Quantcast
 
INTERCOT: Walt Disney World Vacation Planning Guide Walt Disney World Disney Cruise Line Mousehut Mail WebDisney News INTERCOT: Walt Disney World Vacation Guide
News Discussion Theme Parks Resorts Info Central Shop Interactive Podcast INTERCOT Navigtion
Quick Links
  discussion boards
  INTERCOT insider
  countdown timer
  RSS feeds
  insider archive
  site search

Discount Tickets
  official ticket ctr

News
  site search
  headlines
  past updates
  discussion boards
  email update

INTERCOT Other
  advertising
  sponsors
  link to us
  contact us
     
 

INTERCOT > Interactive > INTERCOT Insider Archive > INTERCOT Insider


INTERCOT Insider
Disney Newsletter

Brought to you by INTERCOT's network of sites:
INTERCOT - Walt Disney World Inside & Out
INTERCOT's WebDisney - Guide to Disney on the Internet
INTERCOT's MousehutMail - Free Web Based Email
 

<<Introduction>>

"To all that come to this happy place: welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here age relives fond memories of the past, and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams, and the hard facts that have created America... with hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world" --Walt Disney, July 17, 1955.

Those words ring as true today as they did 60 years ago.  In this very special edition of the INTERCOT Insider we take a look at the 'the park that Walt built' as the park crosses the 60 year mark and the whole Disneyland resort celebrates with a proper Diamond Anniversary celebration.  We'll take a look at how you can save on a trip to experience the anniversary fun, find out how an INTERCOTee is preparing for their Disneyland trip, take a look at all the pictures from an INTERCOTee who just returned from Disneyland, and wrap-up with some tips on how to experience this special celebration. Hang on to them diamond studded hats and glasses, cause this here's the most informative ride on the internet!

<<Disney Deals>>

with Magical Journeys Travel Agency

 

-- A Dazzling Discount --

If you find yourself heading to experience the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration later this summer, be sure to take advantage of our special Disneyland Resort Hotel offer! When making reservations now through September 3, 2015, you can save up to 20 percent on premium rooms at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and the Disneyland Hotel and save up to 10 percent at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel. Offer is valid on select Sunday through Thursday nights from August 16 to September 24, 2015. Contact INTERCOT's Official Travel Agency - Magical Journeys today to book your vacation! (Yes, they book Disneyland vacations too!)

>> Contact Magical Journeys Today!

 

<<... here we goooooo with Mikki Young>>

This year we are travelling to the original Disneyland. It is no coincidence that it is the 60th Anniversary. Our first visit was for the 40th and our second for the 50th. Since then we have been joking saying we will go back for the the 60th but now here we are. We will be there at the end of August for 4 nights staying at the Grand Californian Villas (a new experience for us)How much will things have changed? How different is it to Florida?

We have bought 5 day park hopper tickets. It has been years since I have used anything other than an annual pass in Florida! We can walk straight from the hotel into the park and even the two parks and the Disney village are walking distance apart. We bought a Photopass+ package in advance – less than $70 and to my huge surprise this included the official Disneyland Photo Gallery CD. OK, the number of dining and ride photo options are more limited than in Florida but this is a much more reasonable price.

When we first went California Adventure did not exist. This time I think it will have dramatically changed and improved since our last visit. Can’t wait to see Carsland! However I suspect I will be even less likely to try California Screamin or the moving cars on Mickey’s fun wheel. I still have fond memories of Matterhorn so hope it is working when we visit and that my body is still up to it! And our toy cat Figaro will want to go on the Pinnochio ride. And dare I hope that Mr toad still resides there? Ten years ago they had golden ride vehicles outside all the rides that had been there since the beginning. These were not just great photo opportunities but a lovely reminder about how timeless Disney can be even with all the continuing changes.

<<Practically Perfect Pics with Christine>>

Out intrepid field reporter Christine, recently shared a plethora of pictures from her 60th Disneyland trip.  From celebration merchandise to dazzling decorations and from Disneyland details to the charm of the parks; Christine sent a care package of pixie dust to her friends in INTERCOT USA.

Check out Christine's more than 60 pictures of the 60th Celebration on INTERCOT's Facebook:

>> Disneyland 60th Album

<<Navigating Disneyland: 60th Anniversary Edition>>

Disneyland can be a bit different of a park planning experience for those unfamiliar with factors like weekend crowd swells.  With the 60th celebration above normal crowd levels are expected, here's two views from INTERCOTee's that are Disneyland veterans and have already navigated the 60th Celebration crowds:

--2Epcot's View--

Visited the park twice in June, on a Tuesday and Thursday. Tuesday was a grad night, with lots of high school kids. Thursday was not a grad night ... Both days were almost equally crowded, at least for Main Street.

I've been arriving late afternoon mainly to see the new Paint The Night Parade and Disneyland Forever, the new 60th Fireworks show. People have been already staking out spots for the parade more than 4 hours in advance. The fireworks show was cancelled on Tuesday due to high winds, but I did see the parade.

Disneyland has been without a night parade for a while now since the Electric Light parade went to Walt Disney World. Not sure if its just because it's an all new parade, or people here just haven't had a night parade in such a long time that they are arriving so early to stake out spots.

So for the first time in forever, Disneyland now has a daytime parade, Fantasmic, a night parade running twice a night, and fireworks. Expect the park to be a zoo between 8pm and 11:00 every night which is when the second Paint the Night parade starts. Also since Fantasmic has become a FASTPASS ticket show, there are more restrictions walking through that area.

California Adventure Park has the same daytime parade, but the brand new World of Color show. I haven't seen that yet in person, but hoping to soon.

I usually avoid the parks most of the summer, but I'm seeing summer like crowds already in the parks with the new entertainment offerings.

Loved the new parade, though wish it was a little longer. Great floats and light technology. Happy to hear the music incorporating a little bit of our old Main Street Electrical Parade theme. Imagineering can do so much more with the LED lights than the old light parade technology.

Thursday I did see the fireworks show. Disneyland went all out for the 50th Anniversary fireworks show. That was the best fireworks show I've seen at any Disney park. The 60th Show doesn't disappoint either. It's an incredible show. I won't spoil it for those who want surprises, but from what is commonly known ... The show incorporates projection mapping, not only on the Castle, but the entire Main Street USA buildings, the Matterhorn Mountain, and as before on It's A Small World. There are also other surprises mixed in. Also more lighting throughout the park than I've ever seen used for a fireworks show.

The combination of all of the elements is almost overwhelming ... At times you're almost not sure what you should focus on more. This is the first time I've really wanted to watch a fireworks show from multiple locations in the park because you just can't see everything from any one spot.

As a local it's easier to handle, but I'm already working on my strategy for July when I bring someone who has never been to Disneyland ... Plan wisely.

--TinkWest's View--

We were there in June and watched Paint the Night and the fireworks from the it's a small world area. We arrived a little more than two hours before the parade and were lucky to find a spot to sit down. By the time the parade started it was packed like sardines. As soon as it was over everyone spilled out in to the parade route to get a spot for the fireworks, which started about half an hour later. We just held our spot and only could see a sliver of the face of small world so couldn't enjoy the projections to their fullest. But we could see the back of the castle so caught some of that action, Tinker Bell for example, and we could see the fireworks themselves perfectly. No more spoilers.

It took about 25 minutes to get out of the park after that. It can be frustrating when cast members are directing you to go one way when you want to go the other but, especially around 10pm, you must remember that the fireworks have just ended so the areas around the castle are closed zones while they check for any possible fire danger, Fantasmic! will be starting up in 45 minutes, and another parade will begin at 11pm. It is a mad house. People are trying to leave, get to the Rivers of America, filling space by sitting on sidewalks and walkways. Just be patient and move with the crowd. Don't plow me over with your stroller. And if they could turn down the blaring post fireworks music just a notch it would be a lot easier to hear cast member instructions.

We went expecting crowds. We knew it was the last day that Southern California Select passholders would be able to get in to the parks until late August. So that part did not bother us. We loved Paint the Night. I will not quite give it the honor of my favorite parade (which in my book is the Electrical Parade) but like Chris said, it has been a long time since we've had a nighttime parade and this makes it a huge draw. So glad it was NOT a disappointment. I loved the incorporation of Electrical Parade music. I'll definitely be going back to see it again, crowds or not. The fireworks will also bring me back, again agreeing with Chris that I want to see this show from multiple spots. With a pass I have the wonderful option to go to the park for the sole purpose of watching a parade or a fireworks display and then leaving. Now that I've had a taste, I plan on doing this as much as possible over this 60th celebration.

In the daylight I commented that I liked the 50th castle decorations better than the 60th. But the castle at night is gorgeous, reminding me of the holiday castle.

<< Conclusion >>

Disneyland may never be finished as long as there is imagination left in the world, but this edition of the INTERCOT Insider has come to a close. We hope this edition has given you a reason to experience the Disneyland 60th Celebration first hand. We'll be back in a few weeks with more great tips, news, and deals.  See ya real soon!
 

<< Thank You To Our Sponsors! >>

The INTERCOT Insider and INTERCOT.com are supported by the following sponsors who in turn, help us bring the Magic to you!

All Star Vacation Homes
Website: Vacation Home Details Here
Choose from the finest selection of vacation homes and condos in the closest locations to Walt Disney World.

Magical Journeys
Website: http://www.yourmagicaljourneys.com
INTERCOT's Official Travel Agency.  An unconventional Travel Agency for the unconventional client, Magical Journeys is dedicated to finding the best pricing for your next magical journey. We work hard to save you money, and still give you the quality service you deserve.

The Official Ticket Center
Website: Buy & Price Tickets Now!
The Official Ticket Center is Walt Disney World's, Universal Studios and Sea World's #1 guest service provider for the last 3 years. The Official Ticket Center sells tickets only, at a discount price.

Quicksilver Tours & Transportation
Website: http://www.quicksilver-tours.com
Our drivers are the first personal contact you have when you arrive in Orlando.  No other transportation company goes to the lengths we do to ensure that your trip is exactly how you imagined it. At Quicksilver, we truly believe there's no such thing as going "above and beyond" for our clients. Instead, it's all part of doing our jobs correctly.

The Timeshare Store
Website: http://www.dvc-resales.com
This Disney Vacation Club resale site offers the largest selection of DVC Resale's anywhere!  They are the number one Disney Vacation Club Reseller in the world. See how easy and affordable it is to purchase your very own piece of the "MAGIC".

Universal Orlando® Resort
Website: Universal Orlando ResortAdvertisement
Universal Orlando® Resort is more than a theme park. It's an entire universe of action and thrills featuring TWO spectacular theme parks unlike anything else in Orlando.

Comments or questions may be sent to [email protected]
 

 
Social Media

Sponsored Links

Disney Community Discussion
New Page 1

Sponsored Links

Get INTERCOT's Free Newsletter

The INTERCOT Insider is a twice monthly email
update with tips and informative articles.
To subscribe, enter your email address:


Sponsored Links

 

 
Magical Journeys
Company
Advertising
Guest Relations
Community
Discussion Boards
Podcast
Newsletter
Shop
Social
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
YouTube
Pinterest
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Enter your email address below to receive our newsletter:
INTERCOT Logo PRIVACY STATEMENT / DISCLAIMER | DISCUSSION BOARD RULES
© Since 1997 INTERCOT - a Levelbest Communications Website. This is not an official Disney website.
Levelbest Network Site