Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree

 The Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree is the new performing arts area in Disneyland.  For decades, high school and college choirs, bands and other performing arts groups have been showcased at the Carnation Plaza Gardens  to the left of Sleeping Beauty's Castle.  The Plaza Gardens is undergoing a big rennovation this next year and so this will be the new area to showcase the performing arts.

 To get to the Jamboree, you just walk along the Big Thunder Trail either from the Village Haus in Fantasyland or Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Frontierland.  Pass through the petting zoo area, or the walkway by the Big Thunder Ranch BBQ.  You'll see the signs.

 There is a big stage for the performances. 

 There are also some things for you to see, quilting, wood carving, learn to twirl a lasso, etc.

 And of course, some of our favorites, the characters in their western get-ups! We found Minnie, but never did find Mikey in any of the three times we ventured back.  Must have missed him every time!

 Chip and Dale are always a good time!  I got hugs and kisses from these crazy chipmunks!

 Matt danced to the high school band's music with the guys.  They jumped right in and kicked up their heels!

 And then posed for this adorable picture without missing a beat!

 Donald was his usual camera hog.  Stepping in front of us to make sure he got top billing.

Gaucho Goofy has some seriously loud chaps and plaid on the day we saw him! 

It's a nice break from the crowds and gives you a little chance to sit down, cool off, meet some characters and take in a performance. Along with the regular characters, we heard that Clarabelle Cow and Horace Horsecollar also make an appearance.  

Be sure to stop in to the Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree the next time you are at the Disneyland Resort!  I believe it will be open until next year when the new Plaza Gardens is revealed.

Meet and Greet with Merida from Brave

Disneyland had a new character meet and greet spot for Princess Merida from Pixar's new Brave animated feature that is coming out June 22nd.  It is over in the structured area across the parade route from It's a Small World.

 It has this photo spot with the three little animated bears (who, from trailers I've seen, appear to be her brothers, who are triplets that get turned into bear cubs.) Everyone tries to use a Scottish accent but since I work with a lady who is actually Scottish, meh.

After you exit from the photo spot, you can wander over to the archery area where a cast member helps you to shoot an arrow at a target.

I made a bullseye and she was shocked.  Really?

Mr. Diva made a bullseye also.  She was impressed. Really?

Then we went over so I could spin and see from which Scottish Clan I herald.

According to this kilted cast member, I hail from the Dingwall Clan.

This is our clan symbol.  It looks like a boar to me.

This is a rubbing stone with the image of our brave clan leader upon it.

This is Lord Dingwall, our clan leader.

There are some fun activities to take part in, and I imagine this photo area will be around until at least June 22 when the movie opens, and probably most of the summer as well.

In case you have missed them up to this point, here is one of the trailers for the film:

A Great Photo Spot and Hidden Mickey

There is a great Kodak photo spot in front of Thunder Mountain to the left of the entrance and exit. We have taken several pictures here over the years.

Awwwwwww! So young! This was back in 1996.


These were taken this Spring 2008


If you wait for just the right time, the train will be in the background of your photo.


Then just to the left of the photo spot, look for the Hidden Mickey (there is also one just over my shoulder in the picture above)

I took these photos and sent them to Steve Barrett the Hidden Mickey Guru. He put a poll on his site and the viewers voted it in as legit. Woo hoo! (You can check out his site by clicking on the link in the right hand column)