Our flight into Orange County was about 10 minutes early and we didn’t have any baggage to pickup, so we were quickly on our way to the resort. I’ll mention here that 98% of the time we go to Disneyland, we hire a town car to take us to/from the resort. It’s basically the same price as a taxi and Colorado Dad found a great driver when he was out for work one time so we’ve used the same guy ever since. He’s almost part of the family now and has met everyone in our family except my Dad The drive usually takes 20-30 minutes, but it never seems that long. We were soon pulling into the familiar drive of the Disneyland Hotel.

Mickey & Minnie at the Disneyland Hotel

We arrived at the hotel before 10am, which meant we could check-in, but our room wasn’t ready. After getting our paperwork (but no room keys, which seemed weird), we dropped our bags with bell services and headed into our first park – Disney’s California Adventure!

Colorado Sister wanted to do as many attractions as possible on our trip, so I used the personalized touring plans on TouringPlans.com to come up with the most efficient way to get things done. If you aren’t familiar with the TouringPlans site, I highly recommend it – for both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Their crowd calendars and wait time estimates are the most accurate I’ve seen, and that makes for very efficient touring plans.

Our first stop was Grizzly River Run. It had a pretty short wait – about 15 minutes. I haven’t done this ride in ages, so forgot how totally soaked you can get. Neither of us was in the “lucky seat” in our raft, but we both ended up with some damp clothes – a nice start to what was turning into a very warm day.

From there we headed over toward the Hollywood Land section of the park to do Monsters Inc. and to look at a few things in the Animation building, like the Toy Story Zoetrope. BUT, before we could make it over there, we HAD to stop for a churro. My sister has an addiction to churros. Seriously…it’s a problem.

Colorado Sister after Grizzly River Run

Churro Heaven

After finding a hard-to-spot Hidden Mickey in Monsters, Inc., we were getting hungry, so decided to grab a bite at Paradise Garden Grill. Even though we were on the other side of the park, the Grill is my favorite counter service restaurant, so it was a must for me. They serve Mediterranean-style skewers that are always tasty, but it’s really the atmosphere that I love. With all the trees and a bandstand where the Ellis Island Boys play 20s and 30s style jazz, it’s a great place to sit and relax away from the hustle and bustle of the park. As a matter of fact, it’s always SO relaxing that I NEVER remember to take pictures.

We planned to meet a couple of my friends for the afternoon Aladdin show, so after finishing lunch, we headed toward the Hyperion theatre, checking out It’s Tough To Be a Bug (Colorado Sister thought this was hysterical), Flik’s Flyers (cute, but definitely a “kid” ride) and grabbing a FastPass for Tower of Terror.

A snack box in the sky

Our timing was perfect, as we got to the Hyperion Theatre and found my friends with just a few minutes left to wait until the show started. I don’t know why, but for some reason, I’ve never seen the Aladdin show. I’ve always heard great things about it, so I was excited to finally see it. The show did not disappoint and, as expected, the Genie was fantastic!

Whadd’ya say princess? Is this guy a catch or what?

The show ended just at the start of our return time for Tower of Terror (thank you TouringPlans!), so we said goodbye to my friends and headed over to our date with the Hollywood Tower Hotel’s service elevator.

A beacon for the show business elite?

Our time in the Twilight Zone left a lasting impression on Colorado Sister…enough that she was…different…for the rest of the day. But, that will be a story for the next post as this one is already getting long.

Next up: The rest of Day 1 including Carthay Circle, World of Color and…Cars!

The free membership doesn’t do much for me, although I’m sure we’ll see an influx of members now, but I am excited to see the new website. I don’t spend a ton of time on the site now, but some of the new content sections like Weird Disney, Attraction Rewind and Muppetology sound intriguing.

You can read more in the official press release below!

BURBANK, Calif.– May 16, 2013 – On June 17, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, will launch a massive reimagining of its D23.com website, opening up the wonderful worlds of Disney like never before to its members. The site will provide access to newly digitized content that delves deeply into The Walt Disney Company’s vault of material, past and present, along with exclusive glimpses of the future. The new gated content will be free to current D23 Members; plus D23 is launching a new free level of membership, which will include access to this incredible content. D23.com will continue to offer the latest Disney news free to all guests who visit the site. But D23 Members can unlock even more magic in each section by logging in and accessing content whenever a golden key is shown.

“We’re creating a unique destination that celebrates, in all respects, the essence of Disney,” says Steven Clark, head of D23. “We believe the new site will offer one of the most engaging Disney experiences yet—with even more to come in the future. We look forward to debuting the new D23.com to our current members as well as to new ones from around the world.”

The reimagined D23.com will feature exclusive celebrity interviews; vintage film clips; rarely seen artwork and photography; treasures from the Walt Disney Archives; behind-the-scenes previews of new movies and theme park attractions; and more.

Website highlights at launch will include:

• 23 Questions – We enhance our popular feature with audio interviews with Once Upon A Time star Ginnifer Goodwin who reveals her Disney favorites—and what she’s looking forward to in the next season of the hit ABC show. Plus an exclusive with Phineas and Ferb’s popular “evil mastermind” Dr. Heinz Doofenschmirtz, who talks about his truly devious plans… and Christmas.
• D’scovered – Treasures unearthed by the Walt Disney Archives. In the coming weeks the Archives will share extremely rare imagery from the proposed Mickey Mouse Park, a concept which evolved into Disneyland; spine-tingling alternative dialogue for the Haunted Mansion penned by Disney Legend X. Atencio; the illustrated story script for “The Karnival Kid,” the 1929 short in which Mickey Mouse first speaks; and a very special memento created for Walt by legendary artist Salvador Dali.
• Disney A to Z – A complete and newly-updated electronic version of the definitive Disney encyclopedia with more than 7,000 entries written by Dave Smith, founder and Chief Archivist Emeritus of the Walt Disney Archives.
• D23 Presents – A deeper dive into all parts of Disney from the opening of Mystic Manor in Hong Kong Disneyland to rarely seen footage of the former Disney Studio onHyperion Avenue.
• Disney Legends and the Walt Disney Archives – Two new microsites; Disney Legends will provide a deeper look at those who’ve made significant contributions to the Disney legacy, and the Archives site will open up the doors of this venerable institution so D23 can share more of The Walt Disney Company’s expansive collections.

In addition, new departments and sections include: Weird Disney, looking at some of the more unusual and outrageous pieces of Disney’s past; Characters, profiling the most beloved characters from television, film and comics with concept art and complete biographies; The Quotable Walt Disney, a digitized version of the out-of-print book featuring some of Walt’s most enduring words; Ask a Legend, a video feature in which Disney Legends like Marty Sklar answer fans questions; First Look, which gives members a glimpse into what’s new and what’s next including Monsters University; Attraction Rewind, celebrating the beloved attractions of Disney’s past which once delighted theme park guests; and Muppetology, which opens up the Muppet-acular universe of our fuzzy friends. D23’s popular video series Armchair Archivist and Disney Geek will also return with all-new episodes.

And that’s just the beginning—on launch day, D23.com will reveal even more surprises.

D23 Free Membership will include:

• Members-Only Website Content: Access to all exclusive content on D23.com.

• Exclusive Merchandise: D23 offers its members access to exclusive, limited-edition merchandise and collectibles.

• Subscription to Weekly D23 FanFare E-newsletter with breaking news and special offers. (You may opt out of receiving FanFare after your first e-newsletter arrives.)

• Discounted tickets to the D23 Expo 2013: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event (For more information click here.)

Disney fans can join the world’s only Official Disney Fan Club by visiting www.D23.com or www.DisneyStore.com/D23. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow “DisneyD23” on Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook.

Kenai and Koda – On the Disney Wonder, Alaska – June 2012

Make sure to visit our host Deb over at Focused on the Magic to see posts from a bunch of great Disney bloggers! And make sure to link up if you have some Disney “K” to share this week

Enlist some help
Since this trip was a birthday present, I wanted to make sure Colorado Sister had no idea it was coming. But, that made planning a little tough since I couldn’t really ask her when she would have an opening in her schedule. Luckily, I had help from my mom as well as Colorado Sister’s boyfriend. They were able to give me info on her schedule and also made sure that no other plans were made for that weekend. There were a couple times when I was positive the secret was out, but we all were able to keep things quiet.

Stay on-site
Admittedly, I was very lucky to have some extra DVC points to use for our hotel stay for the weekend, but even if I hadn’t, I would have chosen an on-site Disney hotel. Why? I just don’t think the atmosphere can be beat, especially when you’re planning a special trip. It was also important for us to have access to early morning hours, a perk for Disney hotel guests, so we could maximize our time in the parks.

Plan something special
I usually try to plan one “extra” thing for our celebration trips, just to make it extra memorable. Since this was Colorado Sister’s 30th birthday celebration, I figured it called for some “extra” extras, so I planned several things:

• Dinner at Carthay Circle + Preferred Viewing for World of Color — Carthay Circle is one of my favorite places to eat, so I knew this would be on our itinerary for sure. But, what I didn’t know was that you can get Preferred Viewing tickets for World of Color if you have either an appetizer & entree OR entree & dessert per person for either lunch or dinner. The viewing area is right in the middle and is only for Carthay Circle diners, so it’s a pretty good perk.
• A waterside table for lunch at the Blue Bayou — Another one of my personal favorites, the Blue Bayou is always a fun experience and if you can get a waterside table, it’s even better. I made sure to book an 11:30am lunch reservation – this is the first seating and as long as you’re not late for your reservation, you’re guaranteed a waterside table.
• The Fantasmic Dessert Package — I love Fantasmic at Disneyland, but I DON’T love getting there really early to get a front row seat on the ground. Booking the Fantasmic Dessert Package eliminates that crazy wait by allowing you to purchase reserved seats (an actual chair!) along with an assortment of desserts and beverages. It’s a bit spendy, at $60/person, but is well worth it for a special occasion.

The two dining reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance using the regular Disney Dining line at (714) 781-3463 or by emailing dine@disneyland.com. The Fantasmic Dessert Package can be booked 30 days in advance using the Entertainment line at (714) 781-7469.

Make the reveal memorable
Colorado Sister’s birthday was actually a couple weeks before our trip, just because of how our schedules worked out, so I had to decide if I was going to reveal the trip on her birthday or wait until the day we left. I figured it would be really hard to keep the secret as we got closer, so I decided to reveal everything on her birthday. I found a Disney itinerary template over at WDW Prep School that I used as a guideline for creating an itinerary and I also got a photo album from Michaels that I made into a “Disney Memories” album. But, I wanted to drag the surprise out for as long as I could, so I added a couple of pictures from our January trip in the album and then added these pictures:

Click to view slideshow.

Colorado Sister was pretty overwhelmed when she opened the album, so I think it was definitely a memorable reveal!

Up next: Day 1 – From Colorado to World of Color

This year’s exhibit will focus on pieces from the 1964 movie, Mary Poppins, the current ABC tv hit, Once Upon a Time and several items showcasing Disney’s long history with Frank L. Baum and his series of Oz books, including the Tik-Tok puppet from 1985′s Return to Oz.

The Archives team always does a great job with these exhibits, so I’m very excited to see these new items, especially the Tik-Tok puppet!

For more info about the exhibit, check out the D23 press release below and if you haven’t already picked up your tickets for the Expo, make sure to visit www.D23expo.com. You can get discounted tickets through June 15th and if you’re a D23 member, you’ll save even more!

BURBANK, Calif. – May 9, 2013 – D23: The Official Disney Fan Club and the Walt Disney Archives are proud to announce the return of the “Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives” exhibit to the D23 Expo. During the D23 Expo at the Anaheim Convention Center, August 9 – 11, 2013, this all-new exhibit curated specifically for the D23 Expo 2013 will feature: the 50th anniversary of Mary Poppins, ABC’s hit television series Once Upon A Time, and a look at the longstanding connection between Disney and L. Frank Baum’s beloved series of books about the land of Oz.

“Treasures” will showcase a selection of crown jewels from the Walt Disney Archives Collection, many of which will be displayed publicly for the first time by the Archives. As the 50th anniversary of Mary Poppins approaches, the Archives will be presenting a wide array of pieces from the Academy Award®-winning 1964 film including concept art and matte paintings, Mary and Bert’s carousel horses, the snow globe from the “Feed the Birds” sequence, costumes worn by many of the central characters and the recently acquired carpet bag, which Mary carries with her when she arrives at the Banks’ household. Also part of the exhibit will be theFanArtGallery, themed to Mary Poppins. D23 Members were invited to submit their work as part of the D23 Expo Fan Art Contest, and the winners’ colorful creations will be displayed in this year’s gallery.

On the heels of the global success of Oz The Great and Powerful, the Archives is proud to assemble artifacts illustrating Disney’s long association with L. Frank Baum’s Oz books. Highlights include a costume from 1957’s “Rainbow Road to Oz”—a segment from The Fourth Anniversary Show, which celebrated Walt’s four years on television, starring many of the Mickey Mouse Club’s Mouseketeers—as well as concept art from unrealized attractions and Disney Studio productions. Also featured are props and costume pieces from 1985’s Return to Oz including the Tik-Tok puppet, “Powder of Life” tin, and Dorothy’s costume and slippers. And, of course, there will be an assortment of costumes from this year’s Oz The Great and Powerful.

Now finishing its second hit season, Once Upon A Time has become a huge hit among Disney fans for its ability to remain true to many of Disney’s classic stories while expanding their worlds with a modern twist. The Archives is honored to be presenting a selection of elegantly designed costumes from the show.

The D23 Expo 2013 will also feature the Disney Legends Awards—a tradition that pays tribute to the talented men and women who have made indelible contributions to the Disney legacy; the return of the D23 Expo Dream Store, featuring a wide selection of unique merchandise; an expanded Collectors Forum, where Disney fans can buy, sell and trade Disney collectibles, memorabilia and merchandise—and this year’s Forum will also include the worlds of Marvel and Star Wars—plus amazing live events, special celebrity appearances, panels and presentations and unique experiences from every corner of Disney, from upcoming feature film and television sneak peeks to what’s new and what’s next from our theme parks around the world.

About D23 Expo 2013

The D23 Expo—The Ultimate Disney Fan Event—brings the entire world of Disney under one roof, providing attendees with unprecedented access to Disney films, television and theme parks. For the latest D23 Expo 2013 news, visit www.D23Expo.com. To be part of the D23 Expo conversation, make sure to follow @DisneyD23 and tag your tweets with #D23Expo.

Clockwise from top left: Relaxin’ on the patio at Boardwalk Inn and Villas; In to the woods at Wilderness Lodge; A Room with a View at Grand Californian; Sweet Dreams at Disneyland Hotel

Thanks to Deb at Focused on the Magic and Guest Host Mike from My Dreams of Disney for hosting this week’s wonderful Wednesday blog hop! Make sure to hop through to see some other relaxing resorts!

On Friday, Colorado Sister and I are heading to Disneyland for a girls’ only weekend to celebrate her 30th birthday. We’re planning on riding almost every attraction in both parks and will be taking lots of pictures so I’ll definitely be sharing our experiences when I get back. After that trip, it’ll be a few short weeks until we leave for our island adventures at Aulani, on the island of Oahu. I am SO ready for the beach! An Aulani trip report will be coming up early in June, so stay tuned!

To celebrate May, I decided to share a picture that signifies BOTH our trips – one of the tikis from the Enchanted Tiki Room. Sure, it’s not EXACTLY Hawaiian, but it’s island-y and it’s the best place to get that yummy Hawaiian treat – a Dole Whip!

Rongo, the God of Agriculture – Enchanted Tiki Room, Disneyland

Thank you for stopping by today! Make sure to hop on through to visit the other folks who’ve linked up to the Blog Hop on Focused on the Magic. And if you have something to share, please link up! Deb accepts all Disney-related blog posts, even if they aren’t specific to the week’s topic and it’s a great way to get more visitors to your site!

More details can be found in the D23 press release below:

BURBANK, Calif.– April 29, 2013 – The summer issue of Disney twenty-three, the flagship magazine of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, features a mega summer movie preview of Disney’s upcoming theatrical releases. D23 gets readers back in the saddle with filmmakers Jerry Bruckheimer and Gore Verbinski for Johnny Depp’s upcoming The Lone Ranger; Billy Crystal talks about scaring up big laughs for Monsters University; the masterminds behind Marvel’s newest film, Iron Man 3, offer an inside look at how they’re bringing Iron Man back to basics; and John Lasseter shows us how the upcoming animated film Disney’s Planes will soar.

Disney twenty-three also celebrates 60 years of Walt Disney Imagineering with a special commemorative back cover. Imagineer Tony Baxter discusses his work on some of the world’s most iconic attractions, including Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Splash Mountain, and Star Tours. “You Do What?” profiles some of the most unusual jobs Imagineers have had over the years, from rock designer to castle architect. “Imagineering Fact? Or Fiction!” debunks some of the long-time myths and legends of the Disney Parks. And there’s much more, including “23 Imagineering Game Changers” and a salute from Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Tom Staggs to the thousands of creative individuals whose contributions have changed the way guests experience Disney around the world.

Beginning with the summer issue, Disney twenty-three, hailed by critics for its superlative fan content and collectability, will be offered exclusively to D23 Gold Members who will continue to receive the magazine as a benefit of their membership. Disney twenty-three is delivered directly to fans’ doorsteps, and this issue contains a special member gift—a metallic D23 keychain, signifying how members hold the key to unlocking the magic of Disney through D23.

Disney twenty-three’s favorite sections are back with new images and content, too. In this issue:

• An image of Walt and Lillian celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary just prior to the opening of Disneyland in “PHOTOfiles”
• “A Walk with Walt” takes readers back to 1946, the year following the end of World War II—a transitional one for Walt and his company
• In “D Society,” Ne-Yo, Rod Stewart, and Tina Fey are among the stars shown visiting the parks

The Disney discoveries don’t stop with the end of the summer publication. In conjunction with the summer issue of Disney twenty-three, www.D23.com will feature original and exclusive stories that complement the contents of D23’s glossy magazine. Beginning May 14, only on D23.com you’ll find an exclusive video interview with Imagineer Tony Baxter.

If you’re not a D23 member yet, I highly recommend taking a look at it. You can get all the details on membership at www.disneystore.com/D23

The Amazing Slinky-Man

Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dum

Pink Flamingos

The Mad Hatter working the crowd

Thanks goes, as always, to the wonderful Deb over at Focused on the Magic, who continues to come up with fantastic themes for us each week. Make sure to hop through to see some other great examples of Disney’s Wild Side!

Colorado Princess picked “Jasmine” which is funny because we don’t actually have a picture of her with Jasmine!

Colorado Boy and Jasmine – Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2007

Colorado Boy picked “Jack” Sparrow because he’s obsessed with all things pirate-y.

Colorado Boy and Colorado Princess with Captain Jack – Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2012

As always, today’s Wordless Wednesday blog hop is brought to you by our wonderful hostess with the mostest, Deb, over at Focused on the Magic. Make sure to hop through to see some other great Disney “J”s and if you have something to share, link up! The blog hop is open to everyone – just make sure your post is Disney-related