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The hayride was accessible down this walkway, which led to Donald Drive - the building down at the very end is known as the mill.

On the way to see the hayride (pulled by Disneyland horses of course) we noticed an open film vault - (above and below) - we just looked to see, no touching of course, but found what appeared to be viewer prints there - it was interesting to say the least that you could walk around and look at things like this

Enough about architecture and legends, lets get down to the real fun. P-a-r-t-y! It was Mickey and Minnie’s 72nd birthday you know. And for 72 years, I can tell you that the Big Cheese and his Gal Pal look mighty fine. At various locations within the Magical Holiday Faire, you could pose with a Disney character and have your picture taken. Absolutely free. Isn’t that nice?

But wait, there’s more. For the mere pittance of your $3 admission, you could not only get your picture taken with Mickey and Minnie, you could also get your picture taken with Pluto, Chip and Dale, Santa or listen to Belle tell a story.

Belle in holiday garb

But wait, yes there’s even more, for that $3 they also threw in the opportunity to decorate a cookie and take a hayride around the Studio. How’s that for a bargain?

And, if you were a child, when you visited Santa you were given a nifty bracelet as a memento. It was a rubbery plastic wristband that had Mickey and Minnie on it with the words Magical Holiday Faire and the date. I wanted so badly to walk up to a kid and say, "Hey kid, I’ll give ya five bucks for that bracelet." I lamented that most of them probably dumped the things five minutes after they got home. Sigh. Some things are wasted on the young. Although, I want to bounce in Goofy’s Bounce House too and I’m never going to get that either.

Minnie and Mickey - where else but - in front of the old animation building

I digress. Enough of the pouting over what I cannot have, back to Mickey and Minnie. They were a very popular photo-op. Everyone who was anyone wanted to have their picture taken with Mickey and Minnie on their birthday. Oh and they were soooo cute! Mickey and Minnie, both wearing festive party hats, kept teasing each other, playfully draping wads of curly birthday ribbons over each other and dancing around. They greeted every guest as though they were very pleased to have them there. Their little photo station was decorated with balloons, birthday cake, and presents and the people working there had to really keep on their toes. They snapped pictures right and left and if there was more than one person in the group, would kindly take a picture for each person. I thought that was not only nice, but generous as well.

The Dapper Dans (from Disneyland of course) entertained us

Of course, I needed to have my picture taken with Mickey and Minnie. So, I waited in line. And waited. And waited. It took about a half-hour. Boy were they popular. I chatted with the folks who were in front of me, "So, what is your strategy for the Tinker bell pin of the month?" And I listened to the Dapper Dans (yes, Disneyland’s very own), serenade the crowd. It made the time go quickly and before you know it, it was my turn with The Big Cheeses.

Sue congratulates the happy couple

It was getting late by that time. I had a date with the Grinch over at Universal (I just had to see all the Whovian wonders they are advertising which I’m sure Dusty Traveler in the Universal Info Guide will be telling you all about). I skipped the cookie decorating (but got a free cookie anyway --- yum), missed talking to Santa (I’ll have to email him my list) and gave up seeing the screening of The Ultimate Christmas Present that was being shown in the Studio Theatre (didn’t have the 85 minutes to spare).

Santa posed for pics in the historic Hyperion Bungalow

All in all, it was a truly fun day and heaven knows a girl couldn’t get a better entertainment value for three dollars spent. Those folks at the Studios really know how to run a Christmas Craft Faire.

I can’t wait until next year. Until then I guess...

A sign from the studio theater

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