I gotta be honest, I HATE when the Disney Parks Blog writes a blurb about some limited time cupcake and passes it off as content… buuuuut, we're all a little hypocritical from time to time :) PLUS, these seasonal treats are so photogenic! 

Check out these specialty apples!

Aren't they gorgeous? Although I didn't fancy anything when I was actually at Trolly Treats, now I wish I had tried the caramel one with white frosting. It looks super tasty and bears an uncanny resemblance to the poison apple from Snow White!

Film Friday: Pardon our Pixie Dust!

Today's Film Friday is an instax close-up of a construction wall in the Paradise Pier area of Disney's California Adventure. Although I don't love that the construction in Disney Parks seems to be ongoing, I love the graphics printed on them. I thought this one especially charming :)

Pumpkins at the Partners Statue ;)

In an effort to keep this short, I wanted to share this set of photos I took of the carved pumpkins at Disneyland's 'Partners' statue. The pumpkins are arranged in a circle around the statue, with each pumpkin represented by a character. Disneyland at Halloween is just gorgeous, and these pumpkins are a nice touch. 

I always love when Roger Rabbit gets some love (I find him to be generally underrepresented at the Parks), but Winnie the Pooh for Critter Country? I don't know man. I think Brer Bear, would have been a cool choice, maybe even a country bear… I'm sure that would make waves!

What do you think of the characters chosen to represent the lands? Would you have chosen differently? Let me know on Facebook or twitter (@thedizfizz)!

'Dia de los Muertos' Display at Zocalo Park

Over the past decade or so, Halloween Time at Disneyland has matured into full bodied season.  Although much of the conversation revolves around Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and the pumpkin displays, I think the Dia De Los Muertos showing in  Zocalo Park, although smallish, is a noteworthy element of the holiday's festivities:

The walk-through exhibit opens with a framed informational sign surrounded by accoutrements traditional to the holiday:

In addition, several shrines have been created using marigolds (the flower traditionally used to honor the dead in Spanish-speaking cultures), Mexican blankets, and painted skeletons called calacas.

There are even a few life-size calacas, which are super neat:

As you can from these photos, the display is just gorgeous! What I really love, however, is that Disneyland has attempted to dialogue with its local population and create something both beautiful and culturally educational. In light of Maelstrom's closure and what some feel is happening to World Showcase, this mindset should be recognized and commended.

Film Friday: 35mm Lomokino Footage of Disneyland

Whatever the content, one has their own unique motivations when they choose to start (and maintain) blog. For me, the inception of The Diz-Fizz had to do with my desire to share my film photography of the park. The opportunity to do this is one of the things that keeps me writing (and let's be honest, this gal needs a hobby).

Up until this point, I have shared instant photographs exclusively, however, while at Disneyland last, I took fifteen 35mm rolls of moving footage with my lomokino! It is a super neat little camera (and believe me you will be the center of attention the moment you whip it out!) that creates grainy and disjointed, yet dreamy and winsome imagery of your subject. 

These are some cuts set to the audio from Walt's Dedication of Disneyland. I'm really pleased with the way it looks and can't wait to work with the footage further. Definitely let me know what you think in the comments or on Facebook! Enjoy!

Here You Leave Today...

When asking fans why they are crazy in love Disney Parks... why they listen to podcasts, why they obsess over the history of attractions they've enjoyed a zillion times, why they go to fan expos, why they buy merchandise, the scope of explanation will undoubtedly cover nouns such as nostalgia and adjectives synonymous with 'happy'.  Although the specifics may be different, the fact is that you feel different at Disney than you feel in your day to day life. You have escaped.

The plaque over the entranceway tunnel at Disneyland puts this sentiment in succinct terms:

From what I understand, the phrase was taken from an article written in 1954 about Disneyland for 'The Miniature Locomotive':  

"The visitor to Disneyland will leave behind the cares and confusions of the world of today and enter a world of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy."

Below is an image I pulled from Marty Sklar's memoir Dream it! Do it!. Although Walt never saw the plaques (both Disneyland and Disney World's were installed after his death), he planned for them to be there; he personally edited the copy! Sklar muses: 'It was a clear illustration of just how personal Disneyland was to Walt Disney…':

From Marty Sklar's book Dream it, Do it!

A cross-stitch of the phrase available on Etsy.

To fans of the Parks, these words are weighty and valuable. Although it is inevitable that most will miss them as they hurry towards the tunnel, others will stop, look up, and be reminded of why they find themselves there again and again.

In a community that exhibits a diverse array of opinions on a plethora of subjects, one thing Disney fans seems to agree on is the fact that Carsland is an Imagineering masterpiece. This is a land where attention to detail in every facet of the theming makes for an intoxicatingly complete environment. There is very little room for argument about this (but if you think you can, come at me bro!: @thedizfizz). Today's exploration, however, does not focus on the aesthetic, but the palatable. How the heck is the food???

The Cozy Cone Motel Restaurant is really more of a food court, with each kiosk representing a different cone-based food item. The kiosks are shaped like giant traffic cones, mimicking 'California Crazy'-style architecture common in mid-century roadside vernacular.

Having heard Lou Mongello sing the praises of the 'Chili Cone Queso' in particular, I knew what to check out first:

The item is a cone-shaped bread bowl filled with chili and topped with grated cheddar cheese and fritos:

Although the chili was tasty, the bread was kind of flat and I wish it was a bit fluffier. At $7.49, however, it's a reasonably priced satisfying snack/lunch to grab before you get in line for Radiator Springs Racers!

I also grabbed an ice-cream cone for dessert because I'm a lovable fat-ass:

My thoughts: it was a dipped ice cream cone.

These cone-shaped succulent planters were super-cute though!:

All in all, I give it a 7 out 10. The food was okay, but the design is really unique with some details that are definitely worth checking out. I'd give it another go, but am more likely to be getting the alcoholic high-octane limeade next time :)

Me with a 'cone'-y smile.

Film Friday: Alice, the Mad Hatter and me!

I used to be one of those people that didn't care to meet characters. In the past, the long lines and what could only be a forced interaction seemed like a waste of time when there are rides to be ridden and treats to be consumed!

Thankfully, this past trip completely changed my opinion on the subject! I think this is in large part due to the fact that at Disneyland, some characters still walk around the park (as opposed to remaining stationary at their official meet and greet), opening up the possibility for organic interaction.

This photo was taken behind the Alice in Wonderland dark ride. Ryan and I were en route to the Matterhorn and happened upon the Mad Hatter and Alice scuffling. Some of the banter:

Mad Hatter: 'I'm a ghost!' (In reaction to the developing film.)

Mad Hatter: 'This is the best picture of you Alice, you can't hardly see you!' (before the film developed)

Mad Hatter: 'Stop bumping me!'

Alice: 'I'm not!'

Mad Hatter: 'Bump.'

The pair is a RIOT, and our serendipitous meeting made for a unexpectedly delightful few minutes. And really... if 'unexpected delight' isn't another term for magic, I don't know what is.



King Triton's *Whimsical* Carousel at California Adventure!

It is no secret that I have a slight obsession with those finned folk one might find splashing around lagoons and luring sailors to their death. The truth is, I feel a special love for sea life in general, making a ride on King Triton's carousel whilst at Disney's California Adventure a must:

Instead of horses, the attraction showcases aquatic animals in fantastical colors and vibrant details. If this thing ever closes, I'm buying the lot for my house.

Purple Humpback whale, swoon.

Look at those gorgeous jewels.

This calliope adjacent to the carousel is easily as gorgeous as the animal sculpts:

I know in the end it's just a carousel, an essentially off the shelf ride that you could ride anywhere, even your local mall, and that it could even be argued that it doesn't fit with the theming of the area it's in… but I don't know, I dig it :)

Why @dilfs_of_disneyland is the *BEST* Disney Instagram I Follow

Let's get one thing straight. People who go to Disneyland are HOT. Having gotten used to the ECV scooter-laden walkways of Disneyworld in Orlando and fat families with matching t-shirts visiting for their once-in-a-lifetime, I noticed this right away. At Disneyland, the women have flawless hair and beach-ready bods, the children are well-kempt (and for the most part, it seemed, well-behaved), and there are smokin' dudes everywhere you look!

Dilfs of Disneyland celebrates the magic that happens when a fella is not only sexy, but also an adorable Dad. The account showcases all kinds of Dilfs, from the irresistibly attractive tattooed type,:

to the celebrity type (clockwise from upper left-hand corner: Mike Comrie, retired professional hockey player and husband of Hilary Duff, Professional baseball player, Jaycob Brugman, Model Gabriel Aubry and actor Cam Gigandet):

to the ones who are just plain hunky yet adorable.

In addition, the hashtags rule. For example #strollermeat:

I'd go as far as to say this account enriches my life. and to beautiful mind behind it, I salute you.

(Okay just ☝️more…) 

Film Friday: Instax shot of the Mad Tea Party...

on Alice in Wonderland printed film!

Just perfect :)

Whilst at Disneyland, I found myself taking *SO* many pictures of little details that, when put together, create Disneyland's intoxicatingly complete atmosphere. I want to highlight these in a new post segment called 'It's the Little Things'. Since last post was about the Jolly Holiday Bakery, I figured that would be a great place to start!

What an adorable little building. There are glass cases flanking either side of the cash register queue and I noticed these wonderful little treasures inside:

Bell Jar with Robin print.

This was the first trinket that caught my eye.

Ceramic statuette of Mary riding side saddle, *swoon*.

Hummel, haha.

Wish i knew what happened when you wind it up! Very cute.

I'd be super interested to know who acquired these treasures, and how I can get that job! Whilst they are more suited to my grandmother's home than own, I still think it lovely that time was taken to theme even a bakery queue.