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Category Archives: Disneyland
MiceChat Dateline Disneyland News Update 03/22
One of my favorite articles to read is Dateline Disneyland from MiceChat:
Spring break crowds have hit the Disneyland Resort and just in time Disney has opened up 2,500 new parking spots in the new Toy Story Parking Lot but just hope you don’t get stuck parking in the off-site lot. Meanwhile, in the parks work continues on the major Rivers of America refurbishment in Disneyland, and construction continues on various projects in California Adventure‘s on-going $1 billion expansion, including World of Color and Cars Land. We’ve got another big update this week with lots of great photos from Mac Daddy and MonstersGoBoo!
For more information on any of the construction projects featured in today’s update, just look for a Project Tracker water mark and click that photo for more information on the project and to join the on-going discussion.
Click here to keep reading.
Photo from micechat.com
Disneyland Refurbishment Schedule March 2010
Refurbishment information is subject to change without notice and should be confirmed just prior to visiting. Updated information is available at http://www.disneyland.com
Current
- “Honey I Shrunk the Audience” (Disneyland) closed through 1/28/11 due to the temporary return of “Captain EO.”
- Redwood Creek Challenge Trail (DCA) closed through 3/19/10 for refurbishment.
- Mark Twain Riverboat (Disneyland) closed through 5/14/10 for refurbishment.
- Golden Zephyr (DCA) closed through 4/2/10 for refurbishment.
- Award Weiners (DCA) closed through 4/18/10 for refurbishment.
- Golden Vine Trattoria (DCA) closed through 4/26/10 for refurbishment.
- Corn Dog Castle (DCA) closed through 3/24/11 due to construction in the area. Corn dogs are currently available at the Bountiful Valley Farmer’s Market.
- Corn Dog Wagon (Disneyland) closed through 5/4/10 for refurbishment.
- Rivers of America (Disneyland) closed through 5/6/10 for a major refurbishment. All attractions requiring the use of the river will also be closed.
- Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes (Disneyland) closed through 5/6/10 for refurbishment.
- Tom Sawyer Island (Disneyland) closed through 5/6/10 for refurbishment.
- Sailing Ship Columbia (Disneyland) closed through 5/6/10 for refurbishment.
- Fantasmic! (Disneyland) closed through 5/27/10 due to major refurbishment of Rivers of America.
- Orange Stinger (DCA) closed through 5/28/10 for refurbishment. It will re-open as Silly Symphonies Swings.
- Tomorrowland Terrace (Disneyland) closed through 7/2/10 for refurbishment. Jedi Training Academy will continue to be offered while the restaurant is closed.
Upcoming
- Matterhorn Bobsleds (Disneyland) closed 4/12/10-4/16/10 and 4/19/10-4/23/10 for refurbishment.
- Princess Dot Puddle Park (DCA) closed 4/12/10-4/16/10 and 4/19/10-4/23/10 for refurbishment.
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (Disneyland) closed 4/26/10-5/16/10 for refurbishment.
- Redwood Creek Challenge Trail (DCA) closed 4/12/10-5/20/10 for refurbishment.
- Disneyland Monorail (Disneyland) closed 4/19/10-4/20/10 for refurbishment.
- Disney Showcase (Disneyland) closed 4/20/10-4/21/10 for refurbishment.
- Disney Showcase Annex (Disneyland) closed 4/26/10-4/27/10 for refurbishment.
- News Stand (Disneyland) closed 4/26/10-5/20/10 for refurbishment.
- King Arthur Carrousel (Disneyland) closed 5/8/10-5/10/10 for refurbishment.
- Tower of Terror Fastpass (DCA) will not be offered 4/15/10-8/15/10 due to construction of the connector between Bug’s Land and Tower of Terror.
Closing the Door on Tram Incident
If you’ve ever visited the Disneyland Resort within the last several years, you’ll remember those red and white trams we all get to take a little ride on. (If you’re lucky, you’ll get a silly tram attendant in the back who will entertain everyone while returning to the Mickey and Friends parking structure.) Now, some of those trams — which, I admit, make me lazy — have doors installed.
These doors block the ends of the bench seats, hoping to prevent any riders (and their possessions, I’m assuming) from falling out. The doors are, unfortunately, not automatic, but are opened/closed by a metal lever.
So, why were these doors put in place? Back in 2007, two female passengers ended up falling off the tram. According to an article printed by the OC Register (the article can be read here), the tram had been traveling at five miles per hour and both women suffered head injuries.
Later in May, the OC Register published a story on their Around Disney blog about Disney settling the suit filed by Qi Zhao, one of the passengers who fell. Zhao had suffered severe head trauma which left her in a coma for three weeks following the incident. (This story can be read here.)
These “enclosed” trams have yet to debut. They sit all by their lonesome in the former Lion King tram loading area, while the “open” trams are still operating at the loading and unloading zones at Downtown Disney.
Some concerns about the doors: Will they disrupt loading/unloading times? Will they actually be effective? Will they be more of a burden than helpful?
I want to know your thoughts. Do you think this was the right way to handle the situation?
Disneyland’s 2010 Food & Wine Festival Info & Video
A great little video promoting the California Food & Wine Festival at Disneyland.
For more information see below:
From April 16 to May 31, 2010, please your “palette” with a kaleidoscope of culinary experiences at the Fifth Annual Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival. For 46 days, Disney’s California Adventure® Park and select locations at the Disneyland® Resort will host “The Art of Flavor,” one of the most anticipated events of spring! Enjoy cooking demonstrations, seminars and recipes that reflect the Golden State’s regional and culinary diversity. It’s presented by Vanity Fair® Premium Napkins and Plates.
Many Festival favorites are returning, in addition to new events and activities…including the all-new Festival Showplace!
Signature Events**
Reserve your spot at these extraordinary celebrations that will amaze and delight food and wine aficionados or anyone who appreciates a great culinary experience.
Seminars & Demonstrations
Immerse yourself in the appetizing world of California’s storied history of fine food and wine at captivating culinary demonstrations, celebrity chef appearances and wine, beer and spirits seminars — all celebrating “The Art of Flavor”!
Places to Discover
In addition to our scheduled events, there’s plenty to do and see throughout the festival including special dining opportunities, art exhibits and wine tasting.
Festival Highlights
“Taste of California” Marketplace
The marketplace returns to Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival! Enjoy unique festival foods created especially for the Festival. Delicious tapas-sized tastings are available in the Festival Showplace, located in Stage 12 in the Hollywood Pictures Backlot. Expertly paired wines and beer are also available for purchase.
“Hollywood & Wine” Lounge
Enjoy an outstanding selection of wines by the glass, unique wine flights, beer and cocktails. Join your friends to toast the perfect day!
Festival Gift Shop
Shop for specially designed Festival merchandise and logo items to commemorate your visit.
The “Wine Seller”
With hundreds of wines featured, you’re sure to find a new favorite. The Wine Seller offers full-bottle sales of selected wines available for purchase to enjoy at home. For your convenience, bottle purchases will be delivered to Package Pickup located outside the entrance to Disney’s California Adventure Park.
Showplace Stage
Attend seminars, demonstrations and events — including Sweet Sundays — at the Showplace Stage, located in the Festival Showplace.
Chef Showcase Stage
Experience delicious demonstrations or see some of your favorite celebrity chefs live and in-person at this culinary hub in Sunshine Plaza. Every day find new ways to create a culinary masterpiece with your own art of flavor.
So Much More!
Discover new wine regions and varietals at the Festival Wine Walks, shop for unique gifts with Farmers Market merchants or enjoy a delicious new menu item available only during the Festival. Celebrate “The Art of Flavor” at the Fifth Annual Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival, April 16 – May 31, 2010!
Photo from flickr
Classic Disney – Groovin’ at Disneyland’s Tomorrowland Bandstand, 1968
This clip, from the 1968 television episode “From the Pirates of the Caribbean to the World of Tomorrow,” shows all the cool cats and their hep ladies rocking the night away at Disneyland’s colorful new bandstand.
