Special Occasion

Celebrate Mickey & Minnie Mouse: Birthdays of the World’s Most Beloved Disney Icons


Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Mickey and Minnie Mouse, two of the most beloved figures in animation history, have been charming fans for nearly a century. Since their debut in Steamboat Willie on November 18, 1928, these characters have become global symbols of joy, imagination, and the magic of storytelling. Created by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks, Mickey was originally designed as a replacement for Disney’s first character, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. Even though his first short film, Plane Crazy, didn’t captivate audiences, Mickey persevered and finally soared to fame with Steamboat Willie, a groundbreaking animated short that synchronized sound and motion for the first time. From that point forward, Mickey became the face of Disney, inspiring generations and earning his place as the first animated character with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Minnie Mouse, Mickey’s partner in fun and fashion, debuted alongside him in the same short film. With her charming personality, love of style, and playful nature, she has become a fashion icon in her own right, evolving from flapper-inspired black-and-white attire to polka-dotted dresses and vibrant colors over the decades. Minnie’s voice was first provided by Walt Disney himself, later passing through talented actors including Russi Taylor. Over the years, she’s starred in her own specials, attended red-carpet events, and even earned recognition as a fashion icon at New York Fashion Week. Beyond her stylish exterior, Minnie is also an aunt to Millie and Melody Mouse, showing that her charm extends beyond just fashion and fun.

Celebrating Mickey and Minnie Mouse is as limitless as imagination itself. Fans can honor them by dressing in Mickey or Minnie-themed attire, singing the classic Mickey Mouse Club song, learning to draw their favorite mouse, or visiting Disney parks around the world—from Disneyland in California to DisneySea in Tokyo, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Shanghai Disney Resort. Watching classic shows, shorts, or feature films like Fantasia also brings their world to life at home, while themed parties, music, and fun facts allow fans of all ages to engage in the celebration.

The magic of Mickey and Minnie goes beyond mere entertainment. They embody hope over adversity, the joy of friendship, and the power of imagination, touching the lives of millions worldwide. Whether it’s through a Mickey-shaped ice cream cone, a Minnie polka-dotted bow, or a day spent exploring the wonders of a Disney park, celebrating these icons reminds us all of the fun, creativity, and warmth they have brought to the world for over 90 years. From their first pencil sketches to becoming timeless legends, Mickey and Minnie Mouse continue to inspire hearts and imaginations everywhere, making their birthdays the perfect occasion to celebrate joy, creativity, and the magic of Disney.

#AllycaralFeature 👒

Hong Kong Disneyland – Live it, Love it


Hello My Amazing Allys,

Hope you all are doing well this Friday! Well, brace yourself as this week we head towards another Disney Park, well this time – It’s gonna be Hong Kong – Disney Land. And well this one, being one of my favourites as this place is filled with some amazing memories right from screams on those high roller coaster rides to fan moments of clicking pictures with the Disney Characters, which I saw on television as a little kid. One of my fondest memories include summer holidays, which I spent having mangoes watching these cartoons on television. And getting an opportunity to meet your favourite characters, it is the most amazing thing ever. And here are the details of this wonderful trip of mine.

Have you read about the Paris DisneyWorld?

Hong Kong Disneyland is aptly given the tagline – Live it, Love it. Very rightly promoted by Hong Kong Tourism Board, to promote tourism in their country. Initially, this beautiful place was known as a simple fishing village but today it’s counted as one of the most leading cosmopolitan cities in the world, a home to several.

Since 1st July 1997, Hong Kong is the special administrative region of China. It is still a place where ancient traditions thrived with ultra modern cultural ethics. Having one of the most busiest market streets to modern skyscrapers and historic heritage. You name it and Hong Kong has it all.

TIP OF THE DAY

  • Try to plan your visit to the Theme Park on a Week Day as this place is usually crowded till the brim.

The most famous and popular tourist attraction is the Hong Kong Disneyland. A wondrous world of exciting and enchanting Disney characters, where once a upon a time was now. The thrill of imaginary characters coming into reality and a place where 3D films are portrayed the best. The place where one can create amazing memories, that’s surely going to last forever.

Hong Kong Disneyland was thrown open to public in the year 2005. This place has the largest theme park however, the smallest Disney Park in the world. This beautiful little town is divided into Sections, to name a few includes – Main Street, U.S.A; Fantasyland; Adventureland and Tomorrowland.

TIP OF THE DAY

  • Pick a Map from the Disney Stall and mark the places you want to cover. And stick to the plan.

When you enter the Disneyland the first thing one can see is the Micky Mouse fountain, where the Mickey Mouse is standing on a shark and it keeps moving upwards and down, welcoming everybody to his island. The instant first photo opportunity.

TIP OF THE DAY

  • Wear Bright Colors like Orange, Yellow, Mustard and click some amazing pictures of yourself. If traveling alone, don’t carry your selfie stick as selfie stick is prohibited in this disney park.

Walking further, the first thing that comes is Main Street, U.S.A; a place where ancient small town settings are shown, there are also vintage cars at the display, and a small museum with all the cartoon character right from Rapunzel to Cindrella. And at the corner, there are People dressed as Donald Duck; large queues are seen to click photos with their favorite Disney characters. Well, I initially too stood in those long queues but hey! Then I realised I wanted to go on the roller coaster rides, quickly got a picture clicked with them and then headed to next street – Fantasyland.

Fantasyland is the  happiest kingdom for all that includes children and also people who are child at heart. This place brings to life the Disney animated stories in a quaint storybook village. Here the experience of 3D is exceptional, followed by the 3D show there’s an amazing Disney show where all the characters, Mickey, Winnie the Pooh, Mulan, Sleeping Beauty, you just name the character, and you get to see them in reality. Here anything is possible, all what you have to do is believe.

Adventureland, a place where one can venture deep into the heart of the jungle, and it gives you an opportunity to the world’s exotic tropical regions. Lovely mini trawler ride, takes you through this beautiful journey. But the problem over is, if you seen one side of the place, you miss the beauty on the other side and hence one’s neck pains turning both the side. It was marvelous moment to see India, in that small journey. Surely, it was a proud moment for every Indian.

TIP OF THE DAY

  • A person having a heart problem avoid Adventureland, you can enjoy the other places.

Following this is the Tomorrowland, a place which is a homebase to many futuristic ideas. Breadth taking roller coaster ride, one of which is the roller coaster which takes you high up and then brings you down from the 21st floor.

As per my recommendation, you should try these 5 rides :

  • Dumbo – the Flying Elephant at the Fantasyland
  • Iron Man Experience at the Tomorrowland
  • Jungle River Cruise at the Adventureland
  • Mystic Manor at the Mystic Point
  • Toy Soldier Parachute Drop at the Toy Story Land

TIP OF THE DAY

  • Carry an umbrella along with you, as it rains in Hong Kong the least when you expect it.
  • At the same time carry a sunscreen.
#AllycaralFeature 👒

5 Best Places to Visit When in Paris


“One Day, I want to visit Paris!”

Yes that’s how it all started! The dream to visit Paris   began like that. As dreamy it may sound, it did start like that. It all started because I was fascinated with Effiel Tower and the Love Stories attached to it. I didn’t know the dream would become a reality so soon, but it indeed did! And I’m so glad about it.

Where should I start from, this being the most favorite place of mine! There are several things that I could write about! Paris is the most gorgeous city in the world, it’s vibes is something that no matter how many times you visit this place, you would always want to go back to this place.

Well, without wasting much time, Let’s head on a mission to Visit Top 5 Places in Paris.

  1. Arc de Triomphe

Arc de Triomphe located in Champs Elysees is often referred to as “the most beautiful avenue in the world.” This avenue is the most busiest place in town right from luxurious boutiques (Cartier to Louis Vuitton) to restaurants, cafes the famous cinemas, Lido and so on everything available on this particular avenue. The best way to explore this place is by foot. While I was exploring this beautiful avenue, I came the Arc de Triomphe.

A place that instantly took me back to India, it solely reminded me our India Gate at Delhi. And my first reaction was hey! this does look like the India Gate – it’s placement, the somewhat structure, just gave me a feel of India Gate for a while. But as I took a closer look at the structure, I got to learn that the pillars have some impressive sculptures. The idea to have this Structure dates back to the 19th century when Jean Chalgrin was commissioned to design an arch which would be the largest of it’s kind in the world to depicts the glory of the imperial armies, under the ancient Roman architecture. The same holds a special place in the heart of Paris not just because it is the symbol of great victory but also it has the names engraved of 558 generals on the top most portion of the arc.

Did You Know?

  • The Arc de Triomphe required 30 years to be built.
  • Under this beautiful structure is the tomb of an unknown soldier of France who lost his life battling during the World War I.

2. Cruise on the Seine

Next the best way to explore Paris is through the Cruise ride. Yes the City of Lights is best explored while you sail on the water of the Seine River. A Panoramic View stands before you making the beautiful city of Paris look at it’s best. On this Cruise ride, you get the view of the Louvre Museum, a massive Royal Palace which is situated right in the Seine River, following which you get to see the beautiful Cathedral Notre-Dame, which is a medieval Catholic Cathedral, The Effiel Tower ( My Favourite) and ofcourse much more.

And the best part about this Cruise ride is that all these places can be visited both during the day and the night too. So if you missed it during the day, you can visit them at night. At night these structure looks the best as all the monuments are lit up as the City is known to be called as “City of Light”

Did You Know?

  • River Seine is the third longest river in France.
  • River Seine in the year 1991 was added as the World Heritage site by UNESCO

3. The Latin Quarter – Luxembourg park

As the name suggest this place is called the Latin Quarter of Paris as during the middle age it the Language which was prominent in Universities as the international language of learning.. The Latin Quarter is situated towards the left of Seine River known for Student life, Lively Atmosphere, Hang Out Places, a home to several students and educational institutes and most importantly it has the famous Luxembourg Park. This Park was first a private garden but it was in the year 1612, this park was opened to general public. The Park is very pleasant place to walk around, in the shadow of the nature consisting a wide varieties of trees of apple, apiary to flowers like orchids adding beauty to this place. The main part of this beautiful park is a large French Style Garden with a circular pond surrounded by statues and trees in the pot.

Did You Know?

  • The park has 106 statues along with 3 beautiful fountains and a bronze reduction of the Statue of Liberty.

4. Disneyland Paris

Well, the name is enough! I don’t think I should say anything further! The first picture that comes to your mind when you speak about Disneyland is the massive princess castle, the Mickey Mouse and his family, and all the fun rides which makes this place the most visited place in town.

Located about 32 km from central Paris. Disneyland Paris has two theme parks – one is Disneyland (with Sleeping Beauty’s castle) and Walt Disney Studios. The decision is tough to make. At the entrance there are two different ways, one is heading towards the Disneyland while the other to the Walt Disney Studio. Trust me, you cannot explore both the places on a same day. You roughly require two whole days in each theme park to experience and witness the magic without exhausting yourself in the place.

Did You Know?

  • Disneyland has over 13.4 million Visitors per annum
  • Opened to general public on 12th April 1992, and recently completed 25 years of existence in the year – 2017

5. Eiffel Tower

And the last but not the least, my favorite monument, the reason I wanted to visit Paris – the most beautiful and elegant Eiffel Tower of Paris. About 324 meters high, built by the famous Gustave Eiffel to mark the centenary of the French Revolution in the year 1889. I am sure he too didn’t have an idea, that Eiffel Tower will soon grow to become the love symbol across the globe. It because of this beautiful structure, Paris is often referred to “City of Love”

The view from the Effiel Tower is mesmerizing especially from the 2nd Floor, the Tower has a lift which takes you to the point where the whole of the Paris looks beautiful, just like a bird eye view.

The Eiffel Tower can be witnessed at it’s best at the midnight hour. The Eiffel Tower is lit by lights which twinkle and shimmer, illuminating the entire city with a spectacular site. The shimmering happens every Midnight sharp at 12am and goes on for a total of 5 Minutes. Indeed the most beautiful view! No matter how many times I see this beautiful structure, all I can say is that this light show will never get old, it will only age gracefully. Will post a picture of the same soon in #BeingAllycaralMonday Shots so till then stay tuned!

Did You Know?

Effiel Tower is the most visited monuments in Paris, and according to statistic, every year Eiffel Tower is visited by nearly 7 million visitors.

Do share with me your photographs if you have travelled to the city of love and if you have some more names to add to the list of Best Places to be visited when in Paris. All you have to do is use the hashtag of #TravelwithAllycaral and share your ideas on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Here’s to many more trips and million more memories that will remain evergreen! je t’aime Paris!