the Official Blog of the Unofficial Guides

The Grand Californian Hotel is the crown jewel of Disneyland Resort’s three hotels. With its shingle siding, rock foundations, cavernous hewn-beam lobby, polished hardwood floors, and cozy hearths, the hotel is a stately combination of elements from Western national park lodges. Designed by architect Peter Dominick (who also designed the Wilderness Lodge at Walt Disney World), the Grand Californian is

Liliane Opsomer, coauthor of The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World with Kids, checked out the many Toy Story Land fun facts. On June 30th, the 11-acre Toy Story Land, themed to the Pixar film franchise, opened with two new rides at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. While outdoor roller coaster Slinky Dog Dash, the Toy Story vending machine-themed Alien Swirling Saucers, and

A treasure trove of merchandise inspired by some of the most iconic toys in history greets guests in- and outside of Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. I usually do not get excited about merchandise, but anything that brings back renewed interest in toys such as Mr. Potato Head, Candyland games, the amazing Tinkertoys, and Slinky Dog in all

Len Testa and Erin Foster discuss the pros and cons of taking a Disney Cruise Line vacation. Here is their take. Many travelers, particularly adults traveling without children, may wonder if they’ll enjoy a Disney Cruise Line vacation. It’s a legitimate question: Disney Cruise Line charges a premium for its voyages, particularly in the Caribbean, banking on brand loyalty and

In the newly opened Toy Story Land, you’ll find that the fun extends to food, as Woody’s Lunch Box serves up classic on-the-go menu items with a creative twist. The theming of the land, including the quick-service eatery, is neat—and there is, of course, a story to go along with the walk-up eatery. So here we go! Woody took a