Have a Disney-fied Weekend

This Blog post originally posted on VitaminOC site. Written by me.

If you love Disney as much as I do, this weekend is perfect to come down to  Disneyland Resort! Two Major events are happening this weekend:

• The Anaheim Convention Center [located minutes away from the resort] is hosting the annual and much anticipated D23 expo.
• At Disney California Adventure, award winning dance crew, Kaba Modern comes back and performs at elecTRONica!

D23 is the official expo for everything Disney and is happening this weekend. As a Disney FANATIC I wouldn’t want to miss this opportunity get an inside look at Disney’s projects. From live interviews with Disney legends like  Marty Sklar, to live performances of Constantine Maroulis from American Idol, to exclusive advance screenings to Lion King 3D, this is a MUST GO event for the Disney ultimate fan. Oh by the way, since Marvel is Disney owned, don’t be surprised to see the cast of the upcoming film The Avengers making an appearance during the 3 day expo.

Full details at D23Expo’s site for ticket information.

Kaba Modern

Kaba Modern, the dance crew from Irvine was invited once more to the TRON inspired night event elecTRONica at Disney California Adventure. The performed at DCA earlier in March and if you haven’t seen them Live this is a GREAT oppourtinity to see them! Hurry though, they will only be performing on August 18 – 20th. Here’s your personal invite from the Kaba Modern themselves!

Come back after and share your pics and comments about either D23 or Kaba Modern performances!

Have you visited the Merriest Place on Earth?

This Blog post originally posted on VitaminOC site. Written by me.

Photo taken by Jorge Felix Dec 14, 2010

One of the best places to celebrate this holiday season around Orange County is definitely spending a day at Disneyland. For the past couple of years, Disneyland changes from being the “Happiest Place on Earth” to the “Merriest Place on Earth” with a holiday cheers around every corner of the park. The reason I love coming back during this time of year is because I love seeing everything Disneyland has to offer and that warm feeling you get of happiness and togetherness with the people you go with. I really do not think Mr. Walt Disney [who recently had a birthday] knew the magnitude of the success and IMPACT Disneyland would have to many.

Here is my “MUST to do List”  during the Holidays at Disneyland:

Photo Opportunities:

–Take a picture on the CALIFORNIA Sign outside of California Adventure! This will be your last opportunity at taking pictures there, since Disney decided to remove them in order to make renovations throughout Disney California Adventure. [LAST DAY Jan 4th, 2011!!]

-One of my favorite things to look at when you enter the park is seeing that BIG Christmas Tree and being able to take a jolly picture with the whole family!

-Heading towards the center of the park, a great photo opp can be captured in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle, where I recommend  taking 2 pictures here, one during the day and another during the night.

– Take a pic of your favorite reindeer! At Frontierland,  you can pet REAL reindeer at Santa’s Reindeer Round-Up and have a close up with them!

Attractions:

-It definitely feels like the holiday season when you hear the carolers and the Disneyland Marching Band singing and playing your favorite Christmas tunes

-Check out one of the local stores in Main Street to see how candy canes are made!

-You cannot miss visiting the place with 999 ghosts and ghouls at the Haunted Mansion Holiday attraction and seeing the house decked out with Jack Skellington and the gang from Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas.

–Make time to see the Christmas Parade! What’s really fun about seeing the parade is that you get to watch a great show and see local bands! I had a great experience while in high school to march around Disneyland during the holiday season and it was fun seeing everyone so festive and happy listening to our tunes!

-Ride the Matterhorn Bobsleds to get a better view of the park during this festive time!

-Get Goofy at Mickey’s Toontown and celebrate the holidays with Mickey, Minnie, Donald and the rest of the Toontown Family!

-Ride the classic “it’s a small world holiday” and sing your favorite holiday song in a relaxing boat ride!

-Your Disney visit cannot be complete without seeing the “Believe… in Holiday Magic” Fireworks Show . One of THE highlights at Disneyland!

Dining:

-Taste great holiday treats from Tamales to Mickey-shaped gingerbread beignets

-Feeling a little cold inside the park? Buy yourself a creamy hot chocolate before riding Space Mountain!

– Try out special holiday items at the Plaza Inn near Main Street

–On a budget? I highly recommend dinning at the Village Haus, Tomorrowland Terrace, or Redd Rocket’s Pizza Port for quality food at a reasonable price

–Go outside the Park and check out the New Orleans themed Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen for a great holiday dinning experience

Last minute holiday shopping? Check out the biggest World of Disney in the West Coast at Downtown Disney. You will find anything Disney at this awesome one stop shop! I HIGHLY recommend purchasing an Annual Disneyland passport to enjoy Disney all throughout the year! You can now purchase these passes and pay a small monthly fee, finance free! I just got mine yesterday and excited to visit the happiest place on earth! Whether you are a kid or a kid at heart, Disneyland during the holidays’ is a great experience to enjoy!

I really want to hear from you! What is your “Must ToDo List” at Disneyland during the Holiday’s?  Other locations to take great pictures? Your favorite holiday Disney treat?