News slows to a trickle as the summer heats up and crowds continue to hit the parks. While most refurbishment projects are done for the season, Disneyland’s massive 14-acre Star Wars expansion project continues in full force. We’ll catch you up on the latest Star Wars construction this week and a few odds-n-ends around Disneyland and Downtown Disney.

Before we get started, there’s not much I can say or do here but acknowledge the horrific events that have shaken the Orlando LGBTQ community and state that I, a gay male, stand in support with the Orlando LGBTQ community and its advocates. May those affected by the senseless hate and terror in Orlando find the strength, resources and unity they need to heal during this time. If you live in the Orlando area and would like to donate blood, visit oneblood.org for more information. Want to do more? Contact your local lawmakers to speak up about the need for stricter gun control in America — an issue that is long overdue for serious change.

We continue our huge glowing away celebration today with another week of giveaways! June marks the end of Dateline Disneyland and to celebrate, we’re giving back to all of you with our Dateline Disneyland Farewell Season Giveaway! We had nearly 2,400 giveaway entries last week! We’re thrilled that all of you are celebrating our 8 year run with us before we glow away — Winners will be notified soon! And even if you entered last week, you can still enter again in this week’s giveaway, so don’t miss out! Find out what you can win and how to enter in today’s blog!

Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland

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!

Let’s get started!

Welcome to Disneyland!

Guests were treated to some overcast weather and some summer showers over the weekend…
Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland

Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland

Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland

Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland

Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland

Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland

Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland

Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland

Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland

Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland

Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland

Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland




Dateline Disneyland Farewell Season

Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland

Dateline Disneyland is glowing away!
After more than eight years of Dateline Disneyland, we simply can’t glow on like this! But to thank all of you for your readership and support over the years, we’re celebrating the end of the blog by giving back to you! As we wrap up Dateline Disneyland in June, we’re giving out spectacular prizes from our friends at the Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel & Water Playground, Courtyard Marriot Anaheim Hotel & Waterpark, Progress City Press, POP! Comics & Culture Emporium, and TouringPlans.com!

We’re giving out prizes every week during June 2016!
Find out what you can win and how to enter below!

Enjoy a 2-night getaway at Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel or the Courtyard Marriot Anaheim Hotel! Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland
Three (3) Grand Prize Winners will enjoy a two-night stay at the Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel & Water Playground! Ranked in TripAdvisor’s 2016 Travelers’ Choice — Top 25 Hotels for Families in the United States, the HoJo is conveniently located across the street from the Disneyland Resort and is a short, eight-minute walk to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. The delightfully retro HoJo is packed full of fabulous family-friendly amenities including the swashbuckling, pirate-themed Castaway Cove Water Playground!

One (1) Grand Prize Winner will enjoy a two-night stay at the Courtyard Marriott Anaheim Hotel & Waterpark — the HoJo Anaheim’s beautiful new sister property. Located next to the HoJo Anaheim, the Courtyard Marriot Anaheim Hotel is only a short five minute walk to Disneyland’s front gate. The new Courtyard Marriott features an array of amazing amenities including rooms that sleep six and boast over 530 square feet of space with WiFi and Netflix streaming! Guests can enjoy Starbucks Coffee in the lobby, great dining, and the elevated Surfside Waterpark — a watery oasis that features six water slides, a 400-gallon drench bucket, swimming pool, kid’s pool, and dazzling views of Disneyland’s nightly fireworks!

Explore Disney history with the Progress City Primer! Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland
Four (4) winners will win a hardcover copy and four (4) winners will win a audiobook download of The Progress City Primer: Stories, Secrets, and Silliness from the Many Worlds of Walt Disney by Disney historian Michael Crawford. From Progress City Press, The Progress City Primer features 340 pages of Disney lore, with 33 stories touching on topics ranging from Walt himself to “the Disney that never was.” You’ll learn about legendary Disneyland projects such as Liberty Street, and hear weird and wacky episodes of Walt Disney World history. There’s even a selection of recipes from the Parks’ past, so you can have a Progress City supper party as you read!

Win Disney comics from POP! Comics & Culture Emporium! Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland
Four (4) winners will win copies of select Disney comic books, courtesy of the new POP! Comics and Culture Emporium! Located just minutes away from Disneyland in historic Downtown Anaheim’s Center Street Promenade, POP is Anaheim’s newest and best little comic shop featuring the greatest comics from big publishers and innovative indies! POP is also home to the best comics events and signings in Orange County! Four (4) winners will each win one (1) of the following prizes from POP:

  • Haunted Mansion #1 — POP! Exclusive Variant signed by artist Jody Daily and Disney Imagineers Tom Morris, Josh Shipley and Brian Crosby
  • Darkwing Duck #1 — Signed by writer Aaron Sparrow
  • Seekers of the Weird #1 — Variant signed by artist Brian Crosby and Disney Imagineers Tom Morris and Josh Shipley
  • Seekers of the Weird #1 — Full set of all four covers (unsigned)

Win a year subscription to TouringPlans.com! Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland
Four (4) winners will receive a one-year Disneyland Resort subscription to TouringPlans.com, where they can enjoy access to 365 days of Disneyland crowd predictions, accurate attraction wait times, Computer-Optimized Touring Plans and much more! TouringPlans.com will help you get the most out of your Disneyland Resort vacation, allowing you to do more and wait less.

Enter-To-Win!
The Dateline Disneyland Farewell Season Giveaway runs each week in June 2016! Enter to win up to three (3) times per week by completing the entry options using the Rafflecopter widget below, or by clicking here! This week’s giveaway is open until 10:00 PM PST Sunday, June 19!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Prize Breakdown
Prizes will be awarded in the following breakdown each week during the month of June 2016:

  • One (1) Grand Prize Winner will receive 2-Night Hotel Stay: Three (3) of Four (4) prizes will be for the Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel, One (1) of Four (4) prizes will be for the Courtyard Marriott Anaheim Hotel.
  • One (1) Winner will receive a hardcover copy of The Progress City Primer
  • One (1) Winner will receive a digital download of The Progress City Primer audiobook
  • One (1) Winner will receive a Disney comic book prize; One (1) Winner will receive a TouringPlans.com Disneyland Resort subscription.

Thank you for your support over the last eight years!
Good luck!

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 ]

Building a Galaxy Far, Far Away

Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland

Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland

Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland

The Skyway Chalet is still in place for now…
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Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland

Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland

Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland

Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland

Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland

Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland

Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland

Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland

Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland

Rivers of America

Disney has finally covered up the open viewpoint at the back of the Hungry Bear Restaurant, so it will be harder to see the construction of the River’s new backside in the coming months… Our best bet now is finding open knotholes in construction walls…
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Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland

Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland

Big Thunder Trail

A look at the work from Big Thudner Trail.
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Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland

Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland

Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland

Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland

This & That

Tarzan’s Treehouse reopened in Adventureland. Railing and netting was replaced and/or repainted with some minor sprucing up of show scenes.
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Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland

Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland

The Sailing Ship Columbia was getting some work done on Friday…
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Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland

Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland

Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland

Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland

In Downtown Disney, work continues on the new Starbucks location next to the DVC Sales Center
Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland

Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland

Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland

Meanwhile, the House of Blues has moved out and the building is now vacant. Disney has not yet announced a new tenant for the space.
Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland

Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland

Relax in luxury at Courtyard Marriott Anaheim
Presented by the Courtyard Marriott Anaheim Hotel & Waterpark

Across the street from the iconic HoJo Anaheim is the HoJo’s new sister property, the Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance. While the HoJo provides quirky retro flare, the Courtyard is everything you’ve come to expect from a contemporary resort-style hotel.

Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland

The rooms at the Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance are super roomy and perfectly suited to accommodate you and your family. Pictured below is the standard but spacious 532-square foot guest room with two queen sized beds, twin bunk beds, a refrigerator, microwave, 47-inch HD TV with Netflix, central air conditioning, and a breakfast nook for four. The beds are super comfy, a perfect retreat after a long day in the theme parks.

Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland
Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland

Visiting Disneyland with little ones? Every Courtyard room comes complete with twin bunk beds — your room accommodates every traveler in your party!

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Every Courtyard room includes a mini-fridge, a microwave and a Keurig coffee maker. Enjoy your coffee or snacks in your room’s breakfast nook next to the balcony window or grab it as you head out on your way to Disneyland.

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Families can spread out and get ready quickly at the Courtyard Marriott with a large double vanity sink, illuminated makeup mirror, a shower/tub combo with a separate standalone shower. Bathrooms come with high quality Paul Mitchell brand soaps and shampoos in case you forgot to pack your own. No more waiting all morning for everybody to get ready — getting ready is a breeze in this huge, family-friendly bathroom!

Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland
Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland

Guests staying in waterpark view rooms enjoy stunning views of the Courtyard’s spectacular waterpark along with wonderful views of Disneyland, including the iconic Space Mountain! Check back next week as we take a closer look at the Courtyard’s impressive waterpark!

Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland
Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland
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, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland
Weekly News & Information Round-Up
Weekly Theme Park Hours
June 13-19, 2016
Disneyland Park California Adventure
Mon.-Fri.: 8 am – 11 pm
Saturday: 8 am – 12 am
Sunday: 8 am – 11 pm
Daily: 8 am – 9 pm
For a complete listing of theme park hours,
visit the Disneyland.com Theme Park Calendar
Closure and Refurbishment Schedule
Disneyland Park
  • 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!
Disney California Adventure
  • Soarin’ Over California: Closed one day on June 16 to change to new Soarin’ Around the World.
Downtown Disney and Disneyland Resort Hotels
    None.
Tomorrowplan Crowd Estimates for Disneyland Resort from Mouseaddict

June 13-19

Mon
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Tue
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Wed
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Thu
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Fri
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Sat
Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland
Sun
Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland

  • Our hearts are heavy with the events of this weekend. As you enter the park this week, take a moment at the half-staff flag to remember all those who are victims of gun violence and hatred everywhere.

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, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland

Headline Roundup

A quick look at noteworthy Disney theme park headlines from around the web.
  • Imagineer Tom Fitzgerald discusses the flight path of Soarin Over the World (Disney Parks Blog)
  • Disney plans new luxury hotel at Disneyland Resort, Anaheim mayor disappointed at Disney’s use of tax break. (OC Disney)
  • Disney announces new comic book series based on The Enchanted Tiki Room show at Disneyland. (Disney Parks Blog)
  • Shanghai Disney Resort news:
OK, that wraps up this short but sweet summer edition of Dateline Disneyland! Be sure to enter-to-win in our Farewell Season Giveaway!

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

    Kendra H., Brian A., Dusty Sage,
    Mark D., Bruno, Casey, Hastin Z.!

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, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland
Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland
Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland
Disneyland, Summer and Star Wars continue at Disneyland

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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.