Thanksgiving Day crowds enjoyed a healthy dose of holiday cheer at the Disneyland Resort despite the rain that moved in on Sunday night. Many argue that Disneyland is far more magical in the rain than at any other time. Is it the lights, the cool air, or is it just the lack of crowds? Whatever the reason, there is a glossy patina that covers the landscape and rinses all but the diehards from the park. In The Parks fills in again for Andy Castro’s Dateline Disneyland today. It seems that the full digitization of the DAS card system is complete. Will the change make it easier on disabled guests? Next we have info on this year’s Candlelight Procession event. The Mad T Party took its final, rain-soaked, bow last night and we were there to see it. We also enjoy a ride on the Mark Twain Riverboat which has returned to service on the Rivers of America. We then bring you a photo report of rain at the resort. While pretty, the park has to make small changes to operations to keep the show going. We share all of this along with the latest crowd forecasts and scheduled ride closures.
Candy Canes
The famous candy cane making is back in both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure this year.
Disneyland Candy Palace – November 28; December 2, 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 21, 23, & 24
Disney California Adventure Trolley Treats – November 29; December 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, & 25
Price – $12.99
Get in line at park opening to assure you’ll get one of these popular treats.
Candlelight Processional
The first signs of the Candlelight Processional are popping up on the steps of Main Street’s Train Station. Soon this entire area will be transformed into a stage for the nighttime spectacular. This year’s celebration will take place December 6th and 7th at 5:30pm and 8pm each night. Narrators have not yet been officially announced.
DAS Changes Again
If you have used the Disability Assistance Service (DAS) card in the past, there is one final adjustment that they have made to the system recently. While it tightens the screws even further on those still trying to cheat the system, the real proof will be in the reactions from the disabled folks whom the system was created to help.
The reason why that card is laying in a soggy mess on Main Street is because it has now been rendered useless. Guests using the system check in at City Hall to begin their day at the park. Until recently, they were given a paper card that was good for a party of up to 6 people. Each card was assigned to the disabled guest and cards were often good for months at a time. This is no longer the case. Now, disabled guests must check in at City Hall on EVERY visit. Further, they must assign their guests to their account on each visit and all party members are electronically scanned into the system (via their admission media). Once in the system, everything is handled electronically. No card.
An extremely helpful Cast member at City Hall took the time to explain to us how the whole thing works. Check in must always take place at City Hall, or the Chamber of Commerce in DCA, at the beginning of the visit. After that, the guest using the DAS card may add and subtract from their group at any one of the kiosks in the park that issues DAS return times. The biggest difference now is that when visiting a kiosk for a return time, each member of the party must present their ticket to be scanned. Think of it as an alternate FastPass system. In fact, that is exactly what Disney management has done. They have created what amounts to a secondary FastPass network for disabled guests.
This certainly clamps down on those abusing the system by maxing out their DAS card with a party of 6 to use it as a free-floating FastPass. What do you think of this change? Is it the final step in the right direction? Or is this putting further and undue burden on those with disabilities who are simply trying to enjoy a day in the park?
Mark Twain River Boat
The stately Mark Twain Riverboat returned to service this weekend adding to the riparian ambiance in Frontierland and New Orleans Square. The smell of fresh paint and lacquer lingers on the decks as everything gleams with a high level of polish and shine. While we were not able to get to the top deck, due to rain, here are some pics from our time on the Twain since the refurbishment.
Fun Giveaway – Ends Tonight (December 1st)
Win one of two special edition D23 Destination D Magic Bands. These are brand new and never been used. They were only available at the recent Destination D event at the Contemporary Hotel at Walt Disney World. One of these could be yours. There’s no cost to enter, just follow THIS LINK to our Facebook page for details on how to enter: ENTER HERE
Disneyland in the Rain
California has been in a terrible drought. Weekend rain was very much needed . . . but also an opportunity to enjoy Disneyland in its rare wet condition.
For the most part, all of the attractions stay open with a few exceptions. On Main Street, the vehicles still run guests up to the castle and back. However, the Horse Drawn Carriage is left backstage.
What about the parades? Due to the weather, the parades got scrapped yesterday as well. Not to worry, Disneyland offers a one minute Character Cavalcade so you can watch the characters drive down the parade route in covered cars and the omnibus.
Regardless of how you feel about tromping around a theme park, soaking wet, feet mushy and cold, looking for shelter from the rain, there is a certain beauty to it. Here are a few shots from yesterday’s multiple downpours.
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Refurb Round Up
- Storybook Land Canal Boats and Casey Jr. Circus Train: Closed December 1-18 for refurbishment.
- Matterhorn Bobsleds: Closed January 5-May 13 for refurbishment.
- Haunted Mansion: Closed January 12-22 to remove holiday overlay.
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: Closed January 12-February 5 for refurbishment.
- Splash Mountain: Closed January 12-April 2 for refurbishment.
- Snow White Grotto and Wishing Well: Closed January 12-April 30 for refurbishment.
- Peter Pan’s Flight: Closed January 12-May 7.
The Grand Californian Hotel
The west coast can finally breath a sigh of relief! The Grand Californian Hotel recently debuted its own gingerbread House in the lobby of the hotel. A tradition at the Walt Disney World properties, this is the first year a Gingerbread house has been constructed for the Grand Californian Hotel. It is nowhere near the size and scope of what is seen in Florida, but it’s a first step.
Bye Bye Mad T Party
Last night marked the unceremonious farewell to a two-year trip down the rabbit hole. The psychedelic, funkadelic, triply-dippy dance party known as the Mad T Party enjoyed its last performance last night. This dance party overlay to Hollywood Land became a popular night time hangout for locals over its run.
As early as 3pm, a small crowd had already formed around the stage to catch what would ostensibly be the last performance of the band.
The weather continued to play with the waiting crowds hopes of seeing a final performance. Heavy rain would repeatedly give way to bright sun and relative dry. By the end of the night the rain let up enough for the band to take the stage in one last hurrah. The entire area was a madhouse of fans, cheering, screaming, and having one last amazing time.
After two encores, the Mad Hatter was left alone on stage. With a smirk, he waved the band back up onstage and announced, “We’ll be back in May!” Take that as you will. The fans of Mad T Party are feverishly trying to save Mad T Party. This gave them a slight glimmer of hope, however faint. The band then returned to the stage to sing a cover of “Don’t Stop Believing”.
The song ended and the crowd cheered one last time. The entire cast of Mad T Party came onstage to say goodbye and offer one last bow.
Will they return in May? Our money says that if the upcoming Frozen area overlay still has 4 hour waits for the meet and greet, you can kiss Mad T Party goodbye. Further, Mad T Party is the 3rd iteration of the dance parties in the Hollywood section. It’s time for a refresh anyway. If the dancing returns, it’s likely to come with a new theme. We shall see.
Frozen
The Hollywood Land backlot area will soon be home to several Frozen themed activities. As of Sunday, very little had changed on the outside. But we should start seeing some icy theme soon enough as the Muppets, Stage 17 and the Animation building begin their temporary transition.
Seams to be Looking Better
The Little Mermaid Christmas Decorations got a little bit of a touch-up recently. While not totally perfect, the seams on the decor are less noticeable.
Refurb Round Up
- Bakery Tour: Closed through January 16 for its Rosy removal.
- Turtle Talk with Crush: Closed October 28-29 for refurbishment.
- Goofy’s Sky School: Closed December 1 for refurbishment.
- Toy Story Midway Mania!: Closed December 8-11 for refurbishment.
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror: Closed January 5-8 for refurbishment.
- Soarin’ Over California: Closed January 6-May 14 for refurbishment.
- World of Color: Dark January 7-March 12 for refurbishment.
- Luigi’s Flying Tires: Closed January 12-December 1, 2015 for conversion to new attraction.
- Blue Sky Cellar: Closed indefinitely
HAPPY BIRTHDAY WALT DISNEY – DEC 5th
MiceChat is supporting the effort to save and preserve the home that Walt Disney was born in. Sadly, the house is in jeopardy. But with your help we can restore the place where the magic began. Phase One restoration has already begun, but funds to restore the windows, refurbish and paint the original wood siding hammered into place by Elias Disney himself must be raised by December 5th (Walt’s birthday)! The windows have been ordered, the paint crew ready to go, and siding is being repaired . . . all we need is you!
To make the process as easy and rewarding as possible, the Walt Disney Birthplace crew have launched a Start Some Good campaign which offers rewards in exchange for donations.
Please show your support for this fantastic project with a pledge. Any amount, large or small, is welcomed! There are even opportunities to get your name on the project (engraved paver stones, sponsored windows or major sponsorship). If you have a friend or company which may want to get involved, please be sure to share this message.
Thanks so much for your support folks. Together, we can make this a great birthday for Walt and restore the home Elias and Flora Disney built and that Walt, Roy and Ruth Disney were born in!
Andy Castro should be back next week. Stay dry and we’ll see you again soon . . . In The Parks!
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