CSM and Disneyland

So, I put out a poll on Facebook and Twitter. Here are the results:

Anyone going to #APTACSM @APTAcsm planning on @Disneyland? #DisneyPT #DPTstudent #freshPT #PTAstudent #socialPT

— Ben Fung (@DrBenFung) January 5, 2016

There will be at least 30 of your colleagues & their families, romping around at the Happiest Place On Earth!

Can both be done?! Well... I'll let you decide ;) This post isn't about finding or making the time. This post is all about what you can do while you're at Disneyland and some tips from a seasoned Disneyland Annual Passholder in how you can maximize your Disney experience at the parks. After all, if you've decided to go... you already know that it is worth it. And, if you are wavering, maybe this post will show you what 30+ people already know... it is worth it ;)

LOL. Who are we kidding? Of course I'm trying to get you to go!

CSM and Disneyland

I probably don't even need to say it, you probably already know: I'm a Disney FIEND. I love all things Disney & Star Wars; therefore, Disneyland (and Disney California Adventure) is just plain awesome. The fact that CSM is but and only next door to the Disneyland Resort, I can only hope that more and more of you will be helping me do a #DisneyPT TAKEOVER!

Considering that most of the CSM activities will be ceasing around 5 or 6pm -- AND -- that Disneyland is open until midnight for both the Friday & Saturday... there should be plenty of opportunities to get into the parks.

Here's what's up!

The Disneyland Resort is undergoing all sorts of changes in preparation for Star Wars land. What this means is that the train will be down and much of that same area surrounding the transition between Frontierland and Fantasyland. The good news is that because there is a bit less to do there, you don't have to feel paralyzed by too many options and trying to fit everything in. You'll have your option of park hoppers and various ticket prices to reflect how many days you wish to get in.

If anything, I'm hoping to organize an unofficial PT takeover... but, more news on that later.

If you haven't been to Disneyland in the last couple years... or decade. This is what you stand to gain!

1. Tommorrowland is entirely Star Wars'd out. The whole place is now undergoing something called the Season of the Force. The whole area has Star Wars music, decor, and Star Tours is now a 4-D experience along with a special scene which ties in the new Star Wars movie, The Force Awakens!
2. The Paint The Night Parade is perhaps Disneyland's best parade ever! Not only did it debut for Disneyland's 60th anniversary; it gave the proper nods to the old Electrical Parade which is now available in Disney World, Orlando.
3. Oh, right! It's Disneyland's Diamond Anniversary!
4. Many of the "fun" rollercoasters have been upgraded. This includes the Matterhorn Bobsled as well as Frontierland's Big Thunder Mountain. I went on Big Thunder just last week and the upgrades are incredible!
5. Disneyland allows for FastPasses for you to spend in the park while your pass, waits in line and allows for a return time for you to cut the majority of most lines. If you have children, you can also use what is called a Rider Switch Pass where one of you waits through the line and the other gets to do something else. Then, you switch the passes and take 3 guests with you to cut the majority of the line. A similar effect goes for wheelchair access.
6. There are a LOT more new shows including Mickey and the Magical Map, a brand new World of Color show in Disney California Adventure.
7. Oh! And, if you aren't familiar with Disney California Adventure... it's the "adult" park. There, you will find great food, great rides (actual rollercoasters and what not), and great booze. That's right ALCOHOL.
8. Space Mountain is now Hyperspace Mountain, re-themed with projections of Star Wars effects to really accelerate the ride experience.
9. Many of the dark rides in Fantasyland have been upgraded in one fashion or another. An example is Alice in Wonderland and the new dynamic projections they have as you go through the ride itself.
10. Downtown Disney has become its own thing. Great shops. Excellent food. Speaking of which, maybe #10.5 is Trader Sam's Tavern at the Disneyland Hotel... the volcano explodes regularly... as does the rush in drink orders ;)

So, finally, I must ask... if you're not planning on going yet... are you now?!

#DisneyPT