Hello one and all!  It’s time for another Disneyland Resort update. Today we are on the verge of some pretty interesting things happening at the Happiest Place on Earth. To begin with, the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage will be returning from its 9 month refurbishment. Will it sparkle and shine as it did on opening day? We also have news that the Big Hero 6 preview in the Magic Eye Theater is now welcoming guests. Moving on we see that procedures are evolving again at the turnstiles. Meanwhile, the Castle bridge is being bubble wrapped for your protection. Oh, and don’t forget the latest seasonal smoothie at Schmoozies. All of this plus updates on the Frozen items coming to Disney California Adventure’s Hollywood Pictures Backlot, and a special look at the amazing pumpkin carving happening at Big Thunder Ranch’s Halloween Carnival. Let’s get to it.

Esplanade Work

It is finally happening. After a couple of years of showing you photos of the terrazzo potholes in the Esplanade, repairs are on the way.

New Ticket Procedures

While passing through the turnstiles recently we noticed that the cast members were not using the usual scanners below the monitor/control panels as in the past.  Instead, Cast members were using the handheld scanners used to double check the single and multiple day ticket holders.  Presumably this is in an effort to eliminate the need for two CM’s per turnstile.  The problem here is that the entry process can take even longer than before as ticket takers attempt to verify guests.

All was well this week with low park attendance, but this will do nothing to speed up the process should the cast members encounter guests that have not had their picture taken, or whose photos don’t match their physical appearance.  But it will help the bottom line of the resort by removing half of the labor hours from the front gates.

We begin in Disney California Adventure this week as a way to shake things up.  There’s still not too much happening in this sleepy park for the Halloween Season.  But there are a few bits of news.

Frozen Over?

As the “cool” autumn days roll on, we continue to wonder what will pan out with regards to the Frozen overlay of Hollywood Pictures Backlot.  According to a recent MiceAge update…

The plan to install Frozen into Hollywood Land that we told you about in the last Miceage Update has been expanded further. Now the Frozen fun will also be taking over the Disney Animation attraction across Hollywood Blvd. The Fastpass-only character meet n’ greet will move into the Turtle Talk lobby, the Animation Academy will be drawing Frozen characters almost exclusively, and the video clips playing in the lobby will be cycling through lots of Frozen material. A brand new musical stage show will be installed in MuppetVision, and Frozen-themed ice skating will go into Stage 17. DCA’s Hollywood Land will become Frozen Land this holiday season.

Nothing is visible just yet, but the info was confirmed from a few sources. One source mentioned that while the animation courtyard would be used as the meet and greet area, it is very likely that the Sorcerers Workshop would subsequently be closed for the duration.  More on this as it develops.

Seasonal Smoothie

They finally have a truly seasonal smoothie at Schmoozies.  Though, it can hardly be claimed that it is healthy, the Caramel Apple smoothie sounds delight-fall. It goes just perfectly with a pumpkin muffin!

On to Disneyland where Halloween Time is all over the place and more attractions are returning from refurbishment.

 

Refurb Street U.S.A.

Main Street U.S.A is enjoying a large amount of refurbishment during this fall season.  To begin with, they are replacing the curbing around this planter near City Hall.

Then, the exterior of the Disney Showcase and Magic Shop are getting a refurb too.

Big Hero 6

As of Wednesday, this is what the Magic Eye Theater still looked like.  You will notice the red, silver, and white support poles for the posters at the entrance.  The preview of Big Hero 6 begins today!  Get out there and see it kids!

Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage

If all goes well, we should see the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage return tomorrow morning, Saturday the 27th.  This refurbishment, as we have pointed out before, lasted a long 9 months, most of which time absolutely nothing was done to the attraction.  That is very close to one third the time it took to renovate and rebuild the attraction when it reopened it 2007.  What will we find when this behemoth of a ride returns?  Will it be sparkly and new? Will the long non-functional props, such as the Angler Fish, be fixed?  Or will it be just good enough to skate by through the 60th celebration?

But one thing is for sure . . . this is a BEAUTIFUL lagoon and gives this little corner of the park some stunning vistas.

Castle Bridge Secured For Your Safety

As far as we know, there has never been a case of a bridge jumper from Disneyland’s Castle. Still, safety changes have recently been made to make it harder for you to intentionally or accidentally fall from the bridge into the water below. The benches have been removed from the castle bridge for fall safety reasons and new railings look to be on the way. While the resulting space looks mostly fine for now, there’s indication of future changes which could significantly change the look of the bridge.

As you can see from the photos below, holes are being drilled where we assume new railing will be installed.

Do you feel safer?

Pumpkin Carving

We end today’s update with a lovely look at the whimsical pumpkin carving happening at Big Thunder Ranch’s Halloween Carnival. Go to the center of the festival and say hi to the artist on hand. They will be there to chat up a storm and show you their latest creations.

Thanks for checking out In The Parks today!  Come back soon as we will have a full review of Knott’s Scary Farm’s Halloween Haunt!  Until next time we’ll see you In The Parks!

 

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