We were feeling nostalgic this week and decided to catch a showing of Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular in honor of the late Robin Williams. We then mosey through Disney California Adventure in an attempt to solve a number of riddles. Why is the astroturf white at the Cozy Cone Motel? Why are the Paradise Pier gazebos taking so long to “fix”? Lastly, Why would anybody say “aloha!” on Buena Vista Street?  It’s not all about DCA though.  There is plenty to see in Disneyland too, including a big Haunted Mansion art event on Saturday. Let’s explore the parks and see what end of summer riddles we can solve.

Tomorrowplan Crowd Estimates for Disneyland Resort from Mouseaddict


August 15 – 22

Fri

Disneyland Resort, Remembering Genie at the Disneyland Resort

Sat

Disneyland Resort, Remembering Genie at the Disneyland Resort

Sun

Disneyland Resort, Remembering Genie at the Disneyland Resort

Mon

Disneyland Resort, Remembering Genie at the Disneyland Resort

Tue

Disneyland Resort, Remembering Genie at the Disneyland Resort

Wed

Disneyland Resort, Remembering Genie at the Disneyland Resort

Thu

Disneyland Resort, Remembering Genie at the Disneyland Resort


  • California Adventure experiences more daily swings in crowd levels, while Disneyland is more consistent through the week.
  • This is the last week of blockouts for SoCal passes, but we don’t project a mass return of passholders next week. For a look two weeks ahead, check out the Tomorrowplan feature in the Mouseaddict app.

The free Mouseaddict app for iPhone and iPad features more than five dozen categories of searchable resort information, weather forecasts, park and show schedules, the latest news and articles from MiceChat, and more. Download free on the App Store or at mouseaddict.com.

Disneyland Resort, Remembering Genie at the Disneyland Resort

 

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Aladdin

The tragic passing of comic genius Robin Williams had a deep impact on a lot of people.  Not the least of which were Disney fans that grew up with his iconic portrayal of Genie in 1992’s Aladdin.  His turn as the blue toned wish wizard was a dazzling display of improvisational genius married with zany, flowing animation.  At the time of its release, many in the film community were actively campaigning to give Robin Williams the first Oscar© nomination for voicing an animated character.

We wanted to pay tribute to Williams, whose characterization is still imitated today. The performers in the show do their best to imitate Robins’ rapid fire comic style.  To even get near it, as these actors do every day, is a feat.

The next time you are in Disney California Adventure, set an hour aside to just go and sit in on a performance.  You will be entertained by the echoes of a man whose comic stylings still course through the veins of a classic Disney film turned stage production.

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“Genie, You’re free.”

Cozy Cone Motel

An odd whiteness has appeared on the fountain and surrounding astroturf at the Cozy Cone Motel. The water feature is drained, so there’s certainly something going on here. But for all the world it looks like a little bit of winter has settled on the lawn. Let’s hope they get this cleaned up soon.

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Paradise Pier Gazebos

This just in folks!  The Paradise Pier gazebo is still not finished. This has been a painful repair job to watch. A little wood rot on the posts has turned into a months long refurbishment.

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Renovation at the Grand Californian

While renovation continues at the Grand Californian Hotel, the Napa Rose restaurant is enjoying an extended refurbishment schedule.  The kitchen is getting a refresh, no reopening date has been given as of yet.  In fact, the Disneyland Resort website simply states…

As part of our continuing efforts to exceed the expectations of our Guests, Napa Rose is currently closed for enhancements. Please check back here for the latest updates and information about when it will reopen.

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Aloha and Julius Katz and Sons

Okay Merchandise, we are scratching our heads on this one.  Why are tiki and aloha plates on Buena Vista Street?

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Today’s Update is Sponsored by O-Zell Soda

Elias DisneyWalt and Roy Disney’s father and a man of spirit true, believed in a dream… the dream of O-Zell, a pure, all-natural carbonated beverage that would satisfy the fiercest thirst and lead us from the wicked temptation of hooch.

Beginning in 1912, Elias threw his heart and soul (and no small amount of cabbage) into the O-Zell dream, with misfortune and woe his only reward.

Today, Elias’ century-old dream is fulfilled at last! The O-Zell Soda Company is humbled to offer you, dearest friend, our scrumptious Vanilla Dream and Blue Ribbon Root Beer, both made with Hawaiian cane sugar and 100% all natural ingredients, for your delectation and delight!

And all proceeds go to restoring and preserving Walt Disney’s Birthplace home in Chicago, IL!  Learn more about O-Zell and pick up some delicious natural soda AND help a great cause at the same time: O-Zell Soda 


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Front Gate Renovation

The rolling renovation of the front gate has moved to the final left of center gate.

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Halloween Already Showing Up

Inside the Disney Showcase store, Halloween is showing up already!  None of the decorations have appeared just yet, but you can rest assured that it is only a matter of time.

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Haunted Mansion Merchandise

As part of the Haunted Mansion’s 45th anniversary celebration Disney did the unexpected.  Just kidding.  They did what everyone expected and are rolling out a seemingly unending supply of Mansion related merchandise.

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You can see it all at the Port Royal.

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This one is actually pretty darned cool

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Some of the same merchandise can be found adjacent to the exit of the Haunted Mansion.

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The Haunted Mansion turns 45

Saturday, August 9th is the 45th anniversary of the opening of Disneyland’s The Haunted Mansion.  In development for over 7 years, this amazing attraction has been a wildly popular experience since the day it opened and Disney is not one to miss the opportunity to cash in on this milestone.  While many 45th anniversary merchandise pieces are available now in the park, Disney has something even more extravagant planned for next weekend.

The Art of Haunted Mansion Collectables is an event that celebrates artwork inspired by the Haunted Mansion, produced by some of the most popular Disney artists today. Scheduled to appear are artists: Steve Adams, Dave Avanzino, David Bird, Britni Brault, Brian Crosby, Jeremy Fulton, Brian Kesinger, Daniel Killen, Bridget McCarty, Miss Mindy, Mike Peraza, Javier Soto and Yakovetic. You can meet the artists August 16 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

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Haunted Mansion Framed Paper Sculpture ~ Dave Avanzino
Haunted Mansion Framed Paper Sculpture ~
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Nemo’s Ghost Yakovetic
Nemo’s Ghost
Yakovetic

Also debuting as part of the event from our talented team of Ink & Paint artists is the next in the series from our hand-painted cel collection, featuring none other than the Hatbox Ghost. This piece is an edition size of 300 and will be available framed only.

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This piece is an edition size of 300 and will be available framed only. © Disney
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© Disney

The event happens on August 16 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.  For a complete list of artists who have contributed to this 45th Anniversary collection visit DisneyParksMerchandise.com.


 

Knott’s Scary Farm MiceChat Haunt Meet Tickets On Sale!

Join us, if you dare, in the fog-shrouded streets of Ghost Town for the 8th annual MiceChat Knott’s Scary Farm Halloween Haunt 2014. Leave the real world behind and enter a dream-land of spooky fun with fellow MiceChat readers.

There are two ticket types:

MiceChat Knott’s Haunt event ticket (Basic) – $119.99*

  • Admission into Knott’s Scary Farm
  • Backstage tour of a new maze before the event
  • All you can eat Private Pre-scare Boofet dinner
  • Special insider presentation during dinner.
  • Early entry into Haunt
  • Front of the line access to all mazes (excluding the up-charge Trapped maze)
  • Skeleton Key access to select mazes
  • Priority Seating for Elvira Ring-Mistress of the Park

MiceChat Knott’s Haunt event ticket with TRAPPED VIP Maze – $129.99*

  • All of the above PLUS ADMISSION INTO TRAPPED: The New Experiment – special upcharge maze (Purchasing this ticket will gain you admission into the Trapped maze with the MiceChat group. By purchasing this ticket you will be randomly assigned a return time during event check-in at the beginning of the night. If you miss the reservation time you will forfeit your ticket.)

* Plus tax and PayPal processing fees

That’s right. You could buy your own ticket and wander around, aimlessly from line to line, starving to death from hunger, without a single person to hang out with. OR, you could pay one simple price and get an entire night of food, entertainment, friends, frights, and fun and exclusive insider opportunities!

DON’T MISS THE  LATEST MICECHAT PODCAST

Summer 2014 is in full swing and theme parks all across the country are preparing their offerings. This month’s show is your guide to the best of what theme parks have to offer you this summer. From Disney to Universal, SeaWorld to Knott’s Berry Farm and all points in between. Slap on some sunscreen and press play to hear our thoughts on where you should spend your hard earned vacation dollars this summer. 

Direct Link  |   MiceChat Podcast on iTunes


Now it’s time to say goodbye to all out company.  Thank you for reading today’s Disneyland Resort update.  Next week we will take a trip up to Universal Studios Hollywood to catch up on the multiple projects there.  See you soon, In The Parks.

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Norman Gidney
Norman Gidney, also known as Fishbulb, has produced and edited many of the articles on MiceChat over the years.