9/19: What Will You Celebrate?, Refurb round-up, more merch, +MORE
Posted 09-19-2008 at 12:17 AM by Dateline Disneyland
Updated 09-19-2008 at 02:46 AM by Dateline Disneyland
Updated 09-19-2008 at 02:46 AM by Dateline Disneyland
Welcome to the September 19 edition of Dateline Disneyland! First up, I'd like to thank fellow MiceAge/MiceChat columnist David "Darkbeer" Michael for his help with photos once again this week.
The new marketing campaign will also offer a new "street party" and park decor, as outlined in the press release:
Also, as part of the celebration, you can customize your Disney theme park experience with special add-ons:
Disney released a video of Jay Rasulo's big announcement that included a quick sneak peek at concept art for the celebration decorations and the upcoming "Celebrate Today!" street party.
YouTube - Jay Rasulo announces 2009 Disney Parks marketing campaign
Here's a couple images of the concept art from the video:
You can read the complete press release at DisneylandNews.com or get more information at www.DisneyParks.com/Celebrate.
NEW MERCHANDISE & COLLECTIBLES
New HalloweenTime Marie Osmond dolls are now available at Disneyana.
New Star Wars big figs can be found at Disneyana as well.
And a new Jim Shore Sleeping Beauty Castle figurine will be available next Friday, September 26.
Mickey and Minnie Halloween Jim Shore figurines - $17.95 each.
Mickey Pumpkin Halloween Banner: $21.95
AROUND THE PARK
And finally, a couple shots from around the park...
You can click these photos or visit my flickr photostream to view and download these photos full size.
Alright, that should do it for this week. Thanks again to David "Darkbeer" Michael for the great shots he leant to this week's update. You can always see more of his photos in his weekly MiceAge/MiceChat column, Monday in the Parks, or at his Smugmug gallery. And thanks to you for reading. Be sure to discuss below!
See you next week!
Andy
WELCOME TO DISNEYLAND!
The Year of a Million Dreams clouds have drifted away to make way for HalloweenTime decor.
REFURBLAND
Main Street repaving
A portion of Main Street's trolley tracks has been repaved.
Greg Emmer's window on Main Street
Darkbeer showed us the newest window on Main Street on Tuesday, dedicated to long-time Disneylander Greg Emmer which is located next to the Main Street Cinema and above the Disneyland Casting Agency door.
More info and photos of Mr. Emmer's new window can be found in Darkbeer's special Tuesday 9/16 column.
Think Tink
The new Pixie Hollow is coming along... It appears the pond that formerly featured the King Triton fountain has been re-painted a darker blue.
"it's a small world" gets new boats
Yesterday, Darkbeer reported new boats that are now being tested at "it's a small world."
Skyway walls
The ground is all torn up behind the walls.
South Seas Traders
Over in Adventureland, South Seas Traders was getting some TLC.
Westward NO!
The McDonald's conestoga wagon was still around, but behind walls last weekend.
And then completely removed a couple days later!
Riverbelle Terrace
Some work at the Riverbelle Terrace entrance
Repaving the future
Over in Tomorrowland, a look at some of the repaving work going on in front of Star Tours.
Looks like the new pavement is just plain gray concrete.
I suppose its better than the broken pavers that always looked worn and dirty... but its also pretty underwhelming.
DCA Round-Up
Over in DCA, Burger Invasion has lost its McDonald's signage
The billboard for Burger Invasion still features the Golden Arches though.
The S. S. rustworthy play area no longer has any McDonald's logos.
And Golden Dreams no longer sports banners covered in Whoopi Goldberg's face:
Despite what the sign says, there's no refurbishment here. This attraction is just closed for the next half a year, at least, when it gets bulldozed for the upcoming Little Mermaid dark ride.
Muppet*Vision 3D, however, is just closed for refurbishment.
WHAT WILL YOU CELEBRATE?
Yesterday, Jay Rasulo, Chairman of Disney Parks and Resorts, announced Disney's 2009 marketing campaign - "What will you celebrate?" - in a big media kick-off in New York. The new marketing campaign will focus on guests coming to Disney theme parks to celebrate special events like birthdays, anniversaries, and first visits.
The new campaign gives guests free admission to a Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World Resort theme park on their birthday. From the press release:
The Year of a Million Dreams clouds have drifted away to make way for HalloweenTime decor.
REFURBLAND
Main Street repaving
A portion of Main Street's trolley tracks has been repaved.
Greg Emmer's window on Main Street
Darkbeer showed us the newest window on Main Street on Tuesday, dedicated to long-time Disneylander Greg Emmer which is located next to the Main Street Cinema and above the Disneyland Casting Agency door.
More info and photos of Mr. Emmer's new window can be found in Darkbeer's special Tuesday 9/16 column.
Think Tink
The new Pixie Hollow is coming along... It appears the pond that formerly featured the King Triton fountain has been re-painted a darker blue.
"it's a small world" gets new boats
Yesterday, Darkbeer reported new boats that are now being tested at "it's a small world."
Skyway walls
The ground is all torn up behind the walls.
South Seas Traders
Over in Adventureland, South Seas Traders was getting some TLC.
Westward NO!
The McDonald's conestoga wagon was still around, but behind walls last weekend.
And then completely removed a couple days later!
Riverbelle Terrace
Some work at the Riverbelle Terrace entrance
Repaving the future
Over in Tomorrowland, a look at some of the repaving work going on in front of Star Tours.
Looks like the new pavement is just plain gray concrete.
I suppose its better than the broken pavers that always looked worn and dirty... but its also pretty underwhelming.
DCA Round-Up
Over in DCA, Burger Invasion has lost its McDonald's signage
The billboard for Burger Invasion still features the Golden Arches though.
The S. S. rustworthy play area no longer has any McDonald's logos.
And Golden Dreams no longer sports banners covered in Whoopi Goldberg's face:
Despite what the sign says, there's no refurbishment here. This attraction is just closed for the next half a year, at least, when it gets bulldozed for the upcoming Little Mermaid dark ride.
Muppet*Vision 3D, however, is just closed for refurbishment.
WHAT WILL YOU CELEBRATE?
Yesterday, Jay Rasulo, Chairman of Disney Parks and Resorts, announced Disney's 2009 marketing campaign - "What will you celebrate?" - in a big media kick-off in New York. The new marketing campaign will focus on guests coming to Disney theme parks to celebrate special events like birthdays, anniversaries, and first visits.
The new campaign gives guests free admission to a Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World Resort theme park on their birthday. From the press release:
Everyone who visits a Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort theme park on their birthday in 2009 can get in free, as Disney Parks embraces a newly identified family travel trend called “celebration vacations.”
In this new national trend, American families are hitting the road to mark life’s special occasions – birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, reunions and more – with a “celebration vacation.” In 2009, Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts will lead this growing trend with new entertainment and services that allow guests to turn their personal milestones into magical Disney experiences.
And to kick it all off – a first-ever opportunity for guests to receive a free ticket to one of the Walt Disney World or Disneyland theme parks on their birthday in 2009.
“Birthdays are the one occasion that we all share every year,” said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, at an announcement event today in New York. “We thought a free birthday ticket would be the icing on the cake as we extend this new ‘celebration vacation’ trend to Disney Parks.”
The new marketing campaign will also offer a new "street party" and park decor, as outlined in the press release:
Street Parties: Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Park come to life with interactive street parties. The call to “Celebrate Today!” goes out to guests, music floods the streets, dancing kicks into high gear and the parks become “the happiest party on Earth.”
Park Décor: The parks will be decorated with colorful banners, balloons and festive party hats – as if awaiting your celebration.
Buttons: Complimentary celebration buttons will help Disney cast members and fellow guests recognize you and your celebration.
Also, as part of the celebration, you can customize your Disney theme park experience with special add-ons:
Custom Bakery Cakes and Signature Desserts: Disney chefs create an unforgettable finale to a special dinner with a beautifully decorated cake themed to any occasion or a new line of celebration desserts.
For Lovebirds: Sweetheart dinners for two in which couples can clink “Celebrate Today!” champagne flutes.
Family Portraits: Capture the memory with a portrait session with Walt Disney World photographers. Build a custom photo album with Disney’s PhotoPass.
Personalized Souvenirs: Mark your occasion with personalized Mouse ears, character T-shirts and collectible pins.
Decorate Your Disney Guest Room: Step into a resort room decorated to fit your celebration theme with confetti, banners, surprises and more.
Stay Inside a Dream Theme: Book a themed guest room at either destination – princess-themed or Mickey-inspired at Disneyland or – coming in 2009 – pirate-themed at Walt Disney World Resort.
Set Sail: Book a private romantic cruise on a yacht or set your party afloat on a shared magical fireworks voyage.
Go Inside the Magic: Behind-the-scenes tours take you inside the storytelling, adventure and history of Disney Parks.
Disney Story Book Experiences: Choose from pirate adventures, tea parties, princess makeovers and more – all with the magic of Disney.
Disneyland Parties: “Celebration Roundup and Barbecue at Big Thunder Ranch,” all-new, is a full-blown party complete with frontier entertainment, goodie bags and a surprise treat for everyone – no matter what they’re celebrating. “My Disneyland Birthday Party” features cake decorating, party hats and even Mickey and Minnie pay a visit.
Disney released a video of Jay Rasulo's big announcement that included a quick sneak peek at concept art for the celebration decorations and the upcoming "Celebrate Today!" street party.
YouTube - Jay Rasulo announces 2009 Disney Parks marketing campaign
Here's a couple images of the concept art from the video:
You can read the complete press release at DisneylandNews.com or get more information at www.DisneyParks.com/Celebrate.
NEW MERCHANDISE & COLLECTIBLES
New HalloweenTime Marie Osmond dolls are now available at Disneyana.
New Star Wars big figs can be found at Disneyana as well.
And a new Jim Shore Sleeping Beauty Castle figurine will be available next Friday, September 26.
Mickey and Minnie Halloween Jim Shore figurines - $17.95 each.
Mickey Pumpkin Halloween Banner: $21.95
AROUND THE PARK
And finally, a couple shots from around the park...
You can click these photos or visit my flickr photostream to view and download these photos full size.
Alright, that should do it for this week. Thanks again to David "Darkbeer" Michael for the great shots he leant to this week's update. You can always see more of his photos in his weekly MiceAge/MiceChat column, Monday in the Parks, or at his Smugmug gallery. And thanks to you for reading. Be sure to discuss below!
See you next week!
Andy
Total Comments 32
Comments
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Excellent... Excellent... Update.Posted 09-19-2008 at 02:43 AM by orbitalpunk
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Love the night shots!
And the Marie Osmond dolls have to be scariest things I've seen in a while...Posted 09-19-2008 at 06:42 AM by PEZZ Lightyear 
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Ill tell you what I am celebrating...
IT BE TALK LIKE A PIRATE DAY! YARR!!!Posted 09-19-2008 at 07:00 AM by zugzug15 -
Andy - All of your shots are outstanding, but the Matterhorn shot with the fireworks is incredible!
Thanks for another great update! 
Posted 09-19-2008 at 07:29 AM by Mac Daddy -
Great update, love the Matterhorn pictures!Posted 09-19-2008 at 07:43 AM by WheresMickey -
Thanks for the update!! Haha that press release for the What Will You Celebrate stuff is so lame...
"Everyone who visits a Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort theme park on their birthday in 2009 can get in free, as Disney Parks embraces a newly identified family travel trend called “celebration vacations.”
In this new national trend, American families are hitting the road to mark life’s special occasions – birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, reunions and more – with a “celebration vacation.”"
[sarcasm]Wait, you mean people *gasp* DO THINGS on their birthday? OMG! That's like, crazy man! We must really be living in the 21st century now! [/sarcasm]Posted 09-19-2008 at 09:15 AM by Chernabog -
those matterhorn shots are amazing!!
great update!!Posted 09-19-2008 at 09:28 AM by expedition_evan -
AAARRRRR!! I loves me some Disneyland and me thinks this be the best year to party!! I've got my rum and some friends to have fun!!Posted 09-19-2008 at 09:58 AM by haunted_hottie -
Awesome update Andy... but those Matterhorn shots..
Really?! Those waterfalls are soooo dated!!!
hahaha
Posted 09-19-2008 at 10:10 AM by peoplemover1 -
Great update! Thanks for the great info and photos.
Does the concept art for the decorations remind anyone else a little of Pardi-Gras?Posted 09-19-2008 at 10:27 AM by mycroft16 - Quote:Yesterday, Jay Rasulo, Chairman of Disney Parks and Resorts, announced Disney's 2009 marketing campaign - "What will you celebrate?"
this has to be one of the dumbest marketing campaigns that ANYONE has ever come up with.
Disney should be way, WAY, WAY above this.Posted 09-19-2008 at 10:31 AM by blondiethesounds - Beautiful pics. Its so nice to see the park. Thank you, thank you. Haven't been for almost a year and we're going crazy!!!Posted 09-19-2008 at 10:40 AM by MaryAnnandBill
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Are you kidding?? I think it is way better than Year of a Million Dreams.Posted 09-19-2008 at 10:44 AM by jenmurray -
Great update...thanks for all the great info and pictures! I love getting my Disney updates. It helps when I don't get to get down there as much as I would like.Posted 09-19-2008 at 10:50 AM by sassy*tink - I dont know...I would rather see the YOMD stuff than this:
Plus, with the YOMD, at least everyone had a chance at winning something. Now we all need to go to the park for our b-day to have a "magical" moment? That dosent make sense to me.Posted 09-19-2008 at 10:57 AM by blondiethesounds -
I wonder what's going on behind the Skyway walls?! Thanks for the update.Posted 09-19-2008 at 10:58 AM by basx -
great! update!Posted 09-19-2008 at 11:08 AM by b236en -
As always an excellent job! Thank you!Posted 09-19-2008 at 12:35 PM by nish221 - I think it's all a nefarious plot to get rid of those Dream Teams.Posted 09-19-2008 at 12:51 PM by JeffYardDog
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i love the jim shore castle. i've never really wanted the figurines or collectibles from the park, because i don't really display stuff like that, but i could definitely find a spot for that castle if i had $75 to get rid of.
here's hoping the new celebration stuff won't bug us as much as YOAMD did. at least it's more inclusive; everyone has a birthday, but not everyone got to win a dream (haha, like me). just pray the decorations and "street parties" aren't too tacky; it doesn't seem like they're really adding much NEW stuff (ie, you could get buttons for different events before, and a lot of the special stuff has to do with staying at the resort itself so it'll be out of parks and out of our hair). and horray for opening big thunder BBQ again; even if it's themed to this party stuff, at least they'll be using it year round.
and i loved the first matterhorn shot!Posted 09-19-2008 at 01:33 PM by twobluestripes
