The Lion King Tram returns, What makes a Hamburger? and much more
It is a big day for Disneyland news, we'll tell you all about the crowds, parking situation, give you construction updates, and share the latest news from Disneyland and beyond.
Last week, we gave you a warning about the large crowds expected at Disneyland for the next few weeks, and those predictions have come true. The warnings hold true for this weekend as well. The Anaheim Convention Center will be hosting Blizzcon, an event that sold out within minutes of tickets being placed on sale, and that will no doubt push lots of extra people into Disneyland.
http://www.blizzard.com/blizzcon/
The Lion King Tram returns
The Lion King Trams will be running this weekend, but not to the Simba Lot. The Lion King Trams will only run from the Tram Loading area near the Main Entrance Plaza to Katella Avenue. Disney has relocated its Pedestrian Entrance on Katella Avenue about 400 feet to the east, and has built a Tram Loading section next to it. They will be running it this weekend due to the Blizzcon, and of course, will use it again for the D23 Expo in September. And it will also be used on days that Disney uses the Anaheim Convention Center original Parking Structure for overflow parking.
Don't even think about parking using the Harbor Boulevard Entrance
The Harbor Boulevard Entrance at 9:30 AM on Thursday
We have talked about it here at "In the Parks" on a regular basis, and it is more true than ever. You don't want to try and use the old Timon Parking Lot Entrance. Yesterday morning at 9 AM, they had it blocked off, and that is now a regular event. Even if they are allowing cars into the entrance, you are more than likely being sent to the Simba Lot, next to the Paradise Pier Hotel, and since Simba is now the only lot without Tram/Bus service, you will have a long walk to the Main Entrance Plaza. If you do use the Disney Way exit, just follow the signage and police direction to the nearest lot, which is usually Pumbaa or the Anaheim GardenWalk. This week, in the afternoon, Disney was using the Buzz Lightyear lot, which is located by the former Strawberry Field south of Katella Avenue.
Also, due to the changeover of the ART system to a new operator, all the Shuttle Buses pickup locations have been relocated to the north end of the Tram Loading area. Coach America is the operator of the Parking Lot Shuttle Buses, so make sure and check to be sure which lot the White Bus or Red Trolley is servicing. Most of the Buses will have a sign in the front window saying it serves, Buzz Lightyear, Pumbaa or the Anaheim GardenWalk, if you are not sure, just ask the driver before boarding.
Anaheim Planning Commission approves the expansion of the Buzz Lightyear lot.
Last Monday, the Planning Commission, on a 6-0 vote (with one member absent) approved an additional 2,570 parking spaces on the former Strawberry Field next to the Buzz Lightyear Parking Lot. It is a Temporary lot expected to last 6 to 10 years.
The Planning Commission Meeting was basically a non-event, as no public comments were made, and the Commission just asked a few technical questions before approving the project. There is a 22 day period that allows someone to request an appeal to the Anaheim City Council, but nobody is expecting for that to happen.
The new parking is scheduled to be built in phases, and is one step forward to building a new Parking Structure at the Pumbaa or Simba lots, as the new parking lot will allow the other lot to close for construction at a future date.
The Planning Commission report will require Disney to operate Shuttle Buses from the new lot to the Tram Loading area whenever the lot is open for Theme Park Guests.
http://ocresort.freedomblogging.com/...pansion/15083/
Will Murphy the Dragon ever perform for the Public?
Currently there is so much conflicting information, so who knows when she will show up in Fantasmic!
The Fantasmic! stage around Noon on Thursday
Here is an article from the Orange County Register this morning with some interesting comments from the Disneyland Spokespersons.
http://ocresort.freedomblogging.com/...on-show/15465/
Still, Disney officials promise that fans should get ample time to see the dragon, once it’s ready, because the Fantasmic show will be extended until the end of the year, said John McClintock, a Disneyland spokesman. Disney recently decided to add extra time for the show. On busy days, a third show is added at 11:30 p.m.
But a firm date for the dragon’s debut has yet to be released.
And don't forget, that in early 2010, the Rivers of America is scheduled to be drained for regular maintenance that happens every few years, and of course, will not allow Fantasmic! to perform.
Power Outages close down Disneyland rides on Monday and Tuesday
http://ocresort.freedomblogging.com/...n-twice/15323/
Anaheim Public Utilities had to replace some equipment on Monday, causing the first outage, and then had to replace another piece of equipment on Tuesday. And while Disneyland was not part of the damaged circuit, it did cause a short power outage, that made the ride safety equipment shut down attractions.
Followup on the Disneyland Mural at the Anaheim GardenWalk.
Last week, I featured a few of the murals that are not being featured at the Anaheim GardenWalk, but the one that got most people's attention was the one featuring Disneyland.
And guess what, the Mural was actually designed by Disney.
So what do you think about the design????
Food issues at Disneyland
Two interesting threads at MiceChat this week are talking about changes to food service at Disneyland.
The first one deals with the Hungry Bear Restaurant, and the fact that they are now charging for Tomatoes for the Hamburgers. 99 cents gets you 2 slices of tomatoes, which currently only come with Lettuce, Meat and the advertised toppings, such as cheese if ordered. If you like Onions, they are free, IF they have any at the restaurant. (One person reports they asked for some, but was told they were out of stock.
http://micechat.com/forums/disneylan...toes-99-a.html
Sorry, but to me, a Hamburger comes with Lettuce, Tomatoes, Onion, Pickles and condiments, along with the meat and bun.
And the second thread deals with Taste Pilots Grill at Disney's California Adventure, and the fact the switched from the Waffle Fries they have served for years to the basic, traditional French Fry.
http://micechat.com/forums/disneylan...fle-fries.html
Quite a few folks are not happy about the change.
A Sneak Peek at the "Saw" Maze at Universal Studios Hollywood
Brady MacDonald at the Los Angeles Times has an interesting article looking at the USH Halloween Horror Nights "Saw" maze.
http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal...cene-by--5147/
Want to take a Virtual Trip to LEGOLAND? Google Street View is our ticket.
Another LA Times article takes about the fact that LEGOLAND allowed Google to bring in cameras to the park for its Street View service.
http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal...kids/legoland/
To view the virtual LEGOLAND, go to Google Maps, type “Legoland California” into the search field and drag the little yellow pegman onto the aerial photo of the Carlsbad kiddie park.
Universal Studios Hollywood also has allowed Google to bring its cameras into its park, but it is not expected that they will be available at Google Street View until sometime next year.
Selected Photos from Darkbeer.Smugmug.com
You have to clean the roof of the Anaheim Convention Center Arena somehow...
Union Protesters were out last Sunday in front of the Grand Californian Hotel
These signs were out on Monday and Tuesday due to the return of the Southern California Annual Passholders
Work continues on the former White Bridge that is between the Plaza Gardens and the Castle
Backstage next to Monsters, Inc. at DCA
Work continues at the Main Entrance Plaza area in front of the Kennel Club.
This is the last weekend that Casey's Jr. and the Storybook Canal Boats will operate. The attractions will close for a Major Refurb on Monday, and are not scheduled to reopen until mid-November.
Monorail Orange got the Version 3.0 Windows, which are tripled pained, and the middle section can rise and close. Interesting to note, the frames are Purple, not Orange....
Which Seagulls are real? (FYI, notice that one of the three AA Seagulls is once again missing).
Here is a hint....
As always, thanks for stopping by and reading our update. We hope you have a wonderful weekend, and we'll see you in the parks!
Last week, we gave you a warning about the large crowds expected at Disneyland for the next few weeks, and those predictions have come true. The warnings hold true for this weekend as well. The Anaheim Convention Center will be hosting Blizzcon, an event that sold out within minutes of tickets being placed on sale, and that will no doubt push lots of extra people into Disneyland.
http://www.blizzard.com/blizzcon/
The Lion King Tram returns
The Lion King Trams will be running this weekend, but not to the Simba Lot. The Lion King Trams will only run from the Tram Loading area near the Main Entrance Plaza to Katella Avenue. Disney has relocated its Pedestrian Entrance on Katella Avenue about 400 feet to the east, and has built a Tram Loading section next to it. They will be running it this weekend due to the Blizzcon, and of course, will use it again for the D23 Expo in September. And it will also be used on days that Disney uses the Anaheim Convention Center original Parking Structure for overflow parking.
Don't even think about parking using the Harbor Boulevard Entrance
The Harbor Boulevard Entrance at 9:30 AM on Thursday
We have talked about it here at "In the Parks" on a regular basis, and it is more true than ever. You don't want to try and use the old Timon Parking Lot Entrance. Yesterday morning at 9 AM, they had it blocked off, and that is now a regular event. Even if they are allowing cars into the entrance, you are more than likely being sent to the Simba Lot, next to the Paradise Pier Hotel, and since Simba is now the only lot without Tram/Bus service, you will have a long walk to the Main Entrance Plaza. If you do use the Disney Way exit, just follow the signage and police direction to the nearest lot, which is usually Pumbaa or the Anaheim GardenWalk. This week, in the afternoon, Disney was using the Buzz Lightyear lot, which is located by the former Strawberry Field south of Katella Avenue.
Also, due to the changeover of the ART system to a new operator, all the Shuttle Buses pickup locations have been relocated to the north end of the Tram Loading area. Coach America is the operator of the Parking Lot Shuttle Buses, so make sure and check to be sure which lot the White Bus or Red Trolley is servicing. Most of the Buses will have a sign in the front window saying it serves, Buzz Lightyear, Pumbaa or the Anaheim GardenWalk, if you are not sure, just ask the driver before boarding.
Anaheim Planning Commission approves the expansion of the Buzz Lightyear lot.
Last Monday, the Planning Commission, on a 6-0 vote (with one member absent) approved an additional 2,570 parking spaces on the former Strawberry Field next to the Buzz Lightyear Parking Lot. It is a Temporary lot expected to last 6 to 10 years.
The Planning Commission Meeting was basically a non-event, as no public comments were made, and the Commission just asked a few technical questions before approving the project. There is a 22 day period that allows someone to request an appeal to the Anaheim City Council, but nobody is expecting for that to happen.
The new parking is scheduled to be built in phases, and is one step forward to building a new Parking Structure at the Pumbaa or Simba lots, as the new parking lot will allow the other lot to close for construction at a future date.
The Planning Commission report will require Disney to operate Shuttle Buses from the new lot to the Tram Loading area whenever the lot is open for Theme Park Guests.
http://ocresort.freedomblogging.com/...pansion/15083/
Will Murphy the Dragon ever perform for the Public?
Currently there is so much conflicting information, so who knows when she will show up in Fantasmic!
The Fantasmic! stage around Noon on Thursday
Here is an article from the Orange County Register this morning with some interesting comments from the Disneyland Spokespersons.
http://ocresort.freedomblogging.com/...on-show/15465/
Quote:
Still, Disney officials promise that fans should get ample time to see the dragon, once it’s ready, because the Fantasmic show will be extended until the end of the year, said John McClintock, a Disneyland spokesman. Disney recently decided to add extra time for the show. On busy days, a third show is added at 11:30 p.m.
But a firm date for the dragon’s debut has yet to be released.
Power Outages close down Disneyland rides on Monday and Tuesday
http://ocresort.freedomblogging.com/...n-twice/15323/
Anaheim Public Utilities had to replace some equipment on Monday, causing the first outage, and then had to replace another piece of equipment on Tuesday. And while Disneyland was not part of the damaged circuit, it did cause a short power outage, that made the ride safety equipment shut down attractions.
Followup on the Disneyland Mural at the Anaheim GardenWalk.
Last week, I featured a few of the murals that are not being featured at the Anaheim GardenWalk, but the one that got most people's attention was the one featuring Disneyland.
And guess what, the Mural was actually designed by Disney.
So what do you think about the design????
Food issues at Disneyland
Two interesting threads at MiceChat this week are talking about changes to food service at Disneyland.
The first one deals with the Hungry Bear Restaurant, and the fact that they are now charging for Tomatoes for the Hamburgers. 99 cents gets you 2 slices of tomatoes, which currently only come with Lettuce, Meat and the advertised toppings, such as cheese if ordered. If you like Onions, they are free, IF they have any at the restaurant. (One person reports they asked for some, but was told they were out of stock.
http://micechat.com/forums/disneylan...toes-99-a.html
Sorry, but to me, a Hamburger comes with Lettuce, Tomatoes, Onion, Pickles and condiments, along with the meat and bun.
And the second thread deals with Taste Pilots Grill at Disney's California Adventure, and the fact the switched from the Waffle Fries they have served for years to the basic, traditional French Fry.
http://micechat.com/forums/disneylan...fle-fries.html
Quite a few folks are not happy about the change.
A Sneak Peek at the "Saw" Maze at Universal Studios Hollywood
Brady MacDonald at the Los Angeles Times has an interesting article looking at the USH Halloween Horror Nights "Saw" maze.
http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal...cene-by--5147/
Want to take a Virtual Trip to LEGOLAND? Google Street View is our ticket.
Another LA Times article takes about the fact that LEGOLAND allowed Google to bring in cameras to the park for its Street View service.
http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal...kids/legoland/
Quote:
To view the virtual LEGOLAND, go to Google Maps, type “Legoland California” into the search field and drag the little yellow pegman onto the aerial photo of the Carlsbad kiddie park.
Selected Photos from Darkbeer.Smugmug.com
You have to clean the roof of the Anaheim Convention Center Arena somehow...
Union Protesters were out last Sunday in front of the Grand Californian Hotel
These signs were out on Monday and Tuesday due to the return of the Southern California Annual Passholders
Work continues on the former White Bridge that is between the Plaza Gardens and the Castle
Backstage next to Monsters, Inc. at DCA
Work continues at the Main Entrance Plaza area in front of the Kennel Club.
This is the last weekend that Casey's Jr. and the Storybook Canal Boats will operate. The attractions will close for a Major Refurb on Monday, and are not scheduled to reopen until mid-November.
Monorail Orange got the Version 3.0 Windows, which are tripled pained, and the middle section can rise and close. Interesting to note, the frames are Purple, not Orange....
Which Seagulls are real? (FYI, notice that one of the three AA Seagulls is once again missing).
Here is a hint....
As always, thanks for stopping by and reading our update. We hope you have a wonderful weekend, and we'll see you in the parks!
Total Comments 36
Comments
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Great Update!Posted 08-21-2009 at 07:15 AM by Emmanuel_4
- That mural is pretty ugly. I get that it's supposed to have the look of being done by a child but it just looks embarrassing.Posted 08-21-2009 at 07:31 AM by kirbilicious
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David, I find your updates to be interesting and look forward to Friday! Thank you!Posted 08-21-2009 at 07:55 AM by ravencroft -
Outstanding update and pictures. The one of the last section of the Orange Stinger removed took a moment to register until I realized what it was and the story behind it - really drives home that DCA is changing. Maybe it's time to rename the Blue Sky Cellar to the Hard Hat Cellar.Posted 08-21-2009 at 07:59 AM by RLS Legacy -
I don't care for the mural either. Thanks for the update. To set the records straight, I never said that the Dragon would debut this weekend...I just shared a couple of incidents that happened this week in testing.Posted 08-21-2009 at 08:02 AM by dmomof4 -
Thanks for the update! Great as always.
Posted 08-21-2009 at 08:53 AM by sassy*tink -
Nice report. Did anyone else notice the Hidden Mickey in the last picture from Nemo made from the rope?Posted 08-21-2009 at 09:17 AM by WheresMickey - I'm confused about the expansion of the parking lot. It said that it might help lead to the eventual construction of a parking structure in the Pumbaa lot, but aren't they doing that right now? I thought that was what caused all the parking problems in the first place...
Also, that picture of the lagoon light tower box looks like they have no intention of making the light houses like they showed in the Bule Sky Cellar exhibit. I understand that things change, but it was such a simple thing that really doesn't even matter at the end of the day that they made a huge deal out of. It was about half of the original WOC exhibit, which sort of implies that it's essentially set in stone. I'm fine with that idea being replaced with something better, but wooden covers aren't very exciting. They already have a ton of them around ROA, so I was hoping they would do something a little more interesting here.Posted 08-21-2009 at 09:19 AM by FerretAfros -
Thanks for the great update! Love the hidden Mickey in the last Nemo photo : )Posted 08-21-2009 at 09:21 AM by StormTheCastle -
good one, wheresmickey!Posted 08-21-2009 at 09:34 AM by CandyPandora -
I was just about to post that one myself!Quote:Originally Posted by WheresMickey
Nice report. Did anyone else notice the Hidden Mickey in the last picture from Nemo made from the rope?
Nice update Darkbeer!Posted 08-21-2009 at 10:03 AM by ttrocc7007 -
The parking lot construction is located at the former Timon lot, for the DCA expansion. I believe Pumbaa is currently open.Quote:Originally Posted by FerretAfros I'm confused about the expansion of the parking lot. It said that it might help lead to the eventual construction of a parking structure in the Pumbaa lot, but aren't they doing that right now? I thought that was what caused all the parking problems in the first place...
The tower boxes in the picture are on the viewing side of the bay. From what I have seen, the lighthouses are to be on the opposite side, or even one located next to the Silly Symphony Swings. But, not directly blocking the viewing sections.Quote:Originally Posted by FerretAfros Also, that picture of the lagoon light tower box looks like they have no intention of making the light houses like they showed in the Bule Sky Cellar exhibit. I understand that things change, but it was such a simple thing that really doesn't even matter at the end of the day that they made a huge deal out of. It was about half of the original WOC exhibit, which sort of implies that it's essentially set in stone. I'm fine with that idea being replaced with something better, but wooden covers aren't very exciting. They already have a ton of them around ROA, so I was hoping they would do something a little more interesting here.Posted 08-21-2009 at 10:22 AM by Fantasmic!55 - To answer the questions of the update: I am not fond of the mural and I am going to guess that the real seagulls are the ones that fly.
We went to DLR on Wednesday and parked in the Simba lot. It was a reasonable walk to the Monorail but when we left DCA later that night, it was quite a trek back to our car. Hopefully they figure out a way to get a tram or shuttle out there.
While we were still in DL, Space Mountain had to be reset and my wife captured some video of the attraction with the lights on. You can see it atPosted 08-21-2009 at 10:34 AM by toemblem -
I thought that the mural had originally been designed by those kids at the YMCA, but finding out it was designed by a professional to look like it was designed by children (which I originally thought it was) and just painted by kids..I dunno, it was sort of disappointing.
But I love those photos of Nemo with the real sea gulls hanging out on that pier =DPosted 08-21-2009 at 10:36 AM by Oathkeeper - You say tomato, I say nickel & diming is irritating and takes guests out of the magic.
Now extra for avacado is completely different, not, but I don't like Disneyland inventing a greedy-looking trend.
Thanks again, David!Posted 08-21-2009 at 10:45 AM by jcruise86 -
$.90 for two slices of tomato? WTF? Maybe guests will actually complain about this one, especially since they still have the toppings bar at Taste Pilot's...Posted 08-21-2009 at 01:08 PM by BassBone -
were to monorail windows orange before? I thought they were always that color because it matches the nose cone windows and those are still the same.Posted 08-21-2009 at 01:39 PM by Disney Vault -
I think the mural is naive and sweet...
Thanks Darkbeer!Posted 08-21-2009 at 02:05 PM by EPCOT86 -
What next - a ketchup and mustard vendor for 50 cents a package?
And about the mural, that is an epic fail attempt to even come close to SBC. I mean WHAT IS THAT??Posted 08-21-2009 at 02:09 PM by Goover -
Man the tomato being extra is seriously disappointing, just like the missing waffle fries. Disney used to go above and beyond but now they are right there with all other parks, being average with what you get and still having it all overpriced.
Thanks for the update. As always it was a fun read.Posted 08-21-2009 at 04:56 PM by Disney Liz
