We are on the cusp of insanity at Disneyland. The coming week brings the first public previews of Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout to the Disneyland Resort. That, in turn, will bring crowds . . . but this past weekend was already one of the most insanely busy in recent memory. For a while on Saturday Disneyland had to close the front gates to newly arriving guests. Keep in mind that the summer season doesn’t even officially start for the theme parks until Memorial Day weekend. That sort of front gate restriction is generally reserved for major holidays. All signs point to some painfully busy days ahead.



, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

Dog Days of Disneyland

These photos were taken on Saturday, in the midst of epic overcrowding. The temperature in the park hit a high of about 92º, the walkways were filled with people going nowhere fast, and it seemed like all the big rides were broken down . . . forcing even more people into the walkways.

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

Needless to say, I wasn’t feeling the magic. You’ll recall from my previous updates that I like to stop and smell the roses, I’m accustomed to crowds and adept at finding the little out of the way spots to keep me occupied. But this weekend was different. With the hoards of people all looking for an escape, most of those little out of the way spots were either used as queue lines for attractions, or were themselves packed with guests. Even the Tiki Room had lines outside the patio and was playing to a packed house show after show.

No Escape

So, what is causing all this unseasonable overcrowding? There are several factors. Chief among them SoCal 3 day for $150 ticket holders. This was the last weekend available to use up the last days of these tickets.  In addition, Saturday was also Grad Night. Thousands of High School seniors have a full day of access to Disneyland, followed by an evening at DCA. Disneyland has a huge chunk of park capacity under construction for Star Wars land, which has put pressure on the West side of the park. In addition, many big attractions spent much of the day closed for breakdowns, making the rest of the park feel even more crowded as the masses were forced into the walkways.

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!
They had to pull the horse drawn trolleys off the street early on Saturday because of heat and crowds.
, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!
Lots of people in the park also mean big crowds for the Disneyland Marching Band. I’ve never seen so many people stop to watch them play.
, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!
Just the thought of squeezing through the maze at the entry to Tomorrowland gave me a feeling of claustrophobia (an affliction which I do NOT suffer from). It’s time for those rocks to go and the Astro Orbiter to be moved (or removed). The park is just too crowded for this sort of unnecessary obstruction.
, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!
You know it’s busy when they have cast members hold directional signs telling you which side of the path to walk on.

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!
THREE HOUR wait for Hyperspace Mountain.
, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!
Line out the door for Pizza Port

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

 

But it wasn’t just the big rides with massive waits. The queue for it’s a small world filled the ENTIRE terraced parade viewing area.

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

 

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!
I love Storybook Land . . . but I wouldn’t wait an hour for it. Those people standing to the left are actually in an extended switchback for the classic boat ride into a mini storybook world.
, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!
Massive queue for Tea Cups at the back of this image.
, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!
This is my FAVORITE Fantasyland dark ride.
, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!
Everyone else must feel the same way. That’s a long time to wait for a minor attraction such as this one.
, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!
The line for Alice stretched all the way to the Mad Hatter and created some confusion for folks not knowing if they were getting in line for Tea Cups or Alice!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!
Even the Carousel had an extended queue which stretched all the way around the West side of the attraction.

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!
Red Rose Taverne was packed.

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!
And just forget about Peter Pan. The line was just crazy. Oh how I miss riding this attraction . . . but I refuse to wait more than about 15 minutes for a ride that is over in the blink of an eye.

Making things worse, Big Thunder spent hours broken down on Saturday.  , Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

But, when it reopened, the line immediately exploded.

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!
DON’T DO IT DUSTY . . .

If only I had listened to my gut. But I had photos to shoot. Lots and lots of very important photos. So, into the breach I go. I do it for you. If I perish, know that I love you. I loved you all . . .   😉

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!
If it looks like everyone is just standing, that’s because they are. Once you get to New Orleans Square on a crazy crowd day, you can easily get trapped with the other zombies. The line for Pirates bisects this land, cutting off the flow of traffic. There’s a tiny strip of walkway along the river and another tiny sliver of moving path which goes over the Adventureland bridge. Unfortunately, they also use half of that bridge width for Pirates queue and also wrap the bread bowl window line onto the bridge when needed. Had any Disneyland management been in this area mid-day on Saturday, they would have heard how guests REALLY felt about the Disney magic at that particular moment in time. Folks were quite vocal and it wasn’t very family friendly.
, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!
90 minutes to ride Pirates!

Splash was also down when I reached this little corner of the park. However, the line swelled to well over 2 hours as soon as it reopened.
, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!
, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!
, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!
Splash also had major down time on Saturday. Though the line swelled to well over 2 hours as soon as it reopened:
, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!
, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!It didn’t help that Indiana Jones is down for refurbishment until May 26th.

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!Jungle Cruise’s upstairs queue was completely full with an additional stretch of switchback in front of the attraction as well.

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!And even the Tiki Room was PACKED.

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

Tomorrowlanding

You have one week left to enjoy Hyperspace Mountain (for now). The attraction will go down for a brief refurbishment after Memorial Day Weekend and will reopen on June 1st as just “Space Mountain.” We hear that it’s a thrilling, high speed, turbulent roller coaster type ride in the dark with sharp turns, sudden drops, and stops.

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!
Season of the Force will also be coming to an end after next weekend.

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!
Path of the Jedi will likely remain
, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!
As will Star Wars Launch Bay

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

We wandered into Star Traders for some much needed air conditioning and found some fun stuff (it’s not all new, but it is pretty neat) . . .

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

We love these pop art style Star Wars shirts and bags:

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

And this Dia De Lost Muertos style art. Pins are also available with these designs.

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

 

Construction Land

Even with all the people in the parks, construction continues at a fever pitch. The Rivers of America has been refilled and the coffer dam removed. That means that Fantasmic rehearsals can really ramp up.

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!
A curtain has been placed on the Fantasmic stage.

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

The rafts to Tom Sawyer Island will hopefully be back in service soon. , Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

And at the back of the river, the new rocks, railroad trestle, and waterfalls are fully visible. , Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!  , Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

Train testing is now underway. The little bridge which allowed you to walk across the tracks at the New Orleans Station has been removed. The barrier to the tunnel behind the Haunted Mansion has also been removed to allow the trains access to the full circuit.

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

The other river project is the retheme of Big Thunder Trail. With the overcrowding of Disneyland lately, this trail would be a huge relief of traffic. We hope they can get it reopen in time for Memorial Day weekend.

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

 

This and That

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!
The Tour Garden is currently closed.
, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!
The tour meeting spot has moved to the Info Booth in the Esplanade.

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

 

I popped into the Emporium on Main Street to have a quick look. I just love the way this store is decorated.  , Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!
If you look up, you’ll find some fantastic turn of the century scenes.

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

Merchandise for the new Pirates of the Caribbean film is now available. , Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

 

The line for an ice cream can get really long. Perhaps they were thinking of that when they redesigned this space. Look at all that fancy woodwork above the order windows . . . , Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

Does it look like a screaming baby to anyone else?  , Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

The Dream Suite logo has been removed from the blue sign at the base of the stairs. This space now belongs to the 21 Royal complex (Walt’s private dining room, which is now available for guest rental at the bargain price of $15k).  , Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

Have you noticed that everywhere you go there are bubbles in the air? It seems that every child now has one of these bubble wands.  , Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED! , Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

Star Wars Land

If you missed Friday’s Star Wars Land News on MiceChat, here are a few of the photos from Dave. The progress is really coming along . . .

You can see the full Star Wars Land update HERE

Downtown Disney

The Monorails have finally gone down for their planned refurbishment.

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED! , Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

 

The Coffee House at the Disneyland Hotel has a few interesting items other than coffee . . ., Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

You can get a Dole Whip here . . . with a splash of RUM!!!, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

They also have some super luxe doughnuts. , Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

But they close by 4pm each day, so don’t delay.  🙂

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

 

AMC is promoting the Pirates of the Caribbean film, which opens on the 26th. , Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

 

All of the planters in Downtown Disney have been replanted over the last couple of months. We really like the standard Lantana in the garden below.  , Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

And Splitzville has finally gone vertical. We’ll all be bowling and eating sushi soon.  , Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

 

There’s some facade work going on at the Grand California Hotel. , Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

 


Guardians of California Adventure

Summer of Heroes and Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT are sure to push DCA over the edge this summer. And that all starts in just a few days.

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

The banners in the Esplanade have been changed out for the new promotion. , Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

Additional banners have been hung between the ticket gates. , Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

Summer of Heroes has made its way to Hollywood Land. , Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

The Hollywood Studios arch has been painted red. , Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

There are also some props which are currently covered up. , Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

Those appear to be iPads on stands under the round signs.  , Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

The strange arch below may be for the premiere of Mission Breakout next week and not for Summer of Heroes. But that’s just a guess based upon the temporary looking vinyl wrap and Guardians logos.

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

This structure likely will be used for the Summer of Heroes dance party. During the day, it is currently used for student performing groups.

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

Guardians get ready to BREAKOUT!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!
The stage has been set for the grand opening celebration for Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! Screens flank the street and even the Hyperion Theater sign has been covered on one side so the Tower will be the star.

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!
Light towers have been erected between the Hyperion and the tower.

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

Are you ready to drop in?

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

 This and That

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!
The Disney Junior sign has been removed.
, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!
Will Pirates be overshadowed by Marvel next week?
, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!
A Cars 3 preview is playing in the Bugs Life theater.

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!
I’ve not been a big fan of the Cars films, but I liked what I saw in this trailer. It’s darker than the previous films, but seems like a deeper and more emotionally resonant theme.

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

How many attractions should be shut down so they can play movie previews at any given time? Two in one park at the same time seems like a bit much and the Resort really needs more attraction capacity right now.

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!
The grapes are growing in the vineyard.

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!
Two hours to ride Grizzly River Rapids.

Three attractions in the park were all listed as 120 minute waits. That’s 6 hours of waiting for just three attractions. Ouch. , Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

Well folks, that wraps things up for this update. It was a challenging week in the parks, but there’s a lot to look forward to in the coming weeks. New rides, new entertainment, the return of the Disneyland Railroad and Fantasmic. Are you excited? Or are you worried that if Disneyland can’t handle a random weekend in May, that it’s not going to be able to handle a series of major new offerings?

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, Disneyland Update – Mission: GRIDLOCKED!

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]