By Yeymy Garcia, Managing Editor
We will soon be rolling into one month since Disneyland closed its gates and I can imagine the pain annual passholders are currently going through.
One of our writers wrote a piece on how she feels about Disneyland closing. Read it here.
I do not currently have an annual passport, but I did have one in 2018, so I know what it feels like to frequently go to Disneyland and have that ripped away from me (well because I was broke, not because of a worldwide pandemic).
Over the past year, I have managed to figure out a way to deal with Disneyland withdrawals to make me feel like I’m at the parks. Below you will find four main ways you can get your Disney fix at home.
Disney+
You might say, “duh,” but here are some specific recommendations on what to watch on Disney+.
“The Imagineering Story”
Another “duh” for true Disneyland fans but those who don’t know, this show really goes in depth on how the Disneyland parks were created. The name “imagineering” comes from “engineering” but Disney added “imagine” creating “imagineering.”
The first episode goes over Walt Disney’s struggles and the steps he took to create Disneyland. As you keep watching this show, you’ll learn the behind the scenes of how “Pandora – The World of Avatar” (Disney World, Florida), Carsland (Disneyland, California), Guardians of the Galaxy: Missions Breakout (Disneyland) and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge came to life.
“Star Wars: Clone Wars”
If you’re a fan of Star Wars (like me) and crave for any good new Star Wars content (like me), watch this animated show if you are not already keeping up with new episodes.
“Star Wars: Clone Wars” takes place after “Star Wars Episode II – Clone Wars” but before “Star Wars Episode II – Revenge of the Sith” (so before Anakin Skywalker turns into Darth Vader).
It previously aired on Cartoon Network in 2008 but it never got a proper conclusion, so Disney+ is releasing one final, seventh season to wrap up the story. New episodes come out every Friday.
If you can’t wait for new episodes every Friday, “The Mandalorian” is another good Star Wars show and the full first season is streamable.
“Disneyland Around the Seasons”
An oldie but goodie. This one was recommended by our co-news editor, Robert Rios (who honestly knows more about Disney than I do.)
This is a 51 minute episode from “Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color” show from the sixties. The episode aired just three days after Walt passed away.
If you would love to see how Disneyland looked in the sixties and learn trivia, follow Walt’s walkthrough as he shows you the new additions to the park at the time such as New Orleans Square, “It’s a Small World,” and “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.”
Disneyland Theme Park Songs
You must have a lot of homework and chores to do while you’re in lockdown, right? If you love the sounds you hear when you walk down Main Street or the sound of waiting in line to get on Space Mountain, these tunes are for you:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2S7gLilwkbrCHDzkPypUIS?si=DWCnIHq_SuGHxU2wsWt4jw
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/disney-parks-hits/pl.a4ed08d4acdd4e0188e7e291533a684d
Disneyland Official App
If you’re a frequent park-goer, I know you have the Disneyland app on your phone. You typically use it to look at ride/show wait times when you’re at the parks, but you can also still use it at home right now. Disneyland is working on providing content for fans at home such as park trivia and how to make your very own dole whip ice cream. I’d be lying if I said I don’t get excited when I get a new notification from the Disneyland app.
Youtube and Instagram
Disney has a whole community on Youtube and Instagram. Many bloggers dedicate their channel and Instagram to all things Disney and have many videos relating to Disneyland food, ride and walk-throughs, and just plain simple “hanging out at Disneyland” vlogs. Even with the parks closed, it doesn’t stop a few of them from producing content for their subscribers.
Disneyland Official Instagram Account
Disneyland knows you miss them. They have been trying to give fans a piece of virtual Disneyland magic with a virtual viewing of their new “Magic Happens Parade” through their Instagram Live and a Dapper Dans virtual performance.
Sarah Sterling – Youtube, Instagram, and Twitter
Her “Down to Disness” series on YouTube is my personal favorite where she explores the history of Disney movies. She does Disneyland vlogs and is very active on Instagram and Twitter with Disneyland content.
Magic Journeys – YouTube, and Instagram
Magic Journeys should be your go-to YouTube channel to find all the delicious food Disneyland, Disneyland California Adventure, and even Downtown Disney has to offer.
It’s the Duoo – YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter
Chris and Ashlie try to consistently upload Disneyland content on their channel and Instagram. Their channel is great for updates, walk-throughs, and vlogs.
FreshBaked! – YouTube and Instagram
Another recommendation by our co-news editor. “FreshBaked!” on Youtube has also been uploading consistent Disney content with ride-throughs and “stay at home” diaries.
He also has a complete Disneyland park walkthrough one hour video if you’re down for that.
One of the things that I (and I’m sure many many others) will do after quarantine is go to Disneyland with my friends and have ourselves a little gradnite celebration. We can only hope this quarantine ends soon, but in the meantime I’ll be watching TikTok videos of people recreating Disneyland attractions in their rooms.
Please enjoy them too:
