Big crowds continued through the final week of Disneyland‘s busy spring break season. As the final crowds of spring break hit the parks, work continued on Disneyland’s various on-going projects. In Fantasyland, work continues on the upcoming Mickey and the Magical Map stage show while Frontierland‘s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad continued its major 10-month refurbishment. Nearby, Disney will bring some rare characters out for meet-and-greets at the Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree during “Long Lost Friends Week,” the latest Limited Time Magic offering. At Disney California Adventure, a big selection of new Cars Land merchandise has hit the shelves.

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!

Disneyland hosted its final week of spring break crowds last week and the park will once again enter a slow period with reduced hours until Memorial Day weekend next month.
spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

A look at wait times midday Friday.
spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

New Dumbo-themed souvenir popcorn buckets have debuted at Disneyland.
spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

They’re very cute and were already popular with guests Friday morning.
spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

[center][/center]

Refurbishment Round-Up
spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

On Main Street, the Market House and Disneyana shop enter their final week of operation before they close April 15 to make way for Disneyland’s new Starbucks location.
spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

We took a detailed look at the Market House and Disneyana in our March 25 update. The current footprint of the Market House will expand into what is currently the Disneyana shop. The Disneyana shop, originally added to Main Street in the 1970s and moved to its current location in 1986, will be folded into the current Disney Gallery in Town Square.
spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

At the end of Main Street, the “Corner Cafe” sign has been reinstalled at the Refreshment Corner archway.
spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

In Fantasyland, scaffolding went up on part of the Alice in Wonderland show building last week.
spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

Meanwhile, the Fantasyland Theater continues to move toward its reopening as a real theater with its new show “Mickey and the Magical Map.”
spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

More stage dressing can be seen
spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

In Frontierland, Big Thunder Mountain’s extensive refurbishment project continues along…
spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

The Mark Twain Riverboat’s extended refurbishment should be wrapping up by April 17.
spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

Limited Time Magic

[center]Long Lost Friends Week
at Disneyland Park
April 8 — 14, 2013
[/center]
Disney announced some rare characters will make appearances during “Long Lost Friends Week,” the latest offering from the ongoing Limited Time Magic promotion.
spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

Walt Disney World hosted its own version of Long Lost Friends Week back in January which proved to be popular among fans. Disneyland’s version will take place in Frontierland’s Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree and will include special food items and a variety of characters selected by fans in a recent online poll.

  • Esmeralda, Clopin and Frollo (From “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”)
  • Pocahontas, John Smith, Meeko and Governor Ratcliffe (From “Pocahontas”)
  • Robin Hood, Friar Tuck, Prince John and Sheriff of Nottingham (From “Robin Hood”)
  • Scrooge McDuck and Ludwig Von Drake
  • The Three Little Pigs

Food offerings will include “Monte Cristo Strips” and “Zany Cotton Candy.”

Annual Passholders can enjoy Long Lost Friends Week all week a half-hour before regular park guests. Details below:

[center]Long Lost Friends Photo Moments
Limited Time Annual Passholder Magic Event
at Disneyland Park
April 8-14, 2013
[/center]

    Long Lost Friends Photo Moments – Annual Passholder Character Greeting
    Strike a pose with some long lost friends — 30 minutes before regular park Guests get to enter the Character Greeting area in Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree each day — with this special Limited Time Annual Passholder Magic opportunity. Annual Passholders will be admitted to these special half-hour Character Greetings with some rarely seen Disney Characters for some fantastic photo moments.
      Date
    • April 8-14, 2013
      Event Location
    • Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree, Frontierland.
      Event Time
    • 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.

      Please note that Annual Passholders may be admitted to the Character Greeting area at Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree at 10:00 a.m. — 30 minutes prior to regular Guest admittance, which is at 10:30 a.m.

      Event Details
    • All participating Guests (ages 3 and older) must be valid
    • Annual Passholders on the day of event participation. Children under 3 years of age are permitted to attend the event as long as space is available.
    • All participating Annual Passholders must present their active Annual Passport to the event Cast Member at Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree in Frontierland at Disneyland Park. Photo ID may be required.
    • The event is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. and lasts for 30 minutes each day.
    • Space is limited. Admission to the area will be granted subject to capacity, scheduled park events and other restrictions.

    • Participation does not include early Disneyland Park entry or parking.

[center][/center]

The Gumball Rally Strikes Back!
MAY 4, 2013

spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

Can you conquer every attraction at Disneyland in a single day? MiceChat’s famous Gumball Rally returns this spring to put you to the test — Tickets on sale now!

Welcome to California Adventure

California Adventure continues through the spring without any major projects following five years of remodeling and expansion.
spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

In Hollywood Land, Muppet*Vision 3D has returned following the run of the Oz: The Great and Powerful sneak preview
spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

No more Oz signage
spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

Cars Land is still drawing big crowds
spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

New signage directing guests to Radiator Springs Racers has gone up on both sides of the Route 66 and Cross Street intersection in Cars Land.
spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

A new drink cooler recently popped up on the Radiator Springs Curios front porch
spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

Guests select their bottled Coca Cola beverages and pay for them inside the shop. A Cast Member stationed on the porch keeps an eye on the cooler at all times.
spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

More Cars Land neon sign-themed shirts, hats, mugs and toothpick holders are now available at Radiator Springs Curios. It’s good to see a lot of land-specific merchandise available. Hopefully this sort of land and attraction-specific merchandise can trickle into other areas in both parks.
spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

Magnets:
spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

Over at Sarge’s Surplus Hut, two new hats are available for $24.95 each.
spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

Below is the new Cozy Cone hat, which Disney is promoting as part of its Limited Time Magic offerings, but will likely stick around even after the promo.
spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

And a new Red to the Rescue! firefighter hat
spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

This and That

Back in Disneyland, a new Haunted Mansion-themed shirt has hit the shelves
spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

And in Downtown Disney, the new permanent stage by ESPN Zone has opened up.
spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

Iron Man 3 banners are up at the Downtown Disney AMC Theater, which recently installed an IMAX Theater.
spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

Iron Man 3 will be offered in IMAX here, but be aware that it will only be the IMAX picture and sound quality on a slightly larger screen, not the full IMAX-size screen that you’d find at the Irvine Spectrum IMAX or at the Universal CityWalk IMAX theaters. You won’t be getting the full IMAX experience, but you will pay the full IMAX price!
spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland

spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects continue at Disneyland
Dateline Disneyland is sponsored by our good friends at the

Howard Johnson Plaza 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

MiceChat.com and Annual Passholder Discounts
Available Every Day!

The HoJo Anaheim is now offering deeper discounts for Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders! On select nights, Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders can get rooms for as low as $59 per night, plus tax. 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.

Weekly News & Information Round-Up
Weekly Theme Park Hours
April 8 — 14, 2013
[B]Disneyland Park[/B] [B]California Adventure[/B]
Mon.-Thurs.: 9am – 9pm
Fri.-Sat.: 9am – 11pm
Sunday: 8am – 11pm
Mon.-Thurs.: 9am – 9pm
Fri.-Sat.: 9am – 10pm
Sunday: 8am – 10pm
[CENTER]For a complete listing of theme park hours,
visit the Disneyland.com Theme Park Calendar
[/CENTER]
[center]Closure and Refurbishment Schedule[/center]
[b][center]Disneyland Park[/center][/b]
  • [b]Mark Twain Riverboat:[/b] Closed through April 17.
  • [b]Main Street Opera House:[/b] Closed through May 2 for refurbishment.
  • [b]Matterhorn Bobsleds:[/b] Closed April 16—26 for “testing.”
  • [b]Jungle Cruise:[/b] Closed April 29 through May 1 for refurbishment.
  • [b]Goofy’s Playhouse:[/b] Closed May 6-8 for soft play material replacement.
  • [b]Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes:[/b] Closed May 8-9.
  • [b]Big Thunder Mountain Railroad:[/b] Closed for extensive refurbishment through October 30.
  • [b]Market House:[/b] Closes April 15 to begin conversion and expansion for new Starbucks location.
  • [B]Alice in Wonderland:[/B] Expected to close in 2013 to install permanent safety railing on outdoor ride portion.
  • [B]Fantasyland Theater presenting Mickey and the Magical Map:[/B] New stage show to debut May 2013.
[b][center]Disney California Adventure[/center][/b]
    None.
[b][center]Downtown Disney and Disneyland Resort Hotels[/center][/b]
    None.
[center]Headline Roundup
A quick look at noteworthy Disney theme park headlines from around the web.[/center]
  • Registration is now open to join in a $150 culinary experience with Greek Celebrity Chef Argiro Barbarigou and Greek Winemaker Christina Boutari on May 26 during “Opa! A Celebration of Greece.”
  • Tickets for the Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room 50th Anniversary Merchandise Event are now on sale.
Alright, that’s it for this week’s Dateline Disneyland. Thank you for reading. Did you celebrate the holiday at Disneyland’s Spring Fling? What did you think of the Bunny Hop? 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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spring break, Spring break winds down as construction projects 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.