Summer is almost here, DCA is becoming Mazeland, and Do you need a Job?

Well, the crowds are starting to show up at the parks in force, including a few hundred folks trying to ride every attraction in Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure this Saturday.

Let's get to it...

Universal Studios Hollywood Backlot Update



Some photos from last Friday, May 22nd, 2009 of the USH Backlot area, which burned down just under a year ago.





USH is hoping to have the Backlot ready for Tram Tours by the end of summer. (And of course, filming)




Here is the coverage of the Fire from last year...

http://micechat.com/forums/blogs/in-...ws-photos.html





Disney's "A Christmas Carol' Train Tour hits the road.



After spending Memorial Day Weekend in Los Angeles and Union Station, the train tour is at the Grand Canyon (Williams, Arizona) this weekend. And be prepared for large crowds, last weekend had crowds up to 4 hours waiting for a chance to check out the train.



And while the Train is very interesting to check out.... The Digital 3-D Sneak Preview Tent next to the Train offers an amazing look at what will be offered this holiday season.

Here is the Main website, that includes a map and the full schedule for the Train Tour...

http://www.christmascaroltraintour.com/

Don't Forget, there is a Job Fair in Anaheim Wednesday Morning, June 3rd.



From 9 AM to 3 PM at Anaheim GardenWalk. The event (including parking) is free.

http://www.anaheim.net/section.asp?id=181

Disneyland celebrates its 5 Millionth Grad Nite Guest



Yes, early THIS morning, Disney honored Samuel Jacobo from Summit High School in Fontana as the "recognized" 5,000,000 Grad Nite Guests. A tradition since 1961, the park will offer 3 more weeks (4 more events) in 2009.

http://ocresort.freedomblogging.com/...rad-nite/9363/

Anaheim City Council approves special tax rebate for the two 4-Star Hotels planned for Anaheim GardenWalk

After approving a similar deal to a 4-star hotel planned at the South East corner of Harbor and Katella, the City Council agreed to a rebate of Hotel Tax revenue collected to help pay for upgrades that would make the hotle 4 stars, instead of three stars.

All three hotel will get no upfront tax dollars, just a portion of what they collect once they open that is the difference between the amount an average 3 star hotel collects in the Anaheim Resort District, and the additional amount collected due to its luxury status. Of course, the City will still collect all the Property Tax and Sales Tax.

Here are a couple of news articles...

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la...,5013032.story

http://ocresort.freedomblogging.com/...un-hotel/9329/


And if you want to check out the actual Council meeting, and the related documents, you can find them at this link.



http://anaheim.granicus.com/MediaPla...=2&clip_id=525

Dr. Sammy Lee is honored as the 11th recipient of the Anaheim/OC Walk of Stars



Dr. Sammy Lee, the famous Olympian, both as a diver (he was the first man to win back to back gold medals in Olympic Platform diving) and as a coach for many other divers. He also has excelled in many other aspects of life, and very deserving of the honor.

http://ocresort.freedomblogging.com/...eadstone/9229/

Parking continues to be an issue at the Disneyland Resort

Yesterday, Disneyland was using both the Pumbaa and the Simba Lots to park cars, even before Peak Summer Break on a weekday. (Timon was closed due to a Grad Nite event).


Work continues to prepare for Tram service to Simba. Guests had to walk from the lot Thursday.


And as a follow-up to last week's Public Transportation options... For those of you that are 18 or younger, the OCTA has a great 3 month Pass for just $50.

http://www.octa.net/summer_youth.aspx

So check it out if you qualify, or know someone who does.


Things to do this weekend....

OK, it is too late to sign up for the MiceChat's Gumball Rally 3 event, but here is an interesting question from the Orange County Register's "Honk" columnist, Jim Radcliffe...

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/b...-bus-seatbelts



The latest "Skipper Round-Up" is this Sunday at the Maverick Theater in Fullerton.

http://ocresort.freedomblogging.com/...ki-torch/9193/

The All American Melodrama in Long Beach continues its look back at Knott's Bird Cage Theater...

http://www.allamericanmelodrama.com/

The 1313 Club hosts a look back at the opening of the 1959 Disneyland Attractions 50 years ago. The event will be held next Saturday, June 6th.

http://www.the1313club.com/Events.html

And the Jon Lovitz Comedy Club opened up last night at Universal Studio Hollywood's CityWalk with an event to raise money of Ovarian Cancer Research.

http://www.etonline.com/news/2009/05/74711/

Also a quick note in regards to summer events, the Orange county Fair is going to offer Season Passes for the first time, they are on pre-sale for just $25 for adults... Great news for Weird "Al" Yankovic fans, as it includes an express lane to check out his brain in 3-D.

http://www.ocfair.com/2009/



Selected Photos from Darkbeer.Smugmug.com


Lots of new walls are up for the upcoming Little Mermaid Attraction.








The Sunglass Shack has closed, but the Corn Dog Castle and Souvenir 66 stand remain open.


Astro Orbitor is still behind refurb walls as of Thursday.


So is Cosmic Waves



















Well, that should do it for this week. Once again, a reminder, there are plenty more photos from USH, the "A Christmas Carol" train and the Disneyland Resort at my Smugmug page.

And Good luck to all those competing in the Gumball Rally 3!