Laura Gilbreath

Laura Gilbreath is a native of San Diego, CA. She has been making the trek up Interstate 5 to Disneyland since she was a small child and terrified of talking tikis and hitchhiking ghosts. She and her husband Lee enjoy trips to Disneyland and Walt Disney World, as well as sailings on the Disney Cruise Line.

2011 D23 Expo – Day 1

Posted on by Laura Gilbreath
Well, Day 1 of the 2011 D23 Expo is history. While it’s had some special moments, for the most part it was a very frustrating day. The Expo opened to D23 members at 9:00 and to the general public at 10:00. Or I should say that was the *announced* opening times. The lines were HUGE … Continue reading "2011 D23 Expo – Day 1"
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2011 D23 Expo Day 1 – Legends Awards

Posted on by Laura Gilbreath
Here’s some more photos from the Legends ceremony on Friday. Bob Iger spoke in a recorded message: Tom Bergeron was the host: There was a “Disney Legends In Memoriam” segment, recognizing those no longer living: Anika Noni Rose was honored for her role as Tiana. And Linda Larkin was Jasmine’s speaking voice: While Lea Salonga … Continue reading "2011 D23 Expo Day 1 – Legends Awards"
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Disneyland Hotel Earns Prestigious Four Diamond Award from AAA

Posted on by Laura Gilbreath
Two Disneyland Resort Hotels Now Represent Anaheim’s Only Four Diamond Properties ANAHEIM, Calif. Aug. 17, 2011 – AAA has bestowed its coveted 2012 Four Diamond award upon the landmark Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, California making it the second property at the Disneyland Resort to secure such a high rating. The designation was announced in a … Continue reading "Disneyland Hotel Earns Prestigious Four Diamond Award from AAA"
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Disneyland Updates and Random Observations – August 5, 2011, Part 2

Posted on by Laura Gilbreath
So on Friday, after I’d made a pass through DCA, I went back to Disneyland so I could use my Star Tours Fastpass. The Disneyland Band was performing in Town Square when I arrived, and I listened to the rest of their set. At the end they announced they would be performing in front of … Continue reading "Disneyland Updates and Random Observations – August 5, 2011, Part 2"
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Disneyland Updates and Random Observations – August 5, 2011, Part 1

Posted on by Laura Gilbreath
I visited Disneyland and Disney California Adventure on Friday, August 5, and thought I’d share some photos and various observations from my visit. Star Tours continues to be the hot Fastpass ticket (no real surprise there!). I got a Fastpass ticket at 8:15 a.m. which had a 10:30-11:30 return. At 11:20 when I exited the … Continue reading "Disneyland Updates and Random Observations – August 5, 2011, Part 1"
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Disney California Adventure Updates – Part 3

Posted on by Laura Gilbreath
There’s a couple of new shows at Disney California Adventure. At the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail they are giving guests the opportunity to become Senior Wilderness Explorers, like Russell from the Disney/Pixar movie UP. At the entrance, cast members are giving out a pamphlet which describe the tasks that must be completed to earn the … Continue reading "Disney California Adventure Updates – Part 3"
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Disney California Adventure Updates – Part 2

Posted on by Laura Gilbreath
A new restaurant complex opened in the Paradise Pier area of Disney California Adventure at the beginning of July. Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta serves flatbread pizzas, salads, and several types of pasta, while Paradise Garden Grill serves Mediterranean-style skewers, with choice of meat or tofu, and choice of sauces. There’s a separate kiosk called Bayside … Continue reading "Disney California Adventure Updates – Part 2"
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Disney California Adventure Updates – Part 1

Posted on by Laura Gilbreath
I haven’t had an opportunity to get to Disney California Adventure since June, when I was there for the opening of The Little Mermaid attraction. I spent Friday roaming around the park, and taking in a lot of the changes and new things. Because there are so many this will be a multi-part blog. There’s … Continue reading "Disney California Adventure Updates – Part 1"
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Happy 56th Birthday, Disneyland!

Posted on by Laura Gilbreath
Sunday, July 17 was Disneyland’s 56th birthday. All of the cast members were wearing the birthday button pictured above. Lee and I were there with our friends Tom and Kathy, who are from Virginia. They hadn’t been to Disneyland since about 1984! We had a really great day. The weather was beautiful – sunny and … Continue reading "Happy 56th Birthday, Disneyland!"
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Disneyland Fireworks – Your Favorite Viewing Locations

Posted on by Laura Gilbreath
Last week I asked you to tell us your favorite fireworks watching spots. Thanks to those of you who took the time to respond! Not surprisingly, Main Street, USA is the favorite, since almost all of the fireworks shows feature projections on the castle, and if you can’t see those, you miss out on some … Continue reading "Disneyland Fireworks – Your Favorite Viewing Locations"
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