Olivia's Disney Adventures

I love these little collector packs. You never know what you are going to get!

There are 10 different series I believe. In each pack you get 3 miniature collectible figurines. I personally am only interested in having the mickeys but there are several out there who want them all. Now don't get me wrong. I do enjoy collecting the other pieces but I am only looking for specific ones that mean something special to me.

I took a quick look through google and found many groups out there for trading.

This last trip I wanted the steamboat willie and the sorcerers apprentice. I stood there a fool going through the packs trying to figure out which ones were in the packs. I was lucky enough to find exactly what I was looking for!

You can only find these at the Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World. Pick up a pack on your next visit.

*Pictures are property of Olivia's Disney Adventures and are not to be reproduced or distributed without permission of Olivia's Disney Adventures (http://oliviasdisneyadventures.blogspot.com)

Olivia Vidal
© 2011


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As a young girl I dreamed of marrying my prince charming as Cinderella did. Watching Princess Diana in such a beautiful wedding when I was only 7 yrs old made me believe in such special occasions. I did not have delusions of marrying a true prince but I knew a special man out there would make me feel special on my wedding day. I dreamed of a wonderful dress that would make me feel like a princess. On my wedding day I wore such a special dress to marry such a man.

Today we celebrate another princess wedding with the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate. We share again the wonderful dream of finding prince charming and saying those priceless vows in such a princess ceremony.

This is a special occasion because you do not witness such royal weddings often. This is not like any other wedding we will ever see. I will be watching as many others will even in the early morning hours when most are sleeping.

I am excited to see the dress as the dress is my favorite part. To me the dress is the most personal and intimate choice of every wedding. This is the attire your future husband will remember seeing you in for the very first time as you begin your walk down the aisle. This is the dress you chose especially for him to see you in and remember for all the days of your life. This is the dress you hope your own daughter will one day wear and cherish as much as you did. This is the dress you will see in the closet and remember such a special day in your life.

I am excited to see their faces as they become husband and wife and see how happy they are on their special day. I am excited to see them look at one another with such love and devotion. I am excited to see them take in that very moment as a lifetime memory that cannot be erased.

I still believe in finding and marrying prince charming as Cinderella taught us. I believe in celebrating such special occasions that will mark their day in history.

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Earl of Strathearn, Baron Carrickfergus and Princess William of Wales, Duchess of Cambridge, I wish you a life long, happy and loving marriage.

Olivia Vidal
© 2011


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"You have received an intergalactic transmission upon completing your courageous mission on the Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters at Disneyland® Park!"

That is the greeting I love seeing most when I have ended my mission on the Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters ride.

Its not just any ride. Its a game too. Someone always has bragging rights so the competition really heats up. What is even more fun is you have proof of your victory sent to your email free.

Here are a few of our galactic adventures through the years:

  

*Pictures are property of Olivia's Disney Adventures and are not to be reproduced or distributed without permission of Olivia's Disney Adventures (http://oliviasdisneyadventures.blogspot.com)

Olivia Vidal
© 2011


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Each holiday I love finding Disney related gifts and treats. Easter is no exception when I was exploring the other day. On my latest trip to Walgreens I came across some fun Easter gifts and treats

How fun are these!

*Pictures are property of Olivia's Disney Adventures and are not to be reproduced or distributed without permission of Olivia's Disney Adventures (http://oliviasdisneyadventures.blogspot.com)

**I am not affiliated with, compensated, or employed by Walgreens, Disney or its affiliates. This is a personal testimonial sharing my own tips and experiences.

Olivia Vidal
© 2011


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Having a locker is so nice. No carrying around jackets, snacks, extra drinks. If you have children no need to carry extra clothing or full diaper bags. You can even stash those souvenirs if you like.

Disneyland  Resort lockers are all day, unlimited use lockers. This means you can enter them as many times as you need through the day.

They are simple to use. You find your rental kisosk which looks like an ATM machine inside of the locker location of your choice. Select the locker size of your choice (the smallest held a standard backpack filled to capacity) and also help our leftover take out containers from Blue Bayou. You can either pay in cash or by debit or credit card. You will choose a password to use for the day to enter the locker any time you wish. Being we travel with at least one teenager, we create a password everyone can remember so there is no need to meet up just to get into the locker.

Lockers around the resort:

• Disneyland Park on Main Street, U.S.A.
• Disney California Adventure Park in Sunshine Plaza
• In the Esplanade between the parks, accessible from the Downtown Disney District, lockers are located outside the Main Entrances to Disneyland Park and Disney's California Adventure Park.

I was never much for lockers until I no longer was pushing a stroller. With a stroller you always having somewhere to store anything you have. Even with a stroller it can at times be stuffed with items you don't need with you the entire day. I will use the lockers far more often from now on.

Olivia Vidal
© 2011


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Finding hidden mickeys is always fun while enjoying the Disneyland Resort. What is even more fun is finding ones I have never seen before.

Can you guess where I found this one?

*Pictures are property of Olivia's Disney Adventures and are not to be reproduced or distributed without permission of Olivia's Disney Adventures (http://oliviasdisneyadventures.blogspot.com)

Olivia Vidal
© 2011


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This trip to Disneyland we decided to try the Southern California City Pass. The City Pass includes 3-day hopper to the Disneyland Resort, 1-day Universal Studios, 1-day Seaworld, and your choice of 1-day San Diego Zoo or San Diego Safari Park (aka Wild Animal Park). This is a fantastic value.

You are given a card to enter all parks. For Disneyland you will be given a paper ticket on your first day and will use that paper ticket on each visit. DO NOT LOSE THIS TICKET. You will not get it back. We have one person in our group hold all the tickets so there is no looking in multiple wallets and pockets.

We purchased our tickets on www.getawaytoday.com for $259 per adult (every member traveling was over the age of 10). That made it approximately $43 a day.

Break down the gate prices and you will see how great of a deal this is:

Disneyland - $206
Universal Studios - $74
Seaworld - $69.99
San Diego Zoo or Safari Park - $40

That is $389.99! That is saving over $130 per ticket. Even when I was looking for discounts I was only saving about $50 overall.

If you buy the City Pass at one of the included you will pay $276 at the gate. Still a great savings if you make the last minute decision or unsure about purchasing tickets online. I have good luck with getawaytoday.com I was comfortable with it. Plus the $17 savings per person buying online paid for us to purchase World of Color picnics.

We like to get the most bang for our buck so we are always on the look out for ways to save and play. This was one way we were able to do so.
 
*Pictures are property of Olivia's Disney Adventures and are not to be reproduced or distributed without permission of Olivia's Disney Adventures (http://oliviasdisneyadventures.blogspot.com)

**I am not affiliated with, compensated, or employed by getawaytoday.com, disney, universal studios, seaworld, san diego zoo, san diego safari park, or its affiliates. This is a personal testimonial sharing my own tips and experiences.

Olivia Vidal
© 2011


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1, 2, 3 Wake up Jose!

Let Jose, Michael, Pierre, and Fritz take you on a tahitian journey using audio animatronics. This is a show everyone will enjoy!

I love the Tiki Room and often feel its an attraction under appreciated by many visitors looking for thrills. Its vibrant, entertaining, and you can't help but sing along. The whole room comes to life with singing birds, flowers,

One of my favorite parts is the pre-show in the outside waiting area. About 5 minutes prior to showtime the garden comes alive with the introduction of the gods residing.

Of course who can resist a Dole Whip Float. It is unique and special and only found at Disneyland.

I like to go in the evening. One its a welcome rest for tired feet, allows us an evening snack, and the when the garden comes alive it is spectacular.

Did you know the Enchanted Tiki Room was originally intended to be a dinner show?

What is your favorite part of the Tiki Room?
 
*Pictures are property of Olivia's Disney Adventures and are not to be reproduced or distributed without permission of Olivia's Disney Adventures (http://oliviasdisneyadventures.blogspot.com)

Olivia Vidal
© 2011


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Mr Toad's Wild Ride is my all-time favorite ride in the Disneyland park. A trip to Disneyland is not complete without taking a spin on this wild ride. What has always made this a favorite since I was little was it seemed so wild and was the highlight when I wasn't able to ride some of the larger rides. It was also a ride everyone in the family could ride together and equally shared enthusiasm with. Even more fun is the car outside you can take a picture with.

There are a total of 8 characters names on 8 different cars - Mr. Toad, Toady, Ratty, Moley, MacBadger, Cyril, Winky or Weasel. Which car is your favorite?

*Pictures are property of Olivia's Disney Adventures and are not to be reproduced or distributed without permission of Olivia's Disney Adventures (http://oliviasdisneyadventures.blogspot.com)

Olivia Vidal
© 2011


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During our latest trip we decided to purchase the World of Color picnics. These were prepaid so that was a little less money we needed to have available for food.

The pick is at the Sonoma Terrace located at Golden Vine Winery. There are signs to point you in the right direction. We picked up our food early so we could sit and eat without being rushed. At the pick up location you are provided with seating so there is no need to find a place to eat. You can pick up your picnic any time from 11:30am up to 1 hour before your selected show time. It is a great option for lunch, evening meal, or snack.

When picking up your picnics you must print off the confirmation to present along with your photo ID. At the pick up counter you will choose your drink. For every 4 meals you purchase you will receive a World of Color tote bag. We purchased 5 meals so we took home 2 totes. Nice totes too I might add.

The picnics are a decent portion. Bigger than I had expected actually. The antipasto meal is the smallest of the adults meals but very tasty. I would highly recommend having a glass of wine with the antipasto meal. At the pick up counter they have available wine pairings that match your picnic. The childs meals are really nice portions and very tasty. I decided that for myself I wanted the junior all american child's meal and it was plenty for me.

Below are your choices for meals:

• Cold honey-stung fried chicken
• Green and red cabbage cole slaw with apple cider dressing
• Old fashioned potato salad with sweet onions and dill relish
• Apple pie
• Choice of bottled Coca-Cola® product or Dasani® water

• Marinated grilled vegetables in a whole wheat wrap with roasted garlic hummus
• Raw zucchini and squash spaghettini with first-press lemon-infused olive oil
• Vegetable couscous with toasted coriander vinaigrette
• Lemon layer cake
• Choice of bottled Coca-Cola® product or Dasani® water

• Cured meats, regional cheese, pepperoncini, artichoke heart and sun-dried tomatoes
• Carr's® water crackers
• Chocolate-dipped tiramisu
• Choice of bottled Coca-Cola® product or Dasani® water

•  Chilled miso-glazed salmon, Asian greens, soy-rice wine dressing
• Soba noodle salad and julienne vegetables with sesame dressing
• Gingered cucumber and radish slaw
• Mandarin orange cake
• Choice of bottled Coca-Cola® product or Dasani® water

• Souvenir World of Color light-up bracelet
• Chicken leg
• Goldfish crackers
• Apple wedges
• World of Color confetti vanilla cupcake
• Choice of small low-fat milk, 100% Minute Maid® juice box or small Dasani® water

( Ours came with a chicken breast and also included string cheese which is pictured but not listed on the website)

• Souvenir World of Color light-up bracelet
• Peanut butter and Smucker's® jelly sandwich
• Apple wedges
• World of Color confetti vanilla cupcake
• Choice of small low-fat milk, 100% Minute Maid® juice box or small Dasani® water

Our family chose the asian, all american, antipasto (to share as a snack), and the junior all american. These were very good. Be sure to pay close attention to the time you are asked to line up for your World of Color showing. They fill up very fast. You get a preferred showing area but be prepared to stand.

We sat in the handicap section because my husband needed a wheelchair that day. They had benches available for those who needed them but were not intended those who were not disabled. Sadly I could have used a seat since I am technically disabled but you had a few who insisted their children sit on the bench with them even when cast members asked that all non-disabled persons not sit on the benches. Normally would not be an issue but the benches were very limited. Needless to say I had to stand while able body persons sat (some even had conversations about them being able bodied).

I very much enjoyed the show and the meal. This is something we will certainly do again.

To order your World of Color picnics you must visit the Disney website at http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneys-california-adventure/world-of-color-picnics/

*Pictures are property of Olivia's Disney Adventures and are not to be reproduced or distributed without permission of Olivia's Disney Adventures (http://oliviasdisneyadventures.blogspot.com) ══════════════════ºoº══════════════════

What an amazing week! I just love visiting Disneyland! It is almost like a second home. I am so comfortable and relaxed while visiting. I will begin sharing my experiences with you tomorrow. I will also be announcing our giveaway this week!

*Pictures are property of Olivia's Disney Adventures and are not to be reproduced or distributed without permission of Olivia's Disney Adventures

Olivia Vidal
© 2011


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