Things are about to get extra chilly at the Disneyland Resort.  In fact, you could say that everything will be Frozen in the next few days as Anna and Elsa unleash their endless onslaught of Frozen Fun at both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. But not all things are going as planned. We detail here what you can expect over the next few days as Frozen Fun gets rolled out in phases.  Next we share what the FastPass system looks like for Fantasmic and offer a few tips if you plan on trying out the system this weekend.  We also share with you the bits and pieces of magic that guests happen upon while visiting the park, including more Christmas Magic, a ride on Pirates of the Caribbean, and more.  All of this, plus the usual run down of refurbishments and closures.

Tomorrowplan Crowd Estimates for Disneyland Resort from Mouseaddict

Dececember 19 – 25

Fri, In The Parks: Disneyland and the Delayed Frozen Ice Age
Sat, In The Parks: Disneyland and the Delayed Frozen Ice Age
Sun, In The Parks: Disneyland and the Delayed Frozen Ice Age
Mon, In The Parks: Disneyland and the Delayed Frozen Ice Age
Tue, In The Parks: Disneyland and the Delayed Frozen Ice Age
Wed, In The Parks: Disneyland and the Delayed Frozen Ice Age
Thu, In The Parks: Disneyland and the Delayed Frozen Ice Age

  • We’ve had an overwhelming response – thank you! – to our Tomorrowplan holiday extension. And now we’ve extended our crowd predictions all the way through January 4. Activate Tomorrowplan today in the Mouseaddict app and plan your holiday visit.
  • Hotels continue to be in a slump this week. Be sure to look online for some good deals at Disneyland Good Neighbor hotels.
  • Storybook Land reopens this weekend with the addition of Arendelle, and tomorrow the Frozen mania continues over in Hollywood Land with character meet-and-greets. (Anna and Elsa won’t be found in Fantasyland after today.)

The free Mouseaddict app for iPhone and iPad features more than five dozen categories of searchable resort information, weather forecasts, park and show schedules, the latest news and articles from MiceChat, and more. Download free on the App Store or at mouseaddict.com.

, In The Parks: Disneyland and the Delayed Frozen Ice Age

headers_DL

We are right in the middle of the busiest season of the year at the Disneyland Resort. Be prepared for a lot of fun and some frustrations as well as Disneyland is a no-holds barred barrage of boisterous, peppermint sprinkled, sugar plum coated crowds.

Candy Canes
There are still a few chances to get the famous candy canes from Main Street and Buena Vista Street.

Disneyland Candy Palace – Dec.  21, 23, & 24

Disney California Adventure Trolley Treats – Dec. 20, 22, & 25

Price – $12.99

Get in line at park opening to assure you’ll get one of these popular treats.  Here is a first hand account of a recent trip to go grab one of these beloved peppermint concoctions.

IMG_0637
In Town Square the Flag Pole and Christmas Tree play twin centerpieces.
IMG_0639
All traces of Candlelight have been removed from the Main Street Train Station.

IMG_0642

IMG_0645

IMG_0647

IMG_0648

Fantasmic FastPass

The Fantasmic FastPass has arrived with some minor inconvenience here and there.  For the most part, guests seem to have warmed up to the idea of not having to sit for four hours to have a good spot for this popular show.

IMG_0632
Signs clearly remind guests entering the park that the service is available.

IMG_0634

IMG_0755
Heading into Fronteirland, a cast member and signs indicate where to pick up tickets.
IMG_0756
Fastpass tents are set up, against the backside of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, in the old Smoking area.
IMG_0758
Temporary tents and roll-away machines are the Fastpass Distribution area for now.

IMG_0759

IMG_0761

IMG_0762

IMG_0763

Disney Magic

With a bit of a slow news cycle for the resort, let’s take some time to enjoy Disney’s holiday magic.

IMG_0655
A crowd forms in front of Pirates of the Caribbean to listen to the entertaining Pirate band.

IMG_0661

IMG_0692
Inside Pirates of the Caribbean, gloomy caves an flowing currents create a mysterious atmosphere.

IMG_0698

IMG_0707
Every day there is an epic battle.
IMG_0734
The pre-Ebay auction is always going on. How much do you offer for this winsome wench?

IMG_0747

IMG_0751
New Orleans Square is in a perpetual state of celebration.

IMG_0752

IMG_0753

 

IMG_0767
The Disney characters abound here in Big Thunder Ranch’s Festival Arena.

IMG_0772

IMG_0777

 

Frozen Fun in Disneyland

As Frozen Fun makes it’s way into the resort we see that the additions to Storybook Land Canal Boats has both itself and Casey Junior Circus Train closed.  Fortunately, these additions are running smoothly and should open on time this Saturday, December 20th.

IMG_0781

IMG_0782

IMG_0784

The kingdom of Arendelle has been added to the Storybook Land Canal Boats.  The new scene has taken the place of the Old Mill diorama.  Here we can see cast members rehearsing their new script.

IMG_0785

IMG_0793

IMG_0794

There will also be a new show debuting this Saturday at the Royal Theatre inside the Princess Fantasy Faire.  The new show will, of course, be based on the exploits of Anna and Elsa.

IMG_0801

Refurb Round Up

Below is a listing of the scheduled refurbishments as of today at Disneyland.

IMG_0795

  • Matterhorn Bobsleds: Closed January 5-May 13 for refurbishment.

IMG_0754

  • 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.

IMG_0797

  • Snow White Grotto and Wishing Well: Closed January 12-April 30 for refurbishment.
  • Peter Pan’s Flight: Closed January 12-May 7.

headers_DCA

Let’s jump over to Disney California Adventure to check on the Frozen Progress over there.

IMG_2102

Frozen Fun Slow to Start

With all of the rain, the work to convert Mad T Party into a Frozen Dance Party has experienced its share of delays. All previews on the 18th and 19th appear to have now been cancelled as crews rush to complete the various projects.

Freeze the Night
Freeze the night crews are working around the clock to get things ready for a Saturday opening. The marketing speak from Disney is priceless and there really isn’t another way to put it. Read it for yourself, especially that last bit. Yikes!

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!

IMG_2132

IMG_2134

IMG_2136

IMG_2139

IMG_2140

IMG_2141

IMG_2146

IMG_2144

IMG_2147

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.  The stage show in MuppetVision and Olaf’s Snow Fest probably will not open until Tuesday the 23rd.

IMG_2122

IMG_2123

IMG_2129

IMG_2131

Olaf’s Snow Fest (Stage 17) &

Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post

It is expected that Olaf’s will operate in limited capacity until January.   We are told that the Merchandise and Foods teams setting up shop in Stage 17 are the most behind schedule. 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.

IMG_2133

 

Anna and Elsa’s Royal Welcome

The Animation meet n’ greet is also struggling to stay on track for a Saturday opening.  Anna and Elsa’s Royal Welcome will offer guests the chance, once again, to meet the two icy characters.

IMG_2137

IMG_2154

IMG_2153
For now you get Jessy.

Last night crews were still hard at work trying to get the dance party area finished.

IMG_0002
The light fixtures were missing again.
IMG_0017
Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post in the foreground is capped with snow.
IMG_0022
The Muppet Vision marquee is painted over.

The A-frame light structure was also getting its share of attention last night.

IMG_0033

IMG_0034

IMG_0035

Character Meet and Greets

An oddball use of space has popped up as a Private Cardmember meet and greet is now being held inside the Blue Sky Cellar.

IMG_2160

IMG_2161

IMG_2162

IMG_2163

Refurb Round Up

Below is a listing of the planned closures at Disney California Adventure.

  • Bakery Tour: Closed through January 16 for refurbishment.

IMG_2184

IMG_2189

  • Soarin’ Over California: Closed January 6 through May 14 for refurbishment.  The entire Condor Flats area will get a theme enhancement as the buildings will be given a more period specific look.

IMG_2231

IMG_2232

IMG_2233

IMG_2234

IMG_2235

IMG_2236

IMG_2240

IMG_2242

IMG_2243

IMG_2249

  • World of Color: Dark January 7-March 12 for refurbishment.
  • Luigi’s Flying Tires: Closed January 12-December 1, 2015 for conversion to a new attraction.

There you have it folks.  Frozen is moving in for the duration and Fantasmic has a new Fastpass option.  If you head to the park expecting to experience all the new Frozen attractions, please remember that everything is subject to the perseverance of the construction teams rushing to finish everything. And on top of everything is a growing crush of crowds.

With the right mindset, even the busiest days can be fun at Disneyland. You just need to be prepared to make wise use of Fastpass, visit smaller attractions and follow the pace of the crowd. Going with the flow is always easier than trying to swim upstream.  Consider adding the following attractions to your list of things to do on a busy day: the Castle walk-through, Innoventions, the Jingle Jangle Jamboree, Tiki Room, Tom Sawyer Island, the Mark Twain, the Main Street Cinema, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, and take your time to enjoy the festive decorations and holiday treats.

Join Us For MiceChat’s New Year’s Eve Celebration at Knott’s

That’s right!  MiceChat is, once again spending New Years Eve on the farm.  Knott’s Berry Farm that is.  Come on down and join us for a fun night of down-home cooking and entertainment that will take us into 2015!

Expect live entertainment everywhere you turn.  Adding to the line-up of can’t miss performers are:

  • Krazy Kirk & The Hillbillies!  From the deep country hills of Anaheim, these boys will have toes tappin’ hands clappin’ and guts bustin’ during the best darn musical comedy show ever performed in the historic Bird Cage Theatre.
  • The Clueless Remix is a non-stop live music adventure where old school R&B meets new school dance & hip hop. And before The Clueless Remix takes the stage, DJ Howly spins popular high energy music in the Calico Square.
  • Salsa Dancing with DJ JC invites you to show off your dance moves at Fiesta Plaza and groove to the beat of this spicy music scene that’s Hot, Hot, Hot! Snoopy will also make a special cameo and show off his paw-tastic dance moves.
  • Family friendly comedian, Adam Christing, brings his hilarious comedy, magic and fun audience interaction to Ghost Town’s Wagon Camp.

A New Year’s Eve celebration is not complete without a delicious meal, and Knott’s has just what you need.  MiceChat will be offering a private room inside Spurs restaurant for all of us to sit and eat to our hearts content.  We will also be treated to special priority seating for a showing of the Snoopy ice show!

  • Merry Christmas, Snoopy! in this exciting new show filled with whimsy and spectacular skating, Snoopy enjoys all of the best parts of the season, including trimming the Christmas tree, awaiting Santa’s arrival, and attending the festive Christmas Ball!

After the wonderful ice show, we will venture out into the park and enjoy all of the other things that Knott’s is offering for New Years Eve.

  • When the sun sets on the Farm, the buildings and paths in Ghost Town’s Main Street will be filled with snow and glow! Thousands of sparking lights will dance to the beat of familiar holiday music while snow gently falls in this spectacular one-of-a-kind moment each night.
  • In the intimate setting of Ghost Town’s historic Bird Cage Theatre, catch a live performance of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol or O. Henry’s A Gift of the Magi.
  • Santa’s Christmas Cabin serves up holiday delights like Santa’s homemade cookies, mouthwatering pastries, winter wine, craft beer, and more. Guests can also enjoy the fresh made-to-order maple lollipops in Ghost Town, churros from the Churro Factory, cakes, cookies, muffins, and gingerbread men in the Farm Bakery.

This will be a fun night with the MIceChatters that you simply will not want to miss.  Ring in 2015 with us and have a great time doing it.

EVENT TICKETS (hurry, last year we sold all the available tickets in just a few hours):
MiceChat Dinner Only Ticket – Adult   $ 28.99
MiceChat Dinner Only Ticket – Child/Senior (3-11, or 65+)   $ 16.99

Norman Gidney
Norman Gidney, also known as Fishbulb, has produced and edited many of the articles on MiceChat over the years.