Disneyland’s Castle continues to get bedazzled in preparation for the 60th anniversary Diamond Jubilee celebration. While still a work in progress, there is some cause for concern. It’s not all bad, mind you, but there are some things which may make you wince. We then breeze through the park to look at the other projects such as the Matterhorn Bobsleds, Peter Pan’s Flight, Splash Mountain and Critter Country, along with  Innoventions. That’s not to mention Disney California Adventure and the return of Grizzly River Run, the Grizzly Peak Airfield, and all of the other lovely shots from around the resort. Andy Castro and Dateline Disneyland will be back next Monday, but we hope you enjoy today’s substitute article from Norman Gidney.

A great, big beautiful thank you.
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Spring, one of the most beautiful times at the Disneyland resort as the foliage bursts to life and the sunshine makes the colors pop.

Castle Bling a Ding Ding

The Castle continues its transformation from drab, pink and blue to bedazzled beauty in preparation for the 60th Anniversary Celebrations.  Still in a very rough state, far from completion, the craftsmanship leaves plenty to be desired at the moment.  Unfinished edges leave exposed seams between the original roof and the sparkly applique being applied.  Then there are the bizarre translucent diamond turrets prominently displayed front and center.  Again, all of this criticism should be taken with a wait-and-see attitude, as it is simply not finished yet.

In person the overlay actually looks interesting, if not pretty.  The gleaming blues and teals on the shingles have a depth of color that is mesmerizing.  At nearly any angle the castle glints and gleams with migraine-inducing beams of concentrated sunlight.

Below are day and night concepts for the castle overlay.

 

 

 

There is every likelihood that this overlay will be pulled together with a little bit of polish and trim work. Let’s hope that it all looks better when complete.

EGG-Straveganza

Spring Break is in full swing at the resort.  That brings with it the Easter Egg-straveganza egg hunt.  Get your maps at Elias and Company in Disney California Adventure or at the Disney Showcase inside Disneyland for $4.95.

Your prize is any one of these little egg creations.

Spring

It wouldn’t be an In The Parks update without shots of the spring foliage, so here goes.

Peter Pan’s Flight

The classic Peter Pan’s Flight continues its refurbishment in preparation for the 60th.  We have heard reports from inside that what is happening in this beloved dark ride is nothing short of wondrous.  Fingers crossed folks.

Matterhorn Bobsleds

Something exciting is getting into the Matterhorn according to rumors and we are really missing this classic Disneyland ride.

it’s a small world

More of the façade for it’s a small world has been revealed.  The work here is lovely with sparking gold spires and ivory white panels.  Nice job here.

 

Dust Mountain

The future is still dirty. There seems to be no hope in sight as the mountain just gets grungier by the week.

Innoventions

Meanwhile, the lower level of Innoventions lays dormant in preparation for the installation of the rumored 60th anniversary exhibit.

Critter Country

The ledges and cliffs of Splash Mountain have received new sod and have been all trimmed up and cleaned in preparation for a planned April 3rd opening.  Water has returned to the ride and the logs have been placed back into the flume.

 

Meanwhile, in Disney California Adventure, the Grizzly Peak Airfield is still being built and landscaped.  Despite the construction surrounding it, the new Smoke Jumper’s Grill offers guests a tasty sneak peek of what’s to come to the area.  We really like what we see here so far.

From the Monorail, you can get a look at what is happening behind the walls.  So much greenery and place making.  We can’t wait to see this area when complete.

Grizzly River Rapids

The popular raft ride, Grizzly River Rapids is helping keep the Spring Break crowds cool and refreshed.

Enjoy retro fun just steps away from Disneyland at Howard Johnson Hotel & Water Playground A short walk from the park, HoJo Anaheim is conveniently located next to Matterhorn Mountain at Disneyland with nearby dining, freeway access, FREE parking and FREE Wi-Fi. For more information on HoJo Anaheim, room rates, or to book your stay today, visit HoJoAnaheim.com/MiceChat Save with MiceChat & Passholder Discounts Every Day! The HoJo Anaheim is now offering daily discounts for MiceChat members and even DEEPER discounts for Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders! For more information visit the HoJo Anaheim Innsider Boards which features an up-to-date listing of available nights, or call (714) 776-6120 and ask for In-House Reservations to book. If your date isn’t listed, the HoJo Anaheim still offers rooms for 20% off their best available rate if you call (714) 776-6120.

 

Weekly News & Information Round-Up
[center]Closure and Refurbishment Schedule[/center]
[b][center]Disneyland Park[/center][/b]
Matterhorn Bobsleds: Closed for refurbishment, reopens May 16. Critter Country, including Splash Mountain: All Critter Country attractions, stores and restaurants are closed for refurbishment and will reopen April 3, 2015. Peter Pan’s Flight: Closed for refurbishment and enhancements. Reopens May 8. Magic Eye Theatre: Expected to reopen April 10 with preview for Disney’s “Tomorrowland.” Innoventions: Closes March 31. Rumored to reopen in May with new exhibit for Disneyland’s 60th Anniversary.
[b][center]Disney California Adventure[/center][/b]
Soarin’ Over California: Closed for refurbishment and enhancements. Reopens May 15. Luigi’s Flying Tires: Closed starting February 17 for re-Imagineering into new attraction. Reopening not yet announced. It’s Tough to be a Bug!: Dark through March 26 while theater is used for “Cinderella” sneak peek. Muppet*Vision 3D: Dark indefinitely while theater is used for Frozen-themed show. [B]Blue Sky Cellar:[/B] Closed indefinitely.

That should do it folks!  Things are coming along for this summer and the big 60th Anniversary celebration.    Let’s hope that the castle project comes together and let’s the centerpiece of the park shine as the symbol for the park throughout the jubilee. See you In The Parks!A very special thank you to all of Dateline’s Patreon supporters for their monthly support keeping Dateline Disneyland alive, especially our special top-tier supporters.

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FTC-Mandated Disclosure: Promotional consideration for this edition of Dateline Disneyland was provided by the Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel & Water Playground.

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