I always enjoy going to Disneyland in Anaheim because Walt walked in this park and spent countless hours examining each crevice and nook in the place, enjoying what he had done and always thinking how to add on or change this place of magic.
For those who have never gone, I encourage you to do so if ever in the area. Yes, it is much smaller than Walt Disney World, but very personable and unique. Some of the rides are the same as in Florida, but they have many special to California. California Adventure is directly across the way from Disneyland and has it's own feel. A ride or two are taken from Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. The World of Color, a spectacular water, and light show is part of their summer lineup, with projections from some popular Disney movies. But it is a hot ticket, so one must try to get a fastpass at Grizzly Falls or dine in the park to obtain reserved viewing for the show. There is also a boxed picnic lunch available that will also get you a reserved spot.
My husband and I had gone out to California for the Disneyana Convention, which has also been known as the NFFC for the past 25 years. Between the seminars, we visited the parks and were able to help Disneyland celebrate their 55th Anniversary. This was a special one since Disneyland opened in 1955. We were able to obtain some special merchandise and witness the rededication on July 17th.
This time of year is hot, humid and very busy at the parks, perfect weather for ice cream, if you can eat fast enough before it becomes a puddle at your feet.
The convention always ends with a show'n sale of disney everything! Author signings, pins, items from Toyko, albums, stuffed characters, cels, buttons, clothing, posters, tickets, vinyls you name it! Now to ship my treasures home.
After leaving the show'n sale early, I joined three friends on a journey to San Francisco to visit the Walt Disney Family Museum, which I found very well done and full of history on the man who started it all, his family and the legacy he created. Three hours was not enough for me, but I will return. We also visited Fentons which is the ice cream place in the end of the movie "UP". They also serve food as well and we were not disappointed. We stopped at Pixar at the security gate just to see something there. We then proceeded to the Silverado Winery in Napa were we tasted wonderful wine and took in the beautiful view. Also on our visit we checked out the Golden Gate Bridge and stayed at the Cypress Inn which is owned by Doris Day. It is always nice to spend some time with the girls.
So again, to those of you visiting California, I would recommend for that Disney fix to go and visit Disneyland, California Adventure, The Walt Disney Family Museum, Fentons Ice Cream, Silverado Winery and good luck with seeing any of Pixar.

June Disney World Trip

My family & I just returned from a wonderful trip to Disney World. It was the first time our family had been together at Disney in 7 years. Someone always had school or other schedules to keep, so this trip was very special. We stayed in a 2 bedroom at Bay Lake Towers. What a wonderful place to stay! We could look off our balacony and view the fireworks from Epcot and watch the Water Pageant Parade twice! If we walked down the hall and across, we could view the fireworks from the Magic Kingdom. Also, the fireworks could be viewed from the walkway between the Contemporary and Bay Lake or on top by Vacation Club members on the 16th floor. The view we had of Bay Lake was beautiful and the pool was loved by all.
We had family time as well as time to ourselves. The children are 20 and 21, so they could venture on their own. This marked my 47th time at Disney World. Not bad for living in Wisconsin.
The Electrical Parade has returned in the Magic Kingdom for the summer which was great to see and relive fond memories.
We were saddened to hear Toontown will be coming down, making room for the expansion of Fantasyland. Hopefully they take Mickey's house and place it back when construction is complete. While we were there it still was open and they were making a new home for Mickey near or in the Exhibition Hall.
Stars Wars Weekend was fun and very busy. I felt sorry for the wookie because the weather was hot and humid. With the heat index right after we left it reached 102 degrees!
Next month I will be traveling to Disneyland for a convention and checking out the new World of Color which is being presented for the summer.

"Ears" to planning your magical vacation today!

Welcome to the magical world of Disney vacations. My name is Shirley and I would love to assist you in planning your next Disney experience. My passion for Disney has been present throughout my entire life from the Mickey Mouse Club to infinity and beyond. My early memories are prancing through my families living room pretending I was a mousketeer. Throughout my life Disney has played a major part in creating memorable moments, especially with my children. There has not been a time in their lives that they have not known about the Disney magic. My love of Disney has lead me to help others in creating their memorable Disney moments.

I have experienced Disney Cruise Lines, Adventures by Disney, visiting Disneyland and Walt Disney World many, many times along with a visit to Disneyland in Tokyo. I have the experience and knowledge to assist anyone in planning their Disney vacation.

• What is the difference between Disneyland and Walt Disney World?
• What time of the year should you visit?
• Where should I stay?
• What rides can my 3-yr. old be able to partake in?
• What character meals will the Princesses be at?
• Where do Disney Cruise Lines go?
• What adventures are available?

I am an authorized Disney vacation planner and there are NO EXTRA FEES for my services.

What I Can Do For You?

I can arrange flights, hotel accommodations, dining, and theme park tickets. Also, I can arrange for recreational fun such as golf and fishing. Segway tours at Epcot and Fort Wilderness Campground can also be booked.

When there are Disney specials on dining and hotel accommodations, I can make sure you have the best deal possible even if you have already booked.