Pixie Hollow: Periwinkle

Recently, Disneyland has invited a new fairy into the story of Tinkerbell, 

and now into the Disney parks. Periwinkle will be introduced in Disney's new movie, 

Secret of the Wings, set to release straight to DVD and Bluray on October 23.

I love how Disney really goes into detail when decorating for special occasions. 

There are snowflakes hung all over Pixie Hollow with snow drifts 

and many of the flowers have been frozen blue.

I also really liked Periwinkle's outfit design. 

It's so cute, and I happened to match her when I visited!

Since Periwinkle has arrived a little early for cold weather in SoCal, 

Tinkerbell was clever enough to build a snow machine to make her feel at home in the heat. 

Periwinkle is scheduled to be at the park for meet-and-greet through the winter. 

If you are a Disney Fairies fan I recommend you go check it out!

Hidden Mickey Monday!

This hidden Mickey is placed along the wall of Gadget's Go Coaster queue in Toontown.

Almost immediately after entering the queue, at the first turn in the route this Mickey sits about knee-high in the wall. The bright colors make it pretty easy to find.

Rainy Season

Fall is here, and that means rainy season.

But don't let this keep you from spending time in the parks! There are pros and cons to getting caught in the rain.

Pros: No lines, no crowds, NO LINES!

Also rain allows for great pictures :)

Cons:
You will get wet, just embrace it and let yourself have fun even though you're a bit soggy!

Some rides do shut down for safety reasons, these are usually the outdoor attractions like Thunder Mountain, Casey Jr. Circus Train, and Astro Orbitors. (Outdoor rides like Storybook Boat Ride, Finding Nemo Submarines, Splash Mountain and Small World remain open since they have water elements already)

Many of the cheaper food at the outdoor vendors close, but you probably want to eat under shelter anyways.

The fireworks will likely get cancelled if it's still raining in the evening, but World of Color usually will still show.

So if the forecast predicts rain, pack a poncho and have some fun!

Disney Secrets: The Jaguar

Today's Disney secret can be found while walking through Tarzan's Treehouse.

Did you know that if you touch the book in front of the Jaguar perched in the tree he will growl and blow air in your face? Tell your unsuspecting friends to stand up and touch the book for a good laugh.

Hidden Mickey Monday!

This hidden Mickey is painted on the outside of the Matterhorn, which was recently renovated. They repainted the whole mountain, and added this new Mickey.

You can find this Mickey on the side of the mountain that faces the Finding Nemo Submarines. It is a little lower than eye level, but easy to find. When the line gets long and wraps around the mountain you will undoubtedly pass it.

My best friend Moko was the one to spot it. We were at the park within the week of the Matterhorn's re-opening. It was early in the day and she had just announced she would find a Mickey that day, not a minute later she ran over to the mountain and there it was!

Today is her birthday so this post is dedicated to her and her awesome Mickey find!

Disney Secrets: The Golden Apple

Today's Disney secret can be found in the queue for Snow White's Scary Adventure. 

Did you know that if you touch the apple above the storybook as you enter the castle the Evil Queen will let out a terrible scream! Have fun scaring your group with this Disney secret!

The Halloween Tree

"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."

I love this tree! Halloweentime is my favorite, and this tree always makes me happy.

Halloweentime starts in Disneyland today and runs through October 31st.

Hidden Mickey Monday!

This Mickey is in the Magic Shop window display on Main Street, USA.

This Mickey always makes me laugh. I love that it looks like a cast member totally just took the opportunity of white-out on this card to make it a Mickey. I always wonder about the story behind this Mickey, and whether it was "approved" or not. Either way, whoever planted it, great job seizing this perfect Mickey opportunity!

Treats to Beat the Heat

Mint Julep $5

This is by far my favorite go-to treat on a hot Disney day! The sweet mint and lime flavors are so refreshing! You can find this drink exclusively at the French Market in New Orleans Square. I suggest grabbing a Mint Julep and watching the Royal Street Bachelors perform just outside.

Dole Whip and Dole Float $3-5

Dole Whips and floats are a really great treat to have on a hot day. The best part is you can grab one and head straight into the Tiki Room. It's air conditioned inside, you can bring any food or drink, and the show lasts about 25 minutes so it's a great break from the hot sun! Dole whips and floats can be purchased at the Dole stand by the entrance to Adventureland.

Giant Pickle $3

Giant dill pickles are great for a hot day. They are really refreshing and juicy, and are big enough to share. You can find pickles at various fruit stands. Some locations include: Mainstreet; Frontierland, near the Jungle Cruise; Critter Country, near the Canoes; Fantasyland, near Casey Jr.'s Circus Train; DCA on Buena Vista Street; and many more. 

Once we even found a Mickey on our pickle!

Dreyer's Ice Cream Sundae $5

Ice cream in Disneyland always tastes better! I love getting a sundae and then waiting for the parade on Main Street. Although lots of people have this idea so plan ahead for a long line! You can find ice cream sundaes on Main Street and at the Golden Horseshoe in Frontierland.

Ghiradelli Shake ~$7

This is the best ice cream shake I have ever had! Pick your favorite flavor of Ghiradelli ice cream and they blend it with chocolate so every sip has little shavings of chocolate! Best idea ever. Their shakes are really filling too. You can find these shakes at the Ghiradelli shop in DCA.

Frozen Apple Juice or Lemonade ~$8

These taste great, and stay cold for a long time. Plus they come in a souvenir sipper with a handle, making it easy to carry around, and you can bring it on rides since it has a covered top! You can find these frozen drinks at various karts in Tomorrowland, Toontown, and Fantasyland.

Celebrity Sightings!

One of the fun things about visiting Disneyland is the opportunity to find celebrities there as well!  Over the years I've seen my fair share of celebrities, here are a few pictures I've snagged.

Starkid Potter's Nick Lang, Joey Richter, my friend and I, Darren Criss, and Brian Holden, 2009.

My friend and I were lucky enough to find a few of the Starkid team before they became 
too popular to be bombarded by fans.

My cousins Michael and Dustin, and Jared Dudley of NBA's Phoenix Suns, 2012.

My cousin, Dustin spotted Jared Dudley camping out on Main Street for the Parade.

Bret Iwan, the official voice actor of Mickey Mouse, 2012.

Bret Iwan attended the Annual Passholder Movie night event
and was kind enough to announce the movie in-character!

Karina Smirnoff of Dancing with the Stars, 2012.

Karina Smirnoff was being guided by cast members with her group through Bug's Land.

Hidden Mickey Monday!

This hidden Mickey can be found when viewing World of Color in DCA.

During the brief Up scene, a bunch of balloons fill the water screens. The house goes past with the characters onboard. Just after the house is out of view, one last Mickey shaped balloon flies up.

To capture this Mickey I found it was easier to record the scene with my handheld video camera, and take a film still afterwards to get the image.