Disneyland Resort is in full Fall mode. Halloween Time has begun, and there are the usual smattering of refurbishments and maintenance projects that usually crop up prior to the madness that is the Holiday season. But what many have not seemed to notice is the slow creep upward on the prices for impulse buy items, and things like bottled water and vitamin water. The park, while being kept up, is costing more to visit. This week we check up on the multiple projects and further discuss the increasing prices of smaller items throughout the resort.
UP UP AND AWAY
On a recent visit to the Disneyland resort we stopped by a churro cart for some water. A simple bottle of Dasani that tends to go for $1.50 at any average convenience store normally cost $2.79 inside the berm. To our surprise the price now was an even $3.00.
Other outdoor vending options have increased even more. If you want a Churro, you will now pay $0.50 more at $3.50. Care for a bottled soda? That will be $3.25. Vitamin Water now costs an insane $4.00.
This increase is not just limited to waters, vitamin water, and churros. Prices at all Outdoor Vending locations have been slowly creeping upward along with the impulse buys in the stores.
Price increases are the nature of the beast at theme and amusement parks. With the rising costs of supplies over the years, incremental price increases are just what happens. But this is not an increase due to inflation. These are price increases designed to get an idea for what the market will bare.
$5.00 for a bag of stale candy corn?
The first class showmanship comes at a heavy price.
MICKEY’S TOON TOWN
Speaking of upkeep, Benny is still missing in action from above the Roger Rabbit’s Car toon spin entrance.
Meanwhile, work continues behind Minnie’s meet and greet house.
And The ToonTown hills continue to peel away.
CASEY JR. CIRCUS TRAIN AND STORYBOOK LAND CANAL BOATS
Substantial rebuilding and refurbishments continue at the Casey Jr. Train and Storybook Land complex.
BOUTIQUE REFURB
The scaffolding has been removed from the side of the Bibbidy-Bobbidy-Boutique with no discernible changes revealed.
FANTASY FAIRE VILLAGE
Here is the latest from the Fantasy Faire Village project. Steel framing has been installed on top of the existing facade infrastructure.
BUENA VISTA STREET
If one is being charged premium prices one should expect a premium product. Upon entering Disney California Adventure this week, we took time to soak in the beautifully detailed surroundings. When it launched this Summer, this area of the park was given a back-story of being lived in. While there was aging, the cracked pavement, the weathered brass railings, these were intentional. Buena Vista Street had a certain level of presentation. It was lived in, but clean and sparkling as well.
Now, not even a year into its use, there are noticeable signs of wear and tear that need to be addressed.
These railings, intended only for Cast member use, are still visible on stage.
The beautiful park benches that flank the planters in the center of the street used to
glisten with a clean wood finish
They are already becoming scuffed and worn.
Thankfully there is one thing that has remained totally up to par since day one. The Streetmosphrere is still as vibrant and appealing as ever. Our favorite is the Dog Lady and her pet, Lady. For Halloween she is sporting an adorable new costume. Find her and pay her a compliment. The pooch loves flattery.
AWARD WIENERS
With the arrival of the Frankenweenie exhibit and movie preview, Award Wieners has debuted a new hot dog and drink.
CARS LAND
The expansion of Ramone’s Body Shop is now underway. The space that was originally designed as a Fastpass distribution center for Radiator Springs Racers is now closed up and is getting a new look.
No more stroller parking for you!
Inside the existing store, one section has been closed off to allow for an expansion to go through to the other building.
RADIATOR SPRINGS RACERS
The big new E-ticket seems to have resolved many of its operational issues, with most of its effects working all of the time. The one unpredictable element is on the outside, with the continuing problem with the beautiful pine trees during the exterior portion of the ride.
While things do not seem to have gotten too much worse, they certainly have not improved.
Finally, the Earl of Sandwich project continues to plod along at a glacial pace in Downtown Disney Anaheim. It appears that the dining room has now been expanded past what was originally planned, allowing for more dining space. A red frame work has appeared in front of the store front, while considerable foundation work seems to be occurring under it.
Inside, the controlled chaos moves forward
The tedious paint job has not yet crept from this particular spot.
D23 Discount
We recently noticed that D23 has begun giving renewal discounts of $5 to $10 for current members. We did a little digging and found that this is not special pricing, but rather a permanent discount for renewing members.
That should do it for us today on our report from the Disneyland Resort. Prices continue to rise on big and small items alike. Work continues on the multiple projects inside Disneyland proper. Earl of Sandwich STILL isn’t open. Yep, it’s a normal day in Anaheim.
Don’t forget to visit MiceChat and D23 at the Gay Days info center this weekend. Both have some great things to giveaway.
- D23 PIN COLLECTORS PAY ATTENTION!
D23 will be selling 500 limited edition rainbow Tinkerbell D23 pins - MiceChat is giving away a copy of Disneyland Paris: From Sketch to Reality on Sunday at the official MiceChat Noon Meet. Stop by the MiceChat booth at the Gay Days Info Center for your chance to win!