9/8/08 - Monday in the Parks - News, Photos and Tips
Good Morning, I can do two things, either bitch and moan about MY Chargers losing on the last play of the game, or talk about the Southern California Theme/Amusement Parks. As much as I prefer the FIRST choice, I think you will prefer the second choice... 
And I need to do one more thing, this update will feature a few closures, and I need to do this FIRST. The front line Cast Members do a great job, and while they might lose their job (or Transferred), they have for the MOST part have done their best in their job. MiceAge is known for not holding back its criticisms, but sometimes we need to say THANK YOU! And the majority of Cast Members do a great job and they do their best! (Yes, the few bad apples do make more news than the "regular" employees.)
I was lucky enough to attend the last showing of Golden Dreams at 8 PM Sunday night.... (Who needs sleep.... But there was a large showing of Cast Members that showed up, and it was very clear they cared.
But then again, while a FEW employees of Amusement/Theme Parks don't do their job, the VAST majority really do care, and will make sure it is Customer First.
Amusement Today Golden Ticket Awards
Last week had the Amusement Today Magazine released their 2008 winners at a location that many MiceAge folks know about, 'Give Kids the World Village" in the Central Florida area. If you have a few extra dollars, the Central Florida community has VERY little overhead, and does a great job in helping others!!!
Now, some folks might disagree with the actual results, but they have a very wide group of folks that vote on the winners.
http://www.amusementtoday.com/image/...Ticket8002.pdf
The Best Amusement (Theme) park vote went...
1. Cedar Point - 26%
2. Busch Gardens Europe - 16%
3. Knoebels - 7%
4. Disneyland - 6.5%
5 (tie). Universal Islands of Adventure - 6%
5 (tie). Pleasure Beach Blackpool - 6%
7 (tie). Europa Park - 5.5%
7 (tie). Kennywood - 5.5%
9. Holiday World - 5%
10. Dollywood - 4.8%
I understand that many folks might want to disagree, and that they will claim a "coaster" bias, but EVERY Disney park has Roller Coasters as a major part of their theme, heck, the FIRST Steel Roller Coaster was the Matterhorn at Disneyland.
SIGH!, Astroland at Coney Island is closing
While this Monday article focuses on Southern California, you sometimes need to look beyond, and today is NOT a good day...
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/08/ny...roland.html?em
It is good news that the Cyclone and the Wonder Wheel (the original version of the replica Sun Wheel at DCA) remains, but sad in general, too many closures in this week's report...
Disney's California Adventure Park Preview Center Opening
As Al Lutz reported this weekend, the Tentative date of the DCA Preview Center is October 20th.
Disneyland Resort closures
Sunday had both Golden Dreams and High School Musical 2 close.
For those excited with the closure of HSM 2, well, enjoy the park for the next few weeks, as HSM 3 will start in late October.
The Orange County Register had this news regarding auditions for HSM3...
New High School Musical show is casting at Disneyland - Around Disney - OCRegister.com
And as reported earlier, the LAST public showing of Golden Dreams was last night at 8 PM. The Original Cast Member that opened the attraction introduced the last public showing (some educational showings are still on the schedule) did a great job! (Yes, that is a big PLUS for Sandy!, the original CM that opened the attraction.)
Mc Donald's (or lack thereof) update...
More photos of the removal of the McDonald's signage in the parks... Alas, it will be hard to remove about 50 tables with the Arches.....
"it's a small world" update
Water was placed in the flume this week to start the testing of the upgrade. (Hat tip to MouseInfo.com for the first photos of the water in the flume).
New Annual Passholder Newsletter - FREE Sunglasses
The new Disneyland Resort Annual Passholder Newsletter was just sent out the mail (Fall 2008) and on the inside back page, there is an offer for a free pair of sunglasses if you go upstairs at Innonventions. (near the main exit)
www.sjo.org/DisneylandAP
(Need to be a current Disneyland AP holder to register and get the coupon.)
October 5th Update
The Disney Parks Marketing Promotion (aka Miley Cyrus BD party) is still not sold out.
You can still buy tickets at www.disneyparks.com/miley. Disneyland still closes at 5 PM due to the special event.
Knott's Halloween Haunt info...
Discounts on admission and hotel rooms can be found here....
http://micechat.com/forums/news/1033...formation.html
STUPID Idiot at SFMM - LA Times
Man hit by roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain - Travel - LATimes.com
Enough said... DON'T jump the fence!!!!
The latest in the SunCal/Disney issue
It has been a while since we brought up SunCal, the company that wanted to build a large group of Condo's near the Disneyland Resort.
News: Will Pringle, Disney hit Galloway? | pringle, disney, galloway, mayor, city - OCRegister.com
Will Disney and Anaheim Mayor Curt Pringle go after Councilwoman Lorri Galloway?
That’s one of the big questions in O.C. city politics as the campaigns for the Nov. 4 election begin emerging from their pre-Labor Day malaise. Over the next two days, I’ll highlight the most interesting/ unusual.
Galloway went against Disney and Pringle over an affordable-housing plan offered by a developer in the city’s resort district. She wanted it; Disney didn’t. Now she’s running for re-election.
Pringle is playing it cagey. He’s sent out invitations to a huge Sept. 23 fundraiser at the House of Blues in Downtown Disney. The base ticket is $250, but special sponsorships range from Bronze ($5,000) to Diamond ($49,000).
And you thought the Miley tickets were expensive!
Selected Photos from Darkeer.Smugmug.com
Disneyland just got new Rental Wheelchairs, that includes cup holders and a storage area.
Thanks for checking out the article.
And I need to do one more thing, this update will feature a few closures, and I need to do this FIRST. The front line Cast Members do a great job, and while they might lose their job (or Transferred), they have for the MOST part have done their best in their job. MiceAge is known for not holding back its criticisms, but sometimes we need to say THANK YOU! And the majority of Cast Members do a great job and they do their best! (Yes, the few bad apples do make more news than the "regular" employees.)
I was lucky enough to attend the last showing of Golden Dreams at 8 PM Sunday night.... (Who needs sleep
.... But there was a large showing of Cast Members that showed up, and it was very clear they cared.But then again, while a FEW employees of Amusement/Theme Parks don't do their job, the VAST majority really do care, and will make sure it is Customer First.
Amusement Today Golden Ticket Awards
Last week had the Amusement Today Magazine released their 2008 winners at a location that many MiceAge folks know about, 'Give Kids the World Village" in the Central Florida area. If you have a few extra dollars, the Central Florida community has VERY little overhead, and does a great job in helping others!!!
Now, some folks might disagree with the actual results, but they have a very wide group of folks that vote on the winners.
http://www.amusementtoday.com/image/...Ticket8002.pdf
The Best Amusement (Theme) park vote went...
Quote:
1. Cedar Point - 26%
2. Busch Gardens Europe - 16%
3. Knoebels - 7%
4. Disneyland - 6.5%
5 (tie). Universal Islands of Adventure - 6%
5 (tie). Pleasure Beach Blackpool - 6%
7 (tie). Europa Park - 5.5%
7 (tie). Kennywood - 5.5%
9. Holiday World - 5%
10. Dollywood - 4.8%
SIGH!, Astroland at Coney Island is closing
While this Monday article focuses on Southern California, you sometimes need to look beyond, and today is NOT a good day...
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/08/ny...roland.html?em
It is good news that the Cyclone and the Wonder Wheel (the original version of the replica Sun Wheel at DCA) remains, but sad in general, too many closures in this week's report...
Disney's California Adventure Park Preview Center Opening
As Al Lutz reported this weekend, the Tentative date of the DCA Preview Center is October 20th.
Disneyland Resort closures
Sunday had both Golden Dreams and High School Musical 2 close.
For those excited with the closure of HSM 2, well, enjoy the park for the next few weeks, as HSM 3 will start in late October.
The Orange County Register had this news regarding auditions for HSM3...
New High School Musical show is casting at Disneyland - Around Disney - OCRegister.com
And as reported earlier, the LAST public showing of Golden Dreams was last night at 8 PM. The Original Cast Member that opened the attraction introduced the last public showing (some educational showings are still on the schedule) did a great job! (Yes, that is a big PLUS for Sandy!, the original CM that opened the attraction.)
Mc Donald's (or lack thereof) update...
More photos of the removal of the McDonald's signage in the parks... Alas, it will be hard to remove about 50 tables with the Arches.....
"it's a small world" update
Water was placed in the flume this week to start the testing of the upgrade. (Hat tip to MouseInfo.com for the first photos of the water in the flume).
New Annual Passholder Newsletter - FREE Sunglasses
The new Disneyland Resort Annual Passholder Newsletter was just sent out the mail (Fall 2008) and on the inside back page, there is an offer for a free pair of sunglasses if you go upstairs at Innonventions. (near the main exit)
www.sjo.org/DisneylandAP
(Need to be a current Disneyland AP holder to register and get the coupon.)
October 5th Update
The Disney Parks Marketing Promotion (aka Miley Cyrus BD party) is still not sold out.
You can still buy tickets at www.disneyparks.com/miley. Disneyland still closes at 5 PM due to the special event.
Knott's Halloween Haunt info...
Discounts on admission and hotel rooms can be found here....
http://micechat.com/forums/news/1033...formation.html
STUPID Idiot at SFMM - LA Times
Man hit by roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain - Travel - LATimes.com
Enough said... DON'T jump the fence!!!!
The latest in the SunCal/Disney issue
It has been a while since we brought up SunCal, the company that wanted to build a large group of Condo's near the Disneyland Resort.
News: Will Pringle, Disney hit Galloway? | pringle, disney, galloway, mayor, city - OCRegister.com
Quote:
Will Disney and Anaheim Mayor Curt Pringle go after Councilwoman Lorri Galloway?
That’s one of the big questions in O.C. city politics as the campaigns for the Nov. 4 election begin emerging from their pre-Labor Day malaise. Over the next two days, I’ll highlight the most interesting/ unusual.
Galloway went against Disney and Pringle over an affordable-housing plan offered by a developer in the city’s resort district. She wanted it; Disney didn’t. Now she’s running for re-election.
Pringle is playing it cagey. He’s sent out invitations to a huge Sept. 23 fundraiser at the House of Blues in Downtown Disney. The base ticket is $250, but special sponsorships range from Bronze ($5,000) to Diamond ($49,000).
Selected Photos from Darkeer.Smugmug.com
Disneyland just got new Rental Wheelchairs, that includes cup holders and a storage area.
Thanks for checking out the article.
Total Comments 34
Comments
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Great update!
Posted 09-08-2008 at 08:09 AM by SouthHrbrBlvd
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Nice update! I feel the same way about the Chargers!Posted 09-08-2008 at 08:10 AM by WheresMickey -
Ditto on the Chargers!
Thanks for the update David.Posted 09-08-2008 at 08:43 AM by Rixter - YOUR Chargers? I thought they were MY Chargers. I guess they can be OUR Chargers. Yesterday was a heartbreaker.
Thanks for the update.Posted 09-08-2008 at 09:14 AM by toemblem - This is what Mondays are all about. Closure of some great old school amusment parks, the return of HSM and our beloved Bolts losing at the last few seconds to an underdog team. Let's hope that the week can only get better from here.
One good thing about Mondays though is your updates.Posted 09-08-2008 at 09:30 AM by RikiTiki66 -
Love the quote from the Astroland article, "It wasn't Disneyland, but thank God for that."Posted 09-08-2008 at 09:37 AM by BassBone -
Great update. I am very sad to see Golden Dreams close. It was one that my family always made time to see. But I can see how if you live in CA or are only there for a day or 2 how you would choose to skip that one over something else. I just loved the video at the end more than anything. Great song and great clips that always brought a little tear to your eye.Posted 09-08-2008 at 10:13 AM by sassy*tink -
As a kid growingh up on the east coast in the late 1950's, early 1960's, I grew up with Coney Island, Palisades Park and Freedomland. I remember when Astroland opened, and thinking it was the coolest thing in the world with its 'futuristic' name. It was a very cool place when I was but a lad, and I felt a strong nostalgic tug when I saw the piece this morning in the Times.
Hey, it was nice seeing you again at the meet yesterday too!Posted 09-08-2008 at 10:55 AM by ttrocc7007 -
I didn't have much time to lament the Chargers' loss, what with my Cowboys whupping up on them pesky Browns!!!Posted 09-08-2008 at 11:06 AM by danyoung - The last day of HSM2 is Sunday 9/14.Posted 09-08-2008 at 11:14 AM by my2cents
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The niners lost too
...Thanks for the update!Posted 09-08-2008 at 11:23 AM by Mickey Dude - What a disappointment to see the Golden Dreams attraction leave. I grew up in California and learned more about it during that show than I did my entire life living there! I wish there was a way to put it someplace else in the park!Posted 09-08-2008 at 12:35 PM by FaninAZ
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The Golden Dreams Film was pretty good, but it's impact did suffer a bit after the edit for content. Anyway, sorry to see it go, hopefully it will show up in another venue down the road.Posted 09-08-2008 at 12:53 PM by leoart -
It's hard to believe that only 6.5% of people believe that DL is the best theme park. The fact that Epcot, AK, and DHS are not on the list, while places like Dollywood and other largely unknowns are.
Great update though!Posted 09-08-2008 at 01:15 PM by DisneyPrincess4590 -
I agree with you on the Chargers, DarkBeer.
That last play was... ridiculous!
great update!Posted 09-08-2008 at 01:34 PM by Kritter -
The Golden Ticket thing is a scam if you don't buy a ad you don't win that many votes. Just a PR thing Disney really does not need. Everyone has heard of Walt Disney World and Disneyland.Posted 09-08-2008 at 02:01 PM by MickeyMoose -
>>
The Golden Ticket thing is a scam if you don't buy a ad you don't win that many votes. Just a PR thing Disney really does not need. Everyone has heard of Walt Disney World and Disneyland.<<
HUH? Did you click on the link, WDW bought a very nice full color full page ad.....
Everybody is not a true "Disney" above all else fan... In case you haven't noticed, MiceAge/MiceChat is proud to talk about more than JUST the Disney parks, maybe you should join us at Universal, or the upcoming Knott's Halloweeen Haunt event.
FYI, IMHO, there is a probelm with the Best Park Amusement Today poll, and that is that Holiday World wasn't rated higher! Heck, Free parking, Free Sodas, Free Sunscreen, AWESOME Woodies, etc should get you rated higher than 9th....Posted 09-08-2008 at 02:42 PM by Darkbeer -
Thank you! Always look forward to the Monday update!
I must admit that I never saw Golden Dreams, primarily because the promotional material so prominantly featured Whoopie Goldberg that it didn't create an interest (for me) in the story...or perhaps implied that the film wasn't strong enough on it's own, and thus needed a "celebrity" narrator. Probably also didn't help my interest that, at most, I would only see a handful of people waiting in line to see it...the empty truck-stop phenomenon.
Sounds like my loss.Posted 09-08-2008 at 02:59 PM by Cap'nMac -
Great report...still haven't gotten my Fall 2008 newsletter.Posted 09-08-2008 at 04:00 PM by MickeyMousePal -
that cat ate half of my egg salad sandwich. not kidding. seriously.Posted 09-08-2008 at 05:17 PM by lovedisney33
