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El Capitan Theatre Tour Review

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Back in September, while visiting California I went down to Hollywood for a guided El Capitan Theatre Tour! I couldn’t find many reviews prior to my trip, so I wanted to be sure to write one myself.

El Capitan Theatre Tour

El Capitan Theatre Tour

Just a primer for anyone reading this who doesn’t know, the El Capitan Theatre has a storied history. It’s perhaps most-known for being the theater willing to premiere Orson Welles’ Citizen Kane film. However, there’s so much more to its history. Additionally, for any Disney fans reading, the building is currently owned by Disney. In fact, Disney Hollywood premieres (and lots of press events) are held here. Jimmy Kimmel’s show is currently filmed next door. So, the building has lots of history and would be of interest to many different types of people.

Scheduling a Tour

Similar to scheduling a tour at the other famous Hollywood theatres, it’s a matter of luck of the draw if it fits your schedule or not. They do not publish the tour schedule online. In fact, you have to call to actually book a tour. I was able to get a schedule of tours via email a few weeks out. Once again, the other historical theatres don’t know their tour schedules more than a few weeks out either. Since they are historical and located in Hollywood, they are often used for premieres, award shows, and press events. So, they can’t schedule tours too far out.

Currently, the tour costs $25/person and lasts approximately 45 minutes. Tours are typically available on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. I had a tour on a Saturday afternoon.

The Tour

I was shocked to discover that I was the only person to book my tour time slot. So, I was lucky enough to get a solo tour of the theatre! It was so neat to learn more about the history of this building and to be able to ask questions freely. I enjoyed learning about the restoration efforts that took place when Disney came in, especially the detail about having to remove years of smoke from the ornate celing.

It was surreal to go backstage and be able to step on the stage itself! It was so cool to be reminded of the various events that took place right on that very stage! I also got to go into the Richard & Robert Sherman Star Dressing Room! If you know anything about the Disney Parks history, then you who they are! Well, they named the dressing room here after them!

I also got to see the organ up close. It’s a beautiful piece! I also got to see some unique equipment that is used to put people on stage and there’s one even used in Fantasmic! So, that’s a was another nice park reference!

I also got to go behind the theatre and see the back entrance to Jimmy Kimmel! It was neat to realize just how many famous people have been right where I was standing!

Souvenirs

The tour ends with some small gifts. They provide you with a free bag of popcorn and a El Capitan Theatre postcard featuring Mickey & Minnie Mouse! I thought both of those were a nice touch. I was hoping for a little more theatre specific merch in the ice cream shop next door, but only saw one shirt. So, a postcard is a nice way to remember this tour.

Is the El Capitan Theatre Tour worth it?

At only $25/person and 45 minutes, I think this tour is very much worth it. It would be the perfect Hollywood activity for any movie buffs or Disney fans. I enjoyed being somewhere historic and hearing stories about the place. It was a nice addition to my Disney history evening in LA since I had dinner at Tam O’Shanter after my tour.

Dollywood Christmas Guided Tour Review

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I recently had the chance to take the Dollywood Christmas Guided Tour with my mom. So, I thought I would share what that entailed.

Dollywood Christmas Guided Tour

Dollywood Christmas Guided Tour

Back in June, my mom and I took the Summer Tour. During that tour, our tour guide recommended that we come back to do the Christmas tour specifically. He said that it was the best seasonal tour they offer. So, when we planned a return trip during the holidays, we knew we wanted to try it out as well.

This tour typically costs $79, but Gold and Diamond passholders receive a $5/$10 discount. When I renewed my pass for 2026, I upgraded to the Diamond. I was able to receive my Diamond discount of $10 when I booked this tour online a week out.

The Tour

The tour technically begins at 6:30. However, you are instructed to check in prior to 5 PM. That’s because similar to the I Will Always Love You Tour, you start the tour with reserved seating for a show! We had reserved seats for the 5:30 showing of the Christmas in the Smokies show. Following the show, we got to take a picture with some of the actors from the show. Then, we moved outside for a quick restroom break. Then, we made our way over to the train where we had reserved seats for a ride.

Following the train ride, we moved to the in park chapel for the carolers. Unfortunately, the tour didn’t include reserved seating for this show. Rather, everyone just had to stand and watch. After the show, we were able to take another picture with the group of carolers.

After that, it was snack time! Everyone was given a mini loaf of cinnamon bread and a hot chocolate to enjoy. Then, the tour ended in Wildwood Grove where we were able to see the Snow in the Grove show.

Is the Dollywood Christmas Guided Tour worth it?

As with anything, value is subjective. However, this tour is probably only worth it for a select group of people. For starters, it’s a fast paced tour. My mom struggled to keep up with the group. I don’t think this tour is great for people with mobility issues or children. While it was great to have guaranteed seating for the show and for the train ride, the rest of the tour you can do on your own. Additionally, this eats up a lot of time. The show was at 5:30 and the tour ended around 8 PM. We didn’t get to see all of the park’s decor and didn’t have time to stop for pictures of the park. So, I definitely wouldn’t recommend it for first time goers with only one park day.

This tour is ideal for repeat park goers who want to experience the park in a new way. I also encourage everyone to consider if they and their loved ones are in good enough shape to be walking briskly around the park prior to booking this one. While I enjoyed the tour, it wore my mom out. So, just keep in mind each person’s needs and wants before booking this tour.

Disney Christmas Plaza Garden Dessert Party Review

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Last year, I booked the Disney Christmas Plaza Garden Dessert Party at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. So, I thought I would post a review of that experience in case anyone was considering booking it this year.

Disney Christmas Plaza Garden Dessert Party

Disney Christmas Plaza Garden Dessert Party

You may recall that I posted the Mickey’s Very Merry Dessert Party Review the other year. However, that was the party with seated Tomorrowland Terrace viewing of the fireworks. This party is a few bucks cheaper and comes with standing viewing in the Garden Plaza. So, was it worth saving a few dollars?

The Food

The food for both parties is the same. It’s an assortment of holiday goodies found at the party and other sweet treats. I’m happy to report that the apple caramel crepe was still there as were the chocolate covered strawberries! As with the other party, it’s a buffet and you can get as much as you like. I enjoy trying different goodies at these parties. However, once again, there’s very few savory options. I think it was once again mostly cheeses that was available. So, you definitely need a sweet tooth to appreciate these dessert parties.

The Dessert Party Experience

I know some people are against paying extra for this dessert party. However, I had a really long travel day with flight delays on the day of the party last year. So, it was amazing to just sit down and enjoy some sweet treats during the party. In fact a family sitting near me struck up a conversation with me about visiting solo and other locations to visit for Christmas. That was a neat way to relax prior to the fireworks. Although, it does take time away from the party itself. I’m lucky in that I’ve attended several times and don’t feel like it’s wasting time to sit down and enjoy myself.

Plaza Garden Viewing

Where the parties differ is the fireworks viewing. Instead of staying in one seat at the Terrace for fireworks, you are led over to a reserved area in the Plaza Garden for fireworks viewing. Initially, people were allowed to sit down. Although, the grass was wet from rain earlier in the day, so I remained standing. We were able to view some of Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration stage show from the Plaza Garden Viewing area. So, that was a nice perk.

Right before the fireworks, they had everyone stand up. While I appreciated the fact that we weren’t all crammed together like you typically are for fireworks at Disney, I wasn’t super impressed with the view. I still had several people in front of me blocking the bottom part of the castle. Then, there were some poles blocking part of the view as well. It wasn’t a terrible view, but it certainly wasn’t the best either.

Is the Disney Christmas Plaza Garden Dessert Party worth it?

For 2025, the Christmastime Fireworks Dessert Party with Plaza Garden Viewing costs $99/person. That’s on top of the party ticket price. So, it’s a really expensive evening. However, it was so nice to sit and enjoy some treats. Plus, I was by myself and appreciated having some breathing room during the fireworks. However, I think I will probably stick with the seated Tomorrowland Terrace viewing going forward. While I think the view of the castle and projections is probably superior in this party, I prefer staying seated if the view is going to be obstructed.

Disneyland 70th Anniversary Tour Review

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On my recent solo trip, I got to take the Disneyland 70th Anniversary Tour! Here’s a review of that experience to help you decide if it’s worth it.

Disneyland 70th Anniversary Tour

Disneyland 70th Anniversary Tour

Given how much I enjoyed Walt’s Main Street Story Tour last year, I decided to book the new Disneyland 70th Anniversary Guided Tour for this trip. Unlike last time though, I booked this tour in advance. In fact, I booked it 60 days out when I booked my dining reservations as I was sure that I wanted to do it. Unlike the other tour, it’s 2 hours (versus 90 minutes) and slightly cheaper ($120 vs $160).

The Walking Tour

At the start of the tour, everyone is given an ear piece, a lanyard, and a pin with your name on it to wear. The ear piece helps you hear the tour guide better and they play some old clips of Disneyland promotional things from 70 years ago. The walking tour is basically a walk around the park with a brief look at each land and facts about opening day attractions in each land. We rode the Disneyland Railroad from Tomorrowland to New Orleans Square. Then, we rode the Main Twain Riverboat. Both rides opened with the park.

We also received a Lightning Lane Entry for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. I rode this right after the tour since the tour ends outside Toontown.

Each of us also received a special pin. You can see the keepsake pin in the 3rd image in my Instagram post. I like that it features the Mark Twain since we rode it on the tour. I also liked the nod to Autopia since I met Bob Gurr while in California on this trip!

I will admit, the tour itself is kind of dry. We didn’t really do much that you couldn’t do on your own. It wasn’t special access to a hidden area of the park or anything. In fact, I’m not sure I learned many new facts on the tour. So, I wouldn’t book this tour solely for the tour itself…

Paint the Night Viewing

The real reason I wanted to book this tour was that it came with reserved viewing of the new Paint the Night parade! I didn’t feel like dealing with people squishing me since I was by myself. So, a reserved area to view the parade from with less people sounded great to me! Plus, they gave us some popcorn to munch on while we waited for the parade! It was so nice to be able to spread out while viewing the parade. Plus, it made for a great way to end the day at the park.

Is the Disneyland 70th Anniversary Tour worth it?

A two hour tour probably isn’t ideal for a first time visitor. $120 isn’t exactly cheap either. While I really enjoyed the reserved viewing for the parade, I think it’s harder to recommend this tour for most folks. While I don’t regret taking the tour, I just think it’s harder to justify this one. It’s interesting to be guided around the park and to hear stories about its opening. However, the vast majority of the information shared is already online. This is mostly for people are interested in the park history but just starting to learn about it. It’s also great for people wanting a reserved space for the parade. Everyone else probably won’t find it worth the time and money.

Bush’s Beans Visitor Center Guide

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Back in June, my mom and I visited Bush’s Beans Visitor Center for the first time. So, I thought I would provide a little guide/review of that experience.

Bush's Beans Visitor Center

Bush’s Beans Visitor Center

Just before you get to the Sevierville, TN exit (coming from Virginia), you can take an exit to visit Chestnut Hill. It looks to be an rather desolate exit without much to see. However, the exit sign promises a Bush’s Beans Visitor Center and Cafe can be found here. If you keep driving, you will eventually find a little out of the way experience that the whole family can enjoy!

Museum

You can easily spend an hour or two at the museum. You learn about the Bush family and the creation of the company. There’s even a short video showing their factory and how the beans are canned. My mom really enjoyed that since she has experience working in a factory. I enjoy learning about how things work. So, it was a hit with both of us. It reminded us a little bit of the Charleston Tea Garden Tour we did a few months prior.

The museum also has some information on their marketing over the years and where their beans come from. There’s even an interactive display showing the different varieties of products you can purchase from Bush’s.

Gift Shop

As with any good museum (or theme park attraction), you end the experience in the gift shop! This one is a great gift shop though. There’s all kinds of Bush’s beans and other products to be had here. They are also pretty affordable too. Following that there’s lots of Bush’s/beans/Duke merchandise to look at. My mom ended up purchasing a Duke (as in the dog) Christmas ornament and a t-shirt.

However, I was impressed with their little kitchen themed area. They had several other non-branded items. My mom and I were influenced to purchase a kitchen dish rag because another woman was getting an armload of them. She said they really were the best she’s ever had! I think it’s a really good dish rag and it’s fun to wash our dishes while remembering our trip to Bush’s.

Bush’s Family Cafe

While we really liked the museum and gift shop, the real star here is the Cafe! Yum! While it’s a tiny restaurant that can get loud, it has good food. We had to wait 15-20 minutes for a seat and ended up being placed at the dessert bar. There was a loud youth baseball team that added to the noise. However, once they left, it was much quieter.

Everyone is given a free sample of Bush’s product when they eat here. We were lucky enough to try the Rustic Tuscany Chickpeas. We both ate the entire sample they gave us and had no complaints. For an entree, my mom got the Bush’s Chili Pie. It looked like a taco salad to me. She said it was “so good.” Everything in it looked fresh and tasty, but I didn’t try it.

I selected the bean burger for my entree. I don’t see it on the online menu, but it was on the menu at the Cafe and I highly recommend it. It wasn’t real spicy, but it had some spices in it. It was a pretty good sized patty with a good amount of moisture (not dry unlike some bean burgers I’ve had). In fact, it was probably the best bean burger I’ve ever had. I guess it makes sense that Bush’s makes a mean bean burger. Haha! I also got the fried apples for my side, which were also tasty!

The Chocolate Pinto Bean Pecan Pie

I couldn’t leave the Cafe without trying Bush’s Chocolate Pinto Bean Pecan Pie! My mom and another lady sitting to my left at the dessert bar thought I was crazy for ordering it. However, I am pleased to report that it was really good! It reminded me of a gooey brownie with nuts! I made my mom try a little bit and she agreed it was better than she thought it would be. They also have a non-chocolate Pinto Bean Pecan Pie as well as some other simpler pies that looked good. While seated at the dessert bar, we got to watch them prepare the brownies and they looked yummy!

Should you visit Bush’s Beans Visitor Center?

Bush’s Beans Visitor Center is a little ways out from Pigeon Forge. However, it’s not too far removed. Tip: Get gas before you arrive as the nearest gas station is a few miles away. The food is certainly worth a trip for anyone who likes beans or southern/country food. The museum is great for people who like to learn. The gift shop is interesting for anyone looking for a unique/cheap side dish to serve at dinner or anyone who wants a shirt that says they were there.

I’m fairly certain I’ll make a return visit here someday. I’d love to take my husband so he can try the pie. So, I think it’s worth a visit.