The Dawn of Batuu: A review of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland Park

For more than forty years, fans of Star Wars have been dreaming about someday getting the chance to explore a land from "a galaxy far, far away."  They have fantasized about piloting the "fastest hunk of junk" in the galaxy, about living-out their dreams of being one with the Resistance, or joining the First Order.  Today, the dreams of generations of Star Wars fans finally becomes a reality, as Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opens inside Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California.

Over the past two weeks, I have had several opportunities to get a glimpse into Galaxy's Edge.  As a Disneyland Resort Cast Member, I have been able to learn about, and experience this amazing new land in the form of Cast previews of the actual land itself, an exclusive showcase of products being offered for purchase, and even test rides on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.  It's been a wonderful time to be a new member of the Disney family.

Let's get started!

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge is a massive new land.  It's the largest land expansion ever inside a Disney theme park.  The land is set on the remote planet of Batuu, and within the confines of the Black Spire Outpost.  Here, you will find "locals" trading their goods, wetting their whistles, and dining on the type of grub you might expect to find on a remote planet.  The inhabitants of Batuu don't use the same terms that those of us from earth might use.  They seem to have their own words. Not necessarily their own language, but you will have to get used to different terminology while at Black Spire Outpost.

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Two blockbuster attractions were announced for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge.  The first one to open is Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.  The sight of a life-sized Millennium Falcon is guaranteed to give you goose bumps, and may even bring  tears to your eyes.  I am not exaggerating when I tell you that the first time you see this ship, you will have the same reaction as the first time you saw Sleeping Beauty's or Cinderella Castle.  Behold this sight, and take it all in.

Oh, yeah.  There's a ride inside this attraction's massive show building.  A simulator-type ride where you and five others will enter the cock pit of the legendary ship.  As the crew, you will have two pilots, two gunners and two engineers.  Each role has responsibilities, and by working together, you will succeed in your challenge.

Prior to boarding the "Falcon", you will walk through a giant machine shop, and make your way to an upper level, where you will enjoy a spectacular view of the ship from above.  Next, you will be briefed by Honda Ohnaka, who will tell you about the mission ahead.  As you board the ship, you will enter the hallways that will seem all-too familiar.  You will even get an up-close look at a very familiar site or two.  Honda will give you some final instructions, before you grab your seat to begin your mission.

Your team will actually control the ship.  The pilots steer and jump to hyperspace.  The gunners defend the ship and the cargo, while the engineers perform repairs when the ship is in trouble.  Lighted controls and instructions from Hondo and your fellow crew members will help you.  Your buttons will flash green when they are needed.

This ride has elements of Star Tours and Mission: Space, with a hint of Avatar: Flight of Passage thrown in to make it current.  Honestly, when I rode Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run during testing, I found the queue and pre-show experience to be more impressive than the on-board experience itself.  When I rode it a week later for Cast Previews, I was much more impressed.  I found the front-row experience to have a better view of the action.

Using the old Disney ticket rating as a formula for my review, I would give Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run a "D-ticket" ride rating.  It's light years above Star Tours and Mission Space, but fall way short of the experience of Avatar: Flight of Passage.  That said, this ride is not-to-be-missed.  Ever since this new land was announced, fans have speculated that Star Tours would probably be moved to Galaxy's Edge after it opened.  That won't happen.  The attractions are too similar in that aspect.  If anything, I wouldn't be surprised if Star Wars takes a mission to Yesterland if or when Tomorrowland gets a much-needed overhaul.

Dining on Batuu
People who haven't seen Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge are already complaining that there "isn't enough to do" or there is "too much retail and dining" in the new land.  Those people couldn't be more wrong.  Shopping and dining are a big part of the story of Black Spire Outpost.  It is mainly a marketplace.  Within and around this market place are two dining locations, a cantina, and several shops and kiosks.

Oga's Cantina is the main hangout on Batuu.  It's where locals and those traveling through go to enjoy local music and beverages.  The menu of exotic, out-of-this-world beverage creations keeps people coming back to this popular watering hole.  Oga's Cantina is also the first public location within Disneyland Park to serve alcohol in the park's sixty-four year history.  This spot is very popular.  Expect a long wait to get in.  At 45-minutes on a rainy Sunday, we decided not to wait in the queue, and to save a visit to Oga's for a later date.

Docking Bay Seven is the main quick service dining location.  The restaurant offers a menu  of entrees and desserts that have creative names, and are very satisfying.  The Smoked Kaadu Ribs ware a favorite of ours.  They are served with a blueberry corn muffin and cabbage slaw.  The roasted Endorian Tip-Yip salad was another favorite of ours.  Check them out on the Disneyland app menu.  There is plenty of indoor and outdoor seating at Docking Bay Seven.  The line to get in was a bit long on our preview day, but it moved at a good pace.

Ronto Roasters is another choice for hungry travelers.  This location only offers two entrees each for breakfast and lunch. We did not try it on our visit, but I will be returning next week to give it a shot.  Feedback I've gotten is that the Ronto Wrap is a winner.  I'll confirm after I try it.

Milk Stand
So...Blue Milk has been the talk of the galaxy ever since Luke Skywalker drank it when he lived with his Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru.  Now you can enjoy this beverage, along with the green one at a the simply-named Milk Stand, across from Kylo Ren's ship.  These treats are a bit small in size, and big on price.  It's about 9 or 10 ounces at $7.99 each.  The blue milk has a tropical flavor, while the green one has more citrus flavor to it.  The treats are thick like a milk-shake.  But these are completely dairy free.  I liken it to a smoothie.  We shared a green milk.  It's not bad, but I don't think it will be replacing the Dole Whip any time in their future or ours.

Shopping 
From building your own light saber to designing a droid, adopting a creature and adding to your wardrobe, there is plenty of shopping available throughout the Black Spire Outpost. These aren't your typical Disney souvenirs.  If you want something on the somewhat unusual side, you will probably find it.  There's also a shop that sells somewhat unusual popcorn.  One of them is of the fruity variety.  I sampled this at our showcase a few weeks back, and it was pretty good.  I reminded me a bit of Fruit Loops cereal, but I'd probably buy it.  When I return to Batuu next week, I plan to spend more time exploring the shops.

Review
Disney truly hit a grand slam with Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge.  Since 1955, guests have been able to leave the everyday world when they step into the magic of Disneyland.  Now, when you enter Batuu, you will forget for a few hours that you are even in Disneyland.  It's that different and that cool at the same time.  From the Millennium Falcon to the other ships, buildings, and the petrified trees, you will find theming on par, if not better than Cars Land.  This land truly belongs inside Disneyland park, because it is a realm that fits perfectly with the plaques as you enter the portals of the park that read "Here you leave today and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy."

Walt Disney always said that "Disneyland will never be completed as long as there's imagination in the world."  Star Wars: Galaxy's edge lives up to those words, and sets a new standard for what "land" inside a Disney park should be.  I have not doubt that certain types of people will continue to complain about Star Wars being inside "Walt's park". They need to get over it.  I've been visiting Disneyland since I was a two-year old in 1969.  I grew up with Walt's park.  In the days leading up to this review, I have been inside Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, and inside Walt Disney's apartment on Main Street U.S.A.  Both of these are authentic, and original, and both of them are pure Disney magic.

STAR WARS: Galaxy's Edge
JVPtravelScore: AA+

14 Days 'Til Disney World Part 6: I Have Arrived

Well...I did it!  Two weeks ago I started planning my latest Walt Disney World vacation.  I exhaustively researched airline flights, endlessly considered and reconsidered Resorts to stay at, stayed up late and got up very early to make FastPass+ and dining reservations, and had a whole lot of fun in the process.  During that time, I also got to watch my New England Patriots win the AFC Championship Game.  Now they are headed to the Super Bowl. But today, I am writing the final entry to this series from my room at Disney's Yacht Club Resort.  I could't be happier with this decision.  More on that in a bit.  

Getting here was a breeze.  Yesterday afternoon, my partner took me to LAX from our home in Irvine, CA.  Since my flight wasn't until 10:30pm, we arrived very early and stopped at a Farmer Boys restaurant near the airport for dinner before he dropped me in front of the terminal.  I was seated at the gate 2 hours before departure.  The Delta flight was right on time at 10:30pm.  I tried to sleep on the plane, but that wasn't really happening.  

My flight landed in Orlando early (5:30am) this morning.  I deplaned and made my way to the rental car area outside of the terminal.  I picked out a car and made my way to the exit.  Shortly after exiting the facility, I noticed a couple issues with the car, so I circled back and returned to the rental locaton.  I explained the situation and had to wait for a representitive to come out and help me get another car.   By now it was a little after 6am.  

I got my second car, and checked my phone, where I saw a text from Disney's Yacht Club Resort notifying me that my room was ready, and displaying the room number.  I headed towards Walt Disney World.  Using my disability placard, I was directed to valet parking at the Yacht Club.  I forgot that valet was free for cars with placards.  I dropped my bags and headed inside to go to my 3rd floor room.  

After an all-night flight, it felt like it took forever to walk to my room.  But once I opened the door, the first sign of Disney Magic appeared.  This room is absolutely beautiful!  I paid for a standard view room at approx $250/night.  Upon entering the room it became clear that I was upgraded...twice!  I went from Standard View to a Water View room.  This was a leap frog over the Garden View room.  I am now in a $500+/night room.  The view of the lake, with Disney's Boardwalk right across the way is amazing.  I can't wait to explore.  

My plan for today is to eat breakfast and then rest here at the hotel.  I'll be heading over the Disney's Animal Kingdom at around 4:00 this afternoon, to enjoy the last few hours before it closes, and Disney After Dark begins.  I can't wait to see Animal Kingdom for the first time at night, and to experience Pandora for the first time as well.  

I hope have enjoyed this series on my planning for this vacation.  Thanks for following along.  Now it's off to enjoy my vacation.  Stay tuned for follow-up reports from my vacation.  See you real soon!

14 Days 'til Disney World - Part 5: Hardest Part or Biggest Myth?

Since finalizing my resort stays for next week's Walt Disney World vacation last Saturday, I have been working on securing the rest of my FastPass Plus and Dining reservations.  Most Guests who "know" Walt Disney World, are thoroughly convinced that they cannot properly plan their vacation without making dining reservations six months out, and booking FastPass+ ride times sixty days out.

I am not doing this blog series to prove those people wrong.  Disney fans are very loyal, and extremely set in their ways.  I am doing this to show that you can plan your entire vacation in much less time than conventional thinking might dictate.  Last-minute vacations are my specialty.  So far, this two-week planning process hasn't had any major set-backs.  So where am I with dining and FastPass+?  Please read on.

I started making FastPass+ bookings last week, while I was still researching the resorts to decide where I wanted to stay next week.  Since I have a Annual Pass, it qualifies me to schedule FP+  thirty days out. Anybody with a ticket or Annual Pass can schedule FP+ from thirty days before visiting the parks.

So far, the FastPass+ picture has been the same for the past week. Everything at Walt Disney World has had FP+ availability during my stay, EXCEPT, Slinky Dog Dash at Hollywood Studios, Avatar: Flight of Passage at Animal Kingdom and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Magic Kingdom. I fully expected this because of the popularity, newness (or both) of these rides.  As I continue to search, I also monitor the wait times online to consider the possibility of having to wait in the stand-by lines for two of these rides.

To make planning easier, I only schedule two FastPass+ experiences where possible, and leave the third spot open in case one of the new rides become available.  Out of all three of the rides that are currently unavailable, Flight of Passage is my only real priority.  I rode Seven Dwarfs Mine Train when I was there in 2015. Slinky Dog Dash looks cute and all.  But if I miss it, the world won't exactly end.

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Dining has been somewhat of a breeze.  I have seen availability at everything EXCEPT for Be Our Guest (dinner), and Ohana.  For me, this is a good thing.  I had dinner at the highly overrated Ohana with our travel agency group back in 2015, and was not impressed. I have no desire to return there. Nothing on the Be Our Guest dinner menu has ever appealed to me.  I prefer the quick service breakfast and lunch options, and there is plenty of availability for those.

I've also been doing the math regarding the dining plan.  The last time I had a dining plan at Walt Disney World was in 2012.  This was before the "Signature" restaurants required two credits.  It was also when I had the old Premium plan that included tours, recreation, etc.  I've done quite a bit of math on this, and I will save money by not purchasing a dining plan.  Plus, I will be able to take advantage of the Annual Pass discount for most of my meals.

This trip is coming together quite nicely.  I am less than a week away from my return to Walt Disney World, and getting very excited for this vacation. I would say that planning dining and FastPass+ has been quite easy, even on such short notice.  Of course this is a "solo" visit for me.  Large families should always plan further in advance.  But a solo traveler, couple or even a small family should have no problem planning a trip like this on short notice.

For the sixth and final part of this blog series, I will focus on the pros and cons of planning an entire Disney vacation at the last minute.  I hope you will stay tuned.

14 Days 'til Disney World - Part 4: Get Me Off This Fence!

The worst part about planning my own Walt Disney World vacation is selecting a Disney Resort Hotel to stay at. [please note that I call Disney hotels "resorts" because as a vacation planner, I am trained in "Disney Speak".]  It can take me weeks to pick a Disney resort.  Lots of guests view the resorts as just places to sleep and shower in between visits to the parks.  That's a terrible approach to this very important element in a Walt Disney World vacation.

There are many factors to consider when choosing a WDW resort to call home during your vacation.  For me, the biggest factor is the hotel's theme.  I love being transported to somewhere else when I am in the Disney bubble.  I don't want my resort to scream Disney, but I also don't want to feel like I am at a chain hotel.

This week I have been researching nine Disney Resorts, including seven Deluxe, and two Moderate Resorts. I have previously stayed at four of the Resorts I've been considering.  Each of these Resorts appeal to me in different ways. Like a nightly rate of around $250 for a Savanna View room at Animal Kingdom Lodge.  Or staying in a new Deluxe Studio at my favorite Resort, Disney's Wilderness Lodge. Seeing the recently refurbished Caribbean Beach Resort or Coronado Springs Resort as it nears completion of a major expansion are also factors I am thinking about.

For years I have wanted to stay at the Yacht Club Resort.  But I haven't been able to find the right price or room category.  Beach Club and Boardwalk Inn both showed availability at rates within my budget.  But they aren't Yacht Club.  That theme is where my heart is set.

 Late Thursday, I found a great rate at Yacht Club resort for five of my eight nights.  I could do a split stay with Wilderness Lodge and spend the other three nights there. I decided to sleep on it since I had had Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge on hold until midnight on Friday.

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Friday morning my decision was made.  I was going to drop Animal Kingdom Lodge and book Yacht Club.  But the room and rate was gone! By now I decided I no longer want Animal Kingdom Lodge and I have to stay at an Epcot resort.  Beach Club had the same room and rate as Yacht Club, but it was for six nights. A little while later that same rate came-up for Yacht Club.  I'll stay the six nights, but I don't want to spend only two nights at Wilderness Lodge.  Off to lunch to decide.  Oops!

I return from lunch, and of course the room and rate at Yacht Club is gone.  This is not acceptable.  I called our Disney Travel Agent number and spoke to a Disney rep.  She was able to secure the room and rate I wanted, so I booked it on the spot.  Now I have the last two nights of my trip to figure out.  Since this will be a shorter stay, a deluxe resort is no longer necessary.  I was considering Coronado Springs, Caribbean Beach and Port Orleans French Quarter.

That night after going to bed, I spent some time watching online video tours of these resorts on Youtube. Either the boring hosts put me to sleep, or I passed out from the terrible, amateur camera work.  I woke up yesterday morning, still dizzy from those horrible videos.  I took a Dramamine and proceeded to go back online to book my selection, Caribbean Beach Resort. I chose this resort because I have stayed at Coronado Spring before, as well as Port Orleans' sister resort Port Orleans Riverside.

So my stay is set. I will spend my first six nights at Yacht Club Resort, followed by two nights at the recently, and completely refurbished Caribbean Beach Resort.  Hopefully staying at a Moderate resort after a Deluxe won't be much of a problem or a buzzkill.  I am thrilled to finally get to stay at Yacht Club, and am looking forward to Caribbean Beach as well.

During the great hotel debate, I was also weighing a "hard ticket" event.  There are Disney After Hours events taking place at Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom during my stay.  I have never seen Animal Kingdom at night, which means I haven't been to Pandora or seen "Rivers of Light" yet. The park is open until 8pm each night during my vacation, so I will get to see some of it at night.

Since I haven't experienced Disney After Hours before, attending this event would allow me to see what the park is like with a smaller crowd, and enjoy three extra hours at night.  It will also help me  decide whether or not to recommend the event to my Clients and others.  I purchased a ticket for the event, at the $95 Annual Passholder rate.  The three-hour event takes place on my first night there.  If I really like it, I might also buy a ticket for Disney After Hours at Magic Kingdom on the following Monday.

Right now, I am a little behind on FastPass+ and dining reservations.  I haven't added any additional FastPasses since part 3 of this series.  Fortunately, most of the restaurants that I like have plenty of openings.  I am still looking for dinner at California Grill, and maybe dinner at Be Our Guest.  I've had breakfast and lunch at BOG in the past.  Dinner never really appealed to me.  If you have any feedback on this experience, please feel free to share it in the comments.  I'd also welcome your thoughts on Jiko, Coral Reef, and the newer Disney Springs restaurants.

After nearly a week of planning this trip, it's becoming clear to me that visiting Walt Disney World on short notice is very do-able.  What do you think? I plan on writing two more parts to this special series during my final week of planning.  Please stay tuned for updates on my dining plans and FastPass efforts. And please feel free to share this or any of my blog entries with friends and on social media. 

14 Days 'til Disney World - Part 3: Red-Eye Nights and Flights

Since part 2 of this series, I have been burning the midnight oil each evening planning my upcoming Walt Disney World vacation, which is now confirmed for January 21 through 30.  With the vacation so close, I fully expected my airfare to climb to near $400, which is quite higher than my original budget of $300 round-trip. 

I patiently, yet persistently monitored multiple travel sites for available flights to Orlando. I live about fifteen minutes from the John Wayne/Orange County Airport (SNA).  Unfortunately it's very difficult to stay on any "budget" when you want to travel across the country from SNA.  So my travel plans had to involve flying from the less expensive, yet much further LAX. 

Every time I travel to Orlando, I take an overnight "Red-eye" flight.  I simply hate the idea of wasting an entire day traveling across the country, only to get to Disney World in time to check-in to the hotel, and go to bed.  Overnight flights get me into Orlando between 5:30 and 7am, giving me an entire day for rest, relaxation and theme parks. 

My outbound flight from LAX will depart Monday night before 11pm, arriving in Orlando the next morning by 6:30am.  It's a non-stop flight, so I should be able to sleep most of the way. My return trip on January 30 will leave Orlando in the late afternoon, arriving home at SNA around 10pm.  There are two huge benefits to this flight.  1) I get to spend another half-day in the parks before heading to the airport.  2) I will have a much shorter ride home.  My other half will drop me at LAX and pick me up at SNA, so I won't need to worry about a shuttle. 

This trip will involve a different airline each way.  These days this isn't a problem in the least. I chose "basic economy" fares for both flights. Some airlines nickel and dime you for everything.  I was able to avoid them.  I won't get to choose my seats unless I pay a little bit more, but at least I can bring two carry-ons aboard. 

Total cost for air fare: $317.00

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I've managed to book a few days worth of FastPasses so far, based on the park schedules.  I'm still working on my itinerary, but I have a rough plan.  So far, the only rides I can't find  times for yet are the brand new Slinky Dog Dash at Disney's Hollywood Studios, Avatar Flight of Passage at Disney's Animal Kingdom and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Magic Kingdom.  I will continue to look for these, but I have no intention of missing or skipping these new attractions.  I've ridden Seven Dwarfs Mine Train a few times before, so no worries their either. 

Since part of this vacation involves work for my travel agency, I am thinking about purchasing a ticket to Disney After Dark at Animal Kingdom.  The three-hour event takes place on the evening of my first full day at WDW.  I've heard some pretty good things about these after-hours events.  And even though I'd much rather have a free Extra Magic Hours event there instead, I may have to go ahead an pony-up the $95 for a ticket.

I'm still struggling on my resort selection.  I've been leaning towards a split stay with four nights at Animal Kingdom Lodge (Savanna Room) and four nights at Wilderness Lodge (Boulder Ridge Studio).  I have put a courtesy hold on both, while I make-up my mind.  I would really like to stay at the Yacht or Beach Club.  But the rates are too high right now.  I'll keep checking. 

I'm getting excited for my trip, which is now about a week and a half away.  I still have a lot to do, but I'm feeling pretty good about my progress.  By my next post, I hope to have my hotel decision finalized and some more progress in the other areas.  Please stay tuned, and if you have any questions about my planning thus-far, or about how you can start the planning for your own trip, feel free to leave a comment below.

14 Days 'til Disney World - Part 2: "Presearch"

I am planning to leave for Walt Disney World in about two weeks.  Last week, Disney announced new package offers for WDW.  That was when I started looking at the time frames in March and May that I was originally considering.

I've been pretty-well set on the middle week of March because I could save up to 35% on a room, and it would allow me to make FastPass plans at the 60-day mark. Dining options would probably be better, too.  But the first week of May also appeals to me because I'd be at WDW for my birthday AND the Saratoga Springs Resort (deluxe category) has a studio at a 40% discount.  But I'd get home too close to Mother's Day, and would have to travel out of state again right after traveling across the country.

The thought of waiting all the way until May is too much.  In addition, the March dates are at the beginning of the Spring Break season and the may dates are at the end of it.  So I decided to look at earlier dates... much earlier. I put the end of January on the radar.  This will require a little magic on the part of the airlines.  I need at least 7 days in the parks, and don't want to spend more than $300 on round-trip airfare from Southern California.  A tall order, I know.

Prices for air and hotels change constantly.  A good reason for this is cancellations and unsold seats and rooms.  As a travel agent, it is essential for me to do my due diligence when researching flights and accommodations for my Clients.  That is even more important when I am researching for my own travel.

Disney rates are pretty stable right now.  But the availability is constantly changing.  Plus, I can't decide if I want the same hotel for the entire stay or if I want to plan a "split stay"' with two or even three resorts.  Another factor I have to consider is football.  My favorite team, the New England Patriots are in the NFL Playoffs, and will hopefully make it to the Super Bowl.  I have narrowed my options down to a departure after the January 20 AFC Championship, and a return before the Super Bowl, which is on February 3.

My working dates are January 22 - 30.  I'm giving myself until this Thursday (the 10th) to make a decision.  In the meantime, I will look at dining and FastPass availability during that week.  Since I'm well within the reservation windows for both, I will be able to make reservations, even without a room booked at this point.

I have noticed that all of the theme parks close at 8pm most nights except for Epcot which is always open until 9pm.  Magic Kingdom stays open until 11pm one night.  Both MK and Epcot have evening Extra Magic Hours once, while Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios don't.  Two parks have Disney Early Morning Magic, and three of them have Disney After Dark events.  Both of these are separate "hard-ticket" events.

That's it for the "presearch".  Now I have to get started on the real fun. I hope to have some major progress by the end of the week.  Look for "14 Days 'til Disney World - Part 3" by early next week.

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Review: 2018 Disneyland Resort Holiday Season

Let's dispense with the build-up and formalities of a typical review, shall we?

2018 Holidays at the Disneyland Resort   

JVPTravelScore:  A++

The word "magical" is vastly over-used by Disney and their fans. So much so that the word simply doesn't do justice when describing Holidays at the Disneyland Resort, which officially ended last weekend.  The nearly two-month long event was sensational to say the least.  Pure joy and holiday cheer filled the entire resort, along with beautiful decor, outstanding entertainment, delicious food and more.

Disneyland Park
I've been visiting Disneyland during the holidays since the 1980's.  I get blown away every time I pass through the portals and step onto Town Square.  This feeling never changes, even now that I live close enough to be able to visit the park anytime.  From the massive Christmas tree to the decorations that fill Main Street USA, and the whimsically-transformed Sleeping Beauty's Castle, the first impression you get during this phase of your Disneyland visit is simply WOW!

All of the holiday favorites returned for the 2018 season.  The beloved "it's a small world holiday" attraction with its 400,000 twinkling lights on and around the giant, white facade and the celebrations of holidays from around the world inside the ride. Not be be overlooked is the equally stunning "Haunted Mansion Holiday", where Jack Skellington from Disney's "The Nightmare Before Christmas" takes-up residence from mid-September to early January, to show Guests "what happens when two holidays collide".

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Other holiday traditions included the Christmas Fantasy Parade, which delighted guests twice a day throughout the season.  I found this year that I prefer viewing this parade at after dark. Watching it under the lights on Main Street seems a bit more enchanting.  The "Believe in Holiday Magic" fireworks spectacular also returned, along with multiple nightly light shows in front of Sleeping Beauty's "Winter" Castle and "it's a small world holiday". And no evening at Disneyland would be complete without snow.  Brief snowfalls take place during the castle lighting and fireworks shows.

2018 marked my third year experiencing the famous Disneyland Candlelight Ceremony and Processional.  There is nothing quite like this grand pageant that has been taking place at Disneyland since 1958. The event features a 600-member mass choir, full orchestra, fanfare trumpeters, and a celebrity narrator, who tells the story of Christmas.  Chris Pratt from the "Guardians of the Galaxy" was selected to read the story this time around.

Disney California Adventure (DCA)
Across the Esplanade from Disneyland, the 17 year-old Disney California Adventure offered it's own holiday experience that was different, but excellent in its own way.  "Festival of Holidays" celebrates holiday traditions from various cultures, and is loaded with great entertainment, fine food, hands-on activities and of course, Santa Claus.

The Festive Foods Marketplace finally made DCA a player where Disney food festival are concerned.  Still not as big as similar festivals at Epcot (for obvious reasons), the event was truly wonderful. I have been critical of past events like the DCA Food and Wine Festival.  Hopefully those feelings are gone for good, with the vast improvement of this event.

The twelve Festival Marketplace booths offered an array of savory foods, sweet treats and unique beverages.  Some of my "favorite things" included the Turkey and Stuffing Tamale, Braised Pork Belly Adobo with Garlic Fried Rice, Holiday Stuffing Mac & Cheese, Holiday Yule Log and the Hot Cocoa Marshmallow Macaron,  This year I decided to purchase the Sip and Savor pass to better enjoy the food booths. At the Annual Passholder price of $49, the pass, with its eight coupons was a good deal.

Disney California Adventure has become a great park for live entertainment.  An extensive line-up of musical acts performed at multiple venues, several times each day throughout the season.  Favorites like Mariachi Divas were joined by acts such as Phat Cat Swinger, Mostly Kosher, and a Bollywood dance group, among other performers.  The popular Disney Viva Navidad street party also returned with the Three Caballeros, Mickey and Minnie, and a fine group of talented folklorico and samba dancers.  This is a fun and very entertaining presentation.

Not to be outdone by it's older sibling, DCA rolled-out all the festive decor imaginable, as Buena Vista Street, Hollywood Land and Cars Land got into the mix with beautiful garlands, oversized tinsel and junkyard car parts strung together to form decor as only the Imagineers can do.  Even the Grizzly Peak area got it's own treatment, and delighted guests at night with snow.

From unique food offerings in both parks, to resort-wide decor, there was something for everyone during Holidays at the Disneyland Resort.  My only criticism would be what is still a bit of a mess at Downtown Disney.  The area was nicely decorated, but with all of the closures on the west end of the district, Disney missed an opportunity to bring the ice skating rink back for the season.  Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed the season, and am already looking forward to what 2019 will bring.

Did you get to experience Holidays at The Disneyland Resort?  Please share your thoughts on the parks or this article in the comments.  

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14 Days 'til Disney World: A Planning Exercise

When I renewed my Disneyland Annual Pass last August, I decided to upgrade from the resort's highest-level Signature Plus pass to the Premier Pass, which includes the Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts.  It's been more than three years since I was last at Walt Disney World, and also as a Premier Annual Passholder.

For 2018/19, I originally planned to visit during the week after Thanksgiving.  Unfortunately I had to cancel those plans, but I knew there was plenty of time until I would have to renew.  After the new year started, I focused my attention on March and May as potential dates to visit.  But I abandoned those time frame for one that will be much sooner.

I've been to Walt Disney World (WDW) nine times since 1997.  The majority of people who visit Walt Disney World will tell you that the planning for a WDW vacation can be overwhelming.  Many people stress-out over the prospects of researching hotels, getting the dining reservations they want, and securing FastPass Plus times for the most popular attractions, along with all of the planning that goes into any regular vacation (air fare, transportation, budget, ect.).

Other WDW visitors look forward to the planning process because they consider it part of the vacation itself.  They don't mind getting up before daylight (in many cases) to be among the first to get dining and FastPass reservations.  They even enjoy searching multiple times every day to find those reservations that elude them.

It's not uncommon for future guests to make hotel reservations a year or more ahead of their arrival.  Dining reservations can be made six months in advance.  FastPass Plus times for guests staying at most resorts on Disney property can be secured sixty days before arrival.  Many Disney regulars will that you "must plan everything as early as possible." I disagree with this thought process. If you plan your vacation that far in advance, you could end up waiting a year or longer for your trip.

Life is too short, and I am not that patient...

For me, when it comes to a Disney World vacation, that space between "I'm going to Disney World!" and "I'm Home!"(at Disney) is like a black hole of excitement and anticipation that can seem (or actually be) very long and slow.  Every day can feel like Christmas Eve felt when I was ten years old.   All we really want is for the long and slow part to take place after we arrive "Home".

For my next return "Home", I've decided to put my professional vacation planning skills to a test, and plan a "last-minute" Walt Disney World "working"vacation for myself.  My entire planning process will occur during the two weeks leading to my departure date.  I'm going to chronicle the entire planning process here on Disney Park Fan Blog. I hope you will follow along and share with your friends.

I'm excited to see how much I can get done in such a short period of time.  Feel free to ask questions in the comments, or join my group,  Disney Park Fan Base on Facebook.  I hope you will find this series informative, educational and even entertaining.

To begin following my planning adventure, please look for "14 Days 'til Disney World -Part 2" here on the blog, and on my social media platforms.

Review: The Tropical Hideaway

After what seemed like an eternity, Disneyland finally opened The Tropical Hideaway in the Adventureland section of the park on December 21, 2018.  The new quick-service location replaced the under-utilized Aladdin's Oasis, which is located directly behind the Enchanted Tiki Room attraction.

A small waterfall with tiki torches and a new sign welcome
guests to the brand-new Tropical Hideaway

For thirty years, this spot was home to the Tahitian Terrace.  This Polynesian-themed restaurant served lunch and dinner.  A live stage show was also performed at the location.  Aladdin's Oasis opened in 1993, with a dinner show that only lasted two years.  After the Aladdin's Oasis show ended, the location became a seasonal operation, character meeting spot, and even a rest stop for certain guests.  

When Disney announced they were creating a new food establishment with a tropical theme in 2018, the speculation from fans on social media was that a new version of the Tahitian Terrace was coming back.  Sure. Along with the Peoplemover and Skyway rides.  

The Tropical Hideaway is nothing like the Tahitian Terrace.  It isn't even a restaurant.  This is a walk-up quick service "marketplace" with three counters offering snacks from a limited menu.  You order your items at one of the stalls, grab your bottled beverages, chips, etc., and then see a cashier to pay. 

The open-air seating area provides table and chair, along with
 shaded canopies for those bright, sunny days in the jungle

The savory item on the menu is the Bao. These Asian-inspired steamed buns are available in Lime Chicken, Bulgogi Beef, and Spiced Vegetable varieties.  I tried the chicken and the beef.  The Bulgogi Beef Bao was very tasty, and the bun was freshly steamed.  The Lime Chicken, with its butternut squash and herbs was also pretty good.  

In the sweet category The Tropical Hideaway literally offers a new "twist" on a park favorite, along with something entirely new.  Dole Whip has a big presence at this new eatery.  Swirled Dole Whips with pineapple, orange and raspberry will satisfy any fan of the famous soft serve.  They also have the Dole Whip Float, and a new Loaded Whip.  This one comes with the pineapple/orange swirl, fresh fruit and even some crystalized hibiscus.  

I'm a huge fan of the Pineapple Orange Dole Whip from my many visits to Aloha Isle at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom.  So I had to have the Disneyland version.  I must admit I was a little disappointed this first time around.  I couldn't taste the orange.  I'm guessing on opening day, the machine wasn't calibrated correctly.  I'll certainly try it again, along with the raspberry pineapple one.

The other sweet offering is Sweet Lumpia.  These cream cheese and pineapple-filled treats are very tasty, and come with a side of Dole Pineapple Sauce for dipping.  Each order comes with two lumpia pieces.  These resemble egg rolls more than lumpia, but I guess they named the menu item "Sweet Lumpia" to make the place sound more exotic.  

Pictured are the new Lime Chicken Bao (right),
along with a Pineapple-Orange Dole Whip

As I mentioned earlier, the menu offering here are very limited.  There are two vegetarian items on the menu.  The aforementioned Spiced Vegetable Bao and a Chilled Ramen Shaker.  The Bao features braised veggies and chickpeas, while the ramen shaker includes vegetables, ramen noodles, cashews and an Asian vinaigrette dressing. Unfortunately I couldn't try everything here on my first visit.

The theme of The Tropical Hideaway is about as it sounds.  Located between the Jungle Cruise and Tiki Room, the area blends in.  There is a somewhat obstructed view of the Jungle River along the dockside of the seating area.  Tables and chairs are somewhat limited due to the relatively small space. I believe the lack of a full view of the river and the limited snacks-only menu were intentional, in order to prevent crowds of regular visitors from just hanging out for hours.

A view of The Tropical Hideaway from aboard the Jungle Cruise.
This dock area is not accessible to guests. 

A animatronic cockatoo from the Enchanted Tiki Room named "Rosita" was relocated from the attraction to the dock-side of the seating area.  She moves and tells corny jokes to guests.  My issue with Rosita is that her voice has no Latin, Asian, or Polynesian accent.  She sounds like an everyday Caucasian girl from Los Angeles.  Not sure what that's all about.  

Rosita has moved here from the Enchanted Tiki
Room (nextdoor) to "talk story"

Just because the menu at The Tropical Hideaway is snack-based, don't expect the prices to reflect that.  These small portions come with big prices.  All the Baos are priced at $5.99 per bun.  The Ramen Shaker is $6.49.  Sweet Lumpia will set you back $6.99.  And the Dole Whips range from $5.69 to $7.99.  Annual Passholder discounts are not offered here.  These prices seem a bit high, even for Disney standards, especially when you consider that Disneyland's local guests (about a million or so Annual Passholders) can get most of these items in larger quantities for much less at Asian restaurants throughout Southern California.  

The Tropical Hideaway addresses the need for more food options at Disneyland.  The setting is one of the best in Disneyland. The theme is nice, yet a little bit on the generic side for Disney. It's almost as if they did a rush job on the place.  The menu is exotic and simple, and the food is pretty good, but not above-average.  The Bulgogi Beef Bao and the Sweet Lumpia were my favorites.  But those prices are a little outrageous.  

Anticipation to see something new in Adventureland is going to drive lots of people to this new food spot over the next year or two.  But I believe this version of The Tropical Hideaway is just the first phase in a bigger plan for this location, and Disneyland in general.  More on that in my next post.  Stay tuned!

The Tropical Hideaway 

JVPTravelScore: B

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