A couple great long-time Disneyland traditions returned over the weekend for the busy summer season. For music fans, the big news was the triumphant return of the evening swing parties at what is now the new Fantasy Faire princess meet-and-greet village. The swing party tradition is one dating back to Walt Disney and crowds packed the Royal Theatre’s dance floor to celebrate swing’s return to Disneyland. Meanwhile, Disney California Adventure‘s new Buena Vista Street and Cars Land areas marked their first anniversaries on Saturday and we take a look at a few changes these new areas underwent during their first successful year of operation.
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Welcome to Disneyland! |
Returning Traditions |
A couple great traditions returned over the weekend. In Fantasyland, climbers are once again scaling the icy peak of the iconic Matterhorn.
This little entertainment offering returned last summer after being gone for a few years and it’s great to see it back again this year. It’s nothing major and not a full show or anything, but it’s one of those small atmosphere things that add to the fabric of the park and enriches the overall experience.
Below, a short clip of the mountain climbers in action.
Saturday night marked the official return of regular swing parties at Disneyland. The popular entertainment offering was discontinued last April when construction got underway at the former Carnation Plaza Gardens area to make way for the new Fantasy Faire princess meet-and-greet village. At the time, Disney promised swing dancing would return once Fantasy Faire was finished and temporarily moved the popular “Jump, Jive and Boogie” swing dancing parties to Downtown Disney.
More than a year after the dance parties were suspended, swing triumphantly returned to the former Carnation Plaza Gardens stage this weekend. Long-time fans turned out, many dressed in their most dapper, to enjoy an evening of dancing. To reflect the new Fantasyland location, the event is now named the “Royal Swing Big Band Ball” and will run every Saturday through the summer season, starting at 7 p.m.
The event was kicked off with long-time Disneyland talent director Stan Freese who thanked Disneyland Resort President Michael Colglazier for his help in bringing swing back into Disneyland. Mr. Freese re-introduced swing to Disneyland by happily noting “I’m thrilled this is back here where it belongs!”
Below, a video clip of Saturday night’s swing dancing
It’s great to have these swing parties back – hopefully they continue to draw big crowds throughout the summer.
With swing dancing on Saturdays, Maurice’s Treats will be able to stay open past 7 p.m.. On Saturday, the snack stand had a selection of special menu items for the swing party.
The All-American Cheeseburger Pie
Refurbishment Round-Up |
Back on Main Street, construction continues on the new Starbucks location in the Market House.
Not much change to see from the outside yet…
Disneyana signage still up for now…
In Frontierland, the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad refurbishment continues with progress on the Rainbow Ridge town facades and new scaffolding going up for repainting on the mountain itself.
Scaffolding is now going up along portions of the mountain as they get ready to start repainting.
Welcome to California Adventure |
Saturday marked the one-year mark since Disney California Adventure’s major relaunch and the grand opening of its new Buena Vista Street and Cars Land areas.
Unboxing the First Year |
It’s hard to believe it’s been a full year since Disney unveiled the new Buena Vista Street and Cars Land areas of California Adventure. Major parts of a major $1+ billion remodel and expansion project, the two new lands were significant achievements for Disney Imagineering and brought new high-quality environments and attractions to the park that had struggled to find success since opening in 2001.
Buena Vista Street was a complete redevelopment of the stripmall-like Sunshine Plaza entrance corridor that the park originally opened with. Buena Vista Street created an exquisitely charming and richly-detailed new entrance for the park, taking guests back to the 1920s when Walt Disney first arrived in Los Angeles.
Unfortunately, the first year of operation hasn’t been kind to Buena Vista Street and numerous changes have taken place, primarily with the props and thematic set pieces in storefront windows and inside shops. All of the props and displays were carefully designed by Imagineering to help set the scene and tell the story of Buena Vista Street, but over the last twelve months California Adventure’s management has gone in and made significant changes, all in a misguided effort to sell more merchandise.
The windows here still look terrible after their recent remodels.
Tons of visual clutter with angry-looking child mannequins are expected to translate to higher sales. The efforts have seemingly been unsuccessful and rather than addressing the problem by creating new product that actually appeals to guests, changes continue to be made resulting in a watered down thematic environment and a weaker guest experience.
Last week, just days before the one-year anniversary of Buena Vista Street, nearly all of the gorgeous prop work inside the Los Feliz Five and Dime store was removed and replaced with all-new props. Oddly, none of the new displays feature any actual merchandise, so it was simply change for change’s sake and none of it is an improvement on what was originally there. Gone are almost all of the vintage items that Imagineering artfully arranged, and in their place are piles of visual clutter largely consisting of stacks of small “vintage”-style boxes.
Why is someone being paid to go in and spend more money to replace excellent work with mediocre new displays?
The gorgeous antique globes that were previous atop the cash wrap are now gone and piles of “first aid supplies” are now on display
Someone working at Disney might not know how to make a good display, but they sure do excel at stacking boxes.
Lots of boxes and a few picture frames
More boxes and some office supplies.
One display features a few vintage Mickey Mouse toys, ignoring the story of Buena Vista Street (hint: there probably shouldn’t by Mickey Mouse toys yet, since Walt and Mickey just hopped off the train)
The fan-favorite custom-designed books that were previously on display in one of the main window displays for the store are now stacked up high up on a shelf. Unfortunately, none of the covers are visible and that’s a shame — all of those books were custom-designed by Disney artists, many of which worked for Walt Disney Feature Animation.
Likewise, a lot of the beautiful custom-made Buena Vista All-Stars baseball props that were also in display in a Five and Dime window are now on display in the store. I don’t understand the logic of replacing great props with other great props that you previously removed — but at least some of this stuff can be seen again. Still, the logic here is baffling.
These great baseball props that belong in the front window have replaced a display of gorgeous antique wind instruments and period sheet music.
Luckily the hats on display above the hat embroidery station, all of which were custom-made or vintage from the time period, are still here… hopefully they survive.
In any case, if you can manage to avoid looking into the windows or wandering into the stores, Buena Vista Street still manages to create a great environment and leaves a wonderful first impression for guests entering the park.
At the end of Buena Vista Street, Carthay Circle Restaurant has switched to its summer menus. Take a look:
- [center]Carthay Circle Restaurant
Summer Lunch Menu[/center]
Carthay Signature Fried Biscuits Stuffed with White Cheddar, Bacon and Jalapeños with Apricot Honey Butter 12
Starters
Fire Cracker Duck Wings Soy, Lime and Sriracha Chili Sauce 14
Warm California Asparagus Prosciutto, Asiago and Truffled Egg Vinaigrette 16
Pacific Ono Ceviche Avocado, Tomatillo-Cilantro Essence and Crisp Plantain Chips 16
Ginger Pork Pot Stickers accented with Lemon Grass and Mango Voodoo Sauce 14
Seasonal Soup Sun Gold Tomato Broth, Asparagus, Leeks, Lemon Roasted Chicken and Basil 11
Carthay Green Salad Jicama, Cucumber, Cilantro and Orange White Balsamic Vinaigrette 12
Heirloom Tomato Salad Parmesan Aioli, Petite Basil and California Virgin Olive Oil 13
Entrees
Carthay Strawberry Chicken Salad Lacquered Bacon, Avocado, Haricot Verts, Local Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Strawberries 22
Angus Beef Arugula Salad Grilled Radicchio, Gorgonzola Croustini and Cabernet Vinaigrette 23
Rigatoni with Roasted Chicken Pancetta, Summer Peas, Spinach and Pinot Jus 25
Sautéed Short Rib Raviolis Portobello Mushrooms, Red Pepper and Cabernet Jus 27
Skuna Bay Salmon on Fresh Golden Tomato Salsa, Avocado and Cucumber Relish 30
Mediterranean Grilled Eggplant Sandwich with Sautéed Artichoke Bottoms, Marinated Tomatoes, Roasted Garlic, Melted Reserve Cheese and Toasted on Rustic Country Bread 20
Carthay Angus Burger 8oz with Aged Cheddar Cheese, Black Pepper Bacon, and Grilled Onions, French Fries and House-made Pickles 22
Carthay Circle Tasting Menu
First Course
Spanish Roasted Red Peppers Stuffed with Imported Chorizo, Mahon Cheese and Pine Nuts
Entree Choice of One
Potato Crusted West Coast Sole English Pea Coulis and Lemon Vinaigrette
-or-
Spiced Lamb Burger Sliders Yogurt Cucumber Relish, Pickled Vegetables and French Fries
Dessert
Seasonal Rustic Country Pie
Three Course Prix Fixe Menu 35
add Flight of Wines 15
- [center]Carthay Circle Restaurant
Summer Dinner Menu[/center]
Carthay Signature Fried Biscuits Stuffed with White Cheddar, Bacon and Jalapeños with Apricot Honey Butter 12
Starters
Fire Cracker Duck Wings Soy, Lime and Sriracha Chili Sauce 14
Pacific Ono Ceviche Avocado, Tomatillo-Cilantro Essence and Crisp Plantain Chips 16
Ginger Pork Pot Stickers accented with Lemon Grass and Mango Voodoo Sauce 14
Warm California Asparagus Prosciutto, Asiago and Truffled Egg Vinaigrette 16
Sautéed Crab Cake English Pea Coulis and Lemon Vinaigrette 17
Seasonal Soup Sun Gold Tomato Broth, Asparagus, Leeks, Lemon Roasted Chicken and Basil 11
Carthay Green Salad Jicama, Cucumber, Cilantro and Orange White Balsamic Vinaigrette 12
Heirloom Tomato Salad Parmesan Aioli, Petite Basil and California Virgin Olive Oil 13
Entrees
Sautéed Short Rib Raviolis Portobello Mushrooms, Red Pepper and Cabernet Jus 27
Rigatoni with Roasted Chicken Pancetta, Summer Peas, Spinach and Pinot Jus 25
Summer Garden Vegetable Risotto Costal Mushrooms, Truffle Butter and English Pea Coulis 34
Skuna Bay Salmon on Fresh Golden Tomato Salsa, Avocado and Cucumber Relish 30
Sautéed Shrimp Summer Corn, Zucchini, Applewood Bacon and Basil Pesto 30
Grilled Angus Rib-eye Sautéed Mushrooms Ragu, Red Flame Grapes and Blue Cheese 44
Western Cut Pork Chop Fingerling Potoates, String Beans and Summer Peaches 37
Sides
Country Whipped Potoates 8
Roasted Broccoli with Brown Butter 8
Steamed Jasmine Rice 7
Carthay Circle Tasting Menu
First Course
Summer Watermelon in all its Glory Watermelon Radish Salad, Lemongrass Watermelon Agua Fresca, Red Chile Pickled Watermelon Rinds
Entree Choice of One
Sautéed Filet Mignon of Angus Beef Tenderloin Shaved Asparagus, Sun Gold Tomatoes, Fingerling Potato with Local Bing Cherries
-or-
Alaskan Halibut Braised Veracruz Style Rustic Tomato Broth accented with Jalapeños, Toasted Garlic, Lime, Capers and Pine Nuts
Choice of Dessert
Three Course Prix Fixe Menu 65
add Flight of Wines 25
Earlier this month Disney released a companion album to it’s Carthay Circle Sessions release, featuring all piano versions of some popular Disney songs you might hear in the Carthay Cirle Lounge. Digital download of it is available now for only $7.99 on Amazon MP3.
The previous release is the instrumental versions heard in the upstairs dining areas.
Meanwhile, Cars Land also turned a year old on Saturday. It’s hard to imagine it’s been a year since the first official guests poured into Cars Land on the morning of June 15, 2012 after camping out overnight.
Cars Land remains a gorgeous addition to California Adventure and continues to draw big crowds.
Cars Land saw a few operational changes, including adding chain queues at the Cozy Cone and converting the unused FASTPASS Distribution area for Radiator Springs Racers into expanded retail space. Overall, however, the changes enhanced the guest experience rather than lessen it.
The Cozy Cone fountain is still getting some TLC work done
Luigi’s Flying Tires saw a few changes over the last year, most notably being the removal of the oversize beach balls from the tire floor to improve load times and guest safety.
Our videos from June and August show the ride with and without the beach balls.
Meanwhile, Radiator Springs Racers continues to be the big draw for California Adventure guests.
California Entertainment |
Meanwhile, the Dancin’ with Disney dance party in Hollywood Land’s Stage 17 returned over the weekend. The dance party features a DJ in the large, empty Stage 17 soundstage with a bunch of Disney characters for a kid-friendly dance party. With characters like the Big Bad Wolf and Stitch dancing to a soundtrack that includes “It’s Raining Men” and “Call Me Maybe,” the whole affair seems really strange to me. Nevertheless, kids seem to enjoy it and I imagine tired parents appreciate the outlet for their young ones to burn off some extra energy. I’m just grateful that the whole thing is easily avoidable for those of us who aren’t interested.
Outside, the Monsters Inc. lead float in the Pixar Play Parade has gotten a Monsters University overlay to promote the new film.
The Monsters University overlay has been running now since Memorial Day weekend, but we’ve missed it until now.
Below, video of the float
Limited Time Magic |
[center]Who Framed Roger Rabbit 25th Anniversary Screening & Panel
A Limited Time Annual Passholder Magic Event
in Downtown Disney
June 18, 2013[/center]
In honor of Who Framed Roger Rabbit‘s 25th Anniversary, Disney will offer a free screening of the film along with a panel discussion at Downtown Disney’s AMC theater. Below are details for this great opportunity.
Celebrate the 25th anniversary of Disney’s classic film, Who Framed Roger Rabbit with a hare-raising screening for Annual Passholders. Following the screening will be a very special panel discussion featuring some of the members of the creative team that brought the movie to life, seamlessly combining live-action and animation. The panel will be hosted by Don Hahn, Associate Producer of Who Framed Roger Rabbit, and is also scheduled to include Director of Special Projects at Walt Disney Feature Animation, Dave Bossert, Visual Effects Animator on Who Framed Roger Rabbit and Charles Fleischer, the voice of Roger Rabbit.
- Who Framed Roger Rabbit 25th Anniversary Screening & Panel
- Registration and wristband distribution for the event will begin at 12:00 noon on the day of the event at the AMC 12 Theaters in Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort.
- All participating Guests (ages 3 and older) must be valid Annual Passholders on the day of the event. Guests under the age of 3 do not need an Annual Pass, but will need a wristband to attend the event.
- Registration must be completed in person at the AMC 12 Theaters on the day of the event only; no phone reservations or other registration will be accepted.
- It is recommended that all members of your party register together to help ensure that everyone receives a wristband.
- All participating Annual Passholders must present their active Annual Passport to the event Cast Member, who will check event availability. Photo ID may be required.
- Annual Passholders whose Annual Passes are blocked out for the day of event may attend the event as long as they are a valid Disneyland Resort Annual Passholder.
Dates & Time
Tuesday, June 18, 2013 at 7:00 p.m.
Location
AMC 12 Theaters in Downtown Disney District
Giveaway Time
During regular Disneyland park operating hours.
Event Registration Information
[center]Give Dad an Incredible Father’s Day
at Disney California Adventure
June 10 – 16, 2013[/center]
Last week’s Limited Time Magic was a special photo op with Mr. Incredible and Frozone on Paradise Pier. Not much of a special offering, considering these characters are often out for photos in Hollywood Land, but I guess it’s something. Here’s a photo of the backdrop that was used, which was located in front of the former Maliboomer entrance.
[center]Enchanted Tiki Room – 50th Anniversary Souvenir
A Limited Time Annual Passholder Magic Event
at Disneyland Park
June 23 – 27, 2013[/center]
To celebrate the Enchanted Tiki Room’s 50th Anniversary, Annual Passholders can receive a special reproduction of a vintage brochure for the Tiki Room. Details below:
Celebrate 50 years of the iconic Audio-Animatronic attraction the Enchanted Tiki Room at Disneyland Park! In honor of this milestone, Annual Passholders can receive a special recreation of the 1963 Enchanted Tiki Room brochure, available while supplies last, which includes the original graphics, copy and even a special message from Walt Disney. This Limited Time Annual Passholder Magic giveaway is truly for the birds.
- Enchanted Tiki Room – 50th Anniversary Souvenir
- All Guests (ages 3 and older) must be valid Annual Passholders on the days of the giveaway.
- All participating Annual Passholders must present their active Annual Passport to the event Cast Member at the Enchanted Tiki Room.
- Annual Passholders are limited to one souvenir brochure per day.
- Subject to availability, and offer valid while supplies last. A limited amount of souvenir brochures will be printed.
Dates
June 23 – 27, 2013
Location
Enchanted Tiki Room in Adventureland
Giveaway Time
During regular Disneyland park operating hours.
Brochure Distribution Information
[center]Independence Day Celebration
at Disneyland Resort
July 1 – 7, 2013[/center]
Disneyland has been offering its Independence Day fireworks and special “World of Color” pre-show for a the first four days of July each year for a few years now, but this year it’ll be offered for a full week and marketed as part of the Limited Time Magic promotion. In any case, expect to catch Disneyland’s special Fourth of July fireworks show in place of the regular “Magical” show nightly July 1-7. The fireworks show will be a shortened version of the full holiday show, except for on July 4 when the full show will be presented. At World of Color, a special patriotic pre-show with fireworks will be presented July 1-7. Below is Disney’s information on the Fourth of July offerings:
At Disneyland, we‚Äôre saluting our nation‚Äôs birth in a big way with “Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky.” The Disneyland Resort fireworks spectacular will be held each night at 9:30 p.m. during Independence Week.
Every evening, you can also wear a pair of illuminated Mouse Ears and Glow with the Show” during performances of “Celebrate America!” at Disneyland park and the patriotic pre-show to World of Color at Disney California Adventure park.
And at the Disneyland Resort, you can enjoy Red, White and Blue Mason Jar Desserts at Carnation Cafe, and Patriotic Cotton Candy, Apple Pie Pockets or 4th of July Cupcakes, in shops all along Main Street, U.S.A., at Disneyland park.
This and That |
Back in Disneyland, the Candy Palace confectioners introduced a new treat on Saturday that will be featured throughout the summer.
New Candy Sticks, which were available in three flavors on Saturday: lemon-lime, orange and cinnamon, are hand-made similar to the popular candy canes made during the holidays. The new treats cost $4.99 each and Annual Passholder discounts are not applicable.
A Candy Palace Cast Member recommended the lemon-lime flavor and I enjoyed it quite a bit. It’s great to see new offerings like this added.
Over on the Rivers of America, the Sailing Ship Columbia celebrated its 55th Anniversary on Friday.
Over at the Disneyland Hotel, the new entrance sign at the parking lot entrance has been installed and the retro design looks great.
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Weekly News & Information Round-Up | ||
Weekly Theme Park Hours June 17 – 23, 2013 |
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[B]Disneyland Park[/B] | [B]California Adventure[/B] | |
Daily: 8am – 12am |
Daily: 8am – 10pm |
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[CENTER]For a complete listing of theme park hours, visit the Disneyland.com Theme Park Calendar[/CENTER] |
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[center]Closure and Refurbishment Schedule[/center] | ||
[b][center]Disneyland Park[/center][/b] | ||
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[b][center]Disney California Adventure[/center][/b] | ||
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[b][center]Downtown Disney and Disneyland Resort Hotels[/center][/b] | ||
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[center]Headline Roundup A quick look at noteworthy Disney theme park headlines from around the web.[/center] |
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Alright, that wraps up this week’s Dateline Disneyland. Happy first anniversary to Buena Vista Street and Cars Land – here’s to many more years and even more great new additions to California Adventure. What do you think about the changing props on Buena Vista Street and the return of swing dancing at Disneyland? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
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