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08.25.2010 | Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland

Most kids look forward all year, to trick-or-treating. What’s not to love? Costumes & candy all rolled into one fun-filled night? The only thing that could possibly top that, would be trick-or-treating at the happiest place on Earth. Well now you can! Mickey’s Halloween Party is now happening at the Disneyland Park. This “not-so-scary” party encourages your little ghosts & goblins to join their favorite Disney characters for an evening filled with lively music, trick-or-treating, crafts & activities, and lots of other Halloween games & fun. C & I take our kids every year & they LOVE it.

This year’s Mickey’s Halloween Party is sure to be better than ever. With a new party location, this means Mickey’s Halloween Party will have longer hours (up to 3 more hours of fun), additional trick-or-treat stations, access to nearly all of the Disneyland Park attractions (including Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy & Haunted Mansion Holiday), even more dance parties & character photo locations, creepy crafts & activities for the whole family, and “exclusive offerings including Halloween Screams Fireworks.”

Yep! You read that correctly. If you are a HUGE fan of the Halloween Screams Firework Show that debuted last year at the Disneyland Park (like we are), then we hate to be the ones to tell you, but… attending Mickey’s Halloween Party is the only way to see the amazing fireworks show this year. The Disneyland Park will have a seprate weekend fireworks show for guests, but if you want to see Halloween Screams, then you better buy your Mickey’s Halloween Party tickets now.

Event Dates: October 1st, 5th, 8th, 12th, 15th, 19th, 22nd, 26th, 29th, & 31st

Times: Tuesday Nights 6-11pm, Fridays & Halloween Night 7pm-12am (although, you can gain access to the park before it closes to the general public beginning at 3pm on Tuesdays & 4pm on Fridays & on Halloween)

Advance Purchase Prices: $49 for October 1st, 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th

Day-of-Event Ticket Prices: $54 for October 1st, 5th, 8th, 12th, 15th, 19th, 22nd & 26th; $59 for October 29th & 31st

* Annual Passholders pay $44 on advanced purchases, on select days!

Buy tickets HERE.

xoxo, K
image via Disneyland

by C & K in Disney Tips & Tricks, Special Events with No Comments
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07.15.2010 | Free admission: hammer museum

This Saturday, July 17th from 11am – 6pm the Hammer Museum & Machine Project invite you to participate in a day-long sound installation by composer Chris Kallmyer. “All visitors will be issued a small bell, which they can wear as they move through the galleries, courtyard, lobby, and other public spaces. Admission to the museum will be FREE of charge to all participants. Additional bell related sound pieces will take place throughout the day, including circulating ice cream carts, animatronic Santa bells in the museum’s coatroom, and an African bell ensemble.”

If you aren’t familiar with the Hammer Museum, it’s a “cutting-edge arts institution that connects the classics and the contemporary through its varied collections, wide-ranging exhibitions, and provocative program.” Located on the UCLA campus, the museum is opened Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday (11am – 7pm), Thursdays (11am – 9pm) & Sundays (11am – 5pm). Admission is usually $7 for adults, $5 for seniors 65+ & UCLA Alumni Association Members with ID,  FREE for visitors 17 & under (when accompanied by an adult), & FREE for all visitors on Thursdays.

Be sure to check out their Hammer Kids Programs. Sunday, July 18th is a Dream House Workshop featuring Ellen Seiden, Sunday, August 15th is a Chitty Chitty Bang Bang movie screening, Sunday August 22nd is a Musical & Written Phrases Workshop featuring Brendan Carn.

xoxo, K
image via the Hammer Museum

by C & K in Beyond Orange County, Disney Tips & Tricks, Museums, Arts & Culture, Special Events with No Comments
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06.24.2010 | Ridemakerz

From the moment I first walked into Ridemakerz at Downtown Disney, I immediately thought to myself “Why didn’t I think of this?!” It’s Build-a-Bear for boys, only instead of creating a soft & cuddly bear you are customizing your own ride. Ok, seriously… who am I kidding? Although I fully expect that the little boys would be the only ones excited by this new discovery, but it wasn’t too long into the “Building” process that I realized baby sister, me & even my hubby would have a lot of fun at Ridemakerz. So let’s rephrase that description. I guess you could say that Ridemakerz is a Build-a-Bear inspired approach to creating your own, customized ride for car enthusiasts of all ages.

Upon entering the Ridemakerz store you are handed a basket & told to CHOOZE your ride. For you indecisive types, this could be a long process. With nearly 70 different body and paint styles (including but not limited to Chevrolet Corvettes, Ford F-250 SuperChiefs, Scion xBs, MINI Coopers, as well as retro hot rods, fire engines, race cars , dump trucks & the cutest little PINK sports coupe you’ve ever seen), you are sure to find the perfect car.

Building your dream car continues while you SONICIZE with dozens of sounds, MOBILIZE with wheelz & treadz, CUSTOMIZE with speciality lights, accessories & decals, & finally, once you’ve gathered all your car parts, you actually get to build your RIDEZ. I told you, this is a hands-on experience, like no other. You (or your child) get to help build the RIDEZ in the RZ Pit… and let me tell you from experience, this will give your child the hugest feeling of accomplishment. (Be sure to have your camera ready because they are sure to flash you a smile like you’ve never seen before.)

When all is said & done, you’ll have your very own, customized RIDEZ to take home. & With 649 ways to customize your favorite radio-control car or “RIDE” (did I mention that for an additional fee you can make any car a radio-controlled car?), you can be sure that each & every car practically unique. “Stock” RIDEZ are priced from $10 – $32, depending on the body & paint scheme selected. Radio remote-control can be added for an additional $25 & custom accessories range in price from $2 for grille guards, spoilers and hood scoops to $15 for deluxe “muscle kits” that include a blow engine, spoiler, side pipes, muffler tips and roof vent.

If you can’t make it to Downtown Disney, don’t worry… you can also buy a RIDEZ on-line HERE. The online experience is just like the store, letting users virtually build their RIDEZ. & You’ll probably be thrilled to know that Ridemakerz also offers parties. You know you’ll be the most popular mom in town after you throw a Ridemakerz Bash. For more information on the Ridemakerz Bash, go HERE.

Ridemakerz is located at Downtown Disney: 1540 S. Disneyland Dr., Suite 103, Anaheim, CA 92802. (714)776-0216. For hours & directions go HERE.

Want to check out the entire Ridemakerz experience from start to finish? Check out our Whrrl story… go HERE.

Powered by Whrrl



xoxo, K

No compensation, of any kind, was received for this post. Although, Just Spotted were invited guests to the RidemakerzGrand Opening, & were provided gift certificates to build cars. However, we would have posted about Ridemakerz had we been invited or not. We had actually already visited Ridemakerz during the holiday season, prior to their closing for remodel. We had already planned on posting about Ridemakerz. In the end, the opinions represented here are 100% those of Just Spotted, & were not influenced in any way… you & your kids REALLY are going to love Ridemakerz.

by C & K in Disney Tips & Tricks, Shopping Local, Things To Do in OC with 1 Comment
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06.11.2010 | The World of Color

Disney California Adventure has a brand new, nighttime spectacular, that you definitely MUST-SEE! According to their website “The World of Color nighttime water spectacular weaves water, color, fire and light into a kaleidoscope of fantasy and imagination.” All while “more than a thousand jets of water form incredible shapes in time to the music as Disney characters come to life on a shimmering veil of mist.”

Still trying to wrap your head around that description? Try to imagine in your mind, a rainbow of lights (okay a rainbow of more than a thousand lights), add to that an amazing, precisely choreographed show filled with an incredible array of water-based special effects (think the Bellagio fountains, but on a much grander scale – there’s nearly 1,200 fountains involved folks!), and add to that a musical soundtrack & video montage featuring all of your favorite Disney animated classics which are projected on a screen of water. Yes, you read that last sentence correctly, everything & everyone from Dory, Marlin, Crush and Squirt from “Finding Nemo,” Ariel and Sebastian from “The Little Mermaid,” Woody and Buzz Lightyear from “Toy Story,” Aladdin and Jasmine from “Aladdin,” Belle and the Beast from “Beauty and the Beast,” Wall-E and Eve from “Wall-E,” Simba, Mufasa and Scar from “The Lion King” and an array of heroes, heroines and colorful villains from the vast treasury of Disney and Disney•Pixar films, are brought to life & projected onto a HUGE (sometimes 380-foot-wide) water screen. Trust me when I say, by then end of the show, your jaw will be gaping & all you’ll be able to say is “WOW!” The World of Color definitely lives up to all the hype, at least in my opinion.

So, are you ready to experience this new one-of-a-kind, nighttime spectacular for yourself? We have some tips & tricks…

* The World of Color lasts approximately 25 minutes, & has three showings almost every day at Disney California Adventure at 9pm, 10:15pm & 11:15pm. But, it’s always smart to check the daily resort calendar HERE, just to make sure there aren’t any schedule changes.

* The show is definitely “suitable for children.” In fact my boys LOVED it. But, be aware that the show is long, nearly 25 minutes, and it does contain fire, strobe effects, lasers, loud noises & rapidly changing scenes of light & dark. So, plan accordingly for your little ones. I know from experience that the combination of Disney-over-stimulation, plus a late night & a long show time can result in chaos unless I am prepared with a plan.

* Technically speaking, you can view the show from anywhere around Paradise Bay. However, for the absolutely BEST viewing experience you’ll want to take advantage of the FASTPASS Service or one of the dining packages.

* The easiest (& cheapest way) to reserve your seats for The World of Color is to take advantage of Disney’s FASTPASS Service: “Disney’s FASTPASS Service provides first-come, first-served tickets to same day showtimes for World of Color. Tickets are available when the Park opens at the Grizzly River Run FASTPASS Service machines. As with other FASTPASS attractions, a limited number of tickets are available, & guest will not be able to select a specific showtime. At your designated return time, bring your FASTPASS ticket with you to Paradise Park where Cast Members will direct you to the color-coded viewing area indicated on your ticket.”

* Planning on arriving early to ensure you get a World of Color FASTPASS? You can park in the Pumba parking lot (on Disney Way), & beginning at 7am you may gather outside the California Adventure main entrance. Once the park is opened to the public, guest who have previously been lined up for FASTPASSES will be be walked into the park, & to the FASTPASS terminals, by a cast member. By the way, the World of Color FASTPASS won’t prevent you from obtaining other FASTPASSES!

* Another “cheaper” way to obtain reserved seating is to take advantage of the World of Color Picnic Meal with Reserved Viewing. Choose from an assortment of picnics — including American, Asian and Mediterranean-inspired meals — and selections just for little ones featuring favorites like string cheese and peanut butter and jelly. Each picnic meal includes a ticket to the World of Color Reserved Viewing section in Paradise Park. All Picnic meals are $14.99, and include dessert and choice of beverage. Children’s meals include a Souvenir World of Color light-up bracelet. You can pre-order your picnics online HERE, from one-30 days in advance. Same day & phone orders are not accepted, however picnic meals with tickets to the second showtime are available for walk-up purchase, subject to availability, at the Sonoma Terrace located at the Golden Vine Winery.

* You can also enjoy “dinner & a show” with the World of Color Dinner Packages with Preferred Viewing. Full-service, prix fixe dinners are available at Ariel’s Grotto ($36.99 for adults, $20.99 for children ages 3-9) or Wine Country Trattoria ($39.99 for adults, $20.99 for children ages 3-9), which includes tickets to a preferred viewing section at Paradise Park. Reservations are recommended & can be made by calling (714)781-3463.

* If you don’t want the possibility of getting wet, you’ll want to avoid the water’s edge.

* Similar to Fantasyland attractions & Mickey’s Toontown closing prior to fireworks, some attraction will close prior to the first World of Color show. That being said, you’ll want to make sure you’ve visited the Games of the Boardwalk, California Screamin’, the Golden Zephyr, King Triton’s Carousel, Jumpin’ Jellyfish, Maliboomer, Mickey’s Fun Wheel, Mulholland Madness, Silly Symphony Swings & Toy Story Mania earlier in the day.

* Whether you check out World of Color, or not, you definitely don’t want to miss Glow Fest, the “new summer street party that features live music, performers & interactive fun!” The Dance party begins at 6pm in Sunshine Plaza and at 8:30pm the party moves to the Hollywood Pictures Backlot and lasts until the park closes.

For a sneak peak at the latest (& definitely greatest) nighttime spectacular to grace the Disney Parks, & to check out some of the “behind the scenes action”, check out these videos…

xoxo, K
image via Angry Julie Monday

No compensation, of any kind, was received for this post. Although, Just Spotted were invited guests of Disney California Adventure, & were provided entrance passes to the VIP Premiere of the World of Color. However, we would have posted about the World of Color had we been invited to this grand party or not. In the end, the opinions represented here are 100% those of Just Spotted, and just for the record – The World of Color is going to rock your world.

by C & K in Disney Tips & Tricks, Things To Do in OC with 8 Comments
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03.09.2010 | Captain EO returns to Disneyland


It’s kind of funny if you think about it… Disneyland’s Tomorrowland, known for it’s futuristic glimpses at life, is now taking guests on a trip back in time. Recently, Disneyland celebrated the opening of it’s newest, old attraction. That’s right, Captian EO has returned to the Tomorrowland Magic Eye Theater.

I was lucky enough, along with fellow blogger Suz Broughton & several other hardcore fans who had been standing in line since 9pm the night before, to attend the first official viewing of Captain EO. & Let me tell you, it was just as good as I remembered, in fact, even better. Thanks to “renovations” made to the Magic Eye Theater when Honey, I Shrunk the Audience was playing on the big screen, Captain EO has a little surprise in store for movie-goers.

For those of you aren’t familiar with Captain EO, it is a “17-minute interactive film starring Michael Jackson as Captain EO on his quest to change the world. With show-stopping musical numbers written by Michael Jackson, and stunning effects orchestrated by executive producer George Lucas and director Francis For Coppola, Capatin EO is a sight and sound spectacular with an enduring message.” Basically, it is Star Wars meets cheesey classic 80′s music video. & Just because I think it’s interesting… Did you know that until Titanic was made, Captain EO was the most expensive movie (per minute) ever made?

For those of you who just can’t wait until your next Disney trip to see Captain EO, here’s the entire movie. Although, personally… I’d suggest you hold out until you can see it on the big screen.

xoxo, K

Disneyland provided an entrance passes for K. No compensation, of any kind, was received for this post & the opinions represented are 100% those of Just Spotted.

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02.14.2010 | Celebrate President’s Day at Disneyland!

Don’t forget to visit Disneyland’s most patriotic attraction for President’s Day if you are around the Magic Kingdom this holiday, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. We went on Friday and it was a great impromptu learning moment for the kids.
xoxo, C
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01.07.2010 | Give a Day, Get a Disney Day FREE with SaveOurBeach.org

I’m sure by now, you’ve probably heard of Disneyland’s FREE ticket offer… “Give a Day, Get a Disney Day.” Disney parks is hoping to inspire 1 million people to perform a day of volunteer service to a participating organization in their community during 2010, by giving them a FREE, one-day, one-theme park admission ticket to a Walt Disney World Resort or Dsineyland Resort theme park.

But did you know that one of our very favorite & very local, service organizations is one of the “participating organizations?” Yep! Yep! SaveOurBeach.org is one of the many local Orange County non-profits where you can volunteer your time & get a FREE one-day Disney Resort admission ticket. (You can search for other local, participating organizations HERE.) Honestly, I know it sounds too good to be true, but it is! Who would have thought that getting a FREE ticket to Disneyland would be so easy & so much fun? (All it takes is about 4 hours!)
 Ready to earn YOUR free tickets to Disneyland?  If you want to participate in the “Give a Day, Get a Disney Day” you must pre-register & sign-up  HERE (the easiest way to find the SaveOurBeach.org opportunities is to search “Animals & Environment” volunteer opportunities & check the box that says “show opprotunities that allow parents/ guardians to bring volunteers under the age of 18.) Once you’ve registered & selected your beach clean up date (which should be easy, they have several clean ups a month), all you have to do next, is pile the entire family into the car, & head over to Seal Beach. SaveOurBeach.org  thinks of everything (all day parking passes, garbage bags, gloves will be provided), so all YOU have to do is – show up & participate.

Tickets are limited to the first million people who participate, so you might wanted to get started on this, sooner rather than later. In order to take part in the free ticket offer, participants must be a least 6 years old & each person can only receive one ticket, which must be used by December 15th, 2010.
 
To find out more about SaveOurBeach.org or upcoming beach clean-up dates, go HERE.
 
xoxo, K

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01.05.2010 | 12 for Tuesday: Disney Treats & Eats to Crave

For me, part of the “Disney” experience is definitely the yummy treats. Rarely do I go & not get something to nibble on. Sometimes, only an entire meal can suffice me. Other times all I need is a little sugar fix. Here are some of my favorite Disney treats & eats, in no particular order…

1. Corn Dog from the Little Red Wagon on Main St.
2. The Dole Whip at the Tiki Juice Bar, outside the Tiki Room
3. Chicken Tenders from the Stage Door Cafe
4. Churro (have you tried the filled churros found in Downtown Disney?)
5. The famed Monte Cristo from either Cafe Orleans or the Blue Bayou
6. Beignets from Cafe Orleans (you can also pick some up from The Jazz Kitchen in Downtown Disney)
7. Turkey Leg
8. Funnel Cake from the Stage Door Cafe
9. Sonoma Chicken & Apple Salad from the Pacific Wharf Cafe in California Adventure
10. Candy Apples on Main St.
11. Big Thunder Ranch BBQ (come hungry, it’s all-you-can-eat)
12. Macaroon from the Blue Ribbon Bakery

So which of YOUR favorite Disney treats or eats did I leave off the list?

xoxo, K

by C & K in 12 for Tuesday, Disney Tips & Tricks, Eating Out with No Comments
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11.25.2009 | Believe in Holiday Magic Fireworks at Disneyland

We’ve already gushed & gushed about how incredibly fabulous Disneyland is this holiday season HERE. We talked about all the pretty lights, the amazing decorations & all of the incredible little touches… Disneyland really does think of everything. (If you view our Whrrl story HERE, you can see every last detail for yourself.) But, we haven’t even mentioned the latest firework show to light up Disneyland’s night sky – Believe in Holiday Magic. Straight from Disneyland’s website: “Revel in an awe-inspiring spectacular that paints the night sky with dazzling colors and artistry expressing the holiday spirit – set against the majestic beauty of Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle! Experience true magic as Disneyland Park twinkles & glow while snow gently falls in the unforgettable finale.”

C & I were able to experience this beautiful firework show this past weekend, when Disneyland played host to an amazing holiday experience at the Disneyland Resort. I literally felt the chills go up my back as I watched the beautiful display. & Did we mention the snow? The finale is absolutely perfection, complete with falling “snow.”

Want to experience the fireworks for yourself? Ready for a little “holiday spirit”? Then this is your lucky day… Mr. DAPs of DAPs Magic (the unofficial Disney Fan club) has made it possible for you to have front row seats for the “Believe in Holiday Magic” firework show, virtual front row seats that is.

xoxo, K
video courtesy of Mr. DAPs

by C & K in Disney Tips & Tricks with No Comments
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11.17.2009 | It’s Holiday Time at Disneyland

The holidays are coming to Disneyland, & I’m so excited, it’s my most, favorite time of year there…. it definitely is magical! The entire park is decorated with ornaments, lights, glistening snow & sparkling icicles. (Be sure to pay special attention to Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, I love how the snow “gathers on it” throughout the day! & As always, the Haunted Mansion & It’s a Small World are always incredible.) Besides all the decorations, there is also a special Christmas Parade & Fireworks show, as well as lots of other holidays-inspired activities & yummy treats (only available this time of year!) You definitely don’t want to miss all the fun, so mark your calendars…. Disneyland will be celebrating the holidays from now until January 3, 2010.

xoxo, K

p.s.  Want your very own sneak peek of all the Holiday Happenings at  Disneyland? View the Whrrl story documenting C & my recent Disneyland trip. (Yep! Yep! We are such Disney nerds, we braved the crowds, & headed out to view all the decorations, the very first day of the “holiday season” at Disneyland.)

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