We all know Disneyland Resort is the Happiest Place on Earth. But did you know that many people call the Mandara Spa the happiest spot inside the Happiest Place on Earth?

After a long day walking the parks and riding attractions, you might also want to check out Mandara Spa at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel. Like most of the magic at Disneyland Resort, it’s the little things at Mandara Spa that make all the difference. The greeters at the front desk are all smiles, and they’re happy to answer questions. The aromatherapy is soft and pleasant, adding to the relaxing atmosphere. Therapists utilize Balinese practices, massaging the left side of the body and then moving to the right to achieve optimal results.

Be sure to ask an attendant which treatment might be best for your sore spots. Attalia Alverdes, the new manager at Mandara, said the hot stone massage is very popular. The smoothly rounded stones are heated to just the right temperature to make knotted-up muscles give a big sigh of relief.

Facials also are very popular at Mandara and it offers a wonderful selection. To test it out, I chose the “Visibly Brilliant Facial.” The therapist suggested this one after we had chatted about how I wanted to feel when I went home: relaxed and hydrated. I also recommend the scalp treatment and the seaweed wrap massage. Next time, I want to try the “Thai Poultice Massage.”

One surprise was also one of my favorite things: The therapists are trained to wash a guest’s feet at the beginning of each treatment. It’s not just to soothe feet that may have taken 10,000 steps that day; it’s the theory that clean feet are necessary for the body to fully relax.

I thanked the staff profusely for their service, but I never got to give them the best compliment possible: When I got home that evening, I still felt like I was floating on a cloud and I enjoyed one of the most restful night’s sleep in a long while.

If you go: Mandara Spa is open seven days a week and you can make reservations by phone, 714-300-7350, or online at www.mandaraspa.com.

Tagged: DLR

Filed: Disneyland Resort, Hotels & Resorts

Lots of people visit Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks in the spring or summer, and they never see Disneyland Resort all decked out for the holidays. A new kind of magic happens this time of year that can take your breath away! Take it from our Disneyland rep on the Disney Moms Panel, Ari Krell: the parks feel like a different place during this special season.

Ari has been playing at Disneyland Resort since childhood, but this year was the first time he brought his family to visit for the holidays. He has a few tips to share if you’re visiting in the next few weeks.

Keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog for more updates on the holiday season at Disney Parks, and join the conversation on Twitter by using the hashtag #DisneyHolidays.

For more news on the holiday at the Disneyland Resort, check out the posts below:

• Y’All Come on Down to the Jingle Jangle Jamboree at Disneyland Park
• Cars Land Gets Gussied Up for the Holidays at Disney California Adventure Park
• The Halls are Decked for the Holidays on Buena Vista Street at Disney California Adventure Park

Tagged: DCA, DL, DLR, Holidays, Moms Panel, Video

Filed: Disney California Adventure Park, Disneyland Park, Disneyland Resort

Getting up close and personal with favorite characters is one of the best ways to enjoy a day at Disney California Adventure park. Something magical happens when you know a story in your head, and then that story leaps to life with classic Disney characters and Pixar pals. That princess from a storybook begins speaking to you in her enchanting voice. Or that wild guy Goofy is teaching you how to fly. Or maybe it’s Mater yukkin’ it up with you in Cars Land.

Have you been to visit Mater for the Holidays? He’s full of fun lines:

• I asked Santy Claus fer a new headlight! (Honk, Honk)
• I’m gonna be on yer holiday card … I just knowd it!
• Hey – do ya like my hat? I’m all dressed up for the holiday!!
• I met Santy Claus once. He needed a tow.

Today’s suggested itinerary is one in a series that invites you to explore Disney California Adventure park. With eight lands and more fun than ever, it’s a great place to play both day and night. Look for these characters the next time you visit.

• Greet Lightning McQueen and Mater at Cozy Cone Motel in Cars Land
• The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure
• “Minnie’s Fly Girls Charter Airline”
• Toy Story Mania!
• Pixar Play Parade
• Redwood Creek Challenge Trail with Russell and Dug from Disney•Pixar’s “Up”
• Turtle Talk with Crush at Disney Animation building
• The Beast’s Library, Sorcerer’s Workshop, at Disney Animation building
• Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
• Ariel’s Grotto Princess Character Dining

Is one of these your favorite character? Or, do you have one to add to this list?

Read these past posts from Michele for more fun ways to enjoy Disney California Adventure park:

• Eight Ways to Enjoy Disney California Adventure Park: Nature Lovers
• Eight Ways to Enjoy Disney California Adventure Park: A Thrill Seeker’s Adventure
• Eight Ways to Enjoy Disney California Adventure Park: Child’s Play

Tagged: DCA, DLR

Filed: Disney California Adventure Park, Disneyland Resort

Since the grand reopening of Disney California Adventure park, guests have discovered so many ways to enjoy all eight lands. To help you find the magic, we’ve shared a few specialized itineraries – for the thrill seeker, the fan of after-dark fun, show lovers and those seeking child’s play.

This is the fifth in our series about fun ways to explore Disney California Adventure park. Today’s list of “must-sees” is for guests who appreciate the beauty of nature and the careful planning that goes into the horticulture that spreads across the park.

This itinerary invites nature lovers to “branch out” and observe the tall pines around Grizzly Peak, the small cacti in Radiator Springs and many of the 450 new trees planted in Cars Land. The addition of trees throughout the park adds shade for more guest comfort, too.

Have fun finding these species at Disney California Adventure park:

• Golden State Winery Cork Oak at the Golden Vine Winery (Pacific Wharf)
• Grizzly Peak Pine Trees
• Ficus Auriculate – Roxburgh Fig (“a bug’s land”)
• Cars Land “Ironwood” Tree – Olneya Tesota
• Cars Land Claret Cup Cactus

Which are your favorite trees, plants or flowers?


Get more updates from Disney California Adventure park in the posts below:

• New Album Captures the Perfect Tone for Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge at Disney California Adventure Park
• Creating Holiday Traditions on Buena Vista Street at Disney California Adventure Park
• Every Role a Starring Role – Disneyland Resort Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Bellhop

Tagged: DCA, DLR

Filed: Disney California Adventure Park, Disneyland Resort

This is the fourth in our series about fun ways to enjoy Disney California Adventure park. With the park’s grand reopening this past June, there’s even more excitement day and night, from riding Radiator Springs Racers in Cars Land to rising high above Paradise Bay and reaching the top of Mickey’s Fun Wheel (the nighttime view is especially spectacular!)

With so much to do for guests of all ages, we came up with some specialized itineraries to help you explore the park. Today’s list is for guests who love thrills of all kinds: a speedy, smooth roller coaster that turns you upside down, a terrifying tower with unexpected drops down an elevator shaft, and a giant swing that sends you gliding over Paradise Bay.

This itinerary is a thrill seeker’s adventure.

• Radiator Springs Racers
• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
• California Screamin’
• Soarin’ Over California
• Silly Symphony Swings
• Goofy’s Sky School
• Grizzly River Run
• Mickey’s Fun Wheel

When was the last time you went flying, screaming, racing, spinning, free-falling and soarin’ at Disney California Adventure park – and what thrills did you choose?

Read these past posts from Michele for more fun ways to enjoy Disney California Adventure park:

• Eight Ways to Enjoy Disney California Adventure Park: Child’s Play
• Eight Ways to Enjoy Disney California Adventure Park: Show Time
• Eight Ways to Enjoy Disney California Adventure Park: After Dark

Tagged: DCA, DLR

Filed: Disney California Adventure Park, Disneyland Resort

With the first night of Mickey’s Halloween Party tonight, I turned to some Disneyland Resort experts for their planning tips. Amanda Ficili and Ari Krell are the Disneyland Resort representatives on the Disney Moms Panel, a forum where guests can get advice for planning their visits to Disney Parks and Resorts.

Both Amanda and Ari recommend purchasing your tickets early for Mickey’s Halloween Party, since these 11 nights are very popular. They also encourage guests to arrive early and take advantage of this ticket’s special bonus – three extra hours to play in Disneyland park before the party begins. And they agree: arrive early to avoid delays at the parking structure (many people are arriving at the same time).

What are some of your favorite things to do at Mickey’s Halloween Party?

Amanda: “I like to see all the spooktacular decorations in the daylight, so I don’t miss a single detail. One of our favorite photo locations is the giant Pumpkin in Town Square and we always try to arrive early enough to have PhotoPass snap a family photo here before the sun goes down. At night, we usually head over to the “hub” at about 9:00 to stake out a ‘Halloween Screams’ Fireworks viewing location in front of the castle.”

Ari: “One of my favorite pastimes is seeing how creative the guests are with their costumes. I am always impressed by the quality and creativity they put into these outfits. My family usually has a contest on how many princesses we will see, and that makes it more fun. If you’re wearing a costume, make sure you can wear it comfortably, especially the footwear. I vividly recall seeing many park guests walking barefoot because their costume shoes were not comfortable.”

Do you have any insights for first-timers at Mickey’s Halloween Party?

Amanda: “Keep your party wristband visible on your arm! This colorful band identifies you as a ticketed party guest during the event. If you’re coming later in the day, grab dinner early since many in-park dining locations will close early to prepare for the party. Or, arrive early and grab a bite at the Downtown Disney District.”

Ari: “Be realistic about how long your kids can play. We took our little girls on a night when they were 6 and 4. While they had a great time they were exhausted by 10 p.m. We were thrilled to have a room at the Disneyland Hotel that night. Not only was it the easiest place to get in our costumes – rather than driving to Disneyland park in full Buzz Lightyear regalia – it was also a short stroll back to our beds at the end of a lovely night. That was a lot happier than a long drive home.”

One, final spooky tip?

Amanda: “Be sure to grab a party map when you enter Disneyland park, but keep in mind there will be surprises not listed on it. You can use the map to locate Treat or Treat stops, dining options, dance parties, and even shops that offer Halloween-themed merchandise and goodies.

For Trick-or-Treating, no one is too old for candy at Disneyland. Mom, Dad, and the whole family can take advantage of the loot at Mickey’s Halloween Party. Be sure to ask for healthy treats, too, as each station has treats such as freeze dried apples and fresh fruit.”

Ari: “Mickey’s Halloween Party is a great time to capture precious one-of-a kind moments. Kids of all ages are dressed up and they’re posing with some of their favorite Disney characters, who are all decked out in Halloween costumes. Many of the best Disney villains have been known to make a special appearance during the party and they’re always ready to strike scary poses with you.”

Are you planning to celebrate Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort? See more of what to expect in the posts below:

• From Haunted Mansion to Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland Park
• Things You Might Not Know About Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort
• Magical Makeover for the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland Park

Tagged: DL, DLR, Halloween, Moms Panel

Filed: Disneyland Park, Disneyland Resort

If you want to explore all the new fun and attractions at Disney California Adventure park, plus see the nighttime spectaculars, plus enjoy the many great shows, plus visit your favorite places at Disneyland park, you’re going to need a few days to do everything.

When moms and dads try to cram too much into one day, they often end up with someone in the family turning into a version Grumpy. To avoid that famous dwarf’s demeanor, try slowing down a bit and seeing Disney California Adventure park from a child’s point of view. The attractions and shows designed for wee ones often put a smile on the face of parents and grandparents, too.

Today’s suggested itinerary invites you to enjoy the experiences that are fun for all ages, whether it’s floating on air in a giant tire, shrinking to the size of a bug or learning to draw a Disney character with a Disney sketch artist.

• Luigi’s Flying Tires (new at Cars Land)
• Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree (new at Cars Land)
• “Instant Concert … Just Add Water,” daytime fountain show led by Maestro Goofy (new at Paradise Bay)
• Heimlich’s Chew Chew Train (“a bug’s land”)
• Flik’s Flyers (“a bug’s land”)
• King Triton’s Carousel (Boardwalk at Paradise Pier)
• Golden Zephyr (Paradise Pier)
• Games of the Boardwalk featuring beloved Disney characters (Paradise Pier)
• Toy Story Mania! (Paradise Pier)
• “Dancin’ with Disney” (new at Stage 17)
• Turtle Talk with Crush (Disney Animation, in Hollywood Land)
• Character Close-Up* (Disney Animation, in Hollywood Land)

*Be sure to take this character sketching class, offered throughout the day at Disney Animation in Hollywood Land. While you’re there, don’t miss the Toy Story Zoetrope – a unique, interactive tribute to the art of animation.

If you enjoyed this day’s itinerary and then had a second day at Disney California Adventure park, what would you do?

Tagged: DCA, DLR

Filed: Disney California Adventure Park, Disneyland Resort