Unseasonal July rain showers brought Disney California Adventure‘s new Radiator Springs Racers E-Ticket to a stop last week, highlighting a major flaw in the attraction’s ride system. Still, Disneyland is set to celebrate its 57th anniversary this week as both theme parks continue to entertain big crowds coming to see the blockbuster line-up of new attractions, restaurants and shows the Resort has added over the last five years. Plus lots of Disneyland news items. Meanwhile, an hour-and-a-half’s drive north of Disneyland, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is currently hosting a massive exhibit of dazzling artifacts from the Walt Disney Archives. D23’s Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives exhibit chronicles everything from Walt Disney‘s childhood in Marceline, Missouri to Disney’s latest films such as TRON: Legacy and Captain America: The First Avenger.
Get a closer look at today’s update! You can now click on any photo in today’s column for a large, high-resolution version of the image.
[center]Inside Dateline Disneyland[/center] |
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[center]Sponsored by TouringPlans.com | Do More. Wait Less.[/center] |
[center]WELCOME TO DISNEYLAND![/center] |
Summer continues to heat up and crowds continue to come. Touring Plans has their weekly crowd forecast for you below:
It’s another week of heavy summer crowds at Disneyland Resort. TouringPlans.com can help you navigate the parks with our per-park Crowd Calendar, Lines – Mobile Wait Times App that gives access to current and estimated wait times for attractions, and Touring Plans detailing the best plan of attack for hitting the attractions. With summer crowds arriving, it’s a good time to subscribe to TouringPlans.com to plan your strategy to avoid the crowds!
Below are the predicted resort-wide crowd numbers for select days generated by the TouringPlans professional statisticians as measured for the upcoming week. For the access to the full year and per-park crowd level predictions, visit our Crowd Calendar.
— Fred Hazelton, Statistician, TouringPlans.com
[center][/center] | [center]Resort-Wide Crowd Calendar Prediction[/center] |
[center]Crowd Tips[/center] |
Tues., July 17 | [center]10 /10[/center] | Here are some quick-hit notes that we hope you’ll find helpful as you prepare your visits for the week:
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Wed., July 18 | [center]10 /10[/center] | |
Thu., July 19 | [center]10 /10[/center] | |
Fri., July 20 | [center]10/10[/center] | |
[center]Crowd levels are based on a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the least crowded conditions and 10 being most crowded.[/center][center]See Disneyland crowds for the next 365 days. Get Disneyland wait times on youriPhone, Android, or Smartphone. Do more. Wait less. [/center] |
Despite high crowd levels, weekend wait times continue to be manageable with full Annual Passholder blackouts in effect.
[center]MAGIC KINGDOM MAKEOVERS [/center] |
Progress continues, albeit slowly, at the new Fantasy Faire princess meet-and-greet area in the former Carnation Plaza Gardens.
Looks like some progress is being made with green backstage walls now exposed.
[center]NAME THAT SHEEP![/center] |
Back in Big Thunder Ranch, Disney welcomed a new sheep to the Ranch by having guests vote for their favorite name on Friday and Saturday
The sheep wasn’t out when we visited late Saturday afternoon, but voting in Miss Criss’ cabin was still open.
Was there really any other choice besides “Lambert” ?!
Back in Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree, pin trading has been added to help draw in guests.
Bill Hill and the Hillbillies play to smaller crowds here than the packed two-story Golden Horseshoe
Roses are in full bloom along the Rivers of America.
[center]WELCOME TO DISNEY CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE[/center] |
Over at California Adventure, crowds continue remain high in the new Cars Land area, but wait times elsewhere in the park are rather manageable.
Walls are still up around the former temporary entrance area next to the main entrance turnstiles
Last week’s rare July rain storm put the new Radiator Springs Racers attraction to the test. The attraction uses the infamously problematic ride system from Test Track at Walt Disney World, which completely breaks down during rain.
For an attraction that has a significant outdoor portion, this certainly a design flaw that we had hoped Disney had been able to correct in the newest generation of the ride system. Unfortunately, the rain had Radiator Springs Racers completely down Thursday and Friday, with continuing downtimes on Saturday.
The slow-loading Luigi’s Flying Tires and Mater’s Junkyard Jamborees end up picking up the slack for Radiator Springs Racers
[center]DOWNTOWN DISNEY [/center] |
In Downtown Disney, the Earl of Sandwich construction is starting to show some progress…
Looks like they’re getting ready for signage installation above the entrance
A planter near the new restaurant is getting some work done — possibly getting ready for removal to make space for outdoor seating?
Liquor license application posted
[center]TREASURE TROVE[/center] |
About an hour and a half drive north of Disneyland, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley is now playing host to D23’s Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives exhibit.
Perched on a hill that overlooks Simi Valley, the Reagan Library is a gorgeous location for the new exhibit despite being a bit of an inconvenient drive for those visiting from outside the area.
The new exhibit opened July 6. Below, the Reagan Library has provided a video of the complete grand opening ceremony
Below, D23’s press release detailing the exhibit:
D23 Presents Treasures of The Walt Disney Archives at The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum
D23 Presents Treasures of The Walt Disney Archives, which encompasses more than 500 historic artifacts from nearly nine decades of Disney history, opens at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum on July 6, continuing through April 2013.Presented by D23: The Official Disney Fan Club and The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Library, D23 Presents Treasures of The Walt Disney Archives is the largest exhibition ever curated by the Walt Disney Archives, at 12,000 square feet. From Oswald the Lucky Rabbit and Mickey Mouse to Captain Jack Sparrow and Captain America, the exhibition features more than 500 artifacts, at least half of which have never been seen by the public—including models, props, costumes, set pieces, and artwork from throughout Disney history.
“Ronald Reagan and Walt Disney were longtime friends, two optimists who shared an unwavering belief in the essential goodness of the American way of life,” Bob Iger, chairman and CEO, The Walt Disney Company, says. “We’re proud to partner with the Reagan Library and the National Archives to showcase Disney’s rich entertainment legacy. This extraordinary exhibit will offer visitors an unprecedented look into Disney’s history and celebrate the connection between these two American originals.”
Among the extraordinary items to be featured are:
- The original script, written by Walt Disney, for Mickey Mouse’s film debut in 1928′s Steamboat Willie
- A faithful recreation of Walt’s formal office from the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California, including original furnishings and many of his personal items
- Hand-drawn artwork and hand-sculpted models used in the production of some of the most beloved Disney animated film classics ever created, including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio, Fantasia, Bambi, and Sleeping Beauty
- Props from classic Disney live-action productions, including Mary Poppins, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, The Absent-Minded Professor, The Shaggy Dog, Babes in Toyland, Bedknobs and Broomsticks, and more
- Breathtaking props, costumes, and set pieces from recent Disney classics, including the Pirates of the Caribbean films, Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, TRON: Legacy, National Treasure, and Captain America
- Intricately sculptured busts of all 44 U.S. Presidents that were created for Audio-Animatronics® figures seen in the The Hall of Presidents attraction at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort
- A salute to Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, showcasing theme park artwork, Audio-Animatronics® characters, memorabilia, and authentic attraction vehicles
The exhibition also pays tribute to the long personal friendship and professional collaboration between Walt Disney and Ronald Reagan, which began many years before President Reagan’s political career.
On July 17, 1955, Ronald Reagan was one of the co-hosts of ABC Network’s live coverage of the opening of Disneyland, and as governor of California, he frequently visited Disney’s first theme park. After leaving the Oval Office, one of his first public events was a return to Disneyland, where he officiated at the park’s January 1990 35th-anniversary celebration, proclaiming it “one of America’s national treasures.”
“Walt Disney and Ronald Reagan shared a passion for America, a belief in the human spirit, and an innate optimism that, in both men, galvanized the public,” John Heubusch, executive director of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, says. “President Reagan was a great admirer of Walt Disney, and we are tremendously proud to host this wonderful exhibition of Disney treasures, and to honor the bond between Walt and President Reagan.”
For exhibit hours and additional information, visit the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum online. Admission to the exhibition is included with the purchase of admission to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum. Through April 2013, when the exhibition is scheduled to end, members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club also save $2 on every adult admission.
“At 12,000 square feet, this is the largest special exhibit the Reagan Library has ever put on,” Duke Blackwood, director of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, says. “It is a testament to the relationship between Walt Disney and our nation’s presidents, as well as the story of Disney, itself. The Reagan Library and National Archives are honored to host this extraordinary exhibit.” [ LINK ]
Guests visiting the Library solely for the Disney Archives exhibit will have to put their political viewpoints aside when visiting. Unfortunately, the exhibit is located in the National Treasures Gallery, at the very back of the Library and visitors must walk through a rather lengthy gallery space chronicling Ronald Reagan’s life and political career before seeing anything Disney-related.
I did see queueing space and signs for guests wanting to skip directly to the Disney Archives exhibit, but the Reagan must not be utilizing this unless the crowd levels warrant it, which seems unlikely, especially if you’re visiting on a weekday.
Nevertheless, the Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives exhibit is a large and rather spectacular collection of artifacts from Walt Disney’s life, career and company that stretches from his boyhood in Marceline, Missouri to present-day Disney film and theme park offerings.
A collection of early Mickey Mouse memorabilia
A look at an early animator’s desk from the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank
The storybooks from the title sequences of Snow White and Cinderella
On public display for the first time in years since it was removed from Disneyland’s Main Street Opera House is Walt Disney’s Formal Office
It’s really a treat to see this again and we hope that Disney can find a permanent place to publicly display this after the end of this exhibit.
Great models, props and costumes from classic Disney films are on display
A display case of character maquettes from the 80s/90s animation renaissance
From here, guests are directed down a flight of stairs into a large open space full of costumes, props, set pieces, Audio-Animatronics and other artifacts from Disney’s films and theme parks.
A large display showcases props and costumes from the 1996 live-action remake of “101 Dalmatians” starring Glenn Close
A path surrounds visitors in costumes from the recent “Disney Dreams” photo series by photographer Annie Leibovitz, 2007’s live-action film “Enchanted,” Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland” and more
Props and costumes from TRON and TRON: Legacy
Some great props and costumes from recent Marvel films are on display
Theme park ride vehicles, Audio-Animatronics and props on display
The head of Disneyland’s original “Fantasmic!” dragon
Slue Foot Sue’s dress from Disneyland’s Golden Horseshoe Revue
Great Haunted Mansion animatronics and merchandise
Black Pearl filming model from the films
Back upstairs, you reach the end of the exhibit by passing through a hallway lined with characters from Disney’s more recent animated hits
The exhibit ends in a room celebrating Walt Disney World’s Hall of Presidents attraction and documenting Walt Disney’s relationship with Ronald Reagan as well as Reagan’s appreciation for Disney and Disney theme parks.
Ronald Reagan wrote the letter to the Postmaster General that got the Walt Disney commemorative stamp made
The Reagan Library gift shop offers a large selection of Walt Disney Archives and exhibit-branded merchandise including books, pins, apparel and more.
Overall the Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives exhibit is a fantastic day trip for Disney fans in the Southern California region. For out-of-state visitors, the exhibit would be a great addition to a Disneyland vacation. For Disney fans who attended the D23 Expo in 2009 or 2011, there is some overlap of items on display here, but there’s plenty of new things to see to warrant a trip to Simi Valley. The exhibit really is a must-see for fans of Disney, offering something for every Disney fan. While the exhibit was never particularly busy when I visited, attendance did pick up around early afternoon. I’d recommend arriving early to avoid crowds and for easier parking. Tickets to the exhibit can be purchased in advance online at the Reagan Library web site. Admission is $21 for adults, $6 for children 10 and under, Child (10 and under), $15 for youth ages 11-17 and $18 for seniors. D23 members get $2 off per ticket. The Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives at the Reagan Library runs through April 2013.
[CENTER] Dateline Disneyland is sponsored by our good friends at the Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel & Water Playground.[/CENTER] 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 [CENTER]MiceChat.com and Annual Passholder Discounts |
[center]WEEKLY NEWS & INFORMATION ROUND-UP[/center] | ||
[center]Weekly Theme Park Hours July 16 – 22, 2012[/center] |
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[CENTER][B]Disneyland Park[/B][/CENTER] | [CENTER][B]California Adventure[/B][/CENTER] | |
[CENTER]Daily: 8 am – 12 midnight[/CENTER] |
[CENTER]Daily: 8 am – 11 pm[/CENTER] |
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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]Expected Crowd Levels[/center] [center]presented by TouringPlans.com[/center] | ||
[CENTER][B]Disneyland Park[/B][/CENTER] | [CENTER][B]California Adventure[/B][/CENTER] | |
[CENTER][B]HIGH[/B] [B]8.2—9.1[/B] out of 10[/CENTER] |
[CENTER][B]HIGH[/B] [B]9.9—10[/B] out of 10[/CENTER] |
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[CENTER]Crowd levels are based on a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the least crowded conditions and 10 being most crowded. [B]For crowd predictions for the next 365 days, visit [/B] |
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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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Disneyland’s Tinker Bell half-marathon sells outFrom the OC Regsiter’s Around Disney blog: | ||
[b]Disneyland’s Tinker Bell Half Marathon full[/b] | ||
Registration for a women-focused Disneyland race is already full less than one month after sign-ups began.Tinker Bell Half Marathon sign-ups closed Wednesday after about 14,000 people registered for the Jan. 20 event. Registration started June 12.While regular spaces are gone, potential runners can sign up through charity teams and tour groups on runDisney.com.
It’s one of the fastest sell-outs of a California Disney race so far: The upcoming Disneyland Half Marathon spots filled up in one month and one day. “When they become available, people gobble them up pretty quick,” said Tony Morreale, a spokesman for Disney sports. The January race will be the second Tinker Bell Half Marathon, which is aimed at females, but open to males. This year’s Tinker Bell race drew about 900 males. Spots are still available for a Family Fun Run 5K and kids’ races, including a Diaper Dash for babies. |
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[b]Full story: OC Regsiter: Disneyland’s Tinker Bell Half Marathon full[/b] |
Alright, that wraps up this week’s edition of Dateline Disneyland and our look at the Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives exhibit at the Reagan Library. Thanks for reading!Don’t forget to visit our great sponsors over at Touring Planswhen planning your next visit to Disneyland!We’re only here because of your continued support. If you’ve enjoy Dateline Disneyland over the last five years, please consider helping us out by donating a buck or two so we can pay the bills and keep the updates coming! You can donate with a click of a button via PayPal — click here!
Don’t forget that MiceChat has lots of new content throughout the week! Our new MiceChat.com homepage has all of our content organized by category for your browsing convenience. So be sure to check out all of our great weekly content including In the Parks, Weekend Update and our sister column covering Walt Disney World in Florida, Dateline Disney World. [B]- Andy[/B] |
[CENTER]Please support our sponsors
[/CENTER][B]FTC-Mandated Disclosure:[/B] Admission the the Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives at the Reagan Library was provided by D23: The Official Disney Fan Club. |