Almost everyone gets a special pair of Mickey ears as a souvenier while visiting the park. Some people can be wary though of buying souveniers until the end of the day so they don't get lost or damaged during the course of the day. Recently I found out that there is no need to worry about wearing your Mickey ears though. As long as you don't cut off the fabric tag on the headband, Disney will replace a broken pair from that day for free! (with receipt)
Just another great example of the outstanding customer service at Disney Parks! ;)
On June 23, 2013 Disney's California Adventure hosted the World Premiere of Disney's latest film, The Lone Ranger. We only found out about the event because we saw them setting up the red carpet a few days in advance. We lined up around 5am, and the event started about 6pm. It was a very hot, very long day to sit on a curb, but totally worth it! Here's a few shots from the day.
Most people think that you can't leave the park with any memorable souvenir for free. Over time you hear rumors online or from other park goers about special things in the park, including freebies. The best way to confirm or disprove is to simply ask a cast member. Honestly, they are always really nice, and if they don't have the answer they will find out for you, I've found that cast members are just as crazy and excited about Disney as the rest of us!
Today is the first post about Disney Freebies!
I recently heard online that at the end of the Jungle Cruise ride, while disembarking, to ask a cast member for a map of the ride. Sure enough, this is what they gave me! It's an old illustration done of the course of the river, that has been reprinted on a thick weight paper. I was really excited to find out that this freebie was true!
One of the rarest treats at Disneyland are their handmade Candy Canes at Christmastime.
The process of obtaining these elusive treats can be a bit confusing and requires a lot of research. Last year Ryan and I decided to experience what all the fuss about a "hand-made" candy cane was like. We decided early in the season to figure out exactly how to get one.
They ended up costing $12.95 per cane. Each one was quite large and much thicker than a traditional cane. Since there were two of us, we could each have purchased one, but decided not to because of the price. After the first lick, we both immediately regretted not purchasing another! They were delicious! So light and sweet, and after all that hassle we went through to get one.
One more thing, don't be tricked by the signs in the store with canes on the shelves reading "hand-made." These are NOT the canes made in the park, and are not nearly as delicious!
The only way to get one made there, is by following this step-by-step guide. Trust me, it's worth it to do at least once in your lifetime!
1) Check online for the schedule to find out which dates the candy canes will be made each Christmas season, and plan your visit accordingly.
This year's dates are:
Disneyland’s Candy Palace Dates: Disney California Adventure Trolley Treats Dates: November 23 (8:00am park opening) November 24 (8:00am park opening) November 26 (10:00am park opening) November 27 (10:00am park opening) November 30 (8:00am park opening) December 1 (8:00am park opening) December 3 (9:00am park opening) December 4 (9:00am park opening) December 10 (9:00am park opening) December 8 (8:00am park opening) December 14 (8:00am park opening) December 11 (9:00am park opening) December 17 (8:00am park opening) December 15 (8:00am park opening) December 21 (8:00am park opening) December 18 (8:00am park opening) December 23 (8:00am park opening) December 22 (8:00am park opening) December 24 (8:00am park opening) December 25 (8:00am park opening)
2) Show up EARLY! I always advise getting to the park early, but seriously, get there well before opening. Main Street opens 30 minutes PRIOR to the park's general admission hours. So that means, get there even before the extra 30 minutes! There will be a separate line for those wanting to purchase candy canes. Everyone will rush down Main Street to the candy shop and you don't want to be a few people too late!
3) The first so many people will receive a special wristband with the date on it, and what time to come back to the store to pick up your candy cane. Keep your group together to get wristbands! Do not remove this wristband! We had until 11:30am to return.
4) Come back a while before your allotted time. Of course you will get a cane if you are on the dot, but there will be a whole group picking up when the batch is done at the decided time. We ended up being last in line for our time period and had to wait quite a while for each person to make their purchases. Also, even though the wristband guarantees you a candy cane, you must pick it up before 4pm. At that time remaining canes will be sold to a stand-by line.
5) Enjoy! Ryan and I strolled out on Main Street and sat on my favorite bench across the street.
Throughout the day they will be making the canes, so stop by the windows outside to watch them make your canes! It's pretty fascinating watching them work.
One thing that has changed as of this year, is the Candy Canes will be alternately made in DCA and DL.
To find out more, or check the candy-making schedule you can always call Disneyland's Candy Kitchen Hotline at (714) 781-0112.
Here is a fun video featuring Disneyland candy-makers showing how the canes are made.
What's Halloween without some special treats? Disneyland does not disappoint with their selection of Halloween themed desserts. Here are some of my favorites and where to get them.
This pumpkin parfait in a Mickey mug is a great small treat, and you get to keep the mug! I have quite a few of these at home, and out on display for Halloween.
You can find these at the Rancho del Zocalo, French Market, and select venues in DCA.
My favorite Halloween special treat is the pumpkin muffins! Moko and I always start the day off with a coffee or hot chocolate and a muffin. It's perfect for a cool autumn morning!
Sometimes the muffins have raisins, and sometimes they don't. You can always ask at the counter.
These muffins can be found in any bakery, including Jolly Holiday, and the bakery on Buena Vista Street in DCA.
The Boudin factory located in DCA always feature special baked goods for holidays and special occasions. Around Halloween they have really cute jack-o-lantern themed buns. All their bread is super good!
Pooh's Corner in Critter Country is one of the best places to find special treats that Main Street might not carry, or have run out of. Since the location is way in the back of the park, not many people frequent it for treats. During Halloween they have a lot of great stuff, most of which can be found on Main Street as well. Some of my favorites are the ghost Mickey marshmallow stick, spooky cupcakes, candy corn sticks, and of course the gourmet caramel apples. This year they even have poison apples!
Each year there is pumpkin patch behind Thundermountain in Frontierland. All the pumpkins feature Disney characters. Some artists are quite clever and really use the 3d elements of the pumpkin, paints, and props.
This year the patch has been incorporated into the Halloween Carnival at the Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree area. I usually swing by twice during the day, as cast members are always out carving new pumpkins to see.
Here are some of my favorite pumpkins throughout the years, enjoy.
For a limited time (until November 5th) park guests can see an exclusive 4D sneak peek of the film, Frankenweenie! Even if you have seen the movie already I recommend seeing the 4D clip. During Sparky's resurrection scene there is wind, rain, and even lightning! It was a really unique experience and was a lot of fun.
The art exhibit is located in the Animation Building in Hollywoodland, DCA. There are multiple full sets from the film including all the mini props and puppets in appropriate poses. There is also a section of Tim Burton's desk which has concept art and drawings, character puppets, as well as a variety of character models for Sparky.
Next door in the Off the Page shop, there is exclusive merchandise including t-shirts, mugs, and of course a plush Sparky and Persephone.
Across the street at Award Weiners Hot Dogs, they have a limited time Frankenweenie themed menu option, the Frank and Weiner.
