600 members

Source: SOM

Autopia OPENING 4/29/16

Source: Disney Parks

Dapper Day Teaser

SOM's Dapper Day Event Trailer

You are cordially invited to our next event on May 1, 2016 celebrating Dapper Day! Join us at Disneyland at 2:30pm for a group photo in New Orleans Square near French Quarters. Join us for a ride take over of the Haunted Mansion at 3:30pm. We will then be heading over at Disney's California 5:00pm Adventure for a picture at Flo's Diner in Cars Land and please join us for another ride take over at Luigi's Rollickin Roadsters at 5:45pm

We will having a limited amount of buttons for Dapper Day frist come first served See you there!!!!

Source: SOM

MAY THE FORCE BE WITH US!

Source: SOM

Dapper Day Invitation

SOM ACTS OF KINDNESS GROUP PHOTOS

These are our group photos for our event, Acts of Kindness, which took place today!

STAY TUNED FOR THE ACTS OF KINDNESS MOVIE, PHOTOS, AND MORE!

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SOM ANNOUNCEMENT

Disneyland Through Your Eyes: Daniela Espinoza

Hello folks! Welcome to the SOM Blog! In this section of Opinion Editorial, we added a new segment: Disneyland Through Your Eyes. In this segment we ask SOM members to tell us what Disneyland looks like through their own eyes. What is a typical Disney day for them? What do they do when they arrive at the parks? DCA or DL first? Which attraction do they hit first? Which is their favorite? Least? and describe to the SOM family how they do Disneyland... So we hope you enjoy this segment and hope you will be part of it soon!

Disneyland Through Your Eyes: Daniela

Source: Daniela

   I always went to Disneyland a couple times a year since I was a little girl, but after I went to Jr. High, I have stopped going to the parks with my family due to financial reasons. When I met my boyfriend, we got the chance to get passes for Disneyland and began going with him, my two sisters and our friend. I usually always go with all of them, but if they cannot go then it is just me and my boyfriend.

   When I arrive at the parks, I go through bag check and I am given the decision of choosing which park to go to. I always pick the right side: Disneyland Park! I enter Disneyland and walk down Main Street! I always enter through Adventureland and choose my favorite ride, Indiana Jones, which is also my boyfriend's favorite ride. We always get a fastpass to ride again. From there we pick rides and vote on which ones to go to. 

   We typically ride Indiana Jones, Haunted Mansion, and the Fantasyland rides. Very rarely do we go onto Star Tours, I do not like that ride as much as he does. From there we sit down and eat in the parks, people watch, and/or ride the Omnibus in Main Street. After having fun at Disneyland, we cross the street and go to California Adventure and ride our favorite ride, The Little Mermaid. In California Adventure, there is not alot of rides that I really enjoy and go on. We always just go on Ariel, Maters, Luigi's, Monster's Inc, and Toy Story. The other rides I do not like because I am afraid of them. I rarely do big rides, I prefer the little ones. 

   When I met my boyfriend, I discovered new parts of Disneyland. I never really went just to watch a show or sit down. I never paid attention to the music in the background playing or the hidden Mickey's. He began to show me little small details and pointed out interesting facts about it. I never would have gone just to see ducks walk and swim on by or just to watch Paint the Night. I have seen and will forever see Disneyland in a new light. 

  For me, Disneyland in my eyes, will be a place were a child can be a child and an adult can be a child too. Disneyland is a place to celebrate the love of Disney and the movies, and songs, and Mr. Walt himself. Disneyland will be a place where I can forget all the negativity in my life and the troubles and sadness. Disneyland will be a place where me and boyfriend share our love for Disney and celebrate all the joy and love our lives have.  I will always love Disneyland forever!!!!

-SOM

Meet Melinda

Source: SOM

Meet Melinda

Source: Rebeca Morales

Fearless, sassy, and loving! Melinda is sensational! Melinda is caring about others. She always takes feelings into consideration. When she sees something is bothering them someone, despite what ever is going on with them, she goes and tries to help! Melinda has a very big heart.

Melinda's favorite movie is Zootopia.

Melinda's favorite character is Ariel from Disney's The Little Mermaid.

Melinda loves to ride Mickey's Silly Symphony Swings in Disney's California Adventure and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Disneyland.

Ask Elias: HungryGrumpy

Ask Elias: HungryGrumpy

Hey there Elias! Which is the best restaurant that is affordable, family friendly, and delicious in Disneyland Park?

Sincerely,
 HungryGrumpy



Hello there HungryGrumpy!

   Thank you for dropping an Email! The Disneyland Resort has various dining selections for park guests. From a quick bite, to a culinary cabaret! A Disney dish truly is magical and enchanting! In Disneyland alone, there is over 15 dining selections available! From churro and popcorn carts to an enjoyable sit down dinner. The Disneyland Resort offer quick service and table service meals! 

Source: Disneyland.com

   
   If you are looking for the best quick service meal, which is my biggest recommendation, Disneyland has The Plaza Inn! The Plaza Inn is known for having the best fried chicken in town. Honestly, it is one of the top three places with the best fried chicken. The Plaza Inn can be affordable and it is family friendly. A plate of fried chicken comes with two sides: mashed potatoes and green beans. The fried chicken plate comes with three pieces of fried chicken. The guests can order all thighs or all breasts to get big pieces of chicken and two adults can share that plate. Two or three children can also share with this one plate.

Source: Disneyland.com

   The fried chicken plate costs around $16.00. For a family of four, two of these plates will get a family full and will be a great value. It will be around $32.00. For that same price, a family of four to six can drop by Red Rocket's Pizza Port, located in Tomorrowland and get the whole pizza for $32.00. It is a serving of 8 big slices of pizza. This can feed four to six people and will be a great value as well, and a bang for their buck. It is pricey but for Disneyland, this is cheap in comparison to other locations. You will spend less for more.

  You can visit https://disneyland.disney.go.com/dining/disneyland/ for more info
Thank you for writing to us

Have a magical day,
-Elias


If you have any questions or concerns send them over to us! The SOM Blog will be happy to respond to your questions!
Contact us at simplyonemouse@yahoo.com or fill out our contact form in the blog!
Send your question and provide a Disney related nickname!
:)

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ACTS OF KINDNESS APRIL 24TH

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Disney's The Jungle Book Movie Review (SPOILER FREE)

Disney's The Jungle Book Movie Review (SPOILER FREE)

Source: Disney

     In Disney's The Jungle Book, Jon Favreau directed an amazing masterpiece filled with magic, wonder, laughter, nostalgia, and enlightenment. Favreau captured the story and adapted it wonderfully. He executed the film the way it should have been executed since the beginning. This film is for both fans of the Disney original cartoon film and fans of the original book written by Rudyard Kipling. 

  

  In the film, Mowgli (Neel Sethi) is raised by a family of wolves since his birth, but soon is forced to leave his only home he's ever known when the feared and horrific tiger Shere Khan (Idris Elba) arrives with his intent of revenge. He is guided by a strict but loving panther Bagheera (Ben Kingsley). Things go awry and Mowgli soon encounters an array of jungle animals like a slithery python named Kaa (Scarlet Johansson), a free-spirited, fun-filled, and loving bear named Baloo (Bill Murray), and a smooth-talking ape by name of King Louie (Christopher Walken). Along the way, Mowgli learns valuable life lessons on his epic journey of self-discovery, fun, and adventure.

Source: Disney

  The cast did an amazing job in capturing each and every character's personally through their voice talents. The main characters of the film are Mowgli, Baloo, Bagheera, Kaa, Shere Khan, King Louie, Raksha (Lupita Nyong'o), and Akela (Giancarlo Esposito). Each cast member did a swell job capturing the essence of the character from both the film and the book. The main lead, Sethi, did a great job on Mowgli's persona. His acting was great for a young boy who had to work with practically nothing but CGI. Kingsley's voice for Bagheera was great and the life he gave to him was wonderful. Johansson, at first when I heard of her playing Kaa, I was not optimistic about her role. I got used to Mr. Winnie the Pooh (Sterling Holloway) as the voice to Kaa; and the fact Kaa's gender was changed did not make satisfied. Her role and voice was daunting and captivating which was, I assume, Favreau's intention. She lived up to my expectations and exceed them. Murray killed it as Baloo, and gave the character more life and fun. I loved every minute of Murray on screen. Walken nailed it as King Louie, similar to Kaa, he had me nervous when I heard he was cast as Louie. I got even more nervous when I heard he was going to sing. He killed it for the minutes he was on scene. Esposito and Nyong'o did the best job in the film in regards to their voices they lend to Raksha and Akela. When I heard Lupita was going to be in this film, I knew she was going to do well and exceed my expectations. Ever since I saw The Force Awakens, and she played as Maz Kanata, I fell in love with her voice talent she has. Elba did very well on Khan, he had a strong loud voice. Favreau and Elba made me actually fear for Mowgli's life when Shere Khan was present, and the actions Khan does in the film (The actions he did in the book and not the film) made me hate him as a villain, but  love it.

 I applaud Favreau for going a certain direction with this film. The intro is a great nod to the original Disney Film, but right after that. The films goes off right from the source material. No singing Elephants and no Colonel Haiti's March. The film itself when it comes to story and plot did a great job. It kept me off my seat and filled me with surprises despite reading the book and seeing the cartoon film. The three acts in this film transition very well and the tone and theme of the movie, along with the plot, become very well established. The music and score to this film was an A+. Mr. Debney did not let me down. His score adds emotion, excitement, and adrenaline to the film. The visuals, despite being almost all CGI, were beautiful and amazing. In some films, where CGI is very heavily present, seem to be done poorly. Only one film did an amazing job, and that was Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End; but, in Disney's The Jungle Book, the crew and Favreau worked hard and did a fantastic job when it came to the CGI. It did seem like Baloo was there along with Mowgli singing The Bare Necessities. 

Source: Disney

If you had to watch just a couple parts of this film, the final act, and the two music segments alone are worth the money. The cast and crew worked hard and did a fabulous job with this film. So far this movie is the BEST Disney live action film. Alice in Wonderland, Maleficent, Cinderella, and Oz the Great and Powerful missed something. The original songs of the film and the combinations of both source materials from the books and original movies. Walt Disney always gave us the gift of song. If it was not in one of his movies, it was in his theme park attractions like The Tiki Room and Haunted Mansion. Cinderella needed the mice to talk and "A Wish is your Dream your Heart Makes". Maleficent needed Maleficent to be evil and have "Once Upon a Dream" sung by Aurora. These movies face harsh criticism and scrutiny but The Jungle Book proved that even though there is a cartoon version of the film, Disney can still make it into a GREAT live action film. How? By following similar story lines from the cartoon movies and combining it with the books. The is a big key criticism many people throw out there. If they make the movie exactly the same as the cartoon, it will be predictable and no point; but, Disney proved that if a live action film is be made from a cartoon movie, as long as they add key points from both film and book, it will be a great film. 

Disney's The Jungle Book opened up a new world of possibilities for Disney and hopefully the head honchos take notes and follow the formula that will make every live action Disney film remake successful. Disney's next live action film, besides Alice in Wonderland: Through the Looking Glass, is Beauty and the Beast. This film will have the characters based on the movie, and songs from the film as well; but, it will feature stuff from the book as well. I can tell you right now that this movie will be successful as well. If that is the case then Disney should start green lighting all the upcoming movies and add songs and similar plot points from their original cartoon films.

Source: Google

With that all in mind, you must go watch Disney's The Jungle Book in theaters if you enjoyed the original film and if you enjoy a Disney movie. Disney's The Jungle Book gets 5 out of 5 stars in my book and is on my list to watch it again real soon! Good job Favreau! Good job cast and crew! They did an amazing job and this film is on my top ten Disney films! Go see for your self!

The Jungle Book is rated PG and is NOW PLAYING in theaters! 5 out of 5 STARS! EXCELLENT FILM!

What do you think? Have you seen it? Does it interest you? Are you planning on watching it?

Did you like it? LET US KNOW BELOW! Comment your thoughts! PLEASE ADD "SPOILER WARNING" If you are going to reveal plot points and spoilers.

This is Gabriel from SOM

-Have a magical day!

360 Degree Look at the Construction of Star Wars Land

360 Degree Look at the Construction of Star Wars Land

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Disneyland Park has begun construction of their new and upcoming land, Star Wars Land. This land will be 14-acres and will feature new immersive and innovative attractions for many guests to enjoy. There is no scheduled opening date of the land, but we can expect to arrive around 2019. Guests will soon ride aboard the Millennium Falcon and fight the First Order, ride a boat and escape the First Order along with BB8, and many more experiences along with interactive experiences that Star Wars Land will feature. Guests will enjoy a never before seen planet with humanoids, droids, aliens, creatures, rebel spies, and much more. Star Wars Land will be highly influenced by the new trilogy, so that means we might get a Takodana bar, similar to Mos Eisley Cantina.

Disney Parks Blog released a 360 degree look of the construction of Star Wars Land, and we can say that construction is going to planned. In the 360 look, you can see BB8, R2-D2, stormtroopers, AT-ATs, X-Wings, and Empire Droids helping Imagineers with the construction. If the Galactic Empire is involved, Supreme Leader Snoke and Emperor Palpatine will want to see progress fast. Darth Vader and Kylo Ren might have to whip some of their men and Imagineers into shape in order to follow plans and construction quickly.

Source: Walt Disney Imagineering

check out the 360 look at Disney Parks Blog

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2016/04/take-a-360-degree-look-at-star-wars-themed-land-groundbreaking-at-disneyland-park-2/

Star Wars Land will be arriving to our galaxy really soon!

This is SOM

-See you at the parks!

300 MEMBERS!

CONGRATULATIONS TO SOM! WE NOW HAVE 300 WONDERFUL MEMBERS! THANK YOU FOR BEING PART OF THE MAGIC!

Disney's Hollywood Studios: Attendance Problem

Disney's Hollywood Studios: Attendance Problem

Disney's Hollywood Studios is a theme park in The Walt Disney World Resort located in Orlando, Florida. Disney's Hollywood Studios opened up back in May 1st, 1989. Disney's MGM studios has popular attractions like Star Tours, Toy Story Mania, Rockin' Roller Coaster Aerosmith, and Fantasmic! Disney's MGM Studios, soon changed the name in 2008 to Disney's Hollywood Studios. The park has been facing an ongoing issue that Disney is trying to desperately solve.

Source: Disney 

The Issue

Disney's Hollywood Studios faces an issue that is every theme parks nightmare: Low Park Attendance. Compared to the other three parks located in this resort. MGM or DHS is one of parks that it is not as popular in comparison to Magic Kingdom. With Universal Studios Orlando down the street, it does not help at all. Disney's Hollywood Studios also faced criticism in regards to amounts of rides the parks has. Lately the criticism has grown as Disney began removing more and more attractions. In early 2000, Disney added the Sorcerer Mickey Hat in front of iconic Chinese Theater, which hosts The Great Movie Ride. The hat was soon removed in 2015. 

Source: Disney

The Cause

Disney World attendance has been decreasing due to closures, the addition of FP+, and the new Wizzarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando. Several other factors came in place as well. Limited rides for the whole family to enjoy, same rides with little to no change, and many temporary overlays.

Source: Disney Imagineering

The Attempts to Solve the Issue

Robert Iger announced in 2015 that the park will get another name change in the near future. Disney rethemed the ride The Great Movie Ride and added new effects. They changed Star Tours into Star Tours 2: The Adventures Continue, similar to Disneyland; and also added an overlay of Season of the Force in Animation Courtyard and Echo Lake. Other attractions themed to Star Wars of Jedi Training Academy: Trials of the Temple, a show exactly the same that is shown in Disneyland's Tomorrowland Terrace. Disney also had Frozen Summer Fun, which had Frozen Fireworks in Hollywood Boulveard by the Mickey Hat icon. They had a small Frozen Parade and the Frozen Sing Along, which is still showing at The Hyperion Theater in Echo Lake. 

Source: Disney

Disney tried to gain crowds by hosting events like Star Wars Weekends, Frozen Summer Fun, Pixar Block Party Bash, High School Musical 3 Senior Year, ESPN Weekends, ABC Super Soap Weekend, and The Osborne Spectacle of Lights.

Disney's Hollywood Studios tried to add more new stuff but did not have enough room. They removed attractions to add new stuff to bring in more crowds. Disney's Hollywood Studios permanently closed a land called Streets of America which housed the Spectacle of Lights, The Motor Stunt Show, The Studio Backlot Tour (Yes a studio backlot tour, similar to The Universal Studio Tour. Yes Disney's Hollywood Studios was an actual live studio where they created costumes for many films and shows, and even housed the Cast Member costume department and warehouse for parade floats. They also taped Wheel of Fortuned and Ernest Saves Christmas. The Streets of America had an actual New York Facade which could be used to film movies.) Honey I shrunk the Kids playground Area, Art of Animation, Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade, High School Musical 2: School's Out Parade, Journey to Narnia: Prince Caspian, Wandering Oaken's Trading Post and Frozen Playground, Tinseltown Talent Show, Villians Unleashed!, The Magic of Disney Animation, The American Idol Experience, and much more! 

Source: Disney

Why it isn't Working

One reason why all this is not working is because Disney's Hollywood Studios has limited space, and has been know for always hosting temporary events that may only be popular for a while. There is no room to add a good permanent themed attraction, and the park's focus seems to be shows and events, which over time wont draw big enough crowds to the parks because  guests usually travel as a family, and folks want a good ride to enjoy together like The Haunted Mansion or Pirates of the Caribbean. A  Teen would not enjoy sitting through The Beauty and the Beast Musical and a young three year old  cannot ride Tower of Terror. Usually, families deal with this struggle every time when they are at DHS. They are a family of four or five and have one or two small child and a teen. Scheduling a FP+ ahead of time does not help the stress. It adds more stress when deciding which attractions to spend FP+ on.

 They need attractions and lands that everyone in the family can enjoy together. Disney's Hollywood Studios is a half day theme park and everything can be done in  less than in day, whereas in Magic Kingdom, it takes about two days to fully enjoy everything.  

Source: Disney

What can be the Solution?

Disney has paid attention, finally, and are trying to solve the issue. They think they came up with solutions, but to be honest, they still do not have it right. Right now they have a Star Wars overlay which will not last a long time. They currently have a few rides open: Toy Story Mania, The Great Big Movie Ride, Rockin' Roller Coaster, and Tower of Terror and a few more. Not everyone in the family can enjoy and/or ride these rides. 

They do have plans on expanding the park, which is why they have so many closures but one issue Disney is doing, is following the new current park trend: Themed Movie Lands! Both Universal Studios Orlando and Hollywood have Harry Potter World, a land themed to the Harry Potter films. 

Disney has one or two lands themed as movies like Bugs' Land and the new Cars Land. Cars Land did help Disney's California Adventure park attendance, it was in a similar situation DHS is facing, but they did a complete park overhaul which took 8 years in the making. They had parts of the park closed. They had World of Color, Fun Wheel, and retheme of Paradise Pier open in 2010, then The Little Mermaid Ride by 2011, and Cars Land by 2012. Even then Disney still made the mistake since when DCA opened by creating a movie themed land. 

Source: Disney

What is the issue with a movie themed land? Well it limits the chances for expansion and creation of new rides. In Fantasyland, Disney can create and add or remove rides for other rides. They can remove Snow White and add Tangled. Why? Because Fantasyland is themed for fairy tales and princesses. Disney has arm and leg room to make things fit to theme. Adventureland can remove Aladdin's Oasis and add another original ride to the land as long as it fits to the theme. 

In Cars Land, Disney can struggle to make new rides because the land is set in the fictional Radiator Springs. We as movie goers and fans of the Cars franchise have seen how Radiator Springs looks. They have to be authentic and original to the land in the films. They cannot just add a ride that wont fit with the land and town. Luigi's Rollickin' Roadsters proved other wise, but I bet it was a challenge for the Imagineering team. 

Source: Disney

DHS will be adding Toy Story and Star Wars land and will be opening very soon, but DHS should have done what DCA did. Do a complete overhaul of the park pieces at a time. Star Wars Land and Toy Story Land can be a solution but it will not be a permanent one. Star Wars and Toy Story Land has to stay to the theme of that specific franchise, same as Avatar Land. With movie themed lands, it can limit the amount of rides the land can have.

 I have faith Disney will do a good job and will find a way to impress us, but so far they are failing with DHS and even with Shanghai. I can add this, Disneyland's opening day WAS A DISASTER, but over time and with mistakes Disneyland has become a hit and a place where we all hold dearly in our hearts. This can be the same scenario for DHS, Star Wars Land, Avatar Land, Toy Story Land, and Shanghai. Over time, they will become beloved by guests all over the world.

Honestly only time will tell the true success, but as of right now, things are not looking so bright for Disney's Hollywood Studios'

What do you folks think? Comment below and let us know

This is Gabriel from SOM

see you all in the parks!

-SOM

Upcoming Disney Films for 2016

Upcoming Disney Films for 2016

Disney's The Jungle Book

Source:Walt Disney Studios
April 15th 

Marvel's Captain America Civil War

Source: Marvel Entertainment
May 6th

Disney's Alice in Wonderland Through the Looking Glass

Source: Walt Disney Studios
May 27th 

Disney/Pixar's Finding Dory

Source: Disney and Pixar Studios
June 17th

Disney's The BFG

Source: Walt Disney Studios
July 1st 

Disney's Pete's Dragon

Source: Walt Disney Studios
August 12th

Marvel's Doctor Strange

Source: Marvel Entertainment
November 4th

Disney's Moana

Source: Walt Disney Studios
November 23rd 

Star Wars: Rogue One

Source: Lucas Film and Disney
December 16th

Marvel's NEW Doctor Strange Trailer

Marvel's NEW Doctor Strange Trailer

The Sorcerer Supreme is arriving real soon, like November 2016 soon! A new and the very FIRST trailer for Marvel's upcoming film, Doctor Strange has been released today!

Dr. Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) was an unlikable and egotistical neurosurgeon. He had everything going for him until he gets in a horrific car accident that limits his use of hands. After going on a long quest for a cure, he discovers a world of magic and a mystical realm. 

Doctor Strange stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Rachel McAdams, Tilda Swinton, Scott Adkins, and Chiwetel Ejiofor. Doctor Strange is directed by Scott Derrickson and produced by Kevin Feige. Doctor Strange comes out in theaters November 4th, 2016.

Watch the trailer below:

Source: Marvel Entertainment

-SOM 

Tower of Terror Lounge

Tower of Terror Lounge

Source: Disney

Disney's Hollywood Studios, located at Orlando, Florida; will be adding a new themed lounge and bar for guests this year. The lounge will be located in the exit of the attraction, across the photopass area near the the Tower of Terror gift shop. No official word from Disney has been released yet in regards to the setting of the lounge. We also do not know if the lounge will have seating or food. We do know however, the lounge will serve and sell beverages themed with the Tower of Terror attraction. 

Disney has stated that construction will begin immediately because they want the park to offer and create new experiences for guests. Disney hopes this will draw enough guests to the park and increase attendance since a big portion of the park's attractions are closed due to the expansion to create Toy Story and Star Wars Land.

No official word has been released on whether or not the lounge will also be coming to Disney's California Adventure park in Anaheim, California.  

-SOM 

Send your questions to Elias!

Dear readers and bloggers,
Salutations! Do you  have questions, comments, or concerns you want addressed? Are you planning your next Disney vacation? Need help? Shoot Elias an Email at simplyonemouse@yahoo.com
Ask your questions and it can be featured on the blog! When sending in your questions, please identify yourself with a Disney related nickname.
Thank you and have a magical day!

Your Pal
-Elias

Acts of Kindness Event

As appreciation for the ongoing support and acts of kindness from all guests and cast members of our Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure family, we will be celebrating our 1st Act of Kindness Celebration! You are cordially invited to join us in a meet and greet on Sunday April 24 at Disneyland Resort from 1:00pm to 3:00pm at the flag pole located at Main Street inside Disneyland with a group photo at 2:00pm and a celebration at Disney’s California Adventure from 4:00pm-5:00pm at the Carthay Circle Water Fountain We will be ending with a group photo at 5:15pm at Disney’s California Adventure . The 1st seventy-five people meeting us at Disneyland Resort starting at 1:00pm will receive a special surprise gift! The 1st twenty-five people greeting us at Disney’s California Adventure starting at 4:00pm will receive a special surprise gift! See you there!

View our event trailer below:

Source: SOM

Ask Elias: Arielluver89

Arielluver89:

Dear Elias,
 We have been to Disneyland a couple times since the 60th anniversary. We love it, but ever since the Paint the Night parade has been out, we have failed to watch this parade every single time we went! I am planning to go again soon, what can I do to get a good viewing area to watch this amazing parade?
Sincerly, 
-Arielluver89

Dear Arielluver 89,
Hello! I am saddened to hear that you still have not seen Paint the Night yet. It is an immersive and amazing experience everyone should do at least once. It can be difficult to get a good viewing area and a bit of a mission, but with proper planning, you can achieve this easily. Sadly there is no fastpass option for Paint the Night, but since late January, Disneyland offers a Paint the Night Diner package, similar to Fantasmic. This is offered for a fee and you get to choose one of the following restaurants: Blue Bayou and Aladdin's Oasis. Currently, Aladdin's Oasis is a cheaper package, you get to order your meal from a select menu, eat on the go, and then return later to your reserved viewing area. This area changes and varies. Sometimes it can be right on Main Street, by the Castle, and Small World. The Blue Bayou package is a sit down dinner package that begins at 4:00pm. You go to the restaurant which is located by Pirates of the Caribbean, and enjoy a three course meal. After your meal you go to a reserved and amazing viewing area, which can be a good viewing spot for Disneyland Forever Fireworks. 
If this is not an option for you, you unfortunately would have to camp out at least three hours prior. The first viewing of the parade is the most crowded one because after the parade, the fireworks start and everyone watches the Disneyland fireworks. After the fireworks, crowds die down, sometimes. It can be very easy to get a spot for the second showing.  Choosing the spot you want it is ultimately up to you. If you want to experience Paint the Night and Disneyland Forever, you would have to get a spot by Main Street or Small World for the projections that are shown in Disneyland Forever. If you want to catch the second viewing. A spot by Pixie Hollow is amazing because it will be pretty empty and the road is narrow. Which means the floats and dancers are closer to you and are more likely to interact. If you want to catch the first viewing. Small World is one of the last spots to get filled since everyone wants to watch the parade in Main Street.
So lets recap!
If you want to watch the parade and fireworks, the first showing will be the best option for you. The best spot would be in Main Street, but it does require a scavenger hunt to find the best spot.
Another option is the dinning plan, but make sure you let the restaurant you are planning to get the package from that you would like to get the first showing. Eat, have fun, then return to a reserved viewing area.
If all you want to do is watch the parade, then the second viewing will be best for you. Grab a spot by Small World or Pixie Hollow and wait for an hour and enjoy the show.
Hope this helps!
Get more info here:
https://disneyland.disney.go.com/dining/disneyland/paint-the-night-dinner-packages/
Have a magical day!
-Elias

Meet Heather

Meet Heather

Dreamer, outgoing, and Imaginative! Heather is one of a kind! 

Heather Loves to do new things. She is always curious and asks questions. She never is afraid to explore new adventures. She loves to make other people happy and is willing to learn more about Disney and others. 

Heather's favorite Disney Movies are Frozen and Inside Out

Heather's favorite character is Olaf.

Heather loves to ride the Autopia attraction at Disneyland.

You can meet Heather at the parks to receive a special giveaway!

Acts of Kindness Event Trailer

Join us on April 24th for the event of a lifetime! Acts of Kindness!!!

Hosted by SOM at the Disneyland Resort. 

Watch the trailer below: