Magic Moments

A ‘fast pass’ through Disneyland’s summer vacation thrills

With more than 50 years under its ears, Disneyland has become a classic summer destination — and with good reason. Boasting attractions and entertainment for all heights, and food to please any palate, it’s easy to see why families flock to the happiest place on earth. But just because it’s an old mouse doesn’t mean you won’t find some new tricks.
Hop on board and explore six of the Magic Kingdom’s splendors awaiting you this sunny season. Some are new, others are classics with a twist. And please, keep your hands and feet inside at all times. Thank you.

Character interaction
Instead of chasing down Cinderella, take your princesses and knights to the Princess Fantasy Faire in Fantasyland. There you’ll find all their favorite Disney princesses — and their charming counterparts. Through storytelling, crafts and a regal ceremony, up-and-coming damsels and gents learn the ropes of being royalty.
If your kiddos prefer sabers over swords, transport yourselves to Tomorrowland and enroll them in the Jedi Training Academy. There — under tutelage of a Jedi Master — they will master light saber skills, take the Jedi oath and battle the forces of the Dark Side.
Disney’s Aladdin — A Musical Spectacular
Located in the Hollywood Pictures Backlot at California Adventure Park, this amazing production will have you tapping your toes and singing along to memorable songs from the classic Disney animation, plus a new song written by composer Alan Menken just for this show. The action-packed 40-minute production provides the perfect opportunity to rest weary feet while enjoying the larger-than-life special effects and breathtaking talent.

Disney animation
The magic of Disney animation, from preliminary sketches to the finishing touches, is showcased at the Disney Animation attraction in California Adventure Park.
At the Animation Academy, a real Disney artist teaches guests how to draw a classic Disney character step-by-step, with gallery-worthy results.
Step into the Sorcerer’s Workshop for a hands-on preview of the magic behind animation, and take center stage in your favorite Disney movie when you lend your voice to Ursula.
A totally awesome adventure awaits at “Turtle Talk with Crush” where you’ll come face-to-fin with the sea turtle from the film “Finding Nemo.” Thanks to real-time animation, you’ll engage in live, unrehearsed conversations with this totally tubular turtle — and no two conversations are the same.

Disney dining
If you’re like most families, you know how tough it is to find one restaurant to please all your mousketeers. But with nearly 50 different places to grab a bite, ranging from on-the-go hot dogs to fine dining, you can have your cake and eat it, too. And for the tiny tots, be sure to check out the recently introduced toddler meals, featuring junior-sized portions of kid-friendly foods.

Pirates of the Caribbean
Beware Davy Jones as you hoist your anchor and set sail through the watery deep, home to pillaging pirates and buried treasure. Since its opening in 1967, Pirates of the Caribbean, located in New Orleans Square, has undergone several modifications including a refurbishment in 2006 to coincide with the blockbuster “Pirates of the Caribbean” trilogy.
Highlights include the addition of Davy Jones, Captain Jack Sparrow and Hector Barbossa, all voiced by their original actors.

Space Mountain
An out-of-this-world experience awaits aboard a Disney classic — Space Mountain. Located in the heart of Tomorrowland, this beloved ride has undergone a recent makeover and now features state-of-the-art special effects and a brand new soundtrack for you to rock out to while you whirl past shooting stars and celestial satellites.

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