News and Reviews from the Disneyland Resort!

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Happy Disney New Year!

Wow! It's New Year's Eve already, and 2014 is just about to begin! How much Disney fun are you going to have next year?

The video below is one of our favorite Disneyland videos, made by the fine folks at Disney Parks.

It was created using a special technique called "tilt-shift," which makes real-life scenes look like miniatures. Enjoy!

Wishing you a happy and magical Disney new year!

Monday, December 30, 2013

Hilary Duff Goes to Disneyland!

Popular Disney actress and recording star Hilary Duff went to Disneyland on Friday (12/27) with her son Luca and husband Mike Comrie.

She posted pictures to Instagram and wrote: "We braved Disneyland yesterday! Luca’s 1st time…"


via Instagram http://instagram.com/p/iebXDEtTfy/

We love seeing our favorite Disney stars at the parks, but that Friday had to be one of the busiest days of the year. Crowds were huge! Hopefully, they had a great time and were able to enjoy some rides!

Sunday, December 29, 2013

"Let It Go" from "Frozen" by Demi Lovato

One of the biggest holiday treats from Disney this season was the movie "Frozen," which was inspired by the Hans Christian Andersen story "The Snow Queen." The idea for making a movie from Andersen's wonderful story has been circulating since Walt Disney and famous film producer Sam Goldwyn first discussed it back in 1943 (70 years ago!), and now we finally have a Disney version!

"Frozen" has been widely acclaimed and praised by critics, and has been nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Animated Feature Film.

"Frozen" tells the story of two sister princesses, Elsa (voiced by Idina Menzel) and Anna (voiced by Kristen Bell). Elsa has magical powers to create ice and snow, and the movie is about all the problems that these powers create and how the sisters finally overcome the problems and save the kingdom.

While Idina Menzel sings the hit song "Let It Go" in the movie, veteran Disney superstar Demi Lovato released her own version in connection with the film. Here is Demi's music video:

Have you seen "Frozen" yet, or are you planning to see it soon? Tell us about it in the comments!

Saturday, December 28, 2013

Neil Patrick Harris Getting Ready For The Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade

We're still celebrating the holidays over here for a few more days.

This video is a look back at preparations for the Christmas Day Parade, which featured Neil Patrick Harris.

It's a fun video that shows a lot of dance rehearsal with a few shots from the parade as well. We hope you enjoy it!

Did you watch the parade? Tell us in the comments section below about what you liked best!

Friday, December 27, 2013

A Look Back at 'Limited Time Magic' at Disney Parks in 2013

In 2013, the parks put on a series of "Limited Time Magic" events. Disney Parks released a video today looking back at some of these very special events. Take a look!

Did you go to any of these special events? Tell us about it in the comments!

Disneyland and California Adventure Schedules December 30, 2013 - January 5, 2014

Monday, December 30, 2013
Disneyland: 8:00 am to 12:00 pm
California Adventure: 8:00 am to 11:00 pm (Extra Magic Hour 7:00 am to 8:00 am)
Annual Passes: Deluxe, SoCal and SoCal Select blocked; all others valid
Closed for Refurbishments: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Blue Sky Cellar
A Christmas Fantasy Parade (Disneyland): 2:00 pm, 5:30 pm
Pixar Play Parade (California Adventure): 2:30 pm, 5:15 pm
World of Color (California Adventure): 8:45 pm, 10:00 pm
Fantasmic! (Disneyland): 9:00 pm, 10:30 pm, 11:30 pm
“Believe . . . In Holiday Magic” Fireworks Spectacular (Disneyland): 9:30 pm

Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Disneyland: 8:00 am to 2:00 am (Extra Magic Hour and Magic Morning 7:00 am to 8:00 am)
California Adventure: 8:00 am to 1:00 am
Annual Passes: Deluxe, SoCal and SoCal Select blocked; all others valid
Closed for Refurbishments: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Blue Sky Cellar
A Christmas Fantasy Parade (Disneyland): 2:00 pm, 5:30 pm
Pixar Play Parade (California Adventure): 2:30 pm, 5:15 pm
World of Color (California Adventure): 8:45 pm, 10:00 pm, 11:59 pm
Fantasmic! (Disneyland): 9:00 pm, 10:30 pm, 11:59 pm
“Believe . . . In Holiday Magic” Fireworks Spectacular (Disneyland): 8:30 pm
New Year's Eve “Fantasy in the Sky” Fireworks Spectacular (Disneyland): 11:59 pm

Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Disneyland: 8:00 am to 12:00 pm
California Adventure: 8:00 am to 11:00 pm
Annual Passes: SoCal and SoCal Select blocked; all others valid
Closed for Refurbishments: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Blue Sky Cellar
A Christmas Fantasy Parade (Disneyland): 2:00 pm, 5:30 pm
Pixar Play Parade (California Adventure): 4:30 pm
World of Color (California Adventure): 8:45 pm, 10:00 pm
Fantasmic! (Disneyland): 9:00 pm, 10:30 pm
“Believe . . . In Holiday Magic” Fireworks Spectacular (Disneyland): 9:30 pm

Thursday, January 2, 2014
Disneyland: 8:00 am to 12:00 pm (Extra Magic Hour and Magic Morning 7:00 am to 8:00 am)
California Adventure: 8:00 am to 11:00 pm
Annual Passes: SoCal and SoCal Select blocked; all others valid
Closed for Refurbishments: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Blue Sky Cellar
A Christmas Fantasy Parade (Disneyland): 2:00 pm, 5:30 pm
Pixar Play Parade (California Adventure): 4:30 pm
World of Color (California Adventure): 8:45 pm, 10:00 pm
Fantasmic! (Disneyland): 9:00 pm, 10:30 pm
“Believe . . . In Holiday Magic” Fireworks Spectacular (Disneyland): 9:30 pm

Friday, January 3, 2014
Disneyland: 8:00 am to 12:00 pm
California Adventure: 8:00 am to 11:00 pm (Extra Magic Hour 7:00 am to 8:00 am)
Annual Passes: SoCal and SoCal Select blocked; all others valid
Closed for Refurbishments: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Blue Sky Cellar
A Christmas Fantasy Parade (Disneyland): 2:30 pm, 5:30 pm
Pixar Play Parade (California Adventure): 4:30 pm
World of Color (California Adventure): 8:45 pm, 10:00 pm
Fantasmic! (Disneyland): 9:00 pm, 10:30 pm
“Believe . . . In Holiday Magic” Fireworks Spectacular (Disneyland): 9:30 pm

Saturday, January 4, 2014
Disneyland: 8:00 am to 12:00 pm (Extra Magic Hour and Magic Morning 7:00 am to 8:00 am)
California Adventure: 8:00 am to 11:00 pm
Annual Passes: SoCal and SoCal Select blocked; all others valid
Closed for Refurbishments: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Blue Sky Cellar
A Christmas Fantasy Parade (Disneyland): 2:30 pm, 5:30 pm
Pixar Play Parade (California Adventure): 4:30 pm
World of Color (California Adventure): 8:45 pm, 10:00 pm
Fantasmic! (Disneyland): 9:00 pm, 10:30 pm
“Believe . . . In Holiday Magic” Fireworks Spectacular (Disneyland): 9:30 pm

Sunday, January 5, 2014
Disneyland: 8:00 am to 12:00 pm
California Adventure: 8:00 am to 11:00 pm (Extra Magic Hour 7:00 am to 8:00 am)
Annual Passes: SoCal Select blocked; all others valid
Closed for Refurbishments: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Blue Sky Cellar
A Christmas Fantasy Parade (Disneyland): 2:30 pm, 5:30 pm
Pixar Play Parade (California Adventure): 4:30 pm
World of Color (California Adventure): 8:45 pm, 10:00 pm
Fantasmic! (Disneyland): 9:00 pm, 10:30 pm
“Believe . . . In Holiday Magic” Fireworks Spectacular (Disneyland): 9:30 pm

For additional calendar information, please visit https://disneyland.disney.go.com/calendar/

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Olaf's Frozen Ice Rink in Downtown Disney

Did you know that there is an ice skating rink in Downtown Disney?

Well, at least for the short holiday season, there is! And it's a lot of fun for folks in SoCal who don't often get the chance to skate!

This one is based on the Olaf character from the movie "Frozen." Last year they had a similar rink based on the movie "The Secret of the Wings," starring Tinkerbell and her sister Periwinkle.

Check it out!

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Yule Log from Disney

Enjoy a virtual Yule Log burning in the fireplace from Disney! In high definition! Accompanied by beautiful Christmas music!

And watch for a special character surprise near the end!

Don't forget to watch the Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade on ABC, starting at 9:00 a.m.!

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Holiday Decorations at the Disneyland Resort

Pictures and videos we have taken around the resort, set to the tune "O Come All Ye Faithful."

We hope you enjoy it! Please let us know what you think in the comments!

Monday, December 23, 2013

Making of the "it's a small world" Holiday Clock Show at Disneyland

Have you seen the Holiday Clock Show on the front of "it's a small world" at Disneyland? It's really wonderful! In this video, co-designer and animator Lisa Bradley explains some of the details of the making of the show. Be sure to see it before the holidays are over!

Sunday, December 22, 2013

Saving Mr. Banks movie trailer

We went to see "Saving Mr. Banks" at the Downtown Disney AMC theater today. It tells the story of how Walt Disney, after 20 years of trying, finally secures the rights to make the film from the book "Mary Poppins" from its writer, Mrs. P.L. Travers.

The movie is brilliantly made, and perfectly captures the looks and feels of the times and places. The characters are well played and feel genuine and authentic. There is no nudity, profanity, or violence, and the movie is safe for all ages.

We absolutely loved it and can't wait to see it again! An instant classic!

Here's a long version trailer.

Have you seen the movie yet? What do you think about it?

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Billy Hill & the Hillbillies

After decades of entertaining Disneyland visitors, Billy Hill & the Hillbillies will be moving on come January 6, 2014. I have always enjoyed their music very much.

The Disneyland Fan Club will be going to see them one last time on the afternoon of Sunday, January 5. Here they are, performing their "Jingle Jangle Jamboree" show.

Have you ever seen Billy and the gang perform? Please tell us about your memories in the comments - we'd love to hear them!

A Lost Art: Making Candy Canes at Disneyland

They only make the candy canes on a few days during the holiday season. You have to get there early to get a chance to buy one! They are huge, and very popular!

Have you ever had one of Disneyland's famous candy canes?

Friday, December 20, 2013

Behind the Magic of Holidays at the Disneyland Resort

The holidays are one of my favorite times of year at the Disneyland Resort. How about you?

The tree in the lobby of the Grand Californian Hotel is one of my favorites!

Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage Closing For Refurbishing

The Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage ride at Disneyland will be closing on January 6, 2014 for refurbishing until late 2014. So, if you want to get a last ride on the subs until they re-open, you might want to head over there soon!

According to the Disney Parks blog, five million gallons of water will be drained from the lagoon so that they can work on the ride. That's a lot of water!

Disneyland is getting ready for the Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade!

It will be televised Christmas morning! Are you going to watch it?

Disneyland and California Adventure Schedules December 20 - 29, 2013

Friday, December 20, 2013
Disneyland: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
California Adventure: 9:00 am to 10:00 pm (Extra Magic Hour 8:00 am to 9:00 am)
Annual Passes: SoCal and SoCal Select blocked; all others valid
Closed for Refurbishments: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Blue Sky Cellar
A Christmas Fantasy Parade (Disneyland): 2:30 pm, 5:30 pm
Pixar Play Parade (California Adventure): 4:30 pm
World of Color (California Adventure): 9:00 pm, 10:15 pm
Fantasmic! (Disneyland): 9:00 pm, 10:30 pm
“Believe . . . In Holiday Magic” Fireworks Spectacular (Disneyland): 9:30 pm

Saturday, December 21, 2013
Disneyland: 8:00 am to 12:00 pm (Extra Magic Hour and Magic Morning 7:00 am to 8:00 am)
California Adventure: 8:00 am to 11:00 pm
Annual Passes: Deluxe, SoCal and SoCal Select blocked; all others valid
Closed for Refurbishments: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Blue Sky Cellar
A Christmas Fantasy Parade (Disneyland): 2:30 pm, 5:30 pm
Pixar Play Parade (California Adventure): 4:30 pm
World of Color (California Adventure): 9:00 pm, 10:15 pm
Fantasmic! (Disneyland): 9:00 pm, 10:30 pm
“Believe . . . In Holiday Magic” Fireworks Spectacular (Disneyland): 9:30 pm

Sunday, December 22, 2013
Disneyland: 8:00 am to 12:00 pm
California Adventure: 8:00 am to 11:00 pm (Extra Magic Hour 7:00 am to 8:00 am)
Annual Passes: Deluxe, SoCal and SoCal Select blocked; all others valid
Closed for Refurbishments: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Blue Sky Cellar
A Christmas Fantasy Parade (Disneyland): 2:30 pm, 5:30 pm
Pixar Play Parade (California Adventure): 4:30 pm
World of Color (California Adventure): 9:00 pm, 10:15 pm
Fantasmic! (Disneyland): 9:00 pm, 10:30 pm
“Believe . . . In Holiday Magic” Fireworks Spectacular (Disneyland): 9:30 pm

Monday, December 23, 2013
Disneyland: 8:00 am to 12:00 pm
California Adventure: 8:00 am to 11:00 pm (Extra Magic Hour 7:00 am to 8:00 am)
Annual Passes: Deluxe, SoCal and SoCal Select blocked; all others valid
Closed for Refurbishments: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Blue Sky Cellar
A Christmas Fantasy Parade (Disneyland): 2:30 pm, 5:30 pm
Pixar Play Parade (California Adventure): 4:30 pm
World of Color (California Adventure): 8:45 pm, 10:00 pm
Fantasmic! (Disneyland): 9:00 pm, 10:30 pm
“Believe . . . In Holiday Magic” Fireworks Spectacular (Disneyland): 9:30 pm

Tuesday, December 24, 2013 Disneyland: 8:00 am to 12:00 pm (Extra Magic Hour and Magic Morning 7:00 am to 8:00 am)
California Adventure: 8:00 am to 11:00 pm
Annual Passes: Deluxe, SoCal and SoCal Select blocked; all others valid
Closed for Refurbishments: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Blue Sky Cellar
A Christmas Fantasy Parade (Disneyland): 2:30 pm, 5:30 pm
Pixar Play Parade (California Adventure): 4:30 pm
World of Color (California Adventure): 8:45 pm, 10:00 pm
Fantasmic! (Disneyland): 9:00 pm, 10:30 pm
“Believe . . . In Holiday Magic” Fireworks Spectacular (Disneyland): 9:30 pm

Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Disneyland: 8:00 am to 12:00 pm
California Adventure: 8:00 am to 11:00 pm (Extra Magic Hour 7:00 am to 8:00 am)
Annual Passes: Deluxe, SoCal and SoCal Select blocked; all others valid
Closed for Refurbishments: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Blue Sky Cellar
A Christmas Fantasy Parade (Disneyland): 2:30 pm, 5:30 pm
Pixar Play Parade (California Adventure): 4:30 pm
World of Color (California Adventure): 9:00 pm, 10:15 pm
Fantasmic! (Disneyland): 9:00 pm, 10:30 pm, 11:30 pm
“Believe . . . In Holiday Magic” Fireworks Spectacular (Disneyland): 9:30 pm

Thursday, December 26, 2013
Disneyland: 8:00 am to 12:00 pm (Extra Magic Hour and Magic Morning 7:00 am to 8:00 am)
California Adventure: 8:00 am to 11:00 pm
Annual Passes: Deluxe, SoCal and SoCal Select blocked; all others valid
Closed for Refurbishments: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Blue Sky Cellar
A Christmas Fantasy Parade (Disneyland): 1:15 pm, 4:15 pm
Pixar Play Parade (California Adventure): 2:30 pm, 5:15 pm
World of Color (California Adventure): 8:45 pm, 10:00 pm
Fantasmic! (Disneyland): 9:00 pm, 10:30 pm, 11:30 pm
“Believe . . . In Holiday Magic” Fireworks Spectacular (Disneyland): 9:30 pm

Friday, December 27, 2013
Disneyland: 8:00 am to 12:00 pm
California Adventure: 8:00 am to 11:00 pm (Extra Magic Hour 7:00 am to 8:00 am)
Annual Passes: Deluxe, SoCal and SoCal Select blocked; all others valid
Closed for Refurbishments: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Blue Sky Cellar
A Christmas Fantasy Parade (Disneyland): 2:00 pm, 5:30 pm
Pixar Play Parade (California Adventure): 2:30 pm, 5:15 pm
World of Color (California Adventure): 8:45 pm, 10:00 pm
Fantasmic! (Disneyland): 9:00 pm, 10:30 pm, 11:30 pm
“Believe . . . In Holiday Magic” Fireworks Spectacular (Disneyland): 9:30 pm

Saturday, December 28, 2013 Disneyland: 8:00 am to 12:00 pm (Extra Magic Hour and Magic Morning 7:00 am to 8:00 am)
California Adventure: 8:00 am to 11:00 pm
Annual Passes: Deluxe, SoCal and SoCal Select blocked; all others valid
Closed for Refurbishments: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Blue Sky Cellar
A Christmas Fantasy Parade (Disneyland): 2:00 pm, 5:30 pm
Pixar Play Parade (California Adventure): 2:30 pm, 5:15 pm
World of Color (California Adventure): 8:45 pm, 10:00 pm
Fantasmic! (Disneyland): 9:00 pm, 10:30 pm, 11:30 pm
“Believe . . . In Holiday Magic” Fireworks Spectacular (Disneyland): 9:30 pm

Sunday, December 29, 2013
Disneyland: 8:00 am to 12:00 pm
California Adventure: 8:00 am to 11:00 pm (Extra Magic Hour 7:00 am to 8:00 am)
Annual Passes: Deluxe, SoCal and SoCal Select blocked; all others valid
Closed for Refurbishments: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Blue Sky Cellar
A Christmas Fantasy Parade (Disneyland): 2:00 pm, 5:30 pm
Pixar Play Parade (California Adventure): 2:30 pm, 5:15 pm
World of Color (California Adventure): 8:45 pm, 10:00 pm
Fantasmic! (Disneyland): 9:00 pm, 10:30 pm, 11:30 pm
“Believe . . . In Holiday Magic” Fireworks Spectacular (Disneyland): 9:30 pm

For additional calendar information, please visit https://disneyland.disney.go.com/calendar/

Thursday, December 19, 2013

'Twas the Night Before Christmas

The great folks at Walt Disney World in Florida made this special video of the poem "Twas the Night Before Christmas" for the holiday season! Enjoy!

Mickeyland Report Begins!

Welcome to the new Mickeyland Report! With news and reviews from the Disneyland Resort!
We told Mickey all about it and he wished us much success!

We'll be bringing you lots of great pictures, videos, stories and more. If there's something special you would like to know, tell us all about it in the comments!

Thanks for joining us! We'll see you again real soon!