Fall Travel Has Begun!

Hello Everyone!

After a summer of planning vacations for my guests, it was time for me to once again "hit the road"! My first adventure of the fall/winter season was for my own birthday celebration to Disneyland!

This year was not only for my birthday.  I also celebrated the 20th Anniversary of DreamCatcher! What was even more exciting was this year I was joined by some very special people!  Clients from DreamCatcher's very first year in business, who I now call my dear friends.

My stay this year was at the Disneyland Hotel.  I had a gorgeous room on the eighth floor with a magnificent view of the parks and DownTown Disney.  We all stayed at the hotels of Disneyland, and for one couple it was the first time.  I have always told my guests that once you have stayed "in the magic" you will never consider a "Good Neighbor" again... and this time was no different! These gals experienced Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel, and even upgraded to "concierge"! They will forever know the "magic" of a stay at a Disney hotel, and now really understand the value of the location.

Disneyland has just completed the big 60th Anniversary celebration, it ended on September 5th. So these days the parks are transitioning to the Halloween and Christmas festivities. Just the same; the "FastPass" came in very handy, as there were still some pretty good crowds! Disneyland is honoring Halloween with the traditional make-over of the "Haunted Mansion", and "HyperSpace Mountain". Plus the always popular "Mickey's Halloween Party" begins this Friday, September 23rd!  The party is considered a "special event", so an additional ticket is required.  But the fun runs well into the night with lots of special treats for everyone! (Insider Tip; if you have been thinking of going, do not delay! The party is held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights, with a special schedule the weekend before Halloween.  And all the Friday night events are already sold out!)

Over at Disney's California Adventure Park there is also lots of excitement!  The very popular "Soarin", was closed down for a complete make-over.  Now referred to as "Soarin Around the World". The new version of this ride does not disappoint!  With spectacular videography of beautiful and amazing places around the world. Insider Tip; there is a distortion problem, that may/may not be corrected. To avoid seeing this; ask for glider 'B', the first row is always the best.  But now you need to also be in the center glider for the very best experience.

There has been additional changes at Disney's California Adventure, and more to come!  The beloved "Aladdin" did close this year in January, and in June we welcomed "Frozen" to the Hyperion Theater! For those who have seen it; the show is spectacular, fun, and heart warming. But this new production has had some issues.  My own experience was very disappointing, as the show was canceled.  After two hours of getting our Fast Passes, then waiting in line.  We entered the theater finally, got seated with the popcorn.  Then only ten minutes into the production, continued technical difficulties caused the show to be canceled. We were not compensated in any way, and there was no confirmation of the shows going on for the remainder of the day.  Insider Tip; try and see the show, it is worth it. (I hear from great sources!) But make sure you have the time, and ask the cast members about these cancellations.

I wanted to mention the dining!  Yes, Disneyland has become a dining destination for sure!  Long gone are the days of hot dogs and popcorn.  Although I must admit; Disneyland still has the best popcorn, and the corn dogs are "to die for"!  But let me share with you some of the spectacular dinners we enjoyed on this visit!

The always comfortable, easy, and great food at the ESPN Zone started our first evening. The added bonus of my "name in lights" above the entrance was pretty great!  (Even the DownTown restaurants like to make a deal of a girl's birthday!)  The next night we enjoyed our dinner at "Tortilla Joe's". Really good Mexican food, just too much for me!  (If you are a big eater~ this is a must try!)  Next we experienced the truly wonderful and surprising food, service and atmosphere of "Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen". I was sincerely impressed, as it does not look at all on the inside, what you see from the street walking by. It is far more elegant, and the food and service exceeded my expectations!

My "special day" was Saturday, and we started with my favorite tradition breakfast with Ariel and her Princess Friends.  This magical experience is at "Ariel's Grotto" in the California Adventure Park. This is the perfect character dining experience for "kids of all ages", and my group was no exception! Every Princess stopped for conversation and photos. The food is outstanding, and you are served table side!  It is truly the Disney-way to start your day, and especially fun for a birthday!

For the birthday dinner we went to one of my favorites the Carthay Circle Restaurant in Disney's California Adventure Park.  It's a stunning location, beautiful atmosphere, and excellent food and service! We enjoyed three courses as a part of the "dinner and show" combination. This entitles each guest to a very special viewing area for the night time spectacular "World of Color", which we saw after dinner. I can not encourage my guests enough to experience this package at least once during your next visit! It's a wonderful way to spend the evening, and Disney really makes you feel like a VIP!

This was a very special year for me, and for my business! But this year's visit to Disneyland was made truly magical by the amazing and wonderful people I had the privilege of sharing it with this time! Before this trip we were all individuals who love Disney. Now we are close friends, with special memories shared!  Disneyland really is all about those special memories.  I look forward now to many more shared in the future!

I truly hope you will allow DreamCatcher to help you plan your next visit to the "Happiest Place on Earth"!  Because making those "magical moments" happen for your family is what we do best!

Just the "Dis-nified" opinion of this Professional Travel Consultant!