Major Monorail News, new 4 star Hotel, All you can eat Tater Tots and much more
Good Friday to everyone.... I am totally shocked that I am still standing, as this is my 4th column in 8 days, and I have a FULL column today.
In case you are "just" a Friday person, you have missed a look at the new "Street Party"
http://micechat.com/forums/blogs/in-...y-3-27-09.html
And the first look at the new Celebrate Roundup and BBQ, plus the new Simba Tram Station (and much more)
http://micechat.com/forums/blogs/in-...no-foolin.html
No need to repeat the prior info today, as there is so much more in the news, plus lots of new photos from yesterday, and yes, even a chance to get FREE Tater Tots!!!
Major Monorail News - and a Warning!
Today is the start of PEAK Spring Break for Disneyland and the rest of the SoCal parks, and the Monorail situation is not good.
Alas, Monorail Orange is still in testing, and even if DOSH signs off on it in the next few days, it still has capacity issues, as they couldn't get a new window design installed on it.
Monorail Blue MIGHT return today, but based on past history, I wouldn't count on it, but it should be on the tracks soon.
And the WORST part of the news, Monorail Red has reached its "hours of operation" capacity, and has to be taken out of service for a major overhaul. Since it has been basically the only Monorail running for almost the last year, it needs to be placed in the barn for a major refurb, and might be down for a year.
So what does that mean for park guests.
First off, don't plan on riding the Monorail. There is a good chance you will walk up to the station and find it closed. Make sure you have alternatives to using the attraction to get to where you want to go.
And if the Monorail is running, be prepared for restrictions. The main one will be JUST one-way trips, so if you board at the Tomorrowland Station, you will be required to get off at the Downtown Disney station. Of course, you will be allowed to exit the station, and then get right back in line for a return trip to Tomorrowland. But that might require a long wait, especially if only one train is running.
And if the lines are long, Disney does have the right to restrict the Monorail to just the guests of the Three Disney Owned Hotels. This is normal for the first few hours of the morning on busy days, and also after the fireworks. With restricted service, it will be used more often.
A new 4 Star Hotel is approved by the Anaheim City Council
Tuesday night, the Anaheim City Council approved a project on the South East Corner of Harbor and Katella to build a 9 story Hotel with over 250 rooms.
9-story ?four-star’ hotel to go up near Disneyland - Around Disney - OCRegister.com
This project is an "independent" hotel, and is not related to the planned Disney Managed Hotels that are scheduled to be built one block east at Anaheim GardenWalk.
This is also the first time that the City of Anaheim has approved the use of a "tax rebate" to promote 4-star hotels. The basics of the policy is that the city will "rebate" the amount of Hotel taxes (currently 15%) that is above the average charge for the 3 star hotels in the area (currently about $200 per room). Any taxes collected above the 3-star amount will be given back to the Hotel for 15 years, up to the amount the "upgrade" costs, which was set at $24 million by the City Council on Tuesday night.
The new hotel will primarily be focused on the Convention Center business, but of course, will also look at the Tourism market as a major secondary market.
This is similar to many other tax breaks that are designed to bring in business to many cities. There is no "out-of-pocket" costs to the city, and the city will be bringing in additional taxes the day the new hotel opens. So it is a win-win situation. Plus the fact the Harbor/Katella Intersection will be looking better for everyone!
There are proposed plans for the South West corner, where a Chevron station used to be, and the Jolly Roger Hotel. I haven't heard much about the project lately, but hopefully the city Council approval of the project across the street will help the other project to move forward.
Disneyland Park Openings
Celebration Roundup and Barbecue opened on Thursday. As mentioned on Wednesday, with tax and tip, it is over $37 per adult to attend. It will be open from 11 AM to 8 PM during spring break.
Here is a link to a video of some of the show from the Orange County Register.
New BBQ and entertainment joint opens in Disneyland - Around Disney - OCRegister.com
Today also marks the return of Goofy's Playhouse, with more shade structures, just in time for Summer!
Also, today will feature the opening of the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in Fantasyland. This new store will be similar to Club Libby Lu, and feature "Princess" makeovers for young children.
"Dirty Laundry" Update
I haven't done this in quite awhile, which is great news, as the park has been taking care of the major maintenance for the resort.
But, alas, there are two items I think need to be mentioned.
The first is the staircase for the Monorail, from the turnstiles, going up to the loading area. As you can see, the staircase is "rusting" out, and while more than likely it is not a safety issue, it just plain looks ugly. And this is what many guests see as one of the first things they see when entering the park.
The second issue is a "Back Stage" issue, but IMHO, a serious complaint. If you don't know it, the "basement" of New Orleans Square has been closed. This area used to house the main kitchen area that proved meals for the area, plus the Cast Member dining area. After about 40 years of use, the area needed to be totally refurbed.
So they moved the Cast Member Dining area to an area behind Pirates. The current situation has a "Roach Coach" serving the CM's. Alas, they placed the Roach Coach and its tables in the same area as the Smoking Section for CM's backstage. This is not making the non-smoking CM's happy when they want to eat (which is outdoors, so no restrictions to smoking), Disney needs to address the needs of all their CM's, and relocate the back stage smoking section, so it does not interfere with the folks that want to have their meal without smelling smoke.
What to do this weekend?
I mentioned these events earlier, but they do warrant a second mention.
Knott's is hosting both the 32nd Annual Spring Crafts Fair, plus the popular kids "Snoopy's Spring Safari". The Orange County Register talks about it here.
Come and safari - Around Disney - OCRegister.com
The American Cancer Society kicks of its "Relay of Life" on April 4th at the Anaheim GardenWalk. The event is from 3 to 9 PM and is in celebration of its first 25 years.
The American Cancer Society:
Saturday is also "Mini Gay Day", with many events being held at the Disneyland resort. More info at the link.
www.gaydaysanaheim.com
Also, the "Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim" will be hosting its first game of the year at Anaheim Stadium, as they host the San Diego Padres (GO Padres!) at 6 PM in a pre-season game. So beware of the traffic.
Anaheim GardenWalk Update
Basically a couple of Great Deals that should be mentioned.
Marble Slab Creamery is offering 99 cent Ice Cream Cones, plus Yogurt and Cookies.
The Ice Cream Cones are just 2 ounces, but a great treat for a buck!
The other deal, or should I say DEALS are from Bar Louie.
Restaurants-America#
For all of April, whenever the restaurant is open, they are offering $5 Sliders and $3 pints of Samuel Adams Beer.
Heck, visit on weekdays, and get some great deals. Yes, there are some restrictions, such as buying a beverage (Non-Alcoholic is OK).
Mondays - 5 PM to close is 35 cents Buffalo Wings
Tuesdays - 7 PM to close - $1 Burgers, Beef patties only, toppings are extra, but available.
But if you think you can eat a LOT, there is a great FREE event on Thursday, April 23rd.
The Second "Rock the Tot" Tater Tot Eating Contest will be happening. This Chain Wide event will have its Anaheim location contest on the 23rd, and it should be a fun night. It starts at 8 PM, and the winner will win a get a $250 gift Card, plus Free Tots for a year.
Don't want to be in the contest? Starting April 20th, Bar Louie Anaheim will be featuring $1.50 Tots for a full week.
Hollywood Wax Museum to auction off about 200 figures
Hollywood wax museum selling figures - MarketWatch
Hollywood Wax Museum is offering hand-sculpted wax figures and original costumes for auction, the Profiles in History memorabilia dealer said Thursday.
This is the first time in the museum's 44-year history that it has sold these types of items from its collection, Profiles noted. More than 200 figures will be auctioned May 1 by Profiles in History.
The Hollywood Wax Museum is not closing, but is looking forward to the future, and planning to replace the figures being "retired" with new figures.
Selected Photos from Darkbeer.Smugmug.com
Gee, Mr. Crane has become Mr. Happy!
They MIGHT open on Tuesday....
Well, that it is it for the next few days.... I would be checking Miceage on a daily basis, as I think there will be 2 "In the Parks" this week, more than likely a special edition on Wednesday, as the Games of the Boardwalk are rumored to open on Tuesday.
A couple of quick sports comments. In soccer, a great win for the US Soccer team on Wednesday, remaining in 1st place in CONCACAF, trying to advance to the World Cup. Mexico is now in 4th place, and just fired its coach, and as a US Fan....
And Major League Baseball is back, opening night is Sunday. MY Padres have their home opener on Monday, hosting a 4 game series against the Dodgers.
Plus it is the Final Four Weekend in NCAA Basketball, and add a NASCAR race (You have to love "Digger" and his cameras), and if you are worried about the crowds in Anaheim, then maybe just stay home and enjoy the weekend.
And as always, MiceAge wouldn't be here without you! We truly appreciate your readership, and strive to be the first and the best in Entertainment/Tourism/Theme-Amusement Park information. Thanks again, and have a great weekend.
Quick add-on, Downtown Disney will be hosting a special Annual Passhoilder Days from April 19th through the 25th.
All the details are in this PDF file, which can be found at www.disneyland.com/ap
http://adisneyland.disney.go.com/med..._Days_2009.pdf
And if you want a "power play", don't forget that Disney's Food and Wine Festival starts April 24th.
In case you are "just" a Friday person, you have missed a look at the new "Street Party"
http://micechat.com/forums/blogs/in-...y-3-27-09.html
And the first look at the new Celebrate Roundup and BBQ, plus the new Simba Tram Station (and much more)
http://micechat.com/forums/blogs/in-...no-foolin.html
No need to repeat the prior info today, as there is so much more in the news, plus lots of new photos from yesterday, and yes, even a chance to get FREE Tater Tots!!!
Major Monorail News - and a Warning!
Today is the start of PEAK Spring Break for Disneyland and the rest of the SoCal parks, and the Monorail situation is not good.
Alas, Monorail Orange is still in testing, and even if DOSH signs off on it in the next few days, it still has capacity issues, as they couldn't get a new window design installed on it.
Monorail Blue MIGHT return today, but based on past history, I wouldn't count on it, but it should be on the tracks soon.
And the WORST part of the news, Monorail Red has reached its "hours of operation" capacity, and has to be taken out of service for a major overhaul. Since it has been basically the only Monorail running for almost the last year, it needs to be placed in the barn for a major refurb, and might be down for a year.
So what does that mean for park guests.
First off, don't plan on riding the Monorail. There is a good chance you will walk up to the station and find it closed. Make sure you have alternatives to using the attraction to get to where you want to go.
And if the Monorail is running, be prepared for restrictions. The main one will be JUST one-way trips, so if you board at the Tomorrowland Station, you will be required to get off at the Downtown Disney station. Of course, you will be allowed to exit the station, and then get right back in line for a return trip to Tomorrowland. But that might require a long wait, especially if only one train is running.
And if the lines are long, Disney does have the right to restrict the Monorail to just the guests of the Three Disney Owned Hotels. This is normal for the first few hours of the morning on busy days, and also after the fireworks. With restricted service, it will be used more often.
A new 4 Star Hotel is approved by the Anaheim City Council
Tuesday night, the Anaheim City Council approved a project on the South East Corner of Harbor and Katella to build a 9 story Hotel with over 250 rooms.
9-story ?four-star’ hotel to go up near Disneyland - Around Disney - OCRegister.com
This project is an "independent" hotel, and is not related to the planned Disney Managed Hotels that are scheduled to be built one block east at Anaheim GardenWalk.
This is also the first time that the City of Anaheim has approved the use of a "tax rebate" to promote 4-star hotels. The basics of the policy is that the city will "rebate" the amount of Hotel taxes (currently 15%) that is above the average charge for the 3 star hotels in the area (currently about $200 per room). Any taxes collected above the 3-star amount will be given back to the Hotel for 15 years, up to the amount the "upgrade" costs, which was set at $24 million by the City Council on Tuesday night.
The new hotel will primarily be focused on the Convention Center business, but of course, will also look at the Tourism market as a major secondary market.
This is similar to many other tax breaks that are designed to bring in business to many cities. There is no "out-of-pocket" costs to the city, and the city will be bringing in additional taxes the day the new hotel opens. So it is a win-win situation. Plus the fact the Harbor/Katella Intersection will be looking better for everyone!
There are proposed plans for the South West corner, where a Chevron station used to be, and the Jolly Roger Hotel. I haven't heard much about the project lately, but hopefully the city Council approval of the project across the street will help the other project to move forward.
Disneyland Park Openings
Celebration Roundup and Barbecue opened on Thursday. As mentioned on Wednesday, with tax and tip, it is over $37 per adult to attend. It will be open from 11 AM to 8 PM during spring break.
Here is a link to a video of some of the show from the Orange County Register.
New BBQ and entertainment joint opens in Disneyland - Around Disney - OCRegister.com
Today also marks the return of Goofy's Playhouse, with more shade structures, just in time for Summer!
Also, today will feature the opening of the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in Fantasyland. This new store will be similar to Club Libby Lu, and feature "Princess" makeovers for young children.
"Dirty Laundry" Update
I haven't done this in quite awhile, which is great news, as the park has been taking care of the major maintenance for the resort.
But, alas, there are two items I think need to be mentioned.
The first is the staircase for the Monorail, from the turnstiles, going up to the loading area. As you can see, the staircase is "rusting" out, and while more than likely it is not a safety issue, it just plain looks ugly. And this is what many guests see as one of the first things they see when entering the park.
The second issue is a "Back Stage" issue, but IMHO, a serious complaint. If you don't know it, the "basement" of New Orleans Square has been closed. This area used to house the main kitchen area that proved meals for the area, plus the Cast Member dining area. After about 40 years of use, the area needed to be totally refurbed.
So they moved the Cast Member Dining area to an area behind Pirates. The current situation has a "Roach Coach" serving the CM's. Alas, they placed the Roach Coach and its tables in the same area as the Smoking Section for CM's backstage. This is not making the non-smoking CM's happy when they want to eat (which is outdoors, so no restrictions to smoking), Disney needs to address the needs of all their CM's, and relocate the back stage smoking section, so it does not interfere with the folks that want to have their meal without smelling smoke.
What to do this weekend?
I mentioned these events earlier, but they do warrant a second mention.
Knott's is hosting both the 32nd Annual Spring Crafts Fair, plus the popular kids "Snoopy's Spring Safari". The Orange County Register talks about it here.
Come and safari - Around Disney - OCRegister.com
The American Cancer Society kicks of its "Relay of Life" on April 4th at the Anaheim GardenWalk. The event is from 3 to 9 PM and is in celebration of its first 25 years.
The American Cancer Society:
Saturday is also "Mini Gay Day", with many events being held at the Disneyland resort. More info at the link.
www.gaydaysanaheim.com
Also, the "Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim" will be hosting its first game of the year at Anaheim Stadium, as they host the San Diego Padres (GO Padres!) at 6 PM in a pre-season game. So beware of the traffic.
Anaheim GardenWalk Update
Basically a couple of Great Deals that should be mentioned.
Marble Slab Creamery is offering 99 cent Ice Cream Cones, plus Yogurt and Cookies.
The Ice Cream Cones are just 2 ounces, but a great treat for a buck!
The other deal, or should I say DEALS are from Bar Louie.
Restaurants-America#
For all of April, whenever the restaurant is open, they are offering $5 Sliders and $3 pints of Samuel Adams Beer.
Heck, visit on weekdays, and get some great deals. Yes, there are some restrictions, such as buying a beverage (Non-Alcoholic is OK).
Mondays - 5 PM to close is 35 cents Buffalo Wings
Tuesdays - 7 PM to close - $1 Burgers, Beef patties only, toppings are extra, but available.
But if you think you can eat a LOT, there is a great FREE event on Thursday, April 23rd.
The Second "Rock the Tot" Tater Tot Eating Contest will be happening. This Chain Wide event will have its Anaheim location contest on the 23rd, and it should be a fun night. It starts at 8 PM, and the winner will win a get a $250 gift Card, plus Free Tots for a year.
Don't want to be in the contest? Starting April 20th, Bar Louie Anaheim will be featuring $1.50 Tots for a full week.
Hollywood Wax Museum to auction off about 200 figures
Hollywood wax museum selling figures - MarketWatch
Quote:
Hollywood Wax Museum is offering hand-sculpted wax figures and original costumes for auction, the Profiles in History memorabilia dealer said Thursday.
This is the first time in the museum's 44-year history that it has sold these types of items from its collection, Profiles noted. More than 200 figures will be auctioned May 1 by Profiles in History.
Selected Photos from Darkbeer.Smugmug.com
Gee, Mr. Crane has become Mr. Happy!
They MIGHT open on Tuesday....
Well, that it is it for the next few days.... I would be checking Miceage on a daily basis, as I think there will be 2 "In the Parks" this week, more than likely a special edition on Wednesday, as the Games of the Boardwalk are rumored to open on Tuesday.
A couple of quick sports comments. In soccer, a great win for the US Soccer team on Wednesday, remaining in 1st place in CONCACAF, trying to advance to the World Cup. Mexico is now in 4th place, and just fired its coach, and as a US Fan....
And Major League Baseball is back, opening night is Sunday. MY Padres have their home opener on Monday, hosting a 4 game series against the Dodgers.
Plus it is the Final Four Weekend in NCAA Basketball, and add a NASCAR race (You have to love "Digger" and his cameras), and if you are worried about the crowds in Anaheim, then maybe just stay home and enjoy the weekend.
And as always, MiceAge wouldn't be here without you! We truly appreciate your readership, and strive to be the first and the best in Entertainment/Tourism/Theme-Amusement Park information. Thanks again, and have a great weekend.
Quick add-on, Downtown Disney will be hosting a special Annual Passhoilder Days from April 19th through the 25th.
All the details are in this PDF file, which can be found at www.disneyland.com/ap
http://adisneyland.disney.go.com/med..._Days_2009.pdf
And if you want a "power play", don't forget that Disney's Food and Wine Festival starts April 24th.
Total Comments 27
Comments
-
Wonderful Article As Always!
Thanks David for keeping us in the know! You're the best!Posted 04-03-2009 at 06:50 AM by wedway
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great update! Go USA Soccer!Posted 04-03-2009 at 07:38 AM by zugzug15 -
Awesome UpdatePosted 04-03-2009 at 07:41 AM by Fantasmic4 -
great updatePosted 04-03-2009 at 07:45 AM by hauntedmotion -
Question: Is the wax museum the one that's near the El Capitan? If so, does know anyone if/when the figures being auctioned off are being removed if they haven't already?Posted 04-03-2009 at 07:56 AM by Kiba -
Great report as always, thank you!
I saw the Orange Monorail buzzing around the park for a few hours yesterday morning, I swear there were Guests on board and it was the only Monorail running.
How in the world does Monorail red need major service already? I know they've been running it a lot, but don't those things last a little longer than a year? For what those babies costs, they should last a little longer.
P.s. The Orange Monorail is ORANGE. I stared at it closely, it doesn't seem to shift colors, its just Orange like a pumpkin, my least favorite of the new colors.Posted 04-03-2009 at 08:04 AM by Disneyland Tickets -
Wonderful update! Thank you!Posted 04-03-2009 at 09:03 AM by disneyland255 -
Wonderful update David. Thank you for keeping us all up to date this past week. I'm sure that everyone appreciates the huge amount of effort you have put into these blog postings!!!Posted 04-03-2009 at 09:05 AM by Dustysage -
Great update! Thanks so much!Posted 04-03-2009 at 10:19 AM by llama5492 -
Nice update!Posted 04-03-2009 at 10:45 AM by WheresMickey -
great pics sad the monorail is down. hope it returns soon. I won't be goin there 4 a while but I hope to see it back up. wdw here i come in july! (the 16th, anyone who wants 2 meet, let me know) fab wknd everyone!
Posted 04-03-2009 at 11:11 AM by wdwnut4life -
Quote:Gee, Mr. Crane has become Mr. Happy!
Posted 04-03-2009 at 02:13 PM by 2DieFR -
Great update. Thanks!
I like that you can see the 'pencil' lines for the painting on C.S. You can sorta tell what it's going to look like already.Posted 04-03-2009 at 02:56 PM by sassy*tink -
Good stuff.
I saw them interviewing one of the City Council members last night about the new hotel saying that the city was going to be losing money, etc. Uhm, they aren't getting ANY revenue from the hotel now, and they WILL be getting some when the hotel opens. How is that losing money???
Maybe not as much as they "could" have received, but something is better than nothing.Posted 04-03-2009 at 03:44 PM by sir clinksalot -
If you want to see the actual City council hearing, here is the link..
City of Anaheim - City Council
March 31st hearing, item #41
And you saw Lorri Galloway bitching about the project....
She is NOT Ms. Happy
Posted 04-03-2009 at 03:55 PM by Darkbeer - She must be up for re-election or something.Posted 04-03-2009 at 05:24 PM by sir clinksalot
-
Lorri Galloway is just upset that her low income housing for the resort area was voted down. How she got re-elected in Novemeber is a huge mystery to me.Posted 04-03-2009 at 06:38 PM by mouseofblues -
Cool update! I'm wondering what independently-wealthy CM's can afford smokes now with the tax hike along with the awesome hourly rate they make to choke out the n/s CM crowd at the Roach Coach...
GO USA!!! Don't Tread On Me!Posted 04-03-2009 at 06:41 PM by JAG107 - >>She must be up for re-election or something.<<
Actually, she is termed out... such a shame!
But she might run for the a State ofice, and she could represent you, Sir ClinksPosted 04-03-2009 at 07:52 PM by Darkbeer -
David Good update!
Were the the Ducks Pictures?
OrPosted 04-03-2009 at 08:30 PM by Eagleman 
