New Year's Eve 2009, DCA progress, bakery construction, more merchandise, +MORE!
Posted 01-05-2009 at 02:51 AM by Dateline Disneyland
Updated 01-05-2009 at 05:02 PM by Dateline Disneyland (Clarified some FREE Birthday Ticket information and fixed incorrect park hours.)
Updated 01-05-2009 at 05:02 PM by Dateline Disneyland (Clarified some FREE Birthday Ticket information and fixed incorrect park hours.)
Happy New Year! Welcome to Dateline Disneyland for January 5, 2009! This week we'll take a look at last week's foggy New Year's Eve festivities, construction progress at DCA, loads of new merchandise, and more!
So, let's get to it!
WELCOME TO DISNEYLAND!
The parking structure is telling guests to "Celebrate Today!"
NEW YEAR'S EVE 2009
Disneyland and California Adventure (DCA) rang in New Year's Eve in style last week. Despite heavy coastal fog that ended up blocking out the fireworks, Disneyland was packed to the brim. DCA, on the other hand, saw much smaller crowds.
The Winter Castle and fireworks lighting leant themselves to spectacular New Year's Eve party-style lighting effects. The LED snow and icicles flashed in random patterns, and the color wash lights lit the Castle in various color schemes.
You can click the following Castle photos to be taken to their flickr photo page for high-res downloads.
Coastal fog started rolling in in the early evening. The fog hid most of the holiday "Believe" show at 9:25, and by midnight there was no chance of seeing any fireworks except for the few low-level shells that were shot off the Castle.
Over at "it's a small world" Promenade, characters danced to music provided by a live DJ.
Doc Anello and the Swing Machine boogied the night away in the Carnation Plaza Gardens.
Over at DCA, the Pacific Wharf hosted a New Year's Eve dance party
And the Hollywood Pictures Backlot was home to two dance parties
The fog later in the evening hid the party back at the end of Hollywood Blvd.
Stage 17, the former home of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire - Play it! was open to guests this year for an indoor dance party. It's a welcome change of pace and a nice replacement for the Golden State Amphitheater dance party which was scrapped this year with a drained Paradise Bay.
The fog covered Paradise Pier
The Lucky Fortune Cookery at Pacific Wharf was open New Year's Eve to help with the big crowds. The Cookery served a selection of sandwiches and soups from the nearby Pacific Wharf Cafe.
CALIFORNIA CONSTRUCTION
The Sun Wheel took the next step in its makeover this week when the smiling sun face was sawed off on New Year's Eve. Thanks to 2DieFR for these next two photos.
The Wheel continues to get new paint
Down in Paradise Bay, new construction markings have appeared in various places on the cement. Major construction is supposed to finally get going this week, if not by today.
A look at the new Games of the Boardwalk facades. Note how the California Screamin' supports are being covered up behind the new facades, just like they were over at Toy Story Midway Mania. It may seem insignificant, but this change in approach really does help the overall show.
Also unveiled last week was the new lenticular panel on the Paradise Pier bridge, advertising the upcoming World of Color show.
The new display not only advertises the upcoming attraction, but also explains why Paradise Bay is empty.
BAKERY PROGRESS
The new Disneyland Resort main bakery behind the Mickey & Friends Parking Structure progressing nicely.
MERCHANDISE MANIA
Here's the last of the new 2009 merchandise line.
Blue sweater - $34 / $36 plus sizes
Long sleeve shirt
Alarm clock - $20
Family daily agenda - $5.95
Girls shirt - $22.95
Child's zip hoodie
Boys blue shirt - $19.95
Black purse - $22
Disneyland also released a new line of "retro" merch.
Keychain - $4
Luggage tag - $5.95
Key covers - $9.95
License plate frame - $7.95
Mousepad - $9.95
Shot glass / toothpick holder - $6
Mug - $14
Travel mug - $18.95
T-shirt (available in kids and adult sizes)
Blue children's hoodie - $34.95
Women's hoodie - $49.95
Back:
Women's tee - $28 / $30 plus sizes
Women's pajamas - $38 / $40 plus sizes
AROUND THE PARKS
A look around the parks on a foggy New Year's Eve. You can click on any of these "Around the Parks" photos to be taken to their Flickr photo pages where you can download high-res versions. Just click on your favorite photo's "All sizes" button on its flickr page.
WHAT WILL YOU CELEBRATE?
Alright, that should do it for this week. Thanks as always for reading, and thanks to Matt "2DieFR" Gottula for his help with the Sun Wheel photos this week.
If you haven't already, be sure to head over to Twitter and follow us today: Twitter.com/DatelineDisney. If you've got unlimited text messaging on your phone, sign up for mobile updates and get mini updates throughout the week! Or, if you've got an iPhone or G1, download a free Twitter app (like Twinkle or Twitterific) and stay connected with a tap of your finger!
See you here again next week!
- Andy
QUICK LINKS:
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So, let's get to it!
WELCOME TO DISNEYLAND!
The parking structure is telling guests to "Celebrate Today!"
NEW YEAR'S EVE 2009
Disneyland and California Adventure (DCA) rang in New Year's Eve in style last week. Despite heavy coastal fog that ended up blocking out the fireworks, Disneyland was packed to the brim. DCA, on the other hand, saw much smaller crowds.
The Winter Castle and fireworks lighting leant themselves to spectacular New Year's Eve party-style lighting effects. The LED snow and icicles flashed in random patterns, and the color wash lights lit the Castle in various color schemes.
You can click the following Castle photos to be taken to their flickr photo page for high-res downloads.
Coastal fog started rolling in in the early evening. The fog hid most of the holiday "Believe" show at 9:25, and by midnight there was no chance of seeing any fireworks except for the few low-level shells that were shot off the Castle.
Over at "it's a small world" Promenade, characters danced to music provided by a live DJ.
Doc Anello and the Swing Machine boogied the night away in the Carnation Plaza Gardens.
Over at DCA, the Pacific Wharf hosted a New Year's Eve dance party
And the Hollywood Pictures Backlot was home to two dance parties
The fog later in the evening hid the party back at the end of Hollywood Blvd.
Stage 17, the former home of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire - Play it! was open to guests this year for an indoor dance party. It's a welcome change of pace and a nice replacement for the Golden State Amphitheater dance party which was scrapped this year with a drained Paradise Bay.
The fog covered Paradise Pier
The Lucky Fortune Cookery at Pacific Wharf was open New Year's Eve to help with the big crowds. The Cookery served a selection of sandwiches and soups from the nearby Pacific Wharf Cafe.
CALIFORNIA CONSTRUCTION
The Sun Wheel took the next step in its makeover this week when the smiling sun face was sawed off on New Year's Eve. Thanks to 2DieFR for these next two photos.
The Wheel continues to get new paint
Down in Paradise Bay, new construction markings have appeared in various places on the cement. Major construction is supposed to finally get going this week, if not by today.
A look at the new Games of the Boardwalk facades. Note how the California Screamin' supports are being covered up behind the new facades, just like they were over at Toy Story Midway Mania. It may seem insignificant, but this change in approach really does help the overall show.
Also unveiled last week was the new lenticular panel on the Paradise Pier bridge, advertising the upcoming World of Color show.
The new display not only advertises the upcoming attraction, but also explains why Paradise Bay is empty.
BAKERY PROGRESS
The new Disneyland Resort main bakery behind the Mickey & Friends Parking Structure progressing nicely.
MERCHANDISE MANIA
Here's the last of the new 2009 merchandise line.
Blue sweater - $34 / $36 plus sizes
Long sleeve shirt
Alarm clock - $20
Family daily agenda - $5.95
Girls shirt - $22.95
Child's zip hoodie
Boys blue shirt - $19.95
Black purse - $22
Disneyland also released a new line of "retro" merch.
Keychain - $4
Luggage tag - $5.95
Key covers - $9.95
License plate frame - $7.95
Mousepad - $9.95
Shot glass / toothpick holder - $6
Mug - $14
Travel mug - $18.95
T-shirt (available in kids and adult sizes)
Blue children's hoodie - $34.95
Women's hoodie - $49.95
Back:
Women's tee - $28 / $30 plus sizes
Women's pajamas - $38 / $40 plus sizes
AROUND THE PARKS
A look around the parks on a foggy New Year's Eve. You can click on any of these "Around the Parks" photos to be taken to their Flickr photo pages where you can download high-res versions. Just click on your favorite photo's "All sizes" button on its flickr page.
WHAT WILL YOU CELEBRATE?
A friendly reminder that Disney launched its "What will you celebrate?" 2009 promotional campaign on January 1. Besides new park decorations and entertainment which will roll in over the next few months, as a guest you are entitled to a FREE visit to Disneyland Park or Disney's California Adventure Park on your birthday.
Here are the details:
Free admission on your birthdayPark guests are entitled to a FREE One-Day, One-Park Disneyland Resort theme park ticket in the United States for on their birthday throughout 2009. Valid proof of birth is required for guests ages 3 and up and there are no residency restrictions. Valid identification and proof of birthdate can be in the form of one of the following: if you're age 18 or older; Driver's License, Government-issued Photo ID, or a Government-issued Passport. If you are under age 18 and don't have a government-issued ID or valid Passport, then an original or certified copy of your birth certificate is required.Annual Passholder and Multi-Day Ticketholder options:
Guests may also upgrade their free birthday ticket to any other form of paid admission including One-Day and Multi-Day ParkHopper tickets or Annual Passports. Guests are responsible for any additional cost.Annual Passholders and multi-day ticket holders have several options they can take advantage of on their birthday.
- Birthday Fun Card: A birthday fun card in an amount equal to the price of a 1-Day/1-Park ticket for you to use on your birthday for select merchandise, recreation, or tour experiences or for Disney's PhotoPassŪ on-site services at participating locations at Disneyland Resort
- Birthday FASTPASS: A special birthday FASTPASS ticket for certain attractions at the Theme Park you visit on your birthday
- Free Ticket: A 1-Day/1-Park ticket for you to use any time until your next birthday (This ticket may not be upgraded).
Getting startedTo get your free admission, or any of the multi-day or Annual Passholder benefits, guests are encouraged to register online at Disneyland.com. Registration is not required, but will make your wait at the ticket booth faster and easier. If you choose not to register, you will be required to present valid identification and proof of birthdate at a Disneyland Resort ticket booth to receive your free birthday ticket.
DISNEYLAND WEEKLY HOURS AND INFO
THEME PARK HOURS 1/05 - 1/11
The theme parks now have reduced operating hours during the "off-season" following the winter holidays. Please plan your visit accordingly. For a complete listing of theme park hours, please visit the Disneyland.com Theme Park CalendarDisneyland Park
Monday - Thursday: 10 am - 8 pm
Friday: 9 am - 10 pm
Saturday - Sunday: 9 am - 11 pm
Disney's California Adventure Park
Monday - Thursday: 10 am - 6 pm
Friday: 10 am - 7 pm
Saturday - Sunday: 10 am - 8 pm
CURRENT ATTRACTION CLOSURESDisneyland Park
- Mark Twain Riverboat: Closed for refurbishment. Reopens January 9.
- "it's a small world": Closed to remove Holiday overlay and to install Disney characters. Reopens February 5.
- Haunted Mansion: Closed to remove Holiday overlay. Reopens February 14.
- Remember... Dreams Come True Fireworks Spectacular: Show dark. Will return for Jan. 17-19 and Feb. 13-16 holiday weekends. The show will return to a regular schedule in March.
- Walt Disney's Parade of Dreams: Dark indefinitely. Cast Members have been notified that the parade has had its final run and will not return to Disneyland. There is an on-going discussion on the MiceChat forums about this news here.
Disney's California Adventure Park
- Sun Wheel: Closed. Will re-open as Mickey's Fun Wheel in April 2009.
- Games of the Boardwalk: Closed. Will re-open with new themes in April 2009.
Alright, that should do it for this week. Thanks as always for reading, and thanks to Matt "2DieFR" Gottula for his help with the Sun Wheel photos this week.
If you haven't already, be sure to head over to Twitter and follow us today: Twitter.com/DatelineDisney. If you've got unlimited text messaging on your phone, sign up for mobile updates and get mini updates throughout the week! Or, if you've got an iPhone or G1, download a free Twitter app (like Twinkle or Twitterific) and stay connected with a tap of your finger!
See you here again next week!
- Andy
QUICK LINKS:
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Comments
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Fantastic pics!
Posted 01-05-2009 at 07:46 PM by SusieP.
- Thanks. Loved seeing all the photos from New Years Eve, and especially seeing all the NYE merchandise. My wife and I used to go to Disneyland just about every New Years Eve - the most fun was New Years Ev 2000! We haven't been for a while, so its fun to see all the photos etc.Posted 01-05-2009 at 08:02 PM by ronnroxx
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hey, thanks for the great pictures and the new clothes...now I regret not shopping last time becuz one of those shirts looks soooo awesomePosted 01-05-2009 at 09:30 PM by SplashMoun10 - Went to DL today, saw the Princess Fantasy Faire minus the Royal Coronation and Storytelling, there are two 'doors' blocking the stage area from the 'meet and greet' area. I can understand them wanting to cut back in a slow season and with the threat of the economic crisis, but the stage area looks dark and sad. Hopefully they will bring back the show and storytelling when the busy season comes, I wonder whether the full, festive show encourages more business at the Enchanted Cottage and Princess shop. By the way, we saw the Princesses, and their great work did manage to keep the area alive.Posted 01-05-2009 at 10:09 PM by Disneykin Kid
Updated 01-05-2009 at 10:51 PM by Disneykin Kid -
YAY!!!! DL merchandise that say "Happiest Place On Earth!"Posted 01-05-2009 at 10:38 PM by Aladdin -
the new "retro" merch is FANTASTIC! can't wait to snap some up in a couple of weeks.
interesting that the HM is down for nearly 6weeks, in the past its only take 3-4 weeks to remove the overlay...hmmmmmmmPosted 01-06-2009 at 06:13 AM by elly 
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great update!
i like the new retro merch. it's a little change of pace from the retro stuff they've had the past few years, and the graphics are well designed. however, it's still in the same vein as the stuff from before, so it all meshes together nicely.Posted 01-06-2009 at 07:11 PM by twobluestripes -
LOVED the foggy shots Andy!!! Great update as usual!!!
Thanks for the new desktop wallpaper!!
Posted 01-08-2009 at 01:15 AM by peoplemover1 -
Disney is so clever to use the christmas lights like they were meant for new years. great update!
Lovely pictures, every one of them!Posted 01-09-2009 at 04:44 PM by Goover
