Major Photo Update - Easter Weekend means Crowds plus much more.
Good Friday!
First off, another special edition of "In the Parks" ran on Wednesday, focusing on the opening of the new version of Games of the Boardwalk at California Adventure. Here is the link in case you missed it.
http://micechat.com/forums/blogs/in-...k-updates.html
If you are headed off to a Theme/Amusement park this weekend, be prepared for large crowds, as many families use the holiday weekend as a chance to get out of the house and make a visit.
Let's get to it.
Large Crowds, what to do with the cars?
The Harbor/Disney Way entrance to the Timon Parking Lot is basically used as a U-Turn
Thursday at around 1:30 PM, Pummba, Simba and Timon Parking Lots at Disneyland were full, and guests were being directed to the Anaheim Convention Center Parking Lot on Katella.
This allows the cars to get off of the city streets and get directions of where to go.
If you are planning to visit the parks this weekend, or next week, be prepared if you are driving to the parks.
And they were sent to Car Park 1 at the Convention Center.
First, if you are staying at a nearby hotel, either walk, or take advantage of the ART Shuttle system. This is the fastest way to get to the Main Entrance Plaza.
Also, Public Transportation. The Orange County Transit Authority has two main routes that stop right in front of Disneyland. Routes 43 and 83 are full time, 7 days a week bus routes that bring you to the Main Pedestrian Entrance on Harbor Blvd. The Los Angeles Metro system has Route 460 that also stops at the Main Pedestrian Entrance.
If you are driving, first off, bring Patience!, as you could have long waits just to get to the toll booths. Be prepared for Law Enforcement to direct traffic and send you to a Parking Lot area you didn't expect to park at. Getting there early is your best chance to get the parking lot of your choice, but the best thing to do is just to follow the traffic signs and park at the first opportunity.
Same basic ideas apply to Knott's and Universal. Both parks have a lot of secondary lots available to them. Knott's has a set of lots on Western, and even have a second Park Entrance they open up on days that they open up those unpaved parking lots.
Universal has a lot of parking they use during the week for office workers, that are available for park guests on busy weekends. They will send you these office buildings, and then use trams to get you to the parks.
New iPhone App for Disneyland
The Orange County Register reports that an OC Lawyer, Scott Graziano, has designed an iPhone application for those visiting Disneyland.
OC lawyer invents iPhone app for Disneyland - Around Disney - OCRegister.com
And the link to Scott Graziano's website...
Disneyland Planner
Great 1963 Disneyland Aerial Photo and info on the new Walt Disney Family Museum
I was sent this link, which is basically a Press Release with a great Photo.
Artdaily.org - The First Art Newspaper on the Net
Be sure and check out the link.
"What I Love About the Anaheim Resort" contest.
Our friends at the Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel by Disneyland Park has a great new contest that I would like to share...
HojoAnaheim Innsider Boards • View topic - HoJo's 'What I Love About the Anaheim Resort' Contest!
(Note, some minor editing was done to the quote).
We know what WE love here in the Anaheim Resort [did somebody say Disneyland? Churros? POTC? Mimi's? Fireworks? Castaway Cove? Soarin' Over California?] - but we want to know what YOU love! So we'd like you to put together some short presentations telling us all about it!
Be as creative and original as you'd like! Use photos, video footage, music- anything that you can think of! [And don't be afraid to dig deep into the vaults of vacations from the past! We know you've all got some goodies in there!]
The prize is a pair of 2-Day Hopper Passes and 3-nights in one of HoJo's Premium Disney View Rooms!
We'll be looking for entries that are visually dynamic, creative, original and FUN that really capture the magic and joy of being at Disneyland and in the Anaheim Resort! You can fly solo, or get the whole family involved!
The contest started April 9th, and submissions must be in by Thursday, May 14th. You need to post your entries at the HoJoAnaheim Boards at the link above.
On Friday, May 15th- Willie Simpson [Sales and Marketing Manager], Jonathan Whitehead [General Manager], Joanne [Front Desk Manager] and Loralle [Internet/Guest Relations] will be sitting down together to view all of the entries and choose a winner! Once we start getting submissions, we'll also get a poll going at the HoJoAnaheim boards- because we're going to be putting together a special package for the 'Reader's Choice' winner! This winner will be chosen by you guys, right here on the Boards!
We're so excited that we're able to do this, and cannot wait to see what amazing things you all come up with!
I have seen some AMAZING Creative stuff at the MiceChat boards, so here is a chance to show off your creative side and win a prize!
Good luck to all!
Knott's Berry Farm News and Photos
I decided to split up my photos this week, just to make sure that folks can identify which Theme Park the images came from.
Two special events are happening now at Knott's Berry Farm.
Knott's
The first is an event designed for kids, Snoopy's Spring Safari.
This event has kids checking out specially themed areas, and getting a couple of free gifts (with paid admission) for completing a safari.
The second event is the Spring Crafts Festival. In its 32nd year, it is a nice addition to the Ghost Town area, where folks can find some rare one-of-a-kind items.
Both events are scheduled to end on April 19th.
OK, here is a fun one... a Human Charmer
Too easy to make jokes about where the bubbles are coming from!
OK, some Adult Dance Clubs have done this, why not a Foam Pit for kids!
Walking Sticks are just cool. Mother Nature has come up with some clever ideas.
Now, on the other hand.... Did Mother Nature have to come up with these things!
LOTS of baby chicks can be found across the street at Knott's at the area next to Independence Hall
Proud Papa!
Selected Photos from Darkbeer.Smugmug.com
As mentioned in the special Wednesday update, Monorail Orange is the only Monorail running. And its windows are from Monorail Red, which is backstage for a major refurb/upgrade. Be prepared for restrictions and only one-way trips.
The painters have returned after a couple of days off.
This photo is from around 1:30 PM
But by 3 PM, additional panels were added. The crew is removing the blue protective plastic, reveling the white surface.
Much of the tarps on the Grand Californian/DVC upgrade have been removed.
A new safety barricade has been added at the Mulholland Madness Loading area.
Thursday afternoon around 4 PM, even though the park is PACKED. (Heck, the parking lots were full)
Must be tough on the performers, who have to make the show goes on.....
Nice to see the new version of the Bootstrappers performing in New Orleans Square.
A new cart has arrived at Downtown Disney. A A Hair Styling product is available, next to the Pearl Factory, near the LEGO store.
This hen has 15 ducklings!
Of course, there are PLENTY more photos, including more Paradise Pier/World of Color construction photos at Smugmug. (and yes, also Baby Ducks)
I doubt there will be any special updates this week, unless a major news story comes up. And yes, I will be at Yamibuki's on Saturday night for the "last" meal. Photos will be available at Smugmug, and a few will be featured next Friday.
As always, thanks for checking out MiceAge, and on behalf of everyone a MiceAge/MiceChat. Happy Easter and Passover!
First off, another special edition of "In the Parks" ran on Wednesday, focusing on the opening of the new version of Games of the Boardwalk at California Adventure. Here is the link in case you missed it.
http://micechat.com/forums/blogs/in-...k-updates.html
If you are headed off to a Theme/Amusement park this weekend, be prepared for large crowds, as many families use the holiday weekend as a chance to get out of the house and make a visit.
Let's get to it.
Large Crowds, what to do with the cars?
The Harbor/Disney Way entrance to the Timon Parking Lot is basically used as a U-Turn
Thursday at around 1:30 PM, Pummba, Simba and Timon Parking Lots at Disneyland were full, and guests were being directed to the Anaheim Convention Center Parking Lot on Katella.
This allows the cars to get off of the city streets and get directions of where to go.
If you are planning to visit the parks this weekend, or next week, be prepared if you are driving to the parks.
And they were sent to Car Park 1 at the Convention Center.
First, if you are staying at a nearby hotel, either walk, or take advantage of the ART Shuttle system. This is the fastest way to get to the Main Entrance Plaza.
Also, Public Transportation. The Orange County Transit Authority has two main routes that stop right in front of Disneyland. Routes 43 and 83 are full time, 7 days a week bus routes that bring you to the Main Pedestrian Entrance on Harbor Blvd. The Los Angeles Metro system has Route 460 that also stops at the Main Pedestrian Entrance.
If you are driving, first off, bring Patience!, as you could have long waits just to get to the toll booths. Be prepared for Law Enforcement to direct traffic and send you to a Parking Lot area you didn't expect to park at. Getting there early is your best chance to get the parking lot of your choice, but the best thing to do is just to follow the traffic signs and park at the first opportunity.
Same basic ideas apply to Knott's and Universal. Both parks have a lot of secondary lots available to them. Knott's has a set of lots on Western, and even have a second Park Entrance they open up on days that they open up those unpaved parking lots.
Universal has a lot of parking they use during the week for office workers, that are available for park guests on busy weekends. They will send you these office buildings, and then use trams to get you to the parks.
New iPhone App for Disneyland
The Orange County Register reports that an OC Lawyer, Scott Graziano, has designed an iPhone application for those visiting Disneyland.
OC lawyer invents iPhone app for Disneyland - Around Disney - OCRegister.com
And the link to Scott Graziano's website...
Disneyland Planner
Great 1963 Disneyland Aerial Photo and info on the new Walt Disney Family Museum
I was sent this link, which is basically a Press Release with a great Photo.
Artdaily.org - The First Art Newspaper on the Net
Be sure and check out the link.
"What I Love About the Anaheim Resort" contest.
Our friends at the Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel by Disneyland Park has a great new contest that I would like to share...
HojoAnaheim Innsider Boards • View topic - HoJo's 'What I Love About the Anaheim Resort' Contest!
(Note, some minor editing was done to the quote).
Quote:
We know what WE love here in the Anaheim Resort [did somebody say Disneyland? Churros? POTC? Mimi's? Fireworks? Castaway Cove? Soarin' Over California?] - but we want to know what YOU love! So we'd like you to put together some short presentations telling us all about it!
Be as creative and original as you'd like! Use photos, video footage, music- anything that you can think of! [And don't be afraid to dig deep into the vaults of vacations from the past! We know you've all got some goodies in there!]
The prize is a pair of 2-Day Hopper Passes and 3-nights in one of HoJo's Premium Disney View Rooms!
We'll be looking for entries that are visually dynamic, creative, original and FUN that really capture the magic and joy of being at Disneyland and in the Anaheim Resort! You can fly solo, or get the whole family involved!
The contest started April 9th, and submissions must be in by Thursday, May 14th. You need to post your entries at the HoJoAnaheim Boards at the link above.
On Friday, May 15th- Willie Simpson [Sales and Marketing Manager], Jonathan Whitehead [General Manager], Joanne [Front Desk Manager] and Loralle [Internet/Guest Relations] will be sitting down together to view all of the entries and choose a winner! Once we start getting submissions, we'll also get a poll going at the HoJoAnaheim boards- because we're going to be putting together a special package for the 'Reader's Choice' winner! This winner will be chosen by you guys, right here on the Boards!
We're so excited that we're able to do this, and cannot wait to see what amazing things you all come up with!
Good luck to all!
Knott's Berry Farm News and Photos
I decided to split up my photos this week, just to make sure that folks can identify which Theme Park the images came from.
Two special events are happening now at Knott's Berry Farm.
Knott's
The first is an event designed for kids, Snoopy's Spring Safari.
This event has kids checking out specially themed areas, and getting a couple of free gifts (with paid admission) for completing a safari.
The second event is the Spring Crafts Festival. In its 32nd year, it is a nice addition to the Ghost Town area, where folks can find some rare one-of-a-kind items.
Both events are scheduled to end on April 19th.
OK, here is a fun one... a Human Charmer
Too easy to make jokes about where the bubbles are coming from!
OK, some Adult Dance Clubs have done this, why not a Foam Pit for kids!
Walking Sticks are just cool. Mother Nature has come up with some clever ideas.
Now, on the other hand.... Did Mother Nature have to come up with these things!
LOTS of baby chicks can be found across the street at Knott's at the area next to Independence Hall
Proud Papa!
Selected Photos from Darkbeer.Smugmug.com
As mentioned in the special Wednesday update, Monorail Orange is the only Monorail running. And its windows are from Monorail Red, which is backstage for a major refurb/upgrade. Be prepared for restrictions and only one-way trips.
The painters have returned after a couple of days off.
This photo is from around 1:30 PM
But by 3 PM, additional panels were added. The crew is removing the blue protective plastic, reveling the white surface.
Much of the tarps on the Grand Californian/DVC upgrade have been removed.
A new safety barricade has been added at the Mulholland Madness Loading area.
Thursday afternoon around 4 PM, even though the park is PACKED. (Heck, the parking lots were full)
Must be tough on the performers, who have to make the show goes on.....
Nice to see the new version of the Bootstrappers performing in New Orleans Square.
A new cart has arrived at Downtown Disney. A A Hair Styling product is available, next to the Pearl Factory, near the LEGO store.
This hen has 15 ducklings!
Of course, there are PLENTY more photos, including more Paradise Pier/World of Color construction photos at Smugmug. (and yes, also Baby Ducks)
I doubt there will be any special updates this week, unless a major news story comes up. And yes, I will be at Yamibuki's on Saturday night for the "last" meal. Photos will be available at Smugmug, and a few will be featured next Friday.
As always, thanks for checking out MiceAge, and on behalf of everyone a MiceAge/MiceChat. Happy Easter and Passover!
Total Comments 26
Comments
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Awesome update! I wanna play in the foam pit! Yay Bootstrappers! Live music is one of the top five things I love about DL. Keep up the excellent work!Posted 04-10-2009 at 06:20 AM by tonyrr1
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Wow...I'm glad I always read micechat..I wast thinking of going to the parks yesterday but something came and when I saw today's update..Im so glad I didn't go. Great upadate as always
Posted 04-10-2009 at 08:01 AM by cositaluvsmickey -
Great update!
Posted 04-10-2009 at 08:02 AM by SouthHrbrBlvd -
David, all of your updates are wonderful. I'm really impressed with all the extra hours and updates you've been putting on the In The parks blog in the last few weeks. I know that it is much appreciated by your thousands of readers.
-DustyPosted 04-10-2009 at 08:22 AM by Dustysage -
Great pictures!!!Posted 04-10-2009 at 08:34 AM by TravisMT81 
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Nice update!Posted 04-10-2009 at 09:43 AM by WheresMickey -
Thanks for the update! The pictures look great! Nice to see things moving along in DCA.
The Disneyland app. sounds interesting.Posted 04-10-2009 at 09:44 AM by sassy*tink -
Is Sally's Foam Pit what replaced the old Peanuts play structure at Knott's?
Great update as always.Posted 04-10-2009 at 11:03 AM by vfire -
Lovely update! Thanks!Posted 04-10-2009 at 11:08 AM by PretzelSouls -
>>Is Sally's Foam Pit what replaced the old Peanuts play structure at Knott's?<,
Sally's Swamp Pit is a temporary attraction, that is in the former home of Peanuts Playhouse. Most of the year, it is just a nice grassy fenced off area.
Supposedly a new kids attraction will be installed in the next year or two in the location.Posted 04-10-2009 at 11:20 AM by Darkbeer -
Thank you for the duck pics, they've been scarce this year for some reason.
The Bootstrapper pic was good to see. I heard that Vivi Blackheart and Smitty were out yesterday and that Alistaire and Johnny Fingers were filling in on flute and mandolin.
Great update, thank you for posting!Posted 04-10-2009 at 01:41 PM by gawama -
Thanks for the updates - you are right the parking is crazy this week. We arrived @ Timon @ 8:30 on Thursday and were informed it "was not open" that day, which is funny since your report shows it full @ 1:30. I guess timing if everything.Posted 04-10-2009 at 03:04 PM by sdmom -
Now tell me, how much did that peasant get paid to glance wantingly from behind a fence at the royal Celebration BBQ?Posted 04-10-2009 at 04:56 PM by Goover - I was worried I wouldn't like the Mickey/Sun switch in DCA, but I'm actually pretty pleased with it so far!Posted 04-10-2009 at 06:26 PM by Tinkbelle
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Great Report. Nice to see all the new stuff showing up at DCA already. Had no idea these game booths were going to open so soon. Also about the BBQ thing I was surprised to see your report on Knotts with no mention of the "Challenge" (if you want to call it that) from Knotts which is advertising a new BBQ area and for $39.95 (adults) you get admission to the Park and the BBQ. Now I don't know if this BBQ is the real thing or not, but I am hoping it is.Posted 04-10-2009 at 07:10 PM by Lost Boy - FYI, the "Backyard BBQ" has been offered at Knott's for a couple of years now, and I have mentioned it in the past.
And it is REAL BBQ, where they place the meat on charcoal grills.... And has a lot more choices than what is offered at CRBBQ.Posted 04-10-2009 at 08:28 PM by Darkbeer - Cant wait till June when I arrive Iam counting the days for DisneylandPosted 04-10-2009 at 09:43 PM by ocean1962
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I hadn't realized there were changes made to the bootstrappers, i must've missed something! but a few weeks ago when i spent some time on TSI due to all the crowds, i was disappointed not to see them listed in the times guide, so i'm glad they're back.Posted 04-10-2009 at 10:05 PM by twobluestripes -
Went to the park yesterday and both parks were not that busy. I'll have to say the park was in the middle of being busy and being light. The reason probably was everyone with Deluxe and So Cal were blocked out.Posted 04-11-2009 at 02:37 AM by MickeyMousePal -
What is the point of this???
I'd imagine it's the lawyers, but in 8 years, has there EVER been an incident on this ride??? I highly doubt it.
Are they stopping the cars in the station now for loading as well?Posted 04-11-2009 at 06:31 PM by sir clinksalot
