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.



Sweet treats at the Jolly Holiday Bakery!

Although I normally approach planning a Disney vacation with a level of gusto and meticulousness that most find irritating, I went into my trip to Disneyland with a shortish list of must-do's to be completed in no particular order. At the recommendation of countless blogs and podcasts, a visit to the Jolly Holiday Bakery was a must-do!

Referencing the 1964 classic Mary Poppins (one of my all-time favorites), the Victorian-style building is a bright and cheery yellow and, along with the Plaza Inn on the other side, 'caps off' Main Street USA very nicely. Notice the weather vein atop the sign: 

Although the Bakery sells lunch faire and coffee, I was there to sample the baked goods. My friend Ryan and I decided we would share the Red Velvet Cupcake, and Peanut Butter and Chocolate Whoopee-Pie, and the famous Matterhorn Macaroon! :

All three were delicious. For taste, my favorite was the Red Velvet Cupcake for its lovely color (I LOVE PINK) and real cream cheese icing that I didn't find too sweet. I will say, however, there is something charming about eating a Matterhorn Macaroon in view of the Matterhorn, a lovely experience not to be missed!

What is your favorite place to get a sweet treat at Disneyland or Walt Disney World… let us know in the comments section! Also, if you enjoy the blog, search The 'Diz-Fizz' on Facebook and like our page where we'll post photos, opinions, and general non-sense between blog posts!

Five Things to Love about the Disneyland Hotel!

In some respects, I think that choosing a hotel is the trickiest part of planning a trip to Disneyland. After much consideration of the pros and cons of each hotel, weighing on-site versus off-site, I did finally settle on the Disneyland Hotel and am pleased as punch that I did! I'd like to use today's post to highlight a few things that I ADORE about the Disneyland Hotel.

1) Trader Sams.

Unfortunately, inflated expectations can often lead to disappointment. Thus, I approached Trader Sam's, a whimsical tiki bar in the Disneyland Hotel courtyard with some caution given that I had only heard that it was the best thing ever. IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT :)! Hands down, the best bar on Disney property, anywhere. With just the right amount on tiki kitsch and interactive elements, this bar is definitively Disney whilst still maintaining an adult atmosphere. The specialty drinks are awesome too, but they get their own post :).

2) Disney details everywhere you look.

Everywhere you look in this hotel, there are definitively Disney touches. From the LED fireworks built into the headboard, to the pillows, to the monorail water slides, you can't avoid the magic! Although I haven't stayed at the Grand Californian, I can only imagine it is a completely different experience. It was really lovely to be so immersed in the Disney bubble for my first time out there.

3) The Kahlua Pork Flatbread at the Tangaroa Terrace.

This was the first and last thing that I ate on this trip. 'Nuff said.

4) The Monorail water-slides. 

Absolutely gorgeous and unexpectedly fun!

5) History.

You can feel the history in this place. From the vintage photographs to the framed concept art, even the retro looking font used for the logo, you are constantly aware that this hotel exists because Walt Disney wanted it to exist. To stay at this hotel is a very special experience and I highly recommend it to any die-hard fan.

Human Ariel Should be Wearing her Pink Dress, amiright?

Although the list of elements that set Disney Parks apart from other theme parks is extensive to say the least, among the most important is the presence of walk-about and meet and greet characters. On this last trip, I had a blast looking for (okay, stalking!) my favorite characters around the park and spending a few minutes talking to them. Among my favorites was Ariel at Fantasy Faire. Bubbly, sweet, and cute as a button, I really loved chatting with her for a few minutes.

There is one thing, however, that bothers me about his particular Ariel meet and greet. Although she meets as a mermaid in Walt Disney World, at Disneyland, Ariel meets as a human. I wouldn't mind this at all (after all she does finish out her story as a human) except for the fact that she is wearing this stupid green dress that isn't in the movie! It would one thing if she didn't have any human clothes to choose from, but she has several! Cosplayer Traci Hines has done a killer job with all of them:

Personally, I think Ariel should meet in her pink dress at the formal meet and greets, and walk around in her blue dress. What about you? Does Ariel's green dress bother you? Let me know in the comments section! 

Also, PLEASE, if you enjoy this blog, 'like' my Facebook page! There I will post photos, opinions, and general nonsense, and hopefully, hear from you!

Authentic Mid-90's Figment Plush!

This week I have been staying a friend's house whilst working in the city.  Although this friend isn't a Disney fan in particular, she did pull out this memento from her trip as a child to show me:

That's right! That lovable fellow with two tiny wings and eyes big and yellow, Figment! Here are some more pictures of this very special Disney parks character:

Tiny Ringer Tee!

The best part is that when I took off his little shirt, I learned that his belly is pink!:

Decades after his creation, Figment continues to enchant audiences. Heck, Marvel even wrote a comic about him!  When I asked my friend what is was about Figment that captured her heart (although I don't word things like that in everyday speech!), she said that it had something to do with the fact she had never seen him before. I see this as evidence that every attraction does not have to be tied to a franchise, and in fact, it is often endearing that it not.  I really hope that at some point Disney returns to a philosophy of original attraction developement as opposed to relying so heavily on its films as the sole source of inspiration.

Figment, the newest from Marvel's Disney Kingdoms series!

Of the acquisitions Disney has made over the last decade or so, Marvel has interested me the least.  Although I respect the art form, comics just don't do all that much for me… that is, until Marvel released a series which provides a backstory for Epcot's own cult duo, Dreamfinder and Figment.  My copies of issues #1 and #2 came today!:

This title is the second in what I think is going to be a very interesting series by Marvel called Disney Kingdoms.  The goal of the series is to explore some of the more obscure facets of Disney history, culture, etc. in a fresh way.  For those that don't know, Figment was a character created in the early 80's for Epcot and he, along with his friend, Dreamfinder, were the stars of the attraction Journey into Imagination.  The original incarnation of the attraction closed in 1998, yet, to this day Figment and Dreamfinder maintain a following.

This blog seems to work better when I keep writing to a minimum, so I will let some illustrations from Issue #1 do the rest of the talking for me, and delve further into review mode at a later date. Enjoy!

Silly Figment.

Lyrics lifted straight from One Little Spark, the attraction's theme song.

The story is set in the early 20th century and has a distinct steampunk vibe.

Dreamfinder's leg looks so long!

Disney Tattoos!: Part 1

In an effort to keep today's post short and sweet (I am oh-so-very tired), I thought I would share some super-awesome Disney-related tattoos.  These all came from tumblr, except for the last one, which is one of my own!  Although mine is not strictly Disney-related, it is inspired by an illustration found in a Victorian-era edition of The Little Mermaid.

Let me know what you think of these in the comments section!

Minnie Legs.

Beautifully illustrated Disneyland Castle.

Alice, the original weird girl.

Haunted Mansion Love.

Probably my favorite.

Steamboat Willie Love.

My art nouveau Little Mermaid-tattoo!