Perhaps you thought this was Texas. True, they do everything bigger, but this kernel of candy corn is located outside Disneyland Resort’s second gate Disney’s California Adventure.
Disneyland knows big, too. The two guys in the photo are both well over 7′ tall. Read More »
When in Hawaii do as the Hawaiians do. In this case that means charge a bunch of tourists a hefty sum and then dump them in the ocean. It was worth it.
This photo is from a snorkeling expedition off the coast of Maui. That’s a sea turtle.
“Dude? Dude? Focus dude… Dude?”
See?
“Saw the whole thing, dude. First you were all like “whoa”, and we were like “whoa”, and you were like “whoa…”"
And that’s how it happened. No Snorks were harmed in the writing of this post.
“RIGHTEOUS. RIGHTEOUS.”
Photo by Whit Honea
For more family-friendly travel photos visit DeliciousBaby’s Photo Fridays.
Quotes courtesy of Crush
Leaving our mark on Disneyland.
At the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, CA, there is a large square of open area between the gates of the original Disneyland park and Disney’s California Adventure. The square is filled with families waiting for loved ones and teenagers trying to look cool in mouse ears and all of the randomness that one might associate with the downtime of a Disney vacation. Read More »
Disney offers many nutritional options for keeping children quiet.
1. As evidenced by the annoyed people seated next to me on the Nemo Submarine Voyage I get excellent cell-phone reception up to 20,000 leagues under the sea. This despite dead zones in my own home.
2. Until a wrong turn on Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride took me there, I never realized that hell was not just hot but also quite humid- not unlike Florida.
3. After walking through Innoventions I can’t help but feel that Microsoft’s biggest issue is not lack of innovation, but rather a failure to communicate. They make awesome stuff for the home and nobody knows it.
4. Old country bears don’t die, they just retire to the Hundred Acre Woods.
5. If a princess has found her prince she is highly unlikely to kiss a frog, no matter how nicely you ask.
6. The best way to keep pirates from boarding your boat is flash photography.
7. If visiting the parks in February the crowds will be small and the rides will be closed.
8. Not all of the 999 spooks are grim or grinning. At least two ghosts appear indifferent.
9. Should a ride have the word “terror” in its name, there is good chance you may find it somewhat terrifying.
10. Despite Flick’s insistence to the contrary, some bugs deserve to be swatted.
11. The whole thing about human children contaminating monsters is an urban legend.
12. With just 10 Dalmatians Cruella de Vil could have had a nice handbag.
13. A full bar, a winery, a tequila booth and a beer cart are a nice touch.
Read more about the Disneyland Resort here and here!
Photo by Whit Honea
Snow for Sleeping Beauty
When most people think of Disneyland Resort (that being the area containing the original Disneyland, Disney’s California Adventure, Downtown Disney and the three Disney hotels) they tend to think of a summer destination for their family vacation. Here’s something to consider, Disney for the holidays.
The entire area is transformed.
The hotels (Disneyland Hotel, Paradise Pier and Grand Californian) each have their own Christmas trees and holiday decorations, respectively, as well as daily winter-based activities for guests of all ages, including crafts, tours and workshops.
Downtown Disney takes on the festive feel of the season, complete with themed displays and a constant soundtrack of holiday tunes provided by live musicians, wandering carolers or piped through the speakers.
Disney’s California Adventure (DCA) sticks with its California motif and embraces Santa in a more relaxed mindset. Here you will find sand instead of snow and the reindeer games consist of beach activities- even Santa opts for bermuda shorts and a Hawaiian print shirt rather than his traditional garb.
Winter in the 100 Acre Woods
Disneyland goes a more traditional route with its decorating. The entire park is a holiday, evoking the likes of Norman Rockwell, Bing Crosby and Burl Ives. There are special shows, parades, treats and merchandise (including a fantastic and large assortment of holiday decor and clothing).
The Disney characters are often dressed accordingly, especially Goofy that spends his days in Toon Town dressed as Santa and posing for pictures.
Mickey for the Holidays
Each night snow falls throughout Disneyland, from Main Street, U.S.A. to New Orleans Square.
The Small World and Haunted Mansion attractions have special holiday themes which are so well done that many, including my family, prefer the seasonal overlay to the original.
The winter weather in Anaheim is typically sunny with daytime temperatures in the 60s and 70s. The nights cool down quite a bit and you should pack accordingly- especially since it can become chilly and wet without much warning.
If at all possible, try to arrange your vacation during the week to offset the crowds, but keep in mind that the closer you get to the holidays the more likely that local schools will be on break.
The Holiday festivities run from November 21, 2008 through January 4, 2009.
Photos by Whit Honea
Collecting scares with Mike and Sully
Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California is the pinnacle of family vacation spots (at least on the west coast). In addition to the original Disneyland there is a second gate, Disney’s California Adventure (DCA). It is a relatively new theme park, and it has its critics. In fact, it has so many critics that Disney’s California Adventure is being overhauled with a budget bigger than the one that financed its creation. There is hope and change in the air.
The entrance to DCA is just a matter of feet from that of Disneyland but the two parks couldn’t be further apart, figuratively. While Disneyland is the classic standard and the maker of the magic, the theme of the newer park is slightly less so: California. This is the beginning of the end for those that just drove hours through the actual state of California to get there. My family likes to look at it differently.
These are the jokes, folks.
Sure, the idea of additions and renovations is exciting to us (We’re big fans of the newest attraction Toy Story Mania which thrills my wife just as much as it does my 2-year-old. If this is a sign of things to come then sign us up!), but we really enjoy the park in its current state as well (hey, that’s like a pun!).
Disney’s California Adventure offers family activities from the very young to adult. There are shows, rides and interactive areas geared at the Playhouse Disney set, the adventure seeking school-aged kids and the thrill-loving teens. There is also a full bar, a winery and a beer cart for the grown-ups.
DCA hosts an annual food and wine festival, a half-marathon (runs through park and other parts of the resort), a very fun Halloween celebration (Mickey’s Trick-or-Treat Party runs on various nights during the month. A separate admission is required.) and a rowdy but safe New Year’s Eve bash.
Basically, the entire Disneyland Resort, which includes Downtown Disney and three hotels, can be as family-friendly or as romantic as you want it to be. We go for both.
The park hours are shorter than those of Disneyland and vary by season as well as day of the week. Services within the park include lockers, strollers, wheelchairs, first aid, ATM and communication assistance.
I recommend purchasing a ticket that allows you to enter both parks in the same day. It cost a little more, but the options that it allows you with regard to planning your activities is well worth it.
All Photos: W & T Honea
© UpTake Networks, Inc. 2009
