The weather in Anaheim is absolutely beautiful right now, spring flowers are in full bloom and big things are on their way to the little park in Anaheim that Walt Disney built for his daughters. Andy Castro wasn’t able to get a Dateline Disneyland together for you today, so I jumped at the chance to visit my happy place and fill you in on what’s new at the Disneyland Resort. We’ll have more for you a little bit later this week.

These photos were taken on Easter Sunday. The parks should have been packed to the gills, and while they were busy, they were actually quite manageable. Perhaps the new surge pricing is making an impact. Curiously, there was very little decoration in the parks for Easter this year. They didn’t even have an Easter Bunny character meet and greet. Photopass was the most festive with Easter props which could be used with your photo.

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Time for a Disneyland update!

 

Star Wars Land Construction

It’s hard to imagine now with all the dirt, but this is the future home of Star Wars. Let’s look at what’s going on with the construction back stage, as well as what you can see from inside the park.

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The berm has been deforested. Here’s how things look behind the Fantasyland Theater.
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The dirt in the center of this photo is what was Circle D Ranch. It’s a massive plot which will hold the bulk of Star Wars Land.

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To give you an idea of just how big the berm is, those truck’s look like little toys next to the mountain which is the berm.

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It’s very hard to determine scale on a telephoto shot. That tunnel in the center is big enough for the train to drive through.
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Star Wars land will stretch from just behind Big Thunder Mountain all the way back through the dirt area you’ve been looking at above. It’s a HUGE project.

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Now, let’s see how all that construction looks like from within the park. As you crest the highest hill on Big Thunder Mountain, here’s your new view:

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WOW! Things really looked different when all those tall trees were still on the berm.

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To accommodate Star Wars Land, the back of the Rivers of America has been drained so the island can be shortened a bit and the river rerouted.  Dams were set up on either side of the river so the front half can remain flooded.

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That’s the dam on the left with a bridge above.

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A buoy floats not far from the dam.

 

And here’s the flip side of the dam . . . the dry side.

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This is the view from the Hungry Bear Restaurant.

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On the opposite side of the river, the Big Thunder Trail is closed off. However,  you can clearly see the deforested berm here.

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ToonTown Tuneup

Mickey and pals are getting a bit of love as the buildings of ToonTown are being repainted and the peeling paint on the hills is gone.

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Vibrant!

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Five and Dime is still open during refurbishment.

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No need to complain to City Hall, things are starting to look much better here.

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Color Me Blue: Autopia

In Tomorrowland, the paint job from the late 90’s on the Autopia is being replaced with hues of blues and gray.

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Marvelous Marvel Moving

Super Hero HQ has its final day on Saturday, April 2nd in the old Innoventions building. It hasn’t been there long, but more Star Wars will soon be on the way to the building and the Marvel Characters are moving across the Esplanade to Disney California Adventure, where even bigger Marvel plans are in the works. You’ll be able to meet Spider Man and Captain America at DCA beginning April 3rd.

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Here are a few Disneyland glamor shots before we head over to DCA.  12894405_10153925641594471_1522869360_o

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The park really shines in the spring. So many beautiful blooms.
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While crowded (as always these days), the park was still manageable on Sunday.

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 Mad T Party Departing After March 30th

The on again, off again, nightly dance party with the Alice and Wonderland theme is going away again on March 30th.  It leaves just in time for Food and Wine Festival to kick off. But we don’t think it will be gone for long. Another nightly party (which has been a staple since the launch of World of Color) is very likely to be announced soon.

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The last journey into Wonderland will be March 30th

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The infrastructure for Mad T Party is looking a little shabby.
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Hopefully something new and fresh will return after the Food and Wine festival ends.

 

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The find and seek egg hut was about the only thing Disney did for Easter this year.

 

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They’ve Heard Your Whines for Wines

The month of April should be a jolly one at DCA as the beloved Food and Wine festival returns after a long absence. The lovely and talented Shelly Valladolid has assembled the essentials for us so we’ll know just what to expect for this sure to be popular event.

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Much of this year’s event will take place on the parade route.

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If there were anywhere tailor-made to have a food and wine festival, it’s Disney California Adventure, with it’s Wine Country area and fabulous eateries like Wine Country Trattoria and Carthay Circle Restaurant. But the Fest isn’t just Food and Wine – it’s beer too. And Lifestyle, which encompasses things like art, design, gardening, wellness, fermenting, and more, including – oh baby! – chocolatiering!

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Have Fun, Learn and Be Entertained in the Celebrity Kitchen at Stage 17 (in the Hollywood Back Lot). Different star chefs will entertain audiences with 90-minute culinary demonstrations from a network-quality demonstration kitchen on the main stage—introducing you to new cooking styles and sharing treasured recipes, stories and more.

The chefs currently scheduled for the Celebrity Kitchen include:

  • April 2 – Robert Irvine – Restaurant: Impossible
    Chef Robert Irvine
    Chef Robert Irvine and Co-Chef M. Mouse
  • April 9 – Andrew Sutton – Executive Chef, Disneyland Resort Signature Dining (1 PM only)11-15_DL_0703-742x945
  • April 9 – Guy Fieri – Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives (5 PM only)
    Guy Fieri. John Lee Pictures.
    Guy Fieri. John Lee Pictures.
  • April 16 – Keegan Gerhard – Food Network Challenge (5 PM only)IMG_3385
  • April 23 – G. Garvin – Road Trip with G. Garvin5c0b7294bc1dd58d41cfd1e168dbc7bf_w1200_h650_cp
  • April 30 – Graham Elliot – MasterChef, MasterChef JuniorNew_GrahamElliot_headshot_20161-742x1024

When: Saturdays, 1:00 & 5:00 PM
Where: Stage 17, Disney California Adventure Park
Price: $99 per person, plus tax and gratuity

  • Celebrity Kitchen is a paid, 90-minute event by a culinary expert. Check-in will begin 1 hour prior to the event at Stage 17.
  • Guests will receive individual tastings of up to 3 of the dishes presented. Guests over the age of 21 with valid Photo ID will be able to enjoy a paired glass of wine, beer or specialty beverage (with select dishes).
  • Separate admission to Disney California Adventure Park is required.
  • Reservations must be cancelled 72 hours prior to the event to avoid a full price cancellation fee.
  • Price does not include tax and gratuity
  • Menu items, pricing and hours are subject to change without notice.

Space is limited, so book now to reserve your spot for these can’t-miss seminars. Theme park admission plus additional fee required. Subject to restrictions and change or cancellation without notice.

Annual Passholder Celebrity Kitchen VIP Experience

As a special treat for Disneyland Annual Passholders, the Celebrity Kitchen VIP Experience includes a VIP autograph session with the Celebrity Chef, front-of-house priority seating and a special festival gift. It’s $149 per person plus tax and gratuity and can be booked by phone only. Call (714) 781-DINE or (714) 781-3463. Theme park admission and Celebrity Kitchen fee not included. Subject to restrictions and change or cancellation without notice. A valid Annual Passport is required at check-in to take part in the VIP experience.  Annual Passholder blockout dates still apply.

dca-food-wine-beverage-seminar-00-fullLearn More about Wine, Beer & Spirits at Educational Tasting Seminars

Quench your thirst for knowledge of your favorite libations at these educational tasting seminars—with a twist! The Beverage Seminars offer fun, informative introductions to the art and science behind some of the world’s most popular adult beverages. The “spirited” 45-minute lesson led by an expert winemaker, sommelier, brewmaster or industry expert. The outdoor seminar takes place on the lovely Sonoma Terrace and includes up to 3 sample tastings!

When:   Fridays: 2:00, 4:00 & 6:00 PM
Saturdays: 12:00, 2:00, 4:00 & 6:00 PM
Sundays: 12:00, 2:00, 4:00 & 6:00 PM
Where:  Sonoma Terrace, located at Golden Vine
Winery, Disney California Adventure Park
Price:    $15 per person, plus tax

  • Beverage Seminars are paid seminars taking place at Sonoma Terrace, located at Golden Vine Winery in Disney California Adventure Park on select Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from April 1 to May 1, 2016. Check-in will begin 30 minutes prior to the event.
  • Separate admission to Disney California Adventure Park is required.
  • Space is limited and advance reservations are recommended  Full payment is due at time of booking. 1 Day/$10 Cancellation Policy.
  • Guests must be 21 years of age or over to participate; valid ID required. Guests under the age of 21 will not be admitted into the venue (no children, no strollers).
  • Guests may be seated with other parties.
  • Menu Items, pricing and hours are subject to change or cancellation without notice.

Beverage Seminar Presenters

Here are the names, dates and times for these tasty presentations.Friday, April 1, 2016

  • 2:00 PM — Wine Seminar — Silverado Vineyards (the Disney family’s winery) – Jonathan Emmerich, Winemakerdirectors_upperterrace_mg_6691
  • 4:00 PM — Wine Seminar — Hill Family Estate – Ryan Hillryan
  • 6:00 PM — Spirits Seminar — 619 Vodka – Nick Apostolopoulos
    Photo by MICHAEL WESLEY
    Photo by MICHAEL WESLEY

Saturday, April 2, 2016

  • 12:00 PM — Beer Seminar — Stone Brewing
  • 2:00 PM — Wine Seminar — Hill Family Estate – Ryan Hill
  • 4:00 PM — Wine Seminar — Silverado Vineyards – Jonathan Emmerich, Winemaker
  • 6:00 PM — Spirits Seminar — Henebery Whiskey – Jesse FanningJesse-Fanning

Sunday, April 3, 2016

  • 12:00 PM — Beer Seminar — Stone Brewing
  • 2:00 PM — Wine Seminar — Silverado Vineyards – Jonathan Emmerich, Winemaker
  • 4:00 PM — Wine Seminar — Hill Family Estate – Ryan Hill
  • 6:00 PM — Spirits Seminar — Henebery Whiskey – Jesse Fanning

Friday, April 8, 2016

  • 2:00 PM — Wine Seminar — Kitá Wines – Tara Gomez, Winemaker
  • 4:00 PM — Wine Seminar — Mellowood Winery – Linda Neal, Owner
  • 6:00 PM — Spirits Seminar — Kill Devil Spirits Co. – Ray Diglio

Saturday, April 9, 2016

  • 12:00 PM — Wine Seminar — Kitá Wines – Tara Gomez, Winemakerkita
  • 2:00 PM — Wine Seminar — Mellowood Winery – Linda Neal, Owner
    She will NOT be teaching a winter pruning clinic in the Frozen Theater.
    She will NOT be teaching a winter pruning clinic in the Frozen Theater.
  • 4:00 PM — Wine Seminar — Twomey Cellars – Erin Miller, WinemakerGOPR1071
  • 6:00 PM — Spirits Seminar — Alma de Agave – Nene Gonzalez89077

Sunday, April 10, 2016

  • 12:00 PM — Wine Seminar: Sparkling Around the World: Champagne, Cava, Proseco
  • 2:00 PM — Wine Seminar — Twomey Cellars – Erin Miller, Winemaker
  • 4:00 PM — Wine Seminar — Mellowood Winery – Linda Neal, Owner
  • 6:00 PM — Spirits Seminar — Alma de Agave – Nene Gonzalez

Friday, April 15, 2016

  • 2:00 PM — Wine Seminar — MacMurray Ranch Vineyard
  • 4:00 PM — Wine Seminar — Williams-Selyem – Jeff Mangahas, Winemaker
  • 6:00 PM — Beer Seminar — Modern Times Beer – Brad Kelson

Saturday, April 16, 2016

  • 12:00 PM — Beer Seminar — Modern Times Beer – Brad KelsonCOjq1wJUEAEkdRQ
  • 2:00 PM — Wine Seminar — Williams-Selyem – Jeff Mangahas, WinemakerJeff-M
  • 4:00 PM — Wine Seminar — Tangent Wines – Christian Roguenant, Winemakerwinemaker
  • 6:00 PM — Wine Seminar — MacMurray Ranch Vineyard

Sunday, April 17, 2016

  • 12:00 PM — Beer Seminar — Modern Times Beer – Brad Kelson
  • 2:00 PM — Wine Seminar — Tangent Wines – Christian Roguenant, Winemaker
  • 4:00 PM — Wine Seminar — Seeing Red – From Pinot to Zinfandel
  • 6:00 PM — Spirits Seminar — Kill Devil Spirits Co. – Ray Diglio

Friday, April 22, 2016

  • 2:00 PM — Wine Seminar — Zaca Mesa Winery – Eric Mohseni, Winemaker
  • 4:00 PM — Wine Seminar — Eden Canyon Vineyards – Elaine Blackaby, Winemaker
  • 6:00 PM — Spirits Seminar — Alma de Agave – Nene Gonzalez

Saturday, April 23, 2016

  • 12:00 PM — Beer Seminar — Karl Strauss Brewing Co.
  • 2:00 PM — Wine Seminar — Eden Canyon Vineyards – Elaine Villamin Blackaby, Winemaker
    Eden Canyon Vineyards has an amazing story behind it!
    Eden Canyon Vineyards has an amazing story behind it!
  • 4:00 PM — Wine Seminar — Zaca Mesa Winery – Eric Mohseni, WinemakerEric-Mohseni-2-606x1024
  • 6:00 PM — Spirits Seminar — Alma de Agave – Nene Gonzalez

Sunday, April 24, 2016

  • 12:00 PM — Wine Seminar — Sparkling Around the World – Champagne, Cava, Proseco
  • 2:00 PM — Wine Seminar — Zaca Mesa Winery – Eric Mohseni, Winemaker
  • 4:00 PM — Wine Seminar — Eden Canyon Vineyards – Elaine Blackaby, Winemaker
  • 6:00 PM — Beer Seminar — Karl Strauss Brewing Co.

Friday, April 29, 2016

  • 2:00 PM — Wine Seminar — Lasseter Family Winery (yes, THAT Lasseter) – Nancy Lasseter & Julia Iantosca, WinemakerJohn-and-Nancy-Headshot_1
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  • 4:00 PM — Wine Seminar — Hartford Family Winery – Jeff Stewart, Winemaker
  • 6:00 PM — Spirits Seminar — 619 Vodka – Nick Apostolopoulos

Saturday, April 30, 2016

  • 12:00 PM — Beer Seminar — Karl Strauss Brewing Co.
  • 2:00 PM — Wine Seminar — Hartford Family Winery – Jeff Stewart, WinemakerAboutUs_JST
  • 4:00 PM — Wine Seminar — Lasseter Family Winery – Nancy Lasseter & Julia Iantosca, Winemaker
  • 6:00 PM — Spirits Seminar — Kill Devil Spirits Co. – Ray Diglio
    Jeanne Runkle
    Jeanne Runkle

Sunday, May 1, 2016

  • 12:00 PM — Beer Seminar — Karl Strauss Brewing Co.
  • 2:00 PM — Wine Seminar — Lasseter Family Winery – Nancy Lasseter & Julia Iantosca, Winemaker
  • 4:00 PM — Wine Seminar — Seeing Pink – A Rosé Selection
  • 6:00 PM — Beer Seminar — Modern Times Beer – Brad Kelson

Artist Showcase, Off the Page

On Weekends and other select dates from 2pm to 5pm, artists will be at Off the Page in Hollywood Land to greet guests and sign their work. A Festival treat that you won’t have to work off at the gym!

04/02/16-04/03/16 – Britni Brault, Daniel Killen, Jerrod Maruyama

"Springtime Wherever She Goes" by Daniel Killen
“Springtime Wherever She Goes” by Daniel Killen

04/09/16-04/10/16 – Dave Avanzino

04/16/16-04/17/16 – David Bird, Stephen Cargile, Mike & Patty Peraza, Kurt Steinruck

04/30/16-05/01/16 – Steve Adams, Jeremy Fulton, Brian Kesinger, Noah, Mark Page, Javier Soto

Festival Marketplaces at DCA Food & Wine Festival

This is the part most of us have been waiting for: 8 separate, unique tasting venues. “The food booths”

A Culinary Tour of California, Within a Few Short Steps!

There will be a DCA Food & Wine Festival Gift Card available for purchase, so that attendees can enjoy the Festival with convenience and ease. Please note: admission to Disney California Adventure Park is required and blockout days will be in effect. Guests must be 21 years of age or older with valid Photo ID to consume alcohol.

(Photos to follow in the next few days!)

LAstyle

Chilled Ahi Poke with Avocado Crème, Wakame Salad and Sesame Tuile $7.00

Pork Belly Bao Taco

served with Pickled Vegetables
$6.50

Milk Chocolate Caramel Tart

with Almond Brittle and Sea Salt
$4.25

Tangent, Grenache Blanc, Edna Valley

$5.00

Mellowood Vineyards, Syrah, El Dorado County

$7.00

smartwater®

$4.00

Dasani® Bottled Water

$3.00

The Vineyard

Iron Horse, Fairy Tale Celebration Cuvée, Green Valley, Sonoma County

$17.00

Château de la Galiniere, Le Cengle, Rosé, Provence

$10.00

Baileyana, Chardonnay, San Luis Obispo

$11.00

Inception, Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County

$10.00

Talbott, Kali Hart Chardonnay, Monterey

$10.00

Gogi, Pinot Noir, “Tiger”, Santa Rita Hill

$25.00

Año Verde, Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara

$10.00

Miura Vineyards, Pinot Noir, Monterey County

$13.00

Chappellet, Mountain Cuvée, Napa Valley

$13.00

Eden Canyon, Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles

$13.00

Murphy-Goode, Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley

$10.00

Cabernet Flight

Chappellet, Mountain Cuvée, Napa Valley; Eden Canyon, Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles; Murphy-Goode, Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley
$16.00

Chardonnay Flight

Baileyana, Chardonnay, San Luis Obispo; Inception, Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County; Talbott, Kali Hart Chardonnay, Monterey
$14.00

Pinot Noir Flight

Gogi, Pinot Noir, “Tiger”, Santa Rita Hill; Año Verde, Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara; Miura Vineyards, Pinot Noir, Monterey County
$19.00

Wine Country

A large Menu of food and beverage will be available. We’ll have more for you about the festival later this week.

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Culinary Demonstrations at DCA Food & Wine Festival

Delicious Recipes and Pro Kitchen Secrets

“Enhance your culinary repertoire with cooking lessons from top professional chefs.We’ve gathered innovative chefs from all around the country—including some from right here at the Disneyland Resort—for live sessions that can help you up your game in the kitchen. Whether you’re a novice or an accomplished home chef, their recipes, techniques and inspiring ideas will let you create dazzling family dinners or sensational soirees.Culinary Demonstrations are 30 to 45 minutes in length, offered Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays as part of the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival—from April 1 through May 1, 2016

  • Demonstrations take place on the Backlot Stage, Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure Park.
  • Samples will not be offered.
  • Demonstrations are included with Disney California Adventure theme park admission.
  • This is a standing-only facility. No seating will be provided.
  • Capacity is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Demonstrations are subject to change or cancellation without notice.”

We’ll have the full list for you later this week.

Well folks, are you excited for the big return of Food and Wine Festival to Disney California Adventure?

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DCA This and That

What looked like it might be something for Food and Wine is really just . . . construction for yet another Disney Vacation Club kiosk.

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The live-action Jungle book remake has taken over the Bug’s Life Theater for the time being.  The movie looks interesting.
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Enjoy the Pixar Play Parade this week. It will go dark during the Food and Wine festival.
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Have you visited Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters yet at DCA?  If you do, note the long amount of time it takes for the attraction to load and unload.  It can take almost two minutes just to load the vehicle.  That’s a VERY long load time in the Disney universe and longer than the actual ride time!

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That’s our little update for today. There’s actually quite a bit more going on right now at the Disneyland Resort. Jungle Cruise is still installing a new dock, an interactive game themed around the Haunted Mansion is in the works, a second Starbucks is on the way to Downtown Disney. There’s new merchandise in the store and more. Lots for us to look forward to in the next update!

Are you excited for Food and Wine Festival? Sad to see the Mad T Party go? What would you do to speed up the Luigi’s load cycle?

We’ll see you again soon folks!

– Much thanks to Shelly Valladolid for Food and Wine news, Norman Gidney for help processing images, and Gabriel Velez for Big Thunder Mountain images

 

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Dusty Sage
Dusty is the founder and CEO of MiceChat.com. When he's not visiting theme parks and writing, editing or speaking about Disney and theme parks worldwide, Dusty is involved in multiple Disney related projects and charities. He helped save and restore the charming Walt Disney Birthplace in Chicago, launched the Dick Van Dyke Foundation, and is the curator of Walt Disney's historic 1930's estate in Hollywood. If you've got news or photos to share with the MiceChat community, or would like to book Dusty for an upcoming event, please contact [email protected]