Celebrate Main Street - News, Photos and More
Good day, while the photos seem to focus on refurb walls at the parks, there is still a lot of news from the last week to get to.
The Opera House to close March 16th for a major change
Disney released this press release on Wednesday
Updated ‘Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln’ Will Return to Disneyland Later This Year
ANAHEIM, Calif. (February 25, 2009) – A longtime favorite of Disneyland guests will return as “The Disneyland Story, featuring Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln,” an enhanced version of the show which appeared, in various forms, in the Main Street Opera House at Disneyland park from 1966 through 2004 . The attraction will reopen later this year in celebration of the 200th anniversary year of Abraham Lincoln’s birth.
The current Opera House presentation, “Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years,” will go on hiatus beginning Monday, March 16, in preparation for the new “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln” show. When the updated “Disneyland Story, featuring Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln” opens later this year, “Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years” will be presented as part of the “Disneyland Story” display of art, models and mementoes in the Opera House lobby.
Also planned for fall 2009 is a prominent new home on Main Street, U.S.A., for The Disney Gallery. Formerly located above Pirates of the Caribbean in New Orleans Square, The Disney Gallery houses treasured Disney artwork and collectibles representing creative efforts from throughout The Walt Disney Company. A frequently changing exhibit area often includes never-before-displayed art. The Disney Gallery’s new home will be in the Bank of Main Street building, located next door to the Main Street Opera House and currently serving as the headquarters for Disneyland Resort Annual Passport processing. The Bank will continue to operate as an Annual Passport center until mid-summer 2009. After that, Annual Passport processing will move to the Plaza Pavilion, near the entrance to Adventureland.
The original “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln” was created by Walt Disney and his Imagineers for the State of Illinois Pavilion at the 1964 New York World’s Fair and featured the world’s first fully animated human Audio-Animatronics figure, built by Walt Disney Imagineering. The show, made its Disneyland debut in the Main Street Opera House on July 18, 1965.
So the last day for the current version of the show is Sunday, March 15th, and will close, with a planned "fall" return date, of course, subject to change.
The Orange County Register got this quote...
Robot Lincoln is coming back - Around Disney - OCRegister.com
Disney spokesman John McClintock said Imagineers didn’t yet have any solid plans for the content of the show from the old “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.”
Now, I HIGHLY doubt that, the plans are set, its just that Disney doesn't want to release the planned changes that are just a few weeks away from being made.
Refurb Walls make the news
While the refurb walls grow and expand at the Disneyland Resort, it was Knott's and its refurb that made the news this week.
Ghost Town won’t disappear - Around Disney - OCRegister.com
As you can see by the photos taken last Sunday, the work is to replace portions of Ghost Town that have too much wood rot, replacing the structures for safety reasons. The plan is to have the work finished by Peak Easter Break, which starts April 3rd.
More fallout from the Major Restructuring at Disney
While this weekly article mainly focuses on the Southern California area, this one news story does stick out this morning.
Disney World executive: Top chef takes buyout -- OrlandoSentinel.com
The man who has led the development of new restaurants at Walt Disney World for more than a decade is stepping down.
Dieter Hannig, Disney World's vice president for new food-and-beverage concepts, said earlier this week that he will leave the resort at the end of March.
"I'm sad to say goodbye," Hannig said. "But you know, we must be willing to let go of the life we had planned in order to have the life we have waiting for us."
Hannig, 59, accepted one of the buyouts that Disney last month offered to more than 600 executives across its domestic theme-park division, as the Burbank, Calif.-based media-and-entertainment giant cuts costs amid a deepening global recession.
In case you missed, Al Lutz had an excellent look at the restructuring at the parks last Tuesday.
MiceAge.com - A different look at Disney...
And while it touches on other news, such as a new contract for the main union that deals with Park Employees, it focuses on the major reduction of management at the parks.
Mini Gay Day is scheduled for April 4th
The folks over at Gay Days Anaheim have official set the date for Saturday, April 4th.
Gay Days Anaheim
While this date is at the start of Peak Easter Break at Disneyland, it has had a lot less attendance than the main event in October, which is Scheduled for October 2nd through 4th in 2009. It shouldn't have a major impact on the parks this April.
MiceChat's Gumball Rally 3 Practice rally will be held on April 26th
While mentioning upcoming events, MiceChat's Gumball Rally 3 will be held on Saturday, May 30th (the weekend AFTER Memorial Day), a special Practice will be held Sunday, April 26th.
http://micechat.com/forums/meets-eve...save-date.html
We are trying something fun and new this year. One month before the Gumball Rally, we'll be holding a FREE Practice Rally at the park on Sunday the 26th of April. Anyone who would like to do a short 4 hour Practice Rally with their teammates or anyone wanting to get a sense of how the Rally works is welcome to attend. We won't tell you exactly what we have in store, but the Practice Rally will be a super fun way to start your training or help you decide if you'd like to enter the full Rally. We'll end the Practice Rally with fun prizes and a little party. All for FREE. We promise to make it a very fun 4 hours!!!
A great way to spend the day, and while you will have to pay the normal admission fee to enter the park, the event itself is free. (Note, the main event on May 30th will have a registration fee).
Selected Photos from Darkbeer.Smugmug.Com and expanded commentary
OK, the new Main Street decoration arrived this week, and while not as bad as the concept art released last year, it is still very out of place for a Main Street that is supposed to be about 100 years old.
Isn't Disneyland supposed to be a Theme park?
What an Improvement, even though the Games of the Boardwalk isn't finished yet!
Note the new supports being built near the retaining wall. Looks like they are planning to build a deck above the wall to allow for more viewing.
A nice view from the Monorail
Note, the "new" windows are basically the original windows, which someone used a router bit and cut out the upper half of the fiberglass, and then added the black strip in the middle of the window. They do not close, so in case of rain, be prepared for a wet trip. Also, only Monorail Red is expected to run for the next few weeks, so you are looking at around 10 minutes or a bit longer per boarding cycle, so be prepared for restrictions, such as only one way trips and/or Disney owned Hotel Guests only during busy times.
Jedi Training Academy is on hiatus as they repair the Tomorrowland Terrace elevator.
The Matterhorn is closed for routine maintenance, such as replacement of the tires that move the sleds. Expected to reopen Saturday, but might be available to guests this evening.
The Big Thunder Trail is about 1/3'rd the normal width, and the smoking section has been moved closer to the BTMRR exit area
As you can see, the refurb walls are up in the area for re-pavement. Expect to see the other side closed after the current half is upgraded.
A large portion of Main Street is getting the concrete "street" replacement. Alas, the project is a bit behind schedule due to weather issues.
Just a couple of nice shots of Knott's Calico Saloon Show.
And of course, a Duck photo to end the series. And there is PLENTY of more photos, especially of the DCA construction at the link...
Darkbeer's photos- powered by SmugMug
Trying to keep the personal stuff out of this column, but I do have to thank so many people that have sent such nice comments about be turning 49 last week... (Hey, want a Disneyland Tip if the timing is right, how about a Premium AP for $1 more than a Deluxe AP... Just buy the Costco AP voucher that comes with the $50 Gift Card, and then use your $69 BD Fun Card as a second payment... Not a bad deal if your Birthday is soon, and you can get a Costco voucher and redeem it on or before May 31st) and my upcoming wedding... still working on the details, but the latest plan is Saturday, January 9th at Knott's Berry Farm.
So once again, thanks for reading and checking out the photos... I appreciate it, and so does MiceAge. Have a GREAT weekend!
The Opera House to close March 16th for a major change
Disney released this press release on Wednesday
Quote:
Updated ‘Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln’ Will Return to Disneyland Later This Year
Disney Gallery Will Find a New Home
In the Current ‘Bank of Main Street’
In the Current ‘Bank of Main Street’
Hiatus for ‘Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years’
Begins March 16 as Main Street Opera House Prepares
For ‘Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln’ Homecoming
Begins March 16 as Main Street Opera House Prepares
For ‘Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln’ Homecoming
ANAHEIM, Calif. (February 25, 2009) – A longtime favorite of Disneyland guests will return as “The Disneyland Story, featuring Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln,” an enhanced version of the show which appeared, in various forms, in the Main Street Opera House at Disneyland park from 1966 through 2004 . The attraction will reopen later this year in celebration of the 200th anniversary year of Abraham Lincoln’s birth.
The current Opera House presentation, “Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years,” will go on hiatus beginning Monday, March 16, in preparation for the new “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln” show. When the updated “Disneyland Story, featuring Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln” opens later this year, “Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years” will be presented as part of the “Disneyland Story” display of art, models and mementoes in the Opera House lobby.
Also planned for fall 2009 is a prominent new home on Main Street, U.S.A., for The Disney Gallery. Formerly located above Pirates of the Caribbean in New Orleans Square, The Disney Gallery houses treasured Disney artwork and collectibles representing creative efforts from throughout The Walt Disney Company. A frequently changing exhibit area often includes never-before-displayed art. The Disney Gallery’s new home will be in the Bank of Main Street building, located next door to the Main Street Opera House and currently serving as the headquarters for Disneyland Resort Annual Passport processing. The Bank will continue to operate as an Annual Passport center until mid-summer 2009. After that, Annual Passport processing will move to the Plaza Pavilion, near the entrance to Adventureland.
The original “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln” was created by Walt Disney and his Imagineers for the State of Illinois Pavilion at the 1964 New York World’s Fair and featured the world’s first fully animated human Audio-Animatronics figure, built by Walt Disney Imagineering. The show, made its Disneyland debut in the Main Street Opera House on July 18, 1965.
The Orange County Register got this quote...
Robot Lincoln is coming back - Around Disney - OCRegister.com
Quote:
Disney spokesman John McClintock said Imagineers didn’t yet have any solid plans for the content of the show from the old “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.”
Refurb Walls make the news
While the refurb walls grow and expand at the Disneyland Resort, it was Knott's and its refurb that made the news this week.
Ghost Town won’t disappear - Around Disney - OCRegister.com
As you can see by the photos taken last Sunday, the work is to replace portions of Ghost Town that have too much wood rot, replacing the structures for safety reasons. The plan is to have the work finished by Peak Easter Break, which starts April 3rd.
More fallout from the Major Restructuring at Disney
While this weekly article mainly focuses on the Southern California area, this one news story does stick out this morning.
Disney World executive: Top chef takes buyout -- OrlandoSentinel.com
Quote:
The man who has led the development of new restaurants at Walt Disney World for more than a decade is stepping down.
Dieter Hannig, Disney World's vice president for new food-and-beverage concepts, said earlier this week that he will leave the resort at the end of March.
"I'm sad to say goodbye," Hannig said. "But you know, we must be willing to let go of the life we had planned in order to have the life we have waiting for us."
Hannig, 59, accepted one of the buyouts that Disney last month offered to more than 600 executives across its domestic theme-park division, as the Burbank, Calif.-based media-and-entertainment giant cuts costs amid a deepening global recession.
MiceAge.com - A different look at Disney...
And while it touches on other news, such as a new contract for the main union that deals with Park Employees, it focuses on the major reduction of management at the parks.
Mini Gay Day is scheduled for April 4th
The folks over at Gay Days Anaheim have official set the date for Saturday, April 4th.
Gay Days Anaheim
While this date is at the start of Peak Easter Break at Disneyland, it has had a lot less attendance than the main event in October, which is Scheduled for October 2nd through 4th in 2009. It shouldn't have a major impact on the parks this April.
MiceChat's Gumball Rally 3 Practice rally will be held on April 26th
While mentioning upcoming events, MiceChat's Gumball Rally 3 will be held on Saturday, May 30th (the weekend AFTER Memorial Day), a special Practice will be held Sunday, April 26th.
http://micechat.com/forums/meets-eve...save-date.html
Quote:
We are trying something fun and new this year. One month before the Gumball Rally, we'll be holding a FREE Practice Rally at the park on Sunday the 26th of April. Anyone who would like to do a short 4 hour Practice Rally with their teammates or anyone wanting to get a sense of how the Rally works is welcome to attend. We won't tell you exactly what we have in store, but the Practice Rally will be a super fun way to start your training or help you decide if you'd like to enter the full Rally. We'll end the Practice Rally with fun prizes and a little party. All for FREE. We promise to make it a very fun 4 hours!!!
Selected Photos from Darkbeer.Smugmug.Com and expanded commentary
OK, the new Main Street decoration arrived this week, and while not as bad as the concept art released last year, it is still very out of place for a Main Street that is supposed to be about 100 years old.
Isn't Disneyland supposed to be a Theme park?
What an Improvement, even though the Games of the Boardwalk isn't finished yet!
Note the new supports being built near the retaining wall. Looks like they are planning to build a deck above the wall to allow for more viewing.
A nice view from the Monorail
Note, the "new" windows are basically the original windows, which someone used a router bit and cut out the upper half of the fiberglass, and then added the black strip in the middle of the window. They do not close, so in case of rain, be prepared for a wet trip. Also, only Monorail Red is expected to run for the next few weeks, so you are looking at around 10 minutes or a bit longer per boarding cycle, so be prepared for restrictions, such as only one way trips and/or Disney owned Hotel Guests only during busy times.
Jedi Training Academy is on hiatus as they repair the Tomorrowland Terrace elevator.
The Matterhorn is closed for routine maintenance, such as replacement of the tires that move the sleds. Expected to reopen Saturday, but might be available to guests this evening.
The Big Thunder Trail is about 1/3'rd the normal width, and the smoking section has been moved closer to the BTMRR exit area
As you can see, the refurb walls are up in the area for re-pavement. Expect to see the other side closed after the current half is upgraded.
A large portion of Main Street is getting the concrete "street" replacement. Alas, the project is a bit behind schedule due to weather issues.
Just a couple of nice shots of Knott's Calico Saloon Show.
And of course, a Duck photo to end the series. And there is PLENTY of more photos, especially of the DCA construction at the link...
Darkbeer's photos- powered by SmugMug
Trying to keep the personal stuff out of this column, but I do have to thank so many people that have sent such nice comments about be turning 49 last week... (Hey, want a Disneyland Tip if the timing is right, how about a Premium AP for $1 more than a Deluxe AP... Just buy the Costco AP voucher that comes with the $50 Gift Card, and then use your $69 BD Fun Card as a second payment... Not a bad deal if your Birthday is soon, and you can get a Costco voucher and redeem it on or before May 31st) and my upcoming wedding... still working on the details, but the latest plan is Saturday, January 9th at Knott's Berry Farm.
So once again, thanks for reading and checking out the photos... I appreciate it, and so does MiceAge. Have a GREAT weekend!
Total Comments 28
Comments
-
Great update like always Darkbeer!Posted 02-27-2009 at 06:52 AM by WheresMickey
-
Thanks for another wonderful update!!Posted 02-27-2009 at 07:29 AM by xalesa -
Thanks for the update!
Posted 02-27-2009 at 07:40 AM by cositaluvsmickey -
New Food Concepts??? You mean bringing in outside companies to run everything???Quote:Dieter Hannig, Disney World's vice president for new food-and-beverage concepts, said earlier this week that he will leave the resort at the end of March.Posted 02-27-2009 at 07:48 AM by sir clinksalot - Great news about Mr. Lincoln! Now if they bring back the People Mover that would truly be something to Celebrate! Thank you for making my morning.Posted 02-27-2009 at 07:50 AM by whoRU
-
Thank you for the update David. I'm with you, I don't really like the new "Celebrate" balloon explosion in Town Square, it doesn't fit the theme of the street. Looks out of place.
I'm also really happy to hear about Lincoln's return, but am still waiting to hear what they have planned for him. Hopefully he won't still be giving us a haircut.
Glad to see that Knott's is getting some love. I had feared that they would simply let Ghost Town rot away.Posted 02-27-2009 at 08:02 AM by Dustysage -
From what I've been hearing from Marty Sklar, Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln will be 'plussed' by updating the show with 'subtle' additions of 'beloved' Disney characters from movies gone by.
I understand 'hidden' among the hairs in Lincoln's beard will be Quasimodo, several 'Snow Buddies' and 'Nick' from The Jonas Brothers.
In a tip to this years marketing theme, Mr. Lincoln's stovepipe hat will be replaced with a party hat topped with a yellow pom-pom. This update is also scheduled to transform Mr. Lincoln’s famous mole into a hidden Mickey.
Happy Birthday DarkBeer!Posted 02-27-2009 at 08:35 AM by ttrocc7007 -
Nice as usual, David. And yes, happy belated Birthday! (Check your message on LoT if you haven't yet)Posted 02-27-2009 at 09:36 AM by rstar -
Man I was hoping main street wouldnt be that torn up, I get to take a first timer in two weeks and wanted him impressed!
Great update!Posted 02-27-2009 at 09:40 AM by saphron37 -
Ghost Town has already disappeared at Knotts. Despite Cedar Fair's attempts at passing off refurbishment as caring for heritage, DCA will easily surpass Knott's in a couple of years, if it hasn't do so already.
Great update, I have never been so excited by construction pictures.Posted 02-27-2009 at 09:44 AM by Tomorrowland Tourist -
great update, DarkbeerPosted 02-27-2009 at 10:21 AM by MickeyMousePal - I would have liked to see Disney take over Knott's when the chance was there, I heard the the Knotts family chose Cedar Fair because they were afraid Disney would change too much?!? About the Celebration decorations, I'm willing to allow that they don't exactly match the Main St. style, after all, every time a parade marches down, it doesn't exactly match the time period either. They should change the Mickey floral head though, those ropes that represent balloon strings are ugly, they should use flowers instead, and plant them in curved flowing lines, not straight lines. Those Monorail windows are ugly, the original designs were so nice, it's too bad they didn't do everything right from the beginning, but unfortunately I guess we have to live with it now.Posted 02-27-2009 at 10:23 AM by Disneykin Kid
-
It amazes me how the balloons on that display look nothing like the real balloons you can get in the park now.
Hmmmm. Do you think people notice?
So much for attention to detail...Posted 02-27-2009 at 10:49 AM by cellarhound -
thanks!!!
Posted 02-27-2009 at 11:13 AM by SouthHrbrBlvd -
Hey Db, thanks for the update. I do have a story to tell you about how everything at the HJ ended. It has a happy ending but I won't spoil it.Posted 02-27-2009 at 12:34 PM by Beatle_johnny -
So, the balloons don't fit the "theme" but a giant Mickey Pumpkin does? Especially when Mickey did not exist at the turn-of-the-20th century!Posted 02-27-2009 at 12:46 PM by InnerSpace -
that new thing on main street is just an eyesore. we can deal with the pumpkin because we know it's only going to be there for like a month and a half, but when you have something like this thing all year and you won't have any piece from it before the various holidays start in the fall, it makes one a bit sad. and it kind of stresses me out, just looking at it! it's incredibly overwhelming.
it's it strange how they keep doing these weird things to disneyland that kind of mess with perfection, while DCA is seeing only amazing improvements so far? it's like the tables have been turned.Posted 02-27-2009 at 01:13 PM by twobluestripes -
Practice Rallye on Sunday April 26....hhhmmmmm.....looks like the gloves are off with regard to Disneyland Internet Community sponsored events.........Posted 02-27-2009 at 01:33 PM by themur - It's already done it, even with the construction going on everywhere.Quote:Ghost Town has already disappeared at Knotts. Despite Cedar Fair's attempts at passing off refurbishment as caring for heritage, DCA will easily surpass Knott's in a couple of years, if it hasn't do so already.
We didn't realize the conflict until after we set the date. In fact, i think we were the ones who set the date first.Quote:Practice Rallye on Sunday April 26....hhhmmmmm.....looks like the gloves are off with regard to Disneyland Internet Community sponsored events.........Posted 02-27-2009 at 02:11 PM by sir clinksalot -
great updatePosted 02-27-2009 at 03:02 PM by aussiedave
