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The captivating experience offers a unique opportunity to celebrate Disney’s rich history, iconic characters, and extraordinary achievements over the past century. In this review, we will delve into the highlights of this tour and share why it is a must-do for any Disney enthusiast.
Immerse Yourself in Disney History
Step into the magical world of Disney and embark on an enchanting journey through the Celebrating Disney100 guided tour at the Disneyland Resort. The tour provides an immersive exploration of the rich heritage of Disney.
From the moment you step on the tour, guests are transported back in time to witness the humble beginnings of the Disney Company. A VIP tour guide takes guests on an interactive tour, showcasing the evolution of beloved characters like Mickey Mouse. It also includes the creation of timeless classics such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The tour is a nostalgic reminder of Disney’s remarkable journey over the past century.
Behind-the-Scenes Access
This was my third guided tour at the Disneyland Resort and the second for my daughter: the first being “Walt’s Main Street Story” and the Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort Tour. You can read about them HERE and HERE. We first checked into the Guided Tour kiosk located next to Town Square. As a token of participation in the tour, we received name tags, an audio pack, and earphones. The name tags are for guests to keep.
One of the tour’s most exciting aspects is the exclusive behind-the-scenes access it provides. As you venture through the Disneyland Resort, guests glimpse the park’s inner workings, gaining insights into the meticulous attention to detail that goes into creating the Disney magic. The tour begins at Disneyland. However, guests enter Disney California Adventure Park minutes later as they learn about Walt’s humble beginnings and the Disney Company.
The tour guide will share fascinating anecdotes and trivia about attractions and storefronts throughout the two-hour tour, making the experience more engaging.
Interactive Activity
The tour also offers interactive experiences that allow guests to participate in Disney magic, from creating personalized souvenirs at designated workshops to learning the art of character animation. Guests can channel their inner artists by bringing their favorite Disney characters to life. These hands-on activities enhance the tour’s immersive nature. They also create unforgettable memories for children and adults alike.
Animation Academy at Disney California Adventure Park provides an opportunity to step into the shoes of a Disney animator.
It allows guests to understand the artistry behind bringing beloved characters to life. This part of the tour takes guests through the step-by-step process of character animation, starting from rough sketches to the final polished product. Expert animators guide guests through each stage, sharing tips and techniques, making it a highly educational and enriching experience.
The attraction offers interactive and hands-on activities allowing guests to participate actively in the animation process. You can engage in drawing exercises, learn to create facial expressions and movements, and even try to animate a character. We drew Snow White as our character animation.
After our animation session, our tour guide collected and held onto our creations for the rest of the tour. We received them back when we checked into our VIP seating for the Magic Happens Parade.
Commemorative Souvenirs and Magic Happens Parade
No Disney experience is complete without the opportunity to take home a piece of the magic. The Celebrating Disney100 tour offers exclusive commemorative souvenirs that remind you of your journey through Disney’s incredible history.
My daughter and I received a chocolate brownie cookie and a limited-edition Disney100 pin.
Another commemorative souvenir is a PhotoPass photo in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle. Complimentary digital downloads of your snapshots in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle adorned with dazzling Disney100 celebratory decorations are included as part of the tour.
The Magic Happens Parade at Disneyland Resort is a spellbinding spectacle that brings beloved Disney stories and characters to life. From stunning floats and enchanting music to captivating performances and mesmerizing visuals, this parade is a must-see experience for Disney fans of all ages.
The last part of the tour is reserved seating for the parade. Our seating was directly across the way from the Disneyland Train Station on Main Street for the 3:00 pm parade.
Final Thoughts
The Celebrating Disney100 guided tour at the Disneyland Resort is a remarkable journey that celebrates the legacy of Disney and allows guests to become part of the magic. From the immersive exploration of Disney’s history to the behind-the-scenes access and interactive experiences, every moment on this tour is designed to captivate and enchant.
The character animation session was the most significant difference that set this tour apart from the others I have experienced. We were escorted through a side entrance away from the traditional attraction access, where we sat in the first row. We were then introduced to the animator that would be providing our lesson. For about five minutes or so, she introduced us to the world of Disney animation, its history, and information regarding Disney’s first animated film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
Minutes later, the classroom was filled with the guests that had been at the main entrance. Although it was not a private drawing lesson, I enjoyed the special touch of having a personal meet and greet with the animator before the beginning of the class.
Another difference was not receiving a lanyard as our tour credentials but rather a name tag with our name. I missed the lanyard, but it was not a make-or-break of the tour.
Pricing
Guests younger than 14 must be accompanied by an adult 18. To participate in this experience, a park reservation and valid admission to Disneyland Park on the same tour date are required. The cost of the tour is $110.00 for ages three and up.
Whether you are a die-hard Disney fan or simply seeking a memorable adventure, this tour is a must-do for anyone visiting the Disneyland Resort. Prepare to be transported into the heart of Disney magic. You will create lifelong memories that will continue to inspire and delight future generations. Please make sure to share this article with a Disney fanatic!
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