A Disney SOUNDSational Summer is Here!

We all know Disney likes to do things in a large scale and the surprises they´ve revealed for this summer are no exception.  No matter how many times you´ve been to the Disneyland Resort, or if this is your first time, your family will have a blast discovering all the new attractions and shows that make for a Disney Soundsational Summer, June 3 through Sep. 5.

Last week I was invited to a media event to learn and experience first-hand the new lineup of Disney magic happening throughout the resort at Disneyland, Disney California Adventure and the Disneyland Hotel.

The Little Mermaid–Ariel’s Undersea Adventure

© Disneyland Resort

Probably the most-anticipated attraction of all–if you want to judge by the three-hour line we spotted the day it opened–was The Little Mermaid–Ariel´s Undersea Adventure at Disney California Adventure park.  This being one of my girl´s favorite movies and Princess, I haven´t been able to tell her that Mamá already got to ride in a pink clamshell and go undersea to relive the most memorable songs and scenes from the movie with all her favorite characters coming to life, thanks to the audio-animatronics technology Disney does to perfection.  In fact, there are nearly 200 Audio-Animatronics figures performing in this attraction!

Songs like “Kiss the Girl,” “Under the Sea,” and “Part of Your World” are featured on The Little Mermaid ride and I have to admit I caught myself singing-out-loud the songs from this 1989 movie I already know so, so well.  I need to go back to this one with my girl because I just know the whole immersive, magical, characters-coming-to-life experience will blow her away.  Plus, I need someone to sing-along with me!

Mickey’s Soundsational Parade

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6kCkYtj6xw

Next on the list of fun things to do was to witness the premiere of Disneyland’s newest parade–Mickey’s Soundsational Parade. Again, I found myself singing-out-loud to many of the melodies from some favorite Disney films.  The whole concept of this parade is of sound, music and celebration.  Through a caravan of nine floats led by a jammin’ Mickey and Minnie, you get to see many classic characters make their way down Main Street, USA grooving to musical styles from Bollywood to Latin rhythms.

Just watch this video above to get into the Soundsational beat.

Star Tours–The Adventures Continue

© Disneyland Resort

Unlike my husband and *gasp* daughter, I am not a fan of roller coasters or thrill rides. Yes, I´m a wimp and a perfectly happy one! Yet, I do love, love simulation rides because I can get the thrills without the shrills.

My favorite simulation rides at Disneyland just got an eye-popping 3D facelift.  The new Star Tours “feature more than 50 different story combinations, bridging that ‘long, long time ago’ between the two Star Wars trilogies. When I rode it the second time I had no idea that there were more than 50 story combinations and was surprised that the experience was so different from the first one.  We didn’t get Darth Vader the first time, but did the second time…score! This detail alone makes it one ride you will want to go on over and over and over again!

If you are heading to Disneyland and/or Disneyland Resorts this summer, we have these must-dos for your list:

• World of Color–a dazzling, words-don’t-do-it-justice water spectacle at California Adventure’s Paradise Pier.
• Disney Junior Live on Stage–the little ones will get to party and interact with their favorite Disney Junior characters:  Mickey and friends, Little Einsteins, Handy Manny and more! (Also nice place to chill in the AC for a while!)
• Disneyland Hotel–if you’re looking for a place to stay where your kids will be entertained, consider this classic hotel that has just been renovated to include a super cool water play area with fun slides.

Have you been to Disneyland?  What is your favorite ride or the one you are most looking forward to when you do visit?

Disclosure:  I was invited to a media event to experience these attractions first-hand. No compensation was received. All opinions are my own.