We have quick little MiceAge update today which should make many of you happy. For the rest of the recent news, please read last week’s MiceAge update HERE.

OSWALD, LUCKY INDEED

In a nostalgia move that is sure to delight Disney purists, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit is set to become the newest costumed character in DCA, beginning September 14th. This classic Walt Disney character will greet arriving visitors on Buena Vista Street daily. Oswald as a new park character will be aimed directly at Annual Passholders and hardcore Disney fans who will recognize him. After the Duffy concept borrowed from Japan failed to generate any real merchandise sales, it’s hoped that Oswald can be positioned as a marketable character, even if casual tourists don’t quite understand.

RETRO BOOM

After the holidays, Disneyland’s pyrotechnics team will begin installing all new special effects equipment on the rooftops around the central Hub of Disneyland. The work is in preparation for the 60th Anniversary mega-show coming next May. The old Fantasy In The Sky fireworks show will return to Disneyland on weekends this winter, beginning January 9th, while technical work for the 60th Anniversary spectaculars are underway.

The existing pyrotechnic and lighting equipment was installed 10 years ago for the 50th pyro show. All that equipment will be replaced and the new apparatus sited in new locations around the Hub, taking into account the new backstage alleyways being built on both sides of Main Street. The new alleyways will be used heavily at night, with the new night parade and fireworks show coming for the 60th expected to create big crowds in that area. The temporary Fantasy In The Sky show will only use the launch area behind Toontown. For those too young to remember, Fantasy In The Sky was a very basic fireworks show Disneyland offered from 1957 to 1999, but which is fondly remembered by many.

We’d like to recommend that you listen to the latest show from the MiceChat Podcast Crew. Join Doug, David and Dusty as they stroll through Disneyland and take you on an audio adventure. If it’s been a while since you’ve been to the parks, you’ll find yourself transported with the Disney Dudes as they explore Fantasyland and honor the Haunted Mansion. Be sure to stick through to the very end for a little surprise.

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Al Lutz
The MiceAge crew was started by Al Lutz in 2003, and is committed to bringing you the inside Disney story that you just can't get anywhere else. As much as we'd all like to see more frequent rumor updates on the site, we only publish when reliable news and rumors are available to share. The MiceAge news Editor can be reached at: [email protected]