I just put Alice on a plane. I’ll see her again in February. I’ll be spending more time at Disneyland and Knott’s in the next few weeks to cheer myself up. I’m pretty sure I won’t feel alone there! There’s only a few shopping days left until Christmas. Are you finished yet?

Now, let’s get to some controversial heavy metal!

Mickey Goes Metal

Disney finally joins most of the other Amusement and theme parks and is in the process of installing metal detectors at its theme parks in Florida and California. Disneyland spokesperson Suzi Brown confirmed that Disneyland had installed several metal detectors and had ceased the sale of toy guns and even Star Wars blasters inside the parks.

Metal Detectors at Disneyland, did you ever think you’d live to see the day? Interested in your thoughts on this folks. There has been lots of discussion on MiceChat about this very topic over the years, including a new discussion started today HERE.  There are also limits on costumes for adults (see below).

Ahh, the Smell of Anaheim Astroturf

There’s a group of protesters called “Block the Box”, who want to stop the second parking garage, because they say it will bring more traffic into the area, and they don’t want traffic in the area.They suggest that people take the train or trams to the park. A lot.

Liked by this page: Metrolink to Disneyland and Anaheim Rapid Connection.(AnaheimFixedConnection.com) – it looks like this is the company behind the proposed Anaheim streetcars (or “trams”) On the ARC group page, they immediately share a link to Metrolink to Disneyland, which has the same photos as the ARC group page and a share of the ARC page. Oh, liked by this page: ARC and Block the Box.

Residents, Business-Owners, and Visitors Anticipating the Anaheim Rapid Connection (ARC) Tram Coming to the City of Anaheim

Block the Box:

Tell Disneyland and Anaheim “NO” to adding another 5,000-space parking structure and “YES” to bringing guests onto the property by train and tram.

Metro Link to Disneyland:

The Anaheim Rapid Connection (ARC) tramway will connect the ARTIC multimodal terminal with a reconfigured pedestrian entrance to Disneyland® Resort at Harbor Boulevard.

Note: Block the Box recently posted two articles protesting payment for the garage as well. It is unknown what Anaheim taxpayers would contribute to a fixed-rail system. I’m all for it, but I want the garage too and I’m not a big fan of subterfuge. Perhaps they don’t understand that when there aren’t enough parking spaces the streets of Anaheim become gridlocked and no amount of wishing that people would take public transportation is going to convince a family of four to board a bus at 6am in Los Angeles so they can get to the park nearly three hours later.

Just Out of Orlando: New MagicBand Color Announced. 

DisneyBounders: Take a Deep Breath and Remain Calm

Rumors are flying around that Disney is cracking down on DisneyBounding, that they aren’t allowing costumes of any kind into the the parks, that they’re not going to allow guests to wear Her Universe into the parks, that they’re not going to let people wear certain COLORS into the parks – this escalated from one Cast Member saying “I think I read someting about this” to “They’re burning us at the stake and sending the ashes to Siberia!” in the space of about twenty minutes. This was about five percent of the group, everyone else seemed chill. 

So here’s the poop, and yes, it’s Little Birdie poop, so take it with a grain of millet seed: No. They are not “going after” DisneyBounders. They love DisneyBounders, and if you look at the stuff that Parks Merchandise has released lately, it seems like they are downright encouraging it! I like it. I do it myself sometimes. It’s like being in a secret society. Only my daughter knows I’m Bounding a Disney character. Everyone else just sees a person in matching clothes and accessories. 

The problem is, as it always is, abuse. Cosplay is awesome. I love it. We do it, as a family and individually. It’s great for SDCC or WonderCon or the D23 EXPO or other places where it is appropriate. When you are being approached by children in the park and taking pictures and signing their autograph book, that is most definitely crossing the line. That’s what Disney is rumored to be “going after”, and by “going after” I mean “enforcing a rule that has been there since day one.” 

If this is true, it’s a smart move on Disney’s part. Disney doesn’t hate Cosplayers – far from it – they just don’t want people, especially little ones, to get confused. Because after 99 perfectly-behaved perfectly-matching cosplay princesses who make it fun for everyone involved, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll get the one who just consumed two Mickey’s Fun Wheels across the way and the involved family’s visit to City Hall wouldn’t be happy for anybody. Bad Princess would be out, probably permanently, would certainly raise a fuss on social media, other guests would record it on their phones and make Vines of it, the mom would blog about the outrage, bad publicity everywhere. Who wants that?

Maybe Cosplayers can meet on property outside of the parks. There doesn’t seem to be any rule against that. One of the reasons I so love the D23 EXPO is that it gives fans a chance to cosplay. Maybe they could do a smaller event for cosplayers and fans. It would also be a smart move on Disney’s part. One of those “printing your own money” things. 

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Take Viva Navidad to Your Casa

Viva Navidad is a huge hit, and looks like it will be an annual tradition for years to come. I’m glad to see this celebration come into its own. Now, there’s some souvenirs you can take home too, including a zip-up hoodie, a t-shirt, a Three Caballeros pin and a limited-edition Donald ornament pin.

A Forceful New Disney Infinity 3.0 Poster is Out!

There’s been a disturbance in the force. Here’s the latest good news from Disney Infinity:

“Disney Interactive and Lucasfilm today unveiled the official poster for Star Wars™: The Force Awakens™ Play Set, the third Star Wars Play Set to be released for Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition on Friday, December 18.

The Play Set is the only game where players can experience characters and stories from the film, and with this latest addition, Disney Infinity 3.0 offers the most comprehensive Star Wars game experience with characters and stories spanning across the entire Star Wars saga (Episodes I-VII), including characters from the popular Star Wars Rebels TV series.

In Star Wars: The Force Awakens, players will travel to a galaxy far, far away alongside new heroes and old friends in search for a much-needed ally.  Playable characters include Finn, a soldier on a path to adventure and danger, and Rey, a true survivor who is resourceful and capable. Both will join Poe Dameron, the trusted pilot of the Resistance who uses his expert flying skills to travel the galaxy, and Kylo Ren, an enforcer for the First Order who terrorizes the galaxy with devious acts.”

Shelly’s Fabulous Things

Here’s a link to the past lists

• Shelly’s Fabulous Things, December 3
• Shelly’s Fabulous Things, December 8
• Shelly’s Fabulous Things, December 10
• Shelly’s Fabulous Things, December 15

Here’s something special and different. It’s from Disney, directly.

The Disney Dozen

These 13 (yep) gifts are the ones that Disney Consumer Products staff decided amongst themselves were the MUST-HAVES this year for holiday gift-giving. Let’s give them a look:

Playmation Marvel’s Avengers Starter Pack  – $119.99

Put on your Avengers Playmation gear and join in the action – literally! There’s no sitting transfixed in front of the tube here! To play, you’ll be really MOVING and part of the action!

The Playmation Marvel’s Avengers Starter Pack includes:

• One (1) “Repulsor Gear”
• Two (2) “Smart Figures” – Super Hero (Captain America) and Villain (Iron Skull)
• Two (2) Power Activators
•  Free-to-download AvengersNet app Jump into the Playmation universe with your first four locations: NYC, Raft, Wakanda and Dinosaur, plus 25 missions right out of the box (no app/internet required). More locations and missions available from the AvengersNet app. Collaborate or compete with other recruits in multiplayer modes.

Disney Imagicademy + Mickey’s Rocket Builder – $29.99, App Free to Download with In-App Purchase

Target Exclusive, from what I hear. With Disney Imagicademy’s Mickey’s Rocket Builder smart toy, children can build and customize their own rockets in the physical and digital worlds! Compatible with the Mickey’s Magical Math World app by Disney Imagicademy, children can customize their real-world rockets and add it to their digital rocket collection within the app. Using electrostatic touch sensor technology, the rocket pieces communicate with the app, allowing the digital experience to mirror the physical play piece by piece.

Children are exposed to early shape recognition and counting skills, as they explore oval, triangle, square and circle-themed rocket parts to build their rocket. Mickey guides each mission, and action buttons on the rocket trigger sound effects associated with various rocket combinations. Featuring 21 pieces to make more than 1,000 unique configurations, the rocket complements the app for enhanced play features and learning that bridge the physical and digital world. It’s weird and magical. Little kids aren’t phased, but their parents are completely mystified and amazed by this. 

Elsa’s Magical Ice Palace – $129.99

Elsa’s Magical Ice Palace can transform up to 3 feet tall with a unique telescoping feature, just like in the movie! Elsa can be placed in the bottom platform where she also lights up and spins around while the castle grows and sings “Let it Go.” Personally, I’d play with Marshmallow in it, but that’s just me. 

Miles from Tomorrowland Stellosphere – $49.99

The show with one of the greatest theme songs of all time has some really great toys, and this is no exception. The Stellosphere spaceship inspired by the Callisto family’s home transforms into a playset that includes a Mini StarJetter and a Zip Ship, as well as a Cross Vehicle Rocket System (XVR) that attaches to all 3 ships and adds lights and sounds, TTA? Tomorrowland Transit Authority, of course!

Cars Daredevil Garage App & Diecast – App- Free with in app purchase, Diecast- $3.99

With the Cars Daredevil Garage app, children can scan and unlock over 150 Mattel die-cast cars and watch them come to life on their device. Once on screen, kids can perform exciting stunts and unlock new cars in four different worlds! Children can not only take on gnarly jumps, loops, corkscrews, and more, but they can challenge their friends and find out who really is the ultimate daredevil! I want the one with the strawberries. She’s cute and she looks like she can beat most of the other cars. 

XPV HULK SMASH™ RC – $69.99

You know, I know, everybody except Ang Lee knows: Hulk doesn’t need to drive, he can circumnavigate the globe in three jumps. But this is just pure fun! You can adjust Hulk’s arms (8 different positions!), smash into things, and no matter what you smash into, the RC Hulk Smash will right itself! It also does flips, spins and wheelies, something Dr. Banner’s scooter was not capable of in The Avengers.  Tipping over won’t stop Hulk – he self-rights back into a driving position with the touch of a button. Complete with Hulk-sized sounds and phrases, the Hulk Smash will make any kid without one green with envy.

Deluxe Animator Doll Set – $119.95

Are there any of these left? Featuring 15 five-inch dolls from the beloved Animator’s Collection, the Deluxe Mini Animator Doll Set offers maximum play value or make a beautiful collection display. From Snow White, Cinderella and Ariel to Elsa, Anna, Kristoff and more, these young renditions of everyone’s favorite Disney characters celebrate the heritage of classic Disney animation. Imagined and created under the guidance of The Walt Disney Animation Studio’s most renowned animators, these dolls bring the characters to life in the most authentic way possible.

Star Wars BB‐8 – $149.99

Meet BB-8, the app-enabled Droid by Sphero. This Droid’s personality begins to shine the second it wakes up. BB-8 is playful, personable, and true to the Star Wars galaxy. Based on your interactions, BB-8 will show a range of expressions and perk up when you give voice commands. It will explore autonomously, or you can guide BB-8 yourself with the companion app, or create and view holographic recordings. BB-8 is more than a toy – it’s your companion. 

LEGO Star Wars Millennium Falcon™ –  $149.99

One of the most iconic starships of the Star Wars saga is back, as featured in exciting scenes from Star Wars: The Force Awakens, this latest LEGO® version of the Millennium Falcon is crammed with new and updated external features, including an even more streamlined and detailed design, detachable cockpit with space for 2 minifigures, rotating top and bottom laser turrets with hatch and space for a minifigure, dual spring-­­loaded tools, sensor dish, ramp and an entrance hatch. Open up the hull plates to reveal even more great new and updated details inside, including the main hold with seating area and holochess board, more detailed hyperdrive, secret compartment, extra boxes and cables, and storage for spring-­­ loaded tool. And of course no LEGO Millennium Falcon model would be complete without Han Solo and Chewbacca, as well as other characters from Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Includes 6 minifigures with assorted accessories: Rey, Finn, Han Solo, Chewbacca, Tasu Leech and a Kanjiklub Gang Member, plus a BB-­­8 Astromech Droid.

The Good Dinosaur Galloping Butch – $39.99

Galloping Butch isa rough and tough T-Rex with roaring sounds and galloping action, from the recent film The Good Dinosaur. Press the button and Butch gallops just like in the movie. Activate his aggressive jaw snapping motion and ferocious roar by pushing down on his arms. Butch also talks, he says 10 sounds and phrases from the movie. 

Descendants Signature Doll Assortment & The Isle of the Lost – Dolls -$19.99 each/ Novel- $17.99

A new generation of Disney heroes and villains is taking center stage in Disney Channel’s Descendants. Bring the storytelling to life with dolls featuring iconic fashions inspired by the characters in the film. From #1 New York Times bestselling author, Melissa de la Cruz, comes a spellbinding new novel about the little known teenage children of Disney’s most infamous villains in Descendants.

Tsum Tsum Olaf Bag with Frozen Fever – $34.95  

The latest Tsum Tsums inspired by Disney’s animated short Frozen Fever come together in an adorable Olaf plush bag that can only be found at Disney Store and DisneyStore.com. Featuring four exclusive Tsums – Anna, Elsa, Sven and a Snowgie, these lovable, stackable plush are sure to melt hearts everywhere.

Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition

• Starter Pack: $64.99;
• Play Sets: $34.99;
• Figures: $13.99;
• Toy Box Expansion Games: $19.99;
• Power Discs: $9.99

The all-new Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition introduces Star Wars™ to Disney Infinity, the best-selling “hybrid toy/video game” of 2014, and the only game where players can experience characters from Disney, Disney•Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars and play with them together. With fully immersive Play Sets and new Toy Box Expansion Games, Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition offers a wider variety of gameplay than ever before. Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition is available now for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC, iOS and Android. For more information, visit http://disney.com/infinity.

A Special Gift to You

This morning, I got a note from Brad Jashinsky. He had found a 1967 Disneyland Training Manual and thought Fab News readers would enjoy it. Thank you so much, Brad! You are wonderful – and Fabulous

This is worth a read folks. What do you think of the old standards?!

And don’t forget about these great gift ideas from our friends and sponsors:

Tickets to Medieval Times (MiceChat Readers get a 40% DISCOUNT!!!)

MiceChat readers get 40% off adult tickets to Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament. My family had a fantastic time here. Great for a gift basket premium, gift for people who prefer experiences over objects and people who just love FUN!  Ask about their AMAZING New Year’s Eve Party! Information & tickets HERE

A Lifetime of Magic with DVC Resale Market!

Pre-pay your vacations by buying points for their favorite Disney Vacation Club resort, and save money by buying it through Fab News’ sponsor, DVC Resale Market.  Check out some of the resorts and points available here. In case you missed it earlier this month, here’s their introduction video:

Check out their website. It’s a great way to learn about the intricacies of DVC ownership, buying, selling, and how points work, and how best to use them (and how NOT to use them!) Whether you’re looking into buying or selling, or just looking into looking into it, Nick and his team are patient, knowledgeable and have a lot of experience and happy customers who will happily refer them to you.

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