Days in the Park Goes to Knott's Merry Farm!

If you've spent any time at Days in the Park in the past, you'll no doubt have noticed long ago that my blog has always been one aimed at my own personal adventures, and the things that I most enjoy doing and partaking of myself.

I've been able to do many great things since I've started Days in the Park, and to me, life is just one big "park" that's meant to be enjoyed and experienced to its fullest.

One of the best things I've been able to do since I started this journey and have put myself out there as a writer, is that it often gives me the opportunity to experience things I might not otherwise get to as part of the media, and this year has certainly been no exception as I've been able to experience two different events, well, one is coming up, at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, California. I was able to attend their annual "Scary Farm" event (haunt) earlier this month (don't be surprised if you don't see an article all about that in the next couple of days as Halloween winds down (I wanted to do it as an homage and to get people pumped up for next year), but thanks to the blog, I've also been invited back near the end of November to experience a whole new (new to me, anyways) event at Knott's, their annual "Merry Farm" event, in honor of Christmas and the upcoming holiday season.

In fact, this year, Joy itself (and what's better than a little joy in one's hears?) is in season at Knott’s Merry Farm!

Just a few of this year's highlights include:

• Snoopy and a cast of world class ice skaters perform Merry Christmas, Snoopy!, a whimsical ice show bursting with characters and remarkable skating. 

• In Santa’s Christmas Cabin, guests can share their wish lists with jolly ol’ St. Nick and savor some of Knott’s world famous holiday treats.

• Take a trip back in time and celebrate Christmas in the Old West town of Calico! Climb aboard the Calico Railroad for Christmas on Engine 41 and meet Ghost Town residents eager to share their holiday plans with you. 

• Those looking for great gift ideas can shop Knott’s Christmas Crafts Village, a shopping wonderland where local artisans demonstrate their craft and sell their unique gifts. 

• In the evening, join Snoopy as he lights up the night in the Snoopy’s Merriest Tree Lighting show, then take a stroll through Ghost Town where snow gently falls while thousands of sparkling lights dance to the beat of holiday music.

And as always, Knott's continues to support our military by making their season even jollier than it may have been, by letting them in on the holiday cheer with some fantastic savings geared towards them, and thanking them for their service to all of us and this country.

Knott’s Berry Farm continues its tradition of honoring the brave men and women who have served
in the U.S. military, both past and present, with free admission during its 26th annual Military Tribute.

Knott’s is the only theme park that has continuously offered free admission to veterans and active military personnel in honor of our nation’s Veteran’s Day holiday.

The free-admission offer applies to all U.S. veterans, retired and active military personnel and their spouse (or one guest.)  Up to six additional tickets may be purchased at Knott’s Ticket Booths for only $25 each from November 1 - 20 and for $30 each November 21 through December 20, 2015.  Military personnel may also purchase additional tickets at a participating local Military ticket office.

U.S. veterans, retired and active military personnel must present military ID or proof of U.S. military service at Knott’s ticket booths to receive the complimentary tribute tickets.  Veteran, retired and active military personnel must U.S. veterans, retired and active military can also take advantage of a great $89 a night rate at the Knott’s Hotel, plus free parking. Rate is based upon a standard room and subject to availability. For reservations, call (866) 752-2444, or visit knottshotel.com or your local military base.

Make fun part of your holiday tradition at Knott’s Merry Farm November 21-January 3. And while you're at it, now might be a great time (since you should definitely be thinking of going by this point anyways) to look at some of the fantastic season pass options that Knott's has going. You won't get a better bang for your buck, and now's the perfect time to either buy your own passes, or perhaps purchase one as Christmas presents for your loved ones, so that they can look forward to enjoying Knott's Berry Farm for the entire upcoming season, and year!

Make fun part of your holiday tradition beginning this year at Knott’s Merry Farm, November 21-January 3.

The opinions in this article are my own. I do not work for, or with, any brand mentioned in this article, nor do I have any official relationship with them.  I have a relationship with GigaSavvy, for whom I create original editorial content.

Days in the Park is Getting a New Look!

As you may have noticed, Days in the Park has a slightly different look this morning than it has in quite some time...

I hope that you will continue to check back (most likely tomorrow) as I reintroduce myself to the world, because as Walt Disney himself once said (and he's the inspiration for this new revamp that I am doing), "Curiosity keeps leading us down new paths".

I hope that you'll follow me down some of mine. You won't always like them probably, but they are mine, and everyone needs to follow their path.

See you soon!

It's the Little Things... "Wreck-It-Ralph" Penny Presser

The Wreck-It Ralph penny presser - the Star Trader - Tomorrowland - Disneyland Park

We realize that we probably sound like a broken record saying it, and to be honest, we don't even remember if we swiped it from someone else or coined it on our own (we'll go with coined it on our own since it sounds better and sounds more intelligent), but when it comes to The Parks, it truly is about "the little things". Throw Space Mountain and Splash Mountain into a random field, and what do you have? Two awesome attractions in the middle of a field! Throw them into Disneyland and what do you have? Two awesome attractions inside the Happiest Place on Earth, which just happens to be decorated to the hilt and is an absolutely amazing place to wander around. See the difference? It's all about the little touches and little things you see all over that really stand out and will stay with you long after you've gone.

One of our favorite collectibles, or souvenirs inside The Parks, are the penny pressers. Even if you've never been to Disneyland before, they're certainly nothing new, and you can find them just about anywhere people are selling souvenirs. For all I know Pilot truck stops may have them these days... In case you're not familiar though, the concept is simple. You drop a couple of quarters into the machine, and a penny you're willing to sacrifice to the cause, turn a handle a few times, and your penny magically gets smushed, stretched, and imprinted with a little artwork commemorating your location or whatever it is that you're doing. Simple and easy souvenir, and easily stored too!

These things are everywhere around The Parks, and they even sell little books for you to keep all the ones you collect from the different attractions, restaurants, shops, and everywhere else inside. It's a neat, fun little thing to do and you can even turn it into a game: "How many penny pressers are there inside The Parks and can you find them all?" might be a fun one to play! No. Seriously. There are entire websites dedicated to these things people, and anytime someone finds a new one or a new one is introduced, it's a big deal. No. Seriously.

Although we're not huge penny pressers (is that a verb?) around here, we do indeed have a favorite presser inside The Park! This particular one was introduced when Disneyland started a Wreck-It Ralph Meet and Greet to hone in on the popularity of the movie when it was released, and when the Starcade was transformed to have a little mini-video game arcade inside, this little beauty came along with it; for the video game nerds, our very own Wreck-It Ralph penny presser, shaped just like Fix-It Felix's apartment building! And if that wasn't enough, for our fifty cents we could smush up our pennies to show pictures of either Ralph, Felix, or my own personal favorite, Vanellope on them! And yes, I do own a Vanellope penny, if I could just find it.

While many penny pressers around The Parks do have different styles they're shaped in, or themes according to where they are located, this particular presser always stood out to us not just because of its subject matter, which is pretty darn cool and close to our hearts, but because of the "little things". It would have been super easy to just throw another presser together, slap a Ralph logo on it, and place it inside the arcade and it still would have made a pretty penny (pun totally intended). In this case, however, someone decided to go that extra mile and design it in such a way that it evoked a fantastic memory from the movie and, like we said earlier up top, it stayed with us long after we'd gone after seeing it for the first time. In fact, we'd just assumed that it had gone away with the Meet and Greet when it was done, so imagine our surprise and glee this past weekend when we saw it still alive and well while walking through the Starcade after riding Space Mountain.

It's the "little things", all over, that really make The Parks special. It's true, and we will continue to espouse it as long as people are here reading about it. Probably longer.

What are some of your favorite things from around the Disneyland Resort?

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Halloween Hodgepodge - September 14, 2014

One of your very first sights as you leave the Mickey & Friends parking structure on your way (via tram) to the Disneyland Resort!

Halloween Time is here!!!

City Hall is all decked out for the holidays, and there's no better place to go for your information and celebratory buttons!

Jack Skellington has been up to something inside The Haunted Mansion, and you're invited!

Even Mickey's Toontown is getting into the act!

If you put your ear up to the hole, you'll hear this jack crooning an old western tune, kind of like the ear to the seashell bit. Just kidding. Don't do it. They'll get mad at you, you'll blame us, and nobody wants that.

Big Thunder Ranch is BY FAR one of the absolute best areas inside Disneyland Park to celebrate Halloween Time, and with the all new Halloween Carnival in full-swing this year, there's never been a better time to check it out and see if I ain't right!

This year the pumpkin carving has moved into the Festival arena and has its very own spot! Be sure and stop by the Halloween Carnival and see these fantastic artist's incredible creations - in pumpkin form! 

Quite possibly our favorite part of Halloween Time at The Park. Space Mountain? Check! Haunted by a ghost? Check! Brang it!!

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'Frozen' Friday - Anna and Elsa Float Along in Fantasyland (and I Learn a Lesson)

It's that time of the week again; Flashback Friday! And while other blogs all over the world will be "flashing back" to various points in time, we're going in a different route. We've decided to cash in on the never-ending hype that is the film Frozen in order to gain our plethora of visitors today. Suckers!!!

Okay; we kid, we kid! But it did occur to us that maybe with the machine that is Frozen being what it is, it might make for a great segment and since it is alliterative, we figured why not?!

I'll be the first to admit it. Lately, I've been pretty anti-Frozen in spirit. Don't get me wrong! I think the movie was absolutely brilliant, and hearing Idina Menzel sing "Let It Go" live at the D23 Expo back in 2013 didn't hurt a bit, either. But the problem is, for me anyway, that it's just been everywhere and if anything, it's gaining steam and traction. Really bad, I know, right?! I'm so cynical sometimes!

It didn't help matters much this past Sunday when, while on my way into Fantasyland to enjoy a showing of Mickey and the Magical Map, I was deterred and halted by the Frozen parade float coming by with Anna and Elsa; but then a funny thing happened. As I stood there and watched, and listened, as all of the little children around me (and Mark) began to sing along with the music, yell at the two Disney princesses (or Queen in Elsa's case), and wave, I caught myself doing the exact same thing. I was singing along with the music. I was yelling at the two Disney princesses (or Queen in Elsa's case). And doggone it, I was waving at Elsa like nobody's business with a huge, dopey grin on my face.

And it occurred to me that maybe I've been viewing this thing all wrong for the past few months.

It occurred to me that maybe, just maybe, there's a reason that the Frozen machine is as wildly popular as it is and refuses to lose steam, and instead keeps picking it up. Maybe, just maybe, it's just that good. And maybe, just maybe, I need to enjoy it instead of avoiding it.

Looks like I'll have to check out the Frozen Meet and Greet next to be sure.

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You Never Know... Tomorrowland

I've long said that one of the greatest things about The Parks is that you simply never know what you're going to come across, or what treasures you may stumble across and see, when you least expect it. Sometimes they're things which just have you yelling out to yourself "That's so cool!", or they may be things which just leave you shaking your head, laughing, or a combination of the two. But if your peepers aren't open, you won't see them for sure, so pay attention!

Last Sunday's trip into Disneyland yielded a couple such gems which I wanted to share with the readers today, and I think that you'll agree that they both belong in the "You Never Know..." category!


The first item up on our list was this little number that we stumbled across in the Star Trader in Disneyland Park. Back in the day, the Star Trader was basically split into two sections; one for shopping, and one for gaming which was aptly named the Starcade. Over the years, as arcade games have fallen a little bit more and more out of vogue, the Starcade basically disappeared in the form in which we all knew it until Disney released Wreck-It-Ralph, which of course, in our humble opinion, drew attention back to arcades in a way that hadn't been done in years. As part of their Meet and Greet with Ralph and Vanellope, the Star Trader installed several arcade machines from the 80's as a part of the greet (including a custom-made Fix It Felix machine) so that fans could enjoy a little gaming as well as meeting their favorite characters. It proved so popular that since the Meet and Greet was lifted, Disneyland went ahead and left the machines inside that portion of the Star Trader, as well as adding in and scattering other arcade machines and pinball machines all over the place so fans can play and shop all in one spot.

Which leads us to Cyclone (pictured above)! Although I have to say I don't really have any actual recollection of this machine from the 80's, it is quintessentially the 80's, and you have to look no further than the front row of the roller coaster on the game's marquee to see why; it doesn't get more 80's than Ron and Nancy Reagan (and dog - what was that dog's name?!) in the front row of the coaster, yelling and screaming and having a great. Oh democracy and Cold War! Oh wait, yes it does get more 80's, and I amend my previous statement! It doesn't get more 80's than Ron and Nancy Reagan, complete with red "Say No to Drugs" t-shirt, now does it kiddies?


Our second discovery was also in Tomorrowland near Red Rockett's Pizza Port; this nice little Coca-Cola refreshment stand. Now, we fully admit that someone else might have more information on this one, and if so, please let us know what's up in the comments! It's obviously a Coca-Cola stand, but what really caught our eye was the fact that we're not really sure what language, or symbols, it's written in! Is it martian? English from the very distant future? We're dumbfounded, but apparently it's "hypercool" because, you know, "cool" simply isn't enough. It's beyond "cool". It's "HYPERcool".

But whatever it is, or whatever it's intended to be, it definitely grabbed our attention as we walked by, and dare we say it, definitely made us want to stop off for a Coke and smile! If only someone had been there to take our order...

And that's it for this time's "You Never Know..." Like we say every time we go into The Parks, "open them eyes" because you never know what strange, silly, odd, and even "hypercool" things you may come across.

And remember kids, "Say No to Drugs"; Ron, Nancy, and their terrified dog say so.

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Happy Place Hodgepodge - Sept 7, 2014

No trip to Walt Disney's Magic Kingdom is complete without a "grand circle tour" on the Disneyland Railroad!

It's been a long time since I've taken the time to "sing like ze birdies sing!", but it was a lot of fun! The people around me, however, may not have thought so...

Time to rejoin the "One Million Club"!
PS. I didn't #GunMalfunctionObviously

Honestly, one of my favorite ways to enter Disneyland is via the Disneyland Monorail leaving from the Downtown Disney District - it's a piece of Disneyland history!

I'm not sure I WANT to have the bubbles scared out of me, and I KNOW the people around me don't!

These two are always a pleasure to listen to!

A Southern California sunset in The Hub with the Partners Statue and Sleeping Beauty Castle in the background = practically perfect in every way!

Just one stop of many on the "Grand Circle Tour" along the Disneyland Railroad; this one in New Orleans Square!

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Flashback Friday - Halloween Time 2010

Everyone's favorite... the big Pumpkin Mickey!

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Wordless Wednesday - Disneyland Halloween Time!

As balloon Mickey keeps a silent watch over Tomorrowland, he seems to cry out, "It's almost here!"

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The Happiest Place on Earth Shows a Spooky Disney Side!

Disneyland Resort Celebrates Halloween Time 2014, Sept. 12 through Oct. 31

Separate-ticket Mickey’s Halloween Party Expands to 14 Nights With Trick-or-Treating, Special Fireworks in Disneyland Park

Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort is a one-of-a-kind celebration of chilling, family friendly fun. From Friday, Sept. 12, through Friday, Oct. 31, guests will explore their spooky Disney Side with special Halloween transformations of Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain; encounter Disney villains conjured by a magic cauldron; dance to the Mad T Party band and meet Mickey Mouse and his friends in Halloween costumes.

An additional Halloween Time highlight is the separate-ticket, after-hours Mickey’s Halloween Party, where adults and children show their Disney Side by dressing in costumes, trick-or-treating at Disneyland Park and enjoying an array of special entertainment, including the exclusive “Halloween Screams” fireworks spectacular.

New to Halloween Time at Disneyland this year are the latest twists at Haunted Mansion Holiday and additional entertainment experiences at the Halloween Carnival at Big Thunder Ranch, with more mysterious fun joining the Astounding Cauldron of Magic.

Spooky Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy in Tomorrowland is one of the guest favorites during Halloween Time. The unique Halloween-themed experience begins as a typical Space Mountain adventure, but suddenly launches voyagers into a haunted section of the universe. Ghosts appear out of the starry darkness and swirling galaxies of Space Mountain, reaching out as if to grab guests as they speed through space. The exhilarating drops and curves are punctuated by piercing screams, creepy sound effects and haunting music.

Jack Skellington returns to Disneyland to take over the Haunted Mansion and brings Haunted Mansion Holiday back to New Orleans Square. Transformed with a mix of Halloween spookiness and Christmas cheer, Haunted Mansion Holiday is inspired by the classic animated film “Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas.”

Guests find new surprises within the Mansion every Halloween, including this year’s special gingerbread house, designed to resemble an “iron maiden” coffin with spikes (candy canes) and a hapless gingerbread zombie trapped inside. This is the 14th original gingerbread design since Haunted Mansion Holiday debuted in 2001. This one features opening and closing doors, lights and a very unhappy zombie struggling for his un-life.

In addition to Haunted Mansion Holiday and Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy:

• In Frontierland, guests discover an exciting, new magic show presented on the Halloween Carnival stage at Big Thunder Ranch. Nearby they also may conjure up a Disney Villain at the “Astounding Cauldron of Magic” sideshow tent at the Halloween Carnival. 
• Also at the Halloween Carnival in Big Thunder Ranch, guests encounter favorite Disney characters in Halloween costumes, pumpkin carvers showing their Disney Side with elaborate creations, Halloween décor and activities for youngsters. 
• Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland transforms to become the Pumpkin Festival, with hundreds of pumpkins on display, no two of them the same. 
• Guests age three and up show their Disney Side and live their pirate dreams as they learn the ways of the seven seas at The Pirates League. A part of the Halloween Carnival, The Pirates League offers a variety of pirate transformation options: Jake and the Never Land Pirates, Captain Hook, Ghosted Pirate, Black Beard, Black Eyed Jack, and Empress, created especially for pirate princesses. For The Pirates League reservations call 714-781-STYLE / 714-781-7895. 
• Frontierland observes Dia de los Muertos with a traditional skeleton display that will remain through Sunday, Nov. 2.

In Disney California Adventure Park, Halloween Time offers frightful fun for guests of all ages, with favorite attractions such as The Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror, where a “supernatural” event happened on Halloween evening 1939, 75 years ago, forever haunting the building with spine-tingling fun. Also at Disney California Adventure, the nighttime Mad T Party in Hollywood Land gets some new Halloween spice. Tweedledee and Tweedledum welcome guests as the Mad Hatter offers some devilishly delicious All Hallows Eve fun featuring new Halloween music and a chilling new look for Mad T Party band.

Mickey’s Halloween Party, a separate-ticket event* for trick-or-treating families, expands to 14 special, spooky nights in Disneyland. Highlights of Mickey’s Halloween Party include:

• “Villains Square.” Throughout the evening, the Disney villains arrive in Disneyland Town Square as the “Bad Apple Party Crashers,” riding a black horse-drawn carriage accompanied by thunder, fog and special lighting effects. Villains such as Cruella De Vil, the Queen of Hearts, Judge Frollo from “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” and Lady Tremaine from “Cinderella” appear for photos and character greetings, and guests are invited to “Party Like a Villain.” 
• The opportunity to play in Disneyland for three hours before the party starts 
• Trick or Treating – candy and healthy treats ­- in the ultimate Disney neighborhood 
• The “Halloween Screams” fireworks spectacular, hosted by “Master of Scare-omonies” Jack Skellington (presented exclusively for guests of Mickey’s Halloween Party, weather permitting) 
• “Mickey’s Costume Party” cavalcade featuring some favorite characters, performed twice nightly and preceded by the new “Frozen” float with Elsa, Anna and Olaf from the blockbuster animated film 
• “Monsters U Dance Party” at Tomorrowland Terrace: Class time is over and the students of Monsters University join Halloween Time guests in a family-friendly frat party with the most popular students from Monsters U, Mike & Sulley. 
• The Cadaver Dans, a ghoulish quartet performing Halloween-themed tunes aboard a drifting graveyard-themed raft on the Rivers of America in New Orleans Square and Frontierland 
• Photo locations with popular Disney and Pixar Pals, plus Disney Villains 
• Nearly all the favorite Disneyland rides and attractions, plus Haunted Mansion Holiday and Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy 
• Complimentary parking for one standard-size vehicle

Tickets for Mickey’s Halloween Party may be purchased online and, for the first time, on mobile devices at Disneyland.com/party,as well as at the Disneyland Resort main gate and by phone at 714-781-4400. Guests may check for availability for 14 nights: Friday, Sept. 26; Tuesday, Sept. 30; Friday, Oct. 3; Monday, Oct. 6; Wednesday, Oct. 8; Friday, Oct. 10; Tuesday, Oct. 14; Friday, Oct. 17; Monday, Oct. 20; Wednesday, Oct. 22; Friday, Oct. 24; Monday, Oct. 27; Wednesday, Oct. 29; and Friday, Oct. 31. Online purchase is not available the day of the event.

Tickets purchased in advance are available at a discount on select nights. Tickets purchased on the day of the event are $70 each. All tickets to Mickey’s Halloween Party on Halloween Night, Friday, Oct. 31, are $77 each. Mickey’s Halloween Party is a non-smoking event. Smoking will be permitted only in the Esplanade outside the Disneyland Main Entrance.

For more information about Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort, see www.Disneyland.com/Halloween. This site will be updated with frightfully fun details.

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The Twilight Zone® is a registered trademark of CBS, Inc., and is used with permission pursuant to a license from CBS, Inc. ©Disney/CBS, Inc

About the Disneyland Resort
The Disneyland Resort features two spectacular theme parks – Disneyland (the original Disney theme park) and the newly reimagined Disney California Adventure Park – plus three hotels and the Downtown Disney District, comprised of unique dining, entertainment and shopping experiences. The Resort’s hotels are the luxurious, 948-room Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, which also features 50 two-bedroom equivalent Disney Vacation Club units; the magical 973-room Disneyland Hotel – both AAA Four Diamond properties – and the 481-room Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel with its “day-at-the-beach” fun. For information on attractions and vacations at the Disneyland Resort, visit www.disneyland.com, call (866) 43-DISNEY or contact local travel agents.

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*Space is limited, and tickets are available while supplies last. Online purchases unavailable on day of event. Limit eight (8) tickets per person, per event date. Each ticket is valid for admission to the event and parking for one (1) vehicle (larger vehicles may require an additional fee) on the specified event date. Tickets are nonrefundable and may not be sold or transferred for commercial use. Advance purchase savings available on select nights until one day prior to the event date. May not be combined with other discounts. Tickets are valid for admission to the designated party and to the Theme Park beginning at a specified time prior to party commencement. All costumes must adhere to any guidelines as determined solely by Disney. Please choose costumes that are not obstructive, offensive or violent. Guests’ eyes must be visible at all times. Offer and event information and activities are subject to restrictions and change without notice. Days and times of operation and all other elements including, but not limited to, operation of attractions, entertainment, services, stores and restaurants, and appearances of Disney Characters are subject to change without notice. Subject to capacity and other restrictions.
**Information and photos courtesy Disney

Disney Legend Tony Baxter and a Tomorrowland Sneak Peak Added to Destination D: Attraction Rewind at Walt Disney World Resort November 22-23

GUESTS WILL ENJOY A BEHIND-THE-SCENES LOOK AT DISNEY’S UPCOMING FILM TOMORROWLAND, A DIVE INTO THE NEVER-BUILT DISCOVERY BAY EXPANSION AT DISNEYLAND, AND MUCH MORE DURING THE TWO-DAY MEMBER EVENT.

Exclusive event-themed merchandise and new panels are revealed.

D23: The Official Disney Fan Club has unveiled more of the experiences in store for members at what is sure to be the can’t-miss Disney event of the year—D23 Destination D: Attraction Rewind presented by H2O Plus. Taking place November 22 and 23 at Walt Disney World Resort, the event will bring Disney Legends, archivists, Imagineers, and luminaries together to celebrate fan-favorite attractions of years past, including Adventure Thru Inner Space, If You Had Wings, and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, with rarely seen concept art and images, vintage video clips, and hours of revealing stories. In addition, there will be a full day of presentations showcasing Disney’s contributions to the 1964–65 New York World’s Fair.

Tomorrowland supervising art director Ramsey Avery (Star Trek Into Darkness, Minority Report) will give members a behind-the-scenes sneak peek at the making of the upcoming release from Walt Disney Pictures. Avery will detail how the production team reconstructed elements of the World’s Fair for the upcoming film, which stars George Clooney. “I had a great experience working on Tomorrowland and recreating some of the very iconic environments from the 1964 World’s Fair, especially it’s a small world, and am excited to share some of that behind-the-scenes process with Disney fans,” says Avery.

During the panel “Rediscovering Discovery Bay,” Disney Legend Tony Baxter will take guests on an in-depth tour of the never-built themed expansion for Disneyland through rarely seen concept artwork and models that he worked on during his time at Walt Disney Imagineering. Discovery Bay, as an early press release stated, was intended to “bring to life a time and place that climaxed an age of discovery and expansion.”

Additional panels have just been announced.* More information may be found at D23.com/Events.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22
· Disney Goes to the World’s Fair: Historian Bill Cotter looks at Disney’s massive influence on the 1964–65 New York World’s Fair.
· A World’s Fair of Disney Legends: Marty Sklar, Alice Davis, and Bob Gurr discuss their contributions to the Fair.
· Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln: Historian Michael Kelley and Disney Legend Bob Matheison take a behind-the-scenes look at the groundbreaking attraction. · Ford’s Magic Skyway: Bill Cotter and Disney Legends Bob Gurr and Bill Sullivan reveal some of the secrets behind one of the Fair’s most innovative attractions.
· Carousel of Progress: Disney Legend Marty Sklar and Imagineer Gary Landrum talk about the creation of this one-of-a-kind show.
- it’s a small world: Disney Legend Alice Davis discusses working on the beloved attraction with her husband Marc and artist Mary Blair.
· Lost on the Way to the World’s Fair: Walt Disney Archives Director Becky Cline reveals some of the proposed creations that didn’t make it to New York.
· A Sneak Peek at Disney’s Tomorrowland (see above).

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23
· Widen Your World: Tony Baxter, Imagineer Jason Grandt, and Disney Legend Charlie Ridgway revisit popular attractions from the early years of Walt Disney World.
· Disneyland: Fond Memories of the Past: Becky Cline and historian Stacia Martin journey through some of Disneyland’s most beloved attractions of yesteryear.
· Retro Rewind References: Imagineers Wyatt Winter and Jason Grandt reveal some of the hidden references to past attractions in today’s theme park creations.
· Rediscovering Discovery Bay: (see above).
· An Evolution of Make Believe Made Real: Imagineers Dave Minichiello and Pam Rawlins detail the creation of the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and explore its roots, which began in 1937.
· That Was Entertainment!: Disney Legend Ron Logan lifts the curtain on some of the most fondly remembered events and entertainment from Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

Plus, Mickey’s of Glendale, the famed Walt Disney Imagineering store, is setting up a pop-up shop, which will open Friday, November 21 and run through the weekend, offering a selection of exclusive Imagineering merchandise as well as limited-edition pins, T-shirts, and collectibles themed to the event. Mickey’s of Glendale will also carry an exclusive collection of items themed to Pleasure Island, including pins, pin sets, T-shirts, and glassware.

In addition to more than a dozen panels and presentations, the weekend will include:
· A special weeklong exhibit designed by the Walt Disney Archives in honor of the event.
· Pleasure Island: Rewind presented by Twinings of London, a closing-night celebration themed around the former Downtown Disney nightlife district.

The weekend event will take place in the convention center at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Tickets are currently available to all D23 Members, and D23 Gold and Silver Members receive special ticket pricing. All guests will receive a gift created just for the event.

More details about the program and tickets for D23 DESTINATION D: ATTRACTION REWIND presented by H2O Plus, as well as a special offer just for members of D23, can be found at D23.com/Events.

* Events, panel order, and talent are subject to change.

About D23
The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his fledgling studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s 90-plus-year history. D23 gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; a rich website at D23.com with members-only content; member-exclusive discounts, and special events for D23 Members throughout the year.

Fans can join D23 at Gold, Silver, and Free Membership levels at D23.com and at DisneyStore.com/D23. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube.

About Tomorrowland 
From Disney comes two-time Oscar® winner Brad Bird’s Tomorrowland, a riveting mystery adventure starring Academy Award® winner George Clooney. Bound by a shared destiny, former boy-genius Frank (Clooney), jaded by disillusionment, and Casey (Britt Robertson), a bright, optimistic teen bursting with scientific curiosity, embark on a danger-filled mission to unearth the secrets of an enigmatic place somewhere in time and space known only as Tomorrowland. What they must do there changes the world—and them—forever. Featuring a screenplay by Lost writer and co-creator Damon Lindelof and Brad Bird, from a story by Lindelof, Bird, and Jeff Jensen, Tomorrowland promises to take audiences on a thrill ride of nonstop adventures through new dimensions that have only been dreamed of. The film also stars Hugh Laurie as brilliant scientist David Nix, Raffey Cassidy, Tim McGraw, Judy Greer, Kathryn Hahn, Keegan-Michael Key, and Thomas Robinson. Tomorrowland is produced by Damon Lindelof, Brad Bird, and Jeffrey Chernov and directed by Brad Bird, with John Walker, Brigham Taylor, Jeff Jensen, and Bernard Bellew serving as executive producers. Tomorrowland opens in U.S. theaters on May 22, 2015.

About H2O Plus, LLC 
H2O Plus, LLC is a leading developer, manufacturer, and marketer of prestige, marine-based skincare products for the face and body. Its parent company, Pola Orbis, is the fourth-leading beauty care company in Japan. Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, H2O Plus continues to develop innovative products based on their heritage of water-based formulas powered by exclusive marine blends and state-of-the-art technology. H2O Plus has a large and expanding global presence in more than 9,000 points of distribution, worldwide. For more information on H2O Plus, please visit www.h2oplus.com

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*Information and pictures courtesy Disney and D23

Pinup Girl Clothing Hosts the Happiest Gathering on Earth

Pinup Girl Clothing hosts a fun fantasy gathering at Disneyland Park

Anaheim, CA (PRWEB) August 20, 2014
Pinup Girl Clothing, a vintage-inspired apparel company whose mission is creating American-made “Couture for Every Body,” hosted the happy event to create a fun, social environment for fellow Disney-aficionados and Pinup Girl Clothing (affectionately known as "PUG") fans to meet and greet at.

This fantastical event geared towards women came about two years ago when shared social media images of woman wearing PUG clothing at this famous theme park began being posted in abundance. Recognizing that they shared the same devotion and love for fairytales and fantasy with their fans, Pinup Girl Clothing dreamed up the idea of an organized event to bring everyone together to celebrate. The first event in 2013 was so well received by fans that an immediate realization occurred that the "fairy tale" theme was one which many women sought out to indulge in.

On May 30, 2014, one of Pinup Girl Clothing’s house brands, Pinup Couture, launched their exclusive summer “Fairytale Fantasy Collection” line. Comprised of dresses and skirts featuring an assortment of whimsical prints to capture any princess’s fancy, the line featured pieces and exclusive art by renowned illustrator Stephanie Buscema (http://www.stephaniebuscema.com/) as well as art by in-house designer Micheline Pitt (http://michelinepitt.com). The Pinup Girl Boutique, located in the heart of Burbank California’s Magnolia Park district, hosted an event in celebration of the launch, including an art show featuring Buscema’s original and Fairytale Fantasy pieces. The collection brought in droves of fans, creating one of the most successful events in the Boutique’s history.

The launch of the Fairytale Fantasy Collection coincided with the second Pinup Parade in the Park event. Hosted the Sunday after the launch to give fans an opportunity to wear their new frocks to the park, over 1000 goody bags were made in preparation that included special buttons, stickers and a discount coupon code for online shopping. Pinup Girl Clothing’s Instagram page (@pinupgirlclothing) held a contest encouraging attendees to wear outfits consisting of Pinup Girl house brand designs to create their own unique #PugDisneyBounding look (Disneybounding is a style trend in which an outfit is put together to resemble a famous Disney character).

Pinup Girl Clothing enjoys and values interaction with their customers, and as such, the event had a scheduled “meet up” program for the entire day. These meet ups consist of group photo opportunities, Disneyland trivia contests with gift card prizes, and the chance to mingle with Pinup Girl employees. The meet ups were held in favorite spots such as the Tea Cup ride (Mad Tea Party) and the famous retro Tiki Room (Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room), ending with a grand finale trip around the park on the famous Disneyland Railroad in the evening.

The reception to this June’s event was overwhelmingly positive, with well over 1000 fans participating throughout the day. Pinup Girl Clothing hopes one day to collaborate with Disney to open up a whole new world of possibilities, but until then, we have the next Pinup Parade in the Park to look forward to on November 2, 2014 (more information can be found here https://www.facebook.com/events/1443815552543157/?ref=5). So dust off those mouse ears and come join Team PUG for more Disney fun this fall!

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*This event is not associated or affiliated to Disneyland or Disney as a company.
**This event is posted for informational purposes only by Days in the Park

Wordless Wednesday - Haunted Mansion Holiday

Happy Place Hodgepodge - Aug 19, 2014

As I said earlier in the week, Tuesday was a pretty big day for me! I've been on an "Annual Passholder blackout period" since the end of June, and it was the first day I could get back into Disneyland and see the sights!

I really enjoyed my first day of being able to go back, but since it had been so long, I ultimately decided to just sit back, relax, and enjoy what I was doing instead of snapping photos of everything I came across. That said, I did have my phone with me and managed to take a few here and there when the mood seized me just right, and those form the basis for this week's hodgepodge.

I hope that you enjoy!

We'll pretend it was a PERSONAL invitation welcoming me back to the magic!

I figured since it HAD been a few months maybe I should pop into Hollywood Land for a spot of T!

The White Rabbit DJ (DJ Missy B!) keeps the "between sets" times rocking and dropping for hours!

Alice and the Mad Hatter are the host-es with the most-es... straight from the charts to the bottom of our hearts!

I'd truly missed walking through these gates!

And what better way to end the evening that outside of Sleeping Beauty Castle...

Days in the Park is back... in The Parks!

It's a question I've heard many times over the past several weeks since my Annual Pass "blacked out" at the end of June and I've been forced to stay at home: "How do you stand it?" "It", of course, being the ability to go to Disneyland and do one of the things I love most in life.

I have all the right answers, of course, ranging from "I'm trying to save a little money", to "I have three kids who have all kinds of different interests now and football don't come cheap!", to my personal favorite, "It's no big deal. Really!" It's been difficult, and I've missed going, but now that I'm on the other side of the fence, so to speak, the time has come for me to re-assume my place inside the walls of The Parks and re-enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy; the happiest place on earth!

Am I being overly dramatic? Perhaps. But anyone who knows me, really knows me, knows that in some small way it was killing me to not be able to go to Disneyland whenever I wanted to like I could before, and I suppose there's no use in pretending it wasn't. But at the end of the day, as an adult, with a wife and children, sometimes you just have to do what you have to do at the time. It's just going to make it that much sweeter walking in those gates this afternoon.

So if you're new to Days in the Park, or perhaps an old hat who's been following me for quite some time now (and there are some of this, which continues to puzzle and amaze me), I think I'm going to have some pretty great stuff for you in the near future. I'm going to be there today with bells and whistles on (or, if you prefer, my eyes open and my camera ready!), and I'm going to make the most of it. Feel free to check back over the next few days to see just some of what I'll be seeing today, or if you're not already, please (because it seems to be my achilles heel) follow along on my Instagram account @daysinthepark for live pictures from inside The Parks throughout The Day. By all means, please keep coming back for more pictures and all the information I have time to throw at you. I promise to, now that I can, go as often as I can and keep throwing them at you.

"To all who come to this happy place, welcome!"

Thank you Uncle Walt, I think I will...

Happy Place Hodgepodge - Downtown Disney, July 2014

It's been a long, hard summer! For one person who up to a few months ago almost always a Premium Annual Passholder (that's me!), it's been much harder than I thought it would be.

When I made the decision to lower my payments and save a little money every year by going to a Pass with July and half of August blacked out, I told myself that it would be easy because of "the heat", "the crowds", "*insert any excuse you want here*", but I learned very quickly... I missed being able to go in July and that first half of August!

But, glory be(!), my time of languishing without a way into my happy place is almost over! This coming Monday the blackout dates end (for the most part), and I'm already planning my first trip back with a full day at it this coming Tuesday. I can hardly wait!

But, with all of that said, I did manage to make it out to The Resort a few times this summer just to wander about and take pictures of things I don't normally take the time to since I'm usually partying it up inside The Park. A few weekends ago I spent a wonderful evening just strolling around Downtown Disney and its various haunts taking pictures, which make up the gist of this week's "hodgepodge".

I can't wait to get back next week with a ton of pictures from my first day back but in the meantime I hope these pictures will help tide you over the way they've helped tide me over. I always say there's magic to be found everywhere you look at The Park, and I think these do a great job of proving it. Even though I may not have been riding Space Mountain or Pirates of the Caribbean, I still had a wonderful time and I'm so thankful I got to go!

Enjoy!

Sometimes you need help remembering where you parked!

The gazebos around the Disneyland Hotel really do lend themselves to some amazing fairy-tale weddings

When Tinkerbell and Mickey's Sorcerer's Apprentice Hat greet you, you know that you're home

Buzz and Woody. LEGO form. Touche!

One of my favorite Hidden Mickeys from around The Resort. Can you spot it?

Late nights at the Disneyland Hotel with Starbucks; people-watching. Doesn't get much better!

Sold!

Even the carpets are magical!

If you see THIS coming at you...

Magical Carpet #2!

Who needs Autopia when you can sit in this actual car from the attraction for hours at the time?! Just beware of little kids telling you to "get out of the way, mister!"

If Mary Poppins flies out of the Disneyland Hotel, is this what she leaves behind?

Three different Goofy's in one picture; can you spot them all?

One day... I may actually go swimming here! In the meantime, this remains one of the coolest signs in all of The Resort!

And lastly, there may not be anything better than ending the night with a friend and a cocktail at Trader Sam's. Just about the perfect evening in every way!