When you wish upon a star, your dreams come true...

I've been wishing on a lot of shooting stars that I'd get the call to go back to experience the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort. One, because I consider myself a bit of a foodie and so much of the magic across both parks this time of year is in the incredible, cultural diverse foods and experiences found at the Disney Festival of Holidays in Disney California Adventure Park. And two, because of all the times I've been to the happiest place on earth, not once have I had a Wookiee encounter. I've tried, I've swung and I've missed over and over again. So this time, I was determined to find my Chewbacca and get the hug I'd always dreamed of.

I'm here to tell you, Disneyland is just as magical as an adult as it is for a child, and my weekend exploring the Disneyland Resort proved just that. I spent 48 magical hours indulging in a cornucopia of tasty eats and spirited libations throughout the Festive Foods Marketplace. Each kiosk offered an array of delicious options created from diverse cultures and spirited celebrations and my stomach has never been so delighted. You MUST get a Sip and Savor pass so you can try the three new mac 'n cheese dishes and the turkey poutine was to die for! And wash it down with the guava mango lassie. I promise you won't be disappointed.

Here are a list of Kiosks as per the Disneyland website:

A Twist on Tradition

Indulge in favorite holiday foods with a twist from this seasonal marketplace.

Brews & Bites

Imbibe tasty brews and delight in savory snacks.

Favorite Things

Try holiday classics infused with a festive kick.

Grandma’s Recipes

Head home for the holidays with time-honored dishes.

Holiday Duets

Harmonize with perfectly paired savory foods.

Making Spirits Bright

Deliver the perfect toast with heartwarming holiday beverages.

Merry Mashups

Savor flavorful cuisine with hearty flair.

Winter Sliderland

Sink your teeth into a savory slider.

Visions of Sugarplums

Make dreams come true with delicious sweets and savory treats.

Of course I also sampled some of the Disneyland's specialties as well - who can pass up an opportunity to savor a pickle corn dog from Downtown Disney and Cone-Queso from the Cozy Cone Motel in Radiator Springs!?

To burn off all of those delicious calories we wandered the park in search of all of my Wookiee and became mesmerized in our search at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. We felt as if we'd stepped onto another planet as Storm Troopers marched past and guests practiced their lightsaber skills. My favorite part though? Getting a Lightening Pass for Rise of the Resistance and passing the line for our adventure into another galaxy! By far my favorite ride in the park outside of Guardians of the Galaxy. But of course, I had a mission to accomplish and as I approached the Millenium Falcon I found a cast member and asked where Chewy was hiding. He smiled (and I'm sure his eyes sparkled with a magic only found in a Disney movie) and responded to keep wishing and waiting because he had a feeling my dreams were about to come true.

Then there he was. In all of his Wookiee glory. I ran to Chewbacca like a child and we embraced. I told him I loved him and he said it back in Shyriiwook. Check out my Instagram for the moment my dreams came to fruition.

Classic Disney never fails either...we twirled in the tea-cups and sat in awe under a lit-up Princess Castle and watched the "Believe...In Holiday Magic" Fireworks Spectacular complete with SNOW! We rode every ride we possibly could throughout both parks! I even had my first race with the Radiator Springs Racers and you better believe we won!

Now I sit here at my desk, daydreaming about my weekend feeling like a Disney Princess and counting the days until I can walk through those gates into wonderment once again.

Thank you Disneyland and to your amazing cast and crew, for treating us like royalty and showing us that magic truly does happen.

xo, SJ

Sara Jean