Disneyland‘s off-season continues with winter refurbishments continuing in both theme parks. In Disneyland, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has debuted a gorgeous and dramatic new lighting package as that attraction wraps up its year-long refurbishment. Nearby, New Orleans Square is transitioning to Mardi Gras season despite major Club 33 construction covering many buildings in the area. Meanwhile, Disneyland hosted runDisney‘s popular Tinker Bell Half Marathon events over the busy holiday weekend.

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through DisneylandDon’t miss your weekly Disneyland Resort crowd forecast — provided by our friends at MouseAddict — in the Weekly News and Information Roundup at the end of today’s update!

Get a closer look at today’s update! Click on any photo in today’s blog to see a larger, high-resolution version.

Let’s get started!


Welcome to Disneyland!

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

It may still be January but the parks are blooming with spring color
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

On Main Street, the Fortuosity Shoppe is open but behind walls and tarps for a facade refurbishment
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

The refurbishment has closed the walkway between the Fortuosity Shoppe the Carnation Cafe, making the restrooms accessible by entering through the shops.
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Celebrate with MiceChat
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland
MiceChat is celebrating its anniversary this year with another weekend of great events with special guests from the Walt Disney’s Birthplace project, Imagineer Tim Delaney, Disney blogger Jeff Heimbuch and more! Don’t miss out!

For full event information, click here!
Friday, February 7
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland
    An Evening with Walt Disney
    Join the folks at the Save Walt Disney’s Birthplace project as we explore what it was like in 1901 when Walt was born and what Walt’s early years in Chicago would have been like. The event will be filled with very special guests, presentations, dinner, drinks, meet and greets and even an opportunity to bid on some unique items with all proceeds going to support the wonderful project to save the home Walt Disney was born in. Space is strictly limited to 70 guests. Tickets available soon!
Saturday, February 8
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland
    Building The Dream – The Magic of Disneyland Paris
    Celebrated Imagineer Tim Delaney will lead us on a journey through the building of the most beautiful Magic Kingdom of them all, Disneyland Paris. Learn about the challenges, creative opportunities, and wonderful stories that make this park so unique in the universe of Disney theme parks. This will be a breakfast event at the ESPN Zone (bacon, bacon, bacon) with a 90 minute audio/visual presentation and an opportunity to meet a true creative genius. Event is limited to 125 guests and will sell out quickly. Tickets available soon!
    MiceQuest at Disney California Adventure
    Put your Disney skills to the test as Fishbulb presents one of his famous eye spy/scavenger hunt events. This is a two hour event which will be free to enter (you’ll just need park admission). There will be fun prizes sponsored by Fairy Godmother Travel and this is always a great way to meet fellow MicePals and have a great time in the park.
    Communicore Weekly Musical Meet-Up
    Meet Jeff Heimbuch and learn more about the epic Communicore Weekly Musical project. This event will be presented in the same location as the Game Show. Two great events, one great location.
    Monorail Man’s EXTRA Limited Time Magical Game Show
    The game show has become a MiceChat anniversary tradition. Why? Because Monorail Man isn’t just a Disney nerd but a game show nerd as well. And what excuse do we need to have a good time and win prizes? The show lasts for about an hour and prizes will be given throughout.
Sunday, February 9
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland
    Breakfast at the Riverbelle Terrace, a grand circle tour of Disneyland aboard the Disneyland Railroad, Mark Twain trip around the Rivers of America, MiceChat noon meet with prize giveaway, group photo, lunch with friends, D23 Fanniversary Scavenger Hunt, “Practically Perfect Tour,” farewell meet with grand prize giveaway. It’s a MiceChat tradition that‚Äôs not to be missed. All are welcome to join us for as much or as little of this day of magic as they’d like.

For full event information, click here!
End of the Season

Spring color is in bloom in the hub now despite snow still being up on Sleeping Beauty Castle
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Icicles are gone as are smaller pieces of snow but as of Friday, most of the snow was still up on the Castle.
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Back in Fantasyland, “it’s a small world” will close Tuesday (tomorrow) to begin the holiday overlay removal.
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Back in New Orleans Square, the Haunted Mansion reopened to long lines Friday following the removal of its holiday overlay.
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Unfortunately, Jack Skellington really did wreck the halls and the inside could use some TLC, especially in the stretching rooms where wallpaper is ripped and woodwork is damaged.
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Elsewhere in New Orleans Square, the Christmas garland and lights have been taken down while other decorations remain up and additional beads and Mardi Gras-style decorations go up in preparation for the annual Mardi Gras-themed New Orleans Bayou Bash celebration.
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

The oversized Mardi Gras mask will remain up for Bayou Bash
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Garland and lights have been swapped out for oversized Mardi Gras beads, bunting from Christmas will remain up through Bayou Bash
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Refurbishmentland

[center]Clubbed[/center]
Meanwhile, much of New Orleans Square remains behind construction walls and tarps while the huge Club 33 expansion project gets underway.
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

A couple new themed banners went up on construction tarps.
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

[center]Night Cruises[/center]
On the Rivers of America, Fantasmic is still dark for refurbishment until Valentine’s Day.
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

The Sailing Ship Columbia is also still in dry dock for refurbishment.
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

With Fantasmic dark and the Columbia in dry dock, you still have a couple more weeks to enjoy the rare opportunity of taking a night cruise aboard the Mark Twain Riverboat.
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

With Fantasmic closing all river traffic around sundown on most nights, the Mark Twain typically doesn’t run in the evening and I can’t tell you how great it is to take an evening trip down the Rivers of America aboard the Twain.
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Below, enjoy a full video of an evening cruise along the Mark Twain Riverboat along the Rivers of America

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

[center]Lighting up the Wilderness[/center]
Meanwhile, Big Thunder Mountain continues to wrap up its major year-long refurbishment project that included a complete track replacement, ride vehicle replacement, reconstruction of the mining town of Rainbow Ridge, updates to show scenes and partial mountain repainting.
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

At night, Big Thunder Mountain glows at night with an impressive new lighting package.
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

The frontside of the mountain is lit at night with an orange glow
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

The back of the mountain is gorgeously lit with blues and purples
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Looks great!
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

[center]Whipping Up[/center]
In Adventureland, the Tiki Juice Bar is closed and behind walls for an expansion project.
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

[center]Dive, Dive…?[/center]
In Tomorrowland, Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage is now completely behind walls for a refurbishment that is officially set to stretch into late 2014 but rumored to be a permanent closure of the attraction.
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Tarps have gone up on the Monorail platform, blocking all clear views of the lagoon.
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

The lagoon is still full of water for now…
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

[center]Space Junk[/center]
In Tomorrowland, Space Mountain is still filthy after a safety incident halted all exterior cleanings of the structure since a contract worker fell from the building in late 2012, resulting in hefty fines from Cal/OSHA.
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Temporary railings are now up along the base of Space Mountain while new permanent railing appears to be installed. Once the permanent railing goes up, hopefully the mountain will be able to be properly cleaned.
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

It’ll be nice to see all of this cleaned up
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Some safety flags still up atop the Star Trader and Starcade buildings
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

[center]California Closures[/center]
In California Adventure, the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail remains closed through late February for refurbishment
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

In Condor Flats, Soarin’ Over California will close mid-February for refurbishment and what is expected to be an upgrade to HD projections.
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Tinker-Bell Run

Disneyland hosted the Tinker Bell Half-Marathon over the weekend, which included the half-marathon, inaugural 10k, and health expo at the Disneyland Hotel.
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

The Health Expo included talks and presentations by fitness experts as well as Disney Legends like Tinker Bell herself, Margaret Kerry.
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Lots of merchandise for the event.
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Lots of third-party vendors and sponsors on the expo floor
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

The runDisney booth had information on other runDisney events and displayed race medals from other races.
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

The medals for this year’s Tinker Bell Half-Maraton and 10k
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

New Balance had a huge presence on the show floor with long lines for the New Balance’s new line of runDisney shoes.
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

New Sorcerer Mickey shoes
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Minnie
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Goofy
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Cinderella shoes
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Oxnard, California resident Melissa Hernandez came in first at the Tinker Bell Half-Marathon in 1:25:40. Congratulations, Melissa!
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

This and That

In Downtown Disney, the winter village and ice rink is now gone
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

And closer to the theme parks, the new Starbucks Coffee shop is moving along
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Looks like an outdoor awning may be going in
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

And finally, the MiceChat Podcast has a new episode out where hosts Dustysage and Doug Barnes are joined by special guests Joseph Kleiman, Robert Coker and Jeff Heimbuch to recap 2013 and take a peek in the crystal ball to see what’s coming in 2014. Check it out below!

Direct Link | iTunes Link

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through 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
January 20-26, 2014
[B]Disneyland Park[/B] [B]California Adventure[/B]
Monday: 8 am – 11 pm
Tues.-Thurs.: 10 am – 8 pm
Fri.-Sat.: 9 am – 11 pm
Sunday: 8 am – 11 pm
Monday: 8 am – 10 pm
Tues.-Thurs.: 10 am – 8 pm
Fri.-Sat.: 9 am – 10 pm
Sunday: 8 am – 10 pm
[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]Big Thunder Mountain Railroad:[/b] Closed for extensive refurbishment through January 31, 2013.
  • [B]Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage:[/B] Closed through September 26, 2014 for major refurbishment.
  • [B]Fantasmic!:[/B] Dark through February 13, 2014 for major refurbishment.
  • [B]Sailing Ship Columbia:[/B] Closed through February 14, 2014 for refurbishment.
  • [B]”it’s a small world”:[/B] Closed January 21-February 7 for holiday overlay removal.
  • [B]Splash Mountain:[/B] Closed January 21-28 for refurbishment.
  • [B]Disneyland Monorail:[/B] Closed one day, January 22, 2014.
  • [B]Pirates of the Caribbean:[/B] Closed January 27 through February 13, 2014 for refurbishment.
  • [B]Alice in Wonderland:[/B] Closed February 3 through June 5, 2014 for enhancements and redesign of outdoor portion of ride track.
  • [B]Disneyland Railroad:[/B] Closed February 24 through March 7 for refurbishment.
  • [B]Space Mountain:[/B] Closed March 3 through May 22 for refurbishment.
[b][center]Disney California Adventure[/center][/b]
  • [B]Redwood Creek Challenge Trail:[/B] Closed January 6 through February 27, 2014.
  • [B]Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular:[/B] Dark January 21-February 20, 2014.
  • [B]Mickey’s Fun Wheel:[/B] Closed February 3-6 for refurbishment.
  • [B]Soarin’ Over California:[/B] Closed February 18-June 5, 2014 for refurbishment.
  • [B]Heimlich’s Chew Chew Train:[/B] Closed March 3-6, 2014.
[b][center]Downtown Disney and Disneyland Resort Hotels[/center][/b]
  • Starbucks Coffee: New Starbucks store under construction in former BLINK by Wet Seal location. Opens this winter.
[center]Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland
A weekly look at projected crowd levels at the Disneyland Resort.[/center]

January 20-26

MON
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland
TUE
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland
WED
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland
THU
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland
FRI
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland
SAT
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland
SUN
Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

If you’re looking for a replacement for the Mobile Magic app, take a look at Mouseaddict’s unique features, for free!

  • Rooms are scarce – at both business and resort hotels – at the end of this week.
  • Splash Mountain and "it’s a small world" are scheduled to close on Tuesday.
  • Check the "Schedule" page in the Mouseaddict app for information on closures.

Looking for the best replacement for Mobile Magic on your iPhone? Download the remarkable Mouseaddict app for iPhone and iPad with the Addictometer crowd map overlay: see exactly where crowds are gathering, right on the map! The free Mouseaddict app features more than five dozen categories of searchable resort information, weather forecasts, park and show schedules, and more. Download on the App Store or at mouseaddict.com.

Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

[center]Headline Roundup
A quick look at noteworthy Disney theme park headlines from around the web.[/center]
  • Special Disneyland and Walt Disney World Railroad merchandise will be available online January 27 to February 2, 2014. (Disney Parks Blog)
  • Happy Lunar New Year Celebration will return to Disney California Adventure with special entertainment, food and more January 31 ‚Äì February 2. (Disney Parks Blog)
Alright, that wraps up this week’s edition of Dateline Disneyland. What do you think of Big Thunder’s new nighttime lighting? Join the discussion and let us know in the comments section below!

We’re only here because of generous readers like you. Do you enjoy reading Dateline Disneyland every week? Consider helping us out by donating so we can pay the bills and keep the weekly updates coming! You can donate with a click of a button via PayPal, click here!

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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Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland

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Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland | Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland | Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland | Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland | Big Thunder Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain lights up, Mark Twain sets sail into the night and pixies race through Disneyland[/center]

FTC-Mandated Disclosure: Promotional consideration for this edition of Dateline Disneyland was provided by the Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel & Water Playground.

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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.