DIsneyland Paris Where to Stay?

Planning a trip to Disneyland Paris? We we at the Disney Dream Girls have visited this park numerous times and hope our podcast will inform and entertain with our top tips. Below is the first of several blogs about visiting DLP with this one featuring hotel choices. However, for tips on things to do in the park you may wish to listen to our podcast (show 187) whilst you read these notes by clicking the player below. 


Where to stay and when to go are the most asked questions that we get. To be fair, this is such a difficult piece of advice to give because of budget constraints, non negotiables and what you want to get from your visit. However, below we share details about some of the options available to you that may help you choose which one to stay at. 

The Disneyland Hotel is the closest to the parks but it is also the most expensive. Disney class this hotel as a five key establishment and it boasts the top level amenties you would expect. From a simple room all the way to the Sleeping Beauty Suite you will find excellent service and a hotel with subtle Disney touches. Even if you choose not to stay here, it is worth a visit!

Next is the Hotel New York (which will be rethemed to a Marvel themed hotel) and this is about a five minute walk to the park plus a personal favourite of Michelle's. This is because it is very close to the parks and at the time of her stays was themed in a New York Art Deco style. Again there are a variety of room options and it is rated 4 keys. Be aware this hotel closes for its make-over in October 2018.

After that, you can choose between Newport Bay Club and Sequoia Lodge - they both are a fifteen minute walk. Jayne stayed at the Sequoia Lodge the other year for her February family trip and loved the theming (very reminiscent of the Wilderness Lodge at Walt Disney World) as well as finding the walk into the park being very scenic. Whilst it is a lesser rated hotel (holding four keys in comparision to Newport Bay Clubs four), it does have a range of amentities and whilst the rooms are small they are well appointed.

On the other hand, Newport Bay Club, with its 1900 coastal mansion style, was totally refubished in Spring 2016 and we have heard nothing but good things about it. It is beautifully situated on the edge of Lake Disney and has maritime touches throughout. Don't the rooms just look amazing?

Moving slightly further out from the parks, are Hotel Cheyenne and Santa Fe - both having a twenty minute walk. Both have a two key rating and a bolder, more Disney style theming to the other hotels. The Cheyenne has an old-time western vibe and offers rooms to sleep upto four people.

 For the feel of being on Route 66, choose the hotel Santa Fe.

All of the above hotels offer a free shuttle service which drops you off at the Disney Village.  There is a final option and that is the Davy Crocket Ranch however there is no shuttle and it is a fifteen minute drive away. But this hotel does offer the ability to stay in log cabins and a closer proximity to nature.

However, before you book, bear in mind these further points:

• Disney Hotels charge extra for breakfast
• Park ticket and meal deal pricing sometimes make this the cheaper option to off site
• Hotel guests get extra magic hour entry to the parks.

Room at the Vienna Dream Castle Hotel

When Michelle and Jayne went to the parks together in 2017 they stayed off site at the Vienna Dream Castle Hotel. Whilst the theming to us seemed strange, it was incredibly comfortable and included a continental breakfast.
 
Disney have nine partner hotels, all of which you can access via the shuttle service. In fact, so close you can get to the park within twenty minutes and to be fair some are closer than the Disney hotels! They may not have the Disney extras but you can often get some very good deals. So where you stay really is down to your budget and amount of time you spend in your room to make use of the amenities.

We will share another post with other top tips to plan your Disneyland Paris trip real soon! Why not listen to our weekly Disney theme parks podcast? You can find it in most places that host podcasts or via iTunes click this link to go to our iTunes page.  
 
Our social media links are: Twitter @DisDreamGirls and @JaynePhipps We are quite active on Facebook so like our page - www.facebook.com/Disney Dream Girls If you have any questions or comments, please email us - info@disneydreamgirls.com We also are on Instagram - Disney_Dream_Girls Finally, you may choose to support us financially (via Patreon) we offer a range of incentives and our eternal thanks for your support - click to visit our Patreon page.   

Disneyland Resort Food, Drinks, Celebrations at Christmas

You want to know about the stunning food offerings in the USA Disney parks this season? Well read on because this post covers the Disneyland Resort at Christmas. However, did you know you can also listen to us? Just click the play icon below! 

Todays commentary is brought to you by Michelle from the Disney Dream Girls Podcast, Kat and Lewis from Dis Down Under Podcast and Nic Branch from Dis After Dark Podcast.  

Below you will find some highlights that are being offered at The Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. On our podcast, The Disney Dream Girls (on show 186 we cover both Walt Disney World and Disneyland), we go into lots of detail so be sure to listen!

Photo Credit - Thomas Allison of the Cruise Dudes Podcast

Our first stop is Disneyland itself - the original and the best. So what is there to do here during the festive season? First of all, lets talk about the attractions. Two attractions receive a Christmas make over - its A Small World and the Haunted Mansion.  They are great fun but the lines do get very long! In previous years Jungle Cruise received a make over but alas not this year.

You may wish to enhance your day with the Holiday Time at Disneyland tour. This costs $85 and includes the history and backstory of the decorations, rides on select attractions, Christmas snacks, a souvenir pin, a re-usuable mug and parade viewing with hot cocoa (more on parades below).

Santa of course is in town for meets and greets and he can be found in Critter Country but this is a busy meet and greet! Each day the tree is lit and additionally, there is a castle stage lighting ceremony with gingerbread scented snow - this is not to be missed!

Above the parade was mentioned and this is currently The Christmas Fantasy Parade. This is a forty minute cavalcade of characters and Christmas cheer with a soundtrack that will stay every present! It appears twice daily and be sure to ensure you find a spot plenty of time in advance.

The evening ends with the firework spectacular Believe... in holiday magic. 

Photo Credit Thomas Allison of The Cruise Dudes Podcast

Whilst in Disneyland, there are plenty of foodie treats to enjoy. You may have heard of the delicious candy canes and you can find out more by reading our blog about them (Candy Cane Schedule 2017).

Another firm favourite is the peppermint ice cream served in a chocolate dipped waffle cone that is showered in candy cane dust - definately worth the lines!

Lots of cute merchandise too - Picture Credit - Thomas Allison

Let's hop over to Disney California Adventure as this is where the food and drink talk gets serious! Before we indulge, there are other things to do! Each of the lands is decorated in an appropriate style to its theming but my favourite is Radiator Springs. There you will find two attractions with Christmas seasonal music -Luigi's Joy to the Whirl and Mater's Jingle Jamboree as well as Radiator Springs Racers. The decor is outstanding and remember to view the switching on of the neon - its quite a thing!

A visit must include seeing Santa at the Redwood Trail and perhaps finding time to venture into the Grand Californian and the Disneyland Hotel could be squeezed in as they have some amazing Christmas offerings to see and do.

On an evening, you are able to see the World of Color - Season of Light and it runs until 7th January. Fastpass is available to guarantee a viewing sport but you could choose to pay extra for a dining package or a dessert party. Personally, a top tip would be to get the Carthay Circle lunch package as the food is delicious! Make sure you get the biscuits... they are spherical balls of goodness and you will thank us later!

The park has some great seasonal musical 'streetmosphere' and a favourite is listening to the Buena Vista Street Community Bell Ringers. We share a short sample for you to enjoy on the podcast.

The final entertainment offering we will discuss is Viva Navidad, which takes place in the Paradise Pier Area. It is colourful, engaging and well worth seeing.

So food... Luckily for visitors, DCA is hosting the Festival of Holidays and it has kiosks bursting with food and drinks that are screaming at you to try. We could spend the entire post detailing every one however, we have chosen a few must tries!

Photo credit - Steve Burnett

From Food at Joy to the Sauce, you will find the short rib beef with smashed potatoes and gravy for $7.75 and for dessert we recommend the sticky toffee pudding. Our beverage of choice is available at Festive Holiday Extras and is the Warm Bourbon Cider for $12. Or for a more seasonal offering the turkey slider from Winter Sliderland looks fantastic!

Whilst this show shares some of the many festive delights for the Disneyland Resort, we have a previous post that includes everything for Walt Disney World - so please check that out also!

I'd like to thank our guests, Nic from the Dis After Dark Podcast (click to listen) and Kat and Lewis from the Dis Down Under Podcast (click to listen). They will be sharing our top tips for the other Disney theme parks on their shows in the next few days.

Why not listen to our weekly Disney theme parks podcast? You can find it in most places that host podcasts or via iTunes click this link to go to our iTunes page.
 
Our social media links are: Twitter @DisDreamGirls and @JaynePhipps We are quite active on Facebook so like our page - www.facebook.com/Disney Dream Girls If you have any questions or comments, please email us - info@disneydreamgirls.com We also are on Instagram - Disney_Dream_Girls Finally, you may choose to support us financially (via Patreon) we offer a range of incentives and our eternal thanks for your support - click to visit our Patreon page.  

Walt Disney World Food, Drinks and Celebrations at Christmas

You want to know about the stunning food offerings in the USA Disney parks this season? Well read on because this post covers Walt Disney World at Christmas. However, did you know you can also listen to us? Just click the play icon below!

Todays commentary is brought to you by Michelle from the Disney Dream Girls Podcast, Kat and Lewis from Dis Down Under Podcast and Nic Branch from Dis After Dark Podcast.

Kat and Lewis from Dis Down Under Podcast

Nic from Dis After Dark Podcast

Below you will find some highlights that are being offered at Walt Disney World. On our podcast, The Disney Dream Girls, we do go into more details so be sure to listen. 
Our first stop is Disney Hollywood Studios and be sure to enjoy the Olaf injectable trifle... fun, tasty and seasonal! 

To drink, perhaps we can tempt you with a trio of hot chocolate? Laiden with alcohol they will surely get you into the Christmas spirit!

Above you will find the black cherry bourbon,  the hot chocolate martini and the Bailey's salted hot chocolate. Each is available for $9.25 or take a flight for $11.

Whilst in the park, ensure you catch Jingle Bell Jingle Bam as well as the projections on the Tower of Terror facade.

 

Moving now to EPCOT, as this has to be the storytelling park, with each country sharing their own Christmas stories. On an evening there is a special tag added to the end of IllumiNations too. Another highlight is the Candlelight Processional, which takes place nightly in the American Garden Theatre. 

There are lots of food and drink offerings to be found with the seasonal holiday kitchens. Please remember that alcoholic drinks are only available to those over 21 and id may be requested. 

A must for many is the dessert party. This costs $79 and includes desserts, alcoholic beverages, IllumiNations viewing and a ride on the Frozen attraction in Norway. We felt this one was good value and would add an extra special something to the EPCOT experience.

The Magic Kingdom is the place to be at Christmas. A separate ticket is required to enjoy Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. This consists of parades, fireworks and food - it is a fun (and busy) time to be there. Party tickets range from $89 to $109 (depending on the dates) and entry is available from 4pm. Around the park you will find complimentary cookies and non alcoholic beverages to enjoy.

Snowman Cookie and Sno Cone - Photo Credit Big Fat Panda

If you decide against the party, there are still lots of other Christmas highlights for you to enjoy. Our top tips are planning time to meet with characters, time to enjoy Jingle Cruise (a seasonal make over of this classic attraction) and hunt down all of the Christmas delicious foods!

Final park is the Animal Kingdom and whilst Christmas isn't a focus here you still will be able to find characters in their Christmas attire and see an amazing gingerbread marketplace at the Tusker House.

Whilst this show will share some of the many festive delights for Walt Disney World, we have a second post that includes everything for the Disneyland Resort - so please check that out also!
 
I'd like to thank our guests, Nic from Dis After Dark (click to listen) and Kat and Lewis from Dis Down Under Podcasts (click to listen). They will be sharing our top tips for the other Disney theme parks on their shows in the next few days.

Why not listen to our weekly Disney theme parks podcast? You can find it in most places that host podcasts or via iTunes click this link to go to our iTunes page.
 
Our social media links are: Twitter @DisDreamGirls and @JaynePhipps We are quite active on Facebook so like our page - www.facebook.com/Disney Dream Girls If you have any questions or comments, please email us - info@disneydreamgirls.com We also are on Instagram - Disney_Dream_Girls Finally, you may choose to support us financially (via Patreon) we offer a range of incentives and our eternal thanks for your support - click to visit our Patreon page.  

Disney Dream Girls 185 - Jim Korkis Talks

Welcome to the show notes for the Disney Dream Girls podcast show number 185 aired on Sunday 12th November 2017. If you wish to listen to the podcast, whilst reading this blog, all you have to do is click on the audio player below. Alternatively, our podcast can be found in most places that host podcasts such as iTunes (click here to subscribe) and Stitcher Radio.

We welcome to the podcast Disney historian, author, former friend of Merlin and Disney Cast Member - Jim Korkis. 

Michelle and Jim at the Polynesian Resort

During her August 2017 trip, Michelle was incredibly fortunate to spend several hours in the company of Jim Korkis to chat about all things Disney. As the recording lasted around an hour and a half, it has been split up into different segments. 

Polynesian Resort - Photo Credit WDW Website

We start this segment, by discussing the Kukui Nut Tree, that can be found at the Polynesian Resort. This tree was given to the resort by a former guest as a symbol of protection and peace. To find the tree, you need to go to the Great Ceremonial House and hopefully the picture below will help you.

Kukui Nut Tree is the tallest tree - Photo Credit Disney Parks Blog

Whilst this tree no longer has the signage, it is a prominent part of the resort and I urge you to go track it down. 

Tyler Slater Wearing A Kukui Nut Lei - Photo Credit Disney Parks Blog

The nut from the tree was traditionally used as a light source. So as a nod to this, members of management at the resort (and also at Aulani) wear lei made of Kukui Nuts as this symbolises that they light the way for other cast members.

Another discussion topic was the Disney/Beatles link. Did you know that John Lennon was actually staying at the Polynesian Resort when he signed the contract to disband the band?

Then we move on to discuss the lagoon show and how it evolved into the Main Street Electrical Parade. 

We hope you enjoyed the show, next week will be reviewing the Christmas offerings in the USA Disney theme parks but we will be back with other selected highlights from Jim in the very near future.
  
Why not listen to our weekly Disney theme parks podcast? You can find it in most places that host podcasts or via iTunes click this link to go to our iTunes page.
Our social media links are: Twitter @DisDreamGirls and @JaynePhipps
Facebook - www.facebook.com/Disney Dream Girls
Email - info@disneydreamgirls.com
Instagram - Disney_Dream_Girls
If you choose to support us financially (via Patreon) we offer a range of incentives and our eternal thanks for your support - click to visit our Patreon page. 

Disneyland Candy Canes Schedule 2019

One of my must-haves at Christmas is the Disneyland Resort Candy Cane. So here is a little information on what they are and how to get one.

What are the Candy Canes?
For over thirty-five years candy canes have been made and sold at Disneyland; a few years ago Disney California Adventure (DCA) began to also sell them. They are a hard candy that is manipulated into the shape of a walking stick and flavoured with peppermint oil. 

Candy Canes - Photo Credit Dis Geek Podcast

They have been a Christmas tradition for over three hundred years and in the USA alone 1.4 billion dollars worth of canes are bought. The cane sold at the Disneyland Resort is made by hand and due to this, the number available is very limited. When you collect them, they are still warm and that alone (in my opinion) makes them so tasty!

How are the Disneyland Candy Canes Made?

Photo Credit S Klimosko

The recipe dates back to around 1965 and is a closely guarded secret, however, the classic ingredients include heating a mixture of sugar, water and corn syrup to 313 degrees and then placing the mixed ingredients on a metal table to allow it to cool sufficiently to be worked upon. 

Photo Credit OC Weekly

The candy mixture is then manipulated and pulled on a hook for around an hour - all by hand - until it is silky white in appearance. Whilst the mixture is being pulled, peppermint oil is added. The mix is split into three uneven amounts, the larger keeping its white colour and colouring added to the other two (making up the stripes of green and red). This mix will make up 45 candy canes and they make three batches per day. 

Photo Credit M Young

How to get a Candy Cane?
Below, you will find a timetable of where to find a Candy Cane:
Candy Palace, Disneyland
29th November
2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 11th, 13th, 16th, 20th and 24th December
Trolley Treats, Disney California Adventure
30th November
3rd, 5th, 7th, 10th, 12th, 14th, 17th, 19th, 21st, 25th December.

To secure one, you need to be in the park at opening and I suggest arriving at the park in plenty of time prior to park opening to enable clearing security and then getting in line. 

Photo Credit S Klimosko

Once in the park, head straight to the store and there will usually be a sign or cast member present to show you where to wait. Once you have paid for your candy cane you will get a wristband and a time to return for it. If you fail to go back for your cane by 4pm, they will be sold in the store. They only sell around 120 per day so bear this in mind and they cost $13.99  Once in December, you can ring the candy cane hotline for more information: 714-781-0112.

Photo Credit M Young

Below is a little clip about the candy canes from a Disneyland at Christmas Show Guy Fieri did a few years back. Candy Cane Clip.

If you fail to get a candy cane, all is not lost as you can get other peppermint flavoured items in the parks such as the peppermint ice-cream the with chocolate waffle cone dipped in crushed candy canes - which is also delicious! 
Why not listen to our weekly Disney theme parks podcast? You can find it in most places that host podcasts or via iTunes click this link to go to our iTunes page.

Our social media links are: Twitter @DisDreamGirls and @JaynePhipps
Facebook - www.facebook.com/Disney Dream Girls
Email - info@disneydreamgirls.com
Instagram - Disney_Dream_Girls
If you choose to support us financially (via Patreon) we offer a range of incentives and our eternal thanks for your support - click to visit our Patreon page. 

Foolish Mortals Music Now Available!

Spell   Caster   Media   has   released   the   soundtrack   to   “Foolish   Mortals”.      The   album   includes seventeen   original   spooky   musical   compositions   written   and   performed   by   the   composing   duo   of William   Dodson   and   Wendall   Jones   that   make   up   Sideshow   Sound   Theatre.      The   album   is available   digitally   in   the   iTunes   store.
“Foolish   Mortals”   is   an   examination   of   the   fan   culture   surrounding   Disney’s   Haunted   Mansion attraction.      

Director   James   H.   Carter   II   has   dug   into   the   lives,   creative   work   and   experiences   of the   countless   masses   who   have   reached   out   to   share   their   interest   in   our   mutual   obsession, looking   for   the   reasons   they’re   in   love   with   this   attraction   while   unearthing   the   ghostly   materials within.

Some   of   the   people   that   appear   in   the   film   are   Disney   legend   Rolly   Crump,   artist   Topher   Adam, former   Imagineer   Jason   Surrell,   Robert   Kurtzman,   Dutch   Bihary,   Terri   Hardin,   Mike   Mendez, Spooky   Dan   Walker,   Lance   Henriksen,   and   many   more!

The   next   public   screening   of   the   film   will   take   place   on   November   19,   2017   at   the   Buried   Alive Film   Festival   in   Atlanta,   Georgia.      More   screenings   will   be   announced   soon.      The   limited   edition Foolish   Mortals   DVDs   are   available   to   order   until   12/1/17   on   the   film’s   website FoolishMortalsDoc.com   .         The   film   will   be   released   on   Video   On   Demand   platforms   in   early 2018.

Disney Dream Girls 184 - Fireworks and Missed Attractions

Welcome to the show notes for the Disney Dream Girls podcast show number 184 aired on Sunday 5th November 2017. If you wish to listen to the podcast, whilst reading this blog, all you have to do is click on the audio player below. Alternatively, our podcast can be found in most places that host podcasts such as iTunes (click here to subscribe) and Stitcher Radio.
 
On this weeks podcast, Michelle and Jayne link the history of a British tradition to their favourite fireworks show and then they are joined by their friends at Dis Down Under - Kat and Lewis.

Lewis and Kat on one of their theme park travels

Firework finales are the perfect way to end your Disney day, so we decided to talk through them!

Fantasmic - Debut Date 15th October 1998
This is a 26 minute show in a specially constructed arena that can accommodate 6,900 seated guests  with a further 3,000 standing guests. You are invited to join Mickey Mouse for a festival of lasers, lights dancing fountains and special effects.  

Photo credit WDW Website

Illuminations Reflection of Earth, EPCOT - Debut Date 1st October 1999
This is a 12 minute show that takes place around world Showcase Lagoon.  Images are projected on to a giant sphere in the middle of the lagoon and this retells the Earth's incredible tale from pre-man to now. The sphere then blossoms like a flower, exposing a ball of fire and leads into the shows finale. Fireworks, fire, lasers, projections and water screens tell the story with a fabulous final song. 

Photo Credit WDW Website

Star Wars a Galactic Spectacular, Disney Hollywood Studios - Debut Date 17 June 2016
This is a 12 minute show that takes place in front of the Chinese Theatre. This show has pyrotechniques, projection mapping, fire, lasers, fog/smoke effects and search lights.  Starts with a brief narrated prologue of the 1977 premiere of Star Wars at Grauman's Chinese Theater in Hollywood, California. Then it is divided into segments dedicated to battles, heroes, creatures, romance, and villains. The show concludes with a montage of all seven original Star Wars film poster art  across the Chinese Theatre.

Photo Credit WDW Website

Remember Dreams Come True, Disneyland Resort - Debut Date 12th April 2018
This is a 17 minute show that takes place on and around Sleeping Beauty Castle. Julie Andrews is the host and you go on a tour of the lands of the happiest place on earth with appearances from Tinker Bell and an array of projections and fireworks.

Photo Credit Disneyland Website

Happily Ever After, Magic Kingdom - Debut Date 12th May 2017
This is a 18 minute show that takes place on and around Cinderella Castle. It includes projection mapping an pyrotechniques. The show is split into segments and each segments has a key theme linked to a Disney character. There are Wishes with Tiana, Adventure with Merida, Friendship with Aladdin, Love with Olaf, Adversity with the Emperor of China (from Mulan), Triumph with Mufasa. Then it returns to the narrator to invite guests to unlock the magic and then Tinker Bell takes flight scattering pixie dust. 

Photo Credit WDW Website

Fantasmic, Disneyland Resort - Debut Date 17th July 2017 
Taking place on the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyers Island, this is an updated version of the original Fantasmic.
Guests share Mickey’s dream and witness the forces of good versus evil. It has special effects, water screens, projections, fire, pyrotechnics and lots more!  

Photo Credit Disneyland Website

After our discussion, Michelle, Kat and Lewis take a fun look at the attractions they have not yet ridden at Walt Disney World. There are a few things that they had in common but with their 2018 trip coming up, these will soon tackled! What is on your list?

Photo Credit WDW Website

Finally, if you want to win this pin all you have to do is review our podcast on iTunes. Not only do you get a chance to win such a cool item but you also help us become more noticeable in the iTunes store for other Disney loving listeners to find us.

 

So that is everything we had to discuss this week!  Our social media links are: Twitter @DisDreamGirls and @JaynePhipps
Facebook - search for Disney Dream Girls
Email - info@disneydreamgirls.com
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If you choose to support us financially (via Patreon) we offer a range of incentives and our eternal thanks for your support. 
Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/DisneyDreamGirls