Did you know that Tinker Bell flies over Sleeping Beauty’s Castle at Disneyland? (And somehow she manages to get over to Florida to do the same thing at Cinderella’s castle at Magic Kingdom). This is something many first-timers don’t know and so I try to let parents know to be aware and surprise the kiddos. She will fly barring any weather condition issues.

In fact, Tinker Bell has been flying over Sleeping Beauty’s castle since 1961. While this admittedly isn’t the greatest shot, you can see I captured the feisty fairy above. I’ve visited when another character has flown (Dumbo), but with the new fireworks show, Disney has added a new, special character……..Nemo “swims” across the sky. My photo didn’t turn out that great (so I didn’t post it here), but what a sight – I was not expecting that!

(Photo Courtesy of Disney)

It’s not just the fireworks that will garner your attention when the sun goes down. In fact, during the Disneyland 60th Celebration, you’ll want to make sure to see both the afternoon and evening parades. The new nighttime parade is called “Paint the Night” and you’ll want a front row seat.

With so much going on during the anniversary, the only downside is trying to fit it all in. You see at Disneyland, there’s a nighttime parade, fireworks show and Fantasmic (something which isn’t an issue in Florida, as Fantasmic has a home at another theme park). And while I’m usually one to ride the rides during earlier nighttime events (much shorter lines), it’s hard to do that right now with all the entertainment! I didn’t want to miss a thing!

Shades of blue are everywhere, and that includes the gift shops!

Merchandise themed with the 60th anniversary are in hot demand. My daughter and nephew got special interactive Mickey ears and wands along with Mickey and Minnie plush decked out in blue and plenty of sparkles. I loved the special Disneyland Railroad and the Disneyland60 Dooney and Burke purse – WOW! But it was the beautiful Princess Aurora Doll that commemorates the anniversary which stole my heart. Isn’t she lovely?

There’s something for everyone and every budget!

Did you think that the Disneyland Diamond Celebration stopped there?

I did.

I never imagined that the celebration would extend across the way into the other theme park, Disney’s California Adventure, but it does!

So no worries if your adventure takes you to California Adventure only. You can find all the specially themed merchandise in both theme parks. And the special treats. And the decorations. Oh, and did I mention special entertainment?

Yes – you won’t want to miss Pixar’s Play Parade, which includes special mention of the 60 years of fun.

There is a brand new ‘World of Color – Celebrate!’

This fun-filled presentation will take guests on an inspirational journey celebrating Walt Disney and his dream of Disneyland park. This story will be brought to life with fountains, animation and live-action film, lasers, special effects and a stirring musical score.

With special narrator Neil Patrick Harris at the helm, the show brought out so much emotion. I dare you not to get choked up!

One thing you’ll immediately take notice of is the iconic Carthay Circle Theatre Restaurant and Lounge, which opened in 2012 on Buena Vista Street.

It stands 79 feet 6 inches tall, to the top of its cupola spire, and it is approximately ¾ scale to the original Carthay Circle Theatre, the site where Walt Disney’s animated classic, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” premiered in 1937. By way of contrast, Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland stands 77 feet high and is designed to appear taller, due to forced perspective, when viewed from the other end of Main Street, U.S.A.

Stay tuned as I’ll soon share my dining experience there – yes, I took my sister along with our kiddos for dinner during this trip.