DCA construction gets serious, Big Thunder Ranch, Main Street repaving, +MORE
Posted 02-16-2009 at 04:37 AM by Dateline Disneyland
Updated 02-16-2009 at 11:41 PM by Dateline Disneyland (Added column banner. Fixed park hours typo.)
Updated 02-16-2009 at 11:41 PM by Dateline Disneyland (Added column banner. Fixed park hours typo.)
Welcome to the Monday, February 16 Dateline Disneyland. Hope your Valentine's Day weekend was good, and hopefully you got today's President's Day holiday off from work and/or school and you're enjoying some rest and relaxation. Today we'll dig in and take a look at progress at the big construction projects around the parks including Big Thunder Ranch at Disneyland and the expanding series of construction projects at Disney's California Adventure.
As always, you can click on any of the photos that have Project Tracker watermarks (almost all of the photos today), and be taken to the project's respective Project Tracker thread on MiceChat where you can get the most up-to-date information and dates.
Let's get to the photos, shall we?
WELCOME TO DISNEYLAND!
The Harbor Blvd Resort marquees are done getting re-decorated for the Celebrate Today! marketing campaign.
MAIN STREET WORK
The Main Street repaving project is on a break as the long holiday weekend wraps up, but the large section in front of the Market House is finished (top) as more of Main Street is prepped for its repaving (bottom).
And the curbs in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle in the Central Plaza are out from behind walls
RANCH ROUNDUP
Big Thunder Ranch is completely closed now following scaffolding going up for the repainting of the area's rock work.
On the other side of the Ranch, the new structure for the food service location is going up.
DISNEY'S CONSTRUCTION ADVENTURE
Upon entering Disney's California Adventure, most guests would probably be unaware that the park is in the middle of a multi-year remodel and expansion project. But once guests head back to queue up for California Screamin' or Midway Mania, it becomes incredibly clear that there is some major work being done in the park.
Golden State Park is currently almost completely behind construction walls as the area that features DCA's Christmas tree every winter is now being bulldozed.
The project has caused the Pacific Wharf bridge to be walled off for a while, the Wharf entrance at the Mission Tortilla Factory the only in and out of the area.
Meanwhile, the former Lucky Fortune Cookery continues to be converted into a larger Cocina Cucamonga Mexican restaurant. Construction walls now tell guests that new food options are coming.
A look at visible work going on at the dining facility from the Paradise Pier bridge.
Guests must now walk through a narrow path between the Golden State Park and Golden State Amphitheater construction walls to access the main Paradise Pier entrance bridge.
Looking back towards the construction from the Paradise Pier bridge --
The side handrails on the Pier bridge are being stripped and wrapped in plastic.
Looking out across the bay, work on the upcoming Disney's World of Color show is progressing daily.
Looking back, the former Amphitheater is now a pile of rubble.
Mickey's Fun Wheel is almost done being painted.
The Games of the Boardwalk are now getting their wood siding applied, along with other Victorian-style theming.
Work around the Orange Stinger continues, including a new wall going up nearby, blocking water to the S.S. rustworthy.
Heading back towards the Golden State Amphitheater and Golden Dreams area, lights have been added to the construction walls, as all of the normal lighting on the south side of the walkway has been removed due to construction.
Over at the San Francisco Street restroom project, the construction walls have been decorated with directional signs pointing the way to Paradise Pier, the Blue Sky Cellar, and Grizzly Peak.
AROUND THE PARKS
...And some photos from around the parks. If you'd like larger versions of these photos for personal use, click on the photo for more sizes at its Flickr photo page.
DISNEYLAND WEEKLY HOURS AND INFO
Alright, that should finish up today's update. Thanks for reading and be sure to share your thoughts and discuss today's update in the comments section below.
Also, if you still haven't already, follow us on Twitter today: Twitter.com/DatelineDisney. Twitter offers mobile updates sent directly to your cell phone so follow us and sign up for mobile updates to get mini Dateline Disneyland 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 simple tap of your finger!
See you here again next week!
- Andy
As always, you can click on any of the photos that have Project Tracker watermarks (almost all of the photos today), and be taken to the project's respective Project Tracker thread on MiceChat where you can get the most up-to-date information and dates.
Let's get to the photos, shall we?
WELCOME TO DISNEYLAND!
The Harbor Blvd Resort marquees are done getting re-decorated for the Celebrate Today! marketing campaign.
MAIN STREET WORK
The Main Street repaving project is on a break as the long holiday weekend wraps up, but the large section in front of the Market House is finished (top) as more of Main Street is prepped for its repaving (bottom).
And the curbs in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle in the Central Plaza are out from behind walls
RANCH ROUNDUP
Big Thunder Ranch is completely closed now following scaffolding going up for the repainting of the area's rock work.
On the other side of the Ranch, the new structure for the food service location is going up.
DISNEY'S CONSTRUCTION ADVENTURE
Upon entering Disney's California Adventure, most guests would probably be unaware that the park is in the middle of a multi-year remodel and expansion project. But once guests head back to queue up for California Screamin' or Midway Mania, it becomes incredibly clear that there is some major work being done in the park.
Golden State Park is currently almost completely behind construction walls as the area that features DCA's Christmas tree every winter is now being bulldozed.
The project has caused the Pacific Wharf bridge to be walled off for a while, the Wharf entrance at the Mission Tortilla Factory the only in and out of the area.
Meanwhile, the former Lucky Fortune Cookery continues to be converted into a larger Cocina Cucamonga Mexican restaurant. Construction walls now tell guests that new food options are coming.
A look at visible work going on at the dining facility from the Paradise Pier bridge.
Guests must now walk through a narrow path between the Golden State Park and Golden State Amphitheater construction walls to access the main Paradise Pier entrance bridge.
Looking back towards the construction from the Paradise Pier bridge --
The side handrails on the Pier bridge are being stripped and wrapped in plastic.
Looking out across the bay, work on the upcoming Disney's World of Color show is progressing daily.
Looking back, the former Amphitheater is now a pile of rubble.
Mickey's Fun Wheel is almost done being painted.
The Games of the Boardwalk are now getting their wood siding applied, along with other Victorian-style theming.
Work around the Orange Stinger continues, including a new wall going up nearby, blocking water to the S.S. rustworthy.
Heading back towards the Golden State Amphitheater and Golden Dreams area, lights have been added to the construction walls, as all of the normal lighting on the south side of the walkway has been removed due to construction.
Over at the San Francisco Street restroom project, the construction walls have been decorated with directional signs pointing the way to Paradise Pier, the Blue Sky Cellar, and Grizzly Peak.
AROUND THE PARKS
...And some photos from around the parks. If you'd like larger versions of these photos for personal use, click on the photo for more sizes at its Flickr photo page.
DISNEYLAND WEEKLY HOURS AND INFO
THEME PARK HOURS 2/16 - 2/22
For a complete listing of theme park hours, please visit the Disneyland.com Theme Park CalendarDisneyland Park
Monday: 8 am - 11 pm
Tuesday - Thursday: 9 am - 9 pm
Friday - Saturday: 9 am - 12 Midnight
Sunday: 8 am - 11 pm
Disney's California Adventure Park
Monday: 10 am - 8 pm
Tuesday - Thursday: 10 am - 6 pm
Friday - Saturday: 10 am - 9 pm
Sunday: 10 am - 10 pm
CURRENT ATTRACTION CLOSURES & REFURBISHMENTSDisneyland Park
- Remember... Dreams Come True Fireworks Spectacular: Show dark while Main Street is repaved. Will return to a regular schedule in early March.
- Goofy's Playhouse: Closes February 23 for refurbishment.
- Jedi Training Academy: Closed February 23 - 27 for refurbishment.
- Matterhorn Bobsleds: Closed February 23 - 27 and March 2 - 6.
Disney's California Adventure Park
- Bakery Tour: Closed for refurbishment through February 23 - March 13.
- 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.
- Paradise Bay: Drained for construction of upcoming Disney's World of Color show.
- Disney's World of Color Nighttime Spectacular: New show under construction. Debuts Spring 2010.
- Golden State Park and Amphitheater: Closed. New, larger amphitheater for Disney's World of Color viewing under construction in same location. The new amphitheater will open December 2009.
Woman celebrates 100th birthday at DisneylandFrom the Orange County Register:
Frances Taylor was to ride aboard the Titanic with her parents on its 1912 voyage. But the crossing was over-booked and they got bumped.More at the link: OC Register: Woman who avoids Titanic disaster celebrates 100th at Disneyland
Today, Friday the 13th, the now-100-year-old from Lake Forest tried to get aboard another boat, this one on the “it’s a small world” attraction.
With Mouse ears atop her head, she leaned over to daughter Maggie Winn as they emerged from the attraction.
“You know, it really is a small world,” she said, beaming.
Her family had asked Disney to make her 100th birthday memorable.
Taylor was greeted at the main gate by the Disneyland Marching Band, a confetti burst, mouse-ear balloons and a cavalcade of well-wishers, including Mickey and Minnie Mouse.
“Oh, golly,” she exclaimed as Mickey and Minnie Mouse took turns kissing her cheeks.
Alright, that should finish up today's update. Thanks for reading and be sure to share your thoughts and discuss today's update in the comments section below.
Also, if you still haven't already, follow us on Twitter today: Twitter.com/DatelineDisney. Twitter offers mobile updates sent directly to your cell phone so follow us and sign up for mobile updates to get mini Dateline Disneyland 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 simple tap of your finger!
See you here again next week!
- Andy
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Comments
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Super Update.. Thanks..Posted 02-16-2009 at 06:10 AM by b236en
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Great update! I was also there on Friday to see Frances birthday!Posted 02-16-2009 at 08:13 AM by WheresMickey -
Awesome update as usual. Thanks.Posted 02-16-2009 at 08:45 AM by sir clinksalot -
Beautiful photos Andy! That Mansion shot is fantastic.Posted 02-16-2009 at 08:58 AM by Dustysage -
Great update, loved the shot of the NOS Station.Posted 02-16-2009 at 10:13 AM by gawama -
Great update as usual.Posted 02-16-2009 at 10:51 AM by llama5492 - Now I wish I will live to be 100! That's cool!Posted 02-16-2009 at 11:12 AM by disney-fan-reborn
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Man, I can't believe all those construction walls!Posted 02-16-2009 at 11:20 AM by Lazarus1981 - Awesome as usual. I just got back from spending a week at the parks with my wife and four year old grand daughter and will try my hand at writing about it soon.Posted 02-16-2009 at 11:37 AM by old green eyes
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sounds fab! great story on that lady, bet she had a blast! that's where I'm goin when i'm 100!
Posted 02-16-2009 at 01:10 PM by wdwnut4life -
Great update!
Enjoyed all the fantastic pictures!Posted 02-16-2009 at 01:12 PM by Kritter 
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Thanks for another great update.Posted 02-16-2009 at 01:57 PM by Barbossa -
Incredible Pics!
Sad to see the DCA Amphitheatre go. Used to love to just hang there and look at out at the water at night.
EDIT - Paradise Bay!! yeah...thats what it was called.
Posted 02-16-2009 at 02:02 PM by Ortizmo2000
Updated 02-16-2009 at 08:58 PM by Ortizmo2000 -
NOS station pic is cool!
Posted 02-16-2009 at 02:36 PM by SouthHrbrBlvd -
Wow I was there on Friday, I feel so great now!Posted 02-16-2009 at 03:50 PM by MANEATINGWREATH -
Thanks for another great update Andy! And those pictures above are beautiful! I especially like the one of the empty French Market and the details from King Triton's Carrousel.
Do you know if the DCA construction walls impact the Pixar Play Parade route? I know that HSM3 no longer has a second stop because of the construction around the Amphitheater. I assume, but don't know for certain, that they've left enough room for the Pixar floats to get through. I'm guessing that the floats can squeeze through but they don't allow guests in certain spots where the construction walls jut out.Posted 02-16-2009 at 04:19 PM by Armadillo4 - [B]Quote: {Matterhorn Bobsleds:[/B] Closed February 23 - 27 and March 2 }
Is that when they are putting in the new bobsleds?:yea: I am really looking forward to that change. Last time I went with a friend who is kind of short. I rode the Matterhorn with her. :shy:See where I am going with this? Yeah, it was awkward.Posted 02-16-2009 at 05:07 PM by Sydney-the-Pooh -
It's interesting how the *temporary* lighting for an area of DCA is FAR more detailed than what was there for 8 years! A good sign of things to come indeed.Posted 02-16-2009 at 05:25 PM by Athlonacon -
Fantastic update, as always. And I really love seeing those night time photos of NOS and Frontierland. That side of the park is so amazing at night. Thanks!Posted 02-16-2009 at 10:11 PM by C. Andrew Nelson -
I was there on Friday from 11 AM to 5:15 and didn't notice anything regarding the woman's 100th birthday.
When did all this stuff happen?Posted 02-16-2009 at 10:13 PM by Goover
