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Tokyo Disney Resort; Walt Disney World Christmas; Retro Jungle Cruise; Copenhagen

Weekend Update — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 03:02:00 GMT

We have a couple of Disney photo updates for you this week. First up, TDLFAN is back with some more photos of Halloween at the Tokyo Disney Resort. It's always amazing the see how the Japanese have embraced Halloween. Christmas is coming to Walt Disney World, and Denise nbodyhome Preskitt shares a photo report that includes some of the Christmas decorations plus a first look at Monorail Teal.

Our Disney updates are followed by a nostalgic look back at Disneyland's Jungle Cruise attraction, courtesy of DisneylandPostcards.net. Can you spot the changes that the jungle has seen over the years?

Finally, we are coming to the end of our Beautiful Baltic adventure with Ian Parkinson and Richard Williams. This week we have gorgeous photos of Copenhagen, Denmark.

Thanks for visiting the Weekend Update!

Tokyo Disney Resort
Tokyo, Japan

The Halloween events ended on November 3rd at Tokyo Disney Resort.. and their new Christmas programs do not start until November 10th. In the meantime.. let's look back and reminisce at the fabulous Disney's Halloween events at both Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea parks..

Another lovely day at TDL

Minnie Mouse leads the "Re Villains!" Halloween parade.

Mickey encounters Ursula in this underwater themed float.

"Ay! Dios Mio!" The Villains crash the parade!

Minnie the ultracute good witch.

Parade show mode.

Goofy and Pluto.

Daisy DeVille.

Haunted Mansion is once again transformed into the Nightmare Holiday for the season.

TDLFAN's lovely dinner at the Queen of Heart's Banquet Hall. Note the heart shaped beef patty and the souvenir cup.

Over at Tokyo DisneySea... Lido Meet and Smile greeting gets underway in the morning.

In the Afternoon.. The Legend of Mythica spectacular rules the lagoon.

Another lovely sunset at TDS

"MOUSEquerade Dance" gets underway at Mediterranean Harbor.

Waiting for "Talk with Crush" was estimated at 75 minutes.

Many "turn of the century" sketches and photos tell the story of how this 'underwater observatory' abord the SS Columbia became to be.. and this picture shows where in the Columbia such observatory is at. Can you see the hidden Mickey here?

This is the waiting area before you see Crush in the main theater. There is a short pre-show movie with Cast Member as well... but unfortunately, this is where all cameras and video recorders had to be turned off.

At night.. the lagoon belongs to BraviSEAmo!'s very impressive bird.. Spirit of FIRE!

The Cast of American Waterfront "Mysterious Masquerade" show.

Pyrotechnics end tonight's performance of "Mysterious Masquerade".

Lastly, TDLFAN leaves TDR after 3 full days of fun and adventure and still did NOT get to see everything there is to be done.. Note: the Sleeping Beauty fairies in the background.

Walt Disney World Update
Orlando, Florida

Here's a photo update from Denise nbodyhome Preskitt:

Here are some photos from this week, all on my site (plus hundreds more). I can't believe it's already the Christmas season at WDW!

Monorail Teal went into service on November 4th. It is a combination of purple and pink, the trains that crashed a few months back.

Disney's Hollywood Studios is decked out for Christmas:

In Pixar Place (I framed the monkey, it is not in the star :)):

You can put your head in this Scrooge display:

One of the trees at the Muppets area:

A wreath in that same area:

At the Osborne Lights:

At the Magic Kingdom:

And the new Space Mountain sign:

Many more photos and videos can be viewed at Denise's website: mousesteps.com.

Jungle Cruise
Disneyland

Ken Eslick of DisneylandPostcards.net shares some great vintage postcard images of the Jungle Cruise. These postcards are dated 1956 to 1966. Join us for a trip back in time to the Jungle Cruise's first decade:

Quote:

The queue and station are themed as the headquarters and boathouse of a River Expedition Company, located in a (presumably British) Colony of the 1930s. The queuing area is cluttered with appropriate props, such as pinned insects under glass, an old radio on top of the bookshelf, and a chessboard with miniature animals and decorated shotgun shells replacing the pieces. The extended queue winds upstairs, underneath an animatronic hornbill, and then downstairs again. Big band music from the 1930s plays overhead, punctuated by jungle-related news bulletins by the legendary fictional character Albert Awol , helping to reinforce the setting and threading together the show scenes and boat.
Wikipedia

Quote:

Sources of inspiration for the attraction include a 1955 True-Life Adventure about a pride of lions, and the movie �The African Queen�. Imagineer Harper Goff referenced the African Queen frequently in his ideas; even his designs of the ride vehicles were modeled after the steamer used in the film. The project was placed on the schedule to open with the July 17, 1955 debut of Disneyland.

When plans began to develop, Bill Evans, the Imagineer responsible for landscaping Disneyland, faced the daunting task of foresting an entire jungle on a limited budget. Aside from importing many actual tropical plants, he made wide use of �character plants� which while not necessarily exotic could give the appearance of exoticism in context. In a particularly well-known trick, he uprooted local orange trees and "replanted" them upside-down, growing vines on the exposed roots. The clean water was dyed brown to prevent visitors from seeing the bottom of the �river�, which varies between three and eight feet deep.

Although Goff and Evans can be credited with the creation and initial design of the ride, Marc Davis (recognized for his work on venerable attractions such as the Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean) added his own style to the ride in later versions and DL-version updates. The "Indian Elephant Bathing Pool" and "Rhinoceros Chasing Explorers up a Pole" were among his contributions.
Wikipedia

Quote:

Once aboard the boats, the guests are introduced to their skipper and they head into the jungle (allegedly never to return). The first river simulated is the Irrawaddy_River of Burma, reflecting South-east Asia and parts of the Mekong Delta. The boats sail through a dense rainforest, and an ancient Cambodian shrine where they see a Bengal Tiger, giant spiders, king cobras and crocodiles.

Passing Hindu statues, the boats enter the Sacred Indian Elephant Bathing Pool where dozens of Indian elephants frolic in the water and squirt water at the passing vessels. The theme transitions to the rivers of Africa, and riders see a family of baboons, and safari camp that has been overrun by gorillas. The boats careen past the dramatic waterfall Schweitzer Falls, between two African Elephants, and large termite mounds.

A tableau of the African Veldt follows, showing zebras, wildebeest, and giraffes watch a pride of lions feasting on a zebra beneath a rocky outcropping. Beyond the lion's den, an angry rhinoceros has chased a safari party up a tree. Antelope and hyenas watch from nearby. The skipper then pilots the boat into a large pool, disturbing a pod of hippos that signal their intent to attack the boat. Armed with a gun (filled with blanks), the skipper fires into the air to frighten them away. Drums and chanting are heard as the boats come to headhunter country.

The vehicles pass a native village before sailing into an ambush by natives wielding spears, (the sound effects for which are usually provided by the skipper). The boats pass behind Schweitzer Falls (known as "the Backside of Water") to enter the Amazon River. Skeletal animal remains and warning signs featuring pictures of dagger-toothed fish forewarn the next show scene, where the boats encounter a swarm of leaping piranha. The guests then pass a pool of water buffalo, and meet shrunken head dealer Trader Sam before returning to the dock.
Wikipedia

The Daveland website has an incredible inventory of Jungle Cruise photos through the years. You can see them here: http://davelandweb.com/junglecruise/:

ThemedAttraction.com has compiled a comprehensive list of Jungle Cruise spiels.

"Those of you adventurers entering the world-famous Jungle Cruise, please notice there are two lines, one on the right and the other on the left. If you'd like to keep your family together, please stay in the same line. However, if there is someone in your family you'd like to get rid of, just put them in the opposite line and you'll never see them again."

Reading through this list will bring back memories and probably evoke a chuckle or two. You can read the list here: http://www.themedattraction.com/jungle.htm.

This Youtube video features early footage of a Jungle Cruise ride:

If you are the type that can't get enough of Disneyland memorabilia, you should check out www.worldfamousjunglecruise.com. You'll find a very impressive collection of photos and information about the Jungle Cruise brought to you by Skipper Brodie.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Quote:

The waterside city of Copenhagen has been the capital of Denmark for 600 years yet it is as modern and lively as its history is long and fascinating. The largest city in Denmark is located on the island of Zealand and is located on the East coast of Denmark. The proverbial "all roads lead to" certainly seems to apply more to Copenhagen than to Rome, as Danish roads, trains and even bicycle paths all seem to end up in the middle of the city. And with good reason. Copenhagen is a great travel destination contains a charm that make it one of Europe's most enjoyable and livable cities.
TravellersPoint

Quote:

One of the most recognisable landmarks of Copenhagen is the statue of the little mermaid. It is situated in the harbour of the city, which means it's a pretty long walk (30-45 minutes) from the center of Copenhagen to the statue. If you don't feel walking that far, note that most of the channel tours have a route that takes you along the statue. The statue was placed in Copenhagen in 1913, as a gift from Carl Jacobsen, who was impressed by the performance of the little mermaid that he had seen earlier. The statue was made by Edvard Eriksen. The face of mermaid is that of Ellen Price, who had the lead role in the ballet that Carl Jacobsen had seen. The statue in the harbour is a copy, of an original that is stored in a secret location. For good reasons as the one in the harbour has been vandalised several times.
TravellersPoint

Looking for up-to-date reports from Disneyland
including photos, gossip, park schedules and more?

Visit these MiceChat columns each week:

Andy Castro's Dateline Disneyland

David DarkBeer Michael's In the Parks

And that brings us to the end of another week. Our photographers have just enough time to reload their cameras before we see you all again next weekend. Thank you to all of our wonderful readers, and as always, a huge thank you to our amazing team of global photographers, spies, and gossips:

TDLFAN
Denise nbodyhome Preskitt (mousesteps.com)
SummerInFl
sir clinksalot
MickeyMaxx
CaptPhoebus
Ian Parkinson and Richard Williams
BigPigletFan
Abominable Snowman
Fishbulb
PhotoMatt
Jack Hollywood 1939 Wixom

Special thanks to Ken Eslick at DisneylandPostcards.net.

Your Editor - Rixter

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Once again, more crowds this week at the Disneyland Resort

In the Parks — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:03:57 GMT

Crowds, crowds, crowds - and Christmas, construction, and more crowds. OK, should we talk about sports, including the Super Clasico Playoff game this Sunday when the LA Galaxy hosts CD Chivas USA at the Home Depot Center in Carson, CA. - or should we talk about the Theme Parks and the expected large crowds (again)? Let's take a look at the parks! But first . . . Go Galaxy!

Busy Crowds this week at the Disneyland Resort

Let alone do we have the taping of the "Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade" at the Disneyland Resort this weekend. (Mostly Saturday, but some parts will be taped later in the week....)

We also have about 10.000 folks planning to attend a major Video Game event at the Anaheim Convention Center.

http://ocresort.freedomblogging.com/...etition/12651/

And then during the week, Veterans Day is Wednesday, November 11th, in which Disneyland is scheduled to be open from 8 AM to 11 PM. Some folks will spread that day off to a long weekend, so be prepared. (Flag Retreat will be expanded and will be held at 4:30 PM on Wednesday, November 11th in Town Square).

Add to that the opening of Tiana's Showboat Jubilee! this weekend, and the start of the official Christmas Season next Friday, November 13th, and you have a very busy next couple of weeks, to be followed by Thanksgiving week!

Great news from Knott's Berry Farm

http://www.knotts.com/public/admission/prices/deals.cfm

Quote:

Social Services Promotion Nov. 26 - Dec. 20

Free Knott�s Theme Park admission for Social Services personnel and their spouse or one guest with valid County photo ID or County pay stub and photo I.D, November 26-December 20. In addition, up to 6 additional tickets may be purchased for $15 each. This offer applies to State of California County Welfare, Human and Public Social Service employees only. Valid State of California County photo identification, which specifically references departments that support Welfare, Human, and Public Social Service Agencies is required. Employee must be present.

And of course, the Military Salute is currently being offered (ends November 26th), plus the Fire and Police Promotion will be held from November 26th throught December 20th.

Also, don't forget that the Toys for Tots Promotion has changed.

Quote:

TOYS FOR TOTS Dec. 5-20

Help put a smile on a deserving child's face this holiday season, plus get free admission. Admission will be FREE when a toy, valued at $15 or more, is purchased at a Knott's Berry Farm merchandise location. Proof of purchase required.

Guests wishing to bring a toy (purchased elsewhere) to donate, valued at $15 or more, will receive a coupon for $15 admission into Knott's.

Selected photos from Darkbeer.Smugmug.com

A new photo op has opened in the the Court of Angels.

Jewel of Orleans in New Orleans Square has made a minor adjustment to its hours. This is the Estate Jewellery Store in the park, a great place to check out.

MiceChat 5 year anniversary celebration

MiceChat will be celebrating 5 years of theme park fun on the weekend of January 29th through the 31st. Sign up to join the fun and find out about the great 25% discount at the Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel at this link: MiceChat 5 Year Anniversary Celebration at Disneyland

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And that's this week's update. We hope you have a fantastic weekend and we'll see you in the parks.

Meet the New Mouse, Same as the Old Mouse . . . Really

disneytim — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:36:05 GMT

I'm horrible when it comes to video games. Over the years, I've lost track of how many adventure games I've never finished because I got bored, distracted by life, or just reached a roadblock in a game that I quickly gave up on. Killing bosses has always been more trouble to me than it's worth. Such are the joys of having an ADD personality.

A slightly twisted version of the Disney universe may change all that.

Disney Interactive Studios and game developer Warren Spector will challenge the perceptions many fans have of Mickey Mouse when they release "Epic Mickey" for the Wii in fall 2010. As concept art from the game has been leaking out over the last few months, gaming fans have been speculating wildly on what the desolate look of a Magic Kindom gone horribly wrong is all about.

In an official announcement last week, Disney Interactive revealed the storyline of the game: Yen Sid, the powerful sorcerer from the "Sorcerer's Apprentice," has created this wonderful, mythical Cartoon Wasteland, where retired Disney characters live out an idyllic existence. Chief among them is none other than Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, Walt's first animated star. Over time, however, he's become bitter that his successor, Mickey Mouse, has gone on to a stellar career in the "real" animated world (Personally, I think Oswald's just ticked that NBC Universal traded him back to Disney for Al Michaels, but I digress.), so when Mickey inadvertently stumbles into and wreaks havoc on Cartoon Wasteland, complications ensue. Armed with a brush, some paint and thinner, Mickey must then make things right and help restore Cartoon Wasteland to it's original glory . . . or not. That's the fun concept of "Epic Mickey." Mickey Mouse doesn't have to be the benign, easy-going everymouse most fans have come to know. In fact, the game may become a whole lot more interesting if he's not.

In today's New York Times, Brooks Barnes called this new video game persona for Mickey "risky" and "radical." I disagree. If anything, it sounds like Disney is taking Mickey back to his roots: that of a mischievous, even naughty, little rodent with plenty of spunk and heart. Watch "Steamboat Willie," "Plane Crazy" and numerous other animated shorts from Mickey's black and white days and you'll see an industrious scamp, full of tricks, who wasn't above making the occasional untoward advance on Minnie. This side of Mickey is not lost on Spector. "Mickey is an adventurous and rambunctious mouse," he says. "I want to bring his personality to the forefront, place him in a daunting world and connect his spirited character with video game players worldwide. Ultimately, each player decides for him - or herself what makes Mickey cool."

That Mickey can be cool again is a promising notion. His coolness factor dropped steadily in the decades since his meteoric rise to fame in the 1930s, even as his popularity remained intact. In order to continue being well received by a growing mass audience, Mickey's edgier personality quirks were gradually whittled away until this pleasant, mostly harmless character was left behind. Cute and charming, to be sure, but not much else--certainly not as entertaining as the clumsy, slap-happy Goofy or, especially, the irascible Donald. As animator Ward Kimball noted, "As we got more personality and character into the other cartoons, it became more and more difficult to cope with Mickey . . . Mickey was really an abstraction. He wasn't based on anything that was remotely real."

Mickey eventually became more corporate symbol than character, his feistier origins largely forgotten or unnoticed with the passing years. He's still beloved by millions, but it's getting harder to explain why these days other than "he's Mickey Mouse."

It's about time Mickey got to stir up a little mischief again, and there's nothing radical about it whatsoever. After all, he'll be taking on Cartoon Wasteland with a paintbrush, not a chainsaw. What's intriguing, though, is this gaming star-turn will likely portend bigger and better future projects for him. That can't be bad.

Walt Disney himself said it best. "Mickey is forever. He'll have his moments in the shade, but he'll always come out in the bright lights again."

I'm looking forward to getting Mickey back in the spotlight. Let's see what he does with it. Maybe this time I'll even finish the game.

'A Christmas Carol' Debuts in London

disneytim — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 07:28:36 GMT

Accompanied by carolers, bell ringers and town criers in period costumes, "Disney's A Christmas Carol" made its world premiere Tuesday night in London's Leicester Square. Robert Zemeckis' 3D motion-capture animated take on the Dickens classic stars Jim Carrey as Ebenezer Scrooge and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. The cast also includes Gary Oldman (Bob Cratchit), Colin Firth (Fred) and Bob Hoskins (Fezziwig).

l. to r., Walt Disney Studios chairman Rich Ross, Jim Carrey, Bob Hoskins, Colin Firth, Robert Zemeckis, Bob Iger

Early reviews of the film have been decidedly mixed. Critics are praising the improvements to Zemeckis' performance-capture animation (it's come a long way since "The Polar Express"), but question whether it's a bit over-the-top for this simple and oft-told tale of ruin and redemption. Scrooge's story was never meant to be a thrill ride.

Singer Andrea Bocelli performs before the premiere.

"A Christmas Carol" opens in the U.S. on Friday in both conventional and IMAX theaters.

Jim Carrey, looking more Santa-like than Scrooge, and Jenny McCarthy

Christmas creeps in, Magic on Main Street, DCA work, Disneyland Hotel remodel, MORE

Dateline Disneyland — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:25:42 GMT

Last week was the final run for Disney's 2009 Halloween Time promotion, but for park guests, it was a collision of two holidays throughout the park, not unlike Haunted Mansion Holiday's premise. Sleeping Beauty Castle has its blanket of magical snow already, and New Orleans Square and A Bug's Land are all decked out for the holidays. Meanwhile, seasonal Halloween merchandise has been packed up and put away to make room on store shelves for Christmas merchandise. Sure, the holidays don't officially kick off at Disneyland until November 13, but all those lights and garlands have to get strung up some time, right?

More information and ongoing discussion on many of the various construction projects featured in today's update can be found in the Project Tracker threads on MiceChat. Simply click on a photo with a Project Tracker watermark and you'll be linked up to the latest news and discussion on the various projects underway at the Resort.

Before we get started, many thanks go out to MiceChatters Fishbulb and MacDaddy for taking the time to take photos for this week's update while I was away from the Resort. Their excellent handiwork can be seen throughout today's column.

There's a lot to see this week, so let's get started!

Inside Dateline Disneyland

Welcome to Disneyland!
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...
Magic on Main Street
Houdini moves into the Main Street Magic Shop
Pixies and Princesses
New Orleans Square gets ready for Princess Tiana and Pixie Hollow welcomes Terence
California Construction
New photos of California Adventure's on-going $1 billion remodel and expansion
- World of Color and Paradise Park
- Silly Symphony Swings
This and That
A look at the Disneyland Hotel renovation, Fantasyland refurbs
Weekly News and Information
Weekly theme park hours, closures and refurbishments, the Disney Dream sets sail January 2011, New apps for iPhone and Verizon Wireless phones connect fans to the magic.

WELCOME TO DISNEYLAND
Halloween Time just ended on Sunday, but while Main Street was still celebrating with jack-o-lanterns, orange bunting, and fall floral, Sleeping Beauty Castle took a cue from major retailers and started stringing up lights and fake snow during the last week of October.

With the holidays starting a week earlier than last year, the now-annual Sleeping Beauty's Winter Castle overlay needed to start going up even before the giant Mickey Mouse jack-o-lantern in Town Square could be moved out for the season.

Even on the way into the parks, keen-eyed guests will spot the Town Square Christmas tree being prepped to be moved on-stage.

The seasonal Halloween merchandise has been cleared out from store shelves and displays like the Disney Showcase on Main Street and replaced with Christmas merchandise.

Back in Fantasyland, "it's a small world" is closed while it gets its seasonal overlay installed.

And always one of the first areas to get the holiday treatment, New Orleans Square is all dressed up for Christmas.

Over in California Adventure, the oversized Christmas decorations have gone up in Flick's Fun Fair

MAGIC ON MAIN STREET
The Main Street Magic Shop has reopened after a month-long closure while the new vendor, Houdini, moved in.

Lots of Harry Houdini references throughout the store now.

PIXIES AND PRINCESSES
Pixie Hollow welcomed its newest resident last week,Terence, a boy dust-keeper fairy.

Meanwhile New Orleans Square is getting ready to welcome Princess Tiana later this week when Tiana's Showboat Jubilee! begins daily performances on the Mark Twain Riverboat along the Rivers of America.

Mardi Gras-colored bunting has been strung up on the Mark Twain for the upcoming 15-minute show, which is scheduled to start on Friday, November 6.

Disney�s Newest Royalty, Princess Tiana Arrives in Disneyland Friday, Nov. 6

ANAHEIM, Calif. � Starting Friday, Nov. 6, Disneyland guests will be treated to appearances by Princess Tiana, star of the upcoming Walt Disney Pictures animated feature film �The Princess and the Frog.�

Princess Tiana, Prince Naveen and other characters from the motion picture will star in �Tiana�s Showboat Jubilee!,� a rousing, colorful procession with a jazz-filled Mardi Gras theme. The good times will roll as festively dressed, bead-tossing revelers lead Disneyland guests to the Mark Twain Riverboat dock. The party moves onboard as the Mark Twain paddlewheels its way along the river to singing, dancing and all that jazz.

Songs composed by Randy Newman for the film energize the show, which will be performed four times daily in New Orleans Square. Daytime pyrotechnics, colorful streamers and whimsical puppetry round out the 15-minute spirited production.

The experience will dazzle guests at Disneyland through Jan. 3, 2010. �Tiana�s Showboat Jubilee!� is also performing in Liberty Square at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World Resort, Florida, through Jan. 3, 2010.

Guests also will be able to greet Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen at designated times at the Court of Angels in New Orleans Square, Disneyland.

A hilarious movie adventure through the mystical bayous of Louisiana, �The Princess and the Frog� will open in limited release in New York and Los Angeles on Nov. 25, 2009, before expanding nationwide on Dec. 11, 2009.

The new 15-minute show is also running daily at Walt Disney World in Florida, and Disney released a video of the new daytime event:
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New Orleans Square's Court of Angels is finishing up its refurbishment as it gets ready to host the upcoming Princess Tiana meet-and-greet.

CALIFORNIA CONSTRUCTION
Paradise Bay is half-full, but work continues on the massive World of Color platform and progress is being made on the 9,000-guest Victorian park viewing area.

WORLD OF COLOR & PARADISE PARK VIEWING AREA

SILLY SYMPHONY SWINGS, LITTLE MERMAID, & CARS LAND

The Little Mermaid:

Cars Land:

THIS AND THAT
The Disneyland Hotel continues its multi-year renovation project.

And back inside Disneyland, two Fantasyland classics get ready to reopen on November 19.

DISNEYLAND WEEKLY HOURS AND INFO

THEME PARK HOURS NOVEMBER 2 - 8
For a complete listing of theme park hours, please visit the Disneyland.com Theme Park Calendar
Disneyland Park
Monday - Thursday: 10 am - 8 pm
Friday: 9 am - 12 midnight
Saturday - Sunday: 8 am - 12 midnight

Disney's California Adventure Park
Monday - Thursday: 10 am - 6 pm
Friday - Sunday: 10 am - 9 pm

CURRENT ATTRACTION CLOSURES & REFURBISHMENTS
Disneyland Park
Big Thunder Ranch: Closed through November 12 to install winter holiday overlay.

Jungle Cruise: Closed November 16 - 19

Storybook Land Canal Boats: Closed through November 19.

Casey Jr. Circus Train: Closed through November 19.

The Enchanted Cottage: Snack stand closed through November 4.

"it's a small world": Closed through November 12 to install holiday overlay.

King Arthur Carrousel: Closed December 8 - 10.

Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years/Main Street Opera House: Closed. Reopens as The Disneyland Story: Featuring Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln December 17, 2009.

Disney's California Adventure Park
Orange Stinger: Closed for retheming. Reopens Spring 2010

Jumpin' Jellyfish: Attraction remains open while towers rotate through refurbishment.

The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Undersea Adventure: Under construction.

Souvenir 66 and Corn Dog Castle: Store and dining location closed for remodeling through May 2011.

Paradise Bay: Drained for construction of upcoming Disney's World of Color show. Expected to be refilled mid-October 2009.

Disney's World of Color Nighttime Spectacular: New show under construction. Debuts Spring 2010.

Golden State Park and Amphitheater: Closed. New, larger viewing area for Disney's World of Color viewing under construction in same location. The new viewing area is scheduled to open February 2010 as Paradise Park.

DISNEY UNVEILS DETAILS ON NEW CRUISE SHIP
Disney unveiled details on its new Disney Dream cruise ship, which sets sail in January 2011. The new ship includes a first-of-its-kind water coaster among other luxuries for guests of all ages.

Creativity and Innovation Take the Helm Aboard Disney Dream
CELEBRATION, Fla. (Oct. 29, 2009) � A first-of-its kind water coaster that sends guests racing above the upper decks of the ship. An animated turtle that engages children in conversation about life in the ocean. A sophisticated lounge where the sun sets over the skyline of a different world-famous city each night. When the Disney Dream debuts in early 2011, the newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet will bring to life these innovations and more.

The Disney Dream will take family cruising to all-new heights, embracing the spirit of innovation, magical family entertainment and immersive experiences that have made Disney Cruise Line the preeminent cruise of choice for families since 1998.

Disney Cruise Line revolutionized the cruise industry with purpose-built ships designed just for families. With the Disney Dream setting sail on Jan. 26, 2011, preparations are underway to expand the one-of-a-kind family experience, utilizing technology to enhance the world-class entertainment and legendary guest services onboard. From stem to stern, the Disney Dream will offer a cruise experience that caters to the preferences of the whole family.

�For more than a decade, passengers have filled their passports with memories sailing around the world with Disney Cruise Line,� said Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Jay Rasulo. �With the Disney Dream joining our fleet, we�ll be able to take families to even more places they never imagined they could visit � in true Disney style.�

The Disney Dream features a remarkable interior design which provides guests with a warm and welcoming feel throughout. The ship�s design offers guests a perfect blend of elegant Art Deco style and fun-filled Disney whimsy to create one of the most spectacular ships afloat. Distinctly Disney guest features aboard the Disney Dream include:

AquaDuck Water Coaster. . .

Disney Cruise Line debuts a cruise-industry first: a shipboard water coaster � AquaDuck! Guests aboard the Disney Dream will get swept away on an exhilarating high-speed flume ride featuring twists, turns, drops, uphill acceleration and river rapids � all while traversing the upper decks of the ship.
AquaDuck stretches 765 feet in length � more than two and a half times the length of a football field � and spans four decks in height.

Guests slide 13 feet over the side of the ship in a translucent �swing out� loop allowing them to look down on the ocean 150 feet below.

Guests experience coaster-like thrills as high-powered water jets push them upwards and forwards at 20 feet per second.

AquaDuck continues through the forward funnel, encounters a 335 foot stretch of river rapids and splashes down to an end on Deck 12.

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A Virtual Porthole for Inside Staterooms. . .

Disney Cruise Line introduces another stateroom innovation with all inside staterooms on the Disney Dream featuring a Virtual Porthole that provides guests with a real-time view outside the ship. High-definition cameras placed on the exterior of the ship feed live video to each Virtual Porthole.

As guests observe the impressive outside views, they may glimpse a magical surprise: animated characters such as Peach the starfish from the Disney�Pixar hit film �Finding Nemo,� or Mickey Mouse may pop by the Virtual Porthole.

A Magical Oasis for Children. . .

Only on a Disney Cruise Line ship can children become immersed in their favorite Disney stories with the help of caring counselors, beloved Disney characters and a sprinkling of pixie dust. The celebration of children�s creativity rises to a new level on the Disney Dream with nearly an entire deck of youth spaces designed to inspire, entertain and unlock the imagination of children. There are two main spaces for children ages three to 10:

At Disney�s Oceaneer Club, children can:
Play among larger-than-life characters from Disney�Pixar�s �Toy Story� in Andy�s Room

Explore the Laugh Floor with lovable monsters Mike and Sully from �Monsters, Inc.�

Dive under the sea with Nemo and friends or visit Tinker Bell�s fairy forest

At Disney�s Oceaneer Lab, children feel as though they are embarking on a great seafaring adventure in a room filled with maps, maritime instruments and swashbuckling artifacts. Here, children can try their hand at animation, become a pop star or navigate ships through digital seas.

Both venues offer magical interactions with the animated characters such as Crush, the sea turtle from the Disney�Pixar motion picture �Finding Nemo� and Stitch, the mischievous alien from �Lilo and Stitch.� The characters chat, play and joke with children in live, unrehearsed conversations from their digital undersea and intergalactic environments via 103-inch plasma screens.

For the full press release, visit: Disneyland News: Creativity and Innovation Take the Helm Aboard Disney Dream

DISNEY BRINGS THEME PARK WAIT TIMES TO VERIZON WIRELESS PHONES
Disney has unveiled details on its new Verizon Wireless applications that track theme park wait times, hours, and other operating information.

Mobile Magic � First Disney Parks Mobile App Details, Screen Shots Unveiled
Earlier this year, we announced our first official Disney Parks mobile application � Mobile Magic. Now, we�re sharing details and screen shots.

You�ll recall that Mobile Magic is bringing attraction wait times, FASTPASS return times, extensive information on character locations and more for Walt Disney World and Disneyland theme parks to your Verizon Wireless phone. Development work has been ongoing but the team recently offered a walkthrough of the app and it�s looking great.

Attraction wait times on your Verizon Wireless device will be unique. There�s been an investment in the backend infrastructure to support Mobile Magic and offer actual wait times based directly on Disney Parks information.

As for FASTPASS, you�ll be able to check if it�s still available for specific attractions. And if FASTPASS is available, the app will deliver information about the next return time. So, if you can still get a FASTPASS, the application will show, for example: FP: 4:00-5:00 p.m.

Also, mobile maps are GPS-enabled. While wandering the parks, your location will be indicated by a white circle. Then it�s simple to scroll through content and find it on the map via a �getting there� option. The map zooms out and allows you to see your location and exactly where the character greeting or restaurant can be located.

For the full article, visit: DisneyParks Blog: Mobile Magic � First Disney Parks Mobile App Details, Screen Shots Unveiled

Free iPhone app available for Disneyland visits
From the Around Disney blog:
Free iPhone app available for Disneyland visits
Other iPhone app creators boast that you can find Disneyland wait times and navigate restaurants with their products. But a new app founder says his is the only major one that�s free. And it�s the only one hooked up to social-networking sites, including Twitter and Facebook.

MouseWait was made available last week for the first time on the iTunes store, said Kelly Johns, a software creator from Riverside. Other apps sell for $1.99 or $2.99. But Mousewait is free and makes money solely off of advertising.

The app is geared for three types of people: Annual passholders who visit regularly, Disney fans who want to keep an eye on the parks from afar and tourists planning a trip to Disneyland and Disney�s California Adventure.

Johns said he�s using a new way to figure out wait times. Some apps rely solely on users reporting the wait times that they find. But Johns created an algorithm that also incorporates historical data. MouseWait also uses about 10 beta testers that check out wait times when they are in the parks.

�We�re at the park all the time. We�re kind of crazy, kind of fanatics,� Johns said.
With the social-networking component, users can sign in to Facebook from MouseWait and find other friends that also have the app.

MouseWait also hooks up to a Web cam at the Howard Johnson�s �Mattercam� and includes other Disney blog feeds.

For the full article, visit: Around Disney: Free iPhone app available for Disneyland visits

Alright, that should do it for the November 2 edition of Dateline Disney. Many thanks to all of you for reading, and thanks once again to our excellent guest photographers this week, Fishbulb and MacDaddy. Be sure to discuss this week's update in the comments section below!

Your support keeps these updates coming! Without you they couldn't happen. We all know times are tough, so any amount of support helps. If you can donate to Dateline Disneyland please consider doing so via a safe and quick PayPal donation. To donate, click here.

Don't forget that MiceAge and MiceChat has loads of new content weekly! If Dateline Disneyland isn't enough to satisfy your Disneyland itch, then don't miss David "Darkbeer" Michael's In the Parks column which runs here every Friday and is packed full of Southern California theme park news, photos, and gossip. And if you want even more Disney theme park goodness, don't miss MiceChat's Weekend Update, which takes a look at Disney theme parks and other international landmarks, curiosities, and oddities every Saturday!

Dateline Disneyland is on Twitter! We now have over 5,100 followers! If you still haven't checked us out on Twitter, head over there now for updates throughout the week with links to breaking news, mini updates, photos, and links to newsworthy MiceChat discussions. Visit Twitter.com/DatelineDisney, or check out the widget to the right to follow us!

See you here again soon!
-Andy

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Happy Halloween

orbitalpunk — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 01:00:44 GMT

Princess Tiana; Red Bull Art Show; Dinosaur World; Classic Cars in the Desert

Weekend Update — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 04:24:45 GMT

I'm sure everyone is getting ready for the big Halloween Saturday night! How many of you procrastinators will be rushing out to buy your Halloween costumes, candy and decorations later today? This country's leading retailers claim that people start shopping for Halloween accessories as early as June! Now what fun is that? Isn't it more fun to rush out at the last minute and make a costume out of a witch's hat, a multi-colored clown wig and a Spiderman suit? (Not that I would know. ;) )

Our Weekend Update this week is just the right size to get your busy day started. First up, we have a report on the busy life of Denise nbodyhome Preskitt. Can you believe a week that includes Princess Tiana, a Red Bull art show, a Halloween tour of Fort Wilderness and a KISS concert?

Then dinosaurs rise out of the Florida swamps and populate Dinosaur World in Plant City, Florida. SummerInFL reports on this unique Florida roadside attraction. (Did you know that dinosaur bones have never been found in Florida?)

sir clinksalot stirs up double trouble this week for the Weekend Update. Check out his video from Universal Studios Hollywood's Halloween Horror Nights, then travel with him to Laughlin, Nevada for a tour of Don Laughlin's car collection.

We finish up our report this week with some more vintage Halloween postcard images to put you in a Halloween mood.

Thanks for visiting the Weekend Update!

A Week in the Busy Life of Denise nbodyhome Preskitt

This past week, Disney unveiled the new Tiana's Showboat Jubilee! It is quite a fun show, though I understand that Disneyland will have live singing instead of recorded. I have photos and video from it on my site, and here are some photos that include the new meet and greet as well:

And one of five videos I shot, this is the first half of the show itself:

You can link to the other videos through my website at mousesteps.com.

The meet and greet:

Just over a week ago I was up north for my high school reunion and a memorial service in Washington DC. Union Station had an interesting Red Bull exhibit, where artists took cans of Red Bull and made sculptures out of them:

While in DC, I was able to go to one of my favorite places (I have some family who are members):

At Fort Wilderness, guests have decorated their campsites for Halloween:

A car testing at Space Mountain at WDW, which is set to re-open on November 21:

The sign for it, when going in on the People Mover:

Outside:

And I went to a Kiss concert a week ago as well, and took photos and video:

As always, you can view more photos and videos at Denise's website: mousesteps.com.

Dinosaur World
Plant City, Florida

I was excited when I heard that SummerInFL was planning a report on Dinosaur World in Plant City, Florida. The signs and entrance for this unique park can be seen from the I-4 on the trip from Orlando and Tampa, and we were intrigued as we passed by it on our way to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. It looks like this little park is quite nice!

Florida has many roadside attractions and there is one that we have always passed on the way to Walt Disney World and I decided to give it a try this weekend. So my daughter and I headed over to Dinosaur World, its a great attraction that contains life size replicas of all the dinosaurs, a playground, a fossil dig site, a bone collection and more!

Below are some of my favorites from the day. Enjoy!

Picnic Area

One of the interesting things I discovered is that there have been no dinosaur bones every discovered in the state of Florida as it was believed that the entire state was under water during the time dinosaurs roamed the Earth.

The Playground for the kids.

The giant puzzle the kids can put together.

Feed Me

The Boneyard where you can dig up your own dinosaur.

Every child admission received a ticket to dig for 3 fossils that they get to keep.

We had a great time and my daughter enjoyed herself very much. I recommend visiting it at least once and if you have extra time on your hands. Overall I think if they maintain the attractions and keep moving forward with it, it has great staying power in the long run.

Halloween Horror Nights
Universal Studios Hollywood

sir clinksalot spent an evening at Universal Studio's Halloween Horror Nights and put together this clever video:

Beautiful Baltic will return next week.

Don Laughlin Classic Cars Museum
Laughlin, Nevada

Looks like sir clinksalot found something to do in Laughlin besides play Hot Hot Penny!

Welcome to the Don Laughlin Classic Cars Museum located in Don Laughlin's Riverside Resort in Laughlin, NV.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wikipedia

Don Laughlin's Classic Car Collection is a free exhibition of antique, classic and special interest automobiles, housed in two separate areas at the resort hotel. There are also some trucks and motorcycles. The first hall, located next to the main valet entrance, displays a rotating selection that includes horseless carriages, cars used in motion pictures, and a motorcycle owned by actor Steve McQueen. The main Classic Auto Exhibition Hall is located on the third floor of the south tower, and also features privately-owned vehicles that are for sale on consignment.

The first "car" on display is the "Marriage Trap". This is the Marriage Trap that was used in the 1952 film "The Quiet Man" starring John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara.

1954 Corvette

1963 Corvette

1937 Cord Speedster

1963 Studebaker Amanti R-3

1933 Austin Roadster

1930 Studebaker 4-door

1915 Ford Speedster

I think this was one of my favorites, 1971 Soap Box Derby Car

1929 Model A Ford

1934 Buick Touring Sedan ... or "Mafia Staff Car"

The engine of the Mafia Car

1934 Ford

Some of the cars in the museum were actually for sale, like this 1936 Ford Street Rod ... it can be yours for a mere $50k

A view of the Colorado River from the museum

1914 REO Touring Car

1907 REO Runabout

1934 Ford Tow Truck

And it's kiddie-car companion

We'll leave you this week with a look at the classic Woody

Next week, the rest of the classic car collection in Laughlin, this was only about 1/2 of the collection.

I have a few more of those vintage Halloween postcard images to share. Next week DisneylandPostcards.net will be back with a great look back at Disneyland's Jungle Cruise.

Looking for up-to-date reports from Disneyland
including photos, gossip, park schedules and more?

Visit these MiceChat columns each week:

Andy Castro's Dateline Disneyland

David DarkBeer Michael's In the Parks

And that brings us to the end of another week. Our photographers have just enough time to reload their cameras before we see you all again next weekend. Thank you to all of our wonderful readers, and as always, a huge thank you to our amazing team of global photographers, spies, and gossips:

TDLFAN
Denise nbodyhome Preskitt (mousesteps.com)
SummerInFL
sir clinksalot
MickeyMaxx
CaptPhoebus
Ian Parkinson and Richard Williams
BigPigletFan
Abominable Snowman
Fishbulb
PhotoMatt
Jack Hollywood 1939 Wixom

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Halloween Weekend, be prepared to be scared by large crowds!

In the Parks — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:14:13 GMT

Well, we made it until the end of October, just in time to set your clocks BACK one Hour Saturday Night/Sunday Morning. Let's get going....

Be prepared for LARGE Crowds at Disneyland this weekend.

Disneyland will be busy all weekend, but especially Friday and Saturday night for Halloween Time. Disney's California Adventure Park will close at 6 PM on BOTH Friday and Saturday night to host the last Mickey's Trick or Treat special events. Disney has found that that the 6 to 7 PM hour is extremely busy at the Disneyland entrance turnstiles, even having to close down the turnstiles due to the large volume of folks.

Disney has done a few things, such as blocking out the Cast Member passes and now moving the Celebrate! - a Street Party event. The Un-Parade will be offered at 2:30 and 4:30 PM instead of the normal 3:30 and 6:30 PM times. Having the last un-parade at 4:30 has Main Street clear shortly after 5 PM, before the masses show up. The 6:30 PM showing, drew crowds on Main Street and the Hub from about 6-7pm. Because so many guests were entering Disneyland at the same time, it created a large traffic jam.

But even with the Celebrate! event being held early, there will still be large crowds at the Hub and on Main Street to see the last weekend of Halloween Screams Fireworks show. One option is to watch them after the 9 PM Fantasmic!, as Disney has added projectors and is showing images in the ROA that are similar to what you can see on the Castle.

FYI, Disney will offer Remember! fireworks for the weekend of November 6th as a one week special before the Christmas version starts on November 13th.

Disneyland Resort Parking Update

The crowds keep coming to the parks, and parking is still a major issue, and it doesn't look like the next few months will be much better.

One main point, the former entrance to the Timon Parking Lot on Harbor Blvd at Disney Way has been closed most of the time lately. In fact, Disney has been even reversing the roadway, and having vehicles go east bound on the roadway at the south end of DCA.

Work continues on the new Parking Lot being built next to the current Buzz Lightyear lot.

Disney has been regularly using Pumbaa, Anaheim GardenWalk, the Anaheim Convention Center and even Buzz Lightyear and Pongo on a regular basis on weekends lately.

If you are coming to Disneyland using the I-5 Northbound, your best bet is to get off at Disney Way (Katella Ave) and just follow the signage/Anaheim PD directions as to where to go. Disney will honor AP Parking Passes at any of the lots that are open.

Also, Disney does provide transportation from all the lots. They use Coach America for the Pumbaa, Anaheim GardenWalk, Buzz Lightyear and Pongo Parking lots. You will find the White Buses and Red Trolleys near the CM Bus Stop in the Lion King Tram area. Make sure and verify where the bus is going before boarding so you get back to your car.

If Disney is using the Anaheim Convention Center, then they will run the Lion King Trams to the Pedestrian entrance on Katella Avenue, and then you just have to cross Katella Avenue to access your car.

The other main lot other than the Parking Structure is Simba, next to the Paradise Pier Hotel. This is the lot that is usually the worst choice, as there is no tram/bus service. You are expected to walk through Downtown Disney to get to the parks.

As for the Parking Structure, it has been getting so full that they have closed down the entrances in the afternoon and are diverting cars to other lots. The hints here are to get to the parks as early as you can, and if you show up later in the day, be prepared to find the structure closed and then follow the signs to the alternative lot(s), more than likely either the Anaheim Convention Center or Buzz Lightyear.

Don't forget, you can help out by carpooling or using public transportation. And for those staying in the nearby hotels, leave the car at the Hotel/Motel and either walk or use the ART Shuttles.

Disney is experimenting with a Automated Stroller Kiosk Rental System

Disney has quietly installed an Automated Stroller Kiosk at the DCA Rental location as a test. When the new Stroller Rental center opens up in the next few months in the Main Entrance Plaza as a replacement to the 2 current main locations in the parks, Disney hopes to have a few of these stations available to help out with crowds if the tests go well.

Work continues on the new Stroller/Wheelchair Center next to the Kennel Club

Main Street Magic Shop Reopens

The Magic Shop, now run by an outside vendor, Houdini's Magic Shop, reopened on Wednesday.

http://www.houdini.com/

The cart in Downtown Disney remains open for business.

Knott's adds an extra night to Halloween Haunt

Knott's Scary Farm has added one extra night to its schedule, this Sunday, November 1st. And the price is right, just $24.99 if you purchase online in advance. (And if you are a Knott's Annual Passholder or a resident of Buena Park, you can get in for just $19.99 this Sunday).

Also don't forget, if you are looking for something for your kids to do on Saturday. Knott's is offering its kid friendly Camp Spooky on Halloween during regular park hours. (Included in the cost of regular park admission).

Selected Photos from Darkbeer.Smugmug.com

And here's a comprehensive video of World of Color construction sent in from a reader
(thebugger2000 on YouTube):

YouTube - Disneyland World of Color Technology...

The Little Mermaid site is still a big pit

And work has started on Cars Land

"it's a small world" is now closed for the Holiday makeover, and will reopen November 13th

Gadget Go-Coaster is scheduled to reopen this morning

Tortilla Jo's new Maragarita Bar is progressing nicely

A Disneyland Kitty takes advantage of the quiet due to "small world" being closed

Because we all love free stuff

If you are out and about Halooween night, Taco Bell is giving away free Tacos. http://www.tacobell.com/FreeBlackJackTaco/

MiceChat 5 year anniversary celebration announcement

MiceChat has announced that the weekend of January 29th through the 31st will be the 5th Anniversary Celebration of MiceChat. You can sign up and find out about the great 25% discount at the Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel at this link
http://micechat.com/forums/meets-eve...0-join-us.html

Follow us on Twitter

That should do it for this week, hope everyone has a fun and safe Halloween, and enjoy your extra hour of sleep! We'll see you in the parks.

Even More Toy Story 3 Wallpaper!

orbitalpunk — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 05:41:44 GMT

Disney has posted additional Toy Story 3 Wallpapers. I have packaged the highest resolution ones into a zip file here.

You can find the first installment of wallpapers that I zipped here.

Haunted Mansion fans - rejoice!

giddygirlie — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:20:57 GMT

Hey all you Halloweenies! If you're as big of a fan of the Haunted Mansion as I am, you won't want to miss this! There is a home in Orange County, CA (Portola Hills) that puts together a walk-through haunted house based on the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland!

Check out their website for the details (including a night vision video from last year!). It looks SPOOKtacular and is open Friday, Oct. 30, Saturday, Oct. 31, and Sunday, Nov. 1 from 6-10pm.

I'm planning a trip for Sunday and will report back all the grim grinning details!

*I am not affliated with this event at all, but it's too cute to miss!

Refilling Paradise Bay, Houdini moves in, Holiday merchandise, more

Dateline Disneyland — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 05:11:08 GMT

MiceChatters waited with anticipation throughout the week for the first signs of water in Paradise Bay after months of construction on the new World of Color show. After numerous delay rumors and filming of a promotional spot, water finally started refilling the Paradise Pier lagoon Thursday afternoon. Meanwhile, crews continued to crawl over the World of Color platform making sure the equipment was ready for water, and construction continued on the new 9,000-guest Paradise Park viewing area.

More information and ongoing discussion on many of the various construction projects featured in today's update can be found in the Project Tracker threads on MiceChat. Simply click on a photo with a Project Tracker watermark and you'll be linked up to the latest news and discussion on the various projects underway at the Resort.

Let's get started!

Inside Dateline Disneyland

Welcome to Disneyland
Houdini moves onto Main Street
California Construction
This and That
Refurbs, construction, and more
Around the Park
Photos from around the park.
Weekly News and Information
Weekly theme park hours, closures and refurbishments, Hook's Pointe gets new menu, CHOC Walk 2009.

WELCOME TO DISNEYLAND
The Main Street Magic Shop is still closed while the new vendor, Houdini, moves in. Until the store reopens sometime this week, new window displays give guests a hint of what's to come and feature a variety of Houdini references in wonderful little details.

CALIFORNIA CONSTRUCTION
Construction continues at Disney's California Adventure as water returns to Paradise Bay to begin the test-and-adjust phase of World of Color construction.

WORLD OF COLOR & PARADISE PARK VIEWING AREA
Water is back in Paradise Bay after a year of being dry for World of Color construction.

Disney released a little internet promotional video of Mickey and Goofy in their construction crew outfits helping to refill the Bay late last week:

The OC Register's Around Disney blog had more information on the specifics behind the lagoon refilling:

16 million gallons begin flowing into Disney�s California Adventure lagoon
Water cascaded today out of a large pipe into Paradise Bay at Disney�s California Adventure, refilling the 16-million-gallon lagoon.

[ . . . ] The water flowing into the lagoon, at 2,800 gallons per minute, was recycled by Disney through the Orange County Water District using its Groundwater Replenishment System.

The same system will be used when the resort drains Disneyland�s 6-million-gallon Rivers of America for refurbishment early next year.

After the lagoon is full, it will be continuously filtered by the park�s system.

Disney officials said that filling the lagoon will take place in installments as they go through a test-and-adjustment period. Filling will continue a few feet at a time depending on how things go during this process, until the lagoon is full; that could take until the end of the year or possibly later.
After the lagoon is full, the Imagineers will begin programming the fountains, lights and projectors to prepare the show for its premiere at the park next year.
For the full article, visit Around Disney: 16 million gallons begin flowing into Disney�s California Adventure lagoon

SILLY SYMPHONY SWINGS

THE LITTLE MERMAID & CARS LAND

Cars Land:

THIS AND THAT
Back in Disneyland, the entrance to Village Haus Restaurant in Fantasyland has reopened after installing some automatic doors.

In New Orleans Square, the Royal Street Veranda is open after a refurbishment that included a re-working of the walk-up order windows

The French Market's entrance is still behind walls while that gets an update as well.

The Enchanted Cottage snack stand at the Princess Fantasy Faire is still behind construction walls as the food location continues its remodel.

And "it's a small world" is now closed for two weeks while its annual holiday overlay is installed.

From the OC Register's Around Disney blog:

Disney ride set to close temporarily for holiday makeover
Halloween may not be over yet, but �it�s a small world� dolls are already getting dressed up for Christmas.

Starting Monday, the Disneyland ride is set to be closed so it can be remodeled for the holidays. Sunday will be the last day that the ride is open to guests for about three weeks, said John McClintock, a Disneyland Resort spokesman.

The ride is set to re-open Nov. 13 with special decorations and soundtrack for the holiday season, which begins that same day.

The classic ride features dancing dolls from different countries singing the same song repeatedly in various languages. When the attraction re-opens next month, �Jingle Bells� and �Deck the Halls� will be added to the song mix.
For the full article, visit Around Disney: Disney ride set to close temporarily for holiday makeover

Speaking of the holidays, Christmas merchandise is already lining store shelves throughout the Resort - here's a small sampling of new goodies:

Thanksgiving plush: $14.95 each

Christmas Tree antenna topper

Holiday apron $21.95

Tree topper $26.95

Santa Claus mug and cookie plate $24.95

Jim Shore - Beauty and the Beast ornament set $115

Jim Short - Disney ornament set $75

AROUND THE PARKS
We'll finish up today's photo update with some shots from around the parks:

DISNEYLAND WEEKLY HOURS AND INFO

THEME PARK HOURS OCTOBER 26 - NOVEMBER 1
For a complete listing of theme park hours, please visit the Disneyland.com Theme Park Calendar
Disneyland Park
Monday: 10 am - 9 pm
Tuesday: 9 am - 5 pm
Wednesday - Thursday: 10 am - 9 pm
Friday - Sunday: 8 am - 12 midnight

Disney's California Adventure Park
Monday: 10 am - 6 pm
Tuesday: 10 am - 8 pm
Wednesday - Thursday: 10 am - 5 pm
Friday - Saturday: 10 am - 6 pm
Sunday: 10 am - 9 pm

CURRENT ATTRACTION CLOSURES & REFURBISHMENTS
Disneyland Park
Disneyland Railroad: Closed through October 28

Gadget's Go Coaster: Closed through October 26.

Big Thunder Ranch: Closed November 2 - 12 to install winter holiday overlay.

Jungle Cruise: Closed November 16 - 19

Storybook Land Canal Boats: Closed through November 19.

Casey Jr. Circus Train: Closed through November 19.

The Enchanted Cottage: Snack stand closed through November 4.

"it's a small world": Closed through November 12 to install holiday overlay.

King Arthur Carrousel: Closed December 8 - 10.

Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years/Main Street Opera House: Closed. Reopens as The Disneyland Story: Featuring Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln December 17, 2009.

Disney's California Adventure Park
Orange Stinger: Closed for retheming. Reopens Spring 2010

Jumpin' Jellyfish: Attraction remains open while towers rotate through refurbishment.

The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Undersea Adventure: Under construction.

Souvenir 66 and Corn Dog Castle: Store and dining location closed for remodeling through May 2011.

Paradise Bay: Drained for construction of upcoming Disney's World of Color show. Expected to be refilled mid-October 2009.

Disney's World of Color Nighttime Spectacular: New show under construction. Debuts Spring 2010.

Golden State Park and Amphitheater: Closed. New, larger viewing area for Disney's World of Color viewing under construction in same location. The new viewing area is scheduled to open February 2010 as Paradise Park.

HOOK'S POINTE GETS MENU MAKEOVER
Hook's Pointe Restaurant at the Disneyland Hotel recently got a brand new seafood-centric menu. The OC Register's Around Disney blog has details:
Restaurant becomes Disney�s only seafood house
A Disney restaurant became the resort�s only seafood house when it recently revamped its menu.

Hook�s Pointe, inside the Disneyland Hotel, re-branded itself last month with new seafood selections because its generic offerings were failing to draw enough customers.

�It didn�t really have an identity, really,� Chef Jason Martin said. �We didn�t have the traffic we were looking for.�

Martin said he decided to try out the seafood concept because there are no other Disneyland Resort restaurants with that focus. Plus, the previous restaurant in the same location was a seafood restaurant until 1999.

Guests now can order their fish their own way: pick their fish, style of cooking, sauce and side dish. There are 18 combinations, Martin said.

For the full story, visit: Around Disney: Restaurant becomes Disney�s only seafood house

2009 CHOC WALK ATTRACTS MORE THAN 12,000 PARTICIPANTS
And here's video clip from Disney summing up the 2009 CHOC Walk in Disneyland:
2009 CHOC Walk at the Disneyland Resort

Okay, that should wrap up this week's Dateline Disneyland. Many thanks to all of you for reading. Be sure to discuss this week's update in the comments section below!

Your support keeps these updates coming! Without you they couldn't happen. We all know times are tough, so any amount of support helps. If you can donate to Dateline Disneyland please consider doing so via a safe and quick PayPal donation. To donate, click here.

Don't forget that MiceAge and MiceChat has loads of new content weekly! If Dateline Disneyland isn't enough to satisfy your Disneyland itch, then don't miss David "Darkbeer" Michael's In the Parks column which runs here every Friday and is packed full of Southern California theme park news, photos, and gossip. And if you want even more Disney theme park goodness, don't miss MiceChat's Weekend Update, which takes a look at Disney theme parks and other international landmarks, curiosities, and oddities every Saturday!

Dateline Disneyland is on Twitter! We now have over 5,000 followers! If you still haven't checked us out on Twitter, head over there now for updates throughout the week with links to breaking news, mini updates, photos, and links to newsworthy MiceChat discussions. Visit Twitter.com/DatelineDisney, or check out the widget to the right to follow us!

See you here again soon!
-Andy

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Busch's Howl O Scream; Universal's Horror Nights; Helsinki; St. Regis Monarch Beach

Weekend Update — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 03:47:40 GMT

Halloween is becoming big business for theme parks and we have photo reports from two such Halloween events this week. SummerInFL brings us photos from Howl O Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Then we visit Universal Studios Hollywood with MiceChatter Coaster Matt and get a look at their Halloween Horror Nights event.

We continue our Beautiful Baltic adventure with Ian Parkinson and Richard Williams this week. Our destination is Helsinki, Finland.

Did you ever wonder what a weekend of pampering might be like at one of those tony SoCal beach resorts? CaptPhoebus shares his luxury weekend at the St. Regis Monarch Beach with us in a very unique photo essay.

We wind up this week's Weekend Update with some fun images of vintage Halloween postcard images.

Thanks for visiting the Weekend Update!

Howl O Scream
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

SummerInFL braved the zombies and monsters to file this report on Busch Gardens Tampa Bay "Howl O Scream".

Every year we try and attend Howl O Scream at Busch Gardens in Tampa, FL and this year was no exception. This years theme was of course "vampires".

The story behind this year's theme is a woman named Ms. Vayne who uses her job as a fashion designer as a means to eat her audience at fashion shows.

Ms. Vayne

After the blood starts flying...

They have a new house based on a sorority house gone wrong, its called DeD. Cute huh?

I thought I would pledge, it went well I think!

One of the many scare zones.

This one was themed after werewolves.

"The Messengers return to claim another 13 victims. This year they are out to feast on human flesh."

"Evil pollutes the walls of a house that can let go of its horrible history."

You can also get your photo taken with the vampires as well, it was the end of the night and I was not in the picture taking mood but they were happy to accommodate a photo.

We managed to hit all 7 houses and got home and into bed around 1:30 a.m. If you are ever in the Tampa Bay area this time of year I highly recommend this event, that is, if you have the courage for it.

Halloween Horror Nights
Universal Studios Hollywood

MiceChatter CoasterMatt made multiple trips to Universal Studios Hollywood's Halloween Horror Nights this year and shares these photos with the Weekend Update.

Halloween Horror Nights is renowned for its elaborate stage shows:

Bill & Ted Party On!!!!: The Wyld Stallyns of time travel – Bill S. Preston, Esq. and Ted Theodore Logan – return in an all-new parody show ripped from today’s headlines. Join Bill and Ted as they skewer a who’s who of infamous guest stars in this most excellent musical comedy you’ll want to see time and time…and time again!

Rocky Horror Picture Show: A Tribute: Dammit, Janet…Let’s Do The Time Warp…Again!!! Wonderfully weird. Fabulously freaky. A cult phenomenon! And now, Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights pays tribute to the mad scientist Dr. Frank-N-Furter, Riff-Raff, Brad, Janet and all your other favorite Transylvanians in The Rocky Horror Picture Show: A Tribute! Singing and dancing in outrageous costumes, live performers bring the unforgettable musical mayhem of the classic horror spoof to life on-stage while scenes from the original movie play on giant projection screens.

And here are some random photos from this special event:

Lest anyone think that this is a relatively tame event, you should know that I edited out most of the more gruesome photos (think blood).

Looking for up-to-date reports from Disneyland
including photos, gossip, park schedules and more?

Visit these MiceChat columns each week:

Andy Castro's Dateline Disneyland

David DarkBeer Michael's In the Parks

Helsinki, Finland

We're coming to the end of our Beautiful Baltic adventure. We have just a few stops left. This week we visit Helsinki, Finland.

Quote:

Helsinki is the capital and largest city in Finland. It is in the southern part of Finland, on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, by the Baltic Sea. The population of the city of Helsinki is 579,016, making it the most populous municipality in Finland by a wide margin.

Helsinki, along with the neighbouring cities of Vantaa (Vanda), Espoo (Esbo), and Kauniainen (Grankulla), constitutes what is known as the capital region, with over 1,000,000 inhabitants. The Greater Helsinki area contains 12 municipalities and has a population of over 1,300,000.

Helsinki is Finland's capital for business, education, research, culture, and government. Greater Helsinki has eight universities and six technology parks. Some 70% of foreign companies operating in Finland have settled in the Helsinki region. The immigration of rural residents has made it one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in Europe.
Wikipedia

St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort
Orange County, California

CaptPhoebus allows us to join him on a luxurious weekend at the St. Regis Resort.

This week, I'm taking a little break from the usual theme park and unique attractions reporting to bring you a more relaxing type of article. Located only 26 miles away from Disneyland Resort, the St. Regis Monarch Beach is a hidden oasis in the suburban jungle that is Orange County. Here are a few pics I took at a recent visit to this lavish resort, which don't even begin to show justice to this resort, in terms of style and service.

Quote:

Monarch Beach is an Orange Coast community in Orange County, California located within Dana Point. Its distinction is the St. Regis and the Ritz Carlton-Laguna Niguel which are beachside resorts located within the town of Monarch Beach. It consists of many residences, but is also a tourist attraction for the rich and famous travelers.
Monarch Beach is named after its most prominent Geological feature "Monarch Bay" aptly named as its rolling hiils of Sagebrush and Manzanita were once a breeding ground for the Monarch Butterfly. The Butterflies are no longer seen there in the once large masses as their habitat has been replaced by a largely urban landscape.
Monarch beach was also the location of the famed Nixon Interviews.

Wikipedia

Quote:

Captivating by nature, The St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort stands along the pristine shores of the majestic Pacific Ocean. Experience the only California resort crowned with the Mobil Five-Star, Five-Diamond Award. This award-winning coastal retreat features an 18-hole golf course, 30,000-square foot Spa Gaucin and six ocean-view restaurants including celebrated chef Michael Mina's Stonehill Tavern. The address is the experience. The destination is beyond expectation.

Starwood Hotels

Fountain at Entrance

Porte-Cochere

Lobby and Lounge Area

Grand Staircase

Walking around the Resort

View from the Sunset Terrace

Resort at Night

Botanical Gardens

Room Amenities

View from one of the Rooms

Private Beach

[CENTER]

And that brings us to the end of another week. Our photographers have just enough time to reload their cameras before we see you all again next weekend. Thank you to all of our wonderful readers, and as always, a huge thank you to our amazing team of global photographers, spies, and gossips:

TDLFAN
Denise nbodyhome Preskitt (mousesteps.com)
SummerInFl
sir clinksalot
MickeyMaxx
CaptPhoebus
Ian Parkinson and Richard Williams
BigPigletFan
Abominable Snowman
Fishbulb
PhotoMatt
Jack Hollywood 1939 Wixom

Special thanks to guest photographer CoasterMatt.

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This article is brought to you by the letter "C"...Changes, Cabana's and Closures

In the Parks — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:28:38 GMT

Hey, it is Friday, and I hope you have a MUCH better weekend than I will have (Bridezilla will be dragging me around town doing "wedding" planning). Let's get to the news, which is weird this week, and some great photos.

Knott's... I love you, but??????

This is tough to write about, I am getting married at Knott's on January 9th, but some of the recent decisions are just "strange".

Knott�s Berry Farm to add 1980s-era thrill ride in 2010 - Travel - LATimes.com

What the HECK???? When I went to Cedar Point a few years ago, we decided to not ride Demon Drop as it was a "repeat" of a similar ride at Six Flags Magic Mountain.

While I am happy that they are removing an "up-charge" ride (Screamin' Swing was a great ride) for a "free" ride, this is just screaming "Cheap".

Now, I understand that Knott's (and every other SoCal park) wants to focus on 2012 and will try and compete with the new Cars Land at DCA, and that is the main focus in Marketing. So we should see some major new additions in the SoCal area.

And we have some MAJOR changes in the Knott's Winter Promos...

Knott's Mobile

First off, the Orange County Health and Welfare employees will not get a free admission this year. In past years, they were included with the Fire and Police promotion.

And the very popular Toys for Tots promo has been changed. Now you MUST buy your toy at Knott's ($15 or more) for a free admission. If you bring in a toy from outside the park, you will be given a coupon that allows you to enter for $15. So that is a $15 or more for the toy, and then an extra $15 to enter the park if you buy something outside the park.

I know that a large segment were "cheap" and brought toys that were less than $15 and got into the park. But I truly hope that Knott's doesn't sell "cheap" toys for $15, and instead sell some "serious" toys that will make kids happy, and not just some stuffed animals.

Six Flags to try and break the Michael Jackson Thriller Dance Record

For some reason, Six Flags Magic Mountain is NOT part of this event????

Quote:

SIX FLAGS PARKS JOIN WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT FOR BIGGEST SIMULTANEOUS THRILLER
DANCE

NEW YORK, Oct. 22 -- Six Flags theme parks across the
U.S. and Mexico will take part in a worldwide attempt to set a new world
record for the largest simultaneous dance to Michael Jackson's Thriller on
Saturday, October 24 at 8:30 p.m. EDT along with all coordinating time zones
in 42 countries comprising five continents.

This is the Thrill the World organization's third attempt to set a new record,
with a goal of 10,000 to 50,000 individuals dancing to Thriller. In the wake
of Jackson's untimely death in June, organizers say this year's event is
intended to be an unprecedented global celebration of the music icon's life
and legacy.

Participating Six Flags parks include Six Flags America (Bowie, MD), Six Flags
Discovery Kingdom (Vallejo, CA), Six Flags Fiesta Texas (San Antonio, TX), Six
Flags Great America (Gurnee, IL), Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom (Louisville, KY),
Six Flags Mexico, Six Flags New England (Agawam, MA) Six Flags Over Texas
(Arlington, TX), Six Flags St. Louis (Eureka, MO), and The Great Escape (Lake
George, NY). Guests with park admission are welcome to sign up and
participate.

Fright Fest presented by SNICKERS� takes place weekends through November 1
with thrills by day and chills by night. Visit sixflags.com for more
information and park operating hours.

Universal makes a deal with Steven Spielberg

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-f...,2505390.story

Quote:

In addition, the delay could prove more lucrative for Spielberg because attendance at Universal Orlando is expected to get a boost beginning next spring when a lavish attraction based on "Harry Potter" opens.

The deal amendment also states that Spielberg's obligations will transfer to any new owners, a potentially important point because NBC Universal may be taken over by cable operator Comcast Corp. in a deal under discussion with GE.

Last Weekend for "it's a small world".

This Sunday will be the last time you can ride the "traditional" small world attraction until 2010, as it will be closing for the changeover to the Holiday version.

The Grand Californian Hotel adds "Rent a Cabana" to its portfolio.

With the expansion of the GCH, Disney has found a way to make some extra profit.

You can rent a cabana for $185 (Eight and half hours) or $115 for Four Hours.

Whitewater Snacks at GCH raises its prices

Nachos are now $9.99... WOW!

Selected Photos from Darkbeer.Smugmug.com

The Bees are finally being removed

The Main Street Magic Shop has new windows, focusing on Harry Houdini. The shop will soon reopen filled with items from Houdini Magic Company items. The shop is currently being decked out with Houdini artifacts and magic tricks.

Mimi's Cafe is the most popular booth for CHOC Walk, as they hand out a LOT of free food. (and Thanks to Mimi's!)

No More Hand santizer at the Petting Zoo area (aka Big Thunder Ranch), guess Soap is cheaper than Purell.....

The Irvine Spectrum Center is installing its Annual Ice Rink. Not open yet, but will be in the next couple of weeks.

Here's a little weekend tip: If you live in the Hollywood/Santa Monica area, Audi is offering some free movie tickets to the AFI Fest. www.afi.com

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As always, thank you for checking in, and no matter what you do, have a great weekend! We'll see you in the parks.

Music and More: Bowling for Soup - Sorry for Partyin'

sir clinksalot — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:37:20 GMT

Once in awhile, an album comes along from a band you never really heard of/cared for that friends just can't shut up about. Over the past few weeks I've had friends talking about how much fun they had at the BFS concert, how great their new album is ... but sadly, none of them have said to me "Gregg, you need to hear this album". Wonder why?

Do they think I wouldn't get it? Do they think it's not my cup of tea (or more appropriately ... beer)?

Because I got it ... I listened to it ... I "get" it ... I LOVE it.

This is not the kind of album you are going to find some philosophical answer to an ancient question (except maybe telling your friend you love them ... in a heterosexual way). Your not going to "learn" anything. Your not going to be blown away by some virtuoso musicianship (although the band are VERY good musicians, I'm not going to take anything away from them). What you are going to do is have FUN while listening to it.

This is the perfect party album. Chilling out on a summers evening, sitting by the pool, having some drinks, while trying to play "Apples to Apples". :p

I have yet to give this album the "jogging test" but I can imagine it will be a great treadmill or jogging trail album to listen to. As long as you can avoid laughing while your doing so.

The best comparison I can give Bowling for Soup is that they are the "Aquabats" of Pop-Punk. And for me, that's a pretty good comparison as I absolutely LOVE the Aquabats.

I'm really looking forward to going back through their catalog and checking out some of their older stuff. I'm sure it's just as good and just as fun.

And afterall, isn't that what music is all about? Not everything has to be about "Feeling" stuff, sometimes music can be just about singing a love song to beer.

"Golden Horseshoe Revue"

Eagleman — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 04:05:22 GMT

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eagleman

Who would like bring back "Old West"
at The "Golden Horseshoe Revue"!
I think this show be worth bringing back to stage,
in "FRONTIERLAND"!
What do you think!

The Golden Horseshoe Revue was the original and
longest running show at the saloon playing from
July 17, 1955 until October 12, 1986.
The stage show features saloon owner Slue Foot Sue and
her dance hall girls who welcome the audience with Hello
Everybody followed by a flirtatious interactive song like
A Lady Has to Mind Her P�s and Q�s or Riverboat Blues.
various skits featuring a traveling salesmen,
Later the show is interrupted byPecos Bill himself who
sings his self titled signature song.
Information from Wikipedia