D23 Gold and Gold Family members are getting a special treat in honor of D23’s 10th anniversary next month, as the official Disney fan club has just revealed they are hosting an elegant evening reception at the Walt Disney Studios on March 10th.
The event will be held at the famed Legends Plaza, where fans will get a chance to meet some of their favorite Disney legends and honored guests that have made an impact during D23’s 10 year run. The event will also be home to a wide selection of food and beverage that Walt Disney would have enjoyed. Walt’s famous chili has also been revealed to be part of the menu.
The night will continue to dazzle with the Walt Disney Archives, who will be on site with a rare display of some fan favorite items and hidden treasures from deep inside the Disney Vault. All guests will get plenty of photo opportunities, including a special curated window exhibit celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland in addition to the 90th birthday celebration of Mickey Mouse.
All attending guests will receive an exclusive gift created for the event as well as a commemorative “D23 10-Year FAN-iversary Celebration” event credential. The event will begin at 5 p.m. at The Walt Disney Studios and will last until approximately 8 p.m. Security will open The Walt Disney Studios at 4 p.m., and check-in will begin approximately 30 minutes before the start of the event.
Tickets go on sale for the event on February 7th at 10AM PST. This event will sale out quickly, so mark your calendars!
With another Super Bowl now in the books, let’s review an instant replay and take a closer look at the real winner of last night’s epic sport spectacle, The Walt Disney Studios. Disney brought their A-Game, releasing three major TV spots yesterday featuring the highly anticipated releases of Marvel Studio’s Captain Marveland Avengers: Endgame. Pixar joined the ranks in special teams, bringing a brand new TV spot for Toy Story 4. For those who missed the big game, we have you covered. Take a look at all three of the exciting clips below!
Captain Marvel
Avengers: Endgame
Toy Story 4
Each trailer gives a slight tease, providing some big game reveals including Bo Peep’s first official appearance in the film as well as Captain America strapping up with his trusty shield that was left behind at the end of Captain America: Civil War. With 2019 filled with so many blockbuster heavyweights, Disney is pulling out all the stops in getting fans fueled up and ready for what’s coming. Stay tuned for more details as they come!
Grab your extra life and garlic bread, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is returning to the iconic Frida Cinema in Santa Ana later this month. The 2010 cult classic is part of the Frida’s diverse run of throwback screenings slated for February and will have a special limited run leading into March. This will be the theater’s first run of the film since 2017’s fan favorite event, The Scott Pilgrim Picture Show.
For those who aren’t familiar with the Frida Cinema, it’s Orange County’s premiere non-profit movie house and theatre venue. Founded in 2014, the venue focuses on year round entertainment offerings that range from live concert events, diverse cultural experiences, as well as a wide array of film screenings that cover classic cinema, independent film, blockbuster classics, anime, and avant-garde film.
Tickets are now available for Scott Pilgrim, which include showings on February 28th and March 1st. The film is joined by a heavy hitting list of films that include A Clockwork Orange, Jim Henson’s Labyrinth, as well as the 40th Anniversary of Ridley Scott’s Alien.
You can see the Frida’s entire February calendar of events by clicking here!
Mickey and Minnie’s “Get Your Ears On” Celebration is now in full swing at the Disneyland Resort and with all the fun little additions sprinkled throughout the parks, it was about time I ventured in to experience all it has to offer. From countless food options, to unique decorations and merchandise offerings, there’s really so much to see, taste, and experience.
Right when you enter the gates of the Magic Kingdom, you are tossed into red, yellow, and polka dotted euphoria. The entire park is turned over in bright banners, flags, and pennants, each reminding you where it all started: Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Despite the celebration being focused on the adoring Disney duo, the entire gang gets to take part. It was really exciting and surprising to find that Donald, Goofy, Pluto, and Daisy were not left out of the fun and instead take the parks by storm in their own special way. Take a look at some of the amazing sights below, each highlighting the brilliant decorations now on display for all to see who venture into the resort.
Mickey and Minnie flags can be found throughout the park, including City Hall, Main Street Station, and across the entire street side of Main Street!One of the most exciting things to find out was that the entire gang is being included in celebrating the new Mickey and Minnie event!It’s a complete, simple, and stunning takeover.
The decorations really put you in a wonderful mood, but prepare your wallet, as there are a ton of limited items ready for the taking that await you in both parks. Merchandise is everywhere and has been tailored to make sure nobody is left out. Kids of all ages have plenty of shirts, toys, commemorative nick knacks, and other surprises waiting for them in every store. World of Disney being the leader, throwing in a huge wall display dedicated to the celebration.
Some classic collectibles are making a comeback, including the quick selling Mickey Mouse Sipper. Since the celebration has begun, food service locations and quick service carts are stocking up in droves to ensure that everyone has their chance to bring the special cup home. Good news for all those who weren’t able to make it to Mickey’s 90th birthday party this past November! Though, my personal favorite from the line of “Get Your Ears” merchandise is the new Tsum Tsum collection. Every character has their own birthday outfit and party favor. You can see the full line of exclusive items by clicking here!
If that isn’t enough to make you dip into your savings, wait until you see the full array of limited food items currently available resort wide. Mickey food is everywhere, from giant triple Mickey burgers, to specialty sweets and drinks. My goal is to taste and savor the entire menu over the course of the celebration. Starting out, I had the chance to check out both a sweet and savory item, starting in Toontown and wrapping up in New Orleans Square.
The adventure started out with these Mickey and Minnie chocolate chip cupcakes, each featuring decorative sweets that are perfect for that sweet tooth in your squad.Later on, I discovered the incredibly tasty Mickey Beignet sandwich plate from Cafe Orleans. It takes the best of both worlds and brings the sweet and savory of buffalo chicken and baked beignets together in a heavenly meal that is perfect to share!
There’s a lot more to taste, so make sure to venture out and find your favorites. There’s even a vegan offering on the menu! Stay tuned, as we will definitely be sharing more foodie post as the celebration continues onward into the spring! Share your foodie finds by tagging us at @socalthrills and using the special hashtag #GetYourEarsOn. Some items look almost to amazing to eat, including this very festive Mickey Mouse cake pop!
This Mickey Mouse cake pop is a bit hit on social media, being one of the most Instagramable food items of the event so far!
Whatever you do in the parks, make sure to give a big welcome back to Mickey’s Soundsational Parade. The fan favorite is back with a brand new beat, featuring two new float additions that have been made exclusively for “Get Your Ears On”. The first float features Chip and Dale and a giant celebratory birthday cake. They are followed shortly after by Goofy and Mickey’s giant toy drum. You can catch the new version of this Disney classic by watching the video below!
Soundsational isn’t alone though. Mickey’s Mix Magic has debuted at Disneyland Park, bringing in a brand new musical experience that features the music and sounds of Disney favorites with a special mouse-eared flair. It’s a stunning show that happens nightly, taking advantage of Disney’s new projection technology. Though, if you want to get the best view, I highly recommend dropping by It’s a Small World. It’s your best chance to see the entire series of projections and dazzling fireworks in full, mesmerizing color!
“Mickey’s Mix Magic” lights up the night at Disneyland Park with a new high-energy projection show celebrating the one and only Mickey Mouse. The nightly extravaganza creates a family-fun dance party throughout the park with “DJ” Mickey spinning the new celebration song, “It’s a Good Time” along with new, fun takes on favorite Disney songs. On select nights, “Mickey’s Mix Magic” is enhanced with the addition of fireworks. Disneyland Resort is located in Anaheim, Calif. (Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort)
“Get Your Ears On” will be taking the parks by storm until May, so don’t miss your chance to be part of the fun. It’s been a fantastic experience so far and is only going to get better as we draw closer to the summer. In the meantime, keep your eyes peeled for more, as we have a special Disney Diaries surprise coming soon. See you in the parks!
As Disneynature celebrates 10 years since its first feature-film debut, its newest conservation intitiative—this one tied to the upcoming big-screen adventure “Penguins”—was revealed today. For every ticket sold opening week (April 17-23, 2019), Disneynature will make a donation to the Wildlife Conservation Network (WCN) to help protect penguins across the southern hemisphere.
Founded in 2002, WCN invests in a select network of on-the-ground conservationists, including top experts in the field of penguins like the Global Penguin Society (GPS). The worldwide leader in science-based penguin conservation, GPS champions specific programs that align with Disneynature’s conservation mission. “For example, one of our aims is to track different species of penguins’ movements across four continents in the southern seas,” said GPS founder and president Dr. Pablo Borboroglu. “Penguins swim thousands of kilometers to migrate and look for food. What they encounter during their journeys determines their survival, affects the viability of their species and informs science and conservation action. We are also dedicated to cleaning plastics from the beaches, breeding areas and seas impacting penguin populations. Campaigns to clean up beaches around penguin colonies along selected coastal sectors will help secure a healthy and safe habitat for penguins.”
“Disneynature has an amazing platform,” said Charles Knowles, president and co-founder of WCN. “They’re able to reach a global audience in a way that we can hardly fathom. They are uniquely positioned to tell the real story of penguins and the challenges they face. By teaming up with Disneynature—which is so strongly aligned with our own mission—we are able to uniquely communicate about the species we care so much about.”
“Antarctica is one of the few areas in the world that most people will never have an opportunity to see firsthand,” said Roy Conli, one of the producers of “Penguins.” “It’s one of the most remote and harshest environments on Earth—but its stark beauty is breathtaking. Cultivating an understanding and appreciation of the area, the surrounding oceans and the animals who live there is essential to the future of our planet. That’s one of the reasons I love sharing the story of Steve—a penguin who’s working so hard to thrive in this world, and doing his part for the next generation.”
To capture the stunning footage for “Penguins,” a team of the best polar experts in the world traveled to four different locations over the course of three years for a total of nearly 900 camera days. Temperatures dropped below -40 degrees on several occasions and winds twice topped 150 mph while filmmakers were on location. Their efforts resulted in the extraordinary story of Steve who promises to charm audiences worldwide. “It’s so fun to watch Steve compete with all the other penguins to set up his nest and win his mate,” said Conli. “It’s hard not to relate to this guy.”
“Penguins” will be the first-ever Disneynature film released in IMAX®. The film will be digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of the IMAX EXPERIENCE® with proprietary IMAX DMR® (Digital Re-Mastering) technology.
Put on your Sunday clothes and head out to the theater! Hello, Dolly is dancing across the stage of Segerstrom Center for the Arts until January 27, then parades to the Hollywood Pantages Theater from January 29 to February 17. Hello, Dolly! is a feel-good farcical comedy about the meddling self-made socialite, matchmaker, dance instructor, and anything else you need her to be, Dolly Gallagher Levi. We begin with Dolly in the process of assisting artist Ambrose Kemper with getting to marry the love of his life, Ermengarde Vandergelder, the niece of Yonkers half-a-millionaire feed shop owner Horace Vandergelder. Dolly, a widow, soon reveals that she is in pursuit of marrying Horace herself, despite having just set him up with Yonkers milliner and fellow-widow Irene Malloy. Cornelius Hackl and Barnaby Tucker, Mr. Vandergelder’s overworked and underpaid employees, decide that since he will be out of town on business, they will sneak out and spend the day in New York themselves. Upon arriving in New York, Cornelius and Barnaby meet Irene Malloy and her apprentice, Minnie Fay. The pairs instant attraction to, unbeknownst to them, their boss’ fiancé quickly sets off the ridiculous farce that allows true love to fall into place for everyone.
This performance was originally set to Star the famous Betty Buckley, but due to illness, she was unable to perform this leg. Her understudy, Jessica Sheridan (Dolly), is an absolute delight! Her stage presence, comedic timing, and facial expressions really bring Dolly Levi to life. Sheridan has phenomenal vocal prowess, making you laugh and cry from song to song. I actually teared up for her Curtain Call.
Lewis J. Stadlen (Horace Vandergelder) is quite the character actor. He has a perfect voice and accent for this role! Stadlen’s dry humor is spot on. I was also delighted by Nic Rouleau (Cornelius Hackl); his singing and vaudevillian stage ability are absolutely delightful.
Photo Credit: Julieta Cervantes
This show has some of the coolest sets I’ve seen, including a horse-drawn carriage (no animals were harmed) and a steam train. Like almost all large-scale modern productions, the many sets moved seamlessly along invisible pulleys. I would even say that this was the most in-the-moment I felt in a musical in a long time, thanks to the large and intricate sets. The costume design is beautiful, boasting many bright colored Victorian-era outfits.
Overall, I can understand why this musical was able to win a Tony Award just for its revival alone. This was a stunning and heartfelt journey into love and moving on from life’s hardships.
Love is in the air, hearts are fluttering, and the magic of Valentine’s Day can be felt throughout Disneyland Park thanks to a certain polka dot loving mouse! Minnie Mouse has added her own special flair to the park, sprinkling the land with decorative hearts and one of a kind treats.
Snap a lovely photo with this adorable photo op right on Main Street!
From now through mid February, all guests of the Disneyland Resort will get a chance to take part in the fun. Minnie has placed her hearts in special locations, providing the perfect photo op for you and your loved ones. All the main street vehicles have been fully decorated, filled with flowers, flags, and sweetheart messages.
If taking in the sights is not your only goal, make sure to ask about Minnie’s special Valentine’s scavenger hunt, which we will be covering in further detail very soon! Meanwhile, take full advantage of Minnie’s limited Valentine’s Day treat offerings, each available through mid February.
Golden Horseshoe – Strawberry Cheesecake “Funnel of Love”
Plaza Inn’s limited Strawberry Bundt Cake!
Red Rose Tavern – Cherry Mousse Treat
Market House (Starbucks) – Heart Shaped Linzer Cookie with Minnie Center
Plaza Inn – Strawberry Bundt Cake
Blue Bayou Restaurant – Strawberry Beet Salad and Pillow Cake Dessert
Market House’s Heart Shaped Linzer Cookie with Minnie Center
Hungry Bear Restaurant – Specialty Funnel Cake
Rancho Del Zocolo – Molacajete Platter and Chocolate Tamale
River Belle Terrace – Southern Pork Belly Sliders and Chocolate Lava Cake
Bengal Barbeque – Roasted Vegetable Spring Roll
Check out the full Valentine’s Day Food Guide here.
There will also be specialty merchandise available, from pins to sweetheart paired plushes. It’s the perfect excuse to find your sweet spot and share a special memory with the one you care about most. Whether you want to cruise down lovers lane, or make a quick trip to see Mickey and Minnie Mouse, the fun continues on. It’s all apart of this year’s Get Your Ears On Celebration. Don’t miss out!
In preparation for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and for the 60th anniversary of Sleeping Beauty, Disney Imagineering has revealed more details on the recent plans to refurbish Sleeping Beauty Castle. It’s all part of an initiative titled, “Project Stardust”, which encompasses all the recent changes and updates resort wide that include the recent debut of Tropical Hideaway, updates to the tracks and current curb layout of Main Street, in addition to many other elemental adjustments throughout the park.
According to the Disney Parks Blog, the project goals aims “to continue to deliver a world-class guest experience. The enhancements will range from overall beautification of the theme park to maximizing guest comfort and access.” The project will also provide additional efforts to provide even more updates to the park that have not yet been revealed, though for some veteran park goers, the changes may already be noticeable. This includes pathway updates in areas such as New Orleans Square, vendor cart location changes, enhanced stroller parking, and updated attraction queues across the resort.
The name “Stardust”, also holds a unique meaning, as it can be tied to both the power of Disney magic and whimsy in addition to being the code name for a top secret project in the Star Wars universe. In Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, it was revealed that heroine, Jyn Erso’s childhood nickname was “Stadust”, which ultimately became the Empire’s code for the Death Star project. With Galaxy’s Edge on the horizon, this may be the perfect project title, tying in both worlds to bring forward a new era for the resort.
Special film art from Sleeping Beauty is now on display surrounding Sleeping Beauty Castle during its refresh.
Imagineer, Kim Irvine, provides more details in the video below, provided by the official Disneyland YouTube Channel. Sleeping Beauty Castle will continue it’s refresh and updates throughout the spring. Special displays are already in place for those wanting to learn more about the history of the park icon, including art renders of the castle and scenes from the film.
Dana Point Harbor features tall ships, a marine institute, whale watching and tide pools (photo by Greg Aragon)
For Richard Henry Dana, it was the culmination of an epic and grueling two-year voyage from Boston to California. For me, it was a day trip in a rental car. Either way, you slice it, Dana Point Harbor makes a great getaway.
Located halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, the man-made harbor provides slips and mooring for 2,500 boats within two marinas inside a one-and-a-half mile jetty. Activities include fishing, whale watching, windsurfing, jet skiing, kayaking, boat charters, sailing, shopping, dining, picnicking, swimming, and paddle boarding.
Dana Point Harbor offers all kinds of water activities (photo by Greg Aragon)
The harbor also boasts an ocean institute, tide pools, and a beautiful full-sized replica of the Pilgrim, the two-masted “Tall Ship” that Dana sailed aboard in the 1830’s.
Immortalized by Dana in his classic 1840 American seafaring novel “Two Years Before the Mast,” the Pilgrim sailed from Boston in 1834 loaded with shoes, foodstuffs and ironware. When she arrived in San Juan Bay (Dana Point), the crew sold or traded her wares, then procured hides from the missions and rancheros to be transported back to Boston.
His novel gives readers a shocking and memorable look inside the rough world of 18th century American sea life. “The vessel I am going on is small, but strong and a remarkably fast sailor having been built for the smuggling trade,” wrote Dana about the ship.
The original Pilgrim burned at sea in 1856, but a new one sailed into Dana Point Harbor in September 1981. This one was built in Denmark in 1945. Each September, the Pilgrim and maritime history are celebrated in the annual Tall Ships Festival.
On most Sunday’s the ship is open for public tours. Admission is free with purchase of an Ocean Institute ticket. Once aboard visitors are greeted by volunteers in period costumes with pirate accents. As I toured the boat I wondered how a crew could live aboard something so small and cramped for two years as Richard Henry Dana did.
The Dana Point tide pools are a great place to see sea creatures hiding in coral pools (photo by Greg Aragon)
After touring the Pilgrim, I visited The Ocean Institute (www.ocean-institute.org), an ocean education center that offers in-depth marine science, maritime history and outdoor education programs. The Institute includes state-of-the-art teaching labs, the spectacular Maddie James Seaside Learning Center, two historic tallships, and an oceanographic research vessel. The facility is open to the public seven days a week and offers exhibits such as the Headlands and Beyond, which features an intertidal touch tank, artifact displays, pop-up experiments, and children’s playscape.
Throughout the year institute offers family programs, summer camps, whale-watching cruises, tallship sails, and various events including the annual Toshiba Tall Ships Festival and Festival of Whales.
After the institute we walked about 25 yards to beach and explored Dana Point’s famous tide pools. Here, with the tide receding we saw a multitude of sea creatures exposed in tiny coral pools. I saw hermit crabs, limpets, periwinkles, mussels, sea stars, sea urchins, and a bunch of other slimy creatures.
From the tide pools, we drove up the steep end of Golden Lantern Street and discovered the Dana Point Headlands Nature Interpretive Center and Trail. The Center is small, but informative, with lots of historical, cultural, and natural history exhibits. The highlight is the beautiful nature trail, located beside the museum. It is marked clearly with wire rope and follows the rugged cliffs of Dana Point.
Lined with soft sand, the trail offers incredible ocean and landscape views. Hikers can see dolphins, flocks of pelicans flying in V-formation, passing boats, gorgeous sunsets, a couple hillside mansions, and whales if they are in season. After the 20-minute hike, we had a picnic lunch on the sand next to Doheny State Beach.
January through April is a great time to visit Dana Point, as it is peak season for whale watching, which begins the day after Thanksgiving. Blue Whale season runs from May until November. Whatever the season, Dana Point also typically sees pods of dolphin, sea lions, squadrons of pelican and other sea faring birds.
The Ocean Institute is located at 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point, CA 92629. For more information on admission and tours, call 949.496-2274 or visit: www.ocean-institute.org. For more info on visiting Dana Point Harbor, visit www.danapointharbor.com.
“Mickey’s Mix Magic” lights up the night at Disneyland Park with a new high-energy projection show celebrating the one and only Mickey Mouse. The nightly extravaganza creates a family-fun dance party throughout the park with “DJ” Mickey spinning the new celebration song, “It’s a Good Time” along with new, fun takes on favorite Disney songs. On select nights, “Mickey’s Mix Magic” is enhanced with the addition of fireworks. Disneyland Resort is located in Anaheim, Calif. (Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort)
Mickey and Minnie’s Get Your Ears On Celebration is officially underway at the Disneyland Resort, bringing a brand new nighttime entertainment spectacular, Mickey’s Mix Magic. The dance party features fireworks, projections, lasers, and other special effects, bringing both Main Street USA and It’s a Small World to life in a one of a kind journey through some of our favorite Disney moments. You can preview the entire show below!
The nighttime fun kicks off at 9:30 PM PST and has a run time of just over ten minutes. Mickey’s Mix Magic features a wide variety of songs from Disney classics like Aladdin, The Aristocats, and The Jungle Book. The entire playlist is below, giving you the full scoop on what to expect.
Mickey’s Mix Magic lights up the night at Disneyland Park with a new high-energy projection show celebrating the one and only Mickey Mouse.
EVENT PLAYLIST
“It’s a Good Time”
“I Wanna Be Like You”
“Ev’rybody Wants To Be A Cat”
“Friend Like Me”
“Grim Grinning Ghosts”
“Un Poco Loco”
“Let It Go”
“It’s a Good Time” (Finale)
Disneyland’s official site has revealed that Mickey’s Mix Magic will expand to the Rivers of America in sync with Fantasmic! Make sure to keep an eye out for more updates, as SoCalThrills will be exploring all that Mickey and Minnie’s Get Your Ears on Celebration has to offer!
Set on a cliff above Lake Constance , Meersburg , Germany is charming medieval village of castles, vineyards, museums and pubs (photo by Greg Aragon)
As the boat glided across Lake Constance, a 7th-century castle appeared through the morning mist, her fortified walls jetting from the side of an ancient cliff. Below the fortress a village of half-timber structures and fertile vineyards climbed a hillside, exposing a colorful medieval town.
This is how sailors saw Meersburg centuries ago. This is how I discovered the tiny German village last spring.
My getaway began by climbing a flight of ancient stairs to the upper part of the city, known as Oberstadt. Here I found a pedestrian-only town of meandering cobblestone streets and colorful buildings hidden above the lake.
My first stop was Hotel 3 Stuben (www.3stuben.de) a historic, half-timbered house located on the edge of old town, near the oldest inhabited castle in Germany (“Old Castle”) as well as the famous Baroque Neues Schloss (“New Castle”). The hotel consists of 28 rooms individually decorated with character and style true to its 16th-century roots. And while the décor is whimsically historic, the amenities are all modern and efficient.
At the hotel, I checked into a charming top floor room with a pitched ceiling, comfy twin bed, large TV, work station, sofa and chairs, minibar, bathroom with shower, and big windows looking over the city.
With home base taken care of I went exploring, starting with the Old Castle. Located on a ridge overlooking Lake Constance, Meersburg Castle was built sometime in the 7th century to protect city dwellers from invaders. Today it is both a public museum and a private residence.
To enter the giant fortress, I crossed a draw bridge and was instantly transported back to the Middle Ages, where I encountered medieval living areas; Knight’s armor and weaponry such as lances, swords and battle-axes; and a creepy castle dungeon, in which prisoners were lowered to their doom. The torture chamber in the deep castle dungeon offers insight into medieval justice. Guests visiting the castle can see more than 35 furnished rooms, including the “dirnitz” or great hall, the castle kitchen, and the well chamber. There is also a bathhouse and bakery.
The castle tour also includes the rooms in which famous German poet, Annette von Droste-Hülshoff, lived when she visited Lake Constance until her death in May 1848. The castle café with its magnificent panoramic terrace and the romantically situated castle tavern by the Marienbrunnen fountain offer great views of Lake Constance.
From the castle, I strolled past pubs, gift shops, eateries and museums. One of the most interesting museums is dedicated to wine and features old-school wine making tools, such as a mammoth wooden grape crusher and wine barrel.
My next stop was the banks of Lake Constance, where I found a public swimming area teaming with locals taking advantage of precious spring sun. While soaking, I admired a spectacular view of the Swiss Alps in the distance and the island of Mainau a few miles offshore.
Also known as Flower Island, Mainau (www.mainau.de) is a short ferry ride from Meersburg and makes a perfect day trip. The island is a giant garden full of roses, palms, bamboo, hibiscus, tulips, orchids, Sequoia trees, and more. There is also a butterfly house and a restaurant.
In the morning, I shuttled to Friedrichshaven and visited the Zeppelin Museum (www.zeppelin-museum.de), the world’s largest airship museum. The museum features thousands of historical items on the history of Zeppelin airships and is highlighted by a 40-meter-long reconstruction of the Hindenburg and artifacts from the airship’s fiery last voyage. Visitors can climb a ladder onto the legendary passenger ship, rebuilt according to its original dimensions, to get an eerie feeling of what it would feel like to be a passenger on this innovative, luxury airliner.
To get back to Meersburg, I biked 11 gorgeous miles through lush lakefront vineyards, picturesque hamlets and green parks. I concluded my evening in Meersburg with traditional German cuisine and local wine at Winzerstube zum Becher restaurant in the center of town.
The biggest party this side of Toontown kicks off January 18th, 2019 with Mickey and Minnie’s “Get Your Ears On” event at the Disneyland Resort. To celebrate, park guests will get to enjoy a large assortment of treats and special limited time food options perfect for the occasion.
Everyone gets to take part in the fun, as each item pays special tribute to Mickey and Minnie Mouse. There’s a huge variety of food offerings, including a special vegan hot dog! Each limited item will be available until May (unless otherwise stated). Make sure to take a full list below!
Churros- Because it wouldn’t be a Disneyland food event without churros!
Disneyland Park
Small World Promenade
Mickey Mouse Celebration Churro – Warm chocolate churro drizzled with cookie butter topped with Mickey confetti and served with a side of red marshmallow crème and classic Mickey buttons
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Fantasia Mickey Churro – Warm chocolate churro dusted with red and blue sugar served with a side of red marshmallow crème and Sorcerer Mickey hat
Haunted Mansion
Banana Pudding Churro – Classic churro rolled in vanilla cookie crumbles with banana pudding dipping sauce
Disney California Adventure
Willie’s Churros
Caramel Corn Churro – Classic churro dusted with corn cereal sugar and topped with salted caramel and caramel corn
Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
Maple-Bacon Churro – Classic churro dusted with cinnamon sugar and topped with maple icing and crumbled bacon
Goofy’s Sky School
Celebration Mickey Chocolate Churro – Chocolate cookie-dusted churro with chocolate icing and sprinkles
Disneyland Park
Carnation Café
“Celebrate Mickey” Chicken and Waffles (breakfast only) – Mini Mickey waffles with icing, sprinkles, and frosted cereal-crusted chicken
Hot Chicken and Waffles – Spicy hot chicken and a large Mickey waffle with blistered tomato and balsamic glaze
TV Dinner Pot Roast – Wagyu pot roast, blue cheese and bacon mac and cheese, sautéed green beans and carrots, and braised red cabbage served with a pineapple upside-down cake
Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor
Birthday Sundae – Two large scoops of birthday cake ice cream with a Mickey Mouse-shaped brownie, hot fudge, whipped cream, a cherry, and Mickey Mouse-shaped sprinkles served in a Mickey or Minnie Mouse Kitchen Sink
Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe
Mickey Mouse Club Hat Dessert – Chocolate truffle mousse dome with vanilla bean crème brûlée center, Mickey ears, and Mickey Mouse Club logo
Specialty Toasted Cheese Sandwich – Swiss, Jack, and Fiscalini cheddar cheese with crispy pancetta and blackberry jam
Plaza Inn
Celebration Cake (available starting on February 19) – Red and yellow cake with raspberry and lemon filling
Red Rose Taverne
Mickey-inspired Cheeseburger – 1/3 lb. Angus patty with burger sauce and lettuce on a red potato bun with black sesame seeds
ToonTown
Mickey Chocolate Chip Cookie Cupcake – topped with buttercream frosting, birthday sprinkles, red glitter macaron, sugar candle, chocolate ears, and blue sprinkle cone “party hat”
Minnie Chocolate Chip Cookie Cupcake – topped with buttercream frosting, birthday sprinkles, chocolate ears, and a red bow
Pluto’s Dog House
Bacon Mac & Cheese Footlong Hotdog – topped with creamy bacon mac and cheese and served on an Italian roll
Daisy’s Diner
Mickey Mouse Pepperoni Pizza
Clarabelle’s
Mickey’s Birthday Sundae – Frozen yogurt with fruit popcorn, birthday cake cotton candy, candied chocolates, and colorful celebration cake
Troubadour Tavern
Jumbo Hand-Crafted Bavarian Pretzel – topped with nacho cheese, crushed spicy onion chips, and smoked black salt
Rancho del Zocalo
Mickey Hat Dessert – Vanilla mousse dome with churro crunch filling, mango glaze, and striped Mickey ears
Frozen Strawberry Horchata – flavored with strawberry and topped with whipped cream, a dehydrated strawberry, and a sprinkle of cinnamon
Sopes Trio – Chicken, beef, and pork served on fried corn dough with refried beans, shredded lettuce, spicy lime aïoli, and salsa roja
Café Orléans
Charcuterie Board – Artisanal French goat, sheep, and cow milk cheese, sliced meats, honeycomb, dried fruit, nuts, cornichons, creole mustard, and toast
Smoked Salmon Salad – topped with cucumber, red onion, fried capers, heirloom tomato, croutons, and lemon crème fraîche
Fried Chicken and Beignets – Buffalo-tossed chicken served with sugar-dusted beignets, herb bacon coleslaw, and waffle fries
Birthday Cake Mickey Beignets – Chocolate-coffee cake and white cake beignets
French Market
Mickey’s Mac and Cheese (kid’s meal) – Mickey-shaped pasta tossed with a creamy cheese sauce and served with applesauce, seasonal fruit, and choice of milk or small bottled water
Mickey Pasta with Marinara Sauce (kid’s meal) – served with applesauce, seasonal fruit, and choice of milk or small bottled water
Harbour Galley
Lobster Pot Pie Soup – Lobster, red potatoes, carrots, celery, and herbs in a rich seafood cream sauce served in a bread bowl
Vegan Hot Diggity Dog – Vegan hot dog topped with spicy lentil chili, onions, and mustard served with seasonal fruit
River Belle Terrace
Cookie Butter Monkey Bread – covered in cookie butter and vanilla ice cream and garnished with two cookie butter cookies
Pad Thai Spring Roll – with shrimp, bean sprouts, sweet and sour-flavored rice noodles, garlic chives, scrambled eggs, cashews, julienne carrots, pickled radishes, and butter lettuce with a cashew-hoisin dipping sauce
Galactic Grill
S’mores Parfait
Alien Pizza Planet
S’mores Parfait
Bowtie Pasta – with tomato cream sauce, sausage, and diced red bell peppers
Buffalo Chicken Pizza – Fried chicken breast pieces, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing topped with fresh carrots and creamy buffalo sauce
DISNEY CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE PARK
Trolley Treats
Steamboat Willie Black and White Cookie – Butter shortbread cookie dipped in white and dark chocolate with silver crunch pearls
Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Café
Mickey’s Chocolate Cup and Brownie – Chocolate brownie with cookies and cream mousse-filled chocolate cup
Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream
Hand-dipped Mickey or Minnie Ice Cream Bar – Choice of ice cream bar dipped in chocolate with sprinkles
Smokejumpers Grill
Confetti Cake Shake – Vanilla shake with crumbled confetti cake, icing, whipped cream, and Mickey sprinkles
“Share Your Ears” Cheeseburger – Angus 1/3 burger with American Cheese and cheeseburger slider “ears”
Pacific Wharf Café
Cookies ‘n Cream Bread Pudding – with condensed milk, whipped cream, and crushed chocolate cream-filled cookies
Gourmet Coffee Cart
Mickey Fun Wheel Cookie – Sugar cookie filled with raspberry jelly topped with colored chocolate drizzle and Mickey Fun Wheel chocolate decor
Celebration Cookies – One sugar shortbread cookie filled with raspberry jam and two sugar shortbread cookies filled with dulce de leche and topped with a chocolate Mickey celebration logo
Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta
Spectacular Mickey Pizza – Mickey pepperoni pizza with confetti of peppers and onions
Award Wieners
A Cheesy Celebration – Cheddar sausage link with creamy mac and cheese, salsa verde, crumbled spicy cheese puffs, and cheese curds on a toasted bun
More Cheese Please – Filmstrip fries with creamy mac and cheese, salsa verde, crumbled spicy cheese puffs, and cheese curds
“Get Your Ears On” Funnel Cake Fries – Chocolate cookie-dusted funnel cake fries with cookies and cream icing, whipped cream, chocolate cream-filled cookie ears, and “90” sprinkles
Celebration Cake Funnel Fries – Funnel cake fries topped with crumbled confetti cake, frosting, whipped cream, and Mickey sprinkles
Schmoozies!
Mickey Donut with apple filling
Minnie Donut with cherry filling
Mickey Cookies ‘n Cream Shake with “90” sprinkles
Cozy Cone Motel
Birthday Hat Macaron
The Disneyland Hotel
Get Your Ears On – A Mickey and Minnie Celebration Dinner at Goofy’s Kitchen
Starting on January 18, Chef Goofy is serving up a heaping helping of fabulous new themed eats, celebratory take-home swag, décor, and special appearances by your favorite pals – Mickey and Minnie! In addition to five all-you-care-to-enjoy stations featuring a variety of tasty bites, you’ll enjoy several unique dishes including Steamboat Chili, Mouse Ear Cookies, and Celebration Cupcakes. Reservations are highly recommended, and character experiences and menu items are subject to change without notice. To make reservations, visit the Disneyland Resort website or call 714 781-DINE (714 781-3463).
Mickey’s Tea Party Celebration
Starting Jan. 19 through March 31, you’re invited to celebrate Mickey with a limited-time tea party. Sip on loose leaf tea and herbal infusions brewed by the potful while you enjoy a delicious assortment of sweet and savory tea sandwiches, gourmet morsels, and Mickey-themed treats! You’ll enjoy this afternoon tea in the Hollywood-style setting of Steakhouse 55. In addition, guests can choose from two different tea menus:
Classic Celebration Tea:
Chicken Salad Tea Sandwich
Roasted Watermelon and Pimento Goat Cheese on Pumpernickel
Blueberry, Ricotta, Prosciutto, and Shredded Coconut Sandwich
Apple and Edamame Sandwich
Duo Chocolate Strawberries
Variety of Themed Desserts
Teas and Herbal Infusions
Premium Celebration
Salad with Tomato, Melon, and Burrata with Balsamic Reduction
Chicken Salad Tea Sandwich
Roasted Watermelon and Pimento Goat Cheese on Pumpernickel
Blueberry, Ricotta, Prosciutto, and Shredded Coconut Sandwich
Apple and Edamame Sandwich
Duo Chocolate Strawberries
Variety of Themed Desserts
Teas and Herbal Infusions
Mickey’s Tea Party Celebration occurs on Saturdays and Sundays and every Thursday in March from 12:00 noon to 3:00pm. Reservations are highly recommended. For more information and to make reservations, visit the Disneyland Resort website or call 714 781-DINE (714 781-3463).
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa
Storytellers Cafe (Buffet Offerings)
Mickey Mac & Cheese – Mickey-shaped pasta in a cream cheese sauce
Minnie “Bow” Pasta – Bowtie pasta salad with roasted tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, basil, and olive oil
Mickey Pepperoni Flatbread with tomato sauce, Grana Padano, and aged provolone
Minnie Polka-Dot Cheese Flatbread with tomato sauce, Grana Padano, aged provolone, and mozzarella cheese
White Water Snacks
Mickey Mouse-Shaped Artisanal Pizza – with tomato sauce, Grana Padano, and aged provolone
Mickey Mouse Pretzel
Mickey Mouse Birthday Cake Crispy Treat – Three-layered crispy treat with colorful cereal and Mickey-shaped sprinkles
Hearthstone Lounge
Mickey’s Baked Alaska – Chocolate ice cream encased with brûléed meringue and raspberry sauce
Mickey Mouse-shaped Artisanal Pizza – with tomato sauce, Grana Padano, and aged provolone
With this many food offerings, one visit may not be enough. Keep an eye out and share your favorites with us by posting with the hashtag #SoCalFoodies. You can also get a special look at some of the unique merchandise offerings now available for Mickey and Minnie’s Get Your Ears On by clicking here!
