CHOC Walk 2025: A Walk of Love, Strength, and Gratitude
Tomorrow, I’ll be walking in the 2025 CHOC Walk in the Park, a special event that means everything to my family. This annual walk not only brings the community together but also honors the brave children who have received life-changing care at CHOC Children’s Hospital.
This year, I walk for two incredibly strong young women: my daughter Elisha and my niece Jerrica.
Why I Walk: Our CHOC Journey
CHOC has been a life-saving partner in our journey for more than two decades.
My daughter Elisha was born with a rare chromosome abnormality (Chromosome 4q Deletion). From the moment she entered this world, CHOC has been there guiding us, treating her with compassion, and helping us navigate a complex world of 24-hour care and ongoing medical needs.
My niece Jerrica battled leukemia five years ago, and CHOC stood by her every step of the way with incredible support and care.
Elisha’s Story: A Miracle in Motion
When Elisha was born, doctors told us her life expectancy was only 7 years.
Today, she is 33 years old. That’s a miracle, one made possible through love, family, and the tireless efforts of the amazing CHOC medical team.
We’ll never forget the dedication of her pediatrician, Dr. Teresa Hollander, who often called us at home after hours and remained by our side through countless challenges.
Walking for Jerrica: Strength and Resilience
Jerrica’s fight against leukemia was incredibly tough, but she came through stronger than ever — and we are so proud of her. CHOC was a vital part of her journey, and we will always be thankful for the role they played in her recovery.
Why the CHOC Walk Matters
The CHOC Walk in the Park isn’t just a walk, it’s a powerful event that raises critical funds for CHOC’s lifesaving programs, research, and pediatric care.
Each step taken helps ensure that families like mine never walk alone.
Join Me at the 2025 CHOC Walk in the Park
💜 Event Date: Sunday, August 3, 2025 💜 Location: Disneyland® Resort – Anaheim, CA 💜 Start Time: Main Street opens at 5:30 AM | Walk begins at 6:00 AM 💜 Route: 5K walk through Disneyland® Park and Disney California Adventure® Park 💜 Parking: FREE parking available at Disneyland® Resort (structure opens at 4:00 AM)
Every dollar supports vital care and services for children at CHOC.
Disneyland BREAKING NEWS! Two limited-time events returning to Disney California Adventure in 2022. Lunar New Year & Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival is going to be EPIC!
We love that Disneyland Parks celebrates ALL cultures. Amigos, 2022 Lunar Year is the year of the tiger! It is so important to expose our children to different cultures and traditions. That is why this Lunar New Year is a wonderful experience for families.
ALSO, we can look forward to Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival. This foodie experience will explore California regions and neighborhoods in a number of ways, from the delicious fare to the vibrant entertainment, fun festival merchandise and more! My tummy can’t wait…
Lunar New Year, Jan. 21 – Feb. 13, 2022
Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure is a joyous celebration that commemorates traditions of Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese cultures. The festival is filled with multicultural performances, special activities, culinary delights, beautiful décor and more. The captivating “Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession” will return, featuring dozens of spirited parade performers as they honor family, friendship, and the potential for a fortune-filled new year.
In 2022, we will be celebrating the Year of the Tiger at the Lunar New Year festival. Tigger will join in on the fun, along with beloved Disney characters including Mulan and Mushu, Mickey and Minnie, the Three Little Pigs and more, all donning their festive attire.
Adding to the excitement of Lunar New Year, Raya from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ film, “Raya and the Last Dragon” will be appearing for the very first time at Disneyland Resort during the celebration! You’ll be able to see Raya in a setting inspired by her native Kumandra, recreated in the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail.
During the festival, you’ll get to taste your way through more than a dozen festival marketplaces that offer mouthwatering bites and beverages for every palate. Complimentary culinary demonstrations with visiting, local, celebrity and Disney chefs will return for the whole family to enjoy on Saturdays and Sundays during the festival. And for those looking to enhance their festival experience, special signature events will also be available to book and purchase, including the Carthay Circle Winemaker Receptions, and the Wine, Beer and Mixology Education & Tasting Seminars.
Just in! Friends, I am excited to share that new magic is coming to Disneyland Park and Hotel.
New details on exciting Disney Parks experiences were announced during this morning’s Destination D23 event and on the Disney Parks Blog! ( We are seriously sooo excited)
Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro presented a look at the new ways Disney is connecting fans to the stories they love most through innovative projects – and he also revealed some of the magic you can expect at the Disneyland Resort in 2022! Attached please find the Disney Parks press release and one image of what’s ahead for Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort.
MagicBand+ and ‘Hey, Disney!’ are coming to the Disneyland Resort!
The next-generation MagicBand+ wearable technology and “Hey, Disney!” voice assistant, recently announced for Walt Disney World Resort, will be coming to Disneyland Resort in 2022!
This will mark the first time MagicBand+ will be available at Disneyland Resort to enhance the guest experience with hands-free convenience as it unlocks unique moments of magic for Disneyland Resort guests. Some of the features of MagicBand+ will vary between Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort and we’ll share details in the months ahead. The “Hey, Disney!” voice assistant will work alongside Alexa on Amazon Echo devices and also will begin rolling out to guest rooms across the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort.
Downtown Disney District is evolving
At Disneyland Resort, the next evolution of Downtown Disney District is being planned with work starting in January 2022. The multi-year project to reimagine Downtown Disney District will include an even broader collection of shopping, dining and entertainment experiences. More details are coming in 2022!
To accommodate this work, Earl of Sandwich, Sugarboo & Co. and Starbucks Coffee on the west end of the district will close in late January 2022. The Starbucks location on the east end near World of Disney will remain open.
D’Amaro was excited to share this after announcing it Monday
At Mickey’s Toontown at Disneyland Park, Imagineers are working to reimagine the land with some all-new experiences for families and young children that will feature new play experiences, as well as open, grassy spaces to enjoy in 2023!
Imagineers are bringing new magic to the Disneyland Hotel
Imagineers are hard at work infusing the new resort property with the elements that bring Disney storytelling to life, all inspired by characters and stories from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ classic films. There will be a newly designed pool and recreation area, along with a variety of room types and the ability to explore the magic steps away at the Disneyland Resort.
Disneyland Resort Nighttime Spectaculars are returning in 2022
“World of Color” and “Fantasmic!” are returning to the Disneyland Resort next year, along with the “Main Street Electrical Parade,” which will return in time to celebrate its 50th anniversary.
The reimagining of Mickey’s Toontown at Disneyland park will debut in 2023 with new experiences and more play and interactivity for young families. This fresh new concept sounds simply magical.
Imagineers are working to create some all-new experiences so families can have more opportunities to play together inside our favorite theme park!
What to expect
Disneyland’s beloved Mickey’s Toontown will transform into a vibrant symphony of sights, sounds, and sensations. Doesn’t that just sound wonderful?
Focusing on today’s families with young children, Mickey’s Toontown will feature new play experiences, as well as open, grassy play spaces for everyone to unplug during the day at the park. The land will have landscaping for both spontaneous family play and parental relaxation.
One of the new areas coming to Toontown will be CenTOONial Park. Mickey’s Toontown will still be home to many of 0ur beloved characters including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck and more!
We are so excited about the NEW transformation. Stay tuned for the latest updates!
Guys! Read up on the latest COVID precautions.
Important Information about the Disneyland Resort
To enter a theme park, Guests (ages 3 and older) will need a valid ticket and a theme park reservation for the same day and same park they want to visit.
The State of California strongly recommends that all Guests be fully vaccinated or receive a negative COVID-19 test prior to entering the Disneyland Resort. Face coverings are required for all Guests (ages 2 and up) while indoors, including on many attractions and in enclosed transportation vehicles, regardless of vaccination status. Face coverings remain optional for all Guests in outdoor common areas.
Certain parks, hotels, restaurants, attractions, experiences and other offerings may be modified or unavailable, have limited capacity, and are subject to limited availability or even closure, and park admission and offerings are not guaranteed.
Amigos, who’s excited about Oogie Boogie Bash and Dia De Los Muertos at Disneyland?
There is just SOOO much to celebrate at Disneyland Resort this fall. Our favorite park has transformed and celebrates “Dia De Los Muertos” now through November 2nd. Also, Oogie Boogie Bash has returned for select days during the month of September and October.
I took a sneak peek at this year’s seasonal merchandise and food and beverage offerings. The park has brought culture, super cool Halloween park transformations, and new spooky treats, and we are loving it
As I walked into the Plaza De Familia, I began to choke up because I could feel the essence of our rich Mexican culture. Disneyland has embraced our authentic traditions of “Dia De Los Muertos,” (Day Of the Dead) to bring our community together. Gracias!
Thank you Disneyland Resort for inviting me to your fall preview. All opinions are my own.
At Disney California Adventure Park, Plaza de la Familia comes to life with folklórico dancers, Mariachi, delicious food, interactive experiences and ‘A Musical Celebration of Coco.’ A special tribute to Día de los Muertos presents atraditional ‘ofrenda’ near Rancho del Zócalo Restaurante
Mariachi Espactular is performing daily ya’ll!
Don’t forget to say hello to Miguelito at Plaza De La Familia!
When you visit, Plaza De La Familia. You can taste, feel, and enjoy the sounds of Mexico. This SPECTACULAR Tree of Life is breathtaking and a must see when you visit the park.
The Treats are Spooktacular!
Disneyland Resort, has wowed us again! This year’s clever and colorful treats include the Poison Skull Apple, the Minnie Witch Apple, the Vampire Mickey Bat Cookie, the Oogie Boogie Crispy and the Cozy Cone Macaron, and so much more!
Come say hi to Jack and Sally! They are waiting for you…
This year is the 20th time that Haunted Mansion is transformed into Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland Park! Jack Skellington, Sally and ghost dog Zero from “Tim Burton’s the Nightmare Before Christmas.”
Inside the halls, the latest Haunted Mansion gingerbread creation stands nearly 10-feet-tall! Not only is it creepy, it looks yummy enough to eat!
There are so many Instagram photo-ops in and around the park. Don’t forget to take quick pic and share with your friends!
Wicked and Spooky Must-Haves. I want it all!
This season’s hottest new items including pumpkin glow-in-the-dark spirit jerseys, glow necklaces, Mickey and Minnie plush, two new collectible headbands featuring a Mickey pumpkin and a Halloween plaid Minnie design, as well as new Halloween art.
And yes, I could not resist these adorable Nightmare Before Christmas Loungefly ears. The merch is AMAZING this season friends.
Thank you Disneyland for this incredible celebration! Enjoy these spooky festivities with your entire familia and your good friends too!
Hello fellow Disneyland fans…The day has finally arrived! Disneyland Resort has released their ALL-NEW annual pass. Introducing… “The Magic Key!”
My heart is full of joy because we can now visit as many times as our heart desires! The last two years have been difficult and full of uncertainty, but Disneyland has brought a glimpse of hope and magic back to California. BIG thank you Disneyland Resort! YIPEEE
Magic Key program, available for purchase starting Aug. 25, 2021. There are four different passes to choose from, and they conveniently offer a payment program. See the Key Pass options below.
Photo Credit Disneyland Resort
The Magic Key program, was informed and shaped by extensive consumer research and feedback from our guests and fans.
There will be four options of Magic Key passes, to provide our guests and their families with choices that fit various needs and lifestyle preferences for how they wish to visit the Disneyland Resort.
They will be leveraging our theme park reservation system for Magic Key, which helps to provide a great theme park experience for all of our guests!
In addition to savings opportunities for merchandise and food & beverages, Magic Key holders will have access to additional offerings and benefits, plus other unique surprises throughout the year.
Photo Credit Disneyland Resort
Charter members that become Magic Key holders within the first 66 days will receive a special welcome package, plus have the ability to enjoy a limited-time experience in Disneyland Park (beginning Sept. 1).
Magic Key passes will start at low as $399 or $19/month for 12 months (for Southern California residents, and after down payment), and go on sale beginning Aug. 25, 2021 (no earlier than 10 a.m. PT) on Disneyland.com and the Disneyland app!
The NEW Magic Key program, is available for purchase starting Aug. 25, 2021!
We are counting down the days till the opening Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure June 4th 2021!
Clarissa and I recently stood in front of the new Avenger Campus to try to get and get a peek of their newest attraction. Clarissa, “Mom, I can’t wait to see it!”
So rumor has it that “Taskmaster” is a newest villain on the Avenger’s block. His gang is conspiring to infiltrate the Avengers command center. The Taskmaster has photo reflexes and can copy super hero moves. Black Widow, Iron Man, Captain America, Captain Marvel and others will be on high alert, keeping an eye out for danger.
Below is a sneak peek of the Avengers Campus cast member costumes!
Cast Members at Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure Park, also known as Campus Representatives, will gear up in costumes inspired by each individual address within the campus when it opens June 4, 2021. At the Ancient Sanctum, costumes layer unique pieces that cast a dramatic silhouette with rich textures and sewing techniques inspired by the Mystic Arts. (Christian Thompson/Disneyland Resort)
Avengers Campus Cast Members Costumes – Ancient Sanctum
Cast Members at Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure Park, also known as Campus Representatives, will gear up in costumes inspired by each individual address within the campus when it opens June 4, 2021. At the Ancient Sanctum, costumes layer unique pieces that cast a dramatic silhouette with rich textures and sewing techniques inspired by the Mystic Arts. (Christian Thompson/Disneyland Resort)
Cast Members at Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure Park, also known as Campus Representatives, will gear up in costumes inspired by each individual address within the campus when it opens June 4, 2021. Campus Representatives at WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure and WEB Suppliers will wear pieces that feature modern, techy emblems and materials made of lightweight, breathable fabrics with stretch for movement and flexibility. (Christian Thompson/Disneyland Resort)
Cast Members at Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure Park, also known as Campus Representatives, will gear up in costumes inspired by each individual address within the campus when it opens June 4, 2021. Campus Representatives at WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure and WEB Suppliers will wear pieces that feature modern, techy emblems and materials made of lightweight, breathable fabrics with stretch for movement and flexibility. (Christian Thompson/Disneyland Resort)
Avengers Campus Cast Members Costumes – WEB SLINGERS:
A Spider-Man Adventure and WEB Suppliers Cast Members at Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure Park, also known as Campus Representatives, will gear up in costumes inspired by each individual address within the campus when it opens June 4, 2021. Campus Representatives at WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure and WEB Suppliers will wear pieces that feature modern, techy emblems and materials made of lightweight, breathable fabrics with stretch for movement and flexibility. (Christian Thompson/Disneyland Resort)
Cast Members at Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure Park, also known as Campus Representatives, will gear up in costumes inspired by each individual address within the campus when it opens June 4, 2021. The campus uniform includes cargo bottoms, a training shirt and a tactical-inspired vest that are comfortable, lightweight and breathable, so cast can be ready to take on any mission that comes their way. (Christian Thompson/Disneyland Resort)
Avengers Campus Cast Members Costumes – Campus Representatives Cast Members at Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure Park, also known as Campus Representatives, will gear up in costumes inspired by each individual address within the campus. The campus uniform includes cargo bottoms, a training shirt and a tactical-inspired vest that are comfortable, lightweight and breathable, so cast can be ready to take on any mission that comes their way. (Christian Thompson/Disneyland Resort)
Who else is doing cartwheels because Disneyland and Disney California Adventure is opening up on April 30, 2021?!
As Disney Parks prepares for the reopening of the happiest place on earth on April 30th, they have given us a little treat leading up to the reopening. “A Touch of Disney” is taking place NOW through April 19th at Disney California Adventure. This unique experience allows Disney fans to see their favorite characters, dine, snack and shop!
Photo credit to Disneyland
When the invitation to, “A Touch of Disney” popped up in my inbox, I cried tears of joy and leaped off my chair. I have many beautiful childhood memories at the park with my parents, and I can’t help but to feel nostalgia when I visit. This is truly a Disney dream come true, and I am beyond grateful for this unbelievable opportunity.
My daughter Clarissa and I consider ourselves “foodies” and professional shoppers, so we were thrilled to be at the debut on March 18th! ¡Estábamos encantadas de visitar nuestro parque favorito después de tanto tiempo! (We were thrilled to visit our favorite theme park after all this time!)
Disclosure: Thank you Disneyland for hosting us at, “A touch of Disney.” All opinions are my own.
Clarissa and I have put together a list of helpful tips to get the most out of your magical day at, “A Touch of Disney!”
Photo credit to Disneyland
Tip# 1
Visit the online Disney Parks Blog an Food Guide. The site provides a list of available restaurants and shops open during the event. This is a great starting point and resource to know what to expect during your visit.
Tip # 2
I highly recommend you download the Disneyland App on your smart phone. This will help your visit go smoothly. The app provides a map to navigate through the park, make restaurant reservations, and order treats while at the park!
Tip # 3
Prepare your itinerary ahead of time, to get the most out of the experience. Make a list of where you will be exploring, dining, and shopping!
Tip # 4
Pack a mask, hand sanitizer, wear comfortable walking shoes, and water to keep you hydrated. Disney California Adventure has taken extreme measures to keep visitors safe adhering to government CDC guidelines.
Temperatures are taken upon arrival. There are also several hand sanitations throughout the park. Look out for designated eating and drinking areas.
Tip # 5
Arrive on time to park your vehicle. The parking structure opens at 11:30 a.m. Keep in mind the trollies are not available, so you will be walking from the parking structure to the park entrance. This is why it is important to wear comfortable walking shoes.
The park has designed a pathway that helps with maintaining social distance. Note* The walk up to the entrance will take a little longer then usual.
Self-parking at the Mickey & Friends Parking Structure is included with admission to A Touch of Disney.
Tip # 6
Enjoy a tasty lunch at Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill or at your favorite eatery of choice! I am a taco girl, and yes they were NOMMY! I also enjoyed the seasonal Piña Margarita on the rocks. SCORE!
A $25 A Touch of Disney Dining Card redeemable for food and nonalcoholic beverages at select dining locations within the Disneyland Resort (subject to restrictions including not being valid for alcohol purchases)*
Choose an arrival window that works for you, order food and beverages and pay via the Disneyland app to help limit your contact with others. You’ll get an alert when your order is ready, so kick back and relax while your food is prepared.
Tip # 7
Try the famous Dole Whip! You will thank me later. Clarissa was craving DOLE Whip after lunch. She pulled up the Disneyland app on her phone, she found the location, ordered and paid for it. She scheduled a 3:20p.m. pick up. (found at Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats) YES IT IS DELICIOUS!
Many items are served snack-sized, so you can delight in a variety of bites and sips from mid-day through the evening.
Tip # 8
Take advantage of the park shopping! My daughter and I found this warm and fuzzy hat and gloves for her sister Tori. We also picked up a Baby Yoda beanie and socks for Drew. We found these at Elias & Co. We love the huge selection there!
Must-Have Merchandise Browse to your heart’s content. Select shops will be open and carrying the latest and greatest gear, apparel and accessories.
Minnie was our inspiration for our, “Touch of Disney” outfits. She is our favorite Disney queen!
Tip #9
Enjoy the adorable photo ops throughout the park! Clarissa and I stopped to take a quick pic a this adorable backdrop.
Enjoy unlimited digital downloads of Disney PhotoPass photos captured during day of the experience. Disney PhotoPass is subject to the Disney PhotoPass terms and expiration policy. Online registration required.
Take it all in… Enjoy, indulge, and spend quality time with your loved ones. It’s been a tough year, and it’s time to make new memories!
We had an extraordinary day at Disney California Adventure! The park was not overcrowded, and it was easy to maintain social distance. Mask wearing is strictly enforced.
We left with our hearts and bellies full… We can’t wait to visit again. ¡Muchisimas gracias Disney California Adventure por la invitación!
Disneyland warmly welcomed its first visitors to the new Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge on Friday, May 31. The widely-anticipated expansion is the largest in the Anaheim park’s history. If you’re one of the lucky few with advanced reservations to the Planet Batuu, Queen Bee Latina has some helpful tips and tricks to help navigate the immersive Galaxy’s Edge.
Prior to June 24–Reservations are Required In addition to Disneyland Park admission, all “travelers” need a reservation to enter Galaxy’s Edge. Each reservation allows guests four hours in Galaxy’s Edge, and guests can enter at a predetermined time when Disneyland Park is open. Reservation blocks typically start at 8am, 11am, 2pm, 5pm, and 8pm (assuming a normal 8am-12am day at Disneyland).
Online reservations are no longer available, but guests staying at one of Disneyland’s three hotels (until June 23) are able to get one reservation slot during their time of stay. Reservations can have a total of six people, and all legal names must be included on the reservation. Adults 18+ must provide legal identification upon reservation check-in; children under 18 do not require ID.
All with advanced reservations will receive an email (or printout if booking through a Disney resort) with a QR code and a list of names for all the people on the reservation. A print-out of your reservation confirmation is not necessary to check-in at Launch Bay, but you will need to bring it up on your mobile phone.
If you’re staying at a Disneyland Resort hotel, the hotel concierge can point you to a designated Galaxy’s Edge booking room inside your hotel, where a Castmember can confirm your reservation, adjust the spelling of names in your party, and can provide a print-out of your confirmation email with QR code. This service is only available during certain business hours, so please check that with your hotel.
Land Availability Beginning June 24 Beginning June 24, advance reservations are not needed to enter Galaxy’s Edge. Disney is likely proceeding with a FastPass-type reservation system once guests are inside Disneyland Park. Follow the Disney Parks Blog for details when this date approaches.
Checking In on the Day of Your Reservation If you have advanced reservations, guests are able to check-in at Launch Bay in Tomorrowland up to two hours prior to your reservation block. I recommend that you check-in as closely as you can to those two prior hours because there are some reports of check-in going smooth and also of check-in taking a lot of time.
When you arrive at Launch Bay, a Disney Castmember will check to see if you have a reservation by asking you for your reservation confirmation letter. Again, you can either shothem a print-out or a copy of it on your mobile phone. You will then be directed to a line where a Castmember will check that all people on the reservation are present and have the appropriate ID. Please note that the main person on the reservation needs to be present at check-in, no names can be changed at check-in, and all people in your party need to be present at check-in. If some of your party is not able to enter with you, your partial party is still able to enter Galaxy’s Edge as long as the main person on the reservation is present.
At check-in, all guests on the reservation will receive a wristband. These need to be kept on the entire stay inside Galaxy’s Edge. Prior to leaving Launch Bay, make sure every person with the wristband has their QR code scanned by a Castmember. According to Disney, this is needed to “activate” the wristband. Prior to leaving Launch Bay, Castmembers will also inform you of where you are to queue up for entering the land.
Queuing to Enter Galaxy’s Edge As soon as you leave Launch Bay, you should know which entrance you need to queue up at. From personal experience, the 8am reservations typically queue up at the Fantasyland entrance (just past Casey Jr. and Red Rose Tavern), and all later reservations queue up at the Critter Country entrance (just past Hungry Bear Restaurant). There will be a large crowd gathering in those areas as your reservation start time nears, but don’t be discouraged.
It’s up to your party to determine when to queue up for your start time. If your party is turned off by crowds, it’s perfectly acceptable to wait up until 30 minutes prior to get into the queue. If your party is anxious to be first for busy experiences like Savi’s Workshop for Handbuilt Lightsabers or Oga’s Cantina, you may want to be in the queue one to two hours prior.
Castmembers are known to let the queue partially enter Galaxy’s Edge up to 30 minutes prior, but no one will be allowed to enter the land until the reservation start time. When proceeding through the queue, Castmembers will continually check for wristbands, so again, ensure it’s on your wrist for your entire stay.
Experiences with Very Limited Availability The two most popular, but limited experiences are Savi’s Lightsabers and Oga’s Cantina. If you are looking to do both in one day, there is a very slim probability you’ll have the opportunity unless you split up your party. Because both experiences accept only a limited amount of people, it’s best to focus on one and try to get in line for the experience once you enter the land. Savi’s allows less than 20 people in one 30-minute interval to make a handbuilt lightsaber. The cost for one of the land’s most intimate experiences is $200 plus tax per lightsaber. Queen Bee Latina was able to experience this on Opening Day, and has a breakdown of its experience here
Oga’s Cantina is a long awaited experience for Star Wars fans. The opening marks the first public offering of alcohol in Disneyland Park. Oga’s is a family-friendly bar atmosphere with unique drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Three of Galaxy’s Edge’s most coveted souvenirs can be found at Oga’s—a Porg tiki mug, an Endor tiki mug, and a Rancor Beer Flight Board with four “teeth” beer flight cups. The souvenir mugs are only available with the purchase of its respective drink (the Cliff Dweller, the Yub Nub, and beer flight).
Savi’s and Oga’s both have a waitlist that fills rapidly. Use a Disneyland map or the Disneyland app to find each location and safely walk to those areas. In my last experience for Oga’s, prior to being allowed to enter the land, Castmembers informed guests of safely following behind a Castmember with a flag. Those who sped up in front of the Castmember, or unsafely didn’t heed the Castmember’s direction were not allowed to put in a reservation at Oga’s. Once you provide your cell phone number to a Castmember making reservations, they will text you with a return time window, which allows you to explore the rest of Galaxy’s Edge without waiting in a long, unnecessary line.
There aren’t many food options at Oga’s, but try the Oga’s Obsession treat if you want to consume something a little “out of this world.”
Readily-Available Experiences There are several readily-available experiences at Galaxy’s Edge, all in thanks to the reservation window system. Shopping, eating, and riding the new Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run ride can all be done in a four-hour window.
Smugglers Run is first of two rides to open in Galaxy’s Edge, and allows for the opportunity to be a pilot, gunner, or engineer for the majestic Millennium Falcon ship. There is a height restriction, so be sure to check with a Castmember to see if you “youngling” can ride. To ensure you get the “job” you want on this ride, group your friends to either five or six people, as the ride holds six at one time. If you have any in your party that is a video game expert, they will be the best pilot. Every “job” is interactive, as you smuggle precious cargo for the pirate Hondo Ohnaka.
The lines for Smugglers Run were pretty tame during opening weekend. On Day 2, I waited 40 minutes, and on Day 4, I waited five minutes and then walked on for a second ride. You can afford to ride Smugglers Run an hour or so after you enter the land. Try to ride it within your first 2.5 hours, as another large group of “travelers” will start their reservation time at your third hour.
Extend your Adventure with the Play Disney App My favorite feature of Galaxy’s Edge is the ability to extend your personal adventure via the Play Disney app. This app is separate from the Disneyland app, but you can connect your profiles and set up your Star Wars character. There are several locations with hotspots to unlock special features and earn Galactic credits (fictional money). You can also decide to aid either the Resistance (good guys), First Order (bad guys), or the Scoundrels (out for themselves), and each decision you make builds your personal Star Wars adventure.
Be sure to bring backup batteries for your cell phone, or buy a FuelRod battery pack inside Disneyland if you plan to use the Play Disney app. FuelRods are $30 and you can change them out any time you see a kiosk. So far, no FuelRod kiosks have been reported in Galaxy’s Edge.
Shopping There are several shopping opportunities throughout Galaxy’s Edge. Custom items like Savi’s Lightsabers and the build-your-own-droid experience at Droid Depot are the most popular shopping locations in the land. Be sure to check out the Marketplace for fun items including plush, wooden, and interactive toys. The Creatures Stall in the Marketplace is where you’ll find the cutest, yet strangest pets in the galaxy to take home.
Two other locations to shop are Resistance Supply and First Order Cargo, where you can purchase items supporting your favorite side.
Food and Beverages There is a limited food selection at Galaxy’s Edge, so take a look at the menus for each location to see if you want to eat inside the land, or “off-plant” at another location in Disneyland.
Quick-service food locations include Docking Bay 7 and Ronto Roasters. Quick snacks are available at Kat Saka’s Kettle (which I loved!) and the Milk Stand. My favorite treats in the land were the popcorn mix at Kat Saka’s and the Blue Milk made famous by Luke Skywalker in the movie ‘A New Hope.’
If you have picky eaters, it may be best to bring snacks or eat elsewhere.
Water fountains and water bottle fill stations are readily available throughout Galaxy’s Edge. Be sure to check out the fountain area in the Marketplace, as you may find a creature stirring in the water tank above.
PhotoPass Disney didn’t miss any opportunity to provide PhotoPass options inside Galaxy’s Edge. I saw three major areas for photos inside the land, in the Resistance area, First Order area, and in front of the Millennium Falcon. Be sure to take advantage of the great photos Castmembers can take, and ask if you can add a “hologram” to add an extra touch of Disney magic.
There are so many things to see, do, shop for, and eat at Galaxy’s Edge. As the land develops ways to better enhance “travelers’” experiences in the land, things will adjust accordingly. It’s incredible to see the hard work of Disney Imagineering and LucasFilm in person. Enjoy every bit of it, and may the Force be with you!
Vanessa Bañuelos-Dawson is a Disney-loving, nonprofit professional based in Southern California. She contributes to lifestyle blogs when not enjoying the sights, sounds, and shopping at Disneyland. A graduate (B.A. and M.A.) of Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film, she’s an avid fan of movies.
Disney’s ALADDIN soars into theatres this weekend with the tough job of following in the footsteps of animation gold.
The story of Aladdin centers on a poor but good-hearted young man (Mena Massoud as Aladdin) as he attempts to impress the girl of his dreams (Naomi Scott as Jasmine) with the help of magical friends (Will Smith as Genie).
Riding on the heels of Beauty and the Beast’s live action success in 2017, Disney gambles on bringing the film’s memorable cast of characters into a whole new world. Disney’s decision to green-light Aladdin as a live-action is tough in that the whimsical aspects of the most memorable sidekicks appear less dimensional and less interesting.
Prior to shooting, director Guy Ritchie took a lot of heat from the movie world when casting Will Smith as Genie—because let’s face it, Robin Williams is a tough act to follow. I was most hesitant about what to expect from Smith, but in the end, he genuinely helps the film grow into a more grown-up version of the original story.
Though the film delivers all the poignant scenes you know and love from the animated original, it does bring to light some of the problematic dramas involved with its main characters. This is the film’s redeeming quality—its awareness of its characters true intentions, especially Jasmine and villain Jafar (Marwan Kenzari). Though Aladdin centers on its main protagonist, the film’s diamonds in the rough are conversations Jasmine and Jafar’s dreams for themselves and the fictional nation of Agrabah.
The film’s ending proceeds as you might expect, but attempts something different with Jasmine. Though two original songs are written for her (the only ones unique to the live-action), a powerful punch isn’t made until the end in a conversation with her father. If this point were fleshed out more effectively in the plot, Jasmine would have experienced the most poignant development of all the film’s characters.
Aladdin is a visual masterpiece, with gorgeous cinematography (Alan Stewart) adding a crispness to the film’s enjoyable choreography. As always, Alan Menken’s music injects another layer of life, and brings the nostalgia home.
Vanessa Bañuelos-Dawson is a Disney-loving, nonprofit professional based in Southern California. She contributes to lifestyle blogs when not enjoying the sights, sounds, and shopping at Disneyland. A graduate (B.A. and M.A.) of Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film, she’s an avid fan of movies.
