Happy Fourth of July - Do you Remember Murphy's Law?
Happy July to everyone! It is peak Summer season at the Theme/Amusement parks, so let's take a look around Southern California and figure out what to do this weekend.....
A bit more Detail on Al Lutz's "Editor's Notes" this week.
In case you missed them, at the top of the main MiceAge page, Al Lutz usually places a short comment, which sometimes contains news when it is available.
Yesterday, Al posted this...
Team Disney Anaheim's dirty little secret is out; there are two versions of the Celebrate America fireworks this weekend. The shows on the 2nd, 3rd and 5th are just 9 minutes long using leftover pyro shells from this past winter's cancelled Remember shows. The version planned for the 4th is the real deal at 13 minutes long using custom ordered pyro shells.
And based on the reviews from last night, he was right on. A lot of folks said the show was forced, and that is was just weird to see the "cubes" and "smiley face" fireworks in the show, and not much "Red, White and Blue".
So if you go tonight or Sunday, be prepared for a Patriotic Soundtrack, and some fireworks, but not the SAME show as will be offered on Saturday the 4th.
Work continues in Murphy's the Dragon "home", aka pit on Thursday Morning, July 2nd
The other main piece of news that Al Lutz reported in his editor notes this week was regards to Murphy, the new Dragon that was designed for Fantasmic! He reported that the "body" of the new dragon has been repaired and now is theatrically dressed for the show. Alas, he is still "headless" as there are still worries about the proposed repairs to its neck. This is both a safety issue (especially to the performers) and a longevity issue, as they want to make sure the repair will work, and additional repairs won't be needed for a Dragon that is expected to perform 2 or 3 times a night. So the alternative version of Fantasmic! will keep being offered until Disney is sure that everything is working just right.
Be prepared for crowds and parking issues this weekend!
Before we get to the Disneyland Resort, a reminder that many other parks will be offering Fireworks, such as SeaWorld San Diego and Knott's, and both have large crowds and will being using their extended parking lots, so bring your patience no matter where you go this weekend!
But let's focus on Disneyland and Anaheim.
First off, the 71st Barbershop Harmony Society International Convention is being held this weekend at the Honda Center. But most of the attendees are using the Hotels near Disneyland as their home base.
http://www.barbershop.org/EventsSocietyInt.aspx
So we have a lot of out of town guests that will find a way to work Disneyland into their visit while attending the event, and that the event has Sunday basically free, except for a Church Service that morning.
Also, the weather forecast for this weekend is looking great, nice and warm, and the wind forecast is also looking good, and hopefully the fireworks won't get interrupted like on July 4th, 2008. But nice weather helps bring in large crowds.
The current Summer Fun Pass Southern Californian special is popular, and the one day it is blocked out is Saturday, July 4th, but expect many folks to take advantage of the offer on Friday and Sunday.
Only Premium Annual Passholders can get in this weekend for "free", but that many other AP holders will opt to spend the $40 for a Blockout pass (or decide to upgrade to a Premium) to get a chance to check out the fireworks on the 4th.
So plan ahead, traffic patterns at Disneyland are different than normal, as many folks are coming mainly to watch the special Fireworks show. That means the area in front of the castle will start packing up earlier than normal, and less folks will leave the park in the afternoon/early evening, specifically staying until the Fireworks show is over. So get to the park early, and plan to stay the ENTIRE day, as there is a good chance that Disney will have to restrict entry into the park due to crowd size. Bring everything you need, and hopefully there will be a locker for you, but they are first come, first serve. Also, plan to stay in the park after the Fireworks, a lot of folks will try and leave right after the Fireworks, which will create long waits for the trams and buses to the parking lots, and then the traffic jams that the mass exodus will create. (Note, there will be a large Anaheim Police Department presence directing traffic. Be prepared to follow their direction and not use your normal way of exiting the park. Be flexible and make adjustments after leaving the area.) So enjoy some rides, check out the late Fantasmic! show, grab a bite to eat, etc. for a hour or two after the show.... You will get home in about the same amount of time, and without a lot of the hassles the earlier folks had to deal with.
A look at the Timon Lot and the work on the East Side
Talking about parking, there are still serious issues around the resort. Timon still has a lot of construction, and is preparing to close for good in the next few days. Disney will be directing a lot of cars that try and use the Timon entrance on Harbor Boulevard to Pumbaa, Simba and the Anaheim GardenWalk, and if needed, the Buzz Lightyear lot next to the former Strawberry Fields. So be prepared to walk to parks. While Disney has been offering free Buses to Pumbaa, AGW and Buzz Lightyear when they are open, buses have a major drawback, only one entrance/exit, which creates a major issue when folks want to board/unload all at one time. If there are lines for these buses, there is a very good chance you will get to the park/your car quicker if you walk. (Mainly after the fireworks).
Another shot of the Timon Lot
But in general, using the Harbor Boulevard Parking Entrance is not the best choice, as your are basically gambling on where you will end up. Much of the time, they will collect your money at the Toll Booths, and send you to the Parking Structure. Or send you to Simba, which is behind the Paradise Pier Hotel. (The good news, once the Timon Lot is closed for guest parking, the Lion King Tram should start serving the Simba lot within a few days, after some adjustments are made to the current tram route.) But Disney has been forcing a lot of cars to make a U-turn prior to the Toll Booths and have the cars head to Pumbaa or the Anaheim GardenWalk on Disney Way to park instead. Also, on occasion, Anaheim Police will just close the entrance, and send folks to the Convention Center or Buzz Lightyear lots. Yesterday, they filled the Timon lot in about 2 hours, at first they sent cars to the Parking Structure, then started to park Timon around 9 AM, and by 11 AM, the lot was double parked and full.
So be patient, and be prepared to follow traffic control directions.
Bank of Main Street has closed for business
Wednesday was the last day of use for the Bank as the Annual Passport Processing center. Thursday morning had the Bank closed, and the Plaza Pavilion was open as the "new" Annual Pass center. (This location has hosted the AP Processing in the past). This will be the place to go to get your photo taken for the foreseeable future, as the Bank of Main Street will be converted to the new home of the Disney Gallery.
Snow White's Scary Adventures has reopened
Performing the final testing on Show White Thursday Morning
Yesterday, the attraction "soft" opened after being closed for basic maintenance and safety upgrades. So don't expect anything new in the attraction, except some fresh paint.
No Times Guide for Thursday, July 2nd at the Disneyland Resort
Due to a glitch, Disney did not have the popular TIMES Guide at its turnstiles. The last TIMES Guide was for the June 26th through July 1st period. It ended on Wednesday, as it was the last day that "Magical" was scheduled prior to the switchover to the Patriotic Fireworks show. Well, someone dropped the ball, and thought they were sticking to the normal Friday release during the summer, instead of a special Thursday through Sunday schedule for the 4th of July weekend. By no means the end of the world, but when you charge $69 for a one day/one park ticket, one does expect to be able to easily find out what time the parades and shows are being offered that day.
The Jewel of Orleans is having a Sale!
The Jewel of Orleans, presented by Dianne's Estate Jewellery, located in New Orleans Square is having a big sale in honor of it's 12th Anniversary of the Disneyland location.
Sale dates are from Sunday, July 5th through Saturday, July 11th. (and a reminder, the store is only open from Noon to 7 PM instead of regular park hours). Any item purchased during this period is 20% off!
And as always, Dianne's offers a 12 month interest free layaway program. And as in everything in life, there are some rules and regulations, so check with the store for full details.
And for those non-SoCal folks, Dianne's also has stores in San Francisco and Healdsburg in Northern California. (These locations are not participating in the special sale).
A couple of Interesting Disneyland stories in the news
The Orange County Register has an interesting look at some of the Disneyland Resort finances, thanks to public disclosure laws, and some good forensic accounting.
http://ocresort.freedomblogging.com/...inances/10567/
Anaheim is banking on Disney’s local properties and their retail tenants in the city to gross an estimated $937 million from hotel lodgings and retail sales in the next fiscal year, which starts Wednesday
Make sure and check out the entire article...
Also, last week had the Orange County Register run an very good interview with Bob Gurr in its print edition...
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/g...0-bobby-around
But the Blog side of the OCR released some more photos taken for the article this week, and they are worth checking out...
http://ocresort.freedomblogging.com/...y-extra/11125/
Knott's Berry Farm opens a new upscale restaurant in the park
Going back to its roots, what was originally the Steak House when it opened in 1948, and was most recently Auntie Pasta's has had a major makeover and is now "Spurs". The newly remodeled restaurant opened this week. Entrées are in the $18-$27 range. Work continues, as new tables and chairs (rustic) were scheduled to arrive this week, and a new bar area is planned along the west wall. Looks like a nice place to sit down and relax and get away from the crowds during your visit.
You can find the full menu at Darkbeer.Smugmug.com June 30th album
Michael Jackson Tribute at LEGOLAND is a No Go
Brady MacDonald over at the Los Angeles Times is reporting that due to unresolved legal issues, they had to scrap their plans to add a Michael Jackson Lego-figure to the park. You can check out the story at this link
http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal...sons-leg-4805/
Anaheim GardenWalk is adding a new store
While work is progressing on the new Fire and Ice Restaurant, another new location has placed a sign up. The store, called Rebel, will feature trendy Surfer/Skateboard clothing and items. Plus they are hiring, so if you are looking for a job, check out the phone number in the photo.
And don't forget, they are having an Ugly Dog Contest on July 18th, so if you have an Ugly Dog, or even a cute dog (as they do have other categories), make sure and register at their website.
Want some other suggestions for what to do on Saturday?
So you have decided to avoid places like Disneyland and Knott's on Saturday..... Well, here are a couple of other large and well-known places offering Fireworks.
Huntington Beach let alone will have Fireworks near its Pier at 9 PM, they also will host a 4th of July Parade starting at 10 AM.
http://www.hb4thofjuly.org/4th-of-ju...on-events.html
Studio City will have a large display at the CBS Studios lot, with a 40 years of Woodstock theme. Tickets are required to enter the lot.
http://scccadmin.globat.com/FLYER-FINAL.pdf
And John Fogerty and the Los Angeles Philharmonic will perform at the Hollywood Bowl tonight and tomorrow, and will feature a lot of Fireworks. Tickets required.
http://www.hollywoodbowl.com/tickets...son=2009&id=82
Of course, there are plenty more shows and events being held all over the United States. If you are looking for something to do, I would go to your local paper's website and find out what is available in your area.
Selected Photos from Darkbeer.Smugmug.com
Don't forget, the Musical is now performing daily at USH
The World of Color Control Booth is finished on the outside
No more Dinosaur Jack
They have started to decorate the new Amphitheater area
Markings in the Timon Lot, in preperation of its closing, and starting the next phase of the DCA Upgrade.... I think we can figure out this is for the new Little Mermaid attraction.
And WOC stands for World of Color.... But what is the "Big Room"? Maybe the new CarsLand main show building?
The Goslings are not afraid of Murphy the Dragon
That should do it for this week, I hope everyone has a GREAT and safe Fourth of July. If you stay home, please be careful. And if you are allowed to set off Fireworks in your neighborhood, please be smart about it! (But enjoy the fireworks no matter where you are!)
One more thing.... As a BIG time San Diego Padres fan, a look at the July 4th giveaway at Petco Park for the Padres-Dodgers game....
If you know how I can get my hands on one, please PM me and let me know... Thanks in Advance!
A bit more Detail on Al Lutz's "Editor's Notes" this week.
In case you missed them, at the top of the main MiceAge page, Al Lutz usually places a short comment, which sometimes contains news when it is available.
Yesterday, Al posted this...
Quote:
Team Disney Anaheim's dirty little secret is out; there are two versions of the Celebrate America fireworks this weekend. The shows on the 2nd, 3rd and 5th are just 9 minutes long using leftover pyro shells from this past winter's cancelled Remember shows. The version planned for the 4th is the real deal at 13 minutes long using custom ordered pyro shells.
So if you go tonight or Sunday, be prepared for a Patriotic Soundtrack, and some fireworks, but not the SAME show as will be offered on Saturday the 4th.
Work continues in Murphy's the Dragon "home", aka pit on Thursday Morning, July 2nd
The other main piece of news that Al Lutz reported in his editor notes this week was regards to Murphy, the new Dragon that was designed for Fantasmic! He reported that the "body" of the new dragon has been repaired and now is theatrically dressed for the show. Alas, he is still "headless" as there are still worries about the proposed repairs to its neck. This is both a safety issue (especially to the performers) and a longevity issue, as they want to make sure the repair will work, and additional repairs won't be needed for a Dragon that is expected to perform 2 or 3 times a night. So the alternative version of Fantasmic! will keep being offered until Disney is sure that everything is working just right.
Be prepared for crowds and parking issues this weekend!
Before we get to the Disneyland Resort, a reminder that many other parks will be offering Fireworks, such as SeaWorld San Diego and Knott's, and both have large crowds and will being using their extended parking lots, so bring your patience no matter where you go this weekend!
But let's focus on Disneyland and Anaheim.
First off, the 71st Barbershop Harmony Society International Convention is being held this weekend at the Honda Center. But most of the attendees are using the Hotels near Disneyland as their home base.
http://www.barbershop.org/EventsSocietyInt.aspx
So we have a lot of out of town guests that will find a way to work Disneyland into their visit while attending the event, and that the event has Sunday basically free, except for a Church Service that morning.
Also, the weather forecast for this weekend is looking great, nice and warm, and the wind forecast is also looking good, and hopefully the fireworks won't get interrupted like on July 4th, 2008. But nice weather helps bring in large crowds.
The current Summer Fun Pass Southern Californian special is popular, and the one day it is blocked out is Saturday, July 4th, but expect many folks to take advantage of the offer on Friday and Sunday.
Only Premium Annual Passholders can get in this weekend for "free", but that many other AP holders will opt to spend the $40 for a Blockout pass (or decide to upgrade to a Premium) to get a chance to check out the fireworks on the 4th.
So plan ahead, traffic patterns at Disneyland are different than normal, as many folks are coming mainly to watch the special Fireworks show. That means the area in front of the castle will start packing up earlier than normal, and less folks will leave the park in the afternoon/early evening, specifically staying until the Fireworks show is over. So get to the park early, and plan to stay the ENTIRE day, as there is a good chance that Disney will have to restrict entry into the park due to crowd size. Bring everything you need, and hopefully there will be a locker for you, but they are first come, first serve. Also, plan to stay in the park after the Fireworks, a lot of folks will try and leave right after the Fireworks, which will create long waits for the trams and buses to the parking lots, and then the traffic jams that the mass exodus will create. (Note, there will be a large Anaheim Police Department presence directing traffic. Be prepared to follow their direction and not use your normal way of exiting the park. Be flexible and make adjustments after leaving the area.) So enjoy some rides, check out the late Fantasmic! show, grab a bite to eat, etc. for a hour or two after the show.... You will get home in about the same amount of time, and without a lot of the hassles the earlier folks had to deal with.
A look at the Timon Lot and the work on the East Side
Talking about parking, there are still serious issues around the resort. Timon still has a lot of construction, and is preparing to close for good in the next few days. Disney will be directing a lot of cars that try and use the Timon entrance on Harbor Boulevard to Pumbaa, Simba and the Anaheim GardenWalk, and if needed, the Buzz Lightyear lot next to the former Strawberry Fields. So be prepared to walk to parks. While Disney has been offering free Buses to Pumbaa, AGW and Buzz Lightyear when they are open, buses have a major drawback, only one entrance/exit, which creates a major issue when folks want to board/unload all at one time. If there are lines for these buses, there is a very good chance you will get to the park/your car quicker if you walk. (Mainly after the fireworks).
Another shot of the Timon Lot
But in general, using the Harbor Boulevard Parking Entrance is not the best choice, as your are basically gambling on where you will end up. Much of the time, they will collect your money at the Toll Booths, and send you to the Parking Structure. Or send you to Simba, which is behind the Paradise Pier Hotel. (The good news, once the Timon Lot is closed for guest parking, the Lion King Tram should start serving the Simba lot within a few days, after some adjustments are made to the current tram route.) But Disney has been forcing a lot of cars to make a U-turn prior to the Toll Booths and have the cars head to Pumbaa or the Anaheim GardenWalk on Disney Way to park instead. Also, on occasion, Anaheim Police will just close the entrance, and send folks to the Convention Center or Buzz Lightyear lots. Yesterday, they filled the Timon lot in about 2 hours, at first they sent cars to the Parking Structure, then started to park Timon around 9 AM, and by 11 AM, the lot was double parked and full.
So be patient, and be prepared to follow traffic control directions.
Bank of Main Street has closed for business
Wednesday was the last day of use for the Bank as the Annual Passport Processing center. Thursday morning had the Bank closed, and the Plaza Pavilion was open as the "new" Annual Pass center. (This location has hosted the AP Processing in the past). This will be the place to go to get your photo taken for the foreseeable future, as the Bank of Main Street will be converted to the new home of the Disney Gallery.
Snow White's Scary Adventures has reopened
Performing the final testing on Show White Thursday Morning
Yesterday, the attraction "soft" opened after being closed for basic maintenance and safety upgrades. So don't expect anything new in the attraction, except some fresh paint.
No Times Guide for Thursday, July 2nd at the Disneyland Resort
Due to a glitch, Disney did not have the popular TIMES Guide at its turnstiles. The last TIMES Guide was for the June 26th through July 1st period. It ended on Wednesday, as it was the last day that "Magical" was scheduled prior to the switchover to the Patriotic Fireworks show. Well, someone dropped the ball, and thought they were sticking to the normal Friday release during the summer, instead of a special Thursday through Sunday schedule for the 4th of July weekend. By no means the end of the world, but when you charge $69 for a one day/one park ticket, one does expect to be able to easily find out what time the parades and shows are being offered that day.
The Jewel of Orleans is having a Sale!
The Jewel of Orleans, presented by Dianne's Estate Jewellery, located in New Orleans Square is having a big sale in honor of it's 12th Anniversary of the Disneyland location.
Sale dates are from Sunday, July 5th through Saturday, July 11th. (and a reminder, the store is only open from Noon to 7 PM instead of regular park hours). Any item purchased during this period is 20% off!
And as always, Dianne's offers a 12 month interest free layaway program. And as in everything in life, there are some rules and regulations, so check with the store for full details.
And for those non-SoCal folks, Dianne's also has stores in San Francisco and Healdsburg in Northern California. (These locations are not participating in the special sale).
A couple of Interesting Disneyland stories in the news
The Orange County Register has an interesting look at some of the Disneyland Resort finances, thanks to public disclosure laws, and some good forensic accounting.
http://ocresort.freedomblogging.com/...inances/10567/
Quote:
Anaheim is banking on Disney’s local properties and their retail tenants in the city to gross an estimated $937 million from hotel lodgings and retail sales in the next fiscal year, which starts Wednesday
Also, last week had the Orange County Register run an very good interview with Bob Gurr in its print edition...
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/g...0-bobby-around
But the Blog side of the OCR released some more photos taken for the article this week, and they are worth checking out...
http://ocresort.freedomblogging.com/...y-extra/11125/
Knott's Berry Farm opens a new upscale restaurant in the park
Going back to its roots, what was originally the Steak House when it opened in 1948, and was most recently Auntie Pasta's has had a major makeover and is now "Spurs". The newly remodeled restaurant opened this week. Entrées are in the $18-$27 range. Work continues, as new tables and chairs (rustic) were scheduled to arrive this week, and a new bar area is planned along the west wall. Looks like a nice place to sit down and relax and get away from the crowds during your visit.
You can find the full menu at Darkbeer.Smugmug.com June 30th album
Michael Jackson Tribute at LEGOLAND is a No Go
Brady MacDonald over at the Los Angeles Times is reporting that due to unresolved legal issues, they had to scrap their plans to add a Michael Jackson Lego-figure to the park. You can check out the story at this link
http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal...sons-leg-4805/
Anaheim GardenWalk is adding a new store
While work is progressing on the new Fire and Ice Restaurant, another new location has placed a sign up. The store, called Rebel, will feature trendy Surfer/Skateboard clothing and items. Plus they are hiring, so if you are looking for a job, check out the phone number in the photo.
And don't forget, they are having an Ugly Dog Contest on July 18th, so if you have an Ugly Dog, or even a cute dog (as they do have other categories), make sure and register at their website.
Want some other suggestions for what to do on Saturday?
So you have decided to avoid places like Disneyland and Knott's on Saturday..... Well, here are a couple of other large and well-known places offering Fireworks.
Huntington Beach let alone will have Fireworks near its Pier at 9 PM, they also will host a 4th of July Parade starting at 10 AM.
http://www.hb4thofjuly.org/4th-of-ju...on-events.html
Studio City will have a large display at the CBS Studios lot, with a 40 years of Woodstock theme. Tickets are required to enter the lot.
http://scccadmin.globat.com/FLYER-FINAL.pdf
And John Fogerty and the Los Angeles Philharmonic will perform at the Hollywood Bowl tonight and tomorrow, and will feature a lot of Fireworks. Tickets required.
http://www.hollywoodbowl.com/tickets...son=2009&id=82
Of course, there are plenty more shows and events being held all over the United States. If you are looking for something to do, I would go to your local paper's website and find out what is available in your area.
Selected Photos from Darkbeer.Smugmug.com
Don't forget, the Musical is now performing daily at USH
The World of Color Control Booth is finished on the outside
No more Dinosaur Jack
They have started to decorate the new Amphitheater area
Markings in the Timon Lot, in preperation of its closing, and starting the next phase of the DCA Upgrade.... I think we can figure out this is for the new Little Mermaid attraction.
And WOC stands for World of Color.... But what is the "Big Room"? Maybe the new CarsLand main show building?
The Goslings are not afraid of Murphy the Dragon
That should do it for this week, I hope everyone has a GREAT and safe Fourth of July. If you stay home, please be careful. And if you are allowed to set off Fireworks in your neighborhood, please be smart about it! (But enjoy the fireworks no matter where you are!)
One more thing.... As a BIG time San Diego Padres fan, a look at the July 4th giveaway at Petco Park for the Padres-Dodgers game....
If you know how I can get my hands on one, please PM me and let me know... Thanks in Advance!
Total Comments 43
Comments
-
>>
Umm I hate to break it to you but that marking for the little mermaid in the timon lot is not for the little mermaid ride. That ride is going across the street on the former site of Golden Dreams. I thought we all knew this. Plus anything going into carsland will be themed to cars so it's not going to be little mermaid. It's most likley code for something else. My guess is whoever did the captions got too excited and forgot where Mermaid was going... Brainfart.<<
As I understand it, the markings are for the upgraded Electrical service, and that the painted marking on the Timon Lot show where they plan to place the underground wiring to service the new attractions.....Posted 07-06-2009 at 11:20 PM by Darkbeer
- >>Cat feeding station...where??<<
That is the station behind the Burr-Bank Ice Cream Store (Train) in DCA.
Let me share an e-mail I got this week....
>>
I've seen a number of your photos of this cat in my daily MiceAge digest. I took her to the animal shelter about a year & a half ago so I'm very pleased to see her pop up at Disneyland. Can you tell me where you find her at the park? The next time we go, I'd like to see her.
She'll probably bite me.<<
Posted 07-06-2009 at 11:22 PM by Darkbeer - >>
Look up "beat la towel" on Ebay. There's one up there now, and I'm sure there will be more. Go Padres! (for whatever that's worth this year...)<<
WOW, the current prices are about $30 including shipping...
I will keep an eye out and see if the prices drop, but I also need to buy a new camera, and I think if I took a poll from all of you, I KNOW which item I should buy first
(Plus a wedding I need to pay for in less than a year
)Posted 07-06-2009 at 11:25 PM by Darkbeer
