Saturday, May 17, 2008

you dont want to miss these little golden nuggets...

i am writing this post for a good friend of mine who is leaving for disneyland tomorrow and has never been... i was hoping to point out some "hidden golden nuggets/secrets"... not to say this is the only or even the best... just some... so if you have been there and you know of some cant miss things that he and his wife and two young daughters would enjoy... please comment....

***photo pass*** disneyland employs photographers to take high quality picture of you and your family in the hopes you will buy the pictures from them... they give you a photopass card you can use the entire stay... at both disneyland and california adventure...get the card... first thing as you come in... use it... as often as you can... look for them to take your cant miss shots of the family in the best locations... this is a great opportunity to get high quality pictures of ALL in the party... free to have taken... free to view on line... and they offer you an opportunity to get a dvd with these pictures so you cant print up high quality pictures at COSTCO for really cheap... overall the dvd was a little pricey but if you have them take lots of pictures... its well worth it...



***toon town mickeys house*** a great time for just your kids and mickey at the end of the tour in his house... located in toontown: disneyland... check and see if you early admittance on any of the days you are there... great place to get photo pass pictures taken...
*** disneyland strollers*** they are big and easy to maneuver around... they have a sunshade and are very comfortable to take a little rest in... some storage underneath for diaper bag and/or souvenirs...
***main street electrical parade*** this nighttime parade is so worth staying up a little later than usual... for me it brings back childhood memories of when it use to be on disneylands main street... now it takes place in california adventure... but it has stayed the same for all these years...

***walt disneys: parade of dreams*** is also a great daytime parade and nice break in the afternoon...grab some ice cream or a turkey leg and enjoy... you get to see all the main characters in the parade and is a good opportunity for pictures....


***disneys story time*** aladins oasis... this is a neat, interactive(for the kids... small stage theatre located in dineyland tucked between the tiki room and the jungle boat cruise ride... the first year we saw it noah was chosen to play the roll of jafar... it holds great memories for our family...very fun and in the shade... the acting is good and Worth the time...


*** Aladin musical*** this is a Broadway quality musical done at the hyperion theatre in california adventure... this is a must... the actors and actresses are awesome and the stages/props are top notch... dont miss this one... With dancing genies, soaring carpets and imagination taking flight, this amazing production brings your favorite characters from Disney's Aladdin to the glorious Hyperion Theater.
40-minute show features larger-than-life scenes
Breathtaking sets, amazing stage effects and an action-packed script
Mesmerizing musical dance numbers
Memorable songs from the beloved animated classic
A brand new song written by composer Alan Menken just for "Disney's Aladdin - A Musical Spectacular"
An unforgettable experience your whole family will love



*** disney princess fantasy faire*** a very special time for OUR little princess (abby)


Enter the enchanted world of "happily ever after" where little princesses and knights are invited to a royal gathering. Immersive storytelling, fun crafts, including sparkling crowns to decorate, and regal ceremonies make this a fairytale experience come true.Activities at the royal gathering include:
Disney Princess Storytelling — Join a Disney Princess for a special story where Guests are invited to help tell the tales.
Royal Coronation Ceremony — Learn what it takes to be a true princess or knight with a regal celebration.
Royal Dance — After taking the Royal Oath, Guests are invited to take part in a lively group dance.
Royal Arrivals — Three Disney Princesses make their grand entrance and greet their Guests.
And many more royal celebrations


this is another great photo pass opportunity... they can take great photos for you... and you are also able to take as many as you want/need with your own camera.... you get one-on-one time with three princesses... well worth the wait...


*** the golden horseshoe*** located in disneyland over by big thunder mountain rail road... good food and fun entertainment... lots of seating and family friendly... easy to get out of if the kids disagree... worth checking out...



disneyland

these are just a few... no particular order and by no means exclusive... disneyland is what you make of it... these are just some unique things we have stumbled upon or been told about... you will find your own must do's... you will make your own memories... if youre reading this and know of some other gems... please share them... my friends leave for the magical kingdom tomorrow... we are planning our trip already for next may... and you... who knows when you may end up there... but it is a great place to go, a great place to laugh, a great place be...

parts in purple taken from http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/en_US/home/home?name=HomePage

7 comments:

P-D's said...

Don't forget the Jedi Training Academy. You need to bring your own poster board for a sign so you don't have to use a paper plate...LOL!!! But, in a pinch, the paper plate worked and Noah, Ethan and Abby all were chosen!

Good times! Can't wait til next year!
Love you guys!
Holly

Miller's Rock! said...

Some of my favorite nuggets are only 4 for 1.00 @ MickeyD's...I know, wrong Mickey, but I could not resist!! "Tower of Terror" while not necessarily a hidden nugget was a good time. Pictures of you are availible right after the ride in the gift shop...pic is taken right before you begin a freefall to your doom. We have 2 of these pics..they are hilarious..people have all sorts of reactions,from shear terror to boredom..good stuff. MSEP does bring back old times '76,'80'AND 85...FUN CHILDHOOD MEMORIES!!! Love,Uncle Tim

The Aldridge's said...

Mark -

I love you man and I am saying this for your own good. You may have an unhealthy obsession with Disney and may need professional help.
:-)

Pat

Anonymous said...

Pat - In Mark's defense (and for our benefit), Mark only knows how to love in one way ... completely, wholeheartedly, loyally, and unashamedly ... so while you may find his "obsession" for Disney a tad odd, it's that very passion that makes him such a great husband, father, and friend!! :-)

And, if you're honest, you KNOW you want to go to Disney with us!!!

Miller's Rock! said...

We received suggestions from our friends as well before we went and the best by far was getting Lila a name tag engraved to wear everyday. There are 2 booths to have this done at (I can't remember where they are. All of the talking characters greeted Lila Grace by name and it really made it more personal. My favorite was the 3-D bug show. Having the bug juice sprayed on you and feeling the bugs crawl under your rear...too much fun.
xoxo-auntie jen

Anonymous said...

Hey yall~

I always check your blog from Candace's. Thanks for stopping by mine from time to time, too :)

Anyway, I am totally printing this blog off for future reference. I love the tips...we are hoping to take the kiddo's summer of 2009. Thanks for the tips!!
many blessing
rebecca

oh...and the pics are are great!!

the millers said...

rebecca(and family)- thanks for the comment... we really do enjoy the disneyland vacations( 4 times in the last 5 years)... i hope to soon put togather a little less chaotic list ... i had to throw this together quick for a friend who was leaving...

also...get info from candace, as they are disney fan-atics also... we have met up with them there a time or two... that is crazy fun...

thanks again,
mark

we are also praying for you guys and the adoption process... Gods will in Gods time...