This weekend’s heatwave didn’t slow down crowds from hitting the parks en masse for this year’s Dapper Day event, the on-going 60th Anniversary celebration and the popular Halloween Time offerings. Temperatures hit 90 on Friday, but Disneyland was on a brink of hitting capacity. Temperatures continued to rise over the weekend, with highs climbing over 100 degrees on Sunday but the parks remained busy. Meanwhile, as Halloween Time continues to heat up the end of summer, Disneyland is quietly getting ready for a whole lot of Star Wars coming to Tomorrowland later this fall.

Don’t miss your weekly Disneyland Resort crowd forecast — provided by our friends at Mouseaddict — in the Weekly News and Information Roundup at the end of today’s update!

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Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

We’ve got a quick off-season update for you today, so let’s get started.

Welcome to Disneyland!

Disneyland’s traditional fall off-season is looking quite different than a normal off-season. Disneyland saw huge crowds on Friday afternoon and prepared to start restricting entry of new guests, the first phase of Disneyland’s phased capacity closure. Luckily, the restrictions never went into effect, but the park was prepared to begin restricting park entry if needed.
Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

A trifecta of popular events and offerings including the unofficial Dapper Day event, Disneyland’s ongoing Diamond Celebration and the popular Halloween Time offerings all brought big crowds to the park, making Friday’s potential capacity closure not terribly surprising.
Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

A look at wait times early Friday afternoon, a few hours before the park nearly hit capacity.
Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Meanwhile, over at California Adventure…
Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

The Packard is missing from Oswald’s Filling Station
Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

A look at wait times early Friday afternoon
Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time



Refurbishment Round-up

A look at refurbishment projects underway in both parks…

Kingdom Construction

The walkway between Frontierland and Fantasy Faire is still behind walls…
Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Inside Fantasy Faire, Figaro is missing from his perch…
Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Some new walls up near Big Thunder Mountain for some pavement work
Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Walls across the walkway are for the annual Mickey’s Halloween Parties
Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

In New Orleans Square, Pirates of the Caribbean remains closed for refurbishment through September 29.
Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Preparing for Launch (Bay)

In Tomorrowland, work continues on the new Star Wars Launch Bay and Marvel Superhero HQ in the former Innoventions building.
Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Not much has changed from the outside since we last checked in…
Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Nearby, this month marks the final performances of the nighttime live music at Tomorrowland Terrace. There’s no word yet on if this is a permanent change or only temporary.
Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

There’s a lot happening in Tomorrowland in the next couple months — the new Star Wars Launch Bay opens later this year, a rumored early opening of the Hyperspace Mountain overlay at Space Mountain is now expected in early November, and a 3D sneak preview of Star Wars: The Force Awakens is planned for the Tomorrowland Theatre. With so much Star Wars, could the Tomorrowland Terrace stage be gearing up for an expanded schedule for the popular Jedi Training Academy show, or better yet a new Star Wars evening show for older fans?
Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Disney has yet to announce anything other than issuing end-of-run notices to the long-time performers here. We wish them well in the future and look forward to seeing what Disney brings in to fill this space.
Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Hyperspace Mountain was originally announced as part of the spring’s upcoming Star Wars Season of the Force promotion, but is now rumored to debut as early as November 14, after Halloween Time and a brief downtime.
Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

No official opening has been set but Disney is hoping to bring an Episode VII preview to the Tomorrowland Theater this fall.
Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Will Star Wars take over the shuttered Starcade facility as well?
Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Re-Tired

Still no visible progress from the guest view at the former Luigi’s Flying Tires.
Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

The Flying Tires name is still painted on the windows
Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

No official date for Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters has been released but an early 2016 opening is expected.
Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

This & That

We’re hoping Disneyland will replace the 60th Anniversary bunting and banners on Sleeping Beauty Castle soon, as the summer sun has been pretty rough and they’ve faded quite a bit. The overlay still looks great but a little love for the banners and bunting would help a lot as the celebration is expected to continue for about another year.
Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

In Downtown Disney, the new D-Tech on Demand customized cell phone case program is now available at D Street.
Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

You can order your customized case at one of several touch screens at the front of the store. Of course, expect Disney prices for your Disney phone case. A stock case with your choice of artwork is $36.95. If you want it personalized with your name, you’ll pay $44.95.
Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Display cases showcase a variety of options you can go with.
Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

If you’re looking for something to dress up your iPhone, then this is for you. If you’re looking for protection, then you’re probably better off getting an Otterbox case on Amazon for about the same price — you won’t have Mickey on your case, but you’ll actually have protection for your phone.
Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

D-Tech on Demand offers cases for the following phones: iPhone 4, iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, Samsung S5, and Samsung S6.
Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

And the cases are able to be picked up in the back of the store where they’re made.
Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time
Enjoy retro fun just steps away from Disneyland at
Howard Johnson Hotel & Water Playground

A short walk from the park, HoJo Anaheim is conveniently located next to Matterhorn Mountain at Disneyland with nearby dining, freeway access, FREE parking and FREE Wi-Fi. For more information on HoJo Anaheim, room rates, or to book your stay today, visit HoJoAnaheim.com/MiceChat

Save with MiceChat & Passholder Discounts Every Day!
The HoJo Anaheim is now offering daily discounts for MiceChat members and even DEEPER discounts for Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders! For more information visit the HoJo Anaheim Innsider Boards which features an up-to-date listing of available nights, or call (714) 776-6120 and ask for In-House Reservations to book. If your date isn’t listed, the HoJo Anaheim still offers rooms for 20% off their best available rate if you call (714) 776-6120.
Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time
Weekly News & Information Round-Up
Weekly Theme Park Hours
September 21-27, 2015
[B]Disneyland Park[/B] [B]California Adventure[/B]
Mon.-Tue.: 9 am – 10 pm
Tue.-Thu.: 9 am – 11 pm
Friday: 8 am – 7 pm
Sat.-Sun.: 8 am – 12 am
Mon.-Thu.: 9 am – 8 pm
Friday: 8 am – 12 am
Sat.-Sun.: 8 am – 10 pm
[CENTER]For a complete listing of theme park hours,
visit the Disneyland.com Theme Park Calendar
[/CENTER]
[center]Closure and Refurbishment Schedule[/center]
[b][center]Disneyland Park[/center][/b]
  • Pirates of the Caribbean: Closed through September 29 for refurbishment.
  • Tarzan’s Treehouse: Closed through October 2 for refurbishment.
  • “it’s a small world”: Closed October 19- November 5 to install holiday overlay.
  • Jungle Cruise: Closed November 2-12 to install holiday overlay.
  • Space Mountain: Closed November 2-13 to remove Ghost Galaxy overlay and install Hyperspace Mountain overlay.
  • Innoventions: Expected to reopen Fall 2015 with new Star Wars Launch Bay and Super Hero HQ.
  • Starcade: Closed indefintely.
  • Tomorrowland Theatre: Closed indefintely.
[b][center]Disney California Adventure[/center][/b]
  • Turtle Talk with Crush: Closed October 12-29 for refurbishment.
  • Luigi’s Flying Tires: Closed for re-Imagineering into new attraction. Reopening expected in early 2016.
  • [B]Blue Sky Cellar:[/B] Closed indefinitely.
[b][center]Downtown Disney and Disneyland Resort Hotels[/center][/b]
    None.
Tomorrowplan Crowd Estimates for Disneyland Resort from Mouseaddict

September 21-27

Mon
Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time
Tue
Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time
Wed
Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time
Thu
Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time
Fri
Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time
Sat
Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time
Sun
Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

  • Activate Tomorrowplan today and get crowd projections all the way past Halloween. Already a Tomorrowplan user? You’ll get the projections automagically. Tap Tomorrowplan in the Mouseaddict app.
  • Your favorite attraction doesn’t have Fastpass? Now it does! Just use our unique Wait Watcher feature and get a notification when the wait has dropped to your chosen time. Only in Mouseaddict.

The free Mouseaddict app for iPhone and iPad features more than five dozen categories of searchable resort information, weather forecasts, park and show schedules, the latest news and articles from MiceChat, and more. Download free on the App Store or at mouseaddict.com.

Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

[center]Headline Roundup
A quick look at noteworthy Disney theme park headlines from around the web.[/center]
  • The Walt Disney Family Museum responded to PBS’ documentary on Walt Disney by saying the Museum “only supports examinations of Walt’s life that are based on fact.” (Walt Disney Family Museum)
  • Animator Floyd Norman responded to PBS’ documentary on Walt Disney by saying the program “failed to reflect the man I observed and worked for over a ten year period.” (Floyd Norman)
Alright, that wraps up this week’s Dateline Disneyland. Are you ready for Star Wars in Tomorrowland? Let us know in the comments below!

We’ll be taking a vacation break next week, but keep an eye out for a special edition of In the Parks on Monday while we’re away!

Special thanks to our Dateline Disneylanders!
A very special thank you to all of our Patreon supporters for their monthly support keeping Dateline Disneyland alive, especially our special top-tier supporters:

    Kendra H., Brian A., Dusty Sage,
    Benjamin, Mark D., and Bruno!

To help support Dateline Disneyland and get some fun swag in return, visit our Patreon page now!

For more Disneyland news, be sure to read MiceChat’s weekly In the Parks blog. And be sure to check out our sister blog, Dateline Disney World – a fantastic weekly photo blog covering Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida!

Thanks for reading. See you at Disneyland!
[B]- Andy[/B]

Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time
Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time
Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time
Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

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Disneyland, Disneyland “falls” into the off-season with crowds, heat, and Halloween Time

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FTC-Mandated Disclosure: Promotional consideration for this edition of Dateline Disneyland was provided by the Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel & Water Playground.

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Andy Castro
Andy is a Southern California native and a life-long fan of Disney theme parks and animation. From 2007-2016, Andy wrote the weekly Dateline Disneyland photo, news and opinion blog here on MiceChat. Today, Andy continues to produce occasional Dateline Disneyland articles and additional special guest content for MiceChat.