Disney Parks - Disney Cicerone

“Did you know that… ?” Seeking the Truth in Disney Stories

Disney Cicerone June 14, 2022 0 Comments

I once had a conversation with a former Imagineer who told me something along the lines of, "Disney people are storytellers." And boy, isn't that the truth? Sometimes Disney fans, creators, and even Cast Members hear a story about something in Disney history and get so excited to hear a "secret" that they immediately pass it on as fact without tracking down the primary source (my professor...

Repurposing The Magic: How We Reimagine Our Moments

Disney Cicerone November 2, 2021 0 Comments

It occurred to me the other day that so much of what we see at Disney isn't actually what we think it is. Or it used to be something very different, but we don't realize it. Let me explain. When you ride on Splash Mountain and sing along (jubilantly, if you're anything like me) with the geese and the swamp critters at the end, you probably aren't thinking about how they were all...

What you need to know now about Disneyland – FAQs & Tips (Updated May 2022)

Disney Cicerone September 28, 2021 0 Comments

Hey everyone! I know SO many people who are headed to Disneyland for the first time in forever, so I wanted to make a post with some of the questions I'm asked most frequently right now to help you out! If you're planning a Disneyland adventure soon (or just thinking about it!), read on! Q: What has changed since the pre-pandemic days? A: Not as much as you might think, but there are quite a few...

How Disney Gives Us the Magic of Confidence

Disney Cicerone August 3, 2021 2 Comments

On a recent visit to Avenger’s Campus, I witnessed a kind of Disney magic I had never seen before. Now, this is really saying something. I’ve held my babies with teary eyes during fireworks, I’ve been pixie-dusted for once-in-a-lifetime moments, and I have witnessed a gentle snow falling on Main Street USA in Disneyland Paris at Christmastime. But this moment was one that will go down in...

Disney Parks Hidden History & Secrets Scavenger Hunt- Disneyland Edition

Disney Cicerone July 3, 2021 1 Comment

Hey Disney friends! I had so much fun crafting the Magic Kingdom Scavenger Hunt that I knew I needed one for Disneyland as I'm headed there this month! *insert "when you wish upon a star" theme here* If you're headed to Disneyland too (HOORAY!!), make sure you print out or save this FREE scavenger hunt full of unique items to look out for, along with some fun facts about each one! I...

Disney Parks Hidden History & Secrets Scavenger Hunt – Magic Kingdom Edition

Disney Cicerone June 21, 2021 1 Comment

Hey Disney friends! If you're headed to Walt Disney World for the first time this year (or just the first time in FOREVER!), I've put together this scavenger hunt full of unique items to look out for, along with some fun facts about each one! I tried to include many things from Disney history that are overlooked or not widely known, and some of my favorite Magic Kingdom secrets. You can use them...

Where do you find yourself in the story?

Disney Cicerone June 5, 2021 0 Comments

Hey Disney friends! Let's consider some deep Disney thoughts today. Are you up for it? Yes? Great! Let's make some magic.... First, think of a wonderful thought: Your favorite Disney ride, movie, and character. Go ahead, I’ll wait. No really, take your time. Got your answers? Ok, let’s go. What you answered reveals more about you than you know, and I’m not talking about those...

Adventuring with young explorers: How to make your Disney travel with kids easier

Disney Cicerone May 23, 2021 0 Comments

I'm just going to come right out and say it... traveling to Disney with kids can be less than magical. I admit I'd gotten used to roaming without my littlest explorers due to the pandemic, and now that we are venturing out as a family, suddenly I'm having a crash course in being "mom" again in the Disney parks. Parenting in the parks carries with it this unique push and pull of wanting to be on...

Every turn of the Disney carousel – Words + History

Disney Cicerone May 3, 2021 1 Comment

I climb aboard my majestic steedand scenes from my life begin to circle around meone by oneblurry but visible between the linesPulling desperately on the sword forever in stone, believing this timeit might just grant me a crownRacing from exit to entrancesplash after splashagain and againcarefree and wildEating endless kernels and mickey-shaped delightsin pineapple heaven beneath the...

Life Lessons from Disney Photography

Disney Cicerone April 13, 2021 0 Comments

Photographing Disney as has opened my eyes to a new way of seeing the magic, and has taught me a few lessons along the way that extend far beyond taking great photos. How we view the parks and the world around us depends on more than the lens we use or the subject matter at hand. It all starts with us, and how we choose to capture what we see. Here are four lessons I've learned from...