Interaction with Crush coming to Children's Hospital of Orange County

A Fairy tale story coming true for Children at CHOC.

Earlier this year Newport Beach resident, Bill Homes made a $27 million gift to name Children's Hospital of Orange County new pediatric hospital tower schedule to open Spring 2013.

The new tower will feature the magic of Walt Disney Imagineering.  The named  "Aquatorium" area will feature a "Window of the Sea" talk with Crush, a sea turtle character from the "Finding Nemo" film.  Similar experiences and interactions are found at Disneyland, CA, Walt Disney World, Florida and on the new Disney Fantasy.

This little touch of Disney Magic will certainly brighten up a child's day during their stay at CHOC, as this familiar experience and positive interaction will be just what the Doctor ordered.

For information and expert planning of your next Family vacation, please contact Pixie Diane.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closed

First it was the Matterhorn Bobsled ride, now Disney has closed Big Thunder Mountain Railroad for a major makeover at Disneyland, California.

Officially, the ride closed on Monday, January 7th and should reopen Fall of 2013.

So what is Disney up to?

After three decades, Disney will replace tracks, install new ride vehicles and paint part of the mountain.  Improved lighting and sound will also be added.  But, the biggest news is a larger unloading and loading areas which should aid in time spent in line.

As some may remember, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad opened in September 1979 where Mine Train Through Nature's Wonderland used to run.  Going further back in time, guests rode mules throughout the area.

For additional information on Disneyland Parks and Resort, please contact Pixie Diane.

MyMagic+ & MagicBands

Disney will be introducing a new vacation management system called MyMagic+ beginning Spring 2013 at Walt Disney World in Orlando.

MyMagic+ will provide access to a website and smartphone application called "My Disney Experience" which will allow guests to preselect three FastPasses for rides, VIP seating for Parades, fireworks and character meet-and-greets BEFORE they leave home.

MagicBand (a radio frequency identification bracelet) will function as room key, park ticket, FastPass and credit card.  MagicBands can also be encoded with special details allowing a more personal experience.  For example, guests can add personal information into the MagicBand, imagine walking up to your favorite Disney character and they greet you by name!

Will your Magical experiences be collected during your visit?  Yes, of course, Disney is all about gathering information to effectively market to you in the future and will now track your behavior and experience in minute detail.

For additional information on MyMagic+ and MagicBands, please contact Pixie Diane

Beware when renting Theme Park tickets to Disneyland Parks

Perhaps you have seen the signs on the corner near the Parks and Resorts, or a friend has shared information to you suggesting that park tickets can be purchased from an authorized broker for a savings.

Don't do it, as you may be turned away at the entrance of the Park.

New policy now in effect as guests are now required to sign their name in indelible ink  (at the gate)  Will your I.D. match?, I do not think so.

Disney is aggressively taking action on these businesses that rent multi-day tickets as they are non-transferrable.

For additional information on your next Magical Disney vacation, please contact Pixie Diane

Kids sail FREE offer on select sailing out of Miami

Disney Cruise Line is celebrating its inaugural season in Miami with a special Kids Sail FREE offer!

Sail Away Party

Castaway Cay

Choose from a 4 night Bahamian cruises or 5 night Western Caribbean cruises with most itineraries including a stop at Disney' private island, Castaway Cay.

Call Pixie Diane today for more information, offer is capacity controlled and subject to change.

Aqua Duck

Just like the Lion King, "Be Prepared" before visiting the Disney Parks

If you have time before your visit to the Disney Parks and want to purchase some Disney items to wear or fun items to bring along for the Kiddies.  Consider visiting a Character Depot in your area.  It is here that you will find marked down merchandise (i.e. t-shirt, autograph books, stuffed animals etc).  

Before departing for your Magical Adventure, distribute your goodies to your Children and make it clear to them that these items are in lieu of any items they may see and want in the Parks.

If you cannot find a local store, you may purchase items on-line, just shop early enough to receive your items through the mail.

At this time, bottle drinks and snacks are permitted into the Parks.  If your traveling on a hot Summer day, consider freezing your water bottles.  

Has your child outgrown their stroller?  Consider bring it along anyways to use as a carrier for all your stuff, it can also come in handy when your youngest needs to take a mid-day break if you are not staying on the property.

We all know about the complimentary coffee refills in the Parks with receipt.  However, did you know that select kid meals include drink refills?

A good rule of thumb is to order one fewer meal than you have people so there is not any waste of food.

For information on your next Disney Adventure, contact PixieDiane.com or Diane@Pixievacations.com

Frankenweenie on the Movie Screen and a Tasty Treat in a Bun

Visitors to the Disneyland Resorts and Parks can now add on a new tasty experience just in time for the Halloween season.

Come meet and greet Frankenweenie and while your in the Park at California Adventure, consider munching on the new Frank-n-Weenie sandwich.  

The Frank-n-Weenie sandwich is a pork sausage wrapped in bacon, topped with sauteed onions, BBQ sauce with apple slices all nestled inside an onion-jalapeno bun.  Yum -Yum!

Wash this sandwich down with the new Black Franken-Fusion Lemonade.  It's a little creepy drinking this new beverage that looks like a glass of muddy black water.  This drink is topped with a white lemon-lime foam that resembles a frothy top like a root beer float.  The combination of black and white may not be suitable for the squeamish at heart.  The Franken-Fusion consists of Minute Maid light lemonade with wild grape and blackberry flavoring added.  

Other tasty treats being offered in the Disneyland Park during the Halloween Season:

Pumpkin beignet topped with a custard cream sauce at one of my favorite eats Cafe Orleans.

Grab your fork and dive into a white chocolate-mousse cake shaped like a coffin at the French Market.

Carnation Cafe offers a bone-in pork chop with roasted purple potatoes with a "blood" blackberry sauce used to design a spider web.

If your looking for a special dining experience for your next visit, let me arrange your dining at the Blue Bayou for their pan-roasted wild boar with blood orange, fruit reduction sauce layered with purple and sweet tomatoes, cheese and melon skewer.

End your visit to the park with a movie ticket at the AMC theatre to watch Frankenweenie the Movie, of course.

For more information, please contact PixieDiane.com