6/9/08 - Monday in the Parks - News, Photos and Tips
Another Monday, summer is here, and hope the weather is good wherever you are. The crowds are starting to show up at the Southern Californian Parks, so let's get to it.
Disneyland has an interesting week of scheduling and events
Due to the fact that Disney has moved to Summer Hours, but still has 2 Grad Nites scheduled this week, we have some strange hours and schedule adjustments.
While Disneyland has switched to the normal maximum hours of 8 AM to Midnight daily, this Wednesday and Thursday (and next Thursday, June 19th) Disneyland will close at 9 PM to allow for the Grad Nights. Disney's California Adventure is now open 10 AM to 9 PM daily, but will close at 7 PM on the same three nights due to the special Grad Nite Blast Off event.
Also, for just this week, Disneyland has switched the 4 days that it offers the special Magic Morning events that are available to those who purchase most Advance Purchase ParkHoppers. The normal Thursday event will be offered on Wednesday instead.
As for special events, today starts a full week of shows in the Pacific Wharf area of Disney's California Adventure. The Hi Seoul Korea performance troupe will offer a variety of shows daily through Sunday, June 15th. Check the TIMES Guide when you arrive for the different shows and when they will be performing.
Also this Sunday, Disney's California Adventure will host its first Triathlon, in association with Danskin. Competitors will actually swim in the Paradise Pier lake prior to the park opening.
Contestants will enter and exit the lake by using the boat ramp near the start of California Screamin'.
Also, expect some disruptions this weekend at Disney's California Adventure due to Media Coverage of the new Toy Story Mania! attraction.
Disneyland to move the Tomorrowland Smoking Section
Last year, Disney had to move the Tomorrowland Smoking section due to the opening of the new Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage attraction and the need for an extended queue. The only place they could figure out where to place it was the pathway between the Autopia Entrance and the Tomorrowland Train Station. Alas, this was a fairly narrow pathway and forced many park guests and Cast Members to walk through the area.
Well, Disney is moving the area this week to the Fantasia Gardens area (also known as the former Motor Boat Dock area). This new area will keep Smokers away from other park guests and hopefully will work better than the current location.
The new Mark VII Monorail is still having serious problems
I have talked about this a few times in the past, but a reminder that currently only the Mark V Monorail Purple is running for park guests. The new Mark VII Monorail Red is still having problems. One of the main issues is still the air flow (or lack of it) with the new window design.
The new Mark VII Window design, with the windows fully open.
The Mark V Purple and its window design.
Changing the windows would be a major issue, and new safety regulations would more than likely not allow the Mark V window design to be installed on the new Mark VII's.
So be prepared for long lines, and possible restrictions, such as one way trips and having to show a hotel key from one of the three Disney Owned Hotels to board, at least at certain times of the day for the foreseeable future.
Anaheim GardenWalk advertises its Grand Opening for June 14th and 15th
The new Anaheim GardenWalk has posted a sign stating that it will hold its Grand Opening Celebration this upcoming weekend.
It is expected that the Food Court and many shops will be open, but that much of the new center will not be ready by June 14th, including the new Movie Theaters and Upscale Bowling Center.
Universal Studios Hollywood offers a Salute to Firefighters for the month of June
A week after the major fire at Universal Studios Hollywood, USH has announced a special offer for badged fire department personnel. They will get a free One Day Ticket, and can purchase up to three other tickets at 50% off.
http://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/hotdeals.html
And in case you missed it, I ran a special Tuesday update showing photos of the park from last Monday.
http://micechat.com/forums/blogs/in-the-parks/412-6-3-08-universal-studios-hollywood-backlot-fire-update-news-photos.html
And for those who are planning to go, Universal Studios is operating at normal summer hours, and all attractions, including the Backlot Tram tour are open.
In related USH news, Brady MacDonald of the Los Angeles Times reports that the new attraction for the 2009 season will be a new musical replacing the current Fear Factor Live show.
http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal...m-the-bl-1989/
The new show will be "Creature of the Black Lagoon: The Musical".
The storyline describes “an unexpectedly outrageous, strangely romantic, frequently melodic and often hilarious adventure” that will leave audiences “immersed in the ominous environment of the deepest Amazon” and “enveloped by the exotic sounds and scents of the jungle.” You can’t make this stuff up.
The new show is expected to open for the Summer season. Fear Factor Live last shows will be at the end of the Summer 2008 season.
Six Flags Magic Mountain news
Six Flags Magic Mountain announced this week that they have cancelled the nightly fireworks show they offer during the summer, due to the current high fire risk in the area. The "Starlight Spectacular" Parade will still be held at 9 PM nightly.
Also, the new kids area, "Thomas Town" opened last Thursday at Six Flags Magic Mountain.
http://www.hometownstation.com/local...5-16-17-3.html
Six Flags General Manager Tim Burkhardt was enthusiastic about the opening, which he said came about after intensive focus groups run by park employees.
”What we’re trying to do is let people know we have so many things for families,” he said. “For so many years we’ve talked about our coasters and never talked about these other things, but we have 42 rides in the park that children under 48 inches high can ride.
“We’re within a couple of rides of having the same number as Disneyland,” he boasted.
“We have enough rides, shows and presentations identified as family friendly so a family could come out here, never ride a coaster and really fill the day.”
Selected photos from Darkbeer.Smugmug.com
Have a great week!
Disneyland has an interesting week of scheduling and events
Due to the fact that Disney has moved to Summer Hours, but still has 2 Grad Nites scheduled this week, we have some strange hours and schedule adjustments.
While Disneyland has switched to the normal maximum hours of 8 AM to Midnight daily, this Wednesday and Thursday (and next Thursday, June 19th) Disneyland will close at 9 PM to allow for the Grad Nights. Disney's California Adventure is now open 10 AM to 9 PM daily, but will close at 7 PM on the same three nights due to the special Grad Nite Blast Off event.
Also, for just this week, Disneyland has switched the 4 days that it offers the special Magic Morning events that are available to those who purchase most Advance Purchase ParkHoppers. The normal Thursday event will be offered on Wednesday instead.
As for special events, today starts a full week of shows in the Pacific Wharf area of Disney's California Adventure. The Hi Seoul Korea performance troupe will offer a variety of shows daily through Sunday, June 15th. Check the TIMES Guide when you arrive for the different shows and when they will be performing.
Also this Sunday, Disney's California Adventure will host its first Triathlon, in association with Danskin. Competitors will actually swim in the Paradise Pier lake prior to the park opening.
Contestants will enter and exit the lake by using the boat ramp near the start of California Screamin'.
Also, expect some disruptions this weekend at Disney's California Adventure due to Media Coverage of the new Toy Story Mania! attraction.
Disneyland to move the Tomorrowland Smoking Section
Last year, Disney had to move the Tomorrowland Smoking section due to the opening of the new Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage attraction and the need for an extended queue. The only place they could figure out where to place it was the pathway between the Autopia Entrance and the Tomorrowland Train Station. Alas, this was a fairly narrow pathway and forced many park guests and Cast Members to walk through the area.
Well, Disney is moving the area this week to the Fantasia Gardens area (also known as the former Motor Boat Dock area). This new area will keep Smokers away from other park guests and hopefully will work better than the current location.
The new Mark VII Monorail is still having serious problems
I have talked about this a few times in the past, but a reminder that currently only the Mark V Monorail Purple is running for park guests. The new Mark VII Monorail Red is still having problems. One of the main issues is still the air flow (or lack of it) with the new window design.
The new Mark VII Window design, with the windows fully open.
The Mark V Purple and its window design.
Changing the windows would be a major issue, and new safety regulations would more than likely not allow the Mark V window design to be installed on the new Mark VII's.
So be prepared for long lines, and possible restrictions, such as one way trips and having to show a hotel key from one of the three Disney Owned Hotels to board, at least at certain times of the day for the foreseeable future.
Anaheim GardenWalk advertises its Grand Opening for June 14th and 15th
The new Anaheim GardenWalk has posted a sign stating that it will hold its Grand Opening Celebration this upcoming weekend.
It is expected that the Food Court and many shops will be open, but that much of the new center will not be ready by June 14th, including the new Movie Theaters and Upscale Bowling Center.
Universal Studios Hollywood offers a Salute to Firefighters for the month of June
A week after the major fire at Universal Studios Hollywood, USH has announced a special offer for badged fire department personnel. They will get a free One Day Ticket, and can purchase up to three other tickets at 50% off.
http://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/hotdeals.html
And in case you missed it, I ran a special Tuesday update showing photos of the park from last Monday.
http://micechat.com/forums/blogs/in-the-parks/412-6-3-08-universal-studios-hollywood-backlot-fire-update-news-photos.html
And for those who are planning to go, Universal Studios is operating at normal summer hours, and all attractions, including the Backlot Tram tour are open.
In related USH news, Brady MacDonald of the Los Angeles Times reports that the new attraction for the 2009 season will be a new musical replacing the current Fear Factor Live show.
http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal...m-the-bl-1989/
The new show will be "Creature of the Black Lagoon: The Musical".
Quote:
The storyline describes “an unexpectedly outrageous, strangely romantic, frequently melodic and often hilarious adventure” that will leave audiences “immersed in the ominous environment of the deepest Amazon” and “enveloped by the exotic sounds and scents of the jungle.” You can’t make this stuff up.
Six Flags Magic Mountain news
Six Flags Magic Mountain announced this week that they have cancelled the nightly fireworks show they offer during the summer, due to the current high fire risk in the area. The "Starlight Spectacular" Parade will still be held at 9 PM nightly.
Also, the new kids area, "Thomas Town" opened last Thursday at Six Flags Magic Mountain.
http://www.hometownstation.com/local...5-16-17-3.html
Quote:
Six Flags General Manager Tim Burkhardt was enthusiastic about the opening, which he said came about after intensive focus groups run by park employees.
”What we’re trying to do is let people know we have so many things for families,” he said. “For so many years we’ve talked about our coasters and never talked about these other things, but we have 42 rides in the park that children under 48 inches high can ride.
“We’re within a couple of rides of having the same number as Disneyland,” he boasted.
“We have enough rides, shows and presentations identified as family friendly so a family could come out here, never ride a coaster and really fill the day.”
Have a great week!
Total Comments 22
Comments
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I'm really annoyed with the monorail. Also, I heard that if you won a TSM preview and your passi s blocked out, you get in for free because they close early for a Grad night. Can any one back this up?Posted 06-09-2008 at 07:35 AM by Eric5675
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Nice update! I haven't heard anything about getting in free if your pass is blocked out for TSM preview.Posted 06-09-2008 at 07:53 AM by WheresMickey -
Any word as to whether Orlando is going to replace the fear factor show with the Black Lagoon show as well.Posted 06-09-2008 at 09:51 AM by kcnole -
From mouseplanet this morning:
"Finally, in an "silent" change to the published policy, winners who hold a SoCal or SoCal Select passport will not need to purchase a blockout day pass if they won a preview on Wednesday or Thursday."Posted 06-09-2008 at 10:33 AM by ralfrick - Does anyone know if Toy Story Mania at DCA will have FastPasses?Posted 06-09-2008 at 11:53 AM by louisehira
- Portland beer at Disney FTW! (Widmer)Posted 06-09-2008 at 12:39 PM by SimpTwister
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You know that really is unfair, I specifically did not apply to win the TSMM preview on days I was blocked and now after I didn't win they go and change the rules. That's just BS.Posted 06-09-2008 at 01:02 PM by Uncle Bob -
I notice that a lot of people refer to it as the Paradise Pier Lake... instead of its actual name of Paradise Bay.
Since a lot of Disney fans are pretty picky about using the correct names (ie they get annoyed that the Haunted Mansion is often called the haunted house by Guests), this doesn't make sense to me.
Is this just another way to undervalue DCA?Posted 06-09-2008 at 02:27 PM by Disneyphenom -
I call it the Paradise Pier Puddle.
Also, Toy Story Midway Mania will not have fastpasses.Posted 06-09-2008 at 02:35 PM by BassBone 
- They should install roof scoops into the roof of each cabin of the monorail. Like what they have on rally cars.Posted 06-09-2008 at 02:47 PM by SLUSHIE
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I'm a stickler for using correct terminology, and it even drives me nuts when Disney does it (it's Haunted Mansion or the Haunted Mansion, not The Haunted Mansion...yes, I have minor OCD)...
I've heard both Paradise Bay and Paradise Lagoon, although I like Paradise Bay better.Posted 06-09-2008 at 05:33 PM by drownedprocess -
does anyone know where that portabello philly thing is sold?.Posted 06-09-2008 at 06:41 PM by lovedisney33 -
Award Wieners at the Hollywood Backlot Area of DCA. It was originally part of the Food and Wine Weekends, but both it, and the beer (the only location on the east side) sold a lot, so they "re" marketed it as a Year of a Million Dreams promo.....Posted 06-09-2008 at 09:34 PM by Darkbeer - >> Also, Toy Story Midway Mania will not have fastpasses.<<
Personally I like that since the line will move smoother. But it's interesting since this attraction is now one of the key FastPass attractions at Disney's Hollywood Studios.Posted 06-10-2008 at 04:59 AM by -
The Portobello Philly sounds delicious!
Thanks for the great update!Posted 06-10-2008 at 08:57 AM by Megastrophy -
I tried the Portobello Philly, and I would only say that the sprinkles of mozzarella on top should be toasted, and if they were going for authentic, the bread would be chewier. Otherwise, it was tasty- beats a hot dog! I still wish they had tofu pups, though!
And we previewed TSMM yesterday - way fun! So much better than Buzz!Posted 06-10-2008 at 10:35 AM by Cactushugr -
Once upon a time, the "Fantasia Gardens" area was the smoking area and when they moved it to the path in Tomorrowland, I assumed that was a temporary adjustment. WHY would you force a smoking area into a cramped pathway like that? Especially when FG is ideally located - away from people, walkways, etc. and it is being wasted as a bench area for those same reasons - most people don't notice it there.
Also, I'm curious about the swimmers in the Paradise Bay - I thought that the water was too shallow/full of equipment/toxic for people to swim in?Posted 06-10-2008 at 11:02 AM by giddygirlie -
I keep picturing the classic Simpson's episode where Lisa drinks the water at the IASW knock-off. The Paradise Bay water can't be safe to swim in, I certainly wouldn't. . .Posted 06-10-2008 at 11:55 AM by aquata - I'm hitting the park the 25th thru 27th, staying at the Sheraton Park, using my So Cal before the long dry spot. I'm looking forward to seeing the new Indy, Toy Story, and etc. new stuff. Should I walk or drive from the hotel to Disneyland?Posted 06-10-2008 at 01:04 PM by whamo
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I dont think Toy Story Mania is even comparable to Buzz. They are two completly different ride systems!Posted 06-10-2008 at 06:56 PM by crazyguy7965
