7/7/08 - Monday in the Parks - News, Photos and Tips
Hope you had a great July the Fourth weekend. A lot to get to today, so let's get started.
July 4th Weekend Crowds
This was a very light weekend crowd-wise for the Disneyland Resort. Part of the reason, that the majority of Annual Passholders were blocked out, only Premium AP holders were allowed in July 4th, 5th and 6th without having to pay for the daily $40 Blockout Pass.
The Disneyland Wait Board just before 1 PM on Sunday, July 6th
Friday has the largest crowds, as many folks came to see the special July 4th Fireworks display. Alas, due to high winds, they had to cancel the performance about half-way through the show.
The Matterhorn was pretty much a walk-on at 7 PM on Sunday Evening
Reports from SeaWorld San Diego, LEGOLAND, Knott's, Universal Studios Hollywood and Six Flags Magic Mountain all were happy with their attendance, but no records, as it looks like the folks are cutting back on travel due to the high gas prices, but nothing like the low crowds Disneyland had Saturday and Sunday.
Mark VII Monorail Red starts guest Previews
Thursday, July 3rd had Disneyland to start allowing guests to ride the new Mark VII Monorail, but only "on occasion" and that when it does run, the amount of guests are limited. They are limiting the amount of guests that can board the Monorail. The main trains are being limited to just 15 people per car (the Mark V could hold 24 people per car), and the CM's are counting to make sure that limit is being met.
Also, the Mark VII is having a lot of troubles, and has only run for a few hours straight before having to be sent to the Barn for repairs. (For example, tried to ride it Sunday night, they allowed us to board, and then after boarding, decided the train was malfunctioning, and made everyone exit the train before leaving the station.)
The Driver's console on the new Mark VII
The Los Angeles Times had an article in the paper yesterday...
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedi...0,734936.story
On Saturday the long-awaited new train, the park's only upgrade of the attraction in 21 years, failed to appear after several hours of on-again, off-again operation over the previous two days.
Disney officials attributed the glitches to the attraction's normal "test and adjust" period, when mechanics and designers work out the bugs.
"We are working on solving them," spokeswoman Betsy Sanchez said of the unspecified problems.
She would not predict when the ride would open full time.
The newly added Air Scoops on the top of the Mark VII
So keep an eye out for it, but understand, it is still in "testing" phase, and there is a good chance that it will not be available when you visit.
Innoventions Dream Home is open, but still not totally finished
The new lower level of Innoventions is open to guests, but much of the area, including the outer ring area is not finished, and many folks are not getting the "full" show.
No matter where you go, Digital Picture Frames are the theme of the Dream Home
And this is definitely not the "House of the Future", but then, it wasn't designed to be. It is a showcase of current technology that you can have in your own home today.
Two-Buck Chuck (aka Charles Shaw) is part of the new Dream Home
And you can enjoy your glass of wine while watching QVC in the Dream Home
The Movie Experience at Anaheim GardenWalk has a Soft Opening
Continuing the theme of late and partial openings this summer, The new Multi-plex has some of their screens open, including their IMAX theater. Even better, the IMAX movie is FREE today through Thursday the 10th. Deep Sea 3D is offered at 3:30 and 5:15 PM. Other movies, including WALL-E are available for a fee ($9 for regular shows, $7 for showings prior to 4 PM).
http://www.themovieexperience.com/tme-gwalk.shtml
The Movie Experience is planning a Grand Opening on July 18th, which is appropriate, as that is the same day that Disneyland opened to the Public back in 1955.
Jewel of Orleans in New Orleans Square celebrating its 11th Anniversary.
The Estate Jewelery store in Disneyland is celebrating its 11th anniversary and is having a sale.
Through Saturday, July 12th, anyone walking into the store will get 20% off any item if purchased outright (aka out the door). Since we are talking about some fine pre-owned Jewelry, Jewel of Orleans (also known as Dianne's Estate Jewellery), they also offer a Layaway program. During the sale, you will get 15% off the normal prices.
The way the Layaway program works, you will need to place at least 10% as a down payment, and then you get to make 12 monthly payments that cover the rest of the price. Of course, the item remains in the store until payment in full is made, but since there is no interest on the purchase, it is a way to get a nice piece of jewelry without hitting your wallet too hard at one time.
So stop by, say hello, check out the items, some items can be bought for just a few hundred dollars, while others can be much more (think in the tens of thousands of dollars), so ask the staff, and let them know your limits. Also let them know that you heard about the sale here at MiceAge, and ask them to point out the Hidden Mickey.
Jewel of Orleans is next door to the entrance of the French Market Restaurant.
Possible Changes to the FastPass system
Checked on the system on Sunday, and found that both the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and the Autopia Fastpass machines were operating in "Stand-Alone" mode, which means you can get Fastpasses from these machines in addition to other Fastpasses.
I am not sure if this is long-term change, or just a test. So I will be checking back on the system in the next week or two, but for right now, I would get a Fastpass at Indiana Jones Adventure, Splash Mountain or Space Mountain first, and then try and get Fastpasses for BTMR and Autopia.
Full details on how the Fastpass system works can be found here...
http://micechat.com/forums/disneyland-resort/5720-joy-fastpass-details-secrets.html
The Simpsons Ride at Universal Studios voted World's 'Best New Theme Park Attraction'
This Press Release from Universal Studios Hollywood was released Friday.
UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., July 4 --Accolades continue rolling in for Universal Park & Resorts' new Simpsons Ride. Already the subject of rave reviews by guests at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort, Theme Park Insider.com has now voted The Simpsons Ride as the "Best New Theme Park Attraction" worldwide for 2008. Theme Park Insider.com is a leading consumers' guide to the world's most popular theme and amusement parks, written by consumers themselves.
The Simpsons Ride showcases everything the popular television series has made famous and that Simpsons fans love ... a great story, humor and irreverence that are pure Simpsons, with original animation starring cast members Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith, Hank Azaria and guest star Kelsey Grammer. Guests are swept into Krustyland, a theme park created by the show's cantankerous, cash-hungry clown.
Meanwhile, maniacal Sideshow Bob has escaped from prison and has taken control of the park to get his revenge on Krusty and the Simpson family. Hand-picked by Krusty to be the first to ride his newest attraction, guests are thrust into the middle of the action and soar through Krustyland and Springfield on a ride that features the world's first-ever cork screw that's animated.
"The Simpsons Ride represents what Universal does best -- which is to take pop culture's blockbuster entertainment concepts and bring them to life in wildly entertaining theme park experiences," said Mark Woodbury, President of Universal Creative, designers of The Simpsons Ride. "We appreciate the recognition and share it with our partners at Fox Licensing and Gracie Films, who helped us create a truly authentic Simpsons experience."
About Universal Parks & Resorts
Universal Parks & Resorts (Universal) (http://www.nbcuni.com) consists of three worldwide entertainment destinations with four dramatically distinct theme parks, including Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Studios Japan. Universal is part of NBC Universal, which is 80% owned by General Electric. Universal Orlando Resort (http://www.universalorlando.com) is home to the Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure theme parks, as well as Universal CityWalk, a 30-acre dining, shopping and entertainment venue and three premier on-site Loews hotels. Universal Studios Hollywood (http://www.universalstudioshollywood.com) combines an authentic working movie and television studio with cutting-edge thrill rides and attractions, offering guests a uniquely immersive entertainment experience that employs the latest in state-of-the-art technologies.
Disney on Ice in the News
An Interesting article about the Disney on Ice Productions was in the New York Times Saturday.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/05/bu...ss&oref=slogin
Amazing that more folks see these shows than all the shows on Broadway, an interesting read.
Selected Photos from Darkbeer.Smugmug.com
The Orange County Health Department is requiring Disneyland to post the required Inspection Notices at the Restaurants Main Entrances
Well, that show do it for this week, for those planning to be at Disneyland on Thursday, July 17th, there will be a special "Noon Meet at the Hub", so please stop by and say hello.
July 4th Weekend Crowds
This was a very light weekend crowd-wise for the Disneyland Resort. Part of the reason, that the majority of Annual Passholders were blocked out, only Premium AP holders were allowed in July 4th, 5th and 6th without having to pay for the daily $40 Blockout Pass.
The Disneyland Wait Board just before 1 PM on Sunday, July 6th
Friday has the largest crowds, as many folks came to see the special July 4th Fireworks display. Alas, due to high winds, they had to cancel the performance about half-way through the show.
The Matterhorn was pretty much a walk-on at 7 PM on Sunday Evening
Reports from SeaWorld San Diego, LEGOLAND, Knott's, Universal Studios Hollywood and Six Flags Magic Mountain all were happy with their attendance, but no records, as it looks like the folks are cutting back on travel due to the high gas prices, but nothing like the low crowds Disneyland had Saturday and Sunday.
Mark VII Monorail Red starts guest Previews
Thursday, July 3rd had Disneyland to start allowing guests to ride the new Mark VII Monorail, but only "on occasion" and that when it does run, the amount of guests are limited. They are limiting the amount of guests that can board the Monorail. The main trains are being limited to just 15 people per car (the Mark V could hold 24 people per car), and the CM's are counting to make sure that limit is being met.
Also, the Mark VII is having a lot of troubles, and has only run for a few hours straight before having to be sent to the Barn for repairs. (For example, tried to ride it Sunday night, they allowed us to board, and then after boarding, decided the train was malfunctioning, and made everyone exit the train before leaving the station.)
The Driver's console on the new Mark VII
The Los Angeles Times had an article in the paper yesterday...
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedi...0,734936.story
Quote:
On Saturday the long-awaited new train, the park's only upgrade of the attraction in 21 years, failed to appear after several hours of on-again, off-again operation over the previous two days.
Disney officials attributed the glitches to the attraction's normal "test and adjust" period, when mechanics and designers work out the bugs.
"We are working on solving them," spokeswoman Betsy Sanchez said of the unspecified problems.
She would not predict when the ride would open full time.
The newly added Air Scoops on the top of the Mark VII
So keep an eye out for it, but understand, it is still in "testing" phase, and there is a good chance that it will not be available when you visit.
Innoventions Dream Home is open, but still not totally finished
The new lower level of Innoventions is open to guests, but much of the area, including the outer ring area is not finished, and many folks are not getting the "full" show.
No matter where you go, Digital Picture Frames are the theme of the Dream Home
And this is definitely not the "House of the Future", but then, it wasn't designed to be. It is a showcase of current technology that you can have in your own home today.
Two-Buck Chuck (aka Charles Shaw) is part of the new Dream Home
And you can enjoy your glass of wine while watching QVC in the Dream Home
The Movie Experience at Anaheim GardenWalk has a Soft Opening
Continuing the theme of late and partial openings this summer, The new Multi-plex has some of their screens open, including their IMAX theater. Even better, the IMAX movie is FREE today through Thursday the 10th. Deep Sea 3D is offered at 3:30 and 5:15 PM. Other movies, including WALL-E are available for a fee ($9 for regular shows, $7 for showings prior to 4 PM).
http://www.themovieexperience.com/tme-gwalk.shtml
The Movie Experience is planning a Grand Opening on July 18th, which is appropriate, as that is the same day that Disneyland opened to the Public back in 1955.
Jewel of Orleans in New Orleans Square celebrating its 11th Anniversary.
The Estate Jewelery store in Disneyland is celebrating its 11th anniversary and is having a sale.
Through Saturday, July 12th, anyone walking into the store will get 20% off any item if purchased outright (aka out the door). Since we are talking about some fine pre-owned Jewelry, Jewel of Orleans (also known as Dianne's Estate Jewellery), they also offer a Layaway program. During the sale, you will get 15% off the normal prices.
The way the Layaway program works, you will need to place at least 10% as a down payment, and then you get to make 12 monthly payments that cover the rest of the price. Of course, the item remains in the store until payment in full is made, but since there is no interest on the purchase, it is a way to get a nice piece of jewelry without hitting your wallet too hard at one time.
So stop by, say hello, check out the items, some items can be bought for just a few hundred dollars, while others can be much more (think in the tens of thousands of dollars), so ask the staff, and let them know your limits. Also let them know that you heard about the sale here at MiceAge, and ask them to point out the Hidden Mickey.
Jewel of Orleans is next door to the entrance of the French Market Restaurant.
Possible Changes to the FastPass system
Checked on the system on Sunday, and found that both the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and the Autopia Fastpass machines were operating in "Stand-Alone" mode, which means you can get Fastpasses from these machines in addition to other Fastpasses.
I am not sure if this is long-term change, or just a test. So I will be checking back on the system in the next week or two, but for right now, I would get a Fastpass at Indiana Jones Adventure, Splash Mountain or Space Mountain first, and then try and get Fastpasses for BTMR and Autopia.
Full details on how the Fastpass system works can be found here...
http://micechat.com/forums/disneyland-resort/5720-joy-fastpass-details-secrets.html
The Simpsons Ride at Universal Studios voted World's 'Best New Theme Park Attraction'
This Press Release from Universal Studios Hollywood was released Friday.
Quote:
UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., July 4 --Accolades continue rolling in for Universal Park & Resorts' new Simpsons Ride. Already the subject of rave reviews by guests at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort, Theme Park Insider.com has now voted The Simpsons Ride as the "Best New Theme Park Attraction" worldwide for 2008. Theme Park Insider.com is a leading consumers' guide to the world's most popular theme and amusement parks, written by consumers themselves.
The Simpsons Ride showcases everything the popular television series has made famous and that Simpsons fans love ... a great story, humor and irreverence that are pure Simpsons, with original animation starring cast members Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith, Hank Azaria and guest star Kelsey Grammer. Guests are swept into Krustyland, a theme park created by the show's cantankerous, cash-hungry clown.
Meanwhile, maniacal Sideshow Bob has escaped from prison and has taken control of the park to get his revenge on Krusty and the Simpson family. Hand-picked by Krusty to be the first to ride his newest attraction, guests are thrust into the middle of the action and soar through Krustyland and Springfield on a ride that features the world's first-ever cork screw that's animated.
"The Simpsons Ride represents what Universal does best -- which is to take pop culture's blockbuster entertainment concepts and bring them to life in wildly entertaining theme park experiences," said Mark Woodbury, President of Universal Creative, designers of The Simpsons Ride. "We appreciate the recognition and share it with our partners at Fox Licensing and Gracie Films, who helped us create a truly authentic Simpsons experience."
About Universal Parks & Resorts
Universal Parks & Resorts (Universal) (http://www.nbcuni.com) consists of three worldwide entertainment destinations with four dramatically distinct theme parks, including Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Studios Japan. Universal is part of NBC Universal, which is 80% owned by General Electric. Universal Orlando Resort (http://www.universalorlando.com) is home to the Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure theme parks, as well as Universal CityWalk, a 30-acre dining, shopping and entertainment venue and three premier on-site Loews hotels. Universal Studios Hollywood (http://www.universalstudioshollywood.com) combines an authentic working movie and television studio with cutting-edge thrill rides and attractions, offering guests a uniquely immersive entertainment experience that employs the latest in state-of-the-art technologies.
An Interesting article about the Disney on Ice Productions was in the New York Times Saturday.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/05/bu...ss&oref=slogin
Amazing that more folks see these shows than all the shows on Broadway, an interesting read.
Selected Photos from Darkbeer.Smugmug.com
The Orange County Health Department is requiring Disneyland to post the required Inspection Notices at the Restaurants Main Entrances
Well, that show do it for this week, for those planning to be at Disneyland on Thursday, July 17th, there will be a special "Noon Meet at the Hub", so please stop by and say hello.
Total Comments 28
Comments
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great update!
Posted 07-07-2008 at 07:11 AM by WDWImagineer
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Thanks again!
Posted 07-07-2008 at 07:42 AM by SouthHrbrBlvd -
Great update!Posted 07-07-2008 at 07:57 AM by WheresMickey -
Thanks David.Posted 07-07-2008 at 08:35 AM by Rixter -
thanks!!!Posted 07-07-2008 at 09:01 AM by Cuddles McHenry -
LOL, Two Buck Chuck...
Thanks, Disney.... It is good to know that the future is cheap and has so little nuanced taste!Posted 07-07-2008 at 09:46 AM by cellarhound - July 17 1955 d'land openedPosted 07-07-2008 at 09:55 AM by daveinfontana
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Thanks for the update! One cast member told me that the Monorail would only run when temperatures were 80 degrees or lower. Which means it won't be running to often until they get more kinks worked out.Posted 07-07-2008 at 10:46 AM by Coheteboy - July 17 is when Disneyland opened. July 18, as Darkbeer noted is when Disneyland opened to the PUBLIC.Posted 07-07-2008 at 10:46 AM by Coheteboy
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Another awesome update! Hope they can address the monorail issues soon.Posted 07-07-2008 at 11:14 AM by DonDuck -
Thanks! Nice update.Posted 07-07-2008 at 11:54 AM by xalesa -
Thanks for this!Posted 07-07-2008 at 12:03 PM by llama5492 -
Great UpdatePosted 07-07-2008 at 12:53 PM by Craigroy8287 -
Thanks for the report..Posted 07-07-2008 at 01:24 PM by b236en -
Simpsons... Best new Attraction?
I'm guessing some people haven't been on TSMM!!!!Posted 07-07-2008 at 02:42 PM by Kritter -
Great report as always!!
RE: The Simpsons!!
As Homer would say:WOO-HOO!!!Posted 07-07-2008 at 02:47 PM by Zorro825 -
I have to respectfully disagree with TPI's ranking of the Simpson's as the #1 new attraction.Posted 07-07-2008 at 03:13 PM by sir clinksalot -
Yep, most people on MC would disagree because this is a Disney site.Posted 07-07-2008 at 03:59 PM by Indiana_James -
Simpson's ride number one?
How much Duff beer did they give that reviewer.Posted 07-07-2008 at 04:03 PM by Crazy Larry -
I bet i'm going to get flamed for this, but I agree with TPI on a very slim margin. The Simpsons Ride is better than Midway Mania because it's built at suck a grand scale and is the first time we've seen these characters in a theme park environment. The film is hilarious and the theming is great.
Midway Mania is very fun, addicting, and fast paced, but I feel that different characters should have been used. However, it's still very well themed and fits better in it's surrounding area than The Simpsons Ride. Both rides IMO, cater to different audiences. The Simpsons Ride caters to fans of the show and teens to adults, while Toy Story Midway Mania caters more to preteens and families. Both are great successes, and are perfect competition for one another.Posted 07-07-2008 at 04:14 PM by stitchon
