Single Rider and Rider Switch Pass

Single Rider and Rider Switch passes allow parents to enjoy rides when they have children to little to ride the attraction. You get your single rider or baby swap pass from the Cast Member that stands at the beginning of the line, at the exit or in the FastPass area. With both of these options one parent watches the toddler while the other rides, then they switch off.
Rider Switch is definately recommended if you have two adults that definately want to ride an attraction and there is no single rider offered.

Rider Switch Pass

Rider Switch Pass is available on every attraction at Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure. With a rider switch the first person, after getting their rider switch pass, will actually stand in the queue (either the FastPass or the standby line). After the first person has completed the ride, the pass is then given to the non-rider who will enter through the exit to enjoy the attraction without having to wait in line. The benefit of rider switch, in addition to being available on all attractions, is that with this pass a second person can ride each time. If you have an older child he or she can ride the attraction with both parents.

If you’re traveling with a baby then you need to know about the Baby Care Center at the end of Main Street. Moms I spoke with call it a calm place in the middle of the Disneyland storm. It has private rooms for breast feeding and potty training toilets. You can buy diapers or other supplies. They also have a microwave where you can heat up food. There’s no charge to get it, only for certain supplies.

Single Rider

Single Riders enter the attraction through the exit or through a special single rider queue. (The Cast Member can direct you.) When you reach the area where they load the ride you will wait until they need someone to fill an empty seat. This can be very quick, or it can take a longer time, but usually shorter than the FastPass line.  We feel this is the best option if there are just 2 adults and a small child. Unfortunately there are a limited number of rides that have single rider lines.

Attractions that offer Single Rider in Disneyland and California Adventure

Splash Mountain- to use the single rider option on this attraction, you will go through the exit. You will take the stairs over the water and next to the regular line at the loading area, will be a single rider line. Anytime they need 1 person to fill a log, they will pull from the single rider line.  It is a great way to enjoy the ride quickly and get back to your child.  For the waiting parent, The Winnie the Pooh ride and the characters from Winnie the Pooh are right by Splash Mountain.

Grizzly River Run- this attraction only offers the single rider option when there is a long wait for the normal queue. To use single rider here, check with the Cast Member at the beginning of the line. This person will let you know if single rider is available at that time, and if so, give you a pass. Once you get your single rider pass, you go up the stairs at the exit. Continue heading through the exit until you reach the boarding area. When you are needed, the loading Cast Member will give you a raft color or number and you are all set.  Just outside of Grizzly River Run is Redwood Creek Challenge Trail.

Soarin' Over California- for single rider, check with the Cast Member at the entrance of the Fastpass queue for a single rider pass. Once obtained you use the FastPass entrance. Some people recommend using FastPass instead of single rider on this very popular attraction.  There are no rides for small children while waiting for this ride.

Maliboomer- for this attraction, you will find a special line to the left of the main queue entrance.

California Screamin’- for single rider you get a pass from the Cast Member in the Fastpass distribution area. There is a special entrance for Single Riders. A Cast Member will send you in groups of 4 or 5 people to wait for a single seat. There is no line here, it is primarily a free for all, so don’t stand there and wait to be told to sit. Instead, when you hear a call for a single rider, start moving.

Mullholland Madness- check with a cast member at the start of the line.  There are plenty of rides for small children while waiting.

Check with Guest Services online or at the parks for additional locations and for height requirements.

*It is important to say that if we abuse the system you may not have a great time at the park.  There is a lot of talk that abusing the system may lead Disney to remove this option entirely.  Make sure to use these recommendations when needed.  It is still fun to wait in line and meet people, experience the magic and search for hidden Mickey's.*

Talking "Meet and Greet" Characters

Disney has introduced some talking "Meet and Greet" characters.  These are just tests but we imagine we will see many more of these in the future.  Check out Mickey Mouse below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6k2xdtU8Wc
And C-3PO and R2-D2...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQZn-ix3UR4&feature=player_embedded

They have been doing some form of talking characters for a while now, but not with main Disney characters.  Check out "Push" who we have seen a few times at the park.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aw4y6eMsJQs

Or course, "Turtle Talk with Crush" is a great success and uses the same technology. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-HfSSNSnFs

What do you think?  Has Disney gone overboard or would this have been part of Walt Disney's dream?

Disney Bricks

Walk of Magical Memories

Disneyland

Located between the entrances to Disneyland Park and Disney's California Adventure Park, you may become part of Disneyland Resort history by sponsoring a 10-inch hexagonal brick along Disney's "Walk of Magical Memories.

Here are some items you need to know about purchasing and maintaining your brick:

1: You do NOT have to be an annual pass holder

2: This does NOT apply to just the USA, anyone can get it

3: It is $150 for the whole brick (Inscriptions and all)

4: They can either mail you or fax you the info so you can choose what you want to say and which little character picture to add

5: If you purchase before Oct. 31st then your brick will be installed in the middle of February.

6: Disney will also send you a receipt and a map within 6-8 weeks as to where your actual brick will be located on the grounds and at this time if there are any changes you want made to your brick, call them back with the Disney brick number given to you and they will make those changes before its laid down.

 

7: It’s going to be placed there for 10 years and after that time, Disney will call you and let you know how to update it

8: For an extra $35 you can purchase a mini replica of the brick you will receive at the park. You have a choice between "Wooden and acrylic", acrylic being more transparent. Both come on a wooden base. These are sent out several weeks after you received your confirmation package allowing you to make those changes to your brick if need be. They don’t want to send you a replica if the inscription isn’t correct.

 

9: Check at the News Stand to the left of the Disneyland entrance for a listing of bricks and locations. They are happy to assist you in locating your brick.

Orders may be sent via mail, phone, fax or e-mail:

Disneyland(R) Resort

P.O. Box 3232

Anaheim, CA 92803
ATTN: "Walk of Magical Memories" DL635B

Phone: 800-760-3566
Fax: 714-781-4236
E-mail: dl.bricks@disney.com or click here for a website to order.

Here are the bricks that our family has at the Disneyland Resort.  See if you can locate them on your next visit!

C26 256

C05 264

Walk Around the World

Walt Disney World

During the Disney Decade, a program was offered where you could purchase a hexagonal brick paver to be placed around the Seven Seas Lagoon, creating a walking path starting at the Magic Kingdom and closely following the monorail route. Obviously, there are some inlets that would need to be crossed as well as the holding are for the Electrical Water Pageant. Not to mention some roads, a waterway and a lot of marshland.

The plan never panned out and Disney stopped halfway to the Grand Floridian. There are bricks at the Transportation and Ticket Center, The Contemporary and at the Polynesian.

Depending what the letter is on the brick, it could be in one of five places:
W: West of the Magic Kingdom towards the Grand Floridian
E: East of the Magic Kingdom to the Contemporary
C: The Contemporary
H: The Transportation and Ticket Center
P: The Polynesian

Two different types of pavers were sold until the year 2000: a traditional brick paver ($85 - $125) and larger gray ones ($250). No one really knows why Disney stopped selling them ,but the most prevalent thought is that it was competing with the Leave a Legacy program at Epcot. Occasionally, more bricks have been sold (some in 2006), but they are for special occasion or sold only on a first-come, first-served basis outside of the Magic Kingdom.

In 2008 Disney World suspended this program.  The phone number to the brick department is 407-824-7890.  You can use this number to get your brick cleaned, replaced it, find your brick, or order if the program begins again.  The bricks started at $110 when the program began. In late 2007 they changed the price to $295.

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.)

Easter

With Spring comes the beautiful flowers and warm weather in the parks. During Easter you will find these two characters hopping in with the regulars.

Disneyland has had this visitor since the park opened. Here are Flower and Thumper visiting children on Easter in 1963.

Along with the seasonal visitors you will find a lot of Easter merchandise and candy sold in the parks.

At Tokyo Disneyland they have a fun-filled Easter Parade. Check out both videos below to see their spirited parade!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iR-LplaxMZM

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

Did You Know?

When it comes to eternal resting places, can you do better than take up residence in the Haunted Mansion?

After all, while the Mansion was being built, Walt himself said "we're out collecting the ghosts, and we want to make it very attractive to them, so we're putting in wall-to-wall cobwebs, and we guarantee them creaking doors, and creaking floors." What self-respecting spook would pass up that opportunity?

Some foolish mortals try their best to join in the ghostly fun. From time to time, stories of human ashes being spread throughout the Haunted Mansion attractions make their way through the rumor mill. Not true, says Disney of the stories, though the leaked details often have an air of authenticity.

On May 15, 2009, another case of spilled human remains was reported at the Walt Disney World Haunted Mansion in the Magic Kingdom. According to inside sources, EMTs from Reedy Creek and specialized Disney custodians worked for two and a half hours to clean the ashes out of the attraction, where they were spread along the Doom Buggy track.

The spreading of cremated human remains is not unusual at Disney parks, despite official denials. Disneyland has had numerous cases of ashes being spread in various attractions, though most commonly the Haunted Mansion.

Some of these true-life stories give way to legends told by Haunted Mansion castmembers to each other and the public. In one such tale, the ashes surruptitiously spread were supposedly those of a young boy, who can still be seen from time to time crying at the exit of the attraction, at least according to the friends of friends who have reportedly seen him.

At any rate, Disney steadfastly refuses to "confirm" that the ashes found are human. But as sure as Disney's grim grinning ghosts will continue to come out and socialize, mortals will continue to try to gain residence in the Haunted Mansion in any way possible.

St. Patrick's Day

Here is some of the merchandise you will find in the parks during St. Patrick's Day.

St. Patrick's Day is celebrated more commonly at the Disneyland Resort in Paris.  Here is their fireworks show, a listing and pictures of their event.  Enjoy! 

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

Geocaching, Disney-Style

During your Disney vacations, you've probably spent some time looking for "Hidden Mickeys," those images of Mr. Mouse that Disney designers have worked into everything from bedspreads to golf courses. But did you know that there's another type of treasure hunt you can play - one that combines high-tech tools with good old fashioned detective work?

The game is called "Geocaching," and although it started only ten years ago, it's already a popular sport in more than 200 countries. In the most basic version of geocaching, one person hides a small container filled with prizes, then posts its geographic coordinates where other people can see them (usually on the geocaching.com web site). When you want to look for a cache, you enter its coordinates into a handheld Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, and then watch the receiver's display as you move around to zero in on the cache's location. When you discover the cache, you prove that you found it by signing a logbook. If you have something appropriate to exchange, you can also trade for one of the items left by the original cache owner or by other finders.

Sounds simple, doesn't it? Not always! Sometimes you have to solve a puzzle to determine the coordinates, or find information at one place that helps you calculate the final location. Even when you do have the correct coordinates, the cache container may be very tiny. Or it may be disguised as something else, such as a piece of wood, a sprinkler, or a rock. Sometimes even reaching the cache location requires specialized skills, such as technical climbing or SCUBA diving. However, most caches are easily accessible, which makes geocaching a wonderful activity for everyone from kids to grandparents.

In places where placing a physical geocache isn't appropriate, a variation known as "virtual geocaching" is used. A virtual geocache is a place of particular interest or importance. Because there's no logbook, you prove your visit to a virtual cache by taking a photo of yourself at it, or by sending the cache owner certain information that can only be obtained at the cache site.

How did geocaching get started? GPS receivers get their location information from a fleet of satellites developed by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). DoD built into the system a way to make civilian GPS receivers less accurate than military receivers. When that "fuzzing" technique was in use, someone using a civilian receiver might see latitude and longitude readouts that were off by as much as 300 feet. Obviously, that didn't make for precise location-finding!

Many years ago, the Department of Defense determined that it could maintain military effectiveness without fuzzing the entire GPS system. (They came up with other ways to degrade GPS signals in selected regions as needed.) DoD realized that allowing civilian GPS receivers to be more accurate would have tremendous benefits to emergency responders, transportation companies, and the general public.

In May of 2000, two days after President Bill Clinton signed an order for DoD to stop signal degradation, a GPS user who was grateful for the improved accuracy of the system hid a container of goodies near Portland, Oregon. He then posted the container's coordinates to a GPS users' group on the Internet. Within days, two people had found the cache, and the "GPS Stash Hunt" - now commonly called geocaching - was off and running. There are now more than 150,000 active geocaches in over 200 countries.

Many geocachers create caches that are themed to their interests. For example, there are caches based on the Lord of the Rings books, the solar system, and train stations. So it isn't surprising that Disney fans who took up geocaching started looking for ways to combine those two passions. That's why there are now geocaches (mostly virtual) at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris. (As of this writing, there are none at Tokyo Disneyland.) In fact, one of those caches makes use of a publicly accessible GPS unit at a Disney park. We aren't telling where that is; you'll have to pick the right geocache to find out!

So, are you ready to try some geocaching, Disney-style? It's easy to get started. Go to geocaching.com, click on "Hide & Seek a Cache," then use one of the search fields to search for caches in the Disney location you plan to visit. For example, you could enter "Disneyland" in the keyword field, or "32830" in the ZIP code field. Be sure to check the Getting Started section of the website, too. It provides the rules for the game, and also offers helpful suggestions for choosing a GPS receiver for geocaching, if you don't already own one.  Click here for a list of benchmarks available in Disney Parks.

Interested in creating your own Disney-themed geocache? You don't need to leave your own hometown to do that! There are currently Disney-themed caches in Quebec, Texas, Arizona, New York, and Denmark, among other places. All you have to do is think up a fun theme (maybe Disneyana in general, or your favorite Disney movie), put a few inexpensive Disney souvenirs in the cache to get things started, and you're on your way. Under the right circumstances, you may even be able to establish a virtual cache at one of the Disney locations. Check the relevant regional Geocaching.com discussion board for more information on this. (For example, the best place to ask questions about Walt Disney World would be the "South and Southeast" forum.)

Next time you take a vacation to a Disney destination, why not try a little geocaching while you're at it? Hunting for the caches will be fun, and you might learn something in the process. Happy caching!

Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters

Wish you could bring Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters home with you? You can!!! Click here to access Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters on your home computer.

Want to score more points?  Try these methods!

1) Just keep shooting, every 5 "misses" or so, you get some "pity points". It's so kids don't get a score of 0 even if they didn't hit anything. You'll know you've hit something if the back of your gun flashes white.

2) Aim for these shapes (in order from highest to lowest points): diamond, triangle, square, circle. Targets that are lit up give you more points. Aim for the tiny black hole in the center of the target.

3) There is a hidden target (at least at Disneyland) actually on the Zerg character, in the center of his armor. It's a tiny black hole.

4) There is another hidden target in the dark tunnel.. you'll see one on your left, and one on your right.. but look up! It's worth 100k!

Our Favorite Disney Sites

Be sure to check out "Our Favorite Disney Sites" and "Our Favorite Disney Blogs" on the left side of this blog.  Here you will find links to sites we recommend for further reading.  They are organized in alphabetical order but we have broken them down by type here: 

Time Saving
Ridemax (Sign up to receive a daily plan to save you time)

Disney Official Sites
D23 (The Official Disney Fan Club)
Disney Movie Club (Become a member and find hard to find Disney movies)
Disney DVD Official Site (List of all Disney DVD's)
Disney Parks Mobile (See what is going on in the park right now and check out other Travel offers)
Disney Movie Rewards (Receive merchandise by signing up and entering the code from purchased movies)
Disney Parks (The master site for all Disney Parks)
Disney Parks Blog (The Official Disney Blog)
Disney Vacation DVD's (Click here to read our post on these free DVD's)
Disneyland Resorts (Disneyland, Disney World, Paris, Hong Kong, Tokyo)

Cost Saving
Get Away Today (Vacation planning and travel booking)
Mouse Savers (Save on vacation and travel expenses.  Sign up for Email Notifications)

Disney Fan Blogs / Souvenirs
AllEars (News and events at the parks)
Daveland (News and events at the parks)
DISboards (News and events at the parks)
Disney Frontier (News and events at the parks)
Disney Mouse Links (News and events at the parks)
Disney Music Loop (Want to know what music plays in the park?)
Disney Stationary (Want Disney stationary to print from home?)
Disneyland Postcards (See what old postcards were sold at the park)
Hidden Mickeys (See where the hidden Mickey's are hidden throughout the parks)
HV10N90 (Great Youtube site with many great videos from the park)
INTERCOT (Disneyworld Information)
Laughing Place (News and events at the parks)
Miceage (News and events at the parks)
Mickey Avenue (Download Disney fonts on your computer)
Mouseplanet (News and events at the parks)
Name Tag Museum (News and events at the parks)
RU42 Video Production (Purchase top quality videos to remember your trip)
Vintage Disneyland Tickets (See older tickets and programs from years past)
Walt Disney Quotes (Great quotes from Walt Disney)
WDWmagic (Disneyworld News)
Yesterland (See what's changed at the parks)

Check back for updates and changes on the left side of our blog.  As new sites are found we will update.

Toy Story Mania

Want to bring "Toy Story Mania!" home with you?  You can!!!  Disney has released a Wii version that you can purchase.  You can also play for free by clicking here. 

Looking for ways to score bigger points at the park?  Click here to see what items are worth and how to get more much bigger scores.

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.

Disney Parks Online Videos

We found this great channel on YouTube.  This channel has every parade, ride, and firework show.  It even has interactive maps that you can click on and see videos from each section of the parks.  Click here to check it out! 

http://www.youtube.com/user/HV10N90

Star Tours

Since 1986, Star Tours has taken you on an unforgettable aventure thru outer space going at light speed.  Disney has announced plans to take Star Tours into the 21st Century with new affects and outstanding imagery.  Here is a look at the current Star Tours and a little idea what to expect in the next few years.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Agw3f3ZfoC8

Below is the announcement at the D23 Convention in 2009 of the new Star Tours.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VliPqCf4Z0w

Here is the first look at Star Tours II which will be opening in 2011.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jQaHgsKhQ4

Our Concerns:

- The scenes used for the new Star Tours attraction are from Star Wars episodes 1-3.  Didn't those movies take place before episodes 4-6 (the current Star Tours)?  Why are we going back in time?  

- The ride will not be the same without this character...

or this scene...

Alright, here is the whole pre-board video.  Enjoy!

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

Did You Know?

Disney Cast Members have a dress code. Here are some interesting facts:

• Male park employees were not allowed to have facial until 2000 when Disneyland officials changed the rules to allow male cast members to have facial hair as long as they were neatly trimmed. Some observant Disney devotees may notice that Walt Disney had a mustache, yet it took 45 years before cast members at Disneyland were able to follow in his footsteps. The growth process of the mustaches, however, must not be seen; it is specified that mustaches must be grown while the cast member is on vacation.

• Female cast members may wear small stud earrings or smaller hoop earrings; men may wear no earrings. Long fingernails are prohibited, as are dirty ones or nails painted in a color that is not natural. All cast members' hair must be of a natural color; looking natural even if it is not actually the cast member's natural color. Makeup must be only on women, minimal, and natural-looking. Visible tattoos are expressly forbidden.

• The philosophy behind the cast members' dress code has not changed much - the "Disney Look" is to ensure that each and every guest feels comfortable around each and every Disneyland cast member. This consideration extends farther than simple appearance. All Disneyland cast members must point with two fingers or their whole hand, as pointing with one finger may be considered rude to some guests.

• The rules are obviously different for cast members who play a specific character. "Face characters" may have different makeup or hair requirements to fully implement the appearance of the character they are portraying. "Mask characters," the cast members who are completely covered in a costume and whose actual face is not seen, may not speak.

• All Disneyland cast members wear a costume that is specific to their particular "land." They are not allowed to visit the public parts of the other lands, or sections of Disneyland, in their costumes. This helps retain the feeling that guests are in a magical place, where nothing at all is out of order or unrelated to the theme. No safari costumes from Adventureland will turn up in Tomorrowland to jolt guests out of their happy illusions.

Here is some interesting information about the dress code for Disneyland guests:

• During the 1950's and early 1960's men with long hair were not allowed inside the park. Disneyland cast members would politely explain to the snubbed guests that Disneyland had an unwritten dress code, which they did not meet. Sometimes women in halter tops were turned away as well.

Here are some pictures of people we feel should be "turned away" at the gate:

We saw this woman on our last trip to the park.  She was also wearing a red necklace.  This is our picture.  All others are from the internet.

Santa Claus on vacation waiting for the Haunted Mansion

Really?

I know, Seal and Heidi Klum... No adults should have face painting done at the park... EVER!!!

"You're out, Auf wiedersehen!"

We think kids are the only ones who can get away with wearing costumes in the park.  Even then, they look very uncomfortable.

WOW!!!You are very brave!