Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Disneyland

Kick off the holiday season by watching the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Disneyland Resort. If you can't be at the park, you might as well grab a hot cocoa, gather round the laptop and enjoy the magic.

https://youtu.be/4YYUXsDrc-I

Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls! 

In keeping with our time honored tradition, we invite you to turn your attention to Town Square for the lighting of our beautiful Christmas Tree. 

Here in the magical place where dreams come true, we hope you'll share the spirit of the season by helping us light our yuletide tree. 

So on the count of three, everyone please join together in saying Happy Holidays! 

Ready one, two, three HAPPY HOLIDAYS! 

And a very pleasant evening to one and all from the merriest place on earth.

Disneyland reopening postponed amid COVID-19 safety concerns

Disneyland's reopening has been postponed the Walt Disney Company just announced on the Disney Parks News Twitter page. They have canceled the reopening dates for both Disney Parks and the Disneyland Resort Hotels indefinitely. They have yet to give an alternate date. Downtown Disney will still reopen on July 9th as previously stated. We think that because DTD is a shopping and restaurant district they have different safety rules and regulations, thus allowing the reopening to move forward in this area of the Disneyland Resort.

"The State of California has now indicated that it will not issue theme park reopening guidelines until sometime after July 4. Given the time required for us to bring thousands of cast members back to work and restart our business, we have no choice but to delay the reopening of our theme parks and resort hotels until we receive approval from government officials," Disneyland said in a statement.

LA Times reported, "A dozen unions that represent about 17,000 Disneyland employees sent a letter to Gov. Gavin Newsom last week, saying that because of the coronavirus, opening the park would be unsafe. Disney’s Wednesday announcement alluded to the union apprehensions and said the company has reached accords that cover more than 11,000 of its workers."

The original rollout plan dates below, currently only the Downtown Disney date remains intact:

JULY 9, 2020

Downtown Disney

JULY 17, 2020

Disneyland Park 

Disney California Adventure Park

JULY 23, 2020

Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Spa

Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel

As much as we wanted to go back, (because let’s face it we could all use some Disney magic in our lives right now) we were scared. We are still scared. We are happy to support the cast members who don’t have a choice in the matter of when they go back to work. We tend to be on the side of overly cautious especially since the coronavirus cases are climbing so much in SoCal the past few days! The numbers don’t lie and we think the that they made a very difficult, but necessary decision. We want to get back to "normal" for sure, but we just want all the people to be safe and healthy.

How are you feeling about the decision? Were you planning on going opening week or laying low to see what happens? Are you going to visit Downtown Disney when it opens? We'd love to hear your opinion on this matter. We realize that this topic has been very controversial, so please keep the conversation respectful to all sides.

Queen of Hearts Party: Celebrating Our #DisneySide

Showing our #DisneySide with a Queen of Hearts Party for Valentine's Day!

It was a Day fit for a Queen. The Queen of Hearts that is. Ever since we found out that we'd be hosting another Disney Side at Home Celebration, our minds started wandering with with ideas inspired by our #DisneySide. Our suggested theme was Disney Villains for the tween/teen age group. We knew it would be close to Valentine's Day, so we decided to have a Queen of Hearts Party. One thing was for sure, no one would be late for this very important date! (We're looking at you White Rabbit!)

Part of the magic in planning a Disney Side Party is in the details. We had great fun shopping for our at Home Celebration. It felt like we were on a scavenger hunt for items that remind us of the classic Disney movie, "Alice in Wonderland." (Jessica's all-time favorite BTW.) Our theme colors were red, black, and white. We found props around our houses and at local furniture/craft stores like a clock tower, a white rabbit, a tea set, playing cards, roses, black and white checkered table cloth, and sparkly red hearts galore! Since the stores were filled with Valentine's decor, we were able to stock up on everything red, sparkly, and hearts which made it that much easier! 

From the moment we started decorating, we felt the magical transformation of our space and our spirits immediately. We chose to have the Disney Side at Home Celebration in our So Cal backyard and create a 'Garden Party' which proved to be a fitting location for a Mad Tea Party. The lighting was awesome which really made for incredible photos and videos, we always try to use as much natural light as possible!

When it was time to eat, we thought it would be fun to bring out the kid's cooking Disney Side, so we gathered a few clever little ideas from Pinterest. Gosh, what did we all do before Pinterest? Instead of preparing the food ourselves, we got all of the ingredients ready and had the kids make the food. They enjoyed playing little chefs and then eating their own creations. It made for a great party activity for the guests that you may want to try at your next party.

Magical Photo Shoot

The kids were excited to Disney Bound as their favorite characters from the story The Queen of Hearts, the Mad Hatter, and the White Rabbit. We revamped the typical photo booth idea and turned it into something a little different. It doesn't hurt when we have our very own photographer Tracey Clark shooting the kids! This party unexpectedly morphed into a magical photo session, with gorgeous pictures that we will each have of our kids to treasure FOREVER! (Much like our beloved Disney Parks memories!) Check out why she loves showing her Disney Side and more incredible pictures from our party!

Making Sweet and Savory Kabobs

Instead of using the typical wooden skewers, we changed it up a bit. We stuffed golden pipe cleaners into cocktail straws, and bent a heart on the top of each for added whimsy. We used cherry tomatoes, black olives, and mozzarella cheese for for the savory version. For the sweet version we chose strawberries, cut angel food cake pieces, & Hershey's kisses. For the record it tasted as good as it looked. YUM!

Decorating Cupcakes

We baked cupcakes and then just set out different frostings and sprinkles like little candy hearts and red sugar. Have you ever noticed that everyone is always more than happy to decorate their own dessert? Even as adults it is fun to make your own sweet treat exactly the way you like it.

Painting the Roses Red

This was a unique and creative way to bring out the kid's artistic Disney Side. "Not pink, not green, not aqua marine, we're painting the roses red." A favorite song from "Alice in Wonderland" the animated Disney movie. We took the cue from the tune to create this party craft. They each got to take home a small vase with their roses that they painted themselves as a memento of the day.

Mad Tea Party

We ended our soiree with a multi-generational tea party. Our mom's favorite thing in the whole world (besides her kids, grandkids, and Disney) is having tea party. So tying in perfectly to the Alice in Wonderland/Queen of Hearts theme is the Mad Tea Party. Though not completely mad, it was quite a curious affair! Finishing it off with the grandkids breaking out into song, first of Happy Birthday, for their Grandma, whose Birthday falls on Feb 11th, right before Valentine's Day. The last song they sung was "Very Merry Unbirthday" in true Disney fashion, which sealed the deal that it was one Magical Mad Tea Party! Now pass the cream and sugar please!

There really are no rules when it comes to throwing a Disney Side party. That's the beauty of it. We've seen so many different types of Disney Side parties, from a Disney Movie Party to a Galentine's Day Party. We let our imaginations soar and encourage you to do the same. You can invite as many or few people as you'd like. You can go all out, or keeping it simple. The main thing is sharing a love for Disney and the magic that comes along with it.

If you'd like to have a Disney Side Party of your own (and who wouldn't) here are a few handy tips:

How To Throw a Disney Side Party in 6 Magical Steps

DIY Disney Side Photobooth

Get Creative with DIY Disney Side Crafts
Disney-Side Tea Party

For even more inspiration from other people who have hosted their own celebrations, check out our Disney Side Party Link Up.

For more ideas and inspiration visit www.DisneySideCelebrations.com

 

Disclosure: We were sent a Disney at Home Celebrations Kit in order to help throw a #DisneySide Party. (Special thanks to Disney Parks and BSM Media.) We did not receive any other compensation. The views expressed in this post are 100% Magical and 100% that of the Disney Sisters Only.

Santa Claus Is Coming Disneyland

You Better Watch Out...

You Better Not Cry...

You Better Not Pout...

I'm Telling You Why...

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town...

Holidays at the Disneyland Resort 
begins November 9!

The 'Halloween Tree' shines at Disneyland during Halloweentime

The Halloween Tree is one of our favorite things to see while we are at Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort.

It's crazy to think that no matter how many times we visit Disneyland Resort we are constantly learning new facts and insider tips that we never knew before. I guess it's all part of the magic of Disney, that keeps things new and exciting, and believing in all the wonderful things that one's imagination can dream.

We have admired this beautiful orange glowing tree in the heart of Frontierland, across from The Shooting Gallery for years. Not knowing it had a name. Not knowing it had a story. But then everything inside of Disneyland has a story, a history.

The Story Behind 'The Halloween Tree' at Disneyland

To see it during the day it is beautiful. You can get a close-up of the details. There are so many painted pumpkins all with unique faces. It is has it's own personality and it's own spirit - but it fits right in perfectly in Frontierland at Disneyland Park.

But don't only look at it during the daytime. Oh no! You must also pay it a visit at night where it takes on a new persona. As the sun goes down, The Halloween Tree lights up the night with a gorgeous glow that will set your Halloween spirit on fire! It is adorned with hundreds of lights in yellow, orange and red. It will really take your breath away with the colors that represent fall in the most magical way.

If you have never heard the story behind the Halloween Tree, let us share what we've learned from the Disney Parks Blog:

Bradbury, a lifetime Disney fan and the author of classic American novels such as “Fahrenheit 451,” met Walt Disney in 1964. In the years that followed, Bradbury helped develop many attractions at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts, most notably Spaceship Earth at Epcot. He also penned the screenplays for two Disney films, “Something Wicked This Way Comes” (1983) and “The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit” (1999).

Bradbury’s novel “The Halloween Tree” tells the story of a group of trick-or-treaters who learn about the origins of Halloween while on an adventure to find their missing friend. Bradbury dreamed of having a Halloween Tree at Disneyland, and on the 35th anniversary of the novel, his dream was brought to life. “I belong here in Disneyland, ever since I came here 50 years ago. I’m glad I’m going to be a permanent part of the spirit of Halloween at Disneyland,” the author said at the tree’s dedication. Bradbury would visit the tree before he passed away in 2012.

There is a plaque at the base of the tree commemorating the night it was dedicated and it says:

“On the night of Halloween 2007, this stately oak officially became ‘The Halloween Tree,’ realizing famed author Ray Bradbury’s dream of having his symbol for the holiday become a part of Disneyland.”

We are happy that this iconic Oak is a nod to literature, and a nod to Ray Bradbury. It is whimsical and filled with the Halloween spirit. We make it a point to see it and take pictures of it every year at Halloween Time. Just another family tradition for us at the Disney Parks.

Have you ever seen the Halloween Tree? 

Did you know the story behind this Halloween Time icon?

Mickey's Halloween Party Tickets and Dates

Mickey's Halloween Party at Disneyland Resort is here again boys and ghouls. 

We've got all of the dates, times, prices and where to buy your tickets for the most spooktacular Halloween party of the year! You're welcome (sang in our best Maui voice.) 

It's time for one of our favorites activities at Disneyland Resort... Trick or Treating! During the magical nights of Mickey's Halloween Party families and friends alike can come to experience a Halloweentime celebration like no other. This is not a trick, but a treat that's so special you'll be talking about it all year long. We sure do!

Ticket price cost varies from $85 to $120 per person, depending on what date you choose, if you buy online ahead of time and if you are an Annual Passholder or not. The closer it gets to Halloween, the more expensive gets. If it's on a Friday night, the price goes up. No big surprises, just something to think about when picking your day. But, the most important thing to know is that this event sells out each year, so if you're planning on attending, buy your tickets NOW!

Here are the 2017 dates for Mickey's Halloween Party:

• Wednesday, September 20 – 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• Friday, September 22 – 7 p.m. to 12 a.m.
• Monday, September 25 – 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• Wednesday, September 27 – 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• Friday, September 29 – 7 p.m. to 12 a.m.
• Tuesday, October 3 – 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• Friday, October 6 – 7 p.m. to 12 a.m.
• Tuesday, October 10 – 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• Friday, October 13 – 7 p.m. to 12 a.m.
• Tuesday, October 17 – 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• Friday, October 20 – 7 p.m. to 12 a.m.
• Tuesday, October 24 – 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• Friday, October 27 – 7 p.m. to 12 a.m.
• Tuesday, October 31 – 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Buy your tickets here: 

https://disneyland.disney.go.com/events-tours/mickeys-halloween-party/

You can also purchase Mickey’s Halloween Party Tickets on mobile devices at http://Disneyland.com/party, as well as at the Disneyland Resort main gate or by phone at 714-781-4400.

Start planning your Halloween costumes for the main event and stay tuned for our next post on all of the tips and tricks to know before you go to Mickey's Halloween Party!