Advance Tickets On Sale August 9, 2012, for the Most All-Encompassing Disney Fan Event in the World

BURBANK, Calif. – April 05, 2012 – All the magic and excitement of the past, present and future of Disney entertainment will come together once again when D23: The Official Disney Fan Club presents an all-new D23 EXPO at the Anaheim Convention Center on Aug. 9-11, 2013.

“The D23 Expo has become a phenomenal way for Disney fans to see everything they love about Disney all in one place — from Disney’s biggest stars and latest innovations to unforgettable performances live on stage,” said Steven Clark, head of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, which produces the bi-annual D23 EXPO. “Our third Expo is sure to create even more magical new experiences and memories for our biggest fans attending from throughout the U.S. and around the globe.”

“Anaheim is extremely pleased that the D23 EXPO will be returning next year,” said Charles Ahlers, president, Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau. “This exciting event is quickly becoming an industry icon, drawing Disney fans from around the world. The Anaheim community truly appreciates and enjoys this quality show and positive impacts it brings.”

More than 40,000 Disney fans attended D23 EXPO 2011, which brought together the entire world of Disney under one roof for three star-studded days and nights. Fans were treated to appearances by superstars like Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Regis Philbin and Billy Crystal; enjoyed performances by Dick Van Dyke, The Muppets and Disney princess voice talent Jodi Benson, Paige O’Hara, Lea Salonga and Anika Noni Rose; previewed concept art and attractions coming from Disney Parks and Walt Disney Imagineering; glimpsed back at Disney’s rich history through extraordinary panels, presentations and exhibits; and discovered the newest entertainment, technology, and products from The Walt Disney Company.

Among the highlights of D23 EXPO 2013 will be expanded capacities at some of our most popular venues; the 2013 Disney Legends Ceremony, which honors the talented men and women who have made significant contributions to the Disney legacy; Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives, a treasure trove of crown jewels from the Walt Disney Archives; the bustling aisles of the Collectors Forum, where Disney fans can buy, sell and trade Disney collectibles, memorabilia and merchandise; and a massive show floor full of special opportunities to see what’s on the horizon for Disney around the world—and where guests may bump into their favorite Disney stars, characters, Imagineers, animators and filmmakers.

Advance tickets for the D23 EXPO 2013 will go on sale at D23Expo.com beginning August 9, 2012. D23 Members receive special pricing on both one- and three-day tickets to the event, which is also open to the general public.

D23 Members receive early admission to the Expo show floor, and D23 will once again give a special thanks to D23 Charter Members, providing them special access to the Expo’s Charter Member Lounge. Members will also have an opportunity to purchase a special Sorcerer Package, which provides a host of special benefits and amenities.

D23 EXPO 2013 marks the third D23 Expo held in Anaheim — the first Expo was held in 2009 followed by a second in 2011. Each event played host to thousands of Disney fans from every corner of the globe. Starting today, guests can visit D23Expo.com to relive some of the extraordinary experiences from the first two Expo events and get a peek at what’s to come in 2013.

The Happiest Place on Earth Gets Even Happier This Summer with Completion of Disney California Adventure Park.

ANAHEIM, Calif. (April 01, 2012)  – The Happiest Place on Earth will get even happier June 15, 2012, with the grand opening of Cars Land, Buena Vista Street and the Carthay Circle Theatre at Disney California Adventure park. The exciting, new additions will complete the five-year expansion of Disneyland Resort, a premier, multi-day vacation destination in Southern California with two theme parks, three hotels and the Downtown Disney shopping and dining district.

With four new attractions opening at Disney California Adventure park, full day-to-night experiences at both parks, and the magical transformation of the Disneyland Hotel with new pools, themed suites and remodeled rooms, guests of all ages will enjoy more fun and adventure than ever before at the Disneyland Resort.

Cars Land expands Disney California Adventure by 12 acres and immerses guests in the thrilling world of the Disney•Pixar blockbuster “Cars.”  Guests will feel as if they have stepped into the town of Radiator Springs as they enjoy three family attractions showcasing characters and settings from the movie, plus “Cars”-themed dining and shopping locations such as Flo’s V8 Café, Ramone’s House of Body Art and Radiator Springs Curios.

One of the largest and most elaborate attractions ever created for a Disney park, Radiator Springs Racers is a twisting, turning, high-speed adventure through Ornament Valley and the town of Radiator Springs. Luigi’s Flying Tires invites guests to glide on air aboard special tires, whirling around with their pals. At Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree, guests will whip around behind a baby tractor and enjoy tunes from a giant jukebox built from Mater’s most prized possessions.

Starting June 15, guests will enter Disney California Adventure along Buena Vista Street, a place that transports them to an era when Walt Disney arrived in California with new dreams:   1920s Los Angeles. Buena Vista Street features Red Car Trolleys, inspired by the transportation system that once served Southern California, and the Carthay Circle Theatre, modeled after the site of the 1937 world premiere of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” Carthay Circle Theatre will include a lounge and the elegant Carthay Circle Restaurant, designed to be the premier dining location in Disney California Adventure.

Adding to the fun at Disney California Adventure this summer will be the new Mad T Party in Hollywood Land, the return of Pixar Play Parade, and the new Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop at Pacific Wharf.  Mad T Party will feature nighttime, family fun inspired by the wild and whimsical world of Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland.”

The summer debuts of Cars Land, Buena Vista Street and Carthay Circle Theatre complement previous additions to the park, including the 4D fun of Toy Story Mania; the spectacular after-dark “World of Color” show; The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure; Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta and Paradise Garden Grill restaurants, plus the re-themed attractions Mickey’s Fun Wheel, Silly Symphony Swings and Goofy’s Sky School.

To accommodate a media preview and make final preparations for the exciting debuts, Disney California Adventure will be closed June 14. The fun, new attractions, locations and entertainment will open to the public June 15.

It’ll be party time in New Orleans Square at Disneyland park when “New Orleans Bayou Bash!” brings the sights and sounds of a New Orleans-style celebration on weekends, Feb. 10 through March 11, plus Feb. 20 and 21 for the Presidents’ Day holidays. Jazz musicians will perform throughout New Orleans Square, and Princess Tiana and her friends from “The Princess and the Frog” will lead guests in hand-clapping, dancing-in-the-streets fun.

• Dates for “New Orleans Bayou Bash!” will be Fridays through Sundays, Feb. 10-12, 24-26, March 2-4 and 9-11, and Friday through Tuesday, Feb. 17-21 (Presidents’ Day weekend). Entertainment is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• New Orleans Square and the adjoining banks of the Rivers of America will be adorned with masks, beads, feathers and colorful celebration banners in bright shades of purple, green and gold.
• A stage along the Rivers of America will provide a performance area for a variety of “New Orleans Bayou Bash!” talent, including “Tiana’s Mardi Gras Procession” and the New Orleans Traditional Jazz Band.
• In “Tiana’s Mardi Gras Procession,” Princess Tiana, Prince Naveen, Louis the alligator and a crew of colorfully costumed dancers burst into New Orleans Square in a musical celebration taking place six times a day. They sing lively tunes from “The Princess and the Frog” as they make their way through the streets and down to the Rivers of America stage.
• The New Orleans Traditional Jazz Band will appear five times per day in a rousing Mardi Gras procession through New Orleans Square. In traditional “second line” style, an umbrella dancer leads the mash-up of musicians and colorful street performers. Guests are asked to join the procession, which travels through the streets and down to the river stage.
• Additional “New Orleans Bayou Bash!” entertainment will include performances by Jambalaya Jazz Band and the bluesy Royal Street Bachelors on the stage at the French Market restaurant in New Orleans Square.
• In the Court of Angels Photo Location in New Orleans Square, guests celebrating the New Orleans Bayou Bash can pose for pictures with an ever-changing lineup of beloved Disney characters in Mardi Gras attire:  Princess Tiana, Prince Naveen. Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Chip and Dale.

“New Orleans Bayou Bash!” fills New Orleans Square with vibrant excitement, jazzy music, street performers and the sensational food of New Orleans. Guests can savor a celebration seasoned with Southern hospitality.

source: Disneyland

Take a Spin Around The Happiest App on Earth!

ANAHEIM, Calif. (Feb. 14, 2012) – The magical sights and sounds of Disneyland Resort can now be discovered with “Disneyland Explorer,” the official Disney Parks app available for iPad. The free app invites parents and kids to explore some of the many thrilling and whimsical experiences that can be found at Disneyland Resort, a premiere, multi-day, family vacation destination in Southern California.

With “Disneyland Explorer,” users can swipe their way from Pirates of the Caribbean to “World of Color” to themed suites at the Disneyland Hotel, discovering more than 100 exciting things to see and do across the resort. Users tap beautiful images, animation and interactive touch points that represent experiences inside Disneyland park, Disney California Adventure park, Downtown Disney District and all three hotels of the Disneyland Resort.

Touch points within the photo-realistic carousel reveal photos, videos and special activities inspired by classic attractions and entertainment.  As users explore the Resort, day changes to night with spectacular colors, lights, and fireworks.

Animations are triggered as users scroll through the parks, hotels and Downtown Disney District, revealing surprises such as Dumbo in flight above Sleeping Beauty Castle. Users  discover items that are both fun and historical, from the Mad Hatter popping out of a tea cup to vintage video of Walt Disney dedicating Disneyland.

Users will:

• Tour the galaxy with Star Tours – the Adventures Continue
• Learn to draw their favorite Disney characters at the Animation Academy
• Create their own musical water show in “World of Color”
• Steer a Soarin’ hang glider over California, while collecting and sharing personalized postcards
• Bring the iconic dolls of “it’s a small world” to life and hear the classic song in five different languages
• Snap photos of the elusive Yeti as he roams across Matterhorn Mountain
• Take part in a raging sea battle in Pirates of the Caribbean

“Disneyland Explorer” is a free app, available exclusively from App Store on iPad (www.itunes.com/appstore). More of the fun and excitement at the Disneyland Resort will become available on “Disneyland Explorer” throughout the year.

source: Disneyland

ANAHEIM, CALIF. (Feb. 14, 2012) — A stunning, two-year renovation project is now complete at The Disneyland Hotel, with significant upgrades and magical touches of Disneyland heritage appearing throughout the AAA Four Diamond property. A new courtyard, restaurant, bar, pools and water play area add immersive experiences, making the landmark property one more reason for families to enjoy a multiday vacation at the Disneyland Resort.

“This exciting renovation extends the immersion and magic of our park experience to this classic hotel,” said Tony Bruno, vice president Resort hotels and Downtown Disney. “We’ve woven important pieces of Disneyland park history into the Disneyland Hotel, particularly with the reopening of the pool and courtyard area. These nostalgic enhancements not only highlight the hotel’s unique heritage, but also our continued investment in the guest experience and our ongoing work to evolve the Resort and Anaheim into a world-class, multiday tourist destination.”

From the 969 remodeled rooms to the re-theming of the towers, the reimagined hotel creates a nostalgic, family destination that pays tribute to the early days of Disneyland. The Fantasy Tower lobby showcases Mary Blair artwork, creating an instant connection to “it’s a small world.” The Frontier Tower features a scale model of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in the lobby. At the Adventure Tower, guests will see Jungle Cruise characters incorporated into the design, and the exterior of all three towers features energy-efficient, sky-blue reflective glass.

Iconic Dining Locations
Tangaroa Terrace, a “fast casual” restaurant, and Trader Sam’s – Enchanted Tiki Bar take their architectural cues from the original Tahitian Terrace restaurant in Disneyland park and the Polynesian/Tiki architecture that was popular during the early era of the original hotel. Tangaroa Terrace features Island-inspired fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with items that have included cinnamon-spiced oatmeal cakes with Island fruit compote and miso-crusted salmon, along with a selection of sandwiches, salads and “grab-and-go” items. Guests use an innovative, easy-to-use touch screen to select menu items, which are prepared to order and delivered to their tables either inside or on the large outdoor patio.

Trader Sam’s – Enchanted Tiki Bar, named after Trader Sam, Disney’s Jungle Cruise “Head” Salesman, recounts the story of his worldly travels through the artifacts and memorabilia he collected along the way. The bar features interactive special effects blended with classic Disney storytelling. Trader Sam’s serves a mix of signature cocktails such as the flaming Uh Oa — perfect for sharing —the Hippopotamai Tai and the Mosquito Mojito. The creative appetizer selection includes panko-crusted Chinese long beans and tamarind-glazed Island pork shanks with green papaya slaw.

Rounding out the tropical experience, Trader Sam’s features live music performed on the patio each evening.

Guests also can relax next to a large, outdoor stone fireplace, or enjoy the view of the new Cascade Falls and Old Unfaithful near the Frontier Tower, both reminiscent of the former Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland attraction in Disneyland park.

Immersive Pool Experience
Guests of all ages will now enjoy a new, immersive water play area. With a nod to the iconic original park signage, “Disneyland” is spelled out in familiar blocks atop a platform supporting two thrilling water slides. A replica of the original Mark 1 Monorail Cars sits at each slide’s entrance, paying tribute to nostalgic Disneyland. Guests glide through the cars as they twist and turn their way to the water below. The larger of the two main slides sits 26 feet high and stretches 187 feet, until it plunges into a splash pool. The second slide is 13 feet high and 112 feet long. For younger guests, the area includes a third, two-lane mini-slide that sits just 3 ½ feet high and is 19 feet long, as well as a series of small bubble jets in which to play.

No tickets are required at the new D-Ticket and E-ticket pools, which draw their names from the iconic ticket books that were used in the early days of Disneyland to experience attractions. The  4-foot-deep, D-Ticket pool is a shady oasis next to the new Monorail water play area, and the E-Ticket pool is perfect for families, with poolside food and beverage service at select times of the year.

The new pool area also features a Minnie Mouse-themed outdoor spa, which matches a Mickey-themed spa. In addition, six new cabanas are available; each features a flat screen TV, refrigerator, safe, phone, and ceiling fan.

Themed Suites
The Disneyland Hotel boasts a unique collection of themed suites including the Mickey Mouse Penthouse, and the Pirates of the Caribbean suite. Three exciting, new suites were added as part of the renovation. The Adventureland Suite offers guests a two-bedroom hideaway complete with a grotto in the master bathroom that simulates various settings – including a rain forest and African savanna – through light and sound effects. The Big Thunder Suite, where up to six pioneers are immersed in luxurious, rustic accommodations, was inspired by Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disneyland park. The Fairy Tale Suite, adorned in colors of sage and champagne, features an exquisite canopy bed as its centerpiece and a hand-cut cut mosaic of a stylized Sleeping Beauty Castle in the bathroom.

Guest Rooms
The beautifully remodeled guest rooms feature exquisite Disney touches woven into the décor. The beds have stunning new headboards with an artistically carved representation of Disneyland park’s famous Sleeping Beauty Castle, which serves as the focal point in each guest room. The background on the headboard uses fiber optics to create a magical skyline with fireworks – bringing the immersive park experience into the room. Guests also will discover a magical touch of music in the rooms, with refrains from the familiar song, “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes.”

The new magic at the Disneyland Hotel is part of a larger expansion project underway throughout the Resort. The multiyear expansion of Disney California Adventure park has added new experiences, attractions and nighttime spectaculars, and it culminates in the summer of 2012 with the opening of Buena Vista Street and the 12-acre Cars Land. The AAA Four Diamond Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa was expanded in 2009, adding 203 hotel rooms and 50 two-bedroom villas that are part of the Disney Vacation Club, marking the West Coast debut for Disney Vacation Club. At the Paradise Pier Hotel, all rooms were recently remodeled to fit the playful, beach theme.

source: Disneyland

Historic Day for Disneyland

Anaheim, Calif. (Jan. 1, 2012) – Disneyland guests can get the most out of February 29 when the Disneyland Resort in California celebrates Leap Year by keeping the theme park open for 24 hours of nonstop memory-making fun.

For the first time ever, Disneyland Park will stay open for 24 hours straight as part of a 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 “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.

Popular Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop Set to Debut at Disney California Adventure Park

ANAHEIM, CALIF. — Dec. 11, 2011 — Disneyland Resort today announced that Ghirardelli will open a new location inside Disney California Adventure park in late spring 2012. The soda fountain and chocolate shop will add yet another layer of traditional San Francisco flair to the Pacific Wharf area of the park.

“The addition of  a world-renown brand like Ghirardelli highlights our focus on providing quality, immersive experiences that transport our guests to a different place – in this case to San Francisco,” said Mary Niven, vice president of Disney California Adventure park. “With the culmination of our expansion only a few months away, it is an exciting time at Disney California Adventure and we look forward to partnering with Ghirardelli in bringing this delicious chocolate experience to our guests.”

The new location will feature Ghirardelli’s world-famous hot fudge sundaes and decadent chocolate products. Each guest will be able to enjoy a complimentary sample of the signature Ghirardelli Squares® chocolate. The Disney California Adventure store follows the 13-year success of a similar location at Downtown Disney in Walt Disney World.

“We are very excited to expand our successful relationship with Disney, particularly as we prepare to celebrate our 160^th anniversary next year,” stated Martin Thompson, Ghirardelli president and CEO.  “Our rich heritage, which began in California, combined with our premium brand of high-quality chocolate is a perfect fit with the quality experience Disney offers their guests.”

Ghirardelli joins Disney California Adventure as it completes an expansion that began in 2007. New attractions include the nighttime spectacular “World of Color” and a classic dark ride, The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure.  The project’s culmination is the 12-acre Cars Land, which opens in summer 2012 along with the newly designed Buena Vista Street entrance to the park, the iconic Carthay Circle Theatre and the Red Car Trolley. The expansion builds upon the transformation of Disneyland Resort into the premier multi-day Southern California vacation destination.

• The holiday season at Disneyland Resort gets underway Monday, Nov. 14, and will continue daily through Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012.
• For the first time, the Holiday season at Disneyland Resort will be extended to celebrate Three Kings Day, known as Día de Reyes. From Jan. 6-8, 2012, look for special décor and entertainment in Frontierland that showcases western and Mexican heritage, along with food themed to this holiday and children’s activities.
• The first Disneyland holiday celebration was in 1955, when Walt Disney placed a Christmas tree in the Hub at the north end of Main Street, U.S.A., near Sleeping Beauty Castle.  For many years now, the tree has been located in Town Square near the Main Street Disneyland Railroad Station.
• Beginning Friday, Nov. 18, “The Magic, The Memories, and You!” show gets a new, Yuletide glow. The show features photos and video of guests creating memories at Disneyland park, with favorite holiday melodies underscoring images of guests enjoying their holidays at Disneyland.
• The lively street show “Phineas and Ferb’s Rockin’ Rollin’ Dance Party” gets a merry twist at Disney California Adventure park, with holiday décor and songs. The show is performed several times a day in Paradise Pier.
• Lanny and Wayne, the techno-savvy elves from the “Prep & Landing” holiday TV specials, make guest appearances in a new holiday prelude sequence in the nighttime “World of Color” show in Disney California Adventure.
• Decorating experts at the Disneyland Resort have to get started early. They trim nearly 700 trees for the season, on display in Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, the resort’s three hotels and the Downtown Disney District. The smallest tree is at Storybook Land and the largest is at Town Square – both in Disneyland.
• The Disneyland Christmas tree in Town Square has become a favorite spot for snapping holiday photos. The artificial tree stands 60 feet tall and has 280,000 pine-tip branches molded from actual tree branches. It is decorated with more than 2,000 ornaments, including the three-foot star on top, and nearly 4,800 energy-efficient LED lights. When the Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle show reaches its finale crescendo, more than 60,000 LED lights and 1,200 strobe lights are added to the effect.
• Mickey’s Toontown is decorated with its own distinctive “toon” trees this 2011 holiday season. Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse each have personal Christmas trees in the front yards of their Toontown homes, and a cartoon-themed tree beckons guests for photos in front of Toontown City Hall.
• Since the introduction of the artificial Christmas tree and LED lighting technology in 2008, the Disneyland park Christmas tree has used 50 percent less electricity than it did previously.
• Carolers in traditional Victorian holiday garb make regular appearances throughout the season at each of the three Disneyland Resort hotels:  Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel, the Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel.
• The Dapper Dans, the popular Main Street, U.S.A., quartet, add holiday songs to their repertoire, with holiday chimes as accompaniment. Favorites range from the traditional “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” to “Frosty the Snowman,” “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” and “Christmas in Killarney.
• The nighttime Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle light show is divided into three “acts” over the course of the evening. Each one begins at the Castle and travels the length of Main Street, U.S.A., finishing at the Town Square Christmas tree. Each act features a magical snowfall, and the final act concludes with “Believe…in Holiday Magic” fireworks.
• The nighttime light show employs more than 200,000 points of light, 2,600 individual circuits and more than 85,000 individual wiring connections.
• If all the cables and conductors for the show were laid end to end, they would stretch 48 miles from Disneyland Resort – enough to pass the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank.
• The entrance to Disney California Adventure and locations throughout the park are festooned with holiday decoration. New this year are the decorations around the newly renovated Paradise Pier area, with The Little Mermaid ~Ariel’s Undersea Adventure and the nearby dining locations.
• The largest ornaments used at Disneyland Resort may be found in the “bugs-eye-view” world of Flik’s Fun Fair at Disney California Adventure.
• The smallest ornaments used at the Resort may be found in the Storybook Land attraction at Disneyland.

“A Christmas Fantasy” parade

• Each performance of “A Christmas Fantasy” features 105 performers, 18 float drivers and 12 musicians costumed as toy soldiers from the Disney movie “Babes in Toyland.” With daily parade performances, it takes approximately 200 performers to stage the parade during the holiday season.
• The parade features six major “units,” each consisting of multiple floats. The units are:  ”A Christmas Fantasy Opening” featuring Mrs. Claus sorting letters in Santa’s Mailroom; “Winter Wonderland” with Mickey and Minnie enjoying a romantic skate atop the frozen pond; “The Candy Shop” with Goofy leading the bakers from the Gingerbread House; “Candlelight Christmas Ball” featuring everyone’s favorite Disney Royal Couples; “Toy Factory,” the perfect spot for Buzz and Woody; and the “Finale,” where Santa himself waves from his sleigh.

it’s a small world” Holiday

• A new, 14-foot snowman made of crystal snowflakes is lit with thousands of lights in the finale of “it’s a small world” Holiday. This is the first addition to this holiday celebration since the attraction debuted in 1997. The snowman stands atop a 10-food-wide snowflake and holds a beautiful “icicle” sign that that spells out “Happy Holidays” in colors that change as guests float by.
• Decorators use 50,000 Christmas lights on the façade of “it’s a small world” Holiday, and an additional 200,000 mini-lights in the trees, hedges and topiaries surrounding the attraction.
• Among the holiday special effects inside the attraction: pine tree and peppermint scents in the European scenes; 75 gallons of bubble juice to make bubbles throughout the season in the South Seas scene.

Haunted Mansion Holiday

• Jack Skellington has his own ideas about appropriate holiday decorations. The Haunted Mansion Holiday exterior is decorated with more than 100 jack-o’-lanterns and the eerie glow of more than 400 flickering candles.
• For the holidays, the graveyard in the Haunted Mansion finale is covered with 7,500 square feet of snow. Trees in the graveyard are decked out with 1,000 tiny orange lights.
• The gingerbread house in the Mansion’s Great Hall is made of real gingerbread and icing. Each year, the Disneyland Resort Foods and Entertainment divisions partner to create an original design for that year’s Haunted Mansion Holiday gingerbread house.
• This 2011 gingerbread house stands six feet tall, consisting of 500 pounds of gingerbread and miles of frosting. The house animates to become a gingerbread monster, revealing glowing eyes and sharp teeth. This year’s Haunted Mansion Holiday gingerbread house took months of planning and three weeks of creation in the Disneyland Resort Central Bakery.
• Guests may book guided Disneyland holiday tours which include visits to Haunted Mansion Holiday and “it’s a small world” Holiday attractions, reserved viewing of “A Christmas Fantasy” parade with a delicious holiday treat and warm beverage, plus a 2011 holiday pin and tour tag. (Information and reservations: 714-781-TOUR/714-781-8687.)

ANAHEIM, Calif. – From fast-casual fare to haute cuisine, the menu of dining options at Disneyland Resort offers something for every guest. Here, morning pancakes with Minnie Mouse are as celebrated as the spectacular creations at Napa Rose restaurant.

“We offer innovative cuisine from our award-winning chefs that match our guests’ desire for elegant dining,” said Michele Gendreau, director, Food & Beverage, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “But you can still find the Disneyland classics, from the Café Orleans Monte Cristo to Plaza Inn’s fried chicken.”

The rise in fine dining at Disneyland Resort is often an unexpected delight. At the hotels, top award winners are Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand California Hotel & Spa and Steakhouse 55 at the Disneyland Hotel. A stellar wine program has elevated the quality of dining service throughout the Resort, with trained sommeliers in restaurants including Napa Rose and Storytellers Cafe at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, and Steakhouse 55 at the Disneyland Hotel.

Healthful Initiatives
Even though vacation may be a time for indulgence, Disneyland chefs provide healthful options, with every table-service and quick-service restaurant offering at least one vegetarian option.

For lifestyle dining options, or for requests from guests with food allergies or intolerances, there are a wide range of choices, from kosher to gluten and sugar free. In 2009, Disney tracked nearly a quarter of a million requests for special dietary needs and allergies. “We have a real commitment to innovative, healthy menus,” said Mahmud Dhanani, vice president of Food & Beverage Concept Development.

A new culinary dietary specialist recently joined the team to focus on vitality lifestyle ideas. Revised menus require that no more than 35 percent of calories can come from fat – saturated fat and sugar must account for no more than 10 percent of the meal’s calories. And chefs keep tinkering with recipes, such as smoothies, now made with non-fat yogurt and fresh fruit purees (now 120 calories and the former recipe was 420 calories).

Kids’ menus, too, are evolving, and changes make healthier choices the standard instead of the “alternate.” Grapes, apples, carrot sticks and unsweetened applesauce in place of French fries and 1 percent milk or bottled water instead of soda, for instance. Guests must request fries and sodas (at no additional cost).

Theme Park Eats
Theme park guests looking for food on the run will find beautiful fresh fruit carts in both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks. Favorite quick bites in Disneyland include cheddar cheese and broccoli soup and grilled salmon salad from the Harbour Galley in New Orleans Square; sandwiches and sweets from Jolly Holiday Bakery (opening in 2012) on Main Street, U.S.A.; easy-to-eat skewer snacks at Bengal Barbecue and the legendary Dole Whip at the Tiki Juice Bar in Adventureland; Mickey-shaped beignets and funnel cake from the Mint Julep Bar in New Orleans Square; hot pizza from Red Rockett’s Pizza Port and grilled vegetable sandwiches from Tomorrowland Terrace in Tomorrowland.

For a relaxing meal, spots such as Carnation Cafe on Main Street, U.S.A., serve generous salads and the legendary loaded baked potato soup. Settle in for barbecued ribs and chicken at Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue in Frontierland (barbecued tofu and veggie skewers available upon request).

Enchanting Blue Bayou in New Orleans Square, one of the most-requested reservations, offers diners specialties such as gumbo, jambalaya and filet mignon. Casual, family-friendly eats are on the menu at Plaza Inn on Main Street, U.S.A., and River Belle Terrace in New Orleans Square, where Walt Disney himself enjoyed breakfast on Sundays. For authentic Mexican, Rancho del Zocalo in Frontierland dishes up taco and burrito platters. Out-of-the-way Hungry Bear, nestled in the shady trees in Critter Country, is a favorite for Disney fans who recommend the burgers and the view on the riverfront.

At Disney California Adventure, guests can grab a sandwich or sweets at Pacific Wharf Cafe. Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill offers tacos with steak, pork, grilled chicken or fish. Hearty Asian creations are served at Lucky Fortune Cookery, with beef, chicken or tofu with vegetables, rice and your choice of four sauces.Other restaurants along Paradise Pier offer retro favorites from corn dogs to cheesy pizza.

The dining pavilion in Paradise Pier provides plenty of seating and two restaurants. Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta offers something for everyone, from hearty pasta dishes to delicious salads and flatbread pizzas with flavors from traditional cheese to Portobello mushroom and spinach with pesto.  Next door, Paradise Garden Grill offers a Mediterranean spin with chicken, beef, vegetable, and tofu skewers served with a choice of sauce, including Moroccan chili tomato and tandoori-spiced yogurt. Refreshing Greek salads and a kid’s menu are also available

Corn Dog Castle serves a popular beach snack in two flavors, original and link, with a deep-fried cheddar cheese stick as a delicious meatless option. For guests 21 years of age and older, Bayside Brews offers domestic and specialty beers on tap, along with a selection of non-alcoholic beverages and warm, salted pretzels

To wile away a lunch, dine al fresco at Wine Country Trattoria at the Golden Vine Winery, with a menu of pastas, grilled sandwiches and California wines by the glass. At dinner, the menu adds balsamic-braised short ribs, herb-roasted chicken breast and braised lamb shank.

The lively Ariel’s Disney Princess Celebration at Ariel’s Grotto is one of this park’s most-requested reservations, with Ariel, Snow White, Belle, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty greeting guests at every table.

Dining With Characters

For a leisurely way to enjoy a delicious meal and time with the Disney characters as they stop by each table for photos and autographs, make reservations for a Character Dining Experience. These include:

• Disneyland: Plaza Inn on Main Street, U.S.A., daily Breakfast in the Park With Minnie and Friends; My Disneyland Birthday Party with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in the afternoons.
• At Disney California Adventure: Ariel’s Disney Princess Celebration at Ariel’s Grotto, with Snow White, Belle, Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella at breakfast and lunch.
• At the hotels: Chip ‘n Dale Critter Breakfast at Storytellers Cafe offers a delicious breakfast buffet, while Goofy and his pals entertain at Goofy’s Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel for daily brunch and dinner. At Paradise Pier, Mickey Mouse and friends entertain at the Surf’s Up! Breakfast With Mickey and Friends.

Priority Seating is recommended in advance by calling Disney Dining, 714-781-DINE (714-781-3463).

Downtown Disney District
Diverse flavors, from spicy pasta jambalaya and andouille-crusted mahi mahi at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen to Irish salmon and braised Angus short ribs at Catal Restaurant, there are myriad choices for any palate in the Downtown Disney District, conveniently located just outside the theme parks and near the hotels.

Hearty dishes (and 175 TV screens, including the ones in the restrooms) give ESPN Zone diners plenty of energy for the restaurant’s interactive Sports Arena. Nearby, House of Blues has diners digging in to baby back ribs and pan-seared voodoo shrimp. For California-inspired cuisine, take a seat at La Brea Bakery and try a grilled panini or homemade soup.

For Mexican, it’s Tortilla Jo’s handmade tortillas; for Italian, Naples Ristorante Pizzeria and adjacent Napolini for thin-crust pizzas, pastas, soups and sandwiches. Kids love the tropical storms, waterfalls, aquarium and live parrots at Rainforest Cafe, where guests will enjoy choosing from more than 50 varied items on the menu.

Highlights Include New Holiday Segment for ‘World of Color’ plus Fireworks, the Christmas Parade and Snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A.

ANAHEIM, Calif. (Nov. 1, 2011) – Mickey Mouse celebrates the holidays with a cartoon-style Christmas tree this season as new décor adds merriment to Mickey’s Toontown for the 2011 holidays at Disneyland Resort. The holidays shine brightly throughout the resort from Nov. 14, 2011, through Jan. 8, 2012, as guests create memories for a lifetime.

Those holiday memories might even appear in the nightly “The Magic, The Memories, and You!” show on the façade of “it’s a small world” in Disneyland park. A new segment of the show, specially added for the season, features a musical score filled with favorite holiday tunes and images of resort guests celebrating their holiday visits. As the presentation unfolds, the façade of “it’s a small world” Holiday is frozen in ice, decorated with wreaths and candy canes, wrapped in Christmas paper, and even turned into a giant snow globe. This new segment appears in “The Magic, The Memories and You!” beginning Friday, Nov. 18.

Nearby, in Mickey’s Toontown, the centerpiece of the new holiday décor is an 18-foot cartoon-style Christmas tree in front of Toontown City Hall. Sculpted garlands and wreaths adorn the Toontown gazebo and add holiday cheer to the Gag Warehouse. The personal  Christmas trees in the front yards of Mickey’s and Minnie’s houses also carry the “toon” theme. On Main Street, U.S.A., Disneyland welcomes back the traditional, 60-foot-tall Christmas tree that is a popular guest photo location.

In Disney California Adventure park, guests are treated to a jolly seasonal addition to the “World of Color” nighttime water spectacular. This holiday season, Lanny and Wayne, Santa’s techno-savvy elves from the “Prep & Landing” holiday specials, appear in a “World of Color” sequence.

Disneyland Resort also welcomes back all the guest favorites for the holidays. Among the popular offerings are “A Christmas Fantasy” parade, the nightly snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A, and special holiday versions of “it’s a small world” and Haunted Mansion. In Fantasyland, holiday guests will find the traditional snowdrifts and icicles adorning Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle.  After dark, a sensational holiday lighting and special-effects show carries the magic of the holidays from the castle all the way to the Christmas tree in Town Square.  The 60-foot-tall Disneyland Christmas tree is specially designed to present a nightly holiday light show like no other with more than 62,000 energy-efficient LED lights.

The Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle presentation unfolds throughout the evening in three acts, each of them featuring a touch of winter snow on Main Street, U.S.A.  The finale of the show includes the legendary “Believe … in Holiday Magic” fireworks show, which takes guests on a journey of sights and sounds of the season and ends with a touching rendition of “White Christmas,” along with a climactic snowfall swirling down on Main Street, U.S.A., “it’s a small world” Mall and New Orleans Square.

“A Christmas Fantasy” parade has become a holiday tradition in Disneyland. Guests enjoy watching as Disney characters celebrate the magic of the season, wrapping gifts, baking  holiday treats and preparing for the arrival of Santa Claus, who shouts a jolly greeting to spectators along the parade route.  Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse even take to the ice for some skating fun.

At The Disney Gallery on Main Street, U.S.A., in Disneyland, a display of vintage and new art celebrating Walt Disney’s love of railroading will premiere during the holiday season. “All Aboard for A Grand Circle Tour of the Trains of Disney!” will survey Disney trains from the classic Disneyland Railroad to such historic routes as Nature’s Wonderland and the Carolwood-Pacific circuit that operated in Disney’s backyard in Holmby Hills, California.

Themed entertainment, sparkling decorations and tasty treats add festive warmth to holiday fun at both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure.  Also, guests may book guided holiday tours that provide entry into “it’s a small world” Holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday, reserved seating for the Disneyland “A Christmas Fantasy” parade, a keepsake remembrance and entertaining information about the history behind Disneyland holiday traditions.  For information and reservations guests may visit Disneyland City Hall or call (714) 781-4565.

Returning holiday favorites at Disneyland park include:

• “it’s a small world” Holiday becomes  a worldwide celebration of the season, boasting more than 300,000 glittering lights on its facade. Also nightly on the façade is “The Magic, The Memories and You!” show with its new holiday sequence.
• Haunted Mansion Holiday presents a madcap celebration as the traditions of Halloween and Christmas collide.  The ghoulish but well-meaning Jack Skellington from the film “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas” has come to Haunted Mansion to transform it with his skewed vision of the holidays.
• Santa Claus and his reindeer return to greet Disneyland guests at Santa’s Reindeer Round-up in Big Thunder Ranch, Frontierland.  Kids and their families chat with St. Nick and see real reindeer grazing in a corral.

Disney California Adventure celebrates the season with fanciful park-wide decorations and lively entertainment.

• The park’s newest attraction, The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, is specially decorated for the holidays, along with its Paradise Pier neighbors, the Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta and Paradise Garden Grill restaurants.
• “a bug’s land” transforms as Flik and his bug buddies spread giant Christmas lights and oversized ornaments throughout their realm.
• The holiday scene along the Paradise Bay boardwalk includes a beautifully decorated Christmas tree and lampposts decorated with seasonal wreaths.
• Santa Claus greets guests in a specially decorated gazebo on the boardwalk near Ariel’s Grotto on Paradise Pier.

Guests in Disney California Adventure won’t want to miss the park entertainment. In addition to “World of Color,” with special holiday guests Lanny and Wayne from “Prep & Landing,” the “ElecTRONica” nighttime street party in Hollywood Pictures Backlot transports guests of all ages “on the grid” and into the environment of the Walt Disney Pictures feature, “TRON: Legacy.”

Also part of the regular Disney California Adventure lineup:

• A new Disney California Adventure street show, “Phineas and Ferb’s Rockin’ Rollin’ Dance Party” invites guests of all ages to “seize the day,” dancing and singing on Paradise Pier with the Disney Channel’s inventive animated boy geniuses. Also on tap are the energetic “dance-off” competition of “Disney Dance Crew” on the Backlot Stage in Hollywood Pictures Backlot, and the rock concert-style “Disney Channel Rocks,” featuring music from Disney Channel movies and series, performed on the Palisades Stage in Paradise Park, alongside Paradise Bay lagoon.
• In Blue Sky Cellar at Golden Vine Winery, the Imagineers’ workshop offers guests a preview of what’s coming to Disney California Adventure, including Buena Vista Street and Cars Land in 2012.
• Guests along Paradise Pier in Disney California Adventure also may enjoy the new Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventures and Goofy’s Sky School attractions, along with such favorite as Toy Story Mania!, Silly Symphony Swings, California Screamin’ and Mickey’s Fun Wheel.

Holiday shopping at Disneyland Resort offers an array of merchandise available exclusively at Resort theme parks and the Downtown Disney district. Along with ornaments, holiday-themed Mickey Mouse ears, jewelry and the celebrated Disneyland handmade candy canes, guests discover a new line of edgy and stylish designs featuring The Muppets on clothing, vinylmation and decorative skate decks.

source:Disneyland