After the success of the Disneyland Tinker Bell Half Marathon Dooney & Bourke designs, I guess we should’ve known the WDW Princess Half would be the next to receive the D&B treatment. Check out the photos and prices below:

It looks like we're getting a Letter Carrier - $168 and Flap Wristlet - $49 and Large Tote - $215. Image ©Disney

Large Tote - $215 Image ©Disney

Letter Carrier Crossbody - $168 Image ©Disney

Flap Wristlet - $49 Image ©Disney

Princess Half Medal hang tag Image ©Disney

They again feature a Half Marathon logo hanging tag like the Tinker Bell Half Marathon did. I love the college-look to the design and the color scheme as well. You can check out a preview of the rest of the Princess Half merchandise at the DisneyParks Blog. Best of luck to all the runners too – I’ll be doing the Royal Family 5k with my 11 year-old daughter again!

Here’s what we know so far:

It looks like there are three styles, all previously released – the Medium Tote will be $198, Letter Carrier will be $168 and Flap Wristlet will be $49. The Art of Disney Parks site notes that these purses will feature the special inaugural Disneyland 1/2 Marathon hanging tags – the green tag shown in the photos. This is the first time the name of an event will ever be placed on a Disney Dooney & Bourke bag. I personally love the design, and may have to contact my Disneyland pals to pick me up one! I may not be running THIS half marathon, but I will some day!

Here is some new information about the bags:

My source tells me from their understanding they won’t be carried online at this point. They are also advising guests who are interested that they will need to wait until after the marathon to inquire with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Merchandise Guest Services at 1-877-560-6477 or send an email to: merchandiseguestservices@disney.go.com

New photos below – all photos ©Disney:

Dooney & Bourke Tinker Bell Half Marathon medallion

Dooney & Bourke Tinker Bell Half Marathon medium tote

Dooney & Bourke Tinker Bell Half Marathon letter carrier

Dooney & Bourke Tinker Bell Half Marathon medallion

Dooney & Bourke Tinker Bell Half Marathon wristlet

Dooney & Bourke Tinker Bell Half Marathon wristlet back

For complete coverage of all other Disney Dooney & Bourke designs, check out my Disney Dooney & Bourke page.

Yet another family tradition each year and yet another moment to cry tears of joy in a Disney park. My dad loved these lights as well as Disney’s Hollywood Studios, so I’m always flooded with memories when we first turn the orner and see the amazing sparkling colors. I will have to admit, I was a little disappointed with the crowd control this year, normally we can walk right through from the Writer’s Stop, but this year we were detoured at every turn from left of the Great Movie Ride on, and funneled around to the back of the San Francisco area and Lights, Motors, Action!. Unfortunately, this is a terrible way to view experience the lights, especially for first-time visitors. You are able to SEE the lights as you turn into the New York Street area, but cannot gain access until the back, making for teeming throngs of disgruntled guests, and I was among them this week.

Having visited the Spectacle of Dancing Lights (SODL) each year since it premiered, the overall ‘show’ has always started at the end of New York Street and culminated with the turning Peace on Earth globe, angels and the Nativity. Granted, this route has changed slightly since first opening, when guests would get to walk down Residential Street, but the Peace on Earth was always the ‘finale’ so to speak. As years passed, the lights began to dance to music and more and more interactive elements were added. As a result, I understand that there isn’t any one centerpiece or finale, but the current route with countless detours and barricades made for a very disappointing experience.

In addition, there are many more PhotoPass stations now, making it almost impossible to take family photos, or even photos of just the lights, without a line of guests in front of you, waiting for professional photos. Again, I understand why Disney is doing what they are doing, but from a guest standpoint, it’s not something that benefits most people. How about photo stations outside of the fray of New York Street, where PhotoPass software can add the SODL into the background later? Surely, the photos will look better than a close-up of the base of a giant tree of lights, or building, where you can’t see the immense detail and overall wow factor of the experience. Just my thoughts, as a long-time visitor and someone that heard lots of complaints the night I went, and online too.

Still awe-inspiring, each year.

Luckily, the lights and the family memories won out in the end and magic again took over, but I implore Disney to work on a better plan that doesn’t involve so much confusion and frustration. When and if you visit, be prepared for crowds and ask the cast members where you actually enter for the lights so you can head there first. My advice is to go during the week and see the lights later in the night, not when the lights first switch on. Those caveats given, I’d love to share one of my favorite musical portions of the nights’ songs, that I was able to record. If, like me, it’s one of your favorite things at Walt Disney World during the holidays, or you aren’t able to make it down to see the lights, I hope you enjoy the show. This video features the all-new canopy, offering some amazing effects.

Now that's a turkey leg I can support!

Here are some more seasonal delicacies!

More Christmas treats at the Main Street Confectionery

Holiday apples, fudge and more - love the snowmen!

What’s your favorite seasonal treat at a Disney Park?

These bags showed up on the scene in October and are now available at DisneyStore.com..  The bags feature black and white Mickey Mouse comics, with red, black, or turquoise blue accents and straps:

Our Welcome sign - I love that you can see the Polynesian Resort in the background here!

The Disney Social Media Moms Celebration kicked off at Disney’s Wedding Pavilion, where attendees were treated to a Platinum Soiree welcome reception. Champagne flutes and a buffet of candy – not sure what could be much better than that. We were able to see some of the amazing wedding cakes that Disney Fairytale Weddings offer and meet with “Franck” from Father of the Bride (after whom the Wedding Pavilion salon is named) and “Edna Mold” from The Incredibles who entertained us in between speakers. Check out this photo tour of the evening’s events:

The Candy Bar awaited us - what a cool wedding reception idea!

Close-up of the Candy Bar - thanks to OhAmanda.com for the photo!

Thanks to OhAmanda.com for this photo of Franck and Edna!

We then headed over to the pavilion for some amazing speakers and presentations.

The Princess collection gowns were on display for us - Snow White

The Ariel Gown

Franck, posing for us...

Michael Shettel, Vice President of Design, Alfred Angelo with the newest Cinderella design wedding gown.

Simply gorgeous!!

Carley Roney, co-founder and editor in chief of The Knot, Inc. shared some wonderful information on the growth of social media and online communities.

David Tutera speaks about changing bridal expectations and bringing wedding fashion ahead of the curve.

Next, we were treated to a real, live Disney Fairytale Wedding vow renewal ceremony! The “wedding party” (aka Disney performers) danced down the aisle in fabulous attire as our almost-still-a-newlywed bride of 2 years joined her prince to renew their vows once again at Disney’s Wedding Pavilion.

The ceremony was short but sweet, perfect for a room full of bloggers!

Outside, we awaited the bride and groom and I was lucky enough to stand across from David Tutera where I got a little more time to talk (okay, and take some pictures..he’s just so darn handsome – look at that profile!)

David does a better "Blue Steel" than Zoolander himself!

Joking about his time at Walt Disney World...

David was discussing how much fun he was having on the Disney attractions, especially the ones that took your photo. He said on one, he knew when the picture was coming so he did this pose for the camera! Love it!

David was SO gracious and patiently posed for pictures with all who asked. It was a dream come true for me!

The event was, in a word, breath-taking. I have been a fan of Disney’s Fairytale Weddings from the start, but it was such a treat to be able to experience a little of what their magic is like in person, not to mention the wonderful speakers and sites we were able to see. It is still a hope and a dream that I will someday have a Disney vow renewal. My 15th wedding anniversary is coming up this October, but that might be a bit too soon to pull something off, so I’ll shoot for the 20th.

Stay tuned for more recaps from the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration coming up on ZannaLand!

Queen Latifah as Ursula (Annie Leibovitz/Disney Parks)

Alec Baldwin as the Mirror and Olivia Wilde as the Wicked Queen (Annie Leibovitz/DisneyParks)

Jeff Bridges as the transformed Beast and Penelope Cruz as Belle (Annie Leibovitz/Disney Parks)

Here are some behind-the-scenes photos of the process as well -

Let the Memories Begin with the Disney Parks Memories Sweepstakes!

Enter the Disney Parks Memories Sweepstakes for a chance to win a 4-person family vacation to a Disney Resort each week in February 2011!

Guests can enter either online or via mobile once a day for the chance to win:

· Current week: 5-days, 4-nights at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida

· Week 4: 7-days, 6-nights at any Disney Resort worldwide

Guests can also go to the sweepstakes site each day to download the Daily Digital Download, featuring exclusives such as Disney-themed picture frames, wallpapers and more.

The sweepstakes runs from now until Feb. 28, 2011. For rules, please see: Official Rules

Now lets get right to the pictures! (As always, click to enlarge photos)

WDW 40th Anniversary Dooney & Bourke medium Kristen tote - $270

WDW 40th Anniversary Dooney & Bourke small messenger bag - $255

WDW 40th Anniversary Dooney & Bourke small bucket bag - $250

WDW 40th Anniversary Dooney & Bourke letter carrier - $155

WDW 40th Anniversary Dooney & Bourke flap wristlets - $49

WDW 40th Anniversary Dooney & Bourke design close-up

NEW Wallet photos:

WDW 40th design checkbook wallet - $175

zippered back of wallet

inside the wallet

So what do you think of the new designs? Will you be picking one (or more) up? Thanks again to Shelley C. for passing these photos along to us!

Other Disney Dooney & Bourke collections may be found here on ZannaLand:

Disney Dooney & Bourke Original Cindy Sketch in White – NEW STYLES!

Disney Dooney & Bourke Multi-colored Mickey Black Handbags

Disney Dooney & Bourke Brown Mickey, Navy Mickey, Pink Minnie Purse Designs

Dooney & Bourke Disney Cruise Line Edition and Colored Wristlets

Disney Dooney & Bourke Cindy Sketch in COLORS

Disneyland 55th Anniversary Dooney & Bourke Collection

Disney Dooney and Bourke Princess Handbag Designs

Disney Dooney & Bourke Balloon Design in Black and White

Disney Dooney & Bourke Peace Love Mickey Minnie Denim Bags

Disney Dream Inaugural Year Dooney & Bourke Bags

Ever the Disney-supporter, I posted on twitter and facebook about how I supported this campaign. Really, I’m the kind of Disney fan that doesn’t think we are “owed” anything, yet many critics compare each year’s promotion to the Year of a Million Dreams or the What Will You Celebrate? campaigns, which were overflowing with extras, freebies and one-of-a-kind experiences. Last year, you still got a free ticket – if you volunteered for it. This year, however, the focus is on families – no matter what that consists of, and the memories created at Disney Parks throughout the world. After all, aren’t the best “extras” the intangibles that you hold in your heart and mind for years to come?

Despite my understanding and excitement about Let the Memories Begin, I still wasn’t sure how the Castle would fit in to this equation. After all, people don’t typically like when Cinderella Castle is messed with. (I happen to be one of the few people in the universe that thought it was cute – but totally understand those that were upset at its appearance for their visits; a year is a long time for bright pink.) Would this be something that most guests couldn’t relate to if their pictures weren’t selected? Would it disrupt the magic of the kingdom? Well, all my fears were assuaged Tuesday night when I experienced “The Magic, The Memories and You” first-hand.

First we were treated to a press conference with Park executives Al Weiss, and Meg Crofton. We were told about the upcoming news at the Parks (Wild Africa Trek, La Hacienda, Via Napoli, Star Tours 2). Alan Bruun, Associate Creative Director Walt Disney World Entertainment then gave us a behind-the-scenes glimpse at how the new castle show was created. The castle was actually graphed with a grid for the 3-D photo imaging required to ensure seamless projections and special effects. We were shown the locations for the 16 projectors used in the show. In addition to videos pulled from the Let The Memories Begin site where guests can submit their family videos, 500 photos taken in-park that day will be hand-picked to appear in the sometimes twice nightly show on the castle. As Bruun was quoted that night, “it’s a heck of a lot more than a slide-show on the castle”. Since seeing is believing, we all headed over to Cinderella Castle to experience the show for ourselves.

My friends and I had a prime spot to the left of the castle hub, with no one in front of us. We were then told by a cast member that the best views are actually from Main Street, U.S.A. and we made our way over there. Because of the nature of the projections, viewing them straight on and from a slight distance is the best plan so keep that in mind as you prepare to watch.

The show itself was, in a word, magical. Cinderella Castle transforms before your eyes in tribute to so many different aspects of Walt Disney World, it’s hard to keep track at times. Vines grow up the turrets. Photos and videos appear as the music swells in the background. A sky appears and you follow Peter Pan and the gang as they fly around amid the memories. Special effects continue until the castle is draped in colors like a jewel box. Balloons float up from the base and as the last one flies up “We’re going to Disney World!” is cheered in a child’s voice. The balloon pops and the entire mood of the show changes as more effects, photos and images from the parks and movies appear before us. Casey Junior makes his way up and around the castle. Scenes and decor from “it’s a small world” fill the display. Music from animated films combine with frenetic effects. Buzz Lightyear announces “To infinity and beyond!” and the top turret of the castle “blasts off” into space as we then cruise through the cosmos ending up among Pirates dueling before our eyes. The castle is then “set on fire” before returning to its regal form.

Outlined in bright white, it is then colored in as if with the crayons from a child’s imagination. Videos continue as heart-string-pullers like “Circle of Life” and “You’ll be in My Heart” are played in the background (of course I cried!) We then visit the past with old movies and vintage photos appear. Then the remaining photos from the day fly into view with camera clicks as each one appears. The theme song returns and “fireworks” appear ON the castle for the finale, ending with an image of Walt himself with his wish, “to all who come to this happy place, welcome.” (yes, more tears.) Ending with some real-world fireworks and applause all around.

Walt Disney closes out the show...

Overwhelmed?! It is a lot to take in and even more so in person. (In my opinion, it is really hard to capture in photos OR video and do it justice.) However I was truly touched by the show and feel it is a perfect addition to the Magic Kingdom. I can only imagine how much more exciting it would be for a family to have their photos or videos chosen, but even not knowing a single family displayed, it was a beautiful, moving experience. It’s short enough (10 minutes) that you don’t feel like it’s dragging and there are enough special effects and other fun that you aren’t left feeling like you shouldn’t have bothered watching. In short, A+ go check it out!

It’s definitely a show that captures the whimsy, magic, excitement and memories which make Walt Disney World such a beloved destination. For those on the west coast, this same show will appear on the outside of “it’s a small world” at Disneyland. I can’t wait to see videos of how the show is transformed at that location. If you’ve seen the show, I’d love to hear your thoughts on it!

Let’s just get right to the pictures, shall we? Don’t forget you can click to enlarge.

Tren-D's display of colored Sketch Letter Carriers - the strap is just snapped in there for display.

Disney Dooney & Bourke Blue Sketch Letter Carrier

Disney Dooney & Bourke Purple Sketch Letter Carrier

Disney Dooney & Bourke Pink Sketch Letter Carrier

Disney Dooney & Bourke Yellow Letter Carrier

^photo ©Cupcake2008

Disney Dooney & Bourke Green Letter Carrier - photo ©Cupcake2008

Another view of the pink Sketch Letter Carrier - photo ©Charles Aguillon

Back of the pink Letter Carrier - photo ©Charles Aguillon

Price of the Sketch Letter Carrier - $155 - photo ©Charles Aguillon

The wristlets are $49 and do have the pocket in the back like the 2nd edition Sketch series does.

Disney Dooney & Bourke Sketch color wristlets - photo ©Cupcake2008

The Disney Dooney & Bourke Sketch Wristlet in pink

Disney Dooney and Bourke Blue Sketch Wristlet

Disney Dooney & Bourke Green Sketch Wristlet

Disney Dooney & Bourke yellow Sketch wristlet

…

I know I had to restrain myself from getting one in every color. What’s your favorite? What designs or colors would you like to see Disney and Dooney & Bourke come out with next?

…

Other Disney Dooney & Bourke collections may be found here on ZannaLand:

Disney Dooney & Bourke Original White Cindy Sketch Design

Disney Dooney & Bourke Multi-colored Mickey Black Handbags

Disney Dooney & Bourke Brown Mickey, Navy Mickey, Pink Minnie Purse Designs

Dooney & Bourke Disney Cruise Line Edition and Colored Wristlets

Disneyland 55th Anniversary Dooney & Bourke Collection

Disney Dooney and Bourke Princess Handbag Designs

Disney Dooney & Bourke Balloon Design in Black and White

Disney Dooney & Bourke Peace Love Mickey Minnie Denim Bags

The bags showcase so many iconic images from the different silhouettes of Mickey through the years, to Mickey Mouse Club I.D. cards as well ticket media and famous phrases associated with ‘The Happiest Place on Earth.’

Disney Vault 28 will be the first to offer these Disneyland® Resort Dooney & Bourke co-branded bags.  This fashionable collection highlights the essence of Disney with color, art and a nostalgic touch.

Click each picture below to head to the DisneyStore.com and purchase these bags!

Bags and prices are as follows:

Disneyland 55th Anniversary collection featuring Dooney & Bourke's Ian Ray - photo ©Disney

For more information on other styles currently available at Disneyland’s Disney Vault 28 and other Disneyland locations, click here.

Other Disney Dooney & Bourke collections may be found here on ZannaLand:

Disney Dooney & Bourke Original White Cindy Sketch Design

Disney Dooney & Bourke Multi-colored Mickey Black Handbags

Disney Dooney & Bourke Brown Mickey, Navy Mickey, Pink Minnie Purse Designs

Dooney & Bourke Disney Cruise Line Edition and Colored Wristlets

Disney Dooney & Bourke Cindy Sketch in COLORS

Disney Dooney and Bourke Princess Handbag Designs

Disney Dooney & Bourke Balloon Design in Black and White

Disney Dooney & Bourke Peace Love Mickey Minnie Denim Bags

ZannaLand first brought you a sneak peak at this Disney Rayovac commercial back in December but now this same commercial can help you win a sweepstakes!

Unlock your imagination and celebrate the chance to win a celebration vacation for four to Disney World® or Disneyland® by entering the Magic Wand Sweepstakes.  In addition to the Grand Prize, there’s also the chance to win a lifetime supply of Rayovac batteries or a Disney Gift Card from Rayovac.  Enter the sweepstakes from now until 11:59 p.m. (CT) on July 31, 2010 at www.rayovac.com/disneyvacation (eligibility to enter the sweepstakes subject to the official rules found on the website).

Also, be sure to take part in the #Rayovac Powers Your Vacation Twitter Event

Join Rayovac and MomSelect for a Twitter Event to support the exciting Rayovac Powers Your Vacation-Magic Wand Sweepstakes.  The evening will feature more than 20 fun giveaways from Rayovac ranging from a summer supply of Rayovac Batteries to Disney Gift Cards.

Rayovac Powers Your Vacation Sweepstakes
Date:         Wednesday, May 19th 
Time:        7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. CST
Location: #rayovac (follow that hashtag on twitter)
Follow:     @Rayovac_Battery, @MomTalkRadio, @CirclePRMary

See you there – and hopefully in the parks too!

Disneyland Paris is our first stop in our Disney Parks Discovery series

Readers will have of course noticed that my primary focus here at ZannaLand is the Walt Disney World Resort. It is where I have enjoyed countless memories from childhood through present times. As much as I love everything about it, I also write about it because I have not had the good fortune to experience any of the other parks and resorts Disney has to offer. I hope to remedy this sad state of affairs as soon as I can but until that time, I figured I should not in turn, deprive you of the wonderful experiences out there. That’s where my friends come in.

I asked for some help in bringing an overview of the non-Disney World parks to my readers and first up is the lovely and intelligent Erin Foster, from the Walt Disney World Moms Panel, a self-admitted Disney Geek and in my opinion, a veritable font of Disney knowledge. Erin recently returned from her family’s first trip to the Disneyland Resort Paris. Once I got over wishing I could somehow stow away in their luggage, I asked her to share her experiences here with us. Je vous présente avec plaisir, Madame Foster!

Disneyland Paris from a WDW Geek’s Perspective

These Disney kids are experts at this park...time for exploring a new castle!

My family wanted to go to Paris for spring break. I know, I know, sounds magnifique. But back in my semester abroad days, I had a bad experience in Paris and was reluctant to go back. Then my hubby dangled the ultimate Disney Geek carrot: a trip to a new Disney park. I had been to Disneyland in California once, to Orlando’s WDW many dozens of times, but I had never been to Disneyland Paris. And so it was bon voyage.

In advance of our trip, I purchased several books about DLRP, but ultimately decided not to look at them until we arrived in France. I decided to have as pure of an experience as possible – with an eye to putting myself in the shoes of a Disney novice. As it turns out, this was all but impossible as so much of Disneyland Paris is so much like the other Disney parks.

We decided to make DLRP the first stop on our trip, so we took a cab directly from Charles de Gaulle airport to the resort, about a 45-minute drive. We stayed at the flagship Disneyland Hotel. For the Disneyland Hotel, picture the Grand Floridian, only very, very pink. And much like the Anaheim Disneyland, the flagship hotel is truly steps away from the park. As we left the Disneyland Park on our first day, I counted and found that it took exactly 11 seconds to walk from the exit gate to the closest entrance door to the hotel. The other parts of the resort, Disney Studios and the Disney Village, are about as close as the Beach Club is to Epcot.

Disney transportation pulling up the the Disneyland Paris Hotel

Our hotel rooms were quite spacious, perhaps even a smidge larger than the deluxe rooms at WDW, with soothing pink and green décor throughout. The hotel includes two table service restaurants, a bar, a gift shop, a gym, a small indoor pool, a salon, and various other amenities.

Part of the hotel above the Main Gate of the park.

Lobby of the Disneyland Paris Hotel

The main park exit is just under the right side of this overpass. The hotel entrance closest to our room is just under the left side of the overpass. Crazy close and beyond convenient.

More of the hotel from the other side.

When we arrived, our room was not quite ready and we were starving, so after dropping our bags with bell service, we had a spectacular character buffet lunch at the in-house restaurant called Inventions. {please click that link and head over to the Disney Food Blog for Erin’s guest post on her experience at Inventions – it is truly astounding. ~Z} Then off to Disneyland park.

We got our maps and got our bearings. Despite the chilly temperatures (high 40s) and cloudy skies, the park was packed. We stopped and took the obligatory photos on Main Street not-quite-USA. The feel of the entry was extremely similar to the other parks. Gate at one end, castle at the other. Shops on either side. Many of the stores were even in the same place as in WDW. The candy shop is early on the right. The main merchandise shop is on the left. And Casey’s Corner, selling hot dogs, is the last shop on the right before the turn into the various lands. I loved seeing all the nuanced differences between this Disney and “my” Disney: guests smoking in the queues (not a good difference, but interesting to note), gigantic rental strollers, terrible popcorn, excellent brioche in the bakery, etc.

The Disneyland Paris entrance to Main Street, USA

City Hall on Main Street, USA

While I wanted to see some of the uniquely DLRP attractions, I was also keenly interested in doing a compare/contrast of the Euro versions of US rides. Our first stop was Big Thunder Mountain. Unfortunately, it was having a “temporary technical difficulty.” We found that during our two-day trip this would happen at Big Thunder more than once and also at the Indiana Jones, Pirates of the Caribbean, Peter Pan, and Pinocchio rides. We never did get to the last two because they were down so much during our time there. This was a true disappointment.

The first ride we actually got to experience was Phantom Manor, their version of the Haunted Mansion. The queue was, sadly, a bit boring. We had hoped to see funny tombstones in French, but there were just a few lonely trees along a generic waiting line. Once inside, the initial experience was similar to WDW, you’re put into room with no windows and no doors (this they do say in French) with portraits high above. The room then stretches, as do the portraits. Here, you very clearly get the sensation that you are in an elevator, traveling downward. The ride itself is perhaps a bit longer than the WDW version. Many of the components are the same: a floating head in a crystal ball, a dining room, the Happy Haunts, even some of the wallpaper. However, much of the ride is quite different. Several minutes are through a ghostly Wild West scene. And rather than ghosts, there is a spectral skeleton as your traveling companion at the end.

Phantom Manor - DLPR's version of the Haunted Mansion

Big Thunder Mountain as seen from Phantom Manor.

We then wandered through the park a bit, just to take in the sights. We found that there is no Liberty Square equivalent at DLRP. There is an Adventureland and a Frontierland. These, particularly Frontierland, are gigantic compared to WDW standards. The main thoroughfares in Frontierland wend through rope bridges and caves and things to climb, almost as if Tom Sawyer Island were spread throughout half the park with rides scattered about.  The other areas of the park are Fantasyland, which has a similar feel to WDW and Discoveryland, which we might think of as Tomorrowland, but with a much more old-timey feel.

Entrance to Adventureland.

The centerpiece of Discoveryland is Space Mountain: Mission 2. Hey, Space Mountain, one of our favorites! Sorry to say kids, don’t try this one at home. Space Mountain in France is NOTHING like Space Mountain in Florida. Well, they both happen in the dark, but that’s about it. Mission 2 is what would happen if Space Mountain and the Rock n’ Roller Coaster got together and had a love child, but then got mad when it cried and tried to shake it to death. (Too much? Sorry.) Really, there was a whole lot of stroke-inducing light flashes and head vibration and upside down, but not a lot of heart and soul. I’m sticking with WDW on this one.

DLPR's Space Mountain

I've always loved the Jules Vern-esque theme to DLPR's Discoveryland ~Z

Our first-day Fantasyland choice was Small World, because how could you not. The exterior is a bit like Anaheim, with outdoor clocks and lots of white and gold. You wait outside and even start the ride outside. The ride itself is much the same, singing dolls in many languages. There was a larger US presence with dolls in rodeo gear, in baseball and football uniforms, and wearing Dolly Parton wigs while dancing in front of the Hollywood sign. Overall, the ride seems brighter and more cheerful than WDW (how is this possible, I know). One big factor seemed to be that the dolls themselves were cleaner. Every time I go through WDW Small World, I look at the Polynesian hula dolls and I see the white dust in their hair. I want to take a vacuum to them. No dust in this version.

The American section of "it's a small world".

We had gotten Fastpasses for the Indiana Jones ride. Interestingly, there is only a 30-minute return window at DLRP. While there is an inversion in this ride, overall it is relatively gentle as upside down coasters go. Much more to the liking of the entire family. Do we sound like wimps? I guess we’re wimps.

The Fastpass window is only 30 minutes long in Disneyland Paris.

Of course we had to do a bit of shopping. The Emporium-esque store on Main Street was crazy crowded because of bad layout and poor traffic flow. Though we did note that while much of the merchandise was somewhat similar to the US stores, there were no Vinylmations and fewer pins than at WDW.

The absolute strangest part of the trip for me happened on the morning of day two. The official Disneyland park opening time was 10:00 a.m. There was morning Extra Magic Hours beginning at 8:00 a.m. GREAT. Since we’re only steps from the park, we wake the kids at 7:00. They’re pokey and they fight over who get more time in the bathroom and yadda, yadda, yadda, we’re leaving the hotel at 7:50. I am freaking out because, as we all know, being at the park only ten minutes before opening at WDW could put you at the back of an ugly line. So we get to the park and there is literally no one there. No one. We had to hunt around for a security guard to confirm that the park really did have morning EMH. At about 8:03, a cast member comes to the gate and asks us to wait a few minutes because they’re not really ready for guests. At about 8:10 a few other guests, like two more families, show up and they open the park. There is an entirely different vibe going on over there. I have to say that I kinda missed the morning race walk.

Because we were there early, we got to ride on Buzz Lightyear four times in a row. With a few small differences, the experience is mostly the same at the other versions. I liked that the targets had lights that turned on when you hit them. This made it much easier to tell whether your shots were good and how to aim. We also rode on the Orbitron several times (think AstroOrbiter). We then made several attempts to go on Fantasyland rides that were supposed to be open during EMH, but they were all having those pesky technical difficulties. Very disappointing.

Inside Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin.

We did finally get to go on Pirates of the Caribbean. There are many of the same scenes, but they come in a different order, but no Jack Sparrow here that I could see. This made it feel like a throwback to the older US versions of the ride.

Big Thunder Mountain was a big thunderous hit with the whole family. The feel is the same as WDW (tame-ish coaster), but the ride felt much longer with more too look at and more story line.

In addition Dumbo, Snow White and the Teacups, Fantasyland has a large walk-through maze: Alice’s Curious Labyrinth. There were little doors and obstacles and a Cheshire Cat made of plants. My tweeny girls enjoyed the novelty of it. I think it would be super great fun for the 4-8 year old set.  Walking through things seemed to be a popular diversion at DLRP. In addition to all the Frontierland walk -through attractions (which included the Swiss Family treehouse), there were dioramas or storybook displays of the Aladdin and Sleeping Beauty stories, as well as dioramas in the Small World exit queue. Somehow I don’t see Americans being patient enough to appreciate these calm and non-interactive displays.

Alice's Curious Labyrinth...

I love this shot! ~Z Curiouser and curiouser!

The Cheshire Cat in Alice's Curious Labyrinth.

For lunch, we walked over to the Disney Village, which was like a teeny Downtown Disney with a movie theater, a theater for a live show, a few shops, a game arcade and several restaurants, including the familiar Rainforest Café. And, cue the harp music and chorus of heavenly angels, Disney Village includes a fully functioning Starbucks. Amen.

Disney Village shopping and dining.

More views of Disney Village - is that a Starbucks I see? my precious....~Z

We had saved a few hours for the Walt Disney Studios. I had been warned that there was not much to do there, and true, it was rather small, but we found it charming. My Tower-of-Terror daughter thought the DLRP Studios version was fine. We enjoyed Cinemagic, a combination stage and film show, though I can’t say I’d go back for repeat viewings. And we got to see the Stars and Motorcars parade that had previously been at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida.  We also got to peek over a gate and take a look at the new Toy Story play area that’s set to open this spring. Fun!

The Walt Disney Studios

A familiar parade through the Walt Disney Studios

The Hollywood Tower Hotel's Paris offices.

The most memorable part of the trip for my daughters was the Studios ride, Crush’s Coaster. They reeeeeeally wanted to do this and there was no Fastpass, so we waited for 70 minutes. It was perhaps the only time they were ever happy about waiting 70 minutes for anything. Every moment of the ride was pure fun, starting with Crush speaking in French with an Australian accent. Duuude! Think non-dark Space Mountain (the nice Florida version), with some of the Primeval Whirl spinning and some Dumbo up and down thrown in for good measure – just a joyful way to fly.

Warning sign for Crush's Coaster

I am so glad that I got to add all of this to my cache of Disney knowledge and experience. I certainly could have spent much more time at both parks. There were several rides we didn’t have time to get to, but the siren call of the Mona Lisa called us on to Paris. I guess I’ll just have to make another trip to see the rest of the resort.

Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant avec trois jolies filles qui sont éveillés.

…

Thank you so much, Erin & family for sharing your experiences abroad with us. It sounds like it was definitely a unique and must-do trip for any Disney fan or, as you say: Disney Geek!

{all images ©Erin Foster}

This post is now part of the Disney Blog Carnival. Go there to read more great Disney posts.

When I held the book in my hands, my first thought was how lucky Valerie Childs must be, and how much I wanted to be her when I grew up. This hardcover book was over-sized like a coffee table book and the full-color pictures were just beautiful. Our friend had also somehow gotten a few Mickey Mouse balloons {not inflated} and stuck them in the middle of the book, where there was a double-paged picture of the very same balloons. It was like a magical surprise every time I turned to that page.

I would stare at this cover wanting to BE that lady.

And I would stare at this back cover for ages looking at all the individual people.

I loved this book because it focused on Disneyland as well as Walt Disney World. I would take note of the differences between the two places; from the font of Land vs. World {not that I knew what a font was back then} to the rides locations of the rides. I’d never been to Disneyland {still haven’t, must remedy this!} so seeing pictures of the pirate ship or Storybook Land or the Matterhorn were like seeing snapshots of a foreign country I wanted to explore. Seeing the attractions and places I’d been to in Walt Disney World was like seeing pictures of “home”.

Now, looking at the book for the first time in quite a while and 31 years after it was published, it’s like a magical time capsule full of history. I would love to get all of the pages scanned in, but I’d have to find some industrial sized-scanner to get them all in. In the meantime, I thought I’d share a few of my favorite pages with you and we could stroll down memory lane together. For those that did not visit the parks during this time, it’ll be fun to see how things started out.

The original Main Street Electrical Parade

The mystical (to me) pirate ship and Matterhorn

The balloon page, with 30 year-old balloons still intact

Gorgeous sunset at the Empress Lily. This view is no longer possible (without Photoshop)

More impossible views - The Contemporary without Bay Lake Towers (OR The Grand Floridian in the background!) and one of River Country's water slides.

I hope you enjoyed the pictures. I looked for the book online and it does appear to be on ebay. It really is one of my treasured collectibles both for the pictures it contains and the memories it brought me as a child. Do you have a favorite book in your Disney collection?