Spring is in the air at the Disneyland Resort.  Today we take a look at the park and what is going on in preparation for the 60th anniversary.  Sleeping Beauty Castle came out from behind construction scrims  to reveal a modest repaint and infrastructure installation for more decor down the road.  We see that Peter Pan’s Flight is under refurbishment as it gets it’s 60th Anniversary enhancements. Meanwhile, the Matterhorn Bobsleds, Splash Mountain, and Whinnie the Pooh are all down for refurbishment as the park heads closer to the summer celebrations.  We also have news from Disney California Adventure, where we look at the progress in the Grizzly Peak Airfield and World of Color.  We also stop to see the new walls around Luigi’s as a new ride system is installed and we check out the dried up Grizzly RIver Run.  There is a lot to see so let’s not waste any more time!

It’s a lovely time in Town Square as the blooms and foliage of spring begin to take the stage.

We know it isn’t fair to post such beautiful spring images when much of the rest of the country has been under such a deep freeze. All we can say about that is . . . call your travel agent, it’s beautiful in California!

 

 

Sleeping Beauty Castle Reveal

Sleeping Beauty Castle was revealed after what amounted to a minor paint job.  There was also a small bit of hardware installed on the castle itself in preparation for the decorative, sparkling overlay for the Diamond Anniversary celebration.

 

it’s a small world

After fallout from fireworks sparked a minor fire near the facade of it’s a small world, we are happy to report that neither the ride nor the facade were harmed, aside from minor smoke damage.  The ride reopened the next morning and the refurbishment on the facade continues.

 

Peter Pan’s Flight

The classic dark ride, Peter Pan’s Flight, is down for a full-on upgrade much like what Alice in Wonderland received last year.  The attraction is set to reopen in time for the anniversary festivities in May.

 

Matterhorn Bobsleds

Also down is the ubiquitous Matterhorn Bobsled ride.  It is rumored to be receiving refreshed show scenes and lighting.  This is all well and good, but when the ride’s original designer, Bob Gurr, speaks out against the painful new bobsleds, it is clear that there is more wrong here than a few worn animatronics.  The sleds need enhancements to make them more comfortable. This attraction is a beloved classic which has become too painful for many to ride. At the very least, we’d like to see padded seats added (as they did with Space Mountain in Florida).

 

Starcade

Currently, the Starcade is down while a new exhibit based on Bard Bird’s upcoming film, Tomorrowland, is installed in this spot along with a preview in the Magic Eye Theater.

Innoventions

The Dream Home on the lower level of Innoventions is undergoing a transformation into a 60th Anniversary exhibit to honor the park.  Nothing noticeable here just yet aside from an emptying of the space. The ramp leading up to the second level must be used for both incoming and outgoing traffic at the moment as it’s the only way in and out of the facility.

 

 

Splash Mountain

Work on Splash Mountain and all of Critter Country is still underway.  The area and attractions should reopen in April.  Ride vehicles from both attractions are stashed away safely behind the Indiana Jones show building during refurbishment.

Grizzly Peak Airfield

The massive overhaul from Condor Flats to Grizzly Peak Airfield is moving at a rather brisk pace for Disney.  This is substantial work that will really change the look of the area and give Soaring a full on digital upgrade.

 Luigi’s

Walls have gone up near Luigi’s Flying Tires as they prepare to install the trackless ride experience.  Incidentally, the attraction’s sponsor is now proudly displayed on the coming soon poster.

Speaking of Cars Land, they finally got the fountain in front of Cozy Cone Motel to work again.

Grizzly Peak

Last but not least, as we venture into the Grizzly Peak area of the park we see the return of the Challenge Trail while Grizzly River Run is still down for refurbishment.

 

World of Color

The World of Color  will be returning this week after a refurbishment of the show infrastructure.  The new version of the show will premiere in May.

That does it for this week’s trip around the Disneyland Resort.  Check back next Friday as we visit more of the parks around Southern California.

 

 

 

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