December 9, 2010 | Posted in Blog, Life, Photography, Travel

Disneyland, What a Dazzling and Magical Place

Looking for a fun magical place to visit in California? Well, then Disneyland is the spot! All of the cute Disney characters like Mickey, Minnie, and Donald put on a big smile for me and my friends. Besides the attractions and the shops, walking around the park made us feel young! This place is all about fun. My absolute favorite was the Indiana Jones Adventure in Adventureland. Even if I’m not familiar with the story, I still love the attraction and the dazzling sense of excitement.

Overall, Disneyland can be done in one day. Surely it’s not as overwhelming as Disney World so I have enough time to enjoy my rides and take my photos there. Enjoy these pictures!

(Me and my friend Annie just arrive outside Disneyland)

(The first thing we saw when we get in was these big balloons)

(Aren’t they so cute?)

(Disney’s love stories)

(Another Disney hit)

(Disney Castlet)

(Our first 3D attraction there was A Bug’s Life)

(Inside A Bug’s Life)

(Book of Magic? )

(My friend Annie inside the store)

(Walt Disney Himself…)

(Main Street USA at Night)

(Pirate of Carribean)

(Inside of Indiana Jones)

(Fireworks at night)

(Amazing!)

(World of colors show)

(Disneyland at night)

December 1, 2010 | Posted in Blog, Designs, Life

Photos: Fun Printables From Disney

Yesterday was my 1 year anniversary working at Disney. Which makes it a perfect time to write a post about how much I have appreciated working with many talented people here. When you hear Disney, the first thing that comes to your mind is probably the theme park or the Pixar characters. But, that’s not where I work. I work for Disney Family, which is a division under Disney Interactive Media Group. They do a lot of fun printables for kids and great recipe or ideas for parents online. That’s why it’s Disney Family.

I took few pictures when I visited the LA main office. I can’t stop looking at these beautiful crafts made by the illustrators (Mario, Craig and Kelly). If you’re interested in making one of their fun printables, please check out DisneyFamily.com and Familyfun.com. I’m sure you’ll love these crafts, enjoy!

(All artwork copyrights belong to the illustrators and Disney Family)

(Kelly, the illustrator is busy working at her station)

(Kelly, Craig and Mario – My awesome co-workers in LA)

(Disney Princess printables made by Kelly)

(More Disney Princess printable made by Kelly)

(More Disney Family Printables made by Mario)

(Disney Minnie & Mickey made by Mario )

(Kelly, Craig, Brittany (NY) and Mario at Disney Family’s office)

(My visit to the Disney Studio Lot for lunch with Brittany and Gary)

(Gary and I inside the Disney Studio Lot – we’re doing our shopping)

(Done shopping~)

November 20, 2010 | Posted in Blog, Life, Photography, Travel

Photos: A Glimpse of Hollywood, The Entertainment Capital.

I can’t imagine going to Los Angeles and missing out on the movie capital of the world – Hollywood. Hollywood is well known for its movie industry, but I didn’t find any celebrities just wandering around on the street (maybe I wasn’t lucky). In fact, I find this popular destination filled with many tourists and popular attractions. There are many hotels nearby and I stayed at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel (I highly recommend it). The room was spacious and beautiful. It sits opposite of the Hollywood and Highland Center and offers a view of the Hollywood Sign. After I settled in I was overwhelmed with all the places to see and things to do. With that said, I put together a list of top 10 places to visit so you won’t be overwhelmed like I was.

(Flying over to Lax)

(Renaissance Hollywood Hotel)

(Renaissance Hollywood Hotel)

1. Universal Studio and Citywalk

I think the name says it all; who doesn’t know Universal Studio? If you don’t want to visit the theme park try to experience the nightlife at Universal City Walk.

2. Grauman’s Chinese Theater

Another world famous theater that was built in 1927. This Chinese temple design is 90 feet tall with 2 red columns on each side. There are hand and foot prints of Marilyn Monroe, George Clooney on the floor cement. It’s another must see on Hollywood Boulevard.

(Grauman’s Chinese Theater during the day)

(Grauman’s Chinese Theater at night)

3. Madame Tussauds Hollywood

One of the new Wax museums that just opened up on Hollywood Boulevard in 2009, it’s all about stars, singers and even athletes. The best part of the tour for me was to have a snapshot with the president Obama figure.

4. Hollywood & Highland Center

It’s a entertainment and shopping center located right in the heart of Hollywood. Perfect place to visit when I needed to rest my feet or for a quick bite.

(Hollywood & Highland Center)

(Fountains inside the Hollywood & Highland Center)

5. Hollywood Museum

Interesting museum to check out before you leave Hollywood. It features a private collection of Marilyn Monroe dresses and jewelry and many other famous hollywood stars’ costumes. A tour that will bring you back to the old Hollywood Golden era.

6. The Walk of Fame

It’s 18 blocks long from Grower street to La Brea Avenue. The walk started with over 2,500 blank stars in 1960 and now 2,300 have been filled. It’s fun to see so many stars’ name printed on the sidewalk of Hollywood Boulevard.

(The Walk of Fame)

(The Walk of Fame Star)

7. The Hollywood Sign

One of the most famous iconic symbols in America created in 1923. It used to be Hollywoodland instead of Hollywood. I can see the sign from many locations but you can drive up Mulholland drive for a better view of the hill and the sign.

(Hollywood Sign, View From the Highland Center)

(Another View)

8. Kodak Theatre

It’s another beautiful theatre which is the current home of the Oscars. They offered a guided tour that lasts about 45 minutes when there are no special events.

(Kodak Theatre)

9. Hollywood Wax Museum

Located along the Hollywood Walk of Fame since 1965. A fun Wax museum dedicated to star figures in Hollywood.

10.Hollywood Guinness World Records

One of the oldest standing houses in Hollywood. It’s a Guinness museum about world famous records.

(Left: Hollywood Guinness World Records, Right: Hollywood Wax Museum)

When I came back to New York many people had asked me what to do in Hollywood. So I created this list. Of course there is so much more to see but this is just some of my favorites.

(Hollywood Blvd)

(The Road to Hollywood)

A Glimpse of Hollywood Boulevard from Sarah Wu on Vimeo.