The Disneyland Resort is about to experience an ice age unlike anything ever seen before.  That’s right, Anna and Elsa are taking over the resort.  With activities and highlights mainly centered in Disney California Adventure, Frozen Fun will be highlighted by a “Family Dance Party”, a new stage show, a new meet and greet, and a snow play land.  Want more?  Okay.  There are also new additions being made to Storybookland Canal Boats and The Royal Theatre in the Princess Fantasy Faire.  But that’s not the only news that might leave you cold.  Fantasmic FastPasses start today. If you want to see the show, it would be highly advisable to get to the park early and obtain a ticket, because walking up at the last minute is going to get harder than ever.  We’ll show you how it will work and what to expect.  And we’ve got lots of fun photos of the most magical place on earth.

Fantasmic FastPasses Begin Today

Can you feel it in the air?  Starting today guests at the Disneyland Resort will be required to acquire a FastPass in order to have access to prime viewing areas to watch Fantasmic at Disneyland Park.  What does this mean?  It means that Disney will begin distributing FastPasses at Big Thunder Trail right when the park opens, a lot like they are doing now for World of Color over in Disney California Adventure. Guests with a FastPass ticket will be able to line up along Big Thunder Trail up to 90 minutes prior to the designated showtime.

When World of Color premiered next door, the idea of a ticketed entry for viewing a night time spectacular was unheard of. In fact, many doubters wondered if customers would even comprehend the system at all. Championed by then Disney California Adventure President, Mary Niven, the system worked surprisingly well.  With her transition over to Disneyland as Vice President of that park, it was only a matter of time before the system made its way to Fantasmic.

Since the premiere of Fantasmic, over 22 years ago, the walkways along the river swell with eager guests looking for the perfect spot to camp out up to four hours in advance of the first showing each night.  Tonight will be different. The tradition of saving a spot along the Rivers of America is now a thing of the past.  Disney staff will now be clearing the viewing area and not allowing guests to save spots for viewing.

What about those folks who don’t have “FastPasses” for that nights performance of Fantasmic?  What about those who like to just show up for the show in the evening?  There are options, not many of them free of charge.  Any guest is free to wait in a stand-by line to fill any spots not taken by “FastPass” holders for any given performance. The chances of that being an option near show time are admittedly slim.  You DO have the option to buy prime viewing locations through dinning packages offered by Disney.

Guests will also have the option to receive a “Fantasmic!” FASTPASS with the purchase of new “Fantasmic!” dining packages, including dinner at Blue Bayou Restaurant, special table-service seating at River Belle Terrace, a new dessert party at Hungry Bear Restaurant, on-the-go options and more. Check out all of the new “Fantasmic!” dining packages here.

Reservations for December 12 and beyond will be available for booking beginning November 12. Space is limited for these experiences, so advance reservations are recommended online at disneyland.com or by calling 714-781-DINE (714-781-3463).

Is it a cash grab?  Not any more than what was instated at DCA for World of Color.  There are free options and there are “Extra Pixie Dust” options that cost money.  The bigger concern we have is on behalf of the poor front-of-the-line cast members who will have to implement the new strategy.  They will be the ones taking the insults, the swears, the spitting, and possibly even the fisticuffs from ornery park visitors that simply can’t handle a break in tradition. There was plenty of that in the early days of World of Color before cast and guest became accustomed to the routine.

If you do decide to brave the park tonight and try to watch Fantasmic, please, be patient.  The cast members are just doing their job and enforcing a new system implemented by management.

What do YOU think of this new “FastPass” system for Fantasmic?  Is it a better way of doing things?  Will things go smoothly? Be sure to come back here and leave your comments after seeing the show.

21 Royal Street

We’ve received a lot of mail this week from folks wanting to know what’s going on above 21 Royal Street in New Orleans Square. Appearently a fan site claims that Disney is building an adult bar and restaurant for park guests. However, various sources that we are hearing from tell us that this space is simply an expansion of the Club 33 facility for private events. Don’t get your hopes up folks. This appears to be just another crazy internet rumor.

Splash Mountain

With Splash Mountain about to go down for another major refurbishment, (Didn’t they just do one?) January 12th – April 12th, we decided to take a ride on the popular flume ride.

Getting into many of the show scenes we can already see that Disney management has checked out entirely on any maintenance for the ride.  Countless animatronics were not working, often time with the simple fix of shutting off their show lighting.

Frozen Fun in Fantasy Faire

Starting December 20th, as part of the resort-wide Frozen Fun events, the Royal Theatre stage in Princess Fantasy Faire will begin presenting a brand new stage show based on the hit movie. If you don’t catch that you can see the other stage show across the way at the new Crown Jewel Theatre.  Fair warning:   You will NOT be able to get away from the songs Let it go and Do you want to build a snowman.

Refurb Roundup

• Storybook Land Canal Boats and Casey Jr. Circus Train: Closed December 1-18 for refurbishment which will add Arendelle from Frozen to the attraction.

Inside the Storybookland Canal Boats, we can see that the water level has been lowered, but not totally drained as they install the new Arendelle scene in place of the Old Mill tableau near the end of the ride.

• 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.  

Iger Speaks Star Wars at Long Last

In a recent “exclusive” with Variety, Disney CEO Bob Iger came clean about the delay for a Star Wars land.  In part the article stated…

“I didn’t want someone to say, ‘I just saw the movie and there’s nothing in that movie in this (attraction),” Iger said. “We waited to see what this film would have in it.”

As a result, Iger stopped early development on theme park attractions at Imagineering. “We couldn’t tell them what was new,” Iger said, until Abrams was finished developing and producing the sequel. “I slowed it all down so what we come forward with will have a blend of the past, present and maybe the future,” referencing upcoming sequels and spinoff films. “Now we have a sense of what’s in ‘Star Wars 8,’ and what some of the standalone films will have in them.”

Of course, faithfull MiceAge readers have known this all along. And those budget overruns on MyMagic+ played a big part too. He failed to mention that.  😉

Shots from the Park

There are always wonderful moments of Disney Magic to be found at Disneyland.  Here are some shots from the park this week.

 

 

Frozen Fun for Everyone

It’s official.  The much-rumored deep freeze, that we’ve been telling you was on the way to DCA’s Hollywood Land Backlot, has finally been announced by Disney.  By December 20th, the new Frozen Fun overlay of Hollywood Land should be open to guests.

Freeze the Night! A Family Dance Party

We are seeing, what appears to be so far, a very chincy redressing of the Mad T Party for the “Freeze the Night” family dance party in Hollywood Land.  The archway that once marked the entry portal into madness will be the new corridor to cool.  Don’t mind the gears folks.

The once tan pillars that marked the entrance into the Hollywood Studios area have been coated with cerulean tones and chilly highlights, topped off with a smattering of snow on the top.

The marketing speak from Disney is priceless and there really isn’t another way to put it.

Each evening, you’re invited to “chill out” in Hollywood Land with music, dancing, interactive fun and more in this new, family-friendly experience. You’ll arrive at the party through an icy archway to find wintry décor, dazzling lighting effects, cool photo spots, yummy treats and frosty beverages for all ages. Throughout the night, a giant thermometer registers the drop in temperature, as things get so cool they ultimately reach the freezing point when everyone lets it go in a spectacular “Frozen Fun” crescendo!

Folks it’s gonna get COLDER!  Isn’t that gonna be great (please excuse our well deserved sarcasm).

For the First Time in Forever – A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration

The Muppet Vision theater is being made over into the Crown Jewel Theatre of Arendelle for a brand new stage show based on Frozen.  There will be Arendelle “Historians” there to guide guests into the show that re-tells, again, the story of Anna and Elsa.

Olaf’s Snow Fest (Stage 17) &

Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post

As stated before, the word is now official that the old Studio Store that once carried Hollywood and Muppet themed merchandise will now become Frozen Merch central.  Meanwhile kids and adults alike will be able to slink into Stage 17 for Olaf’s Snow Fest.

From Disney…

Stage 17 in Hollywood Land plays host to an immersive winter wonderland straight out of the Kingdom of Arendelle, complete with a giant snow play area and musical performances by The Frolicking Fjords and The Tubadors. You can glide down a snow slide, build a snowman of your own and visit everyone’s favorite snowy pal, Olaf, and give him a warm hug. “Olaf’s Snow Fest” has so much to offer, from beautiful photo opportunities to scrumptious treats and special “Frozen” souvenirs. It’ll be a great spot for making memories that’ll warm your heart.

Anna and Elsa’s Royal Welcome

Anna and Elsa will meet and greet with guests in Hollywood Land’s Character Close-up inside the Animation Building.  Anna and Elsa’s Royal Welcome will offer guests the chance, once again, to meet the two icy characters. Inside the Animation Academy, budding young artists will be able to try their hand at drawing Olaf or Marshmallow from the film.

 Refurb Round Up

• Bakery Tour: Closed through January 16 for refurbishment.
• Toy Story Midway Mania!: Closed December 8-11 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.
• Muppet*Vision 3D: Dark indefinitely while theater is used for Frozen-themed show.
• Blue Sky Cellar: Closed indefinitely.

 Shots from the Park

Save The Date For The MiceChat 10th Anniversary!

MiceChat is turning 10. We’ve got a lot of great things planned for you which we are just putting finishing touches on right now. We are planning a cocktail party, special presentations, tours, meets, meals, contests, prizes and lots of special guests and opportunities. Join the event page on Facebook so you don’t miss out: Join Event HERE

The Anabella Hotel is offering a very special MiceChat 10th Anniversary Rate:
– $89 (Standard Room Types)
– $139 (Concierge)
Rate is valid 2/6/15-2/8/15

Rate only available for those who call in: call reservations at 800.863.4888 to reserve your room. Don’t forget to ask for the “MiceChat 10th Anniversary” rate.

Will you join us as we celebrate 10 years together? Sign Up HERE

 

 

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