Company D

One of the great perks of being a castmember or a friend of a castmember is getting to shop at Company D.  

For those that don't know, Company D is the off-site Team Center for Disney's "castmembers" (employees).  There, you can take care of some of your castmember business, buy groceries, or (and this is why non-castmembers like to go) buy discounted parks merchandise.  From the street, it looks like any other warehouse.  Once inside, it looks like any other warehouse, but filled with treasures untold!

Certain things are meant to be purchased solely by castmembers.  Strangely, this includes the grocery items like bread or bananas.  However, they do have some cool merchandise like special lanyards or clothing.  If you want to purchase those things, bring cash because the castmember will have to buy them for you.  This is basically true of the right front portion of the "store."  Also, these are usually priced as marked.  

The rest of the store is pretty much 50% off or more and as long as the castmember is there to show ID or you have a pass (they occasionally get "friends and family" passes), you can buy what you want, cash and credit cards accepted, no checks.  The left side usually has the latest merchandise, from clothing to pins and even Vinylmations.  If you're lucky, they may even have manager's specials in place where they take an additional percentage off the already discounted price.  

Now, here's where you get down and dirty with your cheap self!  In the back is the "warehouse."  This is where you'll find the older items or one-offs.  Boxes and boxes of things that cost as little as a quarter.  I've gotten earhats for $1.  Why would I want a D23 earhat when I didn't even go to D23?  Silly, you just peel off that logo and add your own for a custom number!  Many things are still 50% off, but you can find some real gems in here, even items that are still being sold at full price in the parks.  

If you are a castmember, then you probably already know about "the cage," aka "property control."  Inside the warehouse is a separate section that is surrounded by chain link fence.  In the cage are items that are either "damaged" merchandise or from non-merch departments at deeeeeep discounts!  On my latest visit, I spotted the huge Jack Skellington head that used to hang in the Haunted Mansion stretching room at Christmas, Club 33 tables and chairs, and tons of pieces of costuming from the Entertainment dept.  Not all of the items in this area are necessarily for sale, some are up for auction or being held for some other reason, like there is sometimes a parking lot sale.  Friends have bought etched headboards and armoires ($100) from the hotels and I have even seen mini-fridges for $10.  I personally own a bedspread from the Disneyland Hotel ($8), an embossed leather binder from the Grand Californian ($2), and my latest acquisition...this lamp from Big Thunder Mountain Railroad ($15)!  

Unfortunately, you have to have a Disney-issued ID to even set foot in the cage.  I wandered in the first time I went, not knowing I wasn't allowed, oops!  I just gave my friend the money to buy what I'd picked out, but on future trips, could only look in longingly from the outside.  It's hard to pick out goodies when you can't go in and you feel bad having your friend trot merchandise over to you, saying "This?"  Lol!  So of course, what this means is that I need to get a part-time gig at Disneyland, just for the property control shopping!  

 

Zero Popcorn Bucket!

I think there's something in the wind...

Isn't this just the cutest popcorn bucket ever?!  I heard rumblings on Friday about this Zero popcorn bucket and just had to come see for myself on Sunday!  

As far as I know, it is currently only available at the popcorn cart near The Haunted Mansion.  The line for popcorn was unusually long when I arrived in the early afternoon and only grew longer as the day went on.  A regular scoop of popcorn usually costs about $4, and the basic buckets about $6, but premium buckets like Zero will run a whopping $12.50.  It's a good size, you can use it as a purse if need be, or squeeze in a sandwich and drink for a picnic at the parks.  Oh, but that's not all!  Zero's nose lights up!  It blinks on and off with the flip of a tiny switch.  

I got a bucket (popcorn on the side) and then saw that Jack was meeting over by the HM fastpass area.  So naturally, I moseyed on down there to stand in line.  Since the line looked to be about 30-45 minutes long, I took the opportunity to devour my box of popcorn, lol!  As it turns out, Sally was getting stitched up, but with just a few people ahead of me, Jack went to escort his lady love back to meet us.  

The couple were thrilled to see Zero again and graciously posed for several photos.  I look forward to visiting with them every year, Jack and Sally are very playful and always up for a good scare!  

Disney California Adventure Characters

So you may have noticed that I enjoy meeting characters at the Disney parks.  ;)  A few weeks back I had about two hours in DCA to do whatever I wanted all by myself, so I set about taking as many character photos as I could.  I took all those above and more!  

Anyway, I thought people might like some tips on how to have the most efficient character experience at DCA!  If you get to these areas and don't see a character, keep an eye out for a PhotoPass photographer and/or character host.  The host can be identified by the rectangular "Ask me about Characters" buttons.  That's a good sign that a character is on their way, but you can certainly ask the host as they have the schedule.  

First up, when you enter the gates, scan to the left and right.  On the left, by Oswald's Filling Station is the newest M&G, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit.  To the right, you may see Chip & Dale.  I have usually found them near the benches in front, near the trolley.  I've yet to meet Oswald, so I would make a beeline there!  Continue down Buena Vista Street and you can meet some of the Fab 5 in their 1930's garb.  Typically you will see Mickey, Goofy, or Pluto outside of Elias and Co. on the left and Trolley Treats on the right.  On very rare occasions I have seen Minnie, Donald and Daisy but that tends to be for special events.  Also wandering around are the Citizens of Buena Vista Street (Molly the Messenger, Donna and Lady, PhiPhi the Photographer, and Officer Blue).

After BVS, head towards Hollywood Land.  Over by the Animation Building, in front of the Once Upon a Time costumes, you will find Disney Junior characters like Sofia the First, Jake (Neverland Pirates) and Doc McStuffins.  A little further down I sometimes see The Incredibles characters (Mr. & Mrs. or Frozone), either on the corner or over in front of the Hyperion Theater.  Make a left to Monsters U and see if Sulley is greeting.  Remember, he doesn't sign autographs and his line often closes quickly, so don't daudle!  It's best to look for him early, I don't often see him out after 3.  If you are a Disney Visa customer, present your card at the special M&G behind the House of Cards from 10:30-1:30. Normally I see Minnie and Stitch there, but lately Daisy and Pluto have been spotted as well.  Remember to use the voucher they give you for a free 5x7!  

At this point, you can walk over to A Bug's Land.  The only character I know that meets here now is Flik.  I believe Atta used to appear as well.  There is a little area over by the watermelon of Heimlich's Chew Chew Train where he is usually to be found.  

As you leave A Bug's Land, you might see Red the Firetruck on the right, across from Luigi's Flying Tires.  I've also seen him meeting at the Cozy Cone Motel, alternating with Lightning McQueen and Mater.  Obviously none of the cars sign.  DJ also comes out for a little street show, but does not do M&G

If you've made it this far, you're doing pretty well, half way there!  Walk through Pacific Wharf up to Paradise Pier.  Duffy is no longer meeting over at Treasures in Paradise, so keep walking to the gazebo next to the Cove Bar (Ariel's Grotto).  In the past I've met Captain Mickey here, but usually it's Sailor Donald or Daisy.   Walk around towards Toy Story Midway Mania.  Across the way is a covered area where characters sometimes meet.  I've met Phineas and Ferb there, but this is not typical.  Past the boardwalk shops on the left is the Toy Story M&G, where you may see Buzz, Woody, or Jessie.  On that day, I caught Buzz and Jessie enjoying a little "Spanish mode" fun.  

Over near Paradise Garden Grill there is sometimes seasonal entertainment with character M&G, though nothing is going on right now.  For example, last Christmas they had a Mexican theme with the Three Caballeros and Mexican costumed Mickey, Goofy, etc. and for Lunar New Year Mulan and Mushu rotated with Chinese costumed characters.  

Turn left at Ariel's Undersea Adventure to Redwood Creek.  Sometimes you may see Russell or Dug meeting out near the Eureka building of Grizzly River Run.  However, usually Russell greets guests after the Wilderness Explorer Ceremony inside the Redwood Creek Challenge area.  Dug can also be found inside the entrance.  

Finally, look for the propeller plane over at Condor Flats to see Aviator Minnie.  She used to wear an Amelia Earhart type flight suit, but currently dresses in her "Fly Girls" uniform.  Goofy also used to meet here, but I haven't seen him in years.  

Well, I think that's it!  If you haven't caught all of the characters at this point, but have more time, you can always circle around back, lol!  Hope that's been helpful and maybe I'll do a little walk through of the Disneyland characters sometime.  

Do You Wanna Meet a Princess (and Queen)?

*photo from insidethemagic.net 

I had heard they were issuing return times for the Frozen meet and greet, so yesterday my friend and I stopped by and talked to Guest Services to find out more.  I haven't been inside to see Anna and Elsa since before Christmas, when the lines were still under 30 minutes (hence I had to google a picture, lol!).  While we didn't get in, we did learn some information that will be helpful for future possible visits.  

1) Go straight to the Frozen meet and greet when you arrive, preferably at opening.  We went on a Saturday and were told they were full by 9:45AM.

2) You will need to show your ticket or annual pass to get a return time.  If you are picking up for other guests, you will need their passes or tickets.  Return times are linked and not transferable.  

3) Your return time is a 20 minute window some time during the day, you must return with your ticket and get in line at this time.  

4) At this point, you will wait in line.  There may be up to 20 other people in line with you, as that's about how many tickets they issue per window.

5) There is NO STANDBY line, you MUST have a return ticket.  

6) The meet and greet seems to be running later these days, up to 8PM, so you may have to stick around or come back later in the evening than you might like.

If you don't get a return ticket for the meet and greet, you can also see Anna and Elsa on their float in the pre-parade before Soundsational.  Another tip is to have a snack inside the Village Haus restaurant.  The Arendelle royals usually walk through here on their way to break time.  They most likely won't stop for pictures or autographs, but it's more up-close than the parade.  

Halloweentime!

Yup, it's that time of year again, Halloweentime at Disneyland!  The festivities officially began this Friday, September 12, on what may be the hottest weekend of the year.  Since I haven't been to the parks in a while (I was in Maui!), I paid a visit on Saturday to see what new wonders await.  

 

Priority #1 for me:  the Conjure a Villain tent.  It is here that you can meet the Disney Villains, such as the Queen of Hearts, Jafar, Captain Hook, The Evil Queen (and her alter ego The Hag) and Maleficent.  I cannot tell you how many times I cycled through the tent last year, only to miss Maleficent.  Well, luck was on my side Saturday as I met her on my first try!  For the uninitiated, this is how it works: 1) wait in the queue, sit on hay bales; 2) enter the air conditioned (thank you jeebus!) tent, only about 30 at a time; 3) participate in a brief "show" where a villain is "conjured" via magic spell, you will not be told which villain you will meet; 4) line up for your meet and greet opportunity, line starts on the left.  While there did not appear to be anything new here, I did see a "gypsy" appear in front of the tent on occasion to entertain guests in line.  

There are also games and crafts to entertain guests of all ages if you choose to mill around.  You can check out the pumpkin carvers, I've already seen Groot, Maleficent and Han Solo in carbonite pumpkins and many more.  They continue adding to the collection all season.  The Pirates League is also set up here if you are interested in getting made up for the occasion.  

The Fab 5 and Chip and Dale also make appearances here throughout the day, dressed in their Halloween costumes.  They will stop for pictures and autographs, but every so often they do a Mask-a-Rade where they parade around with the kids and stilt walking scarecrows and witches.  

The newest major feature here is the magic show.  On this day, the magician was John George (not sure if they use different magicians).  While some of the illusions were enjoyable, it was a little bit long and at times slow, especially when we were sitting in 100 degree temps.  Also, little use was made of the scarecrows and witches who mainly just stood in front of the stage looking pretty, or "Zester," who cleared the props and made announcements.  When Sorcerer Mickey arrives, I expected the action to pick up a bit, but that just spelled the end.  All in all, I think the live music they used to have on stage was a better fit.  

We also visited the Haunted Mansion Holiday and Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy.  After all the major updates to HMH last year, we didn't notice much this time around.  The current gingerbread house is actually an iron maiden, with candy spikes.  I thought GG seemed to be even faster than normal, which is not a bad thing!  I'm anticipating seeing all the hysterical children crying at the end of this one.  

If you want to visit the ranch, be sure to get over there before 6pm, as it closes well before the rest of the park.  Fastpasses are not (currently) available for HMH this year, but you can get them for SMGG, so plan accordingly!  

Haunted Mansion Prints

Can I say how much I love this set of prints?  Created for the 45th anniversary of my favorite ride, The Haunted Mansion at Disneyland, the artwork represents the four portraits seen in the "Stretching Room."  

They are exclusive to four of the restaurants of Disneyland:  Tightrope Minnie at Rancho del Zocalo, Widow Daisy at Plaza Inn, Mickey and friends at River Belle Terrace, and Barrel Goofy at French Market.  They are printed on a canvas material and rolled up, they would look amazing framed!  

Unfortunately, you are required to make a single food purchase of $30 or more to buy the prints for an additional $5.  The total must be after any applicable discounts.  You may need to buy someone lunch, lol!

Surprisingly, there are a limited number of prints still available.  I have managed to talk friends into dining at three of these, so now I just need to bite the bullet and have breakfast at River Belle!