Carolyn Grisanti-Travel Planner with Whimsical Destinations

I love it when two worlds collide. While researching my 1964 map, I went down the rabbit hole about the magic shop on Main Street. We’ve all heard the stories of Steve Martin working at the magic shop while he was in high school. But here’s where it gets interesting.On the last night he worked at Disneyland. He came across famous photographer Diane Arbus, taking this beautiful photo of the castle. From Steve Martin’s book he says. “My final day at the magic shop, I stood behind the counter where I had pitched Svengali decks and the Incredible Shrinking Die, and I felt an emotional contradiction: nostalgia for the present. Somehow, even though I had stopped working only minutes earlier, my future fondness for the store was clear, and I experienced a sadness like that of looking at a photo of an old, favorite pooch. It was dusk by the time I left the shop, and I was redirected by a security guard who explained that a photographer was taking a picture and would I please use the side exit. I did, and saw a small, thin woman with hacked brown hair aim her large-format camera directly at the dramatically lit castle, where white swans floated in the moat underneath the functioning drawbridge. Almost forty years later, when I was in my early fifties, I purchased that photo as a collectible, and it still hangs in my house. The photographer, it turned out, was Diane Arbus. I try to square the photo’s breathtaking romantic image with the rest of her extreme subject matter, and I assume she saw this facsimile of a castle as though it were a kitsch roadside statue of Paul Bunyan. Or perhaps she saw it as I did: beautiful.” #dianearbusphotography #stevemartin #disneyreels #disneyhistory #vintagedisney #enchantedtikitales #disneyland #disneyfan #disneyreel #disneycastle #disneymagicshop #merlinsmagicshop #mainstreetusa #disneysecrets #disneyart #storiesofdisney #disneystories #arthistory #photography

The Force is strong at Disneyland in 2025! Season of the Force returns March 28- May 11 with all-new galactic experiences and some returning favorites . 🔥Nightly projection show “Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga “ 🔷limited food and drink inspired by the galaxy 🔷new merchandise 🎢Hyperspace Mountain 🔷A Jedi like his father before him will be making limited appearances. 🔥Fire of the Rising Moons. Whether you are joining the resistance or pledging to the First Order , there’s something for everyone. #enchantedtikitales #disneyland #disneyreels #starwarsreels #batuu #seasonoftheforce #disneyparks #whimsicaldestinations #disneyfan #skywalker #fireoftherisingmoons #r2d2 #hyperspacemountain #starwarscharacters #disneytrips #disneytips #starwarslove #starwarsnerds #theforce #maytheforcebewithyou #travel #disneyinstagram #galacticadventures #jedimaster #batuubound #chooseyourpath

Did you know that Black Spire Outpost on Batuu has its own ballad? It was printed on promotional trading cards. Old Batuuan ballad ✨ At the edge of the galaxy so far away.Black was the Spire.That called me to stay.A beacon for drifters.Forgotten and Lost.The spires summoned those.Broken and tossed.Come stay here forever.Or just pass on through.The spirit of Black Spire Will forever change you. #starwarsreels #blackspireoutpost #batuu #disneyland #hollywoodstudios #disneyreels #enchantedtikitales #maytheforcebewithyou #disneyparks #disneyhistory #disneyparksecrets #disneyfan #disneyhistory #starwarsfan #starwarsnerd #galaxysedge #firstorderstormtrooper #kyloren #ogascantina #millenniumfalcon #smugglersrun #rebelalliance #

I really should post more about Animal Kingdom 🐒🐘It really is an immersive masterpiece. The sights, the sounds, the architecture the music, it really makes you feel like you are not in Florida! Tam Tam drummers perform in Harambe. The word Harambe in Swahili translates to “ for let us all pull together “. Animal Kingdom wouldn’t be what it is without the vision of imagineer Joe Rohde. Next time you are in AK see if you can find his dog tags and those of others that worked on the park hanging above. Here’s a hint, they are hanging in Pandora where you can pick up a Night Blossom. #animalkingdom #joerohde #pandora #disneyparks #disneytrivia #tamtamdrummers #harambe #disneyreels #disneyhistory #imagineering #hiddentributes #disneyworld #wdw #disneyfan #enchantedtikitales #disneyhistory #nightblossom #disneystories #disneylove #disneysecrets #disneyworldtrip #disneytipsandtricks

Darling why settle for ordinary when you can be extraordinary?”Cruella De Vil isn’t just a fashion icon-She’s a vibe. Strut through the Disney Parks with her bold unapologetic energy. You do you! Share a pic of your Disney inspired Villain look! #disneystyle #disneyparks #disneyreels #disneybounding #disneyboundingchallenge #cruella #cruelladevil #101dalmatians #disneyvillians #disneyworld #disneygram #disneyinsta #disneylandcosplay #disneycosplay #disneylove #disneymagic #disneystories #disneyadults #enchantedtikitales #vintagedisney

Big Thunder Mountain Closed for Refurbishment! In 2025 🚨While we’re sad to see this classic attraction temporarily close for updates, let’s take a moment to dive into the fascinating history behind Big Thunder Mountain’s name! 🏔️✨Before this iconic mine train roller coaster took us on the wildest ride in the wilderness, the land was home to Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland, an attraction filled with scenic views and nature’s beauty. One of the standout features was the stunning Big Thunder Falls located on Cascade Peak. 🌊When Big Thunder Mountain was being developed, the name “Big Thunder” was a nod to those majestic falls and the natural power they symbolized. And now, we get to experience the thrills of Big Thunder Mountain, where it all began!We can’t wait for it to reopen with even more magic and adventure. Stay tuned for updates! 🎢💥 #bigthundermountain #disneyland #disneyreels #enchantedtikitales #MineTrainThroughNature’sWonderland #disneyparks #disneyhistory #DisneyFacts #disneytrivia #disneyfan #waltdisneyworld #disneyworld #disneylandhistory #cascadepeak #disneysecrets #wildestrideinthewilderness #disneytrip #disneyattractions #goat #frontierland #disneylove #themeparkmagic #rollercoaster

🌙🔥 **Experience the Fire of the Rising Moons! 🔥🌙The Fire of the Rising Moons show lights up the Batuu night sky with vibrant flames, dazzling effects, and mesmerizing storytelling inspired by the legends of Black Spire Outpost. 🌌✨✨ When: Select nights at 9:30 p.m.📍 Where: By the Millennium Falcon in Black Spire Outpost in Disneyland Gather near the iconic Millennium Falcon as the ancient tale of the twin moons is told by Tohan Lege, the storyteller known as the Lore-weaver.👾 Tip: Grab a Ronto Wrap and a Black Spire Brew before the show to fully immerse yourself in Batuu’s unique vibe!Who’s ready to ignite the night?’ Til the Spire! 🔥✨ Let us know in the comments if this is on your Disney bucket list! #starwars #starwarsfan #blackspireoutpost #enchantedtikitales #starwarsreels #disneyland #dl #batuu #tilthespire #fireoftherisingmoons #disneyparks #disneyfireworks #disneyfacts #disneytips #disneyatnight #disneyafterdark #millenniumfalcon #lightsabers #galaxysedge #disneyreels

Grizzly River Run opened in Disney’s California Adventure Park on February 8, 2001. This river rapid ride around Grizzly Peak has a legend that surrounds it like all good Disney attractions. The Legend of the Grizzly Peak . “Long ago, Ah-Ha-Ee, the Coyote, met Oo-Soo-Ma-Te, the Grizzly Bear on top of the mountain. Seeing the Grizzly was a powerful being, Coyote asked him to watch over and protect the land. Then one day, people came and tried to chase Oo-Soo-Ma-Te from the Mountain. But Grizzly was strong and held his ground. When coyote saw the brave bear standing alone against so many, he turned Oo-Soo-Ma-Te into stone so he could never be driven away. To this day, people claim they can hear the great bear spirit in the wind that roars through the caverns and trees of Grizzly Peak.”. What’s your favorite ride to cool off on? #enchantedtikitales #grizzlypeak #grizzlyriverrun #eurekaminingcompany #disneyland #disneystories #disneyreels #californiaadventure #attractions #disneyparks #disneytrivia #anaheim #disneylandcalifornia #californiaadventurepark #disneyfun #legendofgrizzlypeak #imagineering #disneyattractions #disneytrip #disneyfunfacts #disneyfacts #disneyhistory

It’s almost Friday! The only thing better is Friday at Disney!!#enchantedtikitales #calforniaadventure #disneyland #starlord #guardiansofthegalaxy #missionbreakout #disneyparks #disneyreels #happyfriday #disneyreel #disneyfan #lovedisney #disneytravel #fridayfunday #signedsealeddelivered #disneydancing #happiestplaceonearth🏰

The Haunted mansion in Disneyland has seen a lot of changes over the years. When the mansion reopens on January 18, 2025, there will be a new bride. Gone will be Constance Hatchaway and replaced with a new projection bride that appears to be floating in front of guests. A nod to the original concept, her red heart will be beating in time with Wagner’s song Bridal Chorus. She will be holding a candelabra that is the exact same one as the one found in the endless hallway. There will also be a third candelabra in the crypt or the graveyard. What do you think of the latest changes?#enchantedtikitales #disneyland #hauntedmansion #neworleanssquare #constancehatchaway #disneyreel #disneyreels #disneyhistory #disneytrivia #grimgrinningghosts #disneylandtips #vintagedisney #disneyfan #disneyattractions #disneyparks #disneylandisyourland #disneystories #hauntedmansionbride #ilovedisney #disneybounding #carolyngrisantidisneyplanner #ilovedisneyland

In June 1956 Catfish Cove opened on Tom Sawyer Island in Disneyland. Here guests could try their hand at fishing and got to keep what they caught. If you were lucky you could get “Tom Sawyer” himself to clean your fish for you. This only lasted until August of 1956. It’s not hard to imagine why. Guests would often accidentally leave their fish laying around , leave them on rides or just throw them in the trash when they got tired of carrying them around. Learning from their mistake Disneyland decided to switch to catch and release only. This lasted until 1965. While you cannot fish at Disneyland anymore there are several options at Walt Disney Resorts. Guided fishing excursions are available at several resorts. Dockside fishing is available at Port Orleans Riverside and Fort Wilderness. All fishing is catch and release 🐟🎣#enchantedtikitales #whimsicaldestinations #disneyreels #disneyworld #disneyland #disneyparks #disneystories #vintagedisney #disneyhistory #disneyfunfacts #disneyfan #fishing #disneytrivia #tomsawyerisland #frontierland #disneyreel #disneysecrets #disneyfacts #magicalextras #disneyland70thanniversary #familyfun

Some people ask me why I am such a big Disney fan. I love this quote by the imagineer John Hench. “Disneyland is symbolic that all is right with the world and this is the secret of Disneyland :everywhere in the park it’s like a pat on the back telling you :you’re OK life is good. “. I’ve been a Disney fan as far back as I can remember. I’ve been a Disney Planner for a few years now. So it’s nothing new that as things got very difficult over the last year and a half I turned to “my happy place”. Even when I can’t be in the parks ( which is most of the time) I can plan trips for other families, research Disney topics and add touches of Disney anywhere. It just requires a sprinkle of magic and helps me remember that “ I’ll be okay and Life is Good”. #enchantedtikitales #disneyreels #imstillstanding #disneyparks #vintagedisney #disneyland #disneyinspiration #disneyfan #grief #carolyngrisantidisneyplanner #retrodisney #disneylandisyourland #disneylandpark #disneystories #disneyadult