WDW Daily News

During Season of the Force at Disneyland® Resort, guests can transport themselves into a faraway galaxy filled with epic encounters and thrilling attractions.

On Hyperspace Mountain, guests can board the re-imagined Space Mountain attraction and join in a dogfight between Rebel X-wing fighters and the Imperial TIE fighters!

Then, they can step inside Star Wars Launch Bay to come face to face with some favorite heroes and villains from the saga. They can even explore replicas of movie props and models from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

If guests want to experience hyperspace and outrun the Empire, the y can hop aboard Star Tours – The Adventures Continue and fly through everyone’s favorite galaxy far, far away. And, young Padawans can really feel strong with the Force as they test their Lightsaber skills in an immersive show at Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple where they can face Darth Vader!

At the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, leisure and business travelers will find three Disney Hotel properties, each with a distinctive style: the luxurious surroundings and California Craftsman architecture of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, the classic Disney magic and charm of the Disneyland Hotel, and the sunny California beachfront theme at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel.

Offering a variety of accommodations, surroundings and amenities, all three hotels feature the famous Disney touch for quality, service and hospitality.

As part of the Disneyland Resort, these hotels are just steps away from the eclectic mix of dining, entertainment and recreational features of the Downtown Disney District.  Of course, Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Parks are just a short walk away from any of the on-property hotels.

DISNEYLAND HOTEL

The reimagined Disneyland Hotel creates a fun, family destination that pays tribute to the early days of Disneyland. 973 rooms are spread across three themed towers that feature an energy-efficient sky-blue reflective glass exterior. The Fantasy Tower lobby showcases Mary Blair artwork, creating an instant connection to “it’s a small world.” The Frontier Tower features a scale model of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in the lobby. At the Adventure Tower, guests will see Jungle Cruise characters incorporated into the design.

The AAA Four Diamond hotel is also home to a unique collection of themed suites immersing guests in a way only Disney can, including the Mickey Mouse Penthouse, Pirates of the Caribbean, Adventureland, Big Thunder and Fairy Tale suites.

Guests of all ages will enjoy an immersive water play area and courtyard. With a nod to the iconic original park signage, a replica of the original Mark 1 Monorail Car sits at the entrance of two water slides, paying tribute to nostalgic Disneyland. No tickets are required at the D-Ticket and E-ticket pools, which draw their names from the iconic ticket books that were used in the early days of Disneyland to experience attractions. The area also features a Minnie Mouse-themed outdoor spa. In addition, six cabanas are available; each features a flat screen TV, refrigerator, safe, phone, and ceiling fan.

For dining experiences, Tangaroa Terrace features Island-inspired fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Meals are prepared to order and delivered to their tables either inside or on the large outdoor patio.

Trader Sam’s – Enchanted Tiki Bar, named after Trader Sam, Disney’s Jungle Cruise “head salesman,” features interactive special effects blended with classic Disney storytelling. Trader Sam’s serves a mix of creative appetizers and signature cocktails like the “Uh Oa!” (light and dark rums with orange, passion fruit, guava and grapefruit juices) or the “Shipwreck on the Rocks” (bourbon, lemon, mint and organic agave nectar). Live music performed on the patio in the evening adds to the fun environment.

For families or individuals preferring a high degree of service, the Disneyland Hotel features concierge-level rooms with upgraded in-room amenities and complimentary access to the exclusive concierge lounge.  Meetings are easily accommodated within the hotel’s 136,000-square-feet of function space, and a business center provides a variety of services.

DISNEY’S GRAND CALIFORNIAN HOTEL & SPA

Capturing the spirit of early California through inspiring design and daring architecture, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is a deluxe 948-room resort hotel property, offering a premium option for business or pleasure visits to the Disneyland Resort.

This AAA Four Diamond hotel is the first Disney resort hotel in the world to be located inside a theme park – Disney California Adventure – making stays at the deluxe hotel a uniquely themed experience.  The Grand also is home to the first Disney Vacation Club Villas on the West Coast.

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa celebrates the romantic Arts & Crafts movement of early 20^th century California.  Designed to capture the artistic exploration of California’s coastlines with its Monterey pines and redwood forests, the hotel is layered with the memories of the arroyo craftsmen, the mission pioneers and the Plein Air school of painters.

Among the deluxe guestrooms are standard rooms, artisan suites, two vice presidential suites and two presidential suites. In addition, the Resort offers more than 20,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space, ranging from the 12,000-square-foot Sequoia ballroom to smaller conference rooms and a sophisticated boardroom.

The deluxe hotel features 24-hour room service, its own entry gate into Disney California Adventure, and rooms that overlook both the theme park and the exciting Downtown Disney District.  For corporate meeting guests, the hotel features meeting planner offices, a business center and separate meetings and conventions check-in facilities.

Food and beverage facilities include the AAA Four Diamond restaurant Napa Rose, as well as Storytellers Cafe and Hearthstone Lounge.  Guests will enjoy two heated pools and a themed water slide, two whirlpools, a children’s pool, and a concierge level with upgraded amenities and services.

DISNEY’S PARADISE PIER HOTEL

Guests return to the heyday of California beachfront boardwalks at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel.  Loaded with special Disney touches, this seaside-themed hotel overlooks Paradise Pier, one of the most colorful sections of the Disney California Adventure, making its name and theme a natural fit.

This hotel offers charming facilities and superb service, with a fun California beachfront theme including recently remodeled seaside-themed rooms.  The hotel is festively painted and decorated to reflect the theme, and some guests enjoy a view of the colorful Paradise Pier district of the park right from their room, along with the “World of Color” nighttime water spectacular.

Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel takes pride in being one of the finest hotels in its class.  The 15-story, high-rise structure features 481 guest rooms, including remodeled suites and a recently renovated rooftop pool and whirlpool, a fitness center, lobby bar and coffeehouse, poolside bar, gift shops and game arcade.

In Disney’s PCH Grill, guests can take a trip along California’s famous Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), for a celebration of the state’s culinary diversity and fresh spirit.  Offered daily, “Surf’s Up! Breakfast with Mickey & Friends,” is a lively character dining experience where families can snap photos, practice hula hooping and learn how to ride a wave with Mickey Mouse and other favorite Disney characters. Disney’s PCH Grill also offers the Beach Side Bonfire Dinner Buffet, where guests can enjoy a taste of the picnics, barbecues and bonfires that often happen along the Pacific Coast Highway beaches.

For hotel reservations, call (714) 956-MICKEY or contact a travel representative.  For information on group rates and meeting accommodations, call the Disneyland Resort sales office at (714) 956-6556.   For general Disneyland Resort information, call (714) 781-4565 or visit www.disneyland.com.

Disneyland Resort guests enjoy a variety of live performances, and many youngsters get their first taste of live theater in Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park. Even with all the spectacular rides and attractions in the parks, a Disneyland Resort guest could spend a full day and night simply enjoying the shows, large and small.

Throughout Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, guests encounter parades, dance parties, street performances, musical groups and live shows virtually at every turn. A full list of entertainment is available each day at the park entrances and may include the following:

At Disneyland

• “Mickey and the Magical Map” – The show, presented on the Fantasyland Theatre stage, features Mickey Mouse and other Disney characters in a dazzling adventure filled with music, fun and special effects.
• “Mickey’s Soundsational Parade” – Presented daily, it features beloved Disney characters performing to a variety of rhythms and musical styles.
• “Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple”– In this interactive show at Tomorrowland Terrace, younglings train in the ways of the Jedi and help defend against Darth Vader and the Seventh Sister Inquisitor.
• Fantasy Faire, near Sleeping Beauty Castle, features live shows that are presented in the Royal Theatre. Renaissance men Messieurs Smythe and Jones, with the assistance of some fellow villagers and a little help from the audience, bring the tales of “Beauty and the Beast” and “Tangled” to life with music, whimsy, humor and heart.
• Main Street Electrical Parade – This beloved nighttime parade returns home for a limited-time encore performance with an array of Disney characters, the iconic music of “Baroque Hoedown” and more than 600,000 flashing lights
• Nighttime fireworks spectaculars, including the fan favorite “Remember… Dreams Come True” show, light up the sky above Disneyland Park.

At Disney California Adventure

• “World of Color” – The innovative and immersive nighttime spectacular presented on Paradise Bay combines water, color, fire, music and animation to bring classic Disney stories to life.
• In 2016, the all-new “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion” musical stage production debuted at Disney California Adventure. Guests are immersed in the beloved world of “Frozen” with elaborate costumes and sets, stunning special effects, and show-stopping production numbers.
• “Disney Junior – Live on Stage!” – Mickey Mouse is joined by favorite Disney Junior show characters, including Doc McStuffins and Sofia the First.

Parade routes and theatrical venues aren’t the only places where Disneyland Resort guests encounter live entertainment. There are magical encounters with live Disney and Disney•Pixar characters, and the parks are filled with many other energetic and talented performers.

At Disneyland, the Disneyland Band, the Dapper Dans quartet and the Refreshment Corner Piano Player are all on view on Main Street, U.S.A. In New Orleans Square, the toe-tapping shows star the rowdy piratical Bootstrappers, the Jambalaya Jazz Band and the mellow Royal Street Bachelors.

 At the entrance to the Golden Horseshoe in Frontierland, guests may encounter the goofy Laughing Stock Company. The gifted musicians of the All American College Band appear on Main Street, U.S.A. during the summer.

 At Disney California Adventure, Buena Vista Street comes alive with the Red Car Trolley News Boys and the outgoing, improvisational Citizens of Buena Vista Street. The swinging jazz combo Five & Dime travels through the park on a makeshift jalopy, Green Army Men from “Toy Story” patrol the park with “Operation: Playtime!”

 The new Cars Land in Disney California Adventure offers in-person greetings by Lightning McQueen, tow truck Mater, fire engine Red (who waters the flowers and cleans up the streets) and “DJ’s Dance ‘n’ Drive,” a spontaneous street party designed to get everyone dancing with the vehicular music maker DJ.

The live entertainment experience at Disneyland Resort extends beyond the borders of the parks, with character meals and occasional musical entertainment at the Disneyland Resort hotels, and multiple live musical performances along the walkways of the Downtown Disney dining, shopping and entertainment district. Downtown Disney also offers live entertainment at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen.

Guests visiting the Disneyland Resort will enjoy special moments, and create unforgettable memories with their friends and families in 2017.Beloved nighttime spectaculars, immersive attractions and entertainment offer countless ways for guests to make the most of their vacations at the Happiest Place on Earth. There are plenty of tips for guests as they plan to stay and play at Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park, the three on-site hotels and Downtown Disney.

PLAN

• Official Disneyland App – The official Disneyland App offers useful information right at a guest’s fingertips, including attraction wait times, FastPass return times, maps, entertainment guides and other special features. Guests may also use the app to purchase tickets with their mobile device, look for character appearances in the park and find park hours. Details are available here.
• Disney Vacation Planning DVD – Guests are invited to preview the magical experiences that await their next Disneyland Resort Vacation with a library of informative videos. To order a Disney Vacation Planning DVD, go to www.DisneyPlanning.com
• Disneyland Express – Just 30 miles from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and just 15 miles from John Wayne Airport (SNA), Disneyland Resort offers the Disneyland Express for easy bus transfer to the resort. Disneyland Resort Express also provides convenient transportation to Anaheim area hotels.
• Dining Reservations – To make the most of vacation time, guests may make dining reservations in advance at the resort’s award-winning restaurants. Special dining packages offer guests a full-course meal and reserved viewing for the Main Street Electrical Parade at Disneyland and “World of Color” at Disney California Adventure. “For reservations, guests may call 714-781-DINE or email a date, time and contact information to dine@Disneyland.com. Guests may also book a table online at Disneyland.com.
• Social Media – Keep up with the latest updates about the Disneyland Resort at DisneyParksBlog.com, where guests may also get behind-the-scenes looks at the parks, resort hotels and Downtown Disney. For planning tips and fun facts, follow @Disneyland on Twitter. Guests may also engage with Disneyland on Facebook and Instagram.
• In-Park Social Media – While at the resort, guests may follow @DisneylandToday on Twitter for information about Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, Downtown Disney and the resort hotels with live updates and answers.

STAY

• Stay in the Magic – Guests discover many special benefits when they stay at one of three Disneyland Resort hotels: the classic Disneyland Hotel and luxurious Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa – both AAA Four Diamond properties – and the sunny California beachfront-themed Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel.
• Extra Magic Hour – Early Admission to the Parks – Guests staying at any Disneyland Resort hotel may enjoy Extra Magic Hour entry into Disneyland or Disney California Adventure one hour before the parks open to the public. This opportunity is good for the length of a guest’s stay, with designated days for each park. To check availability, daily times and additional information, visit Disneyland.com and click on “Park Hours.” (Valid theme park admission and active hotel room key required.)
• Grand Location – Guest staying at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa enjoy an exclusive entrance to Disney California Adventure through the hotel. Nearby, guests also enjoy the Downtown Disney District, with its eclectic mix of entertainment, dining and shopping opportunities.
• Storybook Vacation – At Disneyland Resort hotels, guests have the opportunity to share a meal and laughs with favorite Disney characters, relax by sparkling pools and enjoy a night on the town complete with dinner at one of several award-winning restaurants.
• Convenience and Legendary Service – Guests who stay at Disneyland Resort Hotels are treated to exclusive conveniences throughout their stay, including a Key to the Magic card for charging meals and merchandise to the guest room. The Package Express service delivers resort merchandise purchases right to a guest’s hotel. Hotel guests are treated to the legendary Disney guest service throughout their vacation.
• Multi-generational travel and large parties – Many families enjoy traveling to the Disneyland Resort with family members of multiple generations, or with family reunions. The Hotels of the Disneyland Resort welcome multi-generational travelers and large parties, offering 88 suites that sleep eight, and 36 suites that sleep 6 (not including the signature suites). Some of the suites connect to adjacent suites to accommodate the larger parties.
• Great Value – Guests can find great value in multiple-day tickets and vacation packages at the Resort hotels, or at nearby Good Neighbor hotels, by purchasing online. The latest special offers are available at Disneyland.com/offers.

PLAY

• Disney FastPass Service – FastPass allows guests to maximize their time in the park by reserving a specific time window to enjoy their favorite attractions. When guests return during that time, they enjoy a shorter line reserved for FASTPASS holders. Guests are encouraged to pick up FastPass tickets early for favorite attractions such as Radiator Springs Racers.
• Disney PhotoPass Service – PhotoPass Photographers at character, dining and special locations throughout the park ensure that everyone gets in the photo. Guests may link, view and purchase photos at Disneyland.com or directly from the Disneyland App.
• “A Walk in Walt’s Footsteps” Tour – Guests may follow in the footsteps of the man whose vision and creativity brought Disneyland park to life, Walt Disney. This 3 ½-hour guided tour covers the life of Walt Disney and stories behind the magic of Disneyland. To book this, or other tours offered by Disneyland Resort, call (714) 781-TOUR (8687).
• Charging Lockers – Guests re-charge their batteries and get back to the fun in no time when using special lockers on Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland Park and Buena Vista Street in Disney California Adventure Park that include options for traditional AC outlet or specialized chargers for electronic devices.
• Parent “Rider Switch” – A theme-park “rider switch” policy gives both parents a chance to enjoy their favorite attractions without double the wait. A parent who waits with a young child while the other parent rides the attraction may board the ride with minimal wait time once the first parent exits. Guests may ask a cast member about this option.
• Enjoy the shows and entertainment – Oftentimes, children enjoy live entertainment and stage shows for the first time at the Disneyland Resort. Families may choose from multiple shows in the daily Show Entertainment Guide (available at the main entrance gate and at Guest Relations centers). These include parades, character encounters and  shows such as “Disney Junior – Live on Stage” (Disney California Adventure) and “Mickey and the Magical Map” (Disneyland). Guests also may encounter performers and singers as they stroll through the parks, including the Dapper Dans at Disneyland, and Five and Dime at Disney California Adventure.
• Character Dining – Character dining is a great way to introduce youngsters to Disney characters. At select locations, a cast of characters will visit guests at their tables. For reservations, call 714-781-DINE. Another tip: Many Disney restaurants offer children’s menus.
• Healthful Dining Options – While special treats are part of the Disney fun, families can also choose nutritious snacks such as nuts, trail mix and fresh fruit from outdoor carts. Kids meals come with fruit or vegetables on the side, along with juice, water or low-fat milk. Fries and soda are available upon request, at no additional cost. Look for the Mickey Check symbol on menus, indicating the best nutritional choices for children.