Year: 2014

A Look Inside Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

Lamp on the check in table at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

A warmly lit quail lamp greeted me at the check-in desk of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. To my back the Great Hall welcomed my family with its massive fireplace, over-sized couches, rocking chairs and stained glass light fixtures all saturated in rich hues of yellow, green, orange and brown. Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is an architectural beauty, inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement of the 1900s.

Grand Californian Hotel Lobby "Great Hall"The Craftsman theme and Disney’s celebration of California’s grand natural beauty can be found in every corner of the hotel.

The Villas at Disney’s Grand California Hotel mirror the same Arts & Crafts motif as the original hotel rooms, but depending on the size of the villa, Villa rooms also provide guests with additional in-room amenities. There are four types of Villa rooms, Deluxe Studio, 1 Bedroom, 2 Bedroom and Grand Villa. Here’s a look inside, and outside, of my family’s “home away from home” during our stay at the hotel. The room is categorized as a Deluxe Studio room.

Headboard at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

This is the headboard of the queen-size bed.  Notice the Craftsman theme continues in the Deluxe Studio furnishings .

Sleeper Sofa in Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa Studio Room

The couch is a queen-size sleeper sofa and the window to the left is actually a door leading out to the balcony.  I LOVED the light fixtures in this room!

kitchenette within the studio room at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

 The kitchenette provides a sink, microwave, toaster, instant coffee maker, ice bucket, four drinking glasses, four coffee mugs, an under-the-counter refrigerator, a variety of disposable utensils, travel-size dish washing liquid, paper towels, garbage can and pantry storage.  Use this convenient space and be prepared to save some money!

Bathroom of a Studio Room at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

The bathroom at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is themed after one of Disney’s most beloved films.  Can you see what character is hiding out in the forest print shower curtain?

The vanity at Disney's Grand Californian.There’s no detail that’s too small for Disney.  Even the complimentary bath products carry the nature theme with sea marine scented Disney Resorts SPA H2O brand shampoo & conditioner and sea salt body wash, body lotion and facial soap.

Pool View from DVC Studio at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel

 Each Deluxe Studio room has a balcony that provides exquisite views.  Our room had a view of one of the hotel’s three pools.  The pool pictured above is the Mariposa Pool.

Villa at Disneys Grand Californian Hotel Pool View

My parents also stayed in a Deluxe Studio at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.  I like to describe the view from their balcony as an obstructed view, but I think it gave them a nice view of two pretty amazing sights!  When standing on the balcony and looking to the left guests can see obstructed views of the Fountain Pool and the Redwood Pool, as pictured above.

View of California Adventure park from a Deluxe Studio room.

Standing on the same balcony, when looking to the right, guests can watch the “Screamin’ Over California” roller coaster. Cool, right?

Entrance to the Fountain Pool at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel

 Want a closer look at the pools?

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is conveniently positioned a few steps away from the Downtown Disney District and has an exclusive entrance into the California Adventure Park. Due to potential non-hotel guest visitors walking by the pools, guests of the Grand Californian that are eager to jump into the glistening pools can do so by using their room keys to open this beautiful gate.

Redwood Pool Looking for the slide?  Redwood Pool is ready to deliver!

Food options at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel

After some hard-core playing hours at the pool, hunger is bound to set in.  There are four themed dining options that deliver guest experiences which continue to pay tribute to the beauty of California and Craftsman art motif.

Although, I’m not going to review the restaurants in this post, I will say that White Water Snacks is the perfect place to stop by for a quick snack after a dip in the pool.  Or if you’re looking for a special place to eat with your spouse, try Napa Rose.

childcare at Disneyland

All Disney restaurants are “kid friendly.” However, if you and your spouse would like to plan a “date night” at Napa Rose, Pinocchio’s Workshop is ready to help make your wish come true.  Located at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Pinocchio’s Workshop is a child care facility that offers a variety of fun activities to keep kids active while Mom and Dad play.

As each night concluded during our five night stay, the soft glow provided by the Craftsman designed lobby area welcomed us home as we waited for the elevator to take us to our room.  It truly was a beautiful sight.Elevator Lobby at Grand CalifornianDisney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa offers its guests more than just its beautifully themed hotel and pools.  Experiences at the hotel is what truly makes a stay at the West Coast’s “Grand” magically GRAND.

Visit https://disneyland.disney.go.com/hotels/grand-californian-hotel/ to find out more about the outstanding spa services, award-winning restaurants and magical experiences just ready for your family to experience at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

I hoped you enjoyed this look inside Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and thank you for stopping by the blog today!

Disney Channel’s ”Monstober” Presents New Halloween-Themed Episodes!

CLOVER, PRINCESS SOFIA, BOO

Disney Channel has kicked off a month-long Halloween celebration called “Monstober!”

My family life has been very chaotic over the past month, including quite an adventure to The Disneyland Resort.  I apologize that I have not posted on the blog in such a long time! I promise to fill you in on all of the magic of Disneyland over the next month, but FIRST I have to share this Disney News so you don’t miss a show!  Packed with new Halloween-themed episodes of our preschoolers’ favorite Disney Junior shows and school-age kids’ favorite Disney Channel and Disney XD shows, Disney’s “Monstober” will have your television recording devices earning their keep in October!

Here’s the line up for Disney Junior!

Friday, October 3rd: 

  • 8:30 a.m. “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” features the stories “Pirate Ghost Story” (Jake and his Never Land Pirate crew help ghost pirate, Treasure Tooth reunite with his ghost gal, Peg-Leg Peg) and “Queen Izzy Bella” (Izzy transforms into pirate adventurer Queen Isabella and sets out on a quest to find treasure in Never Land’s Valley of Ice.)
  •  9:00 a.m. “Sofia the First” features “Ghostly Gala”– Sofia tries to keep a ghost from ruining her Halloween Party.
  • 9:30 a.m. “Doc McStuffins” features “Hide and Eek”– Doc’s brother, Donny and friend, Alma create a toy monster.  All of the other toys are afraid of the toy monster until they get to know him.

CHILLY, STUFFY, CHARLIE, LAMBIE, HALLIE, DOC

Friday, October 10th: 

  • 8:30 a.m. “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” features the stories “Jake the Wolf” (Jake turns into a wolf and his Never Land pirate pals must find a cure) and “Witch Hook” (Captain Hook is turned a witch.)

CUBBY, SKULLY, IZZY, JAKE

 Saturday, October 4th and Sunday, October 5th Disney Channel has a line-up packed with new Halloween-themed episodes from “Gravity Falls,” “Wander of Yonder”, “Austin & Ally”, “Liv and Maddie” and “I Didn’t Do It.”

To kick off this “Monstober” two-day weekend, Saturday, October 4th at 8:00 p.m. “Phineas and Ferb” will have a one-hour episode!

“Night of the Living Pharmacists”

REMINDER: Saturday, October 4th at 8:00 p.m.

BALJEET, PHINEAS, FERB, BUFORD, DR. DOOFENSHMIRTZ

Can you imagine that this is just the beginning of Disney Channel’s “Monstober” event?

Disney XD will also host all-new Halloween-themed episodes of its popular shows, including “Lab Rats,” “Mighty Med,” “The 7D,” “Marvel’s Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H,” “Randy Cunningham: 9th Grade Ninja” and the new series “Kirby Buckets,” beginning FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17.

I have to ask!  Aren’t they just the cutest little dwarfs ever?  We love “The 7D!”

SNEEZY, DOC, DOPEY, LORD STARCHBOTTOM, GRUMPY, HAPPY SLEEPY

I could go on and on, but instead I’ll invite you to check out the full “Monstober” schedule at http://disneychannel.disney.com/monstober

I don’t know about you, but I suddenly feel a huge push to get the Halloween decorations out!  Have a great weekend everyone and don’t forget to tune in Disney Junior Friday morning!

Preparing for a Disney Vacation with Disney Baby Products

disney baby

In my family, Disney is introduced at birth!

From Disney character nursery room décor, to adorable Disney themed outfits,toys and books, my children started their lives surrounded by Disney magic!  My babies are now seven-years-old and three-years-old and it’s my goal to keep sprinkling a daily dose of Disney in their lives.  Disney Baby products, available at Walmart, have helped me do this. They easily take everyday moments in our life, such as snack time, and add a touch of magic that can only be expected from Disney.  My daughter, Victoria is three-years-old and I still pack Minnie Mouse and Doc McStuffins insulated sippy cups to take on errand runs!  (She loves the characters and I appreciate going through the store knowing she won’t drip milk on their floor!)  Needless to say, our family loves Disney Baby products.

Talking about Disney moments, I’m preparing for my family’s upcoming trip to Disneyland! YAY! The other day I was writing one of my many packing lists, when I received an email asking me to write a post about some pretty awesome new Disney Baby products.  A few of the items jumped right out at me because I wanted them for this upcoming trip!  I had no idea that Disney character booster seats existed, so of course I wanted to share them with you.

I love that these booster seats celebrate Disney Pixar’s film, “Cars”, perfect for my son and my daughter’s favorite mouse, Minnie.  As an added bonus, each booster seat has a built in cup holder and a super convenient pull-out storage drawer!

Disney Store n Go Backless Booster Formula Racer Disney Store n Go Backless Booster Minnie Mouse Silhouette Pink

Here’s my legal disclosure:  This post was sponsored by Disney Baby and I was compensated to write it. Regardless, I’m sharing my opinions and experiences with Disney Baby products with the hope that you find the information useful in adding a touch of Disney into your daily life.

Prepare and Pack for Transportation!

Transportation planning for a trip to Disneyland is incredibly important if you have children!

Disneyland does not offer Magical Express service from any airports.  If you’re flying to California and choose to rent a car, keep in mind that in the state of California all children under the age of 8 years old must be secured in a safety seat to ride in a vehicle.  Don’t forget to add car seats to your packing list!  Good news is that most airlines will allow you to check your children’s car seats or boosters FREE of charge.

Pack your child’s stroller!

Yes, you can rent a stroller at Disneyland or Walt Disney World for $15 per day, but why not use your own for free? During our past ten trips to Walt Disney World with children there was one occasion where we rented a stroller at the park and we’ve decided to stick with our own strollers.  My husband and I found that our children took naps much easier in their stroller from home.  It’s where the kids feel most comfortable to sleep and airlines allow strollers to be checked at the gate for FREE!

Also on my packing wish list is this ADORABLE Mickey Mouse Umbrella Stroller.  Could it be any cuter?  I was surprised to see that it’s only $22.59 at Walmart.com with free in-store pickup!

PROD_UmbrellaStroller_Mickey.jpg

Here’s a Stroller Tip for touring a Disney Park with your own stroller: Attach a stand out luggage tag on the handle or tie a bright-colored ribbon to your stroller.  This will make finding the stroller a bunch easier.  Why all the fuss you might ask?  Disney Cast Members rearrange the strollers while you’re enjoying an attraction.  Sometimes this can make finding your stroller within the sea of strollers challenging.

Although my children have outgrown infant seats, I just had to share this set with you. I love the polka-dots!  For the littlest Mouseketeerette in your family, this is the Disney Baby Minnie Mouse Coral Flowers Travel System.

Disney Saunter Sport LC-22 Travel System Coral Flowers Minnie Mouse

 Pack the Pack-n-Play (if you have room!)

Rest assured, if you’re flying and have no intentions on bringing your child’s Pack-n-Play, Disney Resort rooms provide you with one free of charge.

Here’s a Pack-n-Play Tip:  Disney provides you with one cover for the base of the unit.  I recommend bringing extra sheets so you have extra if they get soiled and possibly pack a sleeper sack.  I have found that the air conditioning gets really cool for infants, so my children used sleeper sacks.

However, if you’re driving or your child favors her own Pack-n-Play, add it to your list!  Check out this stylish Minnie Mouse themed Playard. This is the Disney Baby Minnie Mouse Coral Flowers Care Center Playard!

Disney Baby Minnie Mouse Coral Flowers Care Center Playard

 Last but certainly not least~ Pack Empty Sippy Cups!

I learned very quickly that a toddler’s carton and/or jug of milk will spill just about instantaneously in the parks without a sippy cup.  Therefore, about five years ago, I started packing the take and toss cups by Disney Baby.  The sippy cups are available in Disney brands Princess, Minnie Mouse and Cars and can be purchased at Walmart!  The image below is of the “Cars” insulated cups I used for years with Gavin.  They’re fabulous for around the house- NO LEAKING!  But for storage purposes, I would recommend the Take and Toss cup styles.

Here’s a Sippy Cup Tip:  Purchase a set of three Take and Toss Disney Baby cups and place them inside a gallon size Ziploc bag (without drinks).  Then put them in your backpack to take to the parks.  Also pack an additional empty gallon size Ziploc bag.  As the day progresses, purchase milk for your child from the quick service food locations and pour the drink into a clean sippy cup.  When he’s done drinking, just rinse the cup in a drink fountain and then put the cup in the Ziploc bag to be washed that evening in the resort. When he’s thirsty again, just use another clean one from the backpack. I found that the Take and Toss cups are great space savers and they have beautiful Disney Princesses on them so my daughter enjoys using them.  I have to admit, the cups are a time saver too!  Without the cups I’m certain my daughter would have many more wardrobe changes!  A princess can’t be seen in milk drenched ensemble, you know.

Disney Baby 2pk Insulated Cups Cars

Whether you’re planning a vacation to a Disney Park or planning a trip to the local park, Disney Baby products are a perfect way to add a dash of Disney magic into your child’s everyday moments!   I won’t overload you with all of the cool Disney Baby products available at Walmart.  Instead I invite you to explore Walmart’s Disney Baby product line on your own.  Visit Disney Baby here!  Have fun shopping!  Now it’s back to packing list writing for me!

 

Walt Disney World the day after 9/11/2001

On the morning of September 11th, 2001 I was just like most Americans, both eyes focused on the television in disbelief and in terror.  At the time, I was employed at Walt Disney World, however I wasn’t scheduled to work that day. I remember finding out that all park guests were vacated from Disney’s four theme parks and my fellow cast member friends were sent home from work early.  I recall spending that emotional day huddled with friends around the television and talking to my family back in Pennsylvania, that is, once I was able to get my cell phone to work.  I’m fairly certain that most Americans remember a similar version of that horrible day. Regardless of where you were on September 11th, 2001, the events of that day we never forget.

I will also never forget the day AFTER 9/11.  On September 12, 2001, I worked at the Disney Vacation Club booth located in front of The American Adventure attraction in Epcot’s World Showcase.  I had worked at this location dozens of times before but only recall with clear vision that specific day.  It was quiet, really quiet.  I had never seen the park so empty.  There was no laughter or the typical over-tired families fighting.  Guests were quiet.  They all walked slowly and didn’t make eye contact.  It was awful.  It was somber.  It was raw emotions masked by the idea of a vacation.

But then the drums tapped…and the beautiful woodwind sounds of the fifes erased the silence.

September 12th wasn’t a day full of pixie dust and magic but it was a day full of strength and American pride.  For something that typically was dismissed by almost every guest became an attraction that unified strangers with their belief that as American citizens we are stronger than the terror that took the pixie dust away just the day before.

During each hour it would begin with a few taps of the drums…guests seemed to follow the sound and then gathered around the Spirit of America Fife & Drum Corps.  The guests didn’t rush by, instead on that day Americans circled around the performers.  They sang patriotic songs.  Some guests shed tears.  But most significantly the pride that I saw in guests’ faces, and the strength I heard in their voices was something that I never saw matched in the years I worked at Walt Disney World.

I hope today as we continue on with our overly busy lives, we take a moment to think of how truly blessed we are to live in America and to give thanks to all that serve our country.  May God bless them.

I’m deeply sadden to say that September 25, 2014 will be the final day to see the Spirit of America Fife & Drum Corps perform at Epcot.  If you plan on visiting Epcot within the next two weeks, make sure to see one of their performances.  I promise you, seeing the Spirit of America Fife & Drum Corps in person will give you goose bumps!  If you can’t make it to Epcot by September 25th, you can watch their performance below!


I linked this post to the Fastpass to History blog hop.  If you love reading about Disney history, check out these other links!

Sneak-Peek! Disney Channel Premiers “Around the World with Minnie’s Bow-Toons week!”

Monday September 8th on Disney Channel, Minnie Mouse and her friends begin globe-trotting adventures in new episodes of “Minnie’s Bow-Toons”!  

I’m so excited to be able to show you two sneak-peeks of these special cartoon shorts. The first sneak-peek is from the “Minnie’s Bow-Toons” episode, “Gondola with the Wind.”  This adorable cartoon short kicks off the special week on Monday September 8 at 11:55 a.m. ET/PT.  

Watch as Minnie and Daisy set off on a gondola cruise through Venice Canals!  

 Here is the “Minnie’s Bow-Toons” schedule for next week!

 Monday September 8 at 11:55 a.m. ET/PT – “Gondola with the Wind”

Tuesday September 9 at 11:55 a.m. ET/PT – “Uh, Oh, Pizza Dough”

Wednesday September 10 at 11:55 a.m. ET/PT – “Fiesta Follies”

Thursday September 11 at 11:55 a.m. ET/PT – “Royal Delivery”

Friday September 12 at 11:55 a.m. ET/PT – “Kabuki Chaos”

“Royal Delivery”

 In this second sneak-peek, Minnie and Daisy have created a special Bow hat for the Queen and must find a way to get the bow to her.

I hope you’ve enjoyed the special sneak-peeks of “Minnie’s Bow-Toons” as much as I have.  Have a great weekend everyone and get ready for some world travelling with Minnie Mouse next week!