Miley--and Me!--at Disneyland

One of the benefits of being a journalist covering the park industry is that I get to attend media events for attraction openings and other special occasions. Typically, I'm the one toting around a reporter's notebook and asking the questions. But, at the recent debut of Disneyland's Toy Story Mania, Disneyland podcast producer Michael Geoghegan turned the microphone on me and asked me what it's like covering Disneyland for About.com.

You can hear the interview by going to Disneyland's official podcast page and clicking on the audio podcast, "Boosting your score on Toy Story Mania! and Dream Home surprises." My brief segment is at the 21:54 point in the podcast. For fans interested in going behind the scenes at Disneyland, Geoghegan's podcasts are always informative and compelling.

And for well-heeled Disneyland fans of a certain age, the Mouse has quite a deal for you. According to Disney, teen sensation Miley Cyrus, featured on the Disney Channel's "Hannah Montana," chart-topping recording artist on Walt Disney Records, and star of Walt Disney Pictures' "Best of Both Worlds," has "chosen" to celebrate her 16th birthday at--surprise!--Disneyland. And for only $250, you could join her. Hey kids, better start saving your allowance. The event will be held on Sunday evening, October 5, and will include select Disneyland rides, party zones with activities and entertainment, fireworks, and a performance by Miley/Hannah herself. Tickets are limited to 5000. Info about the event is available at Disney's Web site. In honor of the birthday bash, Disneyland will be making a donation to the volunteerism organization, Youth Service America, and will be recognizing some teens who have participated in its programs.

• Toy Story Mania Ride Review
• Disneyland Ride Guide 2008

Photo: That's Miley and Mickey--not me. Disney 2008. Used with permission.