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sheilafretz has written 9 articles so far, you can find them below.

Early Entry to Toontown at Disneyland, Anaheim, CA

The Disney Moms reader, Hilary asks,

“We booked our trip with a Disney Travel agent meaning we get to go to toontown an hour before it opens. Everything I have found on this says to arrive at least 15 min early (which would be 15 min before the park actually opens) If you have a ticket to this do they let you back to ToonTown before the park opens so you can be on time?”

This is a great question!  I do not know how many times I have been asked questions similar to this…. In answer to your question yes it is really important to be 15 minutes early as they suggest because it will take you about 15 minutes to walk to Toon Town from the entrance of Disneyland. Then you will be able to enjoy your time and not be rushed  that you will miss your special Extra Magic time in Toon Town.

Make sure you go  to Mickey and Minnies for a photo with them.

My next suggested stop would be to work the park from back to front going to Fantasyland and starting with It’s A Small World. and working your way to Dumbo, Mr. Toads Wild Ride, Snow White and Pinocchio before the lines get to long. Then either go to Tommorowland or Adventureland.

Have a fun time and enjoy early entrance.  Thanks for writing in.  If you want your question answered by The Disney Moms, be sure to click on the “Ask a Question?” link.

A Visit to The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library for a D23 Exhibit

On July 6, 2012 The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library welcomed the D23 for a fabulous new exhibit that will be open until April 2013.  This exhibit features artifacts from Walt Disney’s personal Collection including 12,000 square feet of cartoon sketches, costumes, storyboards and  props. There is even an exact replica of Walt Disney’s office, which is amazing  and fabulous with Reagan Oval Office up another hall. These two Presidents one of a corporation the other of The United States of America both coming from Hollywood on two different paths. The different costumes were amazing:

I think this was Cruella Devilles Dress from “101 Dalmatians”

Belle’s Costume from Broadway Musical “Beauty and the Beast”

The Original Tinkerbell Costume from Dream Disney Campaign in 2008

They also had this amazing Chest set that was Walt’s personal Chest Set.

Then they had a couple other really neat items from the 1984 Olympics.

Mickey Mouse filming 1984 Olympics with ABC

1984 Olympics Sketch sent to President Ronald Reagan

All and all it was a fun time at The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library for a D23 Exhibit. The next time you’re in Southern California you should definitely go visit  Ronald Reagan Presidential Library for a D23 Exhibit it’s on until April 2013 and it’s only about 45 minutes from Universal Studios so if you’re doing the whole Southern California visit; I strongly recommend it.

Enjoy and don’t forget to come by Cooking Underwriter for those Disney Inspired Gluten Free recipes. Come on by to check it out…

5th of July Celebrations including Fantasmic

Happy 4th of July

Miss J at M Street Parade 2011

I hope that you all had a safe 4th of July, at my house we don’t like to go on the highways or roads because it’s one of the most dangerous days of the year to be on the road.   A lot more people drink and drive, so we stay at home  go to our neighborhood parade than celebrate with a back yard barbecue and on July 5th we do Fantasmic and Fireworks at Disneyland. Continue reading →

Staying at the newly renovated Disneyland Hotel

In my last post of the Disney Moms I promised you a review of the new and improved Disneyland hotel ( see here). This week I am going talk about being gluten free while staying at The Disneyland Resorts. Did you know that there are many different gluten free options at all of the Disneyland Resorts whether you are staying at Disney’s Paradise Pier, Disney’s California Grand or The Disneyland Resort; where I recently stayed in the newly renovated Disneyland Hotel. As I let you know in my earlier post in March that I would be staying at the Disneyland Hotel and Resort. Continue reading →

What will you do this Easter Sunday?

With Easter vastly approaching and less than a week to go my question to you is what will you do this Easter. Will you be celebrating it with friends or family or that other fabulous home we have in our hearts for Disney. Whether you are on the East Coast at Walt Disney World or on the West Coast like me. There are many activities on both coasts that celebrate Easter such as the Sunday services at The contemporary resort in Walt Disney World. Or the meet and greet at The Magic Kingdom with Mr. And Mrs. Easter Bunny or if you’re a registered guest at one of the Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resorts there is generally is a Egg Hunt for there guests.

I know that at The Disneyland Hotel they too have a huge egg hunt and it is a lot of fun, but keep in mind its only for registered guests and they will ask you to register and get a arm band in order to participate by showing your room key. This is our annual tradition with our family every year. We just love this event, all of the kids get a egg carton and each kid gets to pick 12 eggs and there are always a couple elusive golden eggs. Last year Miss J found one golden and egg and inside was a magical treat of Pluto.

I’m so excited for this great event! I will get to stay at the newly remodeled and redecorated Disneyland Hotel plus tell you all about it next month.

My question to you is what will you do this Easter?

The Disneyland Hotel beautiful new offerings and landscape.

Today instead of talking about the gluten free options that are available at the Disneyland Resorts; I am going to talk about the beautiful new offerings and landscape that Disneyland Hotel. The Disneyland Hotel has recently done a major renovation.

When you walk into the Hotel there are these two beautiful statues of Mickey and Miney Mouse and there is a great spot to stand and take a photo of your loved ones. Continue reading →

Gluten Free Eating at Disneyland

So as some of you might know my name is Sheila Fretz and I am a gluten free cook and Mom  who loves Disneyland. There are many reasons why I love the Disney experience especially when it comes to food. Most Disneyland restaurants always have one or two options for an entree and a dessert; which I totally love! I always tell all of my gluten free eaters to always stop at City Hall when entering Disneyland and get the latest and greatest list of gluten free options at the restaurants then make your reservations. Continue reading →