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8/18/08 - Monday in the Parks - News, Photos and Tips

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Posted 08-18-2008 at 07:04 AM by In the Parks
Updated 08-18-2008 at 11:56 AM by In the Parks

As summer winds down, we have additions and departures around the parks, union protesters arrested, and lots of news, so let's get to it.

Mark VII Monorail Orange arrives at Disneyland

The last of the planned new Mark VII Monorails arrived in Anaheim last week, and was placed on the beam on Friday morning.


The new Monorail trains were parked in the Katella Cast Member Parking Lot, next to the "Strawberry Field". Thanks to the Anaheim Maingate Hotel for the location to take the photos.




Mark VII Monorail Orange being lowered onto the Beam on Friday.


The current operation status of the Monorail System remains the same as in the past few weeks. Mark V Monorail Purple (the one in the Year of a Million Dreams Wrap) remains the Main Monorail in service. Mark VII Monorail Red is also available to guests, but still having to be limited due to the Ventilation/Heat issues due to the new design. This allows Mark VII Red to run in the cooler Morning and evening hours, but needs to be taken out of service when it gets hot in the afternoon. Also, the Mark VII Monorail Red is still only allowed to have 15 guests per main cabin, instead of the designed capacity of 22 guests.


Checking the roof temperature of Mark VII Monorail Red Friday Morning.

So Disney is still limiting the boarding of the Monorail to just Disney Hotel guests at the Downtown Disney for the first few hours, and has the right to limit trips to just one-way if the queues get too long.

Mark VII Monorail Blue has been out testing during the day a few times, but has spent most of its time recently in the Monorail Barn.

Mark VII Monorail Orange will need to be assembled and have some major testing in the Barn area for the next few weeks, so don't expect to see it out on the track in the near future.

The Goat returns to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad



In some good news, the infamous goat on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has returned to the park. He is working nicely, including his head turning when the train goes by, and still chewing the sticks of Dynamite.

Anaheim Restaurateur Bruno Serato to Receive Walk of Stars Honor

In the last of "new additions"....

Bruno Serato, owner of the popular Anaheim White House Restaurant, will receive a star on the Anaheim/Orange County Walk of Stars, Tuesday, Aug. 19 during a 2 p.m. ceremony. Serato´s star will be located on Harbor Blvd., near Disneyland´s main entrance.

As the recipient of the eighth star on the Walk of Stars, Serato joins other Anaheim/Orange County leaders, such as Walt Disney, Margaret and Carl Karcher, Henry and Susan Samueli, the Yorba family, the Taormina family, Gene Autry, and Monsignor John Sammon, to receive the honor.

In 1987 Serato assumed ownership of the Anaheim White House Restaurant and introduced a new taste to fine dining, blending northern Italian and French influences. His world-class menu has attracted many notable guests, such as President George W. Bush, Madonna, Andrea Bocelli, and the Crowned Prince of Belgium.


The Vineyard Room in Disney's California Adventure to close soon



Recently, the closure of the McDonald's in the parks have been in the news, now the one Fine Dining location in Disney's California Adventure is closing for good.

Nancy Luna at the Orange County Register had this news story this week.

http://fastfood.freedomblogging.com/...er-food-joint/

Quote:

The upscale The Vineyard Room at the Golden Vine Winery — which was once sponsored by Robert Mondavi — will close Aug. 31, Disneyland spokeswoman Betsy Sanchez told The Register in an email statement.

Sanchez would not disclose what would replace the high-end restaurant, where a meal can run tourists about $30 per person.

“In the short term, the area will be used as additional seating for the popular Wine Country Trattoria. Long-term plans are still being considered,” she said.

The closure comes as Disney takes a hard look at revamping the struggling California Adventure.
But now, it looks like the Vineyard Room might not even remain open for 2 more weeks. The Vineyard Room has only been open three nights a week for the last few years (Friday through Sunday), but staffing issues has made opening the last few nights questionable.

Triton's Gardens and the Ariel Meet and Greet closes.

Yesterday was the last day of operation of the Ariel's Grotto area inside of Disneyland, near the entrance of Tomorrowland, to make room for the new Tinker Bell/Fairies Meet and Greet that is scheduled to open in late October.

The "other" Ariel's Grotto, the Character Dining location in Disney's California Adventure remains open.


Ariel making her final exit Sunday afternoon around 5:35 PM

All-American College Band members head back to school

Last Friday was the last day for the summer season of the 2008 All-American College Band, as many schools start back in session this week.



Year of a Million Dream Pre-Parade Dancers and Characters no longer part of the show

Last week was also the end of the majority of the special pre-parade that announces the winner of the Disneyland Dream Suite, and any "major" other winners in the ongoing 27 month contest. The actual winner still goes down the parade route, but it seems a bit bland without the entertainers.




Honda Pilot DCA contest ends and the Green Army Men no longer perform in the Main Entrance Plaza area

Last Friday was the scheduled end to the summer contest, and both the Honda Pilot, and the stand where the Green Army Men performed to promote the new Toy Story Mania! attraction were removed that night.



At least the end of the promotion ends the conflicting message of what is the name of the attraction Now all the signage at Downtown Disney and the Main Entrance Plaza has the same name, "Toy Story Mania!".





No Magic Morning to be offered on Sunday, August 31st

Due to the Disneyland Half-Marathon, and the delayed opening of Disneyland until 9 AM on August 31st, Disney will not offer the special Early Entry program on Sunday. Disney will offer Magic Mornings on Saturday, August 30th.




Still only Two Seagulls in the Finding Nemo lake

In an long term "missing in action" report, one of the original 3 Seagulls that sit on the buoy in the Submarine Voyage is still missing. The show and some of the pre-recorded seagull voices are still played.




The Union that represents the Disney owned Hotel workers in Anaheim protests in the streets

Thursday evening, a pre-planned union event was held, starting in front of the Paradise Pier Hotel, and ended at the corner of Harbor and Disney Way.




Union Here local 681 arranged for about 30 union members to be arrested on civil disobedience charges between 5:30 PM and 6 PM so live TV news feeds could be offered. None of the union members arrested were actual Walt Disney Company employees, but instead were Union employees or Union supporters.



Many of the hundreds of protesters that came out to support the folks who actually got arrested were Disneyland employees (CM's), but also many in the group were non-Disney CM's that came out to help support the union.

The Orange County Register got some quotes from both parties.

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/u...eyland-leaders

Quote:

Ada Briceño, the Unite Here 681 president, said Disney's proposals would bring in new workers at a lower wage and make them pay $100 to $250 per month for health care.

"On the healthcare front, they don't want to pay,'' she said. "Now, there is no cost to the employee for healthcare. We have a very good plan, but that's all we have. The rest of our contract is very low-paying jobs."

Disneyland representatives say management is frustrated that union leaders have insisted on negotiating their contract in the media. Disney spokeswoman Lisa Haines said none of the proposals under discussion are final, and that the next negotiating session is scheduled for Aug. 22.

"We've met for negotiations 11 times, and they've had 14 protests," she said. "They've had more protests than time spent at the negotiating table. It's unfortunate that they've resorted to these types of publicity stunts. They're not productive, and they're very disruptive to the resort area."

Six Flags Attendance up 5.1%, Revenue up 7.6%

Six Flags released its third quarter results last week. Here is part of the Press Release

Quote:

Six Flags Reports Third Quarter Performance Through Mid-August

Company Maintains All-Time High Guest Satisfaction Ratings


NEW YORK, Aug. 14 -- Six Flags, Inc. announced today that with just over two weeks remaining in its full-time operating season, revenues for its third quarter through August 12, 2008 have increased approximately 7.6%, or $23.5 million, over the prior-year period on fewer park operating days. The revenue increase is attributable to attendance growth of 5.1%, or 407,000, to 8.43 million guests and a 2.4%, or $0.92, increase in total revenue per capita to $39.55. Guest spending, which excludes sponsorship, licensing, and other fees, grew by 1.6%, or $0.60, for the period to $38.56.

The quarter-to-date growth in revenues is on top of the Company's performance for the first six months of 2008, which included 5% growth in both revenues and total revenue per capita compared to the first six months of 2007, bringing the Company's year to date revenue growth to 6.1% or $43.1 million.
Commenting on the performance, Mark Shapiro, President and Chief Executive Officer, said: "This is a terrific start for the quarter and it demonstrates that the Company's strategic, multi-year commitment to improving the quality of our guest experience and expanding our core business can bring about sustained long-term growth."

While the results for the Company's third quarter will ultimately reflect a loss of two operating days at the end of September at each of its parks compared to the prior-year quarter, the Company expects to recover the lost attendance from those days in the fourth quarter, including the benefit of a favorable Halloween season calendar with the holiday falling on a Friday this year compared to a Wednesday in 2007.

Guest Satisfaction Results

The Company's commitment to quality is measured by its guest approval ratings, which for the month of July 2008 -- historically the most significant month in the operating season -- remained at or above all-time highs, maintaining or exceeding last year's record scores according to Delta Market Research, Inc. Guests rated Six Flags highest on safety, park cleanliness and overall product. These results reflect input from guests at 12 Six Flags branded locations.

Key areas in which guests rated the performance of Six Flags parks at or above all-time high levels included:

-- Ride Safety
-- Park Cleanliness
-- Enforcement of No Smoking Policy
-- Enforcement of Code of Conduct Policy
-- Employee Service
-- Speed of Lines
-- Rides the Whole Family Can Do Together
-- Value for the Money
-- Overall Satisfaction

"The quality of our in-park experience and the value of our overall entertainment offering continue to resonate with our guests, particularly among those in search of the ultimate regional family outing in the midst of a difficult economy," said Mark Shapiro, Six Flags President and CEO. "Six Flags is taking advantage of the unique sampling opportunity in this environment and restoring faith with our consumer base."


Wild Rivers Water Park in Irvine asking for a 1 year extension of its lease

The operators of Wild Rivers has asked the Irvine Co. for one more year of operation, and with the housing market problems, there is a good chance of them getting the extension.

Also, the Orange County Register reported that the park operator is in discussion with the Discovery Science Center to run an Educational Water Park in the Great Park area.

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/p...8-wild-science

Knott's Berry Farm end of summer promotion - Bluegrass and BBQ

http://www.knotts.com/hot/index.asp

Quote:

Though the summer will be winding down, there will still be plenty of sizzle left on the grill as Knott’s Berry Farm presents Bluegrass and BBQ. Right up until Labor Day crowds will be clustered around monster cooking pits savoring the smell of smoldering BBQ. Come experience good ol’ Southern home cookin’ right here at Knott’s! We’ll be serving up crawfish by the pound, BBQ ribs, jerk chicken, fried catfish, po boy sandwiches, pulled pork and hushpuppies-just to get you started! And to wash it all down, a bottomless mug of ice-cold Pepsi. Though the food will be the main event, guests to BBQ and Bluegrass will also be able to take in the acoustic sounds of authentic local Bluegrass Bands.
Selected photos from Darkbeer.Smugmug.com

















Well, that should do it this week, had to end the column with a few characters.... including Maynard!

Here is a link in case you don't know him....

http://www.maynardhomepage.net/default.asp
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Comments

  1. Old Comment
    WheresMickey's Avatar
    Great update!
    permalink
    Posted 08-18-2008 at 08:02 AM by WheresMickey WheresMickey is offline
  2. Old Comment
    The missing seagull is a local 681 sympathizer and won't work until they get a new contract (I've heard).
    permalink
    Posted 08-18-2008 at 09:33 AM by toemblem toemblem is offline
  3. Old Comment
    DonDuck's Avatar
    Look forward to this every Monday morning. Thanks, Darkbeer!
    permalink
    Posted 08-18-2008 at 09:40 AM by DonDuck DonDuck is offline
  4. Old Comment
    Is everything changing around Ariel's spot? I mean, are they taking out the statues and such for a complete re-theming?
    permalink
    Posted 08-18-2008 at 10:02 AM by skoolpsyk skoolpsyk is offline
  5. Old Comment
    No Magic Morning to be offered on Sunday, August 31st

    Due to the Disneyland Half-Marathon, and the delayed opening of Disneyland until 10 AM on August 31st, Disney will not offer the special Early Entry program on Sunday. Disney will offer Magic Mornings on Saturday, August 30th.


    HI, Darkbeer! Great update as usual. I called Disneyland and was told this morning that on Sunday, August 31, DL opens at 9AM and Magic Morning/Early Entry is available.
    On Monday, Sept, 1, DL opens at 10AM.

    Please let me know what you know. Thanks!
    permalink
    Posted 08-18-2008 at 10:09 AM by JoeCool JoeCool is offline
  6. Old Comment
    b236en's Avatar
    Nice Report..
    permalink
    Posted 08-18-2008 at 10:46 AM by b236en b236en is offline
  7. Old Comment
    sjdimon's Avatar
    I know that for years, the director of the All-American College Band was Dr. Arthur Bartner from USC; can you tell me who the new director is (just curious)? I know that Dr. Bartner retired from this position 2 or 3 years ago. Thanks!
    permalink
    Posted 08-18-2008 at 11:01 AM by sjdimon sjdimon is offline
  8. Old Comment
    Scary Scott's Avatar
    hey I am a bit curious about knotts right now with Poney Express being open is the boot hill gone?
    other than that great update!
    permalink
    Posted 08-18-2008 at 12:07 PM by Scary Scott Scary Scott is offline
  9. Old Comment
    >>I called Disneyland and was told this morning that on Sunday, August 31, DL opens at 9AM and Magic Morning/Early Entry is available.

    On Monday, Sept, 1, DL opens at 10AM.<<

    OK, first I had a typo in the opening time on Sunday, and I have fixed it in the main article.

    But I think you got some wrong information also.

    The actual Half-Marathon is on Sunday, August 31st. (There is a family fun run on Saturday morning).

    So Disneyland opens late, and even DCA will open late (10:30 AM).

    Monday, September 1st has no real Half-Marathon impact (other than some families that showed up for the weekend events will go visit the parks). Disneyland opens at 9 AM on Monday based on the schedule posted at Disneyland.com.

    As for how I got my information on the Magic Morning, I went and asked a couple of Disneyland Resort Guest Relations CM's who made a call to a specific managment office, and stated that there will be no Magic Morning on Sunday, August 31st, but would offer one on Saturday the 30th.
    permalink
    Posted 08-18-2008 at 12:07 PM by In the Parks In the Parks is offline
  10. Old Comment
    The current director of the All-American College Band is Dr. Ron McCurdy.

    This was the third season for Dr. McCurdy, who is currently Chairman of the Jazz Studies Department and Professor of Music in the Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California.

    He basically was Dr. Art Bartner's hand picked successor.
    permalink
    Posted 08-18-2008 at 12:12 PM by In the Parks In the Parks is offline
  11. Old Comment
    HMF's Avatar
    All the signs should say Toy Story Midway Mania!
    permalink
    Posted 08-18-2008 at 12:44 PM by HMF HMF is offline
  12. Old Comment
    Thanks Darkbeer. No Magic Morning on Sunday Aug. 31 so I will head over to DCA instead!
    permalink
    Posted 08-18-2008 at 12:53 PM by JoeCool JoeCool is offline
  13. Old Comment
    Hi again...Do you think it possible that Disneyland would make Labor Day, Sept, 1 a Magic Morning Day? I was just thinking vacationers might be hurt by Disneyland not having Magic Morning on Sunday, Aug. 31.

    >>I called Disneyland and was told this morning that on Sunday, August 31, DL opens at 9AM and Magic Morning/Early Entry is available.

    On Monday, Sept, 1, DL opens at 10AM.<<

    OK, first I had a typo in the opening time on Sunday, and I have fixed it in the main article.

    But I think you got some wrong information also.

    The actual Half-Marathon is on Sunday, August 31st. (There is a family fun run on Saturday morning).

    So Disneyland opens late, and even DCA will open late (10:30 AM).

    Monday, September 1st has no real Half-Marathon impact (other than some families that showed up for the weekend events will go visit the parks). Disneyland opens at 9 AM on Monday based on the schedule posted at Disneyland.com.

    As for how I got my information on the Magic Morning, I went and asked a couple of Disneyland Resort Guest Relations CM's who made a call to a specific managment office, and stated that there will be no Magic Morning on Sunday, August 31st, but would offer one on Saturday the 30th.
    permalink
    Posted 08-18-2008 at 01:13 PM by JoeCool JoeCool is offline
  14. Old Comment
    nojarama's Avatar
    Yay! Maynard!!!
    permalink
    Posted 08-18-2008 at 01:31 PM by nojarama nojarama is offline
  15. Old Comment
    Barbossa's Avatar
    HaHa Maynard! Haven't seen any pics of him lately!
    permalink
    Posted 08-18-2008 at 01:43 PM by Barbossa Barbossa is offline
  16. Old Comment
    AliKzam's Avatar
    Maynard's awesome! Disneyland is so lucky to have him.
    permalink
    Posted 08-18-2008 at 02:25 PM by AliKzam AliKzam is offline
  17. Old Comment
    Bruce Bergman's Avatar
    Well, Maynard has many other eggs in his basket, but Disneyland is an important one. Another link of interest is http://www.maynardland.com - this one is work-safe but not Disney-centric.

    And note that they bought Imagineering the expensive non-contact IR Thermometer - might even be the IR Video Thermography camera with a 240x240 screen that both measures and shows the hot spots.

    (Wish I had $3,000+ burning a hole in my pocket, I could use it... Oh well, the $89 one does what I need.)
    permalink
    Posted 08-18-2008 at 03:12 PM by Bruce Bergman Bruce Bergman is offline
  18. Old Comment
    richboi117's Avatar
    Wow, everything is closing. Can't say I'll miss that restaraunt, but that Triton gardens is always guiet...now it is going to be fairy world. Sad.
    permalink
    Posted 08-18-2008 at 04:03 PM by richboi117 richboi117 is offline
  19. Old Comment
    giddygirlie's Avatar
    I went to the park yesterday (Sunday) and all of the parking/tram CMs were pretty crabby about "the APs coming back" (we've been blacked out since June or July) but everyone else in the park was extra nice. I don't know if that had anything to do with the protests or anything else, but start to finish, we had a fantastic day with great CMs. I actually wanted to go to City Hall and leave some compliments -- but of course, they are no longer taking feedback. Crazy!
    permalink
    Posted 08-18-2008 at 06:57 PM by giddygirlie giddygirlie is offline
  20. Old Comment
    As usual, thanks Darkbeer for keeping all of us in the loop!

    I am kind of bummed about The Vineyard Room. Oh well. It will be interesting to see what they put in there.
    permalink
    Posted 08-18-2008 at 09:36 PM by Lulubelle Lulubelle is offline
 

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