Fancy A Trip Overseas?

This Princess will be lucky enough to visit California later in the week, ready for the Tinkerbell Half Marathon. But what if you are staying in Japan, and fancy a trip overseas to the Disneyland Resort, California?

You might pick up a pamphlet similar to these, advertising all the wonders of the Original Disney Park!

Children of the Small World

DF'82 loves plaques in the Disney theme parks - and the one at the Small World attraction, in Disneyland, is no exception.

Situtated in front of the attraction, between the exit and the entrance, the plaque reads the following:

"it's a small world"

First Voyage April 22, 1964

New York World's Fair

For 25  years, "the happiest cruise that ever sailed" has shown millions a world of peace, understanding and friendship. We re-dedicate "it's a small world" to the ideals of UNICEF, and re-affirm the commitment of The Walt Disney Company to all the world's children.

August 8, 1989    Roy E.Disney

Peek-A-Pooh

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Pooh Corner is tucked away in Critter County, Disneyland, and because of this, it is usually a nice and quiet area to visit.

But remember to take a closer look before you enter this delightful store:

Yes, Mr Bluebird's House is easily overlooked, but it's small details like this that continue to highlight to us just how great Disney theme parks are!

Tea Beneath You

When entering the Jolly Holiday Bakery, be careful not to step on some tea.

As you can see, the minute you enter the bakery, you know exactly what you're going to get!

Perfect Disney Detailing.

At Your Service

There are so many things to love about the film Mary Poppins, but one part of the movie that this Princess adores is when we are introduced to the penguins.

And luckily, the Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe over in Disneyland makes a fantastic reference to these fun-friendly creatures!

Looks like they are ready to be at your service...

Leaping Into A Jolly Holiday

As this is a leap year, we all have the luck in having an extra day tagged on to the end of February! And what better way to celebrate this 29th of February by popping over to the new Jolly Holiday bakery in Disneyland, California.

Take a look at this beautiful tree mural, which is part of the decor in the Bakery.

Colourfully decorated with many reference's to Mary Poppins and her fantastical movie.

"Winds in the East, A mist comin' in, like somethin' brewin about to begin!"

Give Us Treats - Sing Songs - Bring Sweets!

A Piecrust Promise - Easily Made, Easily Broken

It is always a Jolly Holiday with Mary!

The Calvary Are Here

Wandering through Frontierland in Disneyland, California, you may come across the following advert, for horse lover's everywhere!

Join the CALVARY

and have a courageous friend

As you can see, The Horse Is Man's Noblest Companion.

A Toad In the Ceiling

I know yesterday we spent some time Looking Up in Discoveryland, but today we head over to Fantasyland in Disneyland, California, to look up in a classic attraction.

Have a good look at these pieces of ceiling decoration located in Mr Toad's Wild Ride.

Another good reason to Always Look Up, whether it is in one of the more recent Disney Parks, or the original.

New Paint

There is nothing better than a Disney Theme Park which has had a new coat of paint! The freshness and the cleanliness helps show the Parks at their best.

If you are lucky enough to visit the original park, Disneyland, in Anaheim, be sure to enter the Emporium on Main Street U.S.A. to see a new addition to the store.

This beautiful piece of artwork can be seen in the corner of the Emporium closest to Town Square. It's always great to see new additions to the Parks, of any kind!

Thanks to Chuck Canzoneri at the fabulous Disneyland Gazette (@TheDLGazette) for this info, and for helping DF'82 stay up-to-date with Disneyland Resort happenings!

Toilets at Toontown

If you head over to the ladies' restroom in Toontown at Disneyland, in California, you will see a fun reference to the popular Jessica Rabbit.

Fun Disneyland Facts!

Welcome one and all to this, the 4th Anniversary of DF'82! Thank you to all of you who have taken the time to read my little blog, and an even bigger thanks for all your contributions. Limited Edition 4th Anniversary Pins are available from the gift shop. Now, let's enter our 5th year...

It's the middle of the week, so let's take some time to again look at one of my favourite Disneyland books, Little Known Facts About Well-Known Places.

As we all know, Disneyland is the original Disney Theme Park, and after less than eight weeks of operation, it had its one-millionth guest! Not too bad for a theme park in Anaheim.

As per page 185/6:
The original site Walt had his eye on was the six-acre tract across from his studios in Burbank, California (currently the location of the hat-shaped Walt Disney Feature Animation Building), but as his team came up with more and more ideas, his Mickey Mouse Park evolved into Disneylandia (ultimately, just Disneyland), and the location shifted south to an orange grove in Anaheim, California.

Anaheim, which in the early 1950s was predicted to become the population center of Southern California, was selected from among more than seventy proposed sites for Disneyland. Beach towns were the most suggested, but Walt believed it would be impossible for his park to compete against the ocean.

White As A Fountain

A familiar and commonly visited area of Disneyland, in Anaheim, is the beautiful Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs fountain, near Sleeping Beauty's Castle.

More widely known as Snow White's Grotto, this fountain sings to the guests every day. Gifted from Italy, you'll notice that Snow White is actually the same size as the rest of the dwarfs, which is why she is positioned further back (to give the illusion that she is in the distance).

Now we head over to Tokyo Disneyland, where they have a very similar grotto to Disneyland. For the majority of the year, the fountain/waterfall area has the same models as Disneyland, but during their Easter celebrations, there are some...subtle changes. Can you see what they are?

I'm A Lady

Although there are probably plenty of Disney blogs that have looked at the windows of Walt Disney World, and Disneyland, DF'82 still enjoys visiting these windows of their Main Street U.S.A.. Every now and then we will pop over to our American neighbours and have a look at what their windows have to offer!

For example, today we are visiting the original Main Street U.S.A. and happen to need some lady fashions...

Look no further than:

Milady Fashions Renie

Dressmaking

Hemstitching

& Picoting

Beautiful!

The Adventure Continues

Today's post comes to you direct from California, with Chuck Canzoneri (of the fantastic Disneyland Gazette)  providing us with his review of the thrilling new Star Tours ride update.

Star Tours is back with a bunch of new upgrades that will definitely increase my desire to ride the attraction, and not just because of the different destination possibilities. This was a much needed refurb, since the original Star Tours was beginning to film like a rickety nostalgia piece. While it's fun to help lead the rebel troops in an attack on the Death Star, by this point I'd run out of small details to discover.

Now there's a lot to look for, and with two possible introductions, six destinations (of which you get 2 each ride) and a brief hologram intermission, it'll be a long time before I get tired of the journey(s).

As for the overall ride mechanics, your ship gets rocked around, but it's much smoother than before. Plus, with the hologram break in the middle, I expect there will be a lot fewer "protein spills". There's a new pre-show, with some amusing droid comedy. A new queue, including a very funny intergalactic potato head type to help your wait. There's even a new pilot, one of the series classic favorite characters.

Of course, with all the different possibilities, everyone will have their favorite combination ride experience. Here I will have to get spoilery, so if you want to go in fresh I'll end by saying that Star Tours: The Adventure Continues is once again an E Ticket Attraction.

Still With Me... Okay... Now I'm still not going to give everything away, but here's my brief breakdown of your adventure possibilities.

Your adventure begins with either Stormtroopers or Darth Vader himself. Now the Stormtroopers is fun because you quickly become part of a battle against Tie Fighters, but with Vader your only escape is to blast BACKWARDS. That's right, you quickly leave the ship bay in reverse which is really neat. This one is close, but I give the slight advantage to Lord Vader.

Then you go to one of your first three planets and get involved in a podrace, help out some Wookies or take part in the Hoth Ice Battle that opens Empire Strikes Back. The podrace is okay, but not much different from a 3D version of the scene from the movie. The Wookies are very disappointing. Aside from a hilarious bit involving Chewbacca, you just fly around for a bit and then leave. The Hoth ice battle is easily the best option here. You fly around and under AT-ATs as the rebels make you part of the attack formation.

Next up, you get a message from one of three holograms. Admiral Ackbar is fun only to listen and see if someone in the vehicle says "It's a Trap!". Leia is weird because it's obviously not recent, probably an image from the film with a digital voice, which doesn't sound a thing like her. (She does deliver her "you're my only hope" line, but it's a groaner.) I guess the best one here is Yoda, who looks and sounds perfect.

Then comes your final destination, which are all quite good. Perhaps most disappointing is Death Star because it's full of Lucas' recent overstuffed CGI, so the whole thing looks like a cartoon. You even face off against Boba Fett, but he's kind of dumb and a really poor shot. I would have preferred the original Star Tours Death Star battle to this. Another possibility is a giant space battle above Coruscant. I got this one twice and grew to like it more the 2nd time. It's still too cluttered, but there's a great power dive into the crowded skies of the city and some exciting close calls.

Strangely, my favorite destination was underwater Naboo. And yes, the moment our ship flew past a waving Jar Jar I rolled my eyes. Disappointingly, the vehicle does not run him down. The constant nattering of the Gungans is annoying, but the journey (complete with bigger fish) is exciting and it has what is easily the best of the possible endings.

So my ultimate Star Wars ride experience is Vader, Hoth, Yoda, Naboo. I hope as people ride they email back with their favorite combinations.

Holidays Of The World

We can't visit Disneyland without experiencing the wonder of a Small World Holiday!

Thanks to Chuck, again, we can have a look at some of the fun sites of this special holiday-themed attraction. I have yet to experience it, but I sure can't wait!

The attraction is 'dressed up' for the holidays, with decorations, ornaments and designs scattered beautifully throughout.

Even Pumbaa is in the festive mood!

And Ariel shares a decoration or two with us.

Happy Holidays!

Bright Times in Disneyland

With the wonders of the internet, we can experience Christmas in all the different Disney parks without leaving the comfort of our own home!

Today, thanks to Chuck Canzoneri over at the Disneyland Gazette, we can take a brief look at Disneyland welcoming the holidays.

As you can see, may your days be merry and your holidays be bright!

And if you're not impressed with the holiday adverts scattered throughout the gift shops, there's one way to start to get into the festive spirit. Head over to Thunder Ranch, near Big Thunder Mountain, and meet some of Santa's reindeer.

I wonder where Rudolph is...

A Bull In A China Shop

I love to wander down all the Main Streets of the Disney theme park world - and when I was meandering through the original Main Street U.S.A. in California, I took a moment to enjoy this building.
The China Closet opened in Spring 1964, even though there has always been a shop selling china goods of some kind since opening day. Prior to the China Closet, there was Ruggles China and Glass Shop (in the same location).

The Closet as it stands today, is a great location to pick up some Disney figurines, or snowglobes, as well as bronze statues, ornaments and decorations.Not only the inside of the store is interesting - as outside we can see a fantastic and interesting Main Street Window! Let's take a closer look:

The Disneyland News
Edward T. Meck
Editor in Chief

After our look at the Editor in Chief at the Main Street Gazette last week, this is another fun newspaper window. Edward Meck is a Disney Legend, inducted in 1995, was a Disney publicist and joined the company shortly before the opening of Disneyland in 1955.

Meck was hired by Walt Disney to publicise and promote his new theme park, Disneyland, and he was also influential in the opening of Walt Disney World in 1971.

A truly worthwhile window for a very important person in the early success of Disneyland.

Spare A Penny

This is one of my favourite shots of Main Street U.S.A. in Disneyland.

Why? It is just a typical Christmas shot, right? No, this shot was actually taken in September! The Christmas decorations were only up for a short time to film some shots for the Disney Parks' Christmas adverts (commercials). But looking at this shot made me a little more interested in the Penny Arcade itself.

The Penny Arcade opened in Disneyland the same day the park itself opened - July 17th 1955. It was placed in Main Street U.S.A. by Walt Disney, to help re-create what locals would see in their own hometowns in the early 20th Century. Inside, there are inexpensive games and movies - most of which take a penny - and many bizarre contraptions to entertain the whole family. The Disneyland Encyclopedia (p322) explains one such attraction:

Guests may recall encounters with the Electricity is Life device that hooks guests up to a battery and enables them to see how much pain they can take, the grip-tester that extends Uncle Sam's right hand for guests to shake (and), the souvenir penny-pressers.
It really is one of the most fun buildings in the Disney parks. Unfortunately, Disneyland Paris does not have this Penny Arcade, and the Magic Kingdom's Penny Arcade is now the Hall of Champions sports' shop. Tokyo Disneyland, however, still has this fantastic experience.

The Original '55

Here at DF'82, if there's one thing we almost as much as windows, it's plaques throughout the Disney park. So, to add to the never-ending collection, let's take some time to look at the plaque that, possibly, started it all.
The plaque at Disneyland, California, which reads:

Disneyland
To All Who Come To This Happy Place
WELCOME
Disneyland is your land.
Here age relives fond memories of the past. And here you may savor the challenge and promise of the future.
Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams and the hard facts that have created America. With the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world.
July 17 1955

Ready To Taste

Welcome back to the second half of Chuck Canzoneri's delicious Club 33 at Disneyland report.

Taste

From the Menu, you have a choice between 6 different Main Entrée’s. You order your Entrée and your drink and then it’s off to the Buffet room. On one side is all your appetizers, ranging from Salads to Antipasta to Cold Shellfish. The Other side is breads, flavored olive oils and desserts.
The types of bread included flatbread, crackers and breadsticks and the olive oils were infused, so you’d have garlic olive oil, pineapple-citrus olive oil, saffron olive oil and so on.
The salads included chef’s, Cesar, and there was a special one, a cheese tortellini with little bits of steak in a creamy dressing. We all loved that one. I’d give it 4 1/2 HP. The rest of the food in general ranged in quality from ordinary to pretty good, but the sheer variety of options was outstanding.As most everyone knows, Club 33 is the one place in Disneyland that serves alcohol. There’s a full service bar near the buffet, plus the staff will happily bring you drinks. Sean and I took advantage of this and ordered… non-alcoholic punch. A special fruit juices mixture that was delicious.

The 6 entrée choices were...
Roast Monk Fish, Rock Lobster Bisque, Spiced Arugula Salad
Pan Seared Chateaubriand, Parsnip-Cipollini Onion Puree, Cabernet Demi
Organic Free Range Chicken, Truffled Mac & Cheese
Farmed King Salmon, Bloomsdale Spinach, Celery Root Jus
Colorado Lamb Chops, Apple Coffee Polenta, Lamb Mint Reduction
Fresh Pasta Three By Three: Goat Cheese Veloute, Mushroom Mariana, Short Rib Bolognese

I had the Chateaubriand because I’m a big fan of steak. It was good, but not even close to superb. The flavors were nice, but the meat was a little tough, a little chewy. I’ve had better. I’ve made better.
I also got to try the pasta, which was extremely underwhelming. The pasta was tough, and tasted anything but fresh. The Veloute was mostly tasteless. The mushroom marinara was better and the Short Rib Bolognese tasted best, but the sauce was sparingly handled so this was not a hearty bowl of pasta.
Around the Table, others enjoyed the Chicken and the Lamb Chops, but we all felt that the entrees were not as good as the appetizers and the Dessert Bar.

The Dessert Bar. Where do I begin? Like the Appetizer Bar, there’s such a huge selection of different treats – sponge cake, cheese cake, pie, torts, custard, crème puffs, coconut macaroons and 3 flavors of Pirouette cookies – that you’re guaranteed to fall in love with something.
For me it was the raspberry-chocolate boxes, a tasty sponge cake filled with raspberry jam and a thin chocolate wafer. I ate 3 of these which is saying a lot when you consider that I tried everything. (I’ve seen that they sometimes use blackberry which I bet is equally delicious.
The Coconut Macaroons are famous, and it’s easy to see why. Moist on the inside, dipped in delicious chocolate on the outside, they’re the 2nd best I’ve ever had. In fact I would give all of the desserts at least 4 Stars except for the crème puff, which was too dry and flaky.

Touch

And by this I’m talking about the special Disney touch. Just the sheer gall to have a restaurant with the reputation of specialness of Club 33. Afterwards, there’s a small gift cabinet with some exclusive overpriced souvenirs. Like Victoria & Albert’s over at WDW, It’s not the kind of place you want to go to over and over again. But it’s a definite once in a lifetime experience.

As for my wife who made it all happen. She’s working on getting us into Pixar.

Don't forget to listen to Chuck at the Disneyland Gazette. And if you want to read more about Club 33 from the outside, here is the previous DF'82 post.