New Disney Policies for Strollers, Smoking & Ice

STROLLERS:

2019 Updated Disney Policies concerning Strollers, Wagons, Smoking, and Ice.

Beginning May 1, Disney is adjusting guidelines on stroller sizes, which will require them to be no larger than 31" (79cm) wide and 52" (132cm) long or smaller. The good news – many of the strollers on the market, including many double jogging strollers, fit within these size guidelines. Also, just a reminder that wagons are not permitted in the Disney parks. Beginning May 1, stroller wagons will also no longer be permitted. These updates are designed to help guest flow and ease congestion, making the parks more enjoyable for everyone.

TIP: The smaller your stroller, the easier it is to navigate and maneuver the parks. At Walt Disney World Resort, you can rent a single or double stroller once you arrive, and they can be rented each day. Or, they can choose a Length of Stay Rental, which will save them time and money. While Walt Disney World already offers a double stroller rental, Disneyland Resort will soon offer one too.

SMOKING:

Also beginning May 1, smoking areas will no longer be present inside Walt Disney World or Disneyland theme parks, water parks, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex or Downtown Disney in California.

TIP: Designated smoking areas will be available outside the entrances to the areas listed above, and at Disney Springs in Florida. For guests who have room or dining reservations, smoking areas are also available at Disney Resort hotels.

LOOSE ICE

Beginning today, if you plan to bring a cooler or cooler bag to store snacks and drinks for theme park or water park adventures, it’s important to know that loose or dry ice are no longer permitted.

TIP: We recommend you use re-useable ice packs instead. Complimentary cups of ice are available at Food & Beverage locations inside the parks if needed.

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Thursday 3: 3 Special Walt Disney Remembrances at Disneyland

Disneyland - Walt's Park

It is crazy to think that there are kids who are very familiar with the word "Disney" but have no idea that Walt Disney was a real person.  For our first Thursday Three, we're going to take a look at three very special "Walt" remembrances in Disneyland park in California.  Honestly, the park itself should probably be our first item and one of the things that makes Disneyland so special is that it is the only theme park that was built with Walt Disney's involvement at every level, from original inspiration to attraction design to opening day and beyond.  The park was a labor of love right up to the end of Walt's life; in fact, the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disneyland was the last theme park attraction that Walt Disney personally oversaw and developed.  Walt passed away in December 15, 1966 and the Pirates of the Caribbean ride opened to the public in March 18, 1967

#1: Walt's Bench: One of the hidden gems you'll find tucked away in an exhibit near the front of the park is the bench where the first thought of a theme park came to Walt Disney.  He first had the idea as he sat on a park bench watching his daughters ride the merry-go-round at an amusement park and he had the thought that there should be a place where parents and children could enjoy doing things together.   It was an idea that stuck with him and one that took a lot of time to develop but Disneyland opened 15 years later.

#2: Walt's Lamp: Did you know that Walt Disney had a small but fully functional apartment built into the second floor of the Disneyland Fire Station?   This apartment isn't open to the public though you can sometimes peek into it in the "Walk in Walt's Disneyland Footsteps Guided Tour" (extra cost).  The story goes that Walt would put a lit lamp in the window of the firehouse window to let people know he was in residence. They now keep a lit lamp in the window to symbolize the idea of Walt's influence or spirit always being present at Disneyland.

#3: Disney Brothers Golden Initials: Look for Walt & Roy Disneys' golden initials in the railing above the Pirates of the Caribbean ride in the New Orleans Square area of Disneyland...really, it is maybe a little closer to the Gumbo stand.

Don't Miss Out On Great Experiences At Disneyland!

You are probably beginning to see how helpful and valuable it would be to have someone who really knows and loves Disneyland help with your trip.   Did you know that our travel agents that specialize in Disneyland add a lot of value to your experience without costing you any extra?    When you book through us, you receive advice and information to help make your trip a wonderful and memorable time as well as a handy guidebook or online subscription (your choice) at no cost to you that will help you stay ahead of crowds and out of long lines.   We book both Disney and non-Disney hotels and we love helping our clients have a great trip.   Contact us today with your questions or to get a free, no-obligation quote.

More Great Disneyland Information: 

• Best Time to Go to Disneyland

• Disneyland Ride Closures & Refurbishments

• Disneyland Hidden Gems

A Poem About the Disneyland Hotels - by Toni

Disneyland onsite resorts,
So far there are three.
All with-in walking distance
You will see.

Paradise Pier,
So shiny and bright
If you guessed a surf theme
You’re probably right!

The name gives homage to a land,
Which is no longer the same.
Pixar Pier in California Adventure
Isn’t that why you came?

The next one is my fave.
Its origins are true
If you like Disney History
Disneyland Hotel is for you!

Consists of three towers:
Fantasy, Adventure, and Frontier
Trader Sam’s, a monorail pool,
And even Dole Whips are found here!

Stunning details adorn the lobbies
Of Walt’s Era and Imagineer art
Themed-music rocks you to sleep
For a great park morning start.

Grand Californian is a hit
If Disney’s Grand Floridian
And Wilderness Lodge were to merge,
This hotel would be it!

This deluxe hotel, nearest to the parks
Shortest walking distance
And California Adventure
Has its own special entrance.

There you have it,
The DL onsite three
Another one is coming
Soon we will see.

About the poet - Toni Garrett LOVES Disneyland which is why she became a travel agent specializing in theme park vacations.  She would love to help you plan a wonderful and memorable Disneyland vacation too!

No, The Toy Story Characters Don't Drop to the Ground When You Yell, "Andy's Coming"

You all know that the Toy Story characters do not drop to the ground when someone yells "Andy's Coming", right? It seems like that photo suggesting that they do is going around again. Some say it used to happen, others say it never happened but all I can tell you for sure is that it doesn't happen now.  If you yell "Andy's Coming", the handler that accompanies the characters will most likely tell you that Andy is away at college. 

Disney World Myth - Toy Story characters like Woody, Jessie, and Buzz Lightyear do not drop to the ground if you yell, "Andy's Coming" at Disneyland and Disney World.

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Day of the Dead traditions at Disney World and Disneyland / Dia de los Muertos

The Mexican Day of the Dead(Dia De Muertos) tradition is observed on from October 31 to November 2nd and it is a time of honoring departed loved ones.   It has roots in Aztec beliefs that say that the souls of departed loved ones can return for a brief time. 

Click here to read more about Day of the Dead traditions and origins. 

Dia de Los Muerto at Disney World

Certain elements have been incorporated into the "Gran Fiesta Tour with the Three Amigos" ride in the Mexico pavilion at Epcot.  Skeletons and skull masks (called calacas) are a a recognizable part of modern Day of the Dead celebrations. (Did you notice the Donald Duck pinata under the arch, in the background of the picture below?)

Do you see the Donald Duck banner? This is a Disney-fied version of a folk art called Papel Picado, which means punched or perforated paper, and are usually made by punching or cutting designs into tissue paper, using small chisels. They are used to decorate a lot of events but skeletons and the color pink are a common theme in banners used in Day of the Dead altars.

Dia de Los Muerto at Disneyland

From September 15 to November 2, 2017, the Plaza de la Familia at Paradise Gardens in Disney California Adventure (Disneyland) is inspired Dia de los Muertos and the movie "CoCo" and will feature storytellers, songs from the movie, Folklorico dances and Mariachi Divas.   Authentic Mariachi music will be presented at the Paradise Gardens Bandstand along with delicious Mexican foods available for purchase.   Click here for more information

In Disneyland park, guests can head over to Frontierland from September 15 to November 2, 2017 to join the festivities.   Zocalo Park will have a musical trio of iconic calacas (skeleton figurines), brightly colored flowers and Calaveras-style face painting.  You can enjoy dtasty mexican food at Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante.

Click here for a Disneyland Vacation Quote

Planning a Disney Vacation?

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