New Years Eve at Disneyland

This Thursday is what was once one of the busiest nights at Disneyland, although with the blackout dates in effect for all but the premium annual passes, it does not get quite as crazy as it once was.  The park typically hands out party favors and noise makers in the evening hours.  There have been DJs playing different kinds of dance music set up in various locations throughout the park.  Just before midnight, the countdown is projected up onto the side of the Matterhorn.  It's a really fun and safe way to spend New Years Eve, especially knowing that within the walls of Disneyland, there is no alcohol consumption going on around you.

Have a Magical Merry Christmas from Walt's Magic Kingdom

Roy Disney will be missed

For all the mud slinged at Roy E. Disney, there is an awful lot of good that he was often not awknowledged for accomplishing. Let us not forget, that without the actions taken Roy in the 80s, The Walt Disney Company of today would not exist. The company likely would have been broken up into pieces.

The vast library would have gone to one company, perhaps Ted Turner! The theme parks would have been purchased by another company, perhaps Six Flags or Cedar Fair! The studio operations would have probably been wound down and the lot sold off to a foreign company. Somebody that had the rights to the Disney name would have made some half hearted attempts at continuing animation, although those likely would have ended in a similar fate to The Black Calderon.

The Walt Disney Company would probably look like something similar to today's MGM, once great but now not much more than a footnote.

Roy E. Disney was the most important person for the Walt Disney Company, save Walt and Roy O. Disney.

RIP Roy E. Disney

Monday Quote from Mr. Disney

I would rather entertain and hope that people learned something than educate people and hope they were entertained.

-Walt Disney

Snow seen at Disneyland

Disneyland Candlelight Procession

The annual tradition of the Candlelight Procession has occurred at Disneyland since 1958.  Walt Disney World has a more elaborate version that plays nightly throughout December.  At Disneyland it runs one weekend with two performances each night.  Did you know that it is actually considered a private event that just happens to be held publicly in the park?  Walt Disney himself, initiated the tradition.

2009's guest narrator was Jon Voight, who is Jewish, as seen by his appearances in the annual Chabad telethon.  The candlelight procession is a celebration of the holiday season for all.

Disneyland Freshly Made Candy Canes

Homemade candy canes are just one part of the fun holiday traditions at Disneyland.  They have become so popular over the years that you now have to pick up a reserve ticket ahead of time.

According to the OC Register:

This year, the Candy Palace on Disneyland’s Main Street is issuing tickets so park guests can reserve candy canes ahead of time, avoiding the massive lines that mark candy cane day at the Palace every Christmas.

photo (c) LA Times

Disneyland-goers can find out when candy canes are being made by calling a special phone number, updated each Sunday with information about what kind of candy is being made each day that week. The Candy Kitchen Menu line is 714-781-0112.

Monday Quote from Mr. Disney

"I can never stand still. I must explore and experiment. I am never satisfied with my work. I resent the limitations of my own imagination." - Walt Disney

Happy Thanksgiving from Walt's Magic Kingdom

Disneyland holiday celebrations are in full swing and so are the crowds.

How busy is Thanksgiving weekend at Disneyland, you ask?  Thanksgiving weekend is typically a busy time of the year to visit.  Blackout dates apply to all of the passes below Premium for Thursday-Thanksgiving, Friday and Saturday (11/26 - 11/28).  Monday through Wednesday of this week have see huge turnouts as the APers try to get in the holiday magic during this time of the year.  Especially a day like today, the day before Thanksgiving.  On the other hand, this means quite manageable crowds the next three days as all the local annual passholders are blocked.  Just one more reason to go for the Premium upgrade.

Monday Quote from Mr. Disney

We are not trying to entertain the critics. I'll take my chances with the public. - Walt Disney

 

Annual pass history - part one

When the gates to Disneyland opened on July 17, 1955, visitors paid a mere $1 to get into the park. This fee, however, did not include attractions and rides. Those additional tickets, roughly $2.50 for eight attractions, could be purchased in books, with the prices depending on which attractions you wanted to attend.

Those books ranged in classes from A to D. A few years later, an "E" class was added, which was for all of the big thrill rides. This style of tickets continued until 1982, when Disneyland officials abandoned the books and charged a single price ticket to each patron entering the park, a price that included all rides and attractions, with the exception of the arcades and the Shooting Galleries.

I first got an annual pass in 1984.  If I recall, it was $99 for adults and $69 for children.  We would go to the park every Friday from around 4 PM until closing at 6 PM.  With rare exception, I have continued to have an annual pass to Disneyland every year since that time.  Many people don't believe me, but it's true.  The first year, we had to enter at the first turnstile on the left where are a 3 ring binder was kept.  Each pass was then hand recorded into the book before allowing entry.  About a year or so later the first bar code was attached with a pen scanner.  This was eventually embedded in the lamination when you had your photo taken at Guest Relations when initially purchased the pass.

The prices always rose slowly, usually coinciding with the regular ticket price increases.  One major exception was in 2000, when a dual premium pass that would allow entrance to DCA, once it opened in 2001 and Disneyland, cost a whopping $299.  This price dropped back to $199 the following year but has steadily increased since that time.

The convenience now for SoCal resident's to pay their pass over time has been a huge plus.  I can still get the premium pass, which allows me to visit on any whim and only pay around $30 per month, instead of having to fork over almost $400 per pass for everyone in my family.

Disneyland Adult Ticket Prices (Since 1982)

Year	Prices	Year	Prices
1982	$12	1996	No increase
1983	No increase	1997	No increase
1984	$14	1998	No increase
1985	$17.95	1999	$39
1986	$18	2000	$41/$43 (two increases)
1987	$21.50	2001	No increase
1988	no increase	2002	$45
1989	no increase	2003	$47
1990	$25.50	2004	$49.75
1991	$27.50	2005	$53/$56
1992	no increase	2006	$59/$63
1993	$28.50	2007	$66
1994	$31	2008	$69
1995	no increase	2009	$73

A Monday Quote from Mr. Disney

(photo (c) Disney)

"Disneyland is the star, everything else is in the supporting role." - Walt Disney

Holidays At Disneyland

Today is Friday the 13th, of November.  That means Holidaytime at Disneyland kicks off today.  Go and see the enormous Chrimstmas tree in town square, the Christmas Parade running twice daily, fireworks, snow flurries and more!  For many, this is the best time of the year to visit Disneyland.

Crowds are expected to particularly heavy this weekend due to the cheerleader conference in town.  Be prepared for lots of people but also lots of holiday magic.

Disneyland Ticket offers for 2010

The year is almost over and we can already look to the New Year of fun waiting at Disneyland! Disney has just released the ticket packages for next year.

The Buy 3, Get 2 Free deal gives you 2 free nights at a Disneyland Resort Hotel when you book three nights AND purchase a 5-day promotional park hopper ticket. The offer is valid for arrivals through April 29, 2010 with travel completed by May 4, 2010, and you must book by April 1, 2010 to receive this discount.
 
This promotional park hopper ticket, offers a discount of $5-$11 off the already discounted advance purchase price, which will end up saving you $25 - $51 per person, depending on the type of ticket you purchase. The promotional Park Hopper ticket is valid January 5, 2010 thru April 29, 2010, and must be purchased in advance of your trip - this discount is not available at the ticket booths .

If you already have an annual pass, the alternative offer gives you up to 30% off at Disneyland Resort hotels. The discount is valid on a minimum two night stay, with arrivals between January 5 to April 29, 2010. Rates start at $165 (plus taxes and fees) at the Paradise Pier Hotel, which is also a terrific place to stay.

Free Annual Passes to Disneyland? *

To commemorate the opening of Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, the Disney Vacation Club's new Castle to Castle promotion offers DVC members who purchase 100 vacation points at Disneyland's newest hotel four complimentary annual passes to the Disney Parks.

The Castle to Castle promotion gives DVC members the chance to enjoy the best of both worlds, Disney style. Current DVC members who purchase 100 vacation points at The Villas at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel will receive two annual passes to Disneyland and two annual passes to Walt Disney World.

The Grand Californian is the only DVC property located at Disneyland.

The DVC villas are Disney's version of a timeshare, with vacation homes featuring spacious accommodations and full kitchens. DVC members are allotted a certain number of vacation points each year, and they can redeem the points at any DVC property at Disneyland, Disney World, or at select DVC resorts across the globe. DVC points can also be applied to a Disney cruise or Adventures by Disney vacation.

The Castle to Castle offer is good through January 31, 2010.

For more information, contact a DVC representative at 800-500-3990.

Princess Tiana Arrives Today at Disneyland

Princess Tiana, Prince Naveen and other characters from the motion picture star in “Tiana’s Showboat Jubilee!,” a fun-filled procession with a jazz-filled Mardi Gras theme. Not quite a parade, but still exciting.  The good times will roll as festively dressed, bead-tossing revelers lead Disneyland guests to the Mark Twain Riverboat dock. The party will then move onboard the Mark Twain as it makes its way along the river with performers singing, dancing and all that jazz. 

And beginning Nov. 6, little princesses can enjoy a new Princess Tiana makeover in Disneyland at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, Fantasyland.

Holiday Magic is on it's way for Christmas at Disneyland

Celebrate the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort. From November 13, 2009 through January 4, 2010, the Disneyland Resort in transforms into a Christmas Wonderland with special entertainment to be enjoyed by all who visit the original Magic Kingdom.

One of this season's highlights is Sleeping Beauty's Winter Castle and the three part show which takes place each day. This park icon is covered in freshly fallen snow. Twilight brings the start of 'When you Wish'. You'll hear the wind blowing and hear a little child wishing for snow. The mother responds with 'in order for your wishes to come true, you must believe.' With that, snowflakes fill the air and the castle begins to sparkle.

In the evening is the "Believe...in Holiday Magic Fireworks Spectacular." As the child again wishes for snow, magic and icicles, the snow falls again and Sleeping Beauty Castle becomes more illuminated. The grand finale follows the "When you Believe" fireworks. As White Christmas is performed, icicles appear on the castle as snow falls on Main Street, New Orleans Square, and small world mall.

Back again is the 60 foot Christmas tree located in Town Square. Children can decorate cookies on Main Street and New Orleans Square .  Tasty holiday treats will also be available around the park.

Disneyland News for November

We are awaiting the official announcement any day now of a return of Captain Eo to Disneyland, which could land in time for the holiday season.

This coming weekend, the “Remember … Dreams Come True” fireworks show will come back for just three nights: Nov. 6, 7 and 8, according to the Disneyland Web site. A flying Tinker Bell will not join the show this weekend, said John McClintock, a Disneyland spokesman.  "Believe...in Holiday Magic Fireworks Spectacular," the holiday fireworks show, will then roll in on November 13th.

Happy Halloween!

Breakfast at Disneyland

Over at daveland today, he posted some old pics from Aunt Jemima's Pancake House. You can still visit this restaurant, although now it is known as Liberty Belle Terrace. Earlier this month, I was at the park early enough that I was able to get breakfast. I'm sure it's the Disney magic because I had three of the fluffiest pancakes around. I enjoyed sitting inside and looking out at the Rivers of America while the crowds were only trickling by. It was a wonderful experience. It's been 8 years since I last took the time for breakfast at Disneyland, but I don't plan on waiting another 8 years before doing it again.

Disneyland Hours Today

In case you were wondering, Disneyland closes at 5 PM today for a private party. Tomorrow, it goes back to the normal 10-9 PM hours during Monday through Thursday nights.

Around Disneyland

All the excitement lately has been the water going into Paradise Bay at DCA but over at Disneyland there is news too!

it's a small world closed today for the small world Holiday makeover.  Space Mountain will close on November 2nd to strip out Ghost Galaxy, only to reopen the very next day on November 3 as plain-old Space Mountain. Christmas decorations will be going up right away, at least on Main Street where it is prepped for the taping of the Disneyland portions of the Walt Disney World Christmas special November 7 through 9.

The first performance of "A Christmas Fantasy" Parade is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on Friday, November 13, 2009 and again at 6:30 p.m.  "Believe...In Holiday Magic" Fireworks Spectacular is scheduled to start 9:25 p.m. that night.

For brand spankin' new entertainment at Disneyland, check out "Tiana's Showboat Jubilee!" which premieres on Friday, November 6, 2009 at 11:15 a.m. Additional show times are 12:45 p.m. 2:45 p.m. and 4:15 p.m.

Halloween Treats at Disneyland

Besides all of the entertainment, there is also specially crafted edible treats this month at Disneyland.

Don't miss the Jack Skellington Coffin Dessert, Jack Skellington in the Box Cheesecake and Haunted Mansion Spoon Dessert at the French Market in New Orleans Square.

Cafe Orleans and Blue Bayou have a Hazelnut Tiramisu topped with pumpkin mousse.

Aroudn the park, also look for the chocolate Mickey Halloween cookie, cream topped pumpkin muffin, sliced pumpkin pie and pumpkin cheesecake. There are also beverages like pumpkin spice latte and caramel apple cider!

Yum!

Holiday Time filming dates at Disneyland

Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort kicks off November 13, 2009. Like every year, filming for Disneyland portions of the Walt Disney World Christmas special will again occur early at Disneyland. It's expected that Saturday, November 7th and/or Sunday, November 8th should be the days.

If you come during that time, you will see the early Christmas decorations up around Main Street and a shorter version of the Holiday parade.

Disneyland Candlelight Procession Dinner Details

I know we are still into Halloween mode, but this is worth noting right away.

This year, the Candlelight Procession Dinner has become a D23 member exclusive event. That means, no reserved seats without joining D23 and purchasing a ticket to the event. You can still get to Disneyland early that day and stake out a seat for you and your loved ones.

EVENT DETAILS:
Date: Sunday, December 6, 2009
Time: Check in begins at 10 a.m.
Location: Disneyland, Anaheim, Calif.
Tickets: Click here for tickets.
Cost: $275 per person

Included with the cost of your ticket:

• A one-day Disneyland park hopper ticket. (Ticket is good only for use on December 6, 2009 and must be used by ticket purchaser.)
• Private dinner and dessert inside Stage 17
• Exclusive holiday show featuring your favorite Disney characters
• Reserved seating for Candlelight Processional and Ceremony
• Behind-the-scenes presentation about Candlelight and Disneyland at the holidays — with a "sweet treat"
• Special gift for all guests from your friends at D23!
  

Maleficent Dragon In Fantasmic Facts

· The new dragon is a fully animated three-dimensional design that replicates the movements of the dragon in “Sleeping Beauty.”

· Maleficent, a classic Disney villain, transforms into a dragon during “Fantasmic!” – just as she does in the famous Walt Disney Pictures film.

· The “Fantasmic!” dragon is 32 feet wide and weighs approximately 18,000 pounds.

· When she stretches to full height, the dragon stands 45 feet tall.

· When she “lurks” beneath the “Fantasmic!” stage prior to appearing, the dragon contracts to 22 feet tall.

· During the spectacular finale, she rises to stage level in 35 seconds on a custom-built elevator.

· Tri-color LED lighting fixtures put the gleam in the dragon’s eyes.

· In her spectacular appearance, Maleficent breathes a plume of fire 35 feet long, lighting the Rivers of America on fire for 25 seconds during the show.

· During the show, the dragon is controlled and monitored by four computer systems.

· The dynamic and menacing animation of the dragon is achieved via 18 axes of motion which enable a wide range of movement in her eyes, ears, mouth, tongue, neck, wings and body.

Halloween Time Continues at Disneyland

So, from my experience so far, I would have to say that Monday through Thursday are the best days to get over to Disneyland to experience Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy, Haunted Mansion Holiday and to catch Halloween Screams with the least amount of crowding.

Friday through Sunday have been extremely busy, especially if you try to go on a night when there is also Mickey's trick or treat at DCA.

If you plan to go for just a couple of hours, consider parking at Downtown Disney to avoid the Mickey and Friends parking headache. This only works if you are going there Monday through Thursday.

New Disneyland Resort President Named

George Kalogridis who was once Senior VP of Disneyland Resort Operations and most recently CEO of Disneyland Resort Paris is the new Disneyland Resort President.

This guy worked his way up from a bus boy at the Contemporary Resort in WDW almost 40 years ago to where he is now.

Disneyland Memory Monday - Cascade Peak

It was part of Nature's Wonderland Mine Ride and then became scenery along Rivers of America until the Summer of 1998 when the mountain went away forever. Some before and after shots can be seen on this blog. This is by far one of the pieces of decor that is missed most by Disneyland enthusiasts, probably right after the Captain Hook's ship from Fantasyland. Funny, because most people probably never thought much about it, until it was gone.

Free tickets to "The Princess and the Frog"

Theme park visitors now can pick up free children’s movie tickets for the upcoming “The Princess and the Frog” movie at the Disneyland Resort.

Through Nov. 22, park guests ages 10 and older can each get a voucher worth $8 toward a child’s admission to the animated movie with the purchase of an adult ticket. You just need to show your park admission ticket or annual pass to get a voucher.

“The Princess and the Frog,” which is set to open Dec. 11 is Disney’s first hand-drawn animated feature in five years and the first ever based on an American fairy tale.

For this unique event, Walt Disney Studios is opening its studios to the public for early “Princess” viewing events. The first 30-minutes of the movie was shown last month at the D23 expo event.

A live show based on the movie is set to come to Disneyland next month at the Rivers of America aboard the Mark Twain.

These are the locations to pick up vouchers at the Disneyland Resort:

• Disneyland: The Emporium, Disney Showcase, Disney Clothiers Ltd. and China Closet
• Disney’s California Adventure: Greetings from California and Engine-Ears Toys shops
• Disneyland Hotel: Disney’s Fantasia Shop and Donald’s Gifts & Sundries
• Grand Californian Hotel & Spa: Acorns Gifts & Goods
• Paradise Pier Hotel: Mickey In Paradise
• Downtown Disney: World of Disney Store

Obama's first political pardon! Found at Disneyland.

President Obama has given a pardon to one of the annual turkey's for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Named Pecan, this lucky turkey is now living at Big Thunder Ranch at Disneyland. A special ceremony was held and the turkey was then brought from the White House to Disneyland to live out the rest of his fine feathered days.

Extra Extra! Ed Grier, President of the Disneyland Resort to Retire

Ed Grier, President of the Disneyland Report announced his immanent retirement from the company today, October 5, 2009. His last day will be Friday, October 9, 2009.

From Wikipedia: Before joining the Disneyland Resort in July 2006, Grier served as executive managing director of Walt Disney Attractions Japan, where he supervised Disney operations for the Tokyo Disney Resort and the day-to-day relationship with the Oriental Land Company, which owns the property.

Previously, Grier held executive positions at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort Paris in France. At the Florida resort, he served as general manager for the operation lines of business at the Epcot and Disney-MGM Studios theme parks.

A certified public accountant, Grier worked for Ernst & Young before joining The Walt Disney Company in 1981. He has a bachelor's degree in accounting from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Come Celebrate Halloween at Disneyland!

Here is some highlights of all the fun at Disneyland during this Halloween season

Fantasyland - 1983

Pumpkin Fudge returns for the Fall/Winter season

Pumpkin Fudge is back at Disneyland. You kind find it at the Market House and Candy Palace on Main Street and also at Pooh's Corner in Critter Country. Now I haven't checked yet, but I can almost guarantee it can also be found at Marceline's Confectionery in Downtown Disney. This stuff is delish! Try to eat just one piece.

Disney Gallery Reopens at Disneyland on Main Street

Here is a picture from Disneyland.com of the newly reopened Disney Gallery at the former Bank of Main Street. It reopens today at Disneyland.


Bank of America was one of the original park sponsors and had one of the only seven day banks open in America, right at Disneyland. In the early 90s, the sponsorship ended and the space became an annual passport processing center. After the closure of the Disney Gallery above the Pirates of the Caribbean for conversion to the Dream Suite, the gallery needed a new location. It is very fittingly now found on Main Street. The Walt Disney Story portion next door has also reopened and connects to the Gallery.

Upcoming Disneyland Attraction Closures

• Bank of Main Street – closed through October 2 will reopen into the new Disney Gallery.
• Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years – closed through December 16 when we welcome back Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln to the Main Street Opera House.
• The Enchanted Cottage – closed through November 4 for refurbishment.
• Casey Jr. Circus Trains and Storybook Land Canal Boats – closed through November 19 for refurbishment.
• Gadget's Go Coaster – closed through October 26 for refurbishment.
• Pirates of the Caribbean – closed September 28 to October 2 for refurbishment.
• Blue Bayou Restaurant – closed September 28 to October 2 for refurbishment.
• Columbia – closed October 5–7 and October 12-15
  
• Indiana Jones Adventure – closed October 5–8.
• Disneyland Railroad – closed October 5–8.
• "it's a small world" – closed October 26–November 12 for installation of small world holiday
  

20 Years Ago!

Located in the park’s newly dubbed Critter Country, the 87-foot tall Splash Mountain opened in 1989.

It's here!

Besides a long wait time, the verdict is FUN for Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy. Crowds rushed to the attraction following the rope drop this morning. Within an hour, the Fast Passes were gone and the standby line was reaching 90 minutes.

Expect long waits for Haunted Mansion Holiday over this weekend, especially. Folks will come out in droves to experience Halloween Screams Fireworks tonight too.

Halloween Time 2009

Each year it gets more and more impressive at Disneyland with Halloween Time. Here are just some more of the things you will find at Disneyland from September 25 to November 1st, 2009.

Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland is again transformed for the Pumpkin Festival, where more than 300 “non-identical” pumpkins will be on display in shop windows.

Visitors to Big Thunder Ranch in Frontierland will sometimes find the ranch animals dressed in costume for a seasonal Halloween Roundup, with pumpkin carvers, Halloween décor and activities for youngsters, all presided over by Sheriff Woody. Next door at Big Thunder Barbecue, Miss Chris and the Roundup musicians will add Halloween songs to their repertoire.

Disney villains will gather in “it’s a small world” Mall in Disneyland, while other characters in seasonal costumes greet guests in Town Square, Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland.

Halloween Screams - A Villainous Surprise in the Skies

Also new this year at Halloween Time at Disneyland is “Halloween Screams - A Villainous Surprise in the Skies.”

This new fireworks spectacular will blast through the nighttime sky throughout the Halloween season. To start the show, “Master of Scare-omonies” Jack Skellington appears in a flash of fire above Sleeping Beauty Castle. Haunting melodies fill the air and a Halloween pyrotechnics extravaganza explodes into the night.

Classic Disney villains like Maleficent, Ursula the Sea Witch and Oogie Boogie join in the celebration, and even Zero, Jack’s ghost dog, will also appear.

This is one more thing that will likely bring in the large annual pass crowds that fill the park during the Christmas season and summer when the blackout dates are lifted.

Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy

For older kids and adults, Halloween Time at Disneyland offers a new attraction: Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy in Tomorrowland.

The scary new experience will begin as a typical Space Mountain adventure, but will suddenly launch voyagers into an uncharted and haunted section of the universe. Ghosts appear out of the starry darkness and swirling galaxies of Space Mountain, reaching out as if to grab guests as they speed through space.

Along the journey there will be piercing screams, creepy sound effects and haunting music. The Halloween transformation occurs outside the mountain as well, as the sights and sounds of Halloween illuminate the side of Space Mountain.

Halloween Time is almost here

This Friday, September 25th, kicks off Halloween Time at Disneyland. Expect to see the Haunted Mansion Holiday, Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy, Halloween Screams Fireworks, Main Street Pumpkin Festival and Big Thunder Ranch Halloween Roundup.

Tomorrow night, after the park has closed there will be a test-run of the Halloween Screams Fireworks. You will be able to see them from outside the park. When the show opens, expect to see a flying Zero-the ghost dog and an appearance from Jack Skellington on the Castle. Fun times indeed!

Off- Season at Disneyland

There are very few times of the year at Disneyland anymore that can truly be considered "off-season" at the park. With the new Halloween Time emphasis, even the Fall now has become a popular time for guests at the park, especially locals with annual passes. Christmastime will once again be a guaranteed madhouse with long lines and crowds.

Disneyland used to close for most of February each year for major maintenance. That ended in around 1984, shortly after Eisner came aboard.

Well these last two weeks of September will be the last "slow" period at Disneyland until January, just after the holiday season, so get over there and enjoy some breathing room!

Great Moment's With Mr. Lincoln

At D23, I was able to sit in on the panel with Tony Baxter regarding the return of Mr. Lincoln. The show will bring back the original voice of Lincoln provided by actor Royal Dano and narration from Paul Frees. Imagineering has remastered the original audio and created an entirely new show that incorporates more music, more emotion, and a new, state-of-the-art Mr. Lincoln but feels and looks much like the old show that we love.

The lobby will be divided in half, the first section will feature "The Disneyland Story," and will have an opening that connects it into the new Disney Gallery. The opening-day Disneyland model will return along with additional artifacts of Disneyland's history. The second half of the lobby will be dedicated to Mr. Lincoln. We were promised a return also of the U.S. Capitol Building scale model.

Baxter commented how he hated that the audiences used to be rushed out at the end of the show. In the new program, the audience will be able to sit for a couple of minutes to think about the presentation and watch a slide show of other important Americans. It sounds like it will be big on patriotism.

D23 Expo Announcements

Wall*E

Some exciting updates are coming to Disneyland as announced at the D23 Expo:

• Walt Disney Story and The Disney Gallery open in October 2009
• Great Moment's With Mr. Lincoln will be back early 2010
• Star Tours 2 in 2011
• Captain Eo may return, probably in 2010

Captain EO returns!

As reported by Miceage.com: Honey I Shrunk The Audience will be closed next week, Tuesday through Thursday. Walt Disney Imagineering will be installing the Captain EO special effects to prepare the theater for Thursday's private performance of the show for Jay Rasulo and other Disney suits in Anaheim for the D23 Expo beginning September 10th. An official announcement of it's return is expected during the convention.

Fantasmic Maleficent Dragon Appears!

Last night's performance of Fantasmic featured the world premiere of the new Maleficent dragon in Disneyland's Fantasmic. Here is some video of the event from youtube:

True Dragon Tales?

The web is all a buzz over the fact that the new Fantasmic dragon "Murphy" will be making his debut at Monday, August 31st's 8:15 performance of the show. The park will likely remain open late enough for at least two performances and then we can expect to see a third show next weekend due to the Labor Day holiday.

Disneyland's Haunted Mansion Turns 40!

The Haunted Mansion just celebrated it's 40 year anniversary of Happy Haunts. Here is a special video put out by Disney to commemorate the event.

The Muppets will invade Disneyland!

Per Miceage.com, beginning today there will be several days of filming will begin all over the park with many of your favorite Muppets, for commercials and publicity for the 2010 marketing blitz. Keep your eyes out if you are visiting Disneyland this week!

New Disneyland Resort Pricing

As reported via mouseplanet:

Ticket	New Adult Price (Ages 10 and up)	New Child Price (Ages 3-9)
One day, one park	$72 ($3 increase)	$62 ($3 increase)
One-day Parkhopper	$97 ($3 increase)	$87 ($3 increase)
Two-day Parkhopper	$151 ($8 increase)	$131 ($8 increase)
Three-day Parkhopper	$204 ($5 increase)	$174 ($5 increase)
Four-day Parkhopper	$229 ($5 increase)	$199 ($5 increase)
Five-day Parkhopper	$249 ($5 increase)	$219 ($5 increase)
SoCal City Pass	$259 (no change)	$219 (no change)

Disney’s Armed Forces Salute

Through Disney’s Armed Forces Salute, active and retired U.S. military personnel, including active members of the United States Coast Guard and National Guard or Reserves, are eligible for a complimentary, multiday admission into the Disneyland® Resort theme parks, and have the opportunity to book rooms at one of the three Disneyland® Resort hotels at special rates.

During the offer period, which has been extended through September 30, a 3-day companion ticket can be purchased for up to five family members or friends for the price of an adult 1-Day Park Hopper ticket. Over the years, the Disneyland® Resort has supported U.S. military personnel through a variety of initiatives. Support for the U.S. Marines’ Toys for Tots program began 58 years ago when Walt Disney became an original sponsor. Disney’s Operation Uplift program has sent more than 90,000 thank you postcards to troops worldwide, and Operation Disney Care packages are sent around the world to military personnel.

Tickets can be obtained through participating U.S. military bases or, for the first time, at the Disneyland® Resort Main Entrance ticket booths.

Personalized Park Maps

While is isn't Disneyland, it's pretty cool. At the WDW website, they allow you to customize maps of all of the parks at Walt Disney World and then they print and mail them to you...suitable for framing, I might add. They expect you to use them to help plan your trip to WDW.

Disneyland Resort By the Numbers

• Mickey Mouse walks approximately eight-and-a-half miles while greeting Disneyland guests each day.
• The average family walks approximately seven miles during an eight-hour visit to the Disneyland® Resort, burning approximately 700 calories per person.
• There are more than 750,000 pieces in the Disneyland® Resort’s costume inventory.
• More than 5,000 gallons of paint are used each year to keep the Resort looking fresh.
• Resort horticulturists work with more than 900 species of plants from more than 40 nations.
• More than 1 million annuals are planted a year - an average of 2,700 per day.
• The custodial staff uses 1,000 brooms, 3,000 mops and 500 dustpans each year.
• A custodian walks approximately nine miles during an eight-hour shift, burning 900 calories.
• The Disneyland® Resort annually recycles 5 million pounds of cardboard, 1 million pounds of office paper and 14,000 pounds of aluminum cans.

(from Disney)

Carthay Circle Club at DCA

Reports have surfaced that a survey has gone out to those on the wait list for Club 33 to see if they would be interested in a new upscale restaurant that would be housed in the new Carthay Circle Theatre at Disney's California Adventure park. The best part is that the prices are listed! It will be known as the Carthay Circle Club.

As Members enter through the private entry to the Carthay Circle Club they will find themselves in The Animators Lounge, where Walt and the Disney animators would have come to relax and swap stories. You can practically hear the animators delivering their latest story pitch. In the lounge you enjoy music as you sip a cocktail created from a unique menu of specialty cocktails created just for Club Members while your table is being prepared upstairs.

Upstairs in the Carthay Circle Club members enjoy a contemporary open floor plan where architectural details blend wrought iron, thick stucco walls, and Spanish tile with clean lines, translucent panels and atmospheric lighting to create a warm and comfortable ambiance paying homage to the rich history of California. Take a seat in a comfortable booth where on one side you can see into the open show kitchen where talented chefs prepare your meal, while on the other vista you can gaze out through tall windows towards the terraces and sky. In the center of the dining room sits the Tower Room featuring a crafted arched ceiling encircled by photos and historical artifacts from Walt's earliest accomplishments as a young animator.

As you gaze out at the new Buena Vista Street and watch Guests entering Disney's California Adventure you contemplate what Club Member benefit you'll enjoy next. Maybe you'll take advantage of preferred viewing for Disney California Adventure's new World of Color show or the parade. Maybe you and your Guests will enjoy visiting one or both Disney theme parks and experiencing a favorite attraction as part of your meal. As you head downstairs, you stop in the lounge to enjoy a dessert while you make a decision.

How do you join? Only Carthay Circle Club members can enjoy these great benefits but as a member of the Club 33 wait list you'll enjoy a special invitation to be among the founding members of Carthay Circle Club at a starting rate of $10,450 initiation and $3,275 annual dues.

See you at the club.

Disneyland Hours

Disneyland will be open from 8 AM to 12 AM all month. July 4th hours are until midnight, but park usually stays open later since it is one of the busiest days of the year, especially since it falls on a Saturday this year.

Dragon Troubles at Fantasmic

Al Lutz over at MiceAge.com reports:

Disneyland's Entertainment group gave it their best shot and repaired the exterior damage to the Fantasmic dragon. But the concern that the neck structure may fail again is preventing final repairs and programming, so a 4th of July debut is now off the table. Too bad TDA ordered a summer's worth of dragon guidemaps!

Disneyland Resort News

Disneyland Hotel to Undergo Significant Renovations

Beginning in August 2009, the Disneyland® Hotel will start a significant renovation project that will include major improvements to its guest rooms and considerable changes to the exterior of the hotel. The hotel will remain open during the renovation, which will be conducted in phases, and is scheduled to be completed in 2012.

Renovated guest rooms will feature a stunning new headboard that uses fiber optics to create a magical skyline with fireworks - bringing the immersive park experience into the room.

“This renovation provides us with the opportunity to bring new magic to this historic hotel, which enables us to enhance the Disney experience that our guests have come to expect,” said Disneyland® Resort President Ed Grier. “It also reinforces our ongoing commitment and investment in the Anaheim Resort District - working with the city and area businesses to continue to evolve the District into a world-class, multiday tourist destination.”

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Sleuthing Cast Members Race through Disneyland® Park to
Raise $8,000 for Local Nonprofit

Disneyland® Resort Cast Members recently had the opportunity to showcase their Disney knowledge and competitive edge in the annual Minnie’s Moonlit Madness. The unique event is a Cast competition that takes place after Disneyland® Park closes, and combines a scavenger hunt with team building. More than 320 teams of four worked together to solve trivia questions and clues related to the Park all while tied together by rope - making it impossible for the teams to split up to gain traction.

A Minnie’s Moonlit Madness team works together to compete for the first-place medal.

In addition to being a favorite Cast activity for nearly 20 years, the event also benefits a local nonprofit each year. In the past, the event has contributed to the Orange County High School of the Arts, Orange County Food Bank, and MOMs Orange County. This year, Cast Members raised $8,000 benefiting Trails4All, a group that builds and preserves shared-use recreational trails in Orange County.

“It is such an honor that an organization as big as Disney chose Trails4All to benefit from this event,” said Jim Meyer, vice president and founder of Trails4All.

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Orange County Boys and Girls Clubs Experience Newest Offerings at
Disney’s California Adventure® Park

In May, the Disneyland® Resort hosted 16 Orange County Boys & Girls Clubs for an event at Disney's California Adventure® Park. More than 320 children had the opportunity to experience Mickey’s Fun Wheel, the 151-foot-diameter attraction that recently opened with a new Mickey Mouse marquee and theming. The participants also had a chance to ride Toy Story Mania* and try their skills at the updated Games of the Boardwalk. Boys & Girls Club members were invited to enjoy Disney’s California Adventure® Park during the third annual event at the Resort. “We value that Boys & Girls Clubs provide a safe place for after-school activities for the children of our community,” said Jill Bolton, director of community relations for the Disneyland® Resort. “We are thrilled to offer this exclusive opportunity in recognition of our long-standing partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Orange County.” The relationship between the Disneyland® Resort and the Boys & Girls Club dates back to Walt Disney's era. Today, the Resort provides clubs with 50 complimentary 1-Day Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper Tickets annually to be used for fundraising activities or for the children they serve. *Based on the Disney•Pixar Toy Story Films.

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Spirited Disneyland® Resort Cast Members Receive Golden Recognition

Once a year, a group of outstanding Disney Cast Members is honored with the highest form of recognition– the Spirit of Disneyland® Resort. This year, 69 Cast Members were recommended by their peers and received this coveted honor.

This year’s Golden Spirit of Disneyland® Resort recipients celebrate with Disneyland® Resort President Ed Grier and President of Worldwide Operations for Disney Parks & Resorts Al Weiss.

The program formally acknowledges the top three to four percent of all Cast Members who achieve outstanding work in one of three categories: Cast excellence, guest or client excellence and operational or financial performance. Each honoree receives a gold pin to be displayed on their nametag identifying them as a Spirit Award recipient. In addition, they are hosted by Disneyland® Resort President Ed Grier at a dinner in their honor.

At this year’s dinner, seven of the 69 Cast Members received an additional award - the Golden Spirit of Disneyland® Resort - a recognition only given to those who have excelled in all three categories. All Spirit Award winners clearly exceed high Disney standards and contribute in great ways to the unparalleled Disney experience that both Cast and guests have come to expect.

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Disneyland® Resort Supports Orange County Aids Walk

The Disneyland® Resort has supported the annual Orange County Aids Walk since 1997. This year was no exception, with Cast Member team participating in the event and the Resort donating 350 1-Day Park Hopper tickets to AIDS Services Foundation to be used as incentives for the top fundraisers.

For the past three years, PRIDE, one of five Diversity Resource Groups at the Resort, has championed the Resort’s involvement in the walk. The group is focused on fostering an environment where gay and lesbian Cast Members feel encouraged to be authentic inside and outside the Disneyland® Resort.

Disneyland® Resort VoluntEARS have been a part of the OC Aids Walk for 12 consecutive years.

PRIDE coordinated the participation of Disney VoluntEARS and fund-raising efforts. Diversity Resource Groups like PRIDE support and enhance the diversity goals and objectives of the Disneyland® Resort by contributing value to the areas of recruitment, retention, business development and communication.

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5 Millionth Graduate Celebrates Grad Nite at Disneyland® Resort

On May 28, Samuel Jacobo of Summit High School in Fontana became the 5 millionth graduate to participate in Disneyland® Resort's historical Grad Nite event. Jacobo was greeted by the Resort’s Celebration Street Team, was photographed with Mickey Mouse, and received special gifts, including a one-night stay in the Disneyland® Dream Suite.

Disneyland® Resort celebrates the 5 millionth student to participate in Grad Nite.

Since 1961, Grad Nite at the Disneyland® Resort has been the choice for high school graduates throughout California to gather for a safe and exclusive after-hours party featuring classic attractions, dance clubs and deejays from Southern California’s most popular radio stations.

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	Wellness Walk Encourages Disneyland® Resort Cast Members to Stay Active
	Early on the morning of May 20, National Employee Health and Fitness Day, Quinn and I joined about 60 Cast Members from all areas of the Resort on a morning wellness walk. This event kicked off six weeks of “Work it Out Wednesdays” around the Resort, designed to encourage Cast Members to get out, get active, and try something new! Disneyland® Resort Ambassadors Quinn Shurian (left) and Danielle DuBois (right) help kick off “Work it Out Wednesdays” on Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland® Park. The Resort is offering Cast Members six weeks of instructor-led activities such as swing dancing, fitness boot camp, yoga, shadow boxing and a canoe workout around the Rivers of America hosted by the Cast Members who work the attraction. “Work it Out Wednesdays” are another way that the Disneyland® Resort focuses on the health and wellness of its Cast, by providing an additional outlet for us to focus on our mental and physical health while trying a new routine. Danielle DuBois - 2009 Disneyland® Resort Ambassador