Disneyland celebrated the Denver Bronco‘s Super Bowl victory last week with a special parade featuring Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning. Meanwhile, work continues to get underway on Disneyland’s massive new Star Wars-themed expansion, as trees are cleared along the Rivers of America and backstage facilities begin relocation and demolition. Elsewhere in the Resort, refurbishments continue from Critter Country to the Disneyland Hotel.

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Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

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!

Get a closer look! Don’t forget that you can always click on any photo in Dateline Disneyland for a closer look with a larger, higher resolution version of the image!

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

Welcome to Disneyland!

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Work continues at 20th Century Music and on the China Closet facade
Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

A couple of readers asked to see the antique orchestrion we showed you last week in Frontierland in action. Below, a video clip:

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue




He went to Disneyland!

On Monday, Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning celebrated his Super Bowl 50 win with a visit to Disneyland. The quarterback was featured in the post-Super Bowl victory parade down Main Street, U.S.A., a Disney Parks tradition since the late-1980s. (Photo © Disney)
Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

(Photo © Disney)
Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

(Photo © Disney)
Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

(Photo © Disney)
Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Passholder Perks

Disneyland continued their AP Days last week with the “Live the Adventure” theme. In reality, the offerings didn’t change much from the week prior, save for a a few details including a new collectible button being given out and a scavenger hunt pamphlet.
Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Below, the scavenger hunt pamphlet given out for last week’s “Live the Adventure!” theme.
Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

A look at last week’s “Main Street to Mickey Mouse” pamphlet:
Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

A look at the offerings in Disney California Adventure’s Stage 17.
Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Cartoon screenings
Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Come to Disneyland to color
Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Free recipe cards
Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Free water and popcorn
Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

AP Pin preview
Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Table Service Terrace

The River Belle Terrace reopened last week with its new southern barbecue-style table service menu. The new BBQ menu fills the void leftover from the loss of the Big Thunder Ranch BBQ, but serves up barbecue dishes at high prices without the Ranch’s all-you-can-eat service.
Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Blogger at Touring Plans and friend of the blog Guy Selga shared photos from his meal at River Belle Terrace last week and noted that the Pork Spare Ribs tasted just like those served at Big Thunder Ranch. For comparison, the Pork Spare Ribs entree (with four ribs and two sides) at River Belle Terrace comes in at $23 and the all-you-care-to-eat dinner at Big Thunder Ranch was about $32. Which is the better value?

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

As for the outdoor patio, most of it is currently still open. The large section between the River Belle entrance and Stage Door Cafe is open for all guests, which is great for the average guest and those picking up quick service meals from Stage Door Cafe or the Golden Horseshoe.
Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

The small patio area between the River Belle’s entrance and the Pirates of the Caribbean queue is what’s currently reserved exclusively for River Belle guests. Diners can also sit inside the restaurant.
Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

The Frontier Awakens

Disneyland’s new Star Wars project will be unprecedented in terms of scale for the park, dedicating 14 acres to a single property with massive new facades, rock work, and massive E-Ticket attractions that dwarf even Pirates of the Caribbean and Indiana Jones Adventure. Below, a map showing how the new land is expected to impact Disneyland’s landscape once completed in late 2018.
[beforeafter]StarWarsExpansion-BeforeStarWarsExpansion-After[/beforeafter]

[ View Map Large ]

Relocating Backstage

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

The Circle D Ranch and stables look like the first major backstage facility to glow away as part of the Star Wars expansion construction.
Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Rivers of America

Inside the park, trees along the Rivers of America are behind removed. Guests can get a hazy glimpse at the removal of the wilderness through the scrims on the upper level of the Hungry Bear Restaurant.
Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Tractors on the riverbanks.
Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Meanwhile, the Mark Twain Riverboat is ramping up its entertainment offerings while the River is closed.
Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Princess Tiana, Louis the Alligator and Dr. Facilier from Princess and the Frog can be found wandering the Riverboat throughout the day. Dr. Facilier was on deck when we visited.
Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Tables and chairs have been added to the lower level as well as in front of the stage on the second level.
Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

The tables and chairs on the second level provide great seating for the Strawhatters, who now perform throughout the day on the Mark Twain’s second-level stage.
Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

It is an absolute treat to enjoy some live music on the Twain. This is a not-to-be-missed experience!
Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Enjoy a bit of live music on the Riverboat:

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Back on Big Thunder Trail, a peek past Big Thunder Mountain shows that work has begin clearing out Big Thunder Ranch and Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree.
Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

The stage and awning structure are still in place but it looks like the area around is being cleared so the rest can be dismantled and removed next.
Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Walls and CAUTION tape can be seen through the foliage on the hillside near the area where the abandoned mine tunnel from Nature’s Wonderland is.
Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

We expect the Mine Train Thru Nature’s Wonderland tunnel to remain, but the surrounding area will be redeveloped as the Native American village moves closer to the tunnel on the Rivers of America side, and a new pathway to Star Wars Land will open up just north of the tunnel and pond.
Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Refurbishment Round-Up

In addition to the major Star Wars expansion, several other projects continue in both parks.

Honk for Honda

In Tomorrowland, work continues on the Autopia as it gets a fresh look for its new sponsor.
Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dry

In Critter Country, Splash Mountain is closed through Feb. 18 for refurbishment.
Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Rollickin’ Along…

Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters is still behind walls… hopefully it’ll open soon…
Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

The Boy Wizard up in Hollywood has begun soft openings but the only new ride at Disneyland this year — and a minor ride at that — is still behind walls.
Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Nearby, the Blue Sky Cellar is still getting some exterior work done.
Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Beyond the Berm

In the Esplanade, a couple of ticket booths on the Harbor Blvd. side of the plaza are closed for refurbishment.
Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Over at the Disneyland Hotel, the E-Ticket Pool is still closed for refurbishment.
Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Goofy’s Kitchen has reopened following its refurbishment
Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

And the new tram fueling facility in the Pinocchio lot looks to be near completion.
Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue
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, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue
Weekly News & Information Round-Up
Weekly Theme Park Hours
February 15-21, 2016
Disneyland Park California Adventure
Monday: 8 am – 12 am
Tue.-Thu.: 9 am – 10 pm
Fri.-Sat.: 8 am – 12 am
Sunday: 9 am – 9 pm
Monday: 8 am – 10 pm
Tue.-Thu.: 9 am – 9 pm
Fri.-Sat.: 8 am – 10 pm
Sunday: 9 am – 10 pm
For a complete listing of theme park hours,
visit the Disneyland.com Theme Park Calendar
Closure and Refurbishment Schedule
Disneyland Park
  • Splash Mountain: Closed through February 18 for refurbishment.
  • Indiana Jones Adventure: Closed February 29-March 3 for refurbishment.
  • Disneyland Railroad: Closed for over a year starting January 11 while the Railroad path is rerouted for Star Wars Land.
  • Rivers of America: All River traffic and attractions are closed for over a year starting on January 11 while Star Wars Land construction reduces and reroutes the northern portion of the River. The extended closure includes:
    • Mark Twain Riverboat
    • Sailing Ship Columbia
    • Rafts to Tom Sawyer Island
    • Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island
    • Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes
    • Fantasmic!
  • Jungle Cruise: Closed January 11-May 5 to remove holiday overlay and for extended refurbishment.
  • Autopia: Closed January 11-April 28 for refurbishment.
Disney California Adventure
  • Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters: New attraction opens early 2016.
  • Grizzly River Run: Closed through March 13 for refurbishment.
  • Soarin’ Over California: Closed January 25-28, February 1-4 to install new Soarin’ Over the World attraction.
  • Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular: Closed permanently starting January 11. A “Frozen”-inspired musical stage show will take its place.
  • World of Color: Closed January 19-February 1 for refurbishment.
Downtown Disney and Disneyland Resort Hotels
  • E-Ticket Pool, Disneyland Hotel: Closed for refurbishment.
  • Goofy’s Kitchen, Disneyland Hotel: Closed for refurbishment.
Tomorrowplan Crowd Estimates for Disneyland Resort from Mouseaddict

February 15-21

Mon
Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue
Tue
Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue
Wed
Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue
Thu
Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue
Fri
Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue
Sat
Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue
Sun
Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

  • Expect another hot week with 90s to start, a cool-down in the middle, heating up by the weekend.
  • Small chance of rain later this week. Don’t let it ruin your fun!
  • Not only is it hot, it’s also President’s day so expect higher than usual crowds for a Monday.
  • Grizzly River Run is closed this week. Find other ways to cool off using our “cool zones” category.

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, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

Headline Roundup

A quick look at noteworthy Disney theme park headlines from around the web.
OK— That wraps up this week’s edition of Dateline Disneyland. Hope everybody had a lovely Valentine’s Day — did you celebrate at Disneyland? Let us know in the comments section below!

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Don’t miss 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!
– Andy

Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue
Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue
Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue
Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

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Disneyland, Peyton Manning celebrates Super Bowl win at Disneyland as off-season projects continue

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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.
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.