It’s a beautiful afternoon here in Carthay Circle at Disney California Adventure park. This is the kind of day when I like to grab a cup of coffee from Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Cafe, take a seat on the fountain in the middle of Carthay Circle, and watch people walk by. It’s a great spot for people-watching, because no matter where you are going at Disney California Adventure park, it seems all roads eventually lead through Carthay Circle.

What is your favorite people-watching spot at the Disneyland Resort? Let me know in the comments!

Tagged: DCA, DLR

Filed: Disney California Adventure Park, Disneyland Resort

Earlier this week, legendary singer-songwriter Rod Stewart brought his family to the Disneyland Resort to celebrate his son Aiden’s second birthday. We caught up with the Stewart family in Disney California Adventure park where Goofy stopped by for a photo aboard the Red Car Trolley. Rod, one of rock’s style icons, let Goofy know how much he liked his suit and it was obvious that the birthday boy immediately recognized him from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on Disney Junior – the two even danced a little jig while singing the show’s catchy theme song – hot dog!

Rod is a huge model railroad enthusiast, and before he and Aiden disembarked the Red Car Trolley, they couldn’t resist blowing the whistle of car 623. All aboard for a special rockin’ birthday memory!

Tagged: DCA, DLR

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

We recently had the delightful job of scouting the best burgers at the Disneyland Resort. These days, a burger isn’t just a burger. Toppings like fresh grilled pineapple, avocado, pastrami and fried organic eggs take these hot sandwiches to the next level.

One of our favorites was the Hawaiian cheeseburger at Tangaroa Terrace ― Casual Island Dining at the Disneyland Hotel, a third-pounder of Angus beef with freshly grilled pineapple, Havarti cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato and a drizzle of sweet teriyaki sauce on a multigrain bun. (And we didn’t mind the crisp, hot sweet potato fries that came with it, or you can also behave and order papaya slaw).

Next door at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, Disney’s PCH Grill offered up a La Mesa Southwest Burger with pepper jack cheese, roasted Anaheim chilies, a big onion ring and a slather of barbecue sauce on a pretzel roll. Spicy, salty, sweet – every bite is a new taste.

At Disney California Adventure park, it’s a toss-up: the hearty new version of an Angus beef chili burger at Taste Pilots’ Grill or the decadent Kobe beef cheek sliders with horseradish sour cream, red bell pepper marmalade and crispy onions at Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge. You’ll need a knife and fork to tackle the chili burger – and a pile of napkins.

A favorite that’s been on the menu for a while in Disneyland park is the substantial Angus Pastrami Cheeseburger at Village Haus Restaurant, with Swiss cheese, caramelized onions and mild, creamy horseradish sauce. Consider sharing this one.

At the Downtown Disney District, we always plan lunch at Uva Bar so we can see what the chef’s featured burger is – but we generally end up with the Uva Burger, a burger topped with aged white cheddar, “secret sauce,” shredded lettuce, tomatoes and pickles. You don’t have to, but we always ask for the fried organic egg to top it off.

And La Brea Bakery Café offers the classic California burger with Angus beef, applewood smoked bacon, red onions, butter lettuce, tomatoes, white cheddar and Russian dressing. Worth a trip to the Downtown Disney District.

Describe your favorite burger at the Disneyland Resort in the comments!


Read more about dining at the Disneyland Resort in the posts below:

• Eight Ways to Enjoy Disney California Adventure Park: The Flavors
• Maurice’s Treats Coming to Fantasy Faire at Disneyland Park
• Make Your Own S’mores Bake at Home with this Disneyland Park Recipe

Tagged: DCA, Dining, DL, DLR, Downtown Disney

Filed: Disney Dining, Disneyland Resort

I’m sure that most of you can tell by my posts on the Disney Parks Blog how much I love events and most of all how much I love sharing those details with all of you! That’s why I’m even more excited to announce that I’ll be doing a post or two each month that will give you a snapshot of what’s coming your way in the world of events, product launches, artist signings and more. So start planning your visits now to our many Disney Parks.

Let’s get started. This first look will give you a rundown of everything happening in the world of events during the month of March at the Disneyland Resort. For those of you planning a trip to the Walt Disney World Resort, look for details on those events and more early next week.

March 2 – 3: Crowded Teeth artist, Michelle Romo, will appear at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District from 1-4 p.m. each day. Not able to make it on this weekend? Look for her to appear again on March 31.

March 2 – 3: Dave Avanzino is back with his Custom Letter Plaque Program which allows you to create your name out of attractions and icons. Also debuting is his Peter Pan-inspired limited edition piece, “The Last Thing I Do.” Look for him at The Disney Gallery in Disneyland park from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. each day.

March 2 – 3: Artist William Silvers will be on hand from 1-5 p.m. at Off the Page inside Disney California Adventure park for a special ACME Archives Sericel Event featuring some of his newest hand-painted sericels including “Bambi’s New Friend,” “Enchanted Rose” and “Afternoon Matinee.”

March 9 – I can’t tell you about this one yet … Look for an announcement on the Disney Parks Blog on March 1.

March 15: Disney Trading Night! Need I say more? Whether you have been before or this is your first time, stop by and check it out, we’ll be there from 5-8 p.m. in the Pacific Ballroom at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel.

March 15 – 17: Now’s your chance to meet artist Katie Kelly who will be appearing at the Disneyana Shop in Disneyland park from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. each day. Be sure to check out her newest releases including “Once Upon A Dream” and “Let Conscience Be Your Guide.”

March 16 - Take part in a special trunk show at Elias & Co. in Disney California Adventure park, where representatives from brands such as Disney Couture, Ezekiel, HARVEYS and TARINA TARANTINO, among others, will be on hand from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. to showcase some of their newest releases.

March 16: Artist Martin Hsu will be available for a signing of his “Maleficent Wish” pieces at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District from 3-5 p.m.

March 23: Jeremiah Ketner is returning to WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District from 3–5 p.m. to sign his newest piece inspired by the animated film, “Tangled,” as well as his previous releases, “Gentle Companions” and “Dreaming of Happiness.”

March 29 – 30: Visit D Street in the Downtown Disney District. It’s the place to be and where you’ll find ACME Archives artist Guy Vasilovich from 1–5 p.m. each day.

March 29 – 31: Linda Rick and the Precious Moments Dolls will returning for a special appearance at China Closet on Main Street, U.S.A., at Disneyland park from Noon – 10 p.m. each day, showcasing some of her most popular releases as well as new additions themed to “Tangled.”

March Artist in Residence: Joey Chou is the featured artist at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District. See Joey each Friday and Saturday from 5-9 p.m.

All of the details will be on www.ArtofDisneyParks.com, so be sure to check it out when you have time. I hope you find this new event snapshot helpful. Pick your favorite events and come on down – we hope to see you there!

Tagged: Art of Disney, DCA, DL, DLR, Downtown Disney

Filed: Art of Disney, Disneyland Resort

If you’re – like me – counting down the days until “Oz The Great and Powerful” opens in theaters March 8, I’ve got exciting news for you. From February 16-March 31, Disney California Adventure park guests can experience a special sneak peek of Disney’s new fantastical adventure as part of “Limited Time Magic.” Throughout the day at the Muppet*Vision 3D theater, guests will have the opportunity to see an Exclusive 4D Sneak Peek of the film.

And don’t forget – you can experience these “Limited Time Magic” offerings and more at the Disneyland Resort for less with our special limited-time ticket offer.

Tagged: DCA, DLR, Limited Time Magic

Filed: Disney California Adventure Park, Disneyland Resort

The Creative Entertainment team has been hard at work, getting the latest version of Disney Junior – Live on Stage! ready for its debut at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This update to the popular show, features new segments with Disney Junior hits “Doc McStuffins” and “Sofia the First,” along with returning stories from “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” and “Jake and the Never Land Pirates.”

“Children will adore seeing their newest friends from Disney Junior onstage in our show,” said Elissa Hogan, Creative Director for Disney Junior – Live on Stage! “We really bring those characters to life. There’s great music. There are great stories, and there are adventures children really get to be a part of.”

The new Disney Junior – Live on Stage! opens this Friday, February 15, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and comes to Disney California Adventure park March 22.

Tagged: DCA, DHS, WDW

Filed: Disney's Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney World Resort

In a tribute to True Love Week, we’re showcasing 13 romantic places at the Disneyland Resort, hoping you’ll discover them this week for a special date, and enjoy them all year long. Some are classics and some may surprise you.

At Disney California Adventure park:

1. Two seats in the balcony of Hyperion Theatre: Great for holding hands and watching “Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular,” starring Jasmine and Prince Ali.
2. A booth at Flo’s V8 Café: Arrive just before dusk and watch the fun on Radiator Springs Racers as you sip a soda, with two straws.
3. Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge: A terrace table overlooking Buena Vista Street at dusk captures the romance of a bygone era, a perfect match for a delicious meal with wine pairings.
4. “World of Color”: Many a kiss has occurred during the “Love” sequence of this nighttime water show on Paradise Bay. The sequence features some of Disney’s romantic film couples.

At Disneyland park:

5. Sleeping Beauty Castle: Day in and day out, this one of the most popular places for a future groom to drop to one knee and ask for the hand of his fair princess.
6. Hungry Bear Restaurant: A table by the water offers a quiet spot for an important question or a sweetheart photo.
7. Blue Bayou: Be sure to reserve your table early at this popular restaurant inside Pirates of the Caribbean, and speak with a manager to assist in coordinating a special moment or table-service dinner proposal. (Cast members are a great resource at any of the Disneyland Resort table service restaurants.)
8. Snow White Grotto (next to Sleeping Beauty Castle): Making a wish is a romantic notion, and it’s even dreamier at this special wishing well.
9. Mark Twain Riverboat: How could your true love resist a nighttime ride on a riverboat, with twinkling lights, the splash of a paddle wheel, and a view that stretches across Frontierland and New Orleans Square?
10. Court des Anges, New Orleans Square: One of the most beautiful places at the Disneyland Resort, the “Court of Angels” is a secluded courtyard with a winding staircase – an ideal spot for photos.

At Disneyland Resort hotels:

11. Napa Rose patio: Dinner at Napa Rose can be romantic from any seat. Grab two spots around the firepit, on the patio just outside the lobby, and enjoy appetizers with a glass of wine on a starry evening.
12. Fairy Tale Suite at the Disneyland Hotel: The décor and magical touches, fit for royalty, are a dream come true for your special occasion.
13. Disneyland Hotel Rose Court Garden: Often the site of weddings, the garden is also alluring for a romantic stroll, with more than 800 lovely rose bushes.

What’s your favorite romantic place at Disneyland Resort?

Tagged: DCA, Dining, DL, DLR

Filed: Disney California Adventure Park, Disney Dining, Disneyland Park, Disneyland Resort, Hotels & Resorts