The first signs of the holidays have started to appear at Disneyland as Christmas lights are strung up on the facade of “it’s a small world” and a new ice skating rink gets ready to open in Downtown Disney. At Disney California Adventure, new telephone poles are up in Cars Land where holiday garland and lights will delight Guests as they walk down Route 66. Meanwhile, construction and refurbishment projects continue across the Resort, with new architectural details emerging at Disneyland’s new Fantasy Faire, terrazzo replacement at California Adventure’s Carthay Circle Theater, progress at Downtown Disney‘s Earl of Sandwich and a new paint job for the Paradise Pier Hotel.

Get a closer look at today’s update! Click on any photo in today’s column for a large, high-resolution version of the image.

Welcome to Disneyland!

Disney California Adventure will continue to remain open until midnight Friday nights this month while Disneyland closes early for its popular Halloween parties.
holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

Moderate Halloween Time crowds continue this week at Disneyland. TouringPlans.com can help you navigate the parks with our per-park Crowd Calendar, Lines – Mobile Wait Times App that gives access to current and estimated wait times for attractions, and Touring Plans detailing the best plan of attack for hitting the attractions. With Halloween crowds here and holiday crowds on the horizon, it’s a good time to subscribe to TouringPlans.com to plan your strategy to avoid the crowds!

Below are the predicted resort-wide crowd numbers for select days generated by the TouringPlans professional statisticians as measured for the upcoming week. For the access to the full year and per-park crowd level predictions, visit our Crowd Calendar.

— Fred Hazelton, Statistician, TouringPlans.com

[center]holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue[/center] [center]Overall
Crowd Prediction[/center]		 [center]TouringPlans.com
Crowd Tips[/center]
Tues., Oct. 16 [center]2 /10[/center] Here are some quick-hit notes that we hope you’ll find helpful as you prepare your visits for the week:
  • Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland will boost California Adventure crowds on Friday.
  • Partial blockouts on Saturday and Sunday.
  • Disney California Adventure’s lightest crowds will be on Tuesday when it’s a 5.1.
  • Due to its incredibly low capacity, consider riding Luigi’s Flying Tires standby right after starting your day by grabbing a FASTPASS for Radiator Springs Racers.
Wed., Oct. 17 4 /10
Thu., Oct. 18 3 /10
Fri., Oct. 19 6/10
Crowd levels are based on a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the least crowded conditions and 10 being most crowded.See Disneyland crowds for the next 365 days.
Get Disneyland wait times on your iPhone, Android, or Smartphone.Do more. Wait less.
holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue
Dateline Disneyland is sponsored by TouringPlans.com.

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

Construction Kingdom
holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

City Hall remains behind its scrim as its refurbishment progresses…
holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

At the end of Main Street, construction continues on the new Fantasy Faire princess meet-and-greet area.
holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

A lot of new architectural details are now starting to appear… This area should look very nice when it’s finished.
holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

Inside Fantasyland, Casey Jr. Circus Train and Storybook Land continue their refurbishments.
holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

The Circus Train bridges are still getting a lot of work done…
holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

Hauntings and Holidays

Over at “it’s a small world,” keen-eyed guests can spot the first signs of the holidays as Christmas lights are starting to go up on the attraction’s facade.
holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

The individual light bulbs will come later, the most of the facade has gotten its empty strings of lights already…
holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

Meanwhile, Halloween Time continues throughout the park. In the far corner of Frontierland the new Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree, which struggled to find an audience over the summer has become quite a hive of activity with the new Halloween Carnival.
holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

The Halloween Time pumpkin carvers that have been popular at Big Thunder Ranch for years now get a lot of attention back here while long lines form at the villains meet-and-greet.
holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

The fun Halloween-themed Billy Hill and the Hillbillies show draws big audiences.
holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

Take a look and listen at a portion of the Haunted Hillbillies show below:

Elsewhere in Frontierland, Ray Bradbury’s Halloween Tree has been a part of Disneyland’s Halloween Time offerings since 2007. It’s a nice tribute to an important figure in American literature who also had strong ties to Disney. The tree has always been a little disappointing, though, decorated with orange string lights and cheap faux pumpkins that have faces drawn on with Sharpie markers.
holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

I know every project has its budget, but if Disneyland’s holiday team is having a hard time working extra Sharpies into the budget, I’d be happy to go buy and donate a few so they can finish this pumpkin that’s currently on display in the tree.
holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

Storecade

In Tomorrowland, the long-neglected Starcade is partially behind walls this week as work is underway to install the new meet-and-greet area for the character from Disney’s upcoming animated film “Wreck-It Ralph.”
holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

While a meet-and-greet in the two-level Starcade isn’t an ideal use of the space, the arcade-theme of “Wreck-It Ralph” will at least make sense here and the overflow merchandise displays from the Star Trader can be stocked with something more relevant to the space. For now, you can stock up on pillow pal plush or the same toys you can find in numerous other stores throughout the Resort.
holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

Yep, Disney still officially labels this space as an arcade… Looks more like a gift shop to me…
holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

You can spot construction walls dividing the Starcade’s space in half
holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

Welcome to California Adventure

Over at California Adventure, construction continues on the new planter on the west side of the park’s main gate.
holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

The new fence posts are now up
holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

At Oswald’s Filling Station, the popular Oswald ear hats were back in stock this weekend. Cast Members told me they weren’t expecting this shipment and the hats were selling quickly. They said they expect a more steady supply in mid-December.
holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

The Carthay Circle Theater’s main entrance is now partially behind construction walls (hedges) while its terazzo floor is replaced.
holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

Large menus are up while the regular menus are obscured during construction
holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

A peek behind walls
holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

Some photos from last week show the terazzo floor as it originally appeared. We’ll see if the design changes at all when the project wraps.
holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

In Hollywood Land, the Sorcerer’s Workshop in Disney Animation recently updated the character personality tests in the Beast’s Library area with new characters.
holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

Characters from Pixar films including Nemo and Syndome have been added as well as classic Disney characters such as Mickey Mouse.
holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

Take a look at a couple new character results in the video below:

Cars Land Changes

In Cars Land, new safety padding has been installed in Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree’s ride vehicles after guests reported injuries including whiplash and chipped teeth.
holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

Meanwhile, the new telephone poles we told you about in last week’s blog have new brackets in place, where holiday garland will be strung from.
holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

Sandwiches and Skating
holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

Out in Downtown Disney, Earl of Sandwich’s new paint job is coming along nicely as work on the dining location’s interior gets closer to completion…
holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

A peek inside…
holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

Steps away from Earl of Sandwich, a new Tinker Bell-themed ice skating rink has sprung up.
holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

Last week, the Disney Parks Blog announced that the ice skating rink would open “soon” and officially open on October 23.
holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

The whole thing is to promote the upcoming direct-to-DVD Tinker Bell movie: “Secret of the Wings”
holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

Ticket booths and skate rental shacks
holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

Re-Painting Paradise

Not too far from Downtown Disney, the Paradise Pier Hotel is finally getting a new color scheme, ridding the place of the awful teal color that defined most of Paradise Pier when California Adventure opened in 2001.
holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

On the left you can see the old teal and on the right the new blue
holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

Decorative sun icons that covered lighting fixtures have been removed
holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

Inside the Hotel, much of the old original 2001 California Adventure concept art has been replaced with new art from the recent remodel and other non-specific art.
holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

California Adventure remodel concept art replaced original Paradise Pier concept art.
holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

Other Pier-themed art in hotel common areas
holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

Up on the roof top pool level, you can see the backside of the hotel tower getting repainted.
holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

The walkway to the handicap ramp up to the pool deck is currently blocked off.
holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

The “Slurpin’ USA” pool bar and the rather sad-looking Pier Side Pavilion are closed for now
holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

Pool restrooms are also closed for refurbishment
holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

A temporary handicap ramp is available for pool access.
holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue
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Weekly News & Information Round-Up
Weekly Theme Park Hours
October 15-21, 2012
[B]Disneyland Park[/B] [B]Disney California Adventure[/B]
Monday: 8 am – 6 pm
Tuesday: 9 am – 8 pm
Wednesday-Thursday: 9 am – 8 pm
Friday: 8 am – 7 pm
Saturday-Sunday: 8 am – 12 midnight		 Monday: 8 am – 8 pm
Tuesday-Thursday: 9 am – 8 pm
Friday: 8 am – 12 midnight
Saturday: 8 am – 11 pm
Saturday: 8 am – 10 pm
[CENTER]For a complete listing of theme park hours,
visit the Disneyland.com Theme Park Calendar[/CENTER]
[center]Expected Crowd Levels[/center] [center]presented by TouringPlans.com[/center]
[CENTER][B]Disneyland Park[/B][/CENTER] [CENTER][B]Disney California Adventure[/B][/CENTER]
[CENTER][B]LOW-HIGH[/B]
[B]1.3—8.0[/B] out of 10[/CENTER]		 [CENTER][B]MEDIUM-HIGH[/B]
[B]5.1—8.2[/B] out of 10[/CENTER]
[CENTER]Crowd levels are based on a scale from 1 to 10,
with 1 being the least crowded conditions and 10 being most crowded.
[B]For crowd predictions for the next 365 days, visit
holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue[/B]
[center]Closure and Refurbishment Schedule[/center]
[b][center]Disneyland Park[/center][/b]
  • [B]Storybook Land Canal Boats:[/B] Closed through November 15, 2012 for refurbishment.
  • [B]Casey Jr. Circus Train:[/B] Closed through November 15, 2012 for refurbishment.
  • [b]Indiana Jones Adventure:[/b] Closed through December 7, 2012 for refurbishment.
  • [B]Starcade:[/B] Partially closed to install Wreck-It Ralph meet-and-greet. Reopens October 19, 2012.
  • [B]”it’s a small world”:[/B] Closed October 22-November 8, 2012 to install holiday overlay
  • [B]Big Thunder Ranch:[/B] Closed November 1-8, 2012 to remove Halloween overlay and install holiday overlay
  • [B]Space Mountain:[/B] Closed November 5, 2012 to remove Halloween overlay
  • [B]Alice in Wonderland:[/B] Expected to close early 2013 to install permanent safety railing on outdoor ride portion.
  • [B]Fantasy Faire:[/B] New princess-themed meet-and-greet area in former Carnation Plaza Gardens is under construction and expected to open in early 2013.
  • [B]Princess Fantasy Faire at the Fantasyland Theater:[/B] Fantasyland Theater closed August 12. Princesses have relocated to Small World Promenade allowing the Fantasyland Theater to close and prepare for a new show.
[b][center]Disney California Adventure[/center][/b]
    None.
[b][center]Downtown Disney and Disneyland Resort Hotels[/center][/b]
  • [B]Earl of Sandwich:[/B] Former Compass Book store and cafe will reopen as the new Earl of Sandwich restaurant fall 2012.
[center]Headline Roundup
A quick look at noteworthy Disney theme park headlines from around the web.[/center]
  • The OC Regsiter is reporting that Disney is testing new RFID wrist bands that Guests would wear to gain admission to parks, get FASTPASS and unlock hotel rooms.
  • The City of Anaheim is considering a $318 million plan to add street cars between the new transportation hub and Disneyland.
  • Disneyland named its 2013-2014 Ambassadors last week.
  • A Disneyland machinist was critically injured after a Space Mountain ride vehicle hit him, reports the OC Regsiter
  • OC Register had photos showing California Adventure’s old CALIFORNIA letter statues were packed up and sent off to their new home in Sacramento, CA last week.
Alright, that wraps up today’s edition of Dateline Disneyland. What are you most excited for this holiday season – Cars Land decorations, ice skating in Downtown Disney or favorites like “it’s a small world holiday”? Let us know in the comments section below!

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For more Disneyland news, be sure to read MiceChat’s weekly In the Parks blog. And be sure to check out 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!
[B]- Andy[/B]

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holidays, First signs of the holidays appear at Disneyland as construction projects continue

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Andy Castro
Andy Castro
http://datelinedisneyland.com
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.
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