5/5/08 - Monday in the Parks - News, Photos and Tips
Well, happy Cinco de Mayo to you, watch the consumption of the Tequila and have a great Monday. There is a LOT to get to today, including some sad news, so lets get to it.
Disneyland Hotel Guest Commits Suicide on Friday
Around 11 AM on May 2nd, a businessman jumped from the top floor of the Wonder Tower and plunged to his death. He had a room on the south side of the tower, and ended up in the small parking lot area near the Fairy Tale Weddings building.
Alas, this is not the first time it happened. This is the 4th known attempt in the last 15 years.
In 1994, from the ninth floor, a 75 year old man jumped to his death.
In 1996, a 23 year old man jumped from the 14th floor, and was pronounced dead.
In 1998, an Cast Member who worked for the Walt Disney Company for 23 years jumped from the 14th floor, but survived the fall.
Here is a link to the news story from the Orange County Register.
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/a...7-room-suicide
Also, some of the information reported above came from the Print edition of the above article in Saturday's OC Register.
11 AM News Update
The Orange County Register is reporting that the gentleman who committed suicide on Friday was John Newman Jr. of Santa Cruz, who was 48 years old.
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/j...70-floor-hotel
Disneyland Parking Trams shut down due to an Accident on Friday
As posted here at MiceChat on Friday, and then picked up by TMZ.com, a Mickey and Friends Tram made a wide turn and ran into a sign. This closed down the tram route for a few hours, and required all guests to walk from the parking structure to the park. The trams are back to normal operation.
http://www.tmz.com/2008/05/03/disney...er-goofy-turn/
Some of the trams are getting a new lining on its benches
The New House of the Future opening will be delayed
The lower level of Innoventions in Tomorrowland was scheduled to have the "Innoventions Dream Home" open this month. Well, construction delays have pushed back the original date, which was announced back in February.
http://micechat.com/forums/showthrea...ife-90138.html
The current opening date is "To Be Determined".
A look at the Lower level roof of Innoventions
"it's a small world" continues its Refurb, and makes TIME magazine
Well, the tarps have started to cover the facade of "it's a small world" the last couple of days. The bigger question is how much of a refurb will happen. There was a major refurb planned for the facade, but some folks at Disney want to cut back on the expenses. Only time will tell what the final decision will be.
Also, TIME Magazine, as part of the opening of "it's a small world" in Hong Kong stated this.
http://www.time.com/time/world/artic...736906,00.html
The company's answer to the challenge of updating and translating "It's a Small World" appears to lie in improved special effects and cross-promotional branding.
The Walt Disney Company reports its Second quarter Earnings Tuesday Afternoon
This Tuesday, shortly after 1 PM PDT, The Walt Disney Company will report its earnings, and Wall Street is watching the Parks and Resorts performance closely.
http://www.marketwatch.com/News/Stor...%7D&siteid=nbk
Analyst Doug Creutz of Cowen & Co. recently said that big drops in consumer confidence often take their toll on Disney's parks. In a note, he wrote that similar drops in consumer confidence in 1990-91 and 2001-02 resulted in attendance drops of 10.8% and 4%, respectively.
Creutz forecast that Disney park sales and operating profits would be down 2.7% and 10%, respectively, as the company tries to cope with a 3.3% drop in attendance. "We believe that Disney's parks and resorts segment is one of the most exposed business segments in the company to the impact of a potential recession," he wrote.
Could "Star Trek: The Experience" in Las Vegas close for good this fall?
OK, this column focuses on the Southern California area, but Las Vegas is close enough. Well, the lease that CBS/Paramount has with the Las Vegas Hilton expires at the end of the year. TrekMovie.com reports that currently Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, the current management company for the attraction, is not planning to renew the lease.
http://trekmovie.com/2008/05/02/futu...ence-in-doubt/
The contract between CBS and Cedar Fair (current owners of The Experience) ends December 31st, and a spokesperson for Cedar Fair tells TrekMovie “there are currently no plans to renew” it. Talks are still ongoing and, although Cedar Fair is said to be happy with recent results from The The Experience due to effective cost-reductions, the attendance has been in decline for years (even after the introduction of the ‘Borg Invasion 4D‘ ride in 2004). The only ray of hope right now is that the new Star Trek feature film in 2009 may show promise of increased attendance. A final decision on The Experience is expected by the end of May.
Of course, this could just be negotiating in public, but I hope that the lease will be renewed and this fun attraction will remain open past this summer.
A photo of the entrance area from 2004.
A look around the rest of the parks
Brady MacDonald over at the Los Angeles Times has a few interesting articles from the last week.
The first talks about some of the upcoming new attractions in the Southern California area.
http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal-blog/?p=1822
Work continues on the Pony Express at Knott's Berry Farm, scheduled to open on May 22nd.
Next is a look at the Water Parks and when they are opening in Southern California.
http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal-blog/?p=1807
Work continues on the major refurb at Knott's Soak City Orange County restrooms.
And Six Flags Magic Mountain is adding Flame Throwers to the refurbished "X2" roller coaster.
http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal-blog/?p=1803
Also, in a fun article, with a jab at the "never-ending" Year of the Million Dreams campaign, a look at the Glow-tinis at the Lost Bar at the Disneyland Hotel.
http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal-blog/?p=1789
Selected Photos from Darkbeer.Smugmug.Com
Sleeping Beauty Castle has a couple of new "Dreams" banners
Club 33 reopened this weekend after a refurb
The Sun Fountain at the entrance area of Disney's California Adventure Park is having its safety railings replaced, and will reopen for the Summer season.
A "new" "a bug's land" float has appeared in the Pixar Play Parade at DCA, it is a smaller float than the first version, but allows Flick and Atta to be part of the parade.
As mentioned here last week, the Snow White exhibit at Disney's Animation has been removed, and the lobby area has returned to normal operation.
The expansion of the Grand Californian Hotel, and the addition of the DVC Time Share rooms is progressing nicely.
The Fred Gurley made its appearance at the 10th annual Fullerton Railroad Days this weekend.
This upcoming Sunday is Mother's Day, so best wishes to all Mom's out there, hope you have a great day!
A couple of "tween" ducks at Fantasia Gardens in Disneyland.
Maggie showing off her tongue at the Big Thunder Ranch at Disneyland.
Flowers are in bloom at Disneyland.
That should do it, alas, don't expect to ride the new Mark VII Monorail this week, as testing and minor adjustments as still going on with the new Monorail Red.
Have a great week!
Disneyland Hotel Guest Commits Suicide on Friday
Around 11 AM on May 2nd, a businessman jumped from the top floor of the Wonder Tower and plunged to his death. He had a room on the south side of the tower, and ended up in the small parking lot area near the Fairy Tale Weddings building.
Alas, this is not the first time it happened. This is the 4th known attempt in the last 15 years.
In 1994, from the ninth floor, a 75 year old man jumped to his death.
In 1996, a 23 year old man jumped from the 14th floor, and was pronounced dead.
In 1998, an Cast Member who worked for the Walt Disney Company for 23 years jumped from the 14th floor, but survived the fall.
Here is a link to the news story from the Orange County Register.
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/a...7-room-suicide
Also, some of the information reported above came from the Print edition of the above article in Saturday's OC Register.
11 AM News Update
The Orange County Register is reporting that the gentleman who committed suicide on Friday was John Newman Jr. of Santa Cruz, who was 48 years old.
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/j...70-floor-hotel
Disneyland Parking Trams shut down due to an Accident on Friday
As posted here at MiceChat on Friday, and then picked up by TMZ.com, a Mickey and Friends Tram made a wide turn and ran into a sign. This closed down the tram route for a few hours, and required all guests to walk from the parking structure to the park. The trams are back to normal operation.
http://www.tmz.com/2008/05/03/disney...er-goofy-turn/
Some of the trams are getting a new lining on its benches
The New House of the Future opening will be delayed
The lower level of Innoventions in Tomorrowland was scheduled to have the "Innoventions Dream Home" open this month. Well, construction delays have pushed back the original date, which was announced back in February.
http://micechat.com/forums/showthrea...ife-90138.html
The current opening date is "To Be Determined".
A look at the Lower level roof of Innoventions
"it's a small world" continues its Refurb, and makes TIME magazine
Well, the tarps have started to cover the facade of "it's a small world" the last couple of days. The bigger question is how much of a refurb will happen. There was a major refurb planned for the facade, but some folks at Disney want to cut back on the expenses. Only time will tell what the final decision will be.
Also, TIME Magazine, as part of the opening of "it's a small world" in Hong Kong stated this.
http://www.time.com/time/world/artic...736906,00.html
Quote:
The company's answer to the challenge of updating and translating "It's a Small World" appears to lie in improved special effects and cross-promotional branding.
The Walt Disney Company reports its Second quarter Earnings Tuesday Afternoon
This Tuesday, shortly after 1 PM PDT, The Walt Disney Company will report its earnings, and Wall Street is watching the Parks and Resorts performance closely.
http://www.marketwatch.com/News/Stor...%7D&siteid=nbk
Quote:
Analyst Doug Creutz of Cowen & Co. recently said that big drops in consumer confidence often take their toll on Disney's parks. In a note, he wrote that similar drops in consumer confidence in 1990-91 and 2001-02 resulted in attendance drops of 10.8% and 4%, respectively.
Creutz forecast that Disney park sales and operating profits would be down 2.7% and 10%, respectively, as the company tries to cope with a 3.3% drop in attendance. "We believe that Disney's parks and resorts segment is one of the most exposed business segments in the company to the impact of a potential recession," he wrote.
OK, this column focuses on the Southern California area, but Las Vegas is close enough. Well, the lease that CBS/Paramount has with the Las Vegas Hilton expires at the end of the year. TrekMovie.com reports that currently Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, the current management company for the attraction, is not planning to renew the lease.
http://trekmovie.com/2008/05/02/futu...ence-in-doubt/
Quote:
The contract between CBS and Cedar Fair (current owners of The Experience) ends December 31st, and a spokesperson for Cedar Fair tells TrekMovie “there are currently no plans to renew” it. Talks are still ongoing and, although Cedar Fair is said to be happy with recent results from The The Experience due to effective cost-reductions, the attendance has been in decline for years (even after the introduction of the ‘Borg Invasion 4D‘ ride in 2004). The only ray of hope right now is that the new Star Trek feature film in 2009 may show promise of increased attendance. A final decision on The Experience is expected by the end of May.
A photo of the entrance area from 2004.
A look around the rest of the parks
Brady MacDonald over at the Los Angeles Times has a few interesting articles from the last week.
The first talks about some of the upcoming new attractions in the Southern California area.
http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal-blog/?p=1822
Work continues on the Pony Express at Knott's Berry Farm, scheduled to open on May 22nd.
Next is a look at the Water Parks and when they are opening in Southern California.
http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal-blog/?p=1807
Work continues on the major refurb at Knott's Soak City Orange County restrooms.
And Six Flags Magic Mountain is adding Flame Throwers to the refurbished "X2" roller coaster.
http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal-blog/?p=1803
Also, in a fun article, with a jab at the "never-ending" Year of the Million Dreams campaign, a look at the Glow-tinis at the Lost Bar at the Disneyland Hotel.
http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal-blog/?p=1789
Selected Photos from Darkbeer.Smugmug.Com
Sleeping Beauty Castle has a couple of new "Dreams" banners
Club 33 reopened this weekend after a refurb
The Sun Fountain at the entrance area of Disney's California Adventure Park is having its safety railings replaced, and will reopen for the Summer season.
A "new" "a bug's land" float has appeared in the Pixar Play Parade at DCA, it is a smaller float than the first version, but allows Flick and Atta to be part of the parade.
As mentioned here last week, the Snow White exhibit at Disney's Animation has been removed, and the lobby area has returned to normal operation.
The expansion of the Grand Californian Hotel, and the addition of the DVC Time Share rooms is progressing nicely.
The Fred Gurley made its appearance at the 10th annual Fullerton Railroad Days this weekend.
This upcoming Sunday is Mother's Day, so best wishes to all Mom's out there, hope you have a great day!
A couple of "tween" ducks at Fantasia Gardens in Disneyland.
Maggie showing off her tongue at the Big Thunder Ranch at Disneyland.
Flowers are in bloom at Disneyland.
That should do it, alas, don't expect to ride the new Mark VII Monorail this week, as testing and minor adjustments as still going on with the new Monorail Red.
Have a great week!
Total Comments 20
Comments
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Thanks for the update, Darkbeer -- it's a great way to start the work week, as always.
Those tweenage ducks really tick me off: hanging out in groups, mooching popcorn from the guests, cutting in line, quacking through the safety spiels, and wearing immature plumage!Posted 05-05-2008 at 07:54 AM by wulfblat
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Thanks for the update!
But, there's just one small problem... it's Sleeping Beauty Castle, not Cinderella Castle.
Posted 05-05-2008 at 08:06 AM by dland_lover 
- Regarding the Star Trek attraction, I live in Vegas and had heard it reported almost a year ago that the attraction would be closing at the end of the lease. This appeared in the RJ, but seemed to quote sources from both sides and represented the information as fact. I couldn't find the info on their website, however, so I'm not too sure how great the info is.Posted 05-05-2008 at 08:39 AM by DVkid07
- Thank You I always look forward to these.Posted 05-05-2008 at 09:37 AM by Todd R
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lovely update as always. I'm excited to see the refurbs in 33, and that picture of Maggie just made my day
Posted 05-05-2008 at 10:51 AM by Walt's Girl -
David:
I would hardly call the tram situation up and running like normal. I heard a lot of grumbling from CMs on Sunday about new procedures, investigators, managers, etc. The way they were bringing in trams and making stops at different places was confusing for people. The tram would come to a stop en route because of other trams picking up other park-goers, and the back CMs were continually telling people to remain seated. (Unfortunately), I had to make 2 trips back to M&F Sunday. I think it would have been faster to walk each time!
Also, last Monday, we saw a portable security command center, with a lift, next to M&F. Had never seen it previously. I haven't seen anything about it on the boards, either. I did not get a picture of it.Posted 05-05-2008 at 12:02 PM by ISeeTheMatterhorn! - "Also, last Monday, we saw a portable security command center, with a lift, next to M&F. Had never seen it previously. I haven't seen anything about it on the boards, either. I did not get a picture of it."
that is always there or near the cast member shuttle entrance in the esplanade area. no idea what it truly is for, it's eery and just screams police state to me imhoPosted 05-05-2008 at 12:08 PM by mohavewolfpup - I think we've come in from the Harbor Blvd. side maybe three or four times, so had never seen it before. With the booth at the Mickey level, it indeed seemed eery and very police state-like.Posted 05-05-2008 at 12:13 PM by ISeeTheMatterhorn!
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So that's a "COW LICK"Posted 05-05-2008 at 12:18 PM by Tikimoose - Just updated the article to reflect the OC Register news story naming the suicide jumper from Friday.
Also fixed the castle typo.Posted 05-05-2008 at 12:42 PM by In the Parks -
Maggie the cow is ALWAYS sporting that tongue of hers. She's my favorite part of Big Thunder Ranch.Posted 05-05-2008 at 12:57 PM by SoCalUW -
X2 and the flame thrower seems cool.Posted 05-05-2008 at 02:07 PM by Coast21 -
Great update Darkbeer!!! I always look forward to Monday morning (for you, not for work).
-DustyPosted 05-05-2008 at 02:11 PM by Dustysage -
Always good info Darkbeer. Thanks for the update.Posted 05-05-2008 at 02:35 PM by Rixter -
THAT DARN COW!!!
I swear everytime I'm there I'm gunna go see her...but everytime I'm there...she's never there!
I'm determined!!! lolPosted 05-05-2008 at 06:10 PM by SingingAngel7242 -
A excellent update. I feel bad for the cast members, as they were forced to let people off, at the same place they were picking people up. I heard patrons say "there is something wrong with this". As always, great pictures.Posted 05-05-2008 at 08:30 PM by ralzap - ive ridden the new monorail....cast preview.Posted 05-05-2008 at 10:42 PM by R2P2CM
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Maggie is so cute. She's a wonderful bovine.Posted 05-05-2008 at 11:50 PM by BassBone - Thanks for the update. I hate to see the "Snow White" exhibit close. Pity about the suicide(s). I wonder if Disneyland has ghosts wandering around at night with four suicides and all. I've think I've seen a couple around New Orleans Square at night.Posted 05-06-2008 at 06:08 AM by whamo
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hey everyone. i'm doing my high school senior thesis on the positive effects of disney on society and the individual. i'd love imput from as many people as possible. I am covering counter arguments to claims of disney being racist (princess and frog, other impicit things in movies), counter arguments to the whole there is no such thing as a happy ending.(enchanted), and that disney toons/movies are good for kids, i am also doing a section on disney theme parks mostly disneyland where i did my field work on the dream team, overall experience of the park, and exploring Ray Bradbury's ideas of disneyland, and lastly how the park is an envirommental example.
So please your thoughts on disney would help A LOT for my surveying/interviewing section.Posted 05-06-2008 at 12:45 PM by sali5506
