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We are a huge Disney family. Living in So Cal it’s the perfect escape for us when we feel like going on a vacation but don’t have the time for a whole trip. We normally will just do a day trip and sometimes stay overnight! I love that there is so much to do and see that it never gets old. It physically can’t. It’s DISNEYLAND and they are constantly one upping themselves!
{This is us checking out CARS Land right after it opened last year!}
This summer is going to be huge at Disneyland and I know lot’s of you are planning trips there when the kids are off school so I wanted to make sure you know everything that is happening so you don’t miss a thing! Here is our families Top things to see and do at Disneyland and California Adventure for the Summer of 2013!
1. MICKEY AND THE MAGICAL MAP
This is a brand new live performance show that is opening May 25th! It will be located in the refurbished Fantasyland Theatre! Mickey Mouse and a cast of beloved Disney characters will embark on a series of musical adventures through the magical powers of a sorcerer’s map
2. Character Meetings
Every time we go to the part we ask a cast member where the best places and times are to meet and take pictures with the characters. My little one had just started to really look forward to seeing the characters in this picture and now it’s high on her list each time we go, to talk to them! There are set opportunities each day throughout the parks and you can get a schedule when you enter the park… but the cast members know the inside tips so ask them!
3. Monstrous summer
Disneyland and California Adventure will both be open for 24 hours nonstop on May 24! There will be lots of fun and surprises. We went the last time they did something like this for the “One more day” I believe it was called… and it was crazy fun! The park filled up quickly so if you plan on going for this event get there early! PS. Be sure to look for the event buttons. They normally have special buttons to commemorate the special events and they are fun to collect and free!
4. Fantasy Faire
We have a little Princess in our home so we always make a point to let her get as much Princess EVERYTHING into our visits. It just got a whole lot easier {and more fun} with the all new Fantasy Faire at Disneyland Park! You can now experience the royal experiences that Princesses do! There are enchanted encounters with Disney Princesses, two fun-filled shows based on Princess stories, a food cart offering “twisted” treats and a shop for Princess souvenirs, It’s all located in Fantasyland next to Sleeping Beauty Castle.
5. Cars Land
{photo compliments of Disney}
If you haven’t been to California Adventure in the past year you will be shocked at how much it’s grown! There is a huge “park inside a park” and you will squeal with delight {I seriously did} when you walk into Radiator Springs. You feel like you are transported into the Grand Canyon. There are lot’s of rides and specialty restaurants. This has to be on your summer list of Disneyland stops {California Adventure}!
6. Disney Junior- Live on Stage!
{photo compliments of Disney}
My little one has watched Sophia the First like 8 million times {I have too!} And I agree with her, it’s a great movie! Imagine how excited we were to learn that Sophia would be joining the Disney Junior Live Show in California Adventure! If you have little ones that love Disney Junior shows PLEASE run over to the live stage and checkout the show times so that you can plan your visit. Your little ones will love it and talk about it for a long time after… it’s that cool!
7. WORLD OF COLOR
This is the prefect ending to the day. The fireworks at Disneyland have met their match! The light and water show that is The WORLD OF COLOR is breathtaking. Every time I see it I’m stunned at it all. The timing of the water and the lights with the music is like the most amazing experience ever! It makes you feel like you are inside all of your favorite Disney movies. I don’t want to say too much… except… SEE IT! PS. Get a fast pass for the show early in the day. They sell out. Your viewing location doesn’t really matter. Maybe it’s a bit better closer, but I’ve seen it in many different locations and it was fantastic from each of them.
Learn More About Disneyland Summer of 2013 fun here!
Disclosure: These are my own opinions. Disney is providing me an upcoming experience to learn more about the new events {some are outlined above} so that I can share more about them with you all.
We are a huge Disney family, too. After our next Disney World vacation. we are planning on taking the kids to Disneyland. I haven’t been since I was about 7 or 8 years old. I’m super excited to visit Cars Land!
I can’t wait till you go! Your kiddos will LOVE Cars Land!
Disneyland is supreme fun and happiness. The best time to go is anytime. You feel free from the worries of the world.
Isn’t that the truth! That’s the magic of Disneyland. Everyone can be a kid again!
You have to go on the new Cars ride in radiator springs. I haven’t heard one person yet who hasn’t LOVED this ride. We all had so much fun!
I did end up going on it. It was awesome. I’m a total wimp on rides so I *might* have screamed a little bit {or a lot} but it was awesome! Even my 3 year old loved it!
i’ve never been to california adventures, and i’d love to take my daughter! maybe i’ll take her for her birthday next year (this year was disneyland). i just hope the prices don’t keep going up! :/
I hope so too… although it’s totally worth saving up for. I love how their little faces light up when they get there and see all the magic that awaits them!
cant wait to take my daughter, she loves all of disney stuff!
I’m excited for you too! She will love it!
Can’t wait to go with my granddaughter once she can appreciate it all! Gorgeous pictures!