disney Day” and get official rules for the “Disney Parks One More Disney Day Sweepstakes” at www.OneMoreDisneyDay.com.

*Select attractions, entertainment and services will be available for 24 hours. Subject to capacity restrictions. Valid theme park admission required.

** NO PURCHASE/ TEXT MESSAGE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited. Open only to persons who are, as of Entry, legal residents of, and physically located within, the 50 U.S., D.C. or Canada (excluding Quebec) and who are not Minors. Sweepstakes starts 12:01 AM (EST) on 1/1/12 and ends 11:59:59 PM (EST) on 2/29/12. To enter, send on your cell phone the key word “DISNEYDAY” as an SMS text message to the SMS shortcode 347639 (Disney). Msg. & data rates may apply. Or to enter for free and for Official Rules, visit Disney.com/memoriessweeps. If entering via SMS you will receive a confirmation text in response to your entry. LIMIT: ONE ENTRY ALLOWED PER PERSON/Cell/Address for each day. Sponsor: Disney Online 500 S. Buena Vista Street, Burbank, CA 91521.

*** Number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Room charge based on average per night rate of applicable room during stay. Offer is valid for bookings from 1/1/12 through 1/31/12 for arrivals from 2/26/12 through 3/10/12. One (1) consecutive night will be added to the hotel stay and one (1) day added to the tickets. Offer applied once per package/reservation and excludes suites. Disneyland® Resort multi-day tickets expire 13 days after first use or 3/23/12, whichever occurs first, Walt Disney World® tickets are for one theme park per day and must be used within 14 days of first use. Each day of use of a ticket constitutes one full day of use. Advanced reservations required. No group rates or other discounts apply. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Check for packages of other lengths of stay. "

My favorite Disney moments from 2011

2011-12-31T00:07:00.000-08:00

As 2011 comes to an end, it's time to look back at the year that has been and look forward to what will come in 2012. For me, 2011 was an amazing year loaded with incredible "someone- please-pinch-me-now" Disney experiences. Here's my top 10 favorite Disney experiences of 2011 in no particular order.

1. Disneyland Summer Soundsational Press Event

This year, the Disneyland Resort unveiled to amazing new attractions and a new parade and the press event to launch the attractions and show was nothing short of amazing. From getting to meet Disney Parks Chairman Tom Staggs to viewing the Mickey's Soundsational Parade from high above Main Street, it was truly remarkable. Check out all of my Soundsational Summer coverage here.

2. Tour of the Disney Archives thanks to D23

Talk about crossing a major dream off my Disney bucket! While touring the Disney Archives I not only got to see original Snow White artwork but enjoy a private performance by Richard Sherman. I can't lie, I cried a few times in sheer disbelief over what I was experiencing. It was a dream come true. Check out my posts on the Disney Archives.

3. Trick-or-treating at the Disney Studios

Thanks to Disney Interactive Studios, my boys got the opportunity to trick-or-treat while getting a tour of the Disney Studios. As fate would have it, our tour was led by Dean, a beloved friend of mine who is a Disneyland tour guide who I worked with "way back in the day." I adore Disney Interactive; they are the amazing folks behind all of the great Disney smart phone apps, DisneyFamily.com, Familyfun.com, Babble.com, Club Penguin, Disney video games, and much, much more.

4. Walt Disney World Social Media Moms Conference and my first trip to Florida

In the spring, my friends, Suzanne Broughton and Marcy Massura, and I, attended the Walt Disney World Social Media Moms Conference. The trip marked my first trip to Walt Disney World and was the ultimate girls' get away.

5. Brandon and Peter Pan in Fantasyland

If you have read my blog for a while, you know that Peter Pan has been a favorite around our home this year, my son Brandon had two amazing experiences with the boy who has never grown up. Meeting Peter Pan and playing hide-and-seek in Fantasyland and then interacting with him at Mickey's Soundsational Parade were those Disney Parks' moments that you just can't experience anywhere else.

6. The D23 Expo

The D23 Expo is the ultimate Disney fan experience. Think of it as Comic Con for Disney lovers--and it's not just for Disney Parks fans. It's bigger...much bigger. The D23 Expo showcases the latest, greatest, past and future of all Disney business units from Disney Living to Marvel to Disney Animation to ABC and beyond. The next expo will be held in the summer of 2013. Click here for my coverage and incredible interviews with Disney stars!

7. Touring the Disney Animation Studios

This year, my favorite animated movie of the year was Winnie the Pooh and I was fortunate enough to participate in a media event for the film prior to the movie opening. The event was held at the Disney Animation Studios and was an incredible experience. I got to experience how Disney animated films get made. Check out my Winnie the Pooh coverage by clicking here. If you want to see what it looks like to LOVE what you do for a living, check out this video with legendary Disney animator Eric Goldberg.

8. Candlelight Procession with my parents and Aidan

This year, I was honored to have been an invited guest at Disneyland's Candlelight Procession. I took my parents and my oldest son to the event and it was so great to be able to share the experience with them.

9. Watching Connor take some of his first steps in Disney California Adventure Park

Within days of my son Connor taking his first steps, we took him to the Disneyland Resort. Truth be told, Connor went from crawling to running within those few days. We took him to Redwood Creek Challenge Trail so that he could get his wiggles out on a padded surface. He had a blast!

10. Releasing my book!

The biggest event for me this year was releasing my book, Babes In Disneyland: The ultimate Disneyland Resort travel guide for families with young children." The book was a labor of love and brings families all of the information they need to plan a Disneyland Resort trip. It is also the only Disneyland Resort guide written for families with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. I will be releasing a 2012 early next year. If you can't wait until next year to get your copy, I have drastically reduced the price of both my book and its ebook download on Lulu. The book is also available full price at Amazon.com and is eligible for free super saver shipping.

Friday Fun Fact: Disneyland Celebrates Three Kings Day for the First Time

2011-12-30T09:09:00.000-08:00

The holiday season at Disneyland was extended this year to include Three Kings Day, which is also known as Dia de Reyes. This Hispanic tradition remembers the night that the Three Wise Men delivered gifts of frankincense, gold, and myrrh to baby Jesus. From January 6th through 8th, Disneyland will celebrate this Mexican tradition with themed decor, entertainment, children's activities, and food offerings in Frontierland. Celebrate the end of the holiday season with this new and exciting showcase of western and Mexican heritage!

Artwork and information courtesy of the Disneyland Resort.

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday: A New Look at an Old Favorite

2011-12-28T20:42:00.000-08:00

King Arthur's Carrousel is an iconic part of Disneyland's Fantasyland -- and one of my favorite places to take pictures!

Though you may recognize this view of the attraction...

...here are a few new perspectives of the lovable carousel. Enjoy!

This post was written as a personal opinion piece and without pay. Neither the text nor the pictures were provided as proprietary information.

Give Your Holiday Photos a Disney Spin with Snapfish

2011-12-23T09:13:00.000-08:00

Holiday time is in full swing. We're in the midst of Hanukkah, Christmas is just days away and New Year's Eve is around the corner. Certainly you have been very busy taking pictures of your precious family and friends and what better way to publish those photos is with a little Disney pizazz.

Snapfish offers an array of Disney products that are great for last-minute (or late) holiday gifts or for memorializing your 2011 holiday celebrations. Disney product lines include Mickey & Friends, Princess, Cars, Toy Story and Winnie the Pooh–-perfect for all the little ones in your family! I create annual photo books for each of my boys and this year I'll be making a Winnie the Pooh book for Baby C who loves Tee-Tee (Tigger) and Pooh. You can create you own personalized Disney photobooks, calendars, posters or prints at the Snapfish Disney Store at http://www5.snapfish.com/snapfish/storepage/storePageId=store-disney.

Now through December 26, you can also get two free Photo Books when you Buy One with code YOURBOOKS. That is an amazing deal!

Snapfish has great products and exceptional customer service. Every year I make calendars for the entire family and Snapfish always does a fantastic job. I love the "magic layout" for placing pictures on the calendar pages and the selection of backgrounds.

We've created a special Mickey and Friends calendar for our house.

Stop by Snapfish today and start making Disney-themed photo memories today!

Snapfish provided me with a $50 gift certificate for this review.

Wrapping Up the Holiday Presence at the Disneyland Resort

2011-12-22T20:21:00.000-08:00

With Christmas only three days away, and gift wrapping coming to an end, now is a great time for a wrap-up (pun intended) of the holiday offerings at the Disneyland Resort! Although Christmas is almost here, all of the holiday features of the Resort are available until January 8th. This means that there is still time to visit (or revisit) the Merriest Place on Earth!

Along with all of the BEAUTIFUL holiday decorations (most noticeable in New Orleans Square, Main Street, USA, Toontown, Frontierland, and "a bug's land") and wonderful holiday food offerings, there are incredible holiday entertainment and attractions offerings.

Watch Lisa's interview with Disneyland's Senior Show Director, John Addis!

Make sure to check out the following: (show times scheduled to change):
At Disneyland Park:

A Christmas Fantasy Parade (2:30 & 5:30)
"Believe...In Holiday Magic" fireworks spectacular (8:45)
Sleeping Beauty's Winter Castle (Ask a Cast Member about when you can see the lightning of the Castle and Christmas tree)
Santa's Reindeer Roundup at Big Thunder Ranch (meet Santa and his Reindeer -- minus Rudolph, who has to stay home to prepare for Christmas Eve) See my pictures of the decor here.
"it's a small world" Holiday (Take a virtual ride with Lisa here.)
Haunted Mansion Holiday

At Disney California Adventure:

World of Color with Prep and Landing (8:00 &10:15 pm)
Santa's Seaside Pavilion
Phineas & Ferb's Rockin' Rollin' Dance Party: Holiday Edition. Here's a short video of what you can expect to see at the party!

Lastly, in true Christmas fashion, there are plenty of holiday merchandise and food offerings at the Disneyland Resort. Find out more about these by reading the following posts:

The Disneyland Resort is now experiencing what is historically two of the most crowded weeks of the year. With that in mind, don't forget to check out Lisa's post on which rides and shows are best when the lines are long.

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday: Have Yourselves a Tiki Little Christmas!

2011-12-21T06:59:00.000-08:00

From my family to yours,

we wish you a Christmas filled with

warmth, light, laughter and love.

Photo by Jennifer Lenzen Photography.

Tips for great holiday photo memories at the Disneyland Resort

2011-12-20T15:29:00.000-08:00

Everyone knows that the Disneyland Resort is a great place to take pictures and make holiday memories. If you are heading to the resort this week or next week to celebrate the holidays, here are some great locations and tips for capturing precious memories thanks to Jennifer Lenzen, an Orange County-based photographer.

Tarzan's Treehouse is a great place to take special pictures of young children. It can be hard to take pictures of squirmy toddlers, but the treehouse bridge is a perfect place to shoot them in action. With one parent at the entrance of the bridge and the other parent down at the end, it's easy to get a great shot. Don't forget to get down at the child's level for best results!

And while it's not dressed for the holidays, the Rivers of America make a perfect location for holiday pictures.

While taking pictures with my family at Disneyland, Jennifer recommended that my husband and I mix it up and not always take just family shots. She encouraged us to take pictures in different groupings.

Don't forget solo shots of the kids so that you can capture them in the moment. I love this picture of Aidan because it really captures his personality and his age with those front teeth making their way in.

Since the crowds have certainly descended upon Disneyland this week, I highly encourage you to stop by King Arthur's Carousel in Fantasyland for a picture or two. It typically has a much shorter line when compared to the other attractions in the park, and it is clearly a great place to get individual pictures of the kids.

These photos were taken by my dear friend (and fellow former Disneyland Tour Guide), Jennifer Lenzen. She is such a sweetheart and takes family photos throughout Southern California. If you are looking for a professional photographer who is patient, great with kids, and has a great eye for detail, Jenn's your gal! Click here to check out her website.

Leonard Maltin on Disney Films

2011-12-19T20:05:00.000-08:00

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Leonard Maltin, one of the country's best-known film critics and historians, to discuss Disney films for children past, present and future. Maltin is now in his thirtieth season with television's Entertainment Tonight. Long before he became a familiar face on television, his annual paperback Leonard Maltin's Movie Guide established his reputation as a film expert.

Leonard Maltin's movie guide is the ultimate reference for movie buffs. And while Maltin's guides have been in print since 1969, his comprehensive annual movie guide is more relevant than ever. With services like Netflix, Blockbuster Movie Pass, and other streaming, on-demand, and mail-order rental services, we have amazing access to movies from the past that were once difficult or even impossible to find and play in our homes. With Maltin's book in hand, it's easy to select great movies and expand your film viewings.

Leonard Maltin is a big Disney film fan--from Walt's early films to John Lasseter's films of today. We talked about the importance of exposing children to Disney films of the past--think True Life Adventure Films, Silly Symphonies, and everything with Haley Mills. While you may be concerned with showing your children with outdated themes, it's important to keep in mind that film is a wonderful way to explain how society's values, morals, expectations and even technologies have changed and evolved over time.

Think it might be tough to get your kids to watch an older film? Maltin recommends starting with a movie your kids know--say "Mary Poppins." The children in "Mary Poppins," Karen Dortrice and Matthew Garber, were also in a lesser-known Disney film, "The Gnome Mobile." It's easier to get kids to watch an older movie if they recognize the actors in the film. From there, your kids can see Karen Dortrice again as the little girl in one of my favorite from childhood (it was an oldie when I was young!), The Three Lives of Thomasina. Also consider showing the kids "The Shaggy Dog" (the original version). All kids love a shaggy dog. Much of the cast from that movie are also in the "Absent Minded Professor" and "The Son of Flubber." From there, the list of movie associations with the actors goes on and on. We recently added all of these films to our movie queue.

As we look toward the future of Disney movies, Maltin, with the rest of us, is excited about the future of film and what Disney will bring us next. He, like many of us, is hopeful that Disney will continue it's tradition of hand-drawn animation (despite the unfortunate performance of "Winnie the Pooh" at the box office), in addition to its computer animated films. And like many of us, he happily awaits the rerelease of animated classics on the big screen--the very best way to experience film.

If you are looking for an amazing gift for the film lover in your life, Leonard Maltin's Movie Guide is an absolute must. I recently gave a copy to a friend of mine and he was so excited to receive it! He immediately opened it up and began going through it. The New York Times best seller is available on Amazon and in bookstores everywhere. My own personal copy has gotten a lot of use as we look to expand our movie repertoire.

Making the most of bad weather while at the Disneyland Resort

2011-12-19T15:52:00.000-08:00

Cold, rainy weather is never on anyone’s vacation agenda. While planning a Southern California vacation, we all have visions of sunshine and short sleeves. While there’s no way to control the weather, it is easy to still have fun at the Disneyland Resort when it’s wet and chilly.

On rainy days, my family and I board the Disneyland Railroad at Disneyland Park and use it as transportation around the Magic Kingdom. The train stops at Main Street, U.S.A.; New Orleans Square; Toontown and Tomorrowland, which allows us to go from land to land without getting too terribly wet. When we disembark at the Tomorrowland station, we always make sure to visit Innoventions. While it isn’t a high-thrill roller coaster or character-driven show, Innoventions does provide a dry, warm place for families to let young children loose to run, play, explore and experience hands-on interactive exhibits, games and shows.

Here are some of my other Disneyland favorites for rainy or days. These shows and attractions will keep your family out of the elements for 20 minutes or longer!

· Enchanted Tiki Room in Adventureland

· The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln on Main Street

· Sleeping Beauty Castle walkthrough in Fantasyland

· Golden Horseshoe shows in Frontierland (check show schedule)

· Starcade (an arcade) in Tomorrowland

· Captain EO in Tomorrowland (3-D movie that may not be appropriate for all children)

· Main Street Cinema on Main Street

· Penny Arcade on Main Street

When it comes to providing families with a lot of rain-free activities close together, the Hollywood Backlot in Disney California Adventure Park offers guests a lot of fun and entertainment all within a very close proximity. Moreover, each of these activities will keep your family out of the elements for 15 minutes or longer! This area of the park features three great shows: Disney’s Aladdin-A Musical Spectacular and Disney Junior-Live on Stage! and Muppet Vision 3D, as well as the ride Monsters Inc.: Mike and Sully to the Rescue (if there's no line, you may be in and out quickly). Also in this land guests can spend time at another interactive venue that allows children to stretch their legs and explore: the Disney Animation Building which features Turtle Talk with Crush, Animation Academy, Character Close-up, and Sorcerer’s Workshop. All of the fun in the Animation Building can keep your family entertained for an hour or more!

If there are gray clouds the morning of your Disneyland Resort visit, do not fret, most attractions remain open when it rains. Some attractions with outdoor tracks, parades and outdoor shows may close, but there are still plenty of indoor attractions and activities to stay busy. If the rain takes your family by surprise, the Disneyland Resort sells umbrellas and ponchos at many of its stores in both parks. And speaking of stores, shopping is the perfect way to pass the time on a rainy day!

What are your favorite rainy day activities at the Disneyland Resort?

(This information was taken from my book, Babes In Disneyland: The ultimate Disneyland Resort guide for families with young children." You can buy it now at Amazon. It can also be purchased in hard copy or downloaded at Lulu.)

Inside the Disney Archives, Part 3 of 3: The rarely seen second floor + a special performance by Richard Sherman and a look at some Disney legends and luminaries

2011-12-19T12:44:00.000-08:00

There are those moment in life when you say to yourself, "This is pretty cool!" There are other moments in your life when you say to yourself, "Holy smokes! Is this really happening to me right now?". This is the continuing story of one such event.

In part 1 and part 2 of this series, I talked about viewing rare artifacts and artwork at the Disney Archives. Later in the day, the blogger at the event and I were treated to an extraordinary opportunity to watch a special photo session with Disney animation legends and luminaries for the next edition of "Disney twenty-three," the D23 quarterly publication. While we couldn't photograph the actual picture that will be in published, we (plus a few folks from D23 and the family members accompanying the photo subjects) were able to get into the shot afterward and came away with this amazing shot. I made a beeline so that I could be next to Kathryn Beaumont, the voice of Wendy Darling, and I wasn't going to move for anything--even when they told us to shift over a bit to let other people in!

The photo features:

Kathryn Beaumont, voice of Alice and of Wendy Darling
Alice Davis, Imagineer and costume designer
Lisa Davis, voice of Anita in "One Hundred and One Dalmatians"
Joe Hale, animation producer
Dickie Jones, voice of Pinocchio
Margaret Kerry, live-action model for Tinker Bell
Floyd Norman, animator and "story man"
Richard Sherman, composer and lyricist
Ruthie Thompson, supervisor of Scene Planning department (Ink & Paint)
Tyrus Wong, background artist

After the photo was finished, we were all brought up to the second floor of the Disney Archives for a reception and opportunity to mix and mingle with the Disney legends and luminaries. Getting to visit the rarely-seen second floor of the archives and spend an afternoon with the living greats of Disney history was indeed nothing I could have ever expected when I drove onto the studio lot that day.

The second floor of the archive is houses incredible treasures from throughout the company.

Awww...it's Cubby!

Holy Smokes! It's those famous block from "Mary Poppins."

You know this guy from Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland!

Alice Davis, Disney Imagineer and "it's a small world" costume designer
with one of her lovely creations.

Once inside for the reception, we were able to "rub elbows" with all of those Disney legends and luminaries.

The piano from Walt Disney's office.

And then there was this... Richard Sherman stepped up to that piano and put on a show.

Someone please pinch me! Richard Sherman has written the music I've been singing along to since I was a child. I was blown away to get to hear him sing and take a picture with him. Few people impact the world with their words and music like Richard and Robert Sherman have, and I am honored to have met Mr. Sherman.

Just hangin' out with Walt and Tinker Bell...you know...what I do every day! Margaret was the model and actress who helped Disney animators bring Tink to life.

I was honored to take a picture with Kathryn Beaumont, the voice of Wendy ("Peter Pan) and Alice ("Alice in Wonderland:). Again, it's one of those times when you get to meet someone who is part of your life without them knowing it. I have had to recreate her dialog from "Peter Pan" while playing with Brandon more times than I can count. Meeting her was such a thrill for me. Check out all of the cool stuff out behind us! Anyone recognize that bird?

Although this was a media event not open to D23 members, this just goes to show how D23 is able to bring its members truly amazing experience with access to the individuals who have made Disney what it is today. If you are looking to treat yourself or a fellow Disney fan to a D23 membership or would like to learn more about D23, click here for details.

Disney D23: The ultimate Disney fan club

2011-12-18T00:02:00.000-08:00

Looking for a great Christmas gift for the Disney fan on your shopping list? Consider buying a membership to D23. There's a lot of confusion in the Disney fan community about D23. Is it a club? Is it an expo? Here's everything you need to know about D23 and why it may very well be a good fit for your Disney desires.

What is D23?

Many people hear D23 and think of the D23 Expo held every other summer in Anaheim. Wrong! D23 is the official Disney Fan Club for the Walt Disney Company. The goal of D23 is to bring the history, legends and luminaries of the Disney Company by providing them access to merchandise, events and special stories. The D23 Expo is but one of the events available to members (nonmembers pay more to go to the expo).

How do I become a member of D23?

D23 has two membership levels.

One-year silver level memberships are $34.99 and include:

Membership Card and Certificate that are suitable-for-framing. The member certificate features Donald Duck hand drawn by Disney Legend-and the voice of Donald, Tony Anselmo.

A special membership gift, a D23 Mickey Mouse Watch: Features charming Bandleader Mickey art and the numbers 2 and 3 highlighted (of course!) plus a leather band.

The opportunity to attend numerous D23 Member events throughout the year .

Exclusive merchandise

Subscription to bi-weekly D23 FanFare e-newsletter with breaking news and special offers.

Special promotional offers and discounts throughout the year.

Gold level one-year memberships includes all of the benefits plus a subscription to the "Disney twenty-three" quarterly publication. The one-year subscription (four issues) to the collectible magazine is filled with stunning photography, dazzling illustrations and the ultimate Disney insider perspective. And each issue comes with a surprise collectible gift! It's an all-access pass to discovering the magic of Disney's past, present and future!

Memberships can be purchased for yourself or as a gift by clicking here.

Is it worth the extra money to get the gold membership?


Sip and Stroll is an annual event that takes place at Walt Disney World.

The added benefit of the "Disney twenty-three" publication is definitely worth the difference in membership costs. The publication sells for $15.95 per issue on Disneystore.com (for members only, of course). More than a magazine, the large publication features stunning photography, stories and insight. It often features never-before-seen art and artifacts from Disney history and brings fans the inside scoop into Disney history.

What type of special events do members have the opportunity to participate in?

D23 offers its members amazing opportunities to get up close and personal with Disney and its history with events that take place on both coasts and throughout the country. The events range from movie screenings to Disney Studio tours to theme park events and more. Most events do require members pay an additional fee and travel arrangements, but for Disney lovers, there's no way to put a price on the amazing experiences D23 is able to coordinate for its members.

New to D23 this year is an exciting opportunity for members to vacation in the very place Walt and his family adored, Smoke Tree Ranch in Palm Springs. Said to be Walt’s own “Laughing Place,” the resort was Walt's retreat from his busy work life and his influences can still be found throughout the ranch's buildings. Guests will be treated to entertainment with Disney celebrities and much more.

Learn more about the Smoke Tree Ranch and the mystery behind Walt's tie pin on the Partners Statue in this video:

In another trip scheduled for March, D23 members will have the opportunity to travel to Marceline and experience the town Walt Disney so adored as a youth in a way only Disney can bring history to life.

Want to see just how close D23 brings Disney fans to authentic, one-of-a-kind experiences? Check out part1, part 2 and part 3 (will be posted in the afternoon on Monday, December 19) of my Disney Archives experience hosted by D23! If you love Disney and Disney history, you won't want to miss my glimpse inside the magic!

Disney announces launch of new site, Create on Disney.com

2011-12-15T22:08:00.000-08:00

Today, Disney announced the launch of the new Create on Disney.com (Disney.com/Create), a sleek, feature-rich site to develop original works of art. Guests can share their creations with friends and family online and now via mobile devices, including iPad and smart phones. Create’s powerful creativity tools, called Apps, empower Guests to make digital paintings, comic books, animated pets and now videos. Since Create’s initial launch in August 2009, more than 10 million pieces of art have been created and saved on the site generating over 100 million views, making it one of the largest collections of art in the world!

I gave Create a try tonigh and made these pictures. It's really easy and a lot of fun for kids (and adults) to create cute piece of Disney art. If you are looking for a fun and FREE activity for the kids while they are on holiday break, Create is a lot of fun for kids as young as 3 or 4, yet allows older children to take their creations as far as their imaginations can stretch.

Catch Jake and the Never Land Pirate Band to appear in the "Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade" special

2011-12-15T06:40:00.000-08:00

As if the kids won't be excited enough on Christmas day, Disney has announced that the Never Land Pirate Band and Jake from Disney Junior's "Jake and the Never Land Pirates" will appear in the 28th Annual "Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade" TV special. The band will perform a special pirate-themed holiday tune during the telecast, which airs nationwide December 25 on ABC-TV.

Some of the other stars who are set to appear during the telecast, which was filmed at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort are Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Hudson, Cee Lo Green, OneRepublic, and Bella Thorne from Disney Channel's hit series "Shake It Up" and the McClain Sisters, featuring China Ann McClain, star of Disney Channel’s "A.N.T. Farm."

Big News About a Little Girl: "Sofia the First" Announced as Disney's First Little Girl Princess

2011-12-14T07:00:00.000-08:00

"Sofia the First"
Disney's first little girl princess

On Monday, December 12, Disney Junior executives announced that "Sofia the First" will soon debut as Disney Television Animation's new animated television movie (fall 2012) and series (spring 2013). As Disney's first little girl princess, "Sofia the First" will feature stories that will be relevant to preschool aged children and communicate positive messages and teach life lessons.

"Sofia the First" will tell of a little girl's new experiences with royalty. When her mom marries the king, normal young Sofia's world becomes filled with glamor, royalty, a castle, and two new step-siblings, Amber and James. Sofia begins classes at Royal Prep (the academy that she attends with other princes and princesses), where Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather (yes, I mean the lovable fairies in "Sleeping Beauty"!) help her adjust to life as a princess. The fairies will be joined by Cinderella and other Disney princesses who will also be featured in special appearances throughout the series!

During the announcement, Nancy Kanter (Senior Vice President of Original Programming and General Manager at Disney Junior Worldwide) said, "In Sofia, we have a 'peer to peer princess,' a relatable girl experiencing the same social issues as our young viewers – learning how to fit in, making new friends, conquering new skills and building sibling relationships." She continued, "Although Sofia will have plenty of pretty dresses and sparkly shoes, our stories will show Sofia, and our viewers, that what makes a real princess is what's inside, not what's outside. That the inner character of kindness, generosity, loyalty, honesty and grace make you special, not the dress you wear."

"Sofia the First" will feature a talented voice cast, including:

Ariel Winter (ABC's "Modern Family") as Sofia
Sara Ramirez (ABC's "Grey's Anatomy") as Queen Miranda
Wayne Brady ("Whose Line Is It Anyway?") as Clover, a wise-talking rabbit
Tim Gunn (ABC's "The Revolution," "Project Runway") as Baileywick, the family's Royal Steward

Look for a later announcement of the actors providing the voices of King Roland, Amber and James.

As for the creative geniuses behind the production of "Sofia the First," Craig Gerber ("Pixie Hollow Games"), who developed the series and wrote the movie, serves as Co-Executive Producer and Story Editor, while Jamie Mitchell ("Special Agent Oso") serves as both Executive Producer and Director on the series.

Hope you're all as excited to meet this little princess as I am! Sofia will be the perfect addition to the new Disney Junior Channel scheduled to launch in 2012.

This post was written as a personal opinion piece and without pay. Neither the text nor the pictures were provided as proprietary information. Information and the artwork were supplied by Disney Junior and used with permission.

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday: Yum! Holiday treats at the Disneyland Resort

2011-12-14T06:57:00.000-08:00

The Disneyland Resort has so many amazing sweet treats this holiday season it's impossible to select a favorite. Here's what you can find:

Beignets, Rice Crispie treats, gingerbread men, almond cookies, and chocolate mouse in the demitasse Mickey cups.

Brownie skewers

Bread pudding

Chocolate cupcakes

For more information on holiday treats at the Disneyland Resort, click here!

Inside the Disney Archives, Part 2 of 3: Disney art and artifacts never before shown to the public.

2011-12-13T07:02:00.000-08:00

Last Friday, D23, the official Disney fan club, hosted a handful of bloggers for a special look at the Disney Archives. D23 is committed to providing its members with access to the artifact, people, stories and adventures that embrace the Walt Disney Company's unique and deep history.

As I mentioned in part 1 of this series, the archives are filled with memorabilia on display. What guests to the archives may not realize that there are many, many precious artifacts that the public (and special guests) never see. Below are some such treasure.

Steamboat Willie

Steamboat Willie is the first cartoon to coordinate sound with its movements and Mickey Mouse's third on-screen appearance. Steamboat Willie changed animation forever and we were lucky enough to see two amazing artifacts from this movie.

Below is a cell from Steamboat Willie. One might think that there would likely be many cells left over after a cartoon is completed, but this is certainly not the case, as most cells were washed cleaned and reused.

We were also treated to the storyboards for Steamboat Willie, presumably typed and illustrated by Walt Disney, himself.

We were treated to concept art for scenes for the movie Dumbo that ended up being pulled from the film. The art is beautiful!

By far, my favorite artifacts were those from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, my absolute favorite Disney movie. I broke into tears when the sketches below were put in front of us. To see the beautiful beginnings of my favorite film and character right in front of me was a really powerful experience. I feel so incredibly blessed to share these images with you.

It's crazy; even as I post these pictures into this piece, I really still can't believe that I was this close to them.

And that's the great thing about D23. For Disney fans (and fanatics), D23 is able to bring together the very best of Disney history for its members. To learn more about joining D23, click here.

In part 3 of this series, I will be showcasing the rarely seen second floor of the Disney Archives and an exclusive performance by the amazing Richard Sherman!

Cars 2 for Wii and Steering Wheel by PDP Review

2011-12-13T05:55:00.000-08:00

Still looking for great holiday gifts for the kiddos and the young at heart? My sons recently tried out Cars 2 for Wii and special Cars 2 Finn McMissile Racing Wheel for Wii and Bonus Wii Remote Label steering wheel. Admittedly, we are not video game experts, so easy games are really important for us and uncomplicated accessories are important to us.

That being said, that's why we love both of these products.

The game, introduces players to the international training center called CHROME (Command Headquarters for Recon Operations and Motorized Espionage. While going through their special training, players learn step-by-step the skills they'll needed to play the game. With each new skill, the player has opportunities to practice before moving on to actual game play. My kids love becoming one of the more 20 different character options (including Lighting McQueen and Finn McMissle) and learning to drive backwards, drift, and two-wheel driving and more. In my opinion, the game is best for kids 5 and older, but may be appropriate for younger children depending upon their prior exposure to video games.

The Cars 2 Finn McMissile Racing Wheel for Wii and Bonus Wii Remote Label by PDP is a really fun accessory for Wii driving games. The Wii remote fits inside of the steering wheel, making it easier to "drive" than just using the remote alone. The Cars 2-themed wheel also comes with a removable and reusable sticker to make the entire experience a Cars extravaganza!

Check out this video my son and I made. Once he played the game he just had to make a video!

Cars 2 for Wii ($32.99) and the Finn McMissle Steering Wheel ($24.99) can be purchased at retailers across the country and online, including Amazon, Target, and more!

I received a complimentary game and steering wheel in order to do this review. Please see my disclosure statement for more information.

Merchandise Monday: Limited Edition Vinylmation Release!

2011-12-12T10:11:00.000-08:00

Looking for another excuse to visit Downtown Disney? Look no further -- new Vinylmation figures are coming to D-Street this week!

Classic Mickey meets modern design in these upcoming limited edition Vinylmation Urban Series 8 figures. These four 9" figures will be available at D-Street in Downtown Disney starting this Friday, December 16th for $44.95 each. Since these are limited edition items -- and because we all like to share with our fellow Disney-goers -- please remember that figures are limited to two per style, per Guest per day.


Limited Edition of 1000\| Artist: Adrianne Draude


Limited Edition of 800 Artist: Monty Maldovan


Limited Edition of 800 Artist: Maria Clapsis

Limited Edition of 800
Artist: Casey Jones

Annual Passholder Exclusive
Available at D-Street & Off the Page

Annual Passholders, hang on to your hats and trumpets! D-Street will also be hosting the release of the Annual Passholder exclusive Disney California Adventure park Silly Symphony 3" Vinylmation figure on December 23rd. This is only available to Annual Passholders, so make sure to have your Annual Pass (and valid photo ID if your picture isn't printed on the pass) with you when you make your purchase. Off the Page in Hollywood Backlot at Disney California Adventure park will also be hosting the release of the musical Mouse figure.

Have a Vinylmation lover amongst your family or friends? These make great stocking stuffers!

Happy shopping!

This post was written as a personal opinion piece and without pay. Neither the text nor the pictures were provided as proprietary information and does not represent the views or opinions of The Walt Disney Company. All pictures were taken by me with a personal camera, during my own time at the Disneyland Resort as a Guest.

December Giveaway Winners!

2011-12-10T19:24:00.000-08:00

Congrats to the winners of all of my recent giveaways!

The ABC Prize Pack goes to:

The Prep & Landing DVD goes to:

The tag*a*long goes to:

Inside the Disney Archives, Part 1 of 3

2011-12-08T13:34:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I have to pinch myself. When I started Babes In Disneyland, I really didn't have any expectations for what it would do and certainly could have never, ever imagined the experiences I have had. Last week, I had the opportunity to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the Disney Studios thanks to Disney D23.

Joined by some of my favorite bloggers (Mr. Daps, Suz Broughton, Marcy Massura, Shelby Barone, The Disney Sister, and more), we began our day inside the Disney Archives. Many Disney fans consider the Disney Archives to be sacred ground--the place we all dream about visiting. Ok, maybe not all fans...but this one does. This post will highlight the amazing artifacts we saw in the ground floor section of the archives--the section most frequently seen by studio guests granted access to peer into Disney's history.

Let's start with the display cases. As you can see in the photo above, the room has numerous cases with artifact from movies, awards, and merchandise from the past.

Here's what's in the old merchandise cases:

Low let's move on to the non-merchandise stuff. I know this is the stuff you really want to see--the artifacts from movies and Walt's life. (Feel free to click on them and open them even bigger on your computer.

Walt's personal artifacts, include the original of that famous baby picture that hangs in the Disneyland Baby Care Center.

Walt Disney was fascinated with steam trains and had his own small railroad that went through his backyard.

Variety of movie props from "Mary Poppins," "The Black Hole," "Bed Knobs and Broomsticks," and more.

Walt's personal cameras.

The Disney Archives houses many of Walt Disney's (and the Disney Company's) awards from throughout the years. Some of these awards are on display in the ground floor main office (as shown below) and others are on display on the second floor--an area of the archives rarely seen by visitors but will be shown in part 3 of this sereies).

Walt Disney's special Oscar for developing the multi-plane camera (below).

Variety of awards won by Disney--including an Oscar, Emmy, and Golden Globe

Yep! One of the Oscars Disney received for it's True Life Adventure films.

And speaking of the multi-plane camera, here it is!

And this is an example of the different plates that went into the multi-plane camera.

This scene is from "Pinocchio"

There was plenty of other memorabilia, like this piece from "The Chronicles of Narnia."

Of course the piece to the right may or may not have been one of my favorite things in the Disney Archives. It was humbling to realize my place in Disney history!

In Part 2 of this three part series, I'll be showing you exclusive pieces that have never been shown to the public--including concept art from "Snow White" and Steamboat Willie!

In part 3 of this series, I will be showing the second floor of the archives and amazing pictures with Disney animations legends and luminaries, including video of a private performance by Richard Sherman!

A special THANKS to Disney D23 for this exceptional experience. You can learn more how Disney D23 brings fans up close to the magic and history of Disney by clicking here!

Three Great Giveaways Ending Tomorrow, December 12/9.

2011-12-08T09:41:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow, December 9, three great giveaways are ending here at Babes In Disneyland. There are great odds of winning each one, so stop by and enter today!

Prep and Landing 2: Naughty vs. Nice photo hunt giveaway!

ABC Televsion is offering one luck reader a special prize pack. Click here to enter.

Prep and Landing DVD giveaway

There's several easy ways to enter this giveaway! Click here to enter.

tag*a*long giveaway

Lot's of ways to enter for this fantastic must-have for parents with more than one child! It is a sanity saver for crowded days at the Disneyland Resort. Click here to enter.

Looking for a great place to take a holiday picture at Disneyland? (Photo tip)

2011-12-07T13:15:00.000-08:00

Looking for a great place to take your Christmas card photo this year? Look no further than the courtyard off Royal Street in Disneyland's New Orleans Square. This is a beautiful, out-of-the-way location complete with decorations and great lighting.

This lovely photo of my family was taken by Jennifer Lenzen of Jennifer Lenzen Photography. Jenn and I were tour guides together at Disneyland and I adore all of her work. She was great with my three boys, too. The baby was overdue for a nap and my middle son hates being photographed. She was patient and knew every trick in the book to keep my boys photo friendly throughout the shoot! Learn more about Jennifer's photography services throughout Southern California by clicking here.

I look forward to sharing more great locations for holiday pictures soon!

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday: Merriest Merchandise on Earth!

2011-12-07T11:29:00.001-08:00

I love holiday merchandise at the Disneyland Resort, so I've made a Disney inspired Christmas list this year! Here are a few of the items on my list. Add them to your wish list -- or pick something up for a loved one!
(Read more about the holiday merchandise included in my list to Santa here.)

Holiday pajamas for the whole family!
Photo taken at Pioneer Mercantile.

Here's the newest holiday line -- throwback red and white pie eyed
Mickey & Minnie! Photo taken at Pioneer Mercantile.

New this year!
Photo taken at Pioneer Mercantile.

New this year -- ear hat ornaments!
Photo taken at Pioneer Mercantile.

Beautiful bulbs!
Photo taken in New Orleans Square.

The classics are back!
Photo taken at Pioneer Mercantile.

Photo taken in New Orleans Square.

Jumbo stocking! Lots of room for stocking stuffers.
Photo taken at China Closet on Main Street, USA.

Miniature holiday Disney town!
Photo taken at China Closet.

Photo taken at China Closet.

There's a matching mug available, too!
Photo taken in New Orleans Square.

Gingerbread Mickey ear hats -- new this year!
Photo taken at Showcase on Main Street, USA.

Holiday Dumbo -- so cute! And new this year.
Photo taken at Showcase on Main Street, USA.


Celebrating a first Christmas? This Mickey plush is perfect! Photo taken at Showcase on Main Street, USA.

What Disneyland Resort merchandise is on YOUR wish list this year? Leave a comment and let us know!

This post was written as a personal opinion piece and without pay. Neither the text nor the pictures were provided as proprietary information and does not represent the views or opinions of The Walt Disney Company. All pictures were taken by me with a personal camera, during my own time at the Disneyland Resort as a Guest.

Take a trip with me on "it's a small world" Holiday

2011-12-07T09:54:00.000-08:00

Grab a cup of hot chocolate and sit back, relax and take a trip with me on the merriest cruise that has ever sailed. Last week, Disneyland Ambassador, Jolie Hales, and I shot this video aboard "it's a small world" Holiday. Learn some of the little-know bits of trivia on the attraction and see and hear the sights and sounds of this special holiday attraction.

Holiday Entertainment at the Disneyland Resort + video with John Addis, Disneyland's senior show director

2011-12-07T00:18:00.000-08:00

Thinking about a trip to the resort this season or planning one for the future? Learn why holiday time is THE time of year for amazing entertainment at the Disneyland Resort. Disney fans will love learning some really fun facts about an great alternative for viewing fireworks, edible gingerbread snow, and more!

Phineas and Ferb's Rockin' Rollin' Dance Party: Holiday Edition with exclusive video!

2011-12-06T07:01:00.000-08:00

Disney Channel's Phineas and Ferb are nothing short of a phenomenon; those brainiacs are on TV, in computer games, at Disney Parks and more. With the success of their daily interactive Rockin' Rollin' Dance Party at Disney California Adventure Park, the Resort has added a holiday edition that shows everyday through January 8, 2012. The performance includes holiday décor and songs and is lots of fun for kids of all ages--from toddlers on up. Phineas and Ferb's Rockin' Rollin' Dance Party is performed several times a day in Paradise Pier.

I recently got to learn Phineas and Ferb's moves from DJ Eggnog, one of the dance party's awesome hosts and dance instructors!

Merchandise Monday: Deck Your Halls with the Merriest Merchandise on Earth!

2011-12-05T16:55:00.000-08:00

Since my first visit to Disneyland many years ago, I have always been most excited to pick out one (or two or three or four…) of my favorite souvenirs to take home – and then add the rest to my Christmas list! This year, my Christmas list will be FULL of the holiday merchandise offerings at the Disneyland Resort.

Santa, if you’re reading this, here is what I’d like:

1. A Disney stocking (and feel free to take it to Showcase on Main Street to have my name embroidered on it -- it's only $7 per line!)

Throwback stockings featuring either pie eyed Mickey or Minnie in red, black, and white are part of a new line this year!

Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Donald, Goofy, and Winnie the Pooh character stockings are back this year! Since it wouldn't be nice to write on their hands or faces, embroidery isn't available for these guys.

I love the classic Victorian stockings! Such a great returning style -- there's even a matching tree skirt available for purchase.

There's a plaid one that is huge! Plenty of room for sweet Disney treats!

2. Ornaments! Although I have quite a few already because of my family’s annual “pick--out-one-ornament-for-the-family-Christmas-tree” tradition, there are several new ornaments this year (and some returning classics) that are beautiful. Maybe this year I’ll have enough for a Disney themed tree!

Black, white, and red throwback pie eyed Mickey and Minnie ornaments are making their debut this year in figurine, bulb, and other forms.
Ear hat ornaments (available in several styles) are also new this year -- because even Christmas trees need ears.
Bulbs, bulbs, bulbs! The classic Mickey bulbs are back again this year in several colors and styles.
Everyone's favorite Disney and Pixar characters are available in ornament form, decked out in their holiday best.

3. Jim Shore figurines. Any of these holiday Disney Traditions resin figurines will look great on my mantle, but I especially love the one of Eeyore opening a present! They're extremely affordable, too!

4. My own miniature Disney Town. China Closet on Main Street is selling a miniature town (and its Disney character citizens!) featuring Donald's Toy Shop, Mickey's Tree House, Minnie's Bake Shop, and the North Pole Rally with Lightning McQueen and Mater.

5. Disney holiday time pajamas -- for my whole family! This year, there's something for everyone. Along with the usual two piece red and green flannel set, there's also a long red and green plaid nightgown, slippers, two piece plaid sets for toddlers and infants, and a new two piece red and white set for adults and kids.

And Santa, don't forget my friends!

My friends who are Phineas and Ferb fans will love the new t-shirt featuring Perry wrapped in Christmas lights.
My Jewish friends will gladly take a blue "Happy Hanukkah!" Mickey plate or mug.

Want to see what more of this merry merchandise looks like? Stay tuned for this week's Worldless Wednesday for a peek!

Happy Shopping!

This post was written as a personal opinion piece and without pay. Neither the text nor the pictures were provided as proprietary information and does not represent the views or opinions of The Walt Disney Company. All pictures were taken by me with a personal camera, during my own time at the Disneyland Resort as a Guest.