Disney California Adventure "Summer Nightastic"

Disney California Adventure (Name Changed earlier this summer) has added a bunch of new elements to the Summer season with the addition of World of Color and Glow Fest.  The concept started last year with Disneyland adding a new fireworks show and the re-launch of Fantasmic! and The Electrical Parade at California Adventure.  Here are some tips to get you through the busy summer season and still have some sanity. 

"World of Color"

Guests who want to maximize their day of fun at the park AND make plans to enjoy “World of Color” that night in Disney's California Adventure have some new options. To see the show, guests will obtain a special FASTPASS for “World of Color” or they can select from several Dining and Picnic packages that include reserved viewing. In addition, a new immersive “Summer Nightastic!” party, “Glow Fest,” will bring added evening excitement for Disney's California Adventure guests of all ages. “Glow Fest” will be filled with dancing, music and fun, highlighted by special color, sound and light effects, starting in the Sun Plaza at 6:00 pm nightly and continuing in Hollywood Pictures Backlot until park closing.

“World of Color” will be presented twice nightly throughout the Disneyland Resort “Summer Nightastic!” season, June 11 through August 29 (except June 16-17 when Disney's California Adventure will be closed for Grad Nights). Guests will stand during the shows – at 9:00 and 10:15 pm – and they may bring strollers into the viewing area.

 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VA4iRV_52_A
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOnaKB2tfUM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62RyhNop4R0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyN_XfuYNCI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRGQlxmytow

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZKOkVzwMRQ

A Few Tips To Help You Secure a Spot and Enjoy The World of Color:

• Seating is extremely limited. If you arrive without a plan, you aren't like to secure a spot.
  
• Option 1 - Make a WoC dining package reservation ($36.99 per person at Ariel's Grotto or $39.99 per person at Wine Country Trattoria), you'll get dinner and a viewing spot for the show. Call 714-781-3463 to secure your World of Color dining package.
  
• Option 2 - Book a Box lunch reserved spot. Buy a box lunch and receive reserved seating for World of Color (1st show of the night). Boxed lunch can be purchased online, Disneyland Resort | Welcome To The Magic! You may be able to buy a limited number of the picnic lunch boxes at the park on the day of the show which come with reserved tickets to the 2nd showing of the night. Walk-up purchase can be made at the Sonoma Terrace of the Golden Vine Winery for $14.99 (special passholder rate is $12.99). The World of Color picnic boxes offer an assortment of options:
  
  
  
  

  All American:
  
  

  • Cold-honey stung fried chicken
  • Green and red cabbage cole slaw with apple cider dressing
  • Old fashioned potato salad with sweet onions and dill relish
  • Apple pie
  • Choice of bottled Coca-Cola® product or Dasani® water

  European Antipasto:
  
  

  • Cured meats, regional cheese, pepperoncini, artichoke heart and sun-dried tomatoes
  • Carr's® water crackers, balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil
  • Caprese salad skewers, fresh mozzarella and baby heirloom tomatoes
  • Chocolate-dipped tiramisu
  • Choice of bottled Coca-Cola® product or Dasani® water

  Taste of Asia
  
  

  • Chilled miso-glazed salmon, Asian greens, soy-rice wine dressing
  • Vegetable spring roll with Thai mango sauce
  • Soba noodle salad and julienne vegetables with sesame dressing
  • Mandarin orange cake
  • Choice of bottled Coca-Cola® product or Dasani® water

  Mediterranean Vegetarian:
  

  • Marinated grilled vegetables in a whole wheat wrap with roasted garlic hummus
  • Raw zucchini and squash spaghettini with first-press lemon-infused olive oil
  • Vegetable couscous with toasted coriander vinaigrette
  • Lemon layer cake
  • Choice of bottled Coca-Cola® product or Dasani® water

  Here is the All American lunch.  You get a nice re-usable tote bag and the food was very tasty.
  
  
  
• Option 3 - The FASTPASS for “World of Color” will be available each morning at the Grizzly River Run FASTPASS terminals. Guests can insert their park tickets into the terminal to obtain a FASTPASS ticket for the show, and they will be assigned a specific show time. As with other FASTPASS attractions, a limited number of passes are available for “World of Color.” When all of the day’s “World of Color” FASTPASS allotment has been distributed, Grizzly River Run terminals will convert back to distributing the Grizzly River Run FASTPASS tickets. Guests arriving before park opening to line up for the “World of Color” FASTPASS may park in the Pumba parking lot on Disney Way and, beginning at 7:00 am, gather at the Main Entrance to Disney's California Adventure. When Disney's California Adventure opens to the public, guests lined up for FASTPASS will be walked into the park and over to the FASTPASS terminals.
  
• Option 4 - If you don't mind a severely limited view, wait for the 2nd or 3rd showing and attempt to watch the show from the bridge near Ariel's Grotto Restaurant. You might also watch the show from behind near Midway Mania, the Sun Wheel, or even on the side by Silly Symphony Swings. You won't see as much or experience the show as it was intended, but you will get a sense of the size and scope of the show and see some pretty fountains. 
• Spots nearest the Golden Zephyr offer the most restricted viewing experience. Gravitate toward the water play fountain in the center of the stadium or even up toward the upper levels of the stadium. Boardwalk viewing is more immersive and WET (especially toward the right hand side of the boardwalk - as you are facing the lagoon)
  
• Be prepared to queue up in the Hollywood Pictures Backlot for hours before your show time. This will also be the location for a special glow party, so you will be entertained and food will be available for purchase.
  
• Although only 2 shows may be on the schedule, keep your ears open for an added 3rd show. It will be added on busy nights and may be your best shot at viewing the show.
  
• Be prepared for VERY busy conditions. This may well prove to be a packed and uncomfortable crowd situation. Pack your best attitude and just go with the flow. There is no use fighting a mob, you'll only succeed in ruining your own evening and possibly that of others. If it isn't important to see the show as soon as it opens, you may wish to wait until later this Summer. 

 

"Glow Fest"
Music, dancing and “drumming down the sun” will launch “Glow Fest” every night through August 29, beginning at 6:00 pm in the Sun Plaza in Disney's California Adventure. After 8:00 pm, this newest addition to the Disneyland Resort “Summer Nightastic!” entertainment lineup will move into Hollywood Pictures Backlot, providing the kind of immersive excitement for adults and children alike that can only be found in a Disney theme park.

Souvenirs and Treats
Guests who prefer a treat or snack, perhaps with a souvenir “World of Color” takeaway, may choose from a number of bright and colorful options available at food locations inside Disney's California Adventure:

·         “Spectrum Splash”: Beverages in light-up souvenir glasses with a colorful choice of flavors – strawberry red, blueberry blue, or sour Granny Smith apple green.

·         “Light-Up Cotton Candy”: White cotton candy with a colorful swirl, on an illuminated wand that lights the cotton candy from inside.

·         Multi-Colored & Flavored Popcorn: A delicious treat that comes in three flavors – red cherry, blueberry and purple grape – and mixed in with regular kettle corn, all served in a Disney California Adventure see-through “World of Color” souvenir popcorn bucket.

·         Tropical Mist Cocktail (for adults): A passion fruit and mango liqueur with coconut rum – and a light-up swizzle stick. Available at the Cove Bar and Ariel’s Grotto restaurant.

·         Even More Fun: Light-Up Balloons – transparent balloons with light-up “World of Color” art inside; Light-Up Bangle Bracelets; and souvenir “World of Color” travel mugs and sipper cups. 

*Reserved Viewing:
Each guest entering the reserved viewing area must have reserved viewing area admission. Children (ages 3-9) must be accompanied by an adult. Guests may only enter the viewing area during designated times and no early or late admission will be allowed. Guests in large parties may not be guaranteed admission within the same reserved viewing area. Separate theme park admission is required.

*World of Color Road Show*
During the month of July Disney took the World of Color Show on the road to four cities in California.  Here are the videos from their presentations.

San Francisco

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCtw0xOlhd4

Sacramento

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-2xiEXTK-A

San Diego

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OXTHpfM_xY

Los Angeles

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2tlc9NVr1c

Disneyland's Mint Julep

Served at multiple locations in New Orlean's Square, the Mint Julep is a must have while visiting the park and a great recipe to add to your collection.  Very Southern and very good.

Prep Time: 1¼ hours
Total Time: 2 hours
Serving Size: 6 cups

Ingredients:
1 lb granulated sugar
6 cups water
1 1/4 ounces lime juice concentrate
8 1/2 ounces lemonade concentrate
3/4 cup creme de menthe (syrup available at liquor stores. Do not confuse it with creme de menthe liqueur)
*You can find non-alcoholic creme de menthe syrup at this website: http://www.davincigourmet.com/.*

Garnishes
mint leaf
lime slice
maraschino cherry

Instructions:
1. Combine the sugar and water in a 3 quart saucepan. Stir the contents until the sugar is dissolved.

2. Stir in lime and lemonade concentrate next. Continue stirring and bring to boil just below the boiling point (210 degrees.) DO NOT BOIL!

3. Remove pan from heat and chill. Once chilled, add a ratio of 1 part syrup to 5 parts chilled water.

4. Transfer beverage to pitcher.

5. Garnish each serving with mint leaves, lime slice and a maraschino cherry.

6. Enjoy!

Park Maps and Inserts

Each Park offers a map to help you guide your way through the park.  If you are unfamiliar with the park it is a good idea to grab one, establish a meeting location if someone gets lost and take a moment (outside of a walk way) to get to know the park. 

Inside you will find:

- Description of FASTPASS

- Description of PhotoPass

- Newly featured items in the park

- A long list of services and ammenities of the park

- Current Promotions

- Detailed Map of every area in the park (restraunts, rides, parade routes, restrooms, etc.)

Even if you know the park and don't need a map, make sure to grab the inserts that explain what is happening at the park on the day you will be there. 

You will find:
- New experiences at the park
- Times for parades, firework shows, and special events
- Music and performances in each land
- Helful tools for a successful stay in the park

- Disney Character locations (Even though not listed on this flyer, you will almost always find classic characters on Main Street, right as you enter from under the train tracks.)

The Walt Disney Family Museum

The fascinating and inspiring story of Walt Disney came to life in October 2009, when The Walt Disney Family Museum opened in San Francisco.

The 77,000 square-foot Walt Disney Family Museum is located in three buildings on the site of a former barrack in San Francisco's Presidio, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The first building houses the permanent collection, a 114-seat screening facility, learning center, museum store and cafe. The second building houses the Family Museum and Foundation offices, and, in 2012, will begin housing temporary exhibitions. The museum's third building, a former storage facility, is used for equipment storage. The permanent collection is arranged into 10 distinct galleries that chronicle Walt Disney's life and career.

Owned and operated by Walt Disney Family Foundation, the stated mission of the museum is to present "the life and achievements of the man who raised animation to an art, transformed the film industry, tirelessly pursued innovation, and created a global and distinctively American legacy."

"The name ‘Disney' calls to mind the vast company that bears my father's name, rather than my father himself," said Diane Disney Miller, daughter of Walt Disney and a director of the foundation that is funding the $110 million museum. "My father was a man of endless curiosity who loved to tinker and explore and entertain people. We look forward to sharing an honest and affectionate portrait of this amazing man."

The Walt Disney Family Museum contains hundreds of audio clips of Disney and his family and coworkers telling the stories of his creations, as well as over 1,600 objects and works of art, 200 monitors, and interactive exhibits that will invite visitors to learn about Walt Disney and the industry he nurtured.

Highlights of the Disney Family Museum include:

■The earliest known drawings of Mickey Mouse

■Animation cels of Disney's characters

■Storyboards, a Disney innovation, that map out timeless film classics

■The innovative Multiplane Camera that revolutionized animation

■The unique Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Academy Award: one full-size Oscar and seven miniature castings

■A model of the Disneyland of Walt's imagination

■The one-eighth scale train he installed at his Hollywood home that spurred his vision for Disneyland

Museum Contact Information:

104 Montgomery Street

The Presidio of San Francisco

San Francisco, California 94129

415-345-6800

http://disney.go.com/disneyatoz/familymuseum/index.html

Dining In and Around the Park, Part 4

Our first recommendation is Cafe Orlean's in New Orlean's Square.  Since it was the first time eating here we had no idea what to expect. 

Here is their menu:

French-Quarter Thirst Quencher

Tinker Bell and Friends or Lightning McQueen Raceway Punch - Minute Maid Light Lemonade served in a souvenir Fairies or Cars Cup with a glowing Tinker Bell or Lightning McQueen clip-on light. $6.49

Starters
French Onion Soup - Sauteed sweet-onion medley in a traditional broth with melted Gruyere cheese. $7.99

New Orleans Gumbo - A rich, flavorful stew with chicken, andouille sausage and tasso ham, served with Cajun-style "dirty rice". Cup $3.99, Bowl $7.99

Pommes Frites - Traditional French-fried potatoes tossed with Parmesan cheese, garlic and parsley, served with a Cajun spice remoulade $4.99

La Salade de Maison - Our Cafe Orleans signature house salad, featuring tossed baby greens in a raspberry vinaigrette, topped with cherry tomatoes, crumbled goat cheese and caramelized pecans. C'est bon! $3.99

Entrees
Split Plate Charge $4.00

Monte Cristo Sandwich - Sliced turkey, ham and Swiss cheese fried in a light batter and served with berry puree dusted with Powdered Sugar. $15.99

Three-Cheese Monte Cristo - Swiss, mozzarella and Double Creme Brie fried in a light batter and served with Berry Puree dusted with Powdered Sugar. $15.99

Mardi Gras Chicken Sandwich - Blackened Chicken Breast with Cajun Spices and Avocado Relish on a Multigrain Roll served with a tossed Mixed Greens Salad. $15.99

Creole Ratatouille - A N'awlins twist on a French favorite! Vegetable ragout with Eggplat, Red Onions, Bell Peppers, Squash, Zucchini, and fresh Garlic served with Corn Cakes topped with Grana Padano Cheese. $13.99

"Crescent City" Salmon Salad - Pan-seared Atlantic Salmon on top of fresh Spinach and Mixed Baby Greens, tossed with Carmelized Pecans, Red Grapes, Navel Orange Segments, Caramelized Onions, Chopped Green Onions, Roasted Sweet Corn, and Orange-Cilantro Vinaigrette. $15.99

French Quarter Caesar Salad with Blackened Chicken - Romaine Hearts tossed in a traditional Caesar Dressing topped with Blackened Chicken and shaved Grana Padano Cheese. $13.99

Freshly Prepared Crepes
Delicate crepes - made to order. Served with sauteed asparagus and new potatoes.

Chicken Gumbo Crepe - Sauteed chicken, Andouille Sausage, Tasso Ham, and Creole Gumbo Sauce. $15.99

Seafood Herb Crepe - With a traditional Mornay sauce and Mozzarella. $15.99

Desserts
"Mickey" shaped Beignets - Topped with Powdered Sugar served with Raspberry Coulis and vanilla Bean Creme Anglaise $6.99

Royal Street Banana-Bread Pudding - Freshly Baked Bread Pudding with Bananas served with a drizzle of Vanilla Bean Creme Anglaise and Caramel Sauce finished with Whipped Cream. $6.99

St. Charles Mixed-Berry Crepe - Delicate, hand-made Crepe, filled with Raspberries and Blueberries tossed with a Warm Spiced Apple Glaze and topped with a Balsamic-Orange Reduction Sauce. $6.99

Beverages
Coke, diet Coke, Sprite, Lite Lemonade, or Fanta Orange $2.99

Coffee, regular or decaf $2.79

Hot Tea $2.79

Hot Chocolate $2.79

Espresso - $2.99

Cappuccino - $4.19

Caffe Latte - $4.19

Caffe Mocha - $4.29

Here is the French Quarter Caesar Salad with Blackened Chicken.  It was quite a bit of salad and it tasted delicious!

We also got the Mardi Gras Chicken Sandwich, which was also very good.  It is pictures above.  The price for the quality of the food was good.

This restaurant is known primarily for the Monte Cristo Sandwich.  Click here to see a picture and a recipe to make it at home. 

We would definately eat at this restaurant again.  What is not to love about New Orlean's Square

Lucky Fotune Cookery

We were excited to try the newly located and reopened Chinese food in California Adventure.  Here is their menu:

Asian Rice Bowl - Each bowl contains steamed rice and seared asian vegetables - $9.49

Step 1 - Choose Your favorite - Chicken, Beef Tofu
Step 2 - Choose Your Sauce - Mandarin Orange, Spicy Korean, Thai Coconut Curry, Teriyaki
Disney's Munch, Inc.

Teriyaki Chicken and Rice served with fruit cup and choice of drink - $6.49

Sides
Edamame - $2.99
Fresh Mango Slices - $3.49

Beverages

Souvenir Sipper - $8.99

Coke, Diet Coke, Coke Zero, Sprite, Minute Maid Lemonade, PEAK Ice Tea - $2.79/$3.29
Bottled Water - $2.79
Minute Maid Apple or Orange Juice - $1.59
Nesquik Chocolate Milk - $2.69
Hot Cocoa - $2.79
Coffee - $2.79

Hot Tea - $2.79

Low-fate Milk - $1.59
Sapporo - $6.50

Here is how the food is served.  Below is a picture of the Manderin Orange Beef.  It is nice that you can carry it out with you if you can't finish.  That is the only good thing we can say about the food.  It was very processed and the flavor was not very good.  We do not recommend this restaurant when eating in the park.

If you do plan on eating at any of the places listed on this website, make sure to check on current prices and make reservations at the nicer restaurants.  This will ensure you can eat when you want to.

Snacking in the Parks

You will find many carts throughout the parks that offer lots of healthy options when you need a good pick me up.  They sell apples, oranges, bananas, waters, and fruit drinks.  In some areas pineapple spears and pickles are also sold. 

Tigger Tails and Cheshire Cat

Many people who have visited Disneyland are familiar with the Tigger Tails candy sold at the Pooh Corner shop in Critter Country. Tigger Tails are a favorite treat among many Disneyland guests, some of whom would probably like to indulge in this treat once in a while even when they are at home. Tigger Tails are pretty simple to make, so if you'd like to enjoy one at home just follow these steps:

First, gather your supplies together. You will need Wilton orange candy melts, Wilton dark cocoa candy melts, marshmallows, caramels, and 8" lollipop sticks. You will need to melt the caramels as well as each of the colors of candy melts. This is most easily done in the microwave. Follow the directions on the back of the candy bags for directions. The amount of candy melts that you need will depend on how many Tigger Tails you would like to make. One 14 oz. bag of orange candy melts coats approximately six Tigger Tails. It takes about 15 of the dark cocoa candy melts to cover six Tigger Tails in chocolate stripes. About one dozen caramels will be enough for six Tigger Tails.

The way to achieve the bumpy texture of Tigger Tails as you find them at Disneyland, is to use 3 marshmallows per Tigger Tail. You will leave 2 of these marshmallows as they are, however you will need to slice the third marshmallow in half, crosswise. Then simply slide the 4 marshmallow pieces you now have onto one of the lollipop sticks, starting with a halved piece, and then alternating sizes until all 4 pieces are on the stick (refer to photo). Set these on a cookie sheet covered with wax paper. Be sure to slice one of the marshmallows in half. The uneven sizes will produce the bumpy texture found on Tigger Tails.

Once your marshmallows are on the lollipop sticks, simply spoon melted caramel onto the tops. You may need to use the spoon to spread the caramel around enough to cover the tops, as this will create a flat surface. Once the caramel is applied, set the Tigger Tails into the freezer for a couple of minutes to set.

When the caramel is set, the next step is to dip each Tigger Tail into the melted orange candy melts. Set flat back onto the cookie sheet and when all the tails are dipped, set the cookie sheet back into the freezer for about ten minutes to set.

While the orange candy coating is setting, prepare your icing bag with a small round tip, and spoon melted dark cocoa melts into the bag. When the orange coating has set, simply make your stripes on the Tigger Tails.

Allow tails to set again in the freezer for a few minutes.

That's all there is to it. Making Tigger Tails at home like the ones you enjoy at Disneyland is not only easy, but fortunately, also much less expensive than buying them in the park. One dozen Tigger Tails at Disneyland will cost you about $50. Making a dozen Tigger Tails at home costs about $12.50.

Above are The Cheshire Tails that are offered during certain times of the year.  Aren't these so fun?

Guided Tours of the Disneyland Resort

The following information is taken from Disneyland's Official "Guided Tours" pamplet.

The image of the Tour Guide became synonymous with the wholesome image of Disneyland.  Through an extensive survey of park Guests, which reflected a desire to be toured around Disneyland with a knowledgeable Tour Guide, the program debuted in September of 1958. 

Tour Guides were Walt Disney's personal representatives and exemplified the standards of excellence for the rest of Disneyland to follow.  Not only were tours informative and entertaining, but proved to be a good value to Guests when experiencing attractions and learning the best way to navigate through their day.

Today, the Guest Relations department takes pride in upholding the standards set for us in 1958.  Although our tours have changed and grown to reflect the growth of the Disneyland Resort, each of our guided tours has something that will appeal to everyone.  Whether you enjoy Disney history, uses of todays technologies, having fun with children or simply wanting to know the best way to experience the Disneyland Resort, we have a tour for you!

Current offerings...

A Walk in Walt's Footsteps
- $64 a Guest; Premium & Deluxe Annual Pass Holders, AAA & Disney Visa Members receive 20% discount.
- Approximately 3.5 hours

• Take a historical look back into Disneyland Park and understand the vision, challenges, and hard work that went into creating everything we associate with Walt Disney.
• Hear Walt Disney talk about Disneyland in is own words.
• Have a peek into the Lobby of the exclusive members-only Club 33.
• Enjoy a private lunch on Main Street, U.S.A.
• Take home an exclusive, collectible tour pin.

Discover the Magic
- $59 for the first two tickets, $49 for each additional ticket in the same transaction.
- Premium & Deluxe Annual Pass Holders, AAA & Disney Visa Members receive 20% discount.
- Approximately 2.5 hours.

• Sharpen your sleuthing skills as you work with your guides to discover clues, explore with a treasure map and hunt for hidden treasure!
• Become a part of the magic as your entire party works together to save the day and have a fun-filled experience!
• Enjoy 6 classic Disneyland attractions.
• Receive a delicious frozen treat and a soivenir collectible pin.
• This experience is recommended for kids ages 3-9 and the young at heart!
• Guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult of legal guardian.

Welcome to the Disneyland Resort!
- $25 a Guest; Premium & Deluxe Annual Pass Holders, AAA & Disney Visa Members receive 20% discount.
- Approximately 2.5 hours

• Get a Disney-style welcome as you journey through Disneyland Park and Disney's California Adventure Park learning fun facts and great tips for making the most of your visit.
• Enjoy priority seating at one of our sensational stage shows and dining locations for any day of your stay (selected locations).
• Utilize Disney's FASTPASS service with instruction and receive two bonus FASTPASS tickets!

Cruzin' Disney's California Adventure Park
- $99 a Guest; Premium & Deluxe Annual Pass Holders, AAA & Disney Visa Members receive 20% discount.
- Approximately 3 hours.

• Embark through Disney's California Adventure Park before it opens and learn behind-the-scenes information as you cruise around on a Segway Personal Transporter.
• Relax and learn the basics of how to ride the Segway while enjoying a light breakfast.
• Take home a complimentary tour photograph and exclusive, collectible pin after your adventure.
• This tour has specific requirements.  Please inquire at the Tour Gardens Kiosk in Disneyland Park or the Ticketing & Reservation Line for further details.

Do you love visiting the Disneyland Resort during the holidays?  Then don't miss out on these seasonal favorites!

Disney's Happiest Haunts
- $64 a Guest; Premium & Deluxe Annual Pass Holders, AAA & Disney Visa Members receive 20% discount.
- Approximately 3 hours.

• Follow your mysterious Guide through the Disneyland Resport at dusk and prepare for a night of chilling tales and eerie, other-worldly attractions, sights, and suprise "treats"!
• Enjoy 4 thrilling attractions and take home a special "rememberance" of your visit.

Holiday Time at Disneyland
- $64 a Guest; Premium & Deluxe Annual Pass Holders, AAA & Disney Visa Members receive 20% discount.
-Approximately 2.5 hours.

• Discover the holiday history of the Disneyland Resport and learn how this season is celebrated around the world.
• Experience 2 classic holiday-themed attractions.
• See our "Christmas Fantasy" parade with reserved seating while enjoying a holiday treat.
• Take home an exclusive, collectible tour pin.

Please call Ticketing & Reservations, go online at http://www.disneyland.com/, or visit the Tour Gardens Kiosk loacted in Disneyland Park for current prices and to book your guided Tour experience!

Ticketing & Reservations
714-781-4400

General Information
714-781-7290

Monte Cristo Sandwich

Here is the "official" recipe from the D23 newsletter.  Enjoy!

BLUE BAYOU MONTE CRISTO SANDWICH

Ingredients:
1 egg
1 3/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons water
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
8 slices egg bread (challah works well), sliced 1/2-inch thick
8 thin slices ham
8 thin slices turkey
8 thin slices Swiss cheese
3 cups canola oil
Confectioners sugar
Blackberry preserves

Directions:
1. Line a cookie sheet with paper towels; set aside.

2. Whisk the egg and water together in a mixing bowl. Add flour, salt, and baking powder and whisk thoroughly for 2 to 3 minutes or until smooth, scraping sides of bowl.

3. On one slice of bread, arrange 2 slices of ham, turkey, and cheese, covering the bread evenly. Place another slice of bread on top and slice each sandwich in half diagonally.

4. Heat oil to between 365 degrees F and 375 degrees F in a 10-inch pan. Do not let the oil reach a higher temperature than this; if the oil starts to smoke, turn the heat down. Dip half of the sandwich into the batter, allowing excess to drain, and very carefully place into the oil.

5. Repeat with the other sandwich half. Cook 3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Place the cooked sandwich on the prepared cookie sheet in a warm oven until ready to serve. Repeat with the other three sandwiches. Cook one at a time, and allow the oil to reach the desired temperature between each.

6. Sprinkle with confectioner¹s sugar and serve with blackberry preserves on the side.

Don't Forget

Be sure to check out the section "Don't Forget..." on the left side of our blog.  You will find a list of items you will want to remember while preparing for your trip.  You can also click on may of the items to read our blog posts on them or be directed to other sources.

Caramel Apples

Caramel apples are a real treat inside and outside Disney Parks.  In Disneyland they can be found at the Candy Palace on Main Street along with Marceline's Confectionery in Downtown Disney and Pooh Corner in Critter Country.  The detail that they give to each apple is amazing!  Check out these beauties we came across on our last visit.

 

So you can have some Disneyland fun at home here is the recipe for some of Disney's Caramel Apples! 

DISNEYLAND GOURMET CARAMEL APPLES

INGREDIENTS
■8 large Granny Smith or Fuji apples
■wooden craft sticks
■2 (14 ounce) packages caramels, unwrapped
■2 tablespoons milk
■milk chocolate chips
■white chocolate chips
■candy for coating

DIRECTIONS

■Dip apples into boiling water briefly, to remove any wax that may be on the apple. Wipe dry, and set aside. Insert sticks into the apples through the cores. (Don’t skip this step as caramel may not stick to apple if there is wax on it.)

■Line a baking sheet with waxed paper and coat with cooking spray. Place the unwrapped caramels into a microwave-safe medium bowl along with 2 tablespoons of milk. Cook on high for 2 minutes, then stir and continue cooking and stirring at 1 minute intervals until caramel is melted and smooth. OR cook in a saucepan on the stove on a medium heat, stirring constantly until the caramels are completely melted.

■Hold apples by the stick, and dip into the caramel to coat. Set on waxed paper; refrigerate for about 15 minutes to set.

■Heat the chocolate with 1 tablespoon of shortening in a microwave-safe bowl until melted and smooth. Dip apples into the chocolate to cover the layer of caramel. (We prefer to only coat half of the apple in the chocolate.) Or you can drizzle the chocolate instead of dipping, if you prefer.

■Add whatever candy toppings you prefer to chocolate layer before it sets.

■Put apples back on waxed paper to set, then enjoy. We cut them into slices and put them on a plate so we can share the different varieties.
 

Here are some of our favorite combinations…

Apple Pie Caramel Apple - dipped in white chocolate and coated in crushed cinnamon graham crackers

Butterfinger Apple – dipped in milk chocolate and coated in crushed butterfinger candy bars

Chocolate Drizzle Apple – with white chocolate and milk chocolate drizzles

Candy Corn Apple – dipped in white chocolate and coated in chopped candy corns

Did You Know?

Walt Disney was the first filmmaker to explore the idea of actually including scents with his 1938 film Fantasia, but eventually decided against pursuing this for cost reasons.

In the 1980s, Disney publically announced a newly-designed "Smellitzer" system that’s still in use today. The system was created by Bob McCarthy. The system, featured in dozens of Disney rides across the world, blasts smells up to 200 feet across a room in a ride using air-canon technology. The smells exit via exhaust systems and are computer-controlled to go off when a new set of riders approach.

See how many of the following your sniffer can spot:

Disneyland

Main Street, USA

Candy Palace

The Secretary for the Vice President of Disneyland confirmed to us that a Vanilla Scent is pumped into the candy store to entice people to purchase items in the store.

New Orleans Square
The Haunted Mansion
During the holidays The Haunted Mansion is transformed into The Nightmare Before Christmas and the ballroom is tranformed into a Christmas Party with a strong Gingerbread scent.

Fantasyland
It’s A Small World, Christmas Edition
Cinnamon is introduced to create a generic holiday smell that’s festive for all.

Calfornia Adventure
Hollywood Backlot
Monster's, Inc.; Mike and Sully to the Rescue!
As you are on the ride and enter the Harryhausen's Sushi Bar you smell a faint ginger smell that puts you in the middle of an argument with Mike and Celia.

A Bug's Land
Heimlich's Chew Chew Train
As the train enters the watermelon you will smell the sweet smell of the freshly chewed melon.

Also, as you enter the animal crackers section of the ride you will smell yummy crackers!

It's Tough to be a Bug
This 3D experience not only has bee stings, bugs that crawl at your feet and across your back, but you will get sprayed with a stink bug.

Condor Flats
Soarin’ Over California
Citrus oranges, pine trees, and a hint of the ocean are experienced on this Hang Gliding motion-simulator ride over a variety of terrains.

Disney World: Magic Kingdom
Fantasyland
Mickey’s PhilharMagic
Disney World has confirmed their is a scent, but we do not know what smells you will experience, but it is rumored that jasmine, cherry, and pastry scents are used in the show.

Tomorrowland
Stitch’s Great Escape
Stitch blows his chili burp in your face.

Disney World: Epcot
Spaceship Earth
The smell of smoke in the Roman ruins scene puts you in the middle of history.

Universe of Energy: Ellen’s Energy Adventure
Disney World has confirmed their is a scent, but we do not know what smells you will experience. It is rumored that the scent used as you first enter the diorama is officially known as "Damp Earth." Another scent officially named "Volcano" can be smelled near the volcano at the end of the diorama.

The Land: Soarin'
Citrus oranges, pine trees, and a hint of the ocean are experienced on this Hang Gliding motion-simulator ride over a variety of terrains.

The Land: Living with the Land
Disney World has confirmed their is a scent, but do not know what smells you will experience.

Journey into Imagination With Figment
Take a rollicking ride through the Imagination Institute, where that playful purple dragon Figment really puts you to the test! Climb aboard a train of thought in the Sound Lab. Use your Common Scents in the Smell Lab. Watch your world turn upside down in Figment's house. The stink of a skunk (among other smells)

Disney World: Animal Kingdom
Discovery Island
It's Tough to be a Bug
This 3D experience not only has bee stings, bugs that crawl at your feet and across your back, but you will get sprayed with a stink bug.

DinoLand U.S.A.
Dinosaur
Disney World has confirmed their is a scent, but do not know what smells you will experience. It has been suggested that jasmine is used in this ride.

Here are some other scents that you may recognize that are not pumped through the "Smellitzer"

Popcorn

One of the most distinct smells of the park. As you enter the park you can't help but realize the buttery flavor engulfs you and puts you in a completely different world.

Corn Dogs

There are only two places at the Disneyland Resort that sell these treasures but the smell of these fried dogs make your arteries clog.

Turkey Legs

The smell of the famous turkey leg is pure heaven. They entice you with their rich "meaty" smell but don't taste that great.

Churros

Can be found at several locations throughout all the parks. Their sweet aroma is unmistakable.

Roasting Coffee

Whether you like the smell of coffee or can't stand the smell there are certain areas of the park that have this strong aroma as a staple.

Burrrbank and Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlors

The freshly made waffle cones are the constant smell that makes your body go into diabetic shock while walking through these parlors.

Sour Dough

Nothing beats the smell of freshly baked sour dough bread from the Boudin Bakery and Tour at California Adventure.

Tortillas

Take a stroll thru the "Mission Tortilla Factory" and get a sample of their delicious tortillas at California Adventure.

Bengal Barbecue
As you walk by Indiana Jones you will realize you are hungry for some nice BBQ.

Disneyland Railroad, Trams and Autopia

The diesel used to power these park experiences is unmistakable.

The Monorail
The smell of the the ice-cold air conditioner has a unique smell that sticks in your nose.

Star Tours
A very unique alkaline smell. You can even get a good whiff of it while just passing by the entrance of the attraction. This distinct smell permiates the waiting cue and the ride itself. Makes you feel like you are flying through space.

Pirates of the Caribbean and Splash Mountain

Many people say they can smell a faint hint of sea salt in the air – especially in the full-scale pirate ship battle. Of course, it could just be the 2,000 tones a-minute of stale chlorinated water rushing by.

The Haunted Mansion

A cold, musty scent persists inside the house – meant to conjure images of an abandoned old house – with hints of dirt in the graveyard.

Jungle Cruise

The pop from the gun not only scares the guests on board but it creates a small plume of gun powder scent.

Last but not least, here are the terrible smells you may experience while at the "Happiest Place on Earth":

Sewage, Cigarette Smoke, and the Rivers of America.

If you’ve never been or never noticed when you were there, pay close attention to the smells of some of these attractions on your next visit to Disneyland or Disney World.