Blog Posts Categorized Disneyland

Dining Review: Great Maple at Pixar Place Hotel – A Surprising Standout at the Disneyland Resort

9/16/2025 • Blog, Disneyland, Reviews • As a frequent visitor to the Disneyland Resort, I’ve had the chance to dine at nearly every location across the property, from character breakfasts and seasonal experiences to signature dining and everything in between. I have to say, during my most recent visit, Great Maple at Pixar Place Hotel truly surprised me…in the best way possible. Located inside the newly reimagined Pixar Place Hotel, Great Maple is a stylish and modern American eatery that strikes just the right balance between comfort food and culinary creativity. It's a convenient stop for guests staying at any of Disneyland's three resort properties or […]

Limited-Time Magic: Celebrating Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary

8/22/2025 • Blog, Disneyland, Holidays & Events • I’ve just returned from a truly magical visit to the Disneyland Resort in California, where I was honored to experience the official kickoff of the park’s 70th anniversary celebration! On July 17, 2025, Disneyland Park marked seven incredible decades of welcoming guests of all ages into a world of wonder, imagination, and joy. The celebration kicked off in unforgettable Disney fashion with Bob Iger, Josh D’Amaro, and a beloved cast of Disney characters welcoming guests into the park. Disney Legend Bob Gurr and Disney artist and historian Stacia Martin were also on hand greeting fans and even leading a special […]

🚀 How to Max Out Your Score on Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters at Disneyland!

8/12/2025 • Blog, Disneyland • "To Infinity and Beyond!" That’s not just Buzz Lightyear’s catchphrase — it should be your score strategy on one of Disneyland’s most fun rides: Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters! If you’re anything like me, you LOVE some “friendly” competition on a Disney Ride, but whether you're a casual space ranger or an elite Galactic Hero, here's how you can maximize your score and impress Emperor Zurg himself. 🎯 What Is Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters? Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters is a slow-moving interactive dark ride where you fire laser blasters at targets shaped like "Zs" to stop Zurg and rack up points. […]

Resort Spotlight: Pixar Place Hotel

7/1/2025 • Blog, Disneyland • Once you arrive at the Disneyland Resort, there is no denying the magic that awaits you in the parks, but what’s even better than visiting the magic? Why staying in the magic, of course! My favorite Disneyland Resort hotel is the newly renovated Pixar Place Hotel. Located just outside of the Downtown Disney District, Pixar Place Hotel has so much to offer! Rooms Newly renovated rooms are beautifully themed in the Pixar animation style! You’ll notice subtle nods to some of your favorite characters from your favorite Pixar movies from the moment you step inside. Inside each room you’ll notice […]

Lamplight Lounge – Waterview Dining at Pixar Pier

6/17/2025 • Blog, Disneyland • If you’re craving a whimsical and relaxed sit-down dining experience at Disney California Adventure, look no further than Lamplight Lounge. Nestled just beyond the bridge to Pixar Pier, this vibrant, story-filled restaurant brings Pixar’s creative energy to life with delicious California-inspired cuisine and stunning waterfront views. At first glance, the entrance to Lamplight Lounge may seem understated—almost easy to miss. But don’t be fooled. Your reservation leads you down a dramatic spiral staircase, beneath a spectacular chandelier adorned with Pixar sketches. Before you descend, take a moment to appreciate the Pixar lamp mosaic beneath your feet and the imaginative artwork […]

Resort Spotlight: Disneyland Hotel

6/3/2025 • Blog, Disneyland • If you are looking for a magical room at Disneyland for your next resort stay, then look no further than the Disneyland Hotel. With nostalgic flair and touches of pixie dust inside your room and throughout the resort, this hotel pays tribute to the classic years of Disneyland while providing modern, state-of-the-art amenities that guests will want to return to trip after trip. Rooms Disneyland offers multiple styles of room for all sizes of families. In the Frontier, Fantasy, and Adventure Towers, rooms feature 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds or 2 Queen Beds and 1 Day Bed with […]

The Magic of a Mom and Me, Dad and Me, or a Grandparent and Me Vacation

5/13/2025 • Blog, Cruises, Disneyland, Holidays & Events, Universal Studios Orlando, Walt Disney World • For so many of us, the best memories with our families aren’t necessarily grandiose presents or huge events but the small moments, the shared laughs, and the quiet talks we didn’t even plan. There’s something truly wonderful about those one-on-one moments, especially when that time is spent somewhere as magical as a Disney Park. A dedicated “Mom and Me” or “Dad and Me” or even a "Grandparent and Me" vacation to Disney isn’t just a getaway; it’s a way to strengthen your bond and create memories you will both cherish for years. Whether celebrating a birthday, a school milestone, or […]

Magic Band 101: What Are They? How Do You Use Them?

2/18/2025 • Blog, Disneyland, Tips, Walt Disney World • If you’re planning a trip to Disney destinations, you’ve likely heard the term “MagicBand.” These colorful, wearable devices are more than just a fashionable accessory—they’re your key to unlocking magic throughout the parks and resorts. But what exactly are they, and how do you use them? Let’s break it down! What Is a MagicBand? A MagicBand is a waterproof, lightweight wristband equipped with RFID technology that allows you to link your Disney vacation plans directly to the band. Available in a variety of colors and designs, MagicBands are both functional and customizable, letting you express your Disney style while simplifying […]

Pixar Fest at Disneyland!

6/25/2024 • Blog, Disneyland • Disneyland is known for being the original family theme park- for classic characters and attractions that we all know and love. Disneyland’s Pixar Fest is a new, in-park experience with some of the more recent characters you love in the most magical of settings- Disneyland Park and Disney’s California Adventure. From now until August 4, you can catch your favorite Pixar characters at several specially themed events daily. In Disney’s California Adventure, make sure you catch the daily parade, “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!” in Pixar Pier with Pixar-themed floats, songs, and characters. From UP, to Luca, to Inside […]

Transforming Disneyland’s Paradise Pier Hotel into Pixar Place Hotel

10/3/2023 • Blog, Disneyland • So many great things are happening during the current floor to ceiling refurbishment at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, and I can't wait to see the final product of Pixar Place come to life. The most notable change will be the new name, from Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel to Pixar Place Hotel. This hotel has undergone several name changes and transformations since originally opening in 1984, but the current theme, Paradise Pier, has been around for a little over 20 years now, so this is definitely a welcomed change. During a recent stay, I was literally seeing these changes happening before […]