11/2/08 - Monday in the Parks - News, Photos and Tips
This week focus - Upcoming events being held in Southern California Parks, and of course, some other news.
This Upcoming Weekend will be BUSY!
Veterans Day is Tuesday, November 11th (Yes, a Tuesday, Veterans Day is one of the few holidays that is celebrated on the actual date, and not moved around). While not everyone gets the day off, many government workers and students get the day off. And of course, with it being Tuesday, many folks will take the Monday off to make it a 4 day weekend.
So what does this mean? Well, in past years Disneyland has reached capacity on multiple years, though since Disney pushed back the start of the Christmas season, the crowds haven't reached capacity status, but still as busy if not busier than a Summer Saturday. All the parks have extended hours for the weekend in expectation of the large crowds.
While not Christmas, the popular Fantasmic! returns from a 2 month hiatus on Friday the 7th, which will bring in extra locals to see the show. And note, Fantasmic! will be on a daily basis until after Thanksgiving, partly due to the holidays, but also due to the changeover in Parades and some work scheduled on the parade route between the 12th and the 20th. So one big hint, if you are a local, check out a weekday showing between the 12th and the 20th to find light crowds for the show!
Add to this, the Goth themed "Bats Day" that will be held at Disneyland on Sunday, November 9th, which brings in thousands of fun seekers every year, and you once again have a decent chance of capacity crowds.
www.batsday.net
Also, there are rumors of some filming around the resort during the weekend, though it looks like the main Christmas filming will be the weekend of November 15th.
So what to do? First off, Annual Passholders should get their Hand Stamped if leaving the park for any reason (Normally, Disney does not require AP holders to get stamped, to help speed the exit turnstiles, since they have your photo on file). Also, make sure it is a DISNEYLAND stamp to protect your choices, as if the park gets close to capacity, Disney will only allow returning guests back into the specific park, and the hand stamps are different (Disneyland uses characters, DCA uses attraction names). So head to Disneyland firs and get a handstamp prior to heading to DCA.
Second, have patience. Use things like Fastpass and visit some of the less popular attractions to escape some of the crowds.
Third, get there early and be prepared. The earlier you get there, the quieter the park will be, and things like the in-park lockers go quickly. Since there is a chance that they might not let you back in if you leave the park, bring everything you need for the entire day and store it.
Christmas Season starts Soon.
Disneyland officially starts its Christmas Season on Friday, November 21st, with the start of the Christmas Parade, Believe in Holiday Fireworks, and the return of "it's a small world holiday". (And note, if you are in the park November 17th through the 20th, check out "small world" as there is a good chance to find the attraction operating in "soft opening" mode to allow testing of the changes made to the flume and other operating issues).
Knott's starts its Christmas festivities on Thanksgiving Day, November 27th. Thanksgiving is one of the busiest days of the year for Knott's, mainly due to all the folks coming to the park for Thanksgiving dinner, but you will find its parade, shows and Christmas Tree Lighting, along with the Crafts Fair up and running.
Also, Disneyland will once again host the "pardoned" Turkeys after taking a year off to allow WDW to host the 2 turkeys (one is a back-up).
The ‘pardoned’ turkeys: Where are they now? - TODAY: Pets
May and Flower have no worries about predators, of course. They don't even have to put up with roommate problems: When they didn't get along with the cow in their original exhibit, they were moved to their own private quarters.
Unfortunately, this means that they're no longer visible to the public. However, the turkeys to be pardoned this year will go to Disneyland in California, where you will be able to visit them at Big Thunder Mountain Ranch.
"In today's world of social media, they have their own fan club," says Disney's Wardle. "They have fans — I guarantee there will be people who will go out and look for them."
In the past, a small cavalcade is held Thursday Morning featuring the Turkeys before they head over to the Big Thunder Ranch to their new home.
Candlelight Processional Dinner packages to go on sell November 18th
Based on a MiceChat post (Thanks to Aladdin/Pattimelt), tickets to the popular Candlelight Processional go on sell Tuesday, November 18th at 6 PM PST.
http://micechat.com/forums/disneylan...al-merged.html
Candlelight Processional is a very popular "unofficial" event held at Disneyland in early December (In 2008, December 6th and 7th) that feature a celebrity narrator (no word of the 2008 reader(s), a large mixed choir and a orchestra that features the story of Jesus. The event started over 40 years ago as a private event for Disneyland Sponsors and invited guests. But for decades, Disney has allowed the general public to watch as space allows. This is still true today, and some limited seating, and standing room is available at no charge (though folks do wait for hours to get a seat). The ceremony is held in the Town Square, with the Train Station being the main stage. (Parades are held earlier than normal on the 6th and 7th to allow the seating to be set up)
A few years ago, Disney started to offer some LIMITED reserved seats to those who opt to buy a special dining package, where folks have to purchase a meal PRIOR to the show. Since there are 2 shows a day, usually around 5 and 8 PM, the first seating for meals is around 3 PM.
The options this year, from the MiceChat thread...
Napa Rose $135
Steakhouse 55/ Yamabuki $105
Hook's Pointe/Storyteller's Cafe: $80
Note, there will be no special AP reservations this year.
In past years, the computers have crashed due to the popularity of the event, so be prepared, on time, and have patience.
The website to head to is
www.disneyland.com/candlelight
Info on Knott's Free Admission offerings to the Military, Veterans, Police and Fire and Social Service workers and the Toys for Tots drive.
For years, Knott's has offered a free admission as a Thank You to those in public service, and to guests who bring a Toy for Toys for Tots. Here are the dates and basic rules for 2008, of course, full details can be found at...
www.knotts.com
November 1 - Thanksgiving Day, November 27
Knott's annual tribute to our Military, past and present. Veterans or current serving military personnel plus one guest get in FREE with proper ID presented at Knott's turnstile (DD214, Veterans Administration Hospital ID or Active Military Service ID). Purchase up to six additional tickets for just $15 each.
Thanksgiving Day, November 27 - December 21, 2008
Knott's Annual event honoring Fire & Police Personnel. With proper ID presented at Knott's (employee ID card, paycheck, etc.) fire and police personnel plus one guest can receive free admission. Purchase up to six additional tickets for just $15 each.
Thanksgiving Day, November 27 - December 21, 2008
Free Knott’s Theme Park admission for County Welfare, Human and Public Social Services personnel with valid County photo ID or County pay stub and photo I.D. presented at turnstile. Plus one guest free, and up to 6 additional tickets may be purchased for $15 each.
December 6-7, 13-16, 20-21
Bring a brand new toy valued at $10 or more(not gift wrapped) to donate to Toys for Tots and you'll receive free admission to Knott's.
Note, the Toys for Tots days are very popular, so expect large crowds these three weekends.
Disneyland 2009 Grad Nite Dates
For planning purposes, here are the 2009 Grad Nite dates.
Thursday, May 14th
Thursday, May 21st
Thursday, May 28th
Thursday, June 4th
Wednesday, June 10th
Thursday, June 11th
Thursday, June 18th
This special after hour event does have some effect on the regular park schedule.
In May, no real effect, since the park closes at its normal off-season closing time.
But in June, the park has to close by 9 PM (and DCA earlier for a pre-event) on the above dates.
Also, the Magic Morning on Thursday, June 11th has to be cancelled due to the one Wednesday offering.
DCA's Paradise Pier Update
The Games of the Boardwalk closed last Wednesday for the makeover to Disney Themed Games scheduled to open in Spring 2009.
Starting today, the Lagoon will start to be drained for preparation of World of Color equipment installation. (The Water Show is scheduled to open in 2010).
Special showing of Casablanca at the new CinemaFusion Theaters at Anaheim Garden Walk
Wednesday (11/5) the new CinemaFusion at Gardenwalk will present CASABLANCA (1942) in glorius black and white on the big screen.
This classic has everything you could want from the glory days of Hollywood, Romance, action drama and much more. Starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman as the immortal lovers caught up in WWII intrigue.
But that's not all - every 90th guest will be awarded 90 passes for future shows at any Movie Experience theatre.
Come early for trivia and refreshments and just to mingle -
To be shown Wednesday Nov. 5 at CinemaFusion in Anaheim.
Opening activities at 6:30 p.m. and screening at 7:00 p.m.
Admission is only $7.50
A couple of stories you won't find in the Main Stream News.
Westsider, a longtime Cast Member shares a couple of news items over at LaughingPlace in regards to Halloween weekend.
The first one deals with why Harbor Blvd was closed at Disney Way Friday around 6 PM...
Discussion Boards: Halloween Hijinx On The Disneyland Marquee Page 1 of 1 - LaughingPlace.com: Disney World, Disneyland and More
Please do not try this trick next time you visit the park, go enjoy your cigar elsewhere!
And the second story is alas, a typical long going story...
Discussion Boards: Halloween Human Remains at Haunted Mansion Page 1 of 2 - LaughingPlace.com: Disney World, Disneyland and More
Once again folks, please do not spread ashes at Disneyland, it is illegal and will just be cleaned up as soon as they are found. There are plenty of appropriate, LEGAL locations you can scatter ashes.
If your loved one is truly a Disneyland fan, may I suggest a Disney themed Urn instead.
Selected Photos from Darkbeer.Smugmug.com
The Castle is starting to get in the mood for Christmas
New Orleans Square is already in the Christmas mood
The Games of the Boardwalk have closed and already the facades have been removed
Even the stucco has started to disappear
The Sun Wheel is growing scaffolding at a quick pace
This is the time lapse camera to cover the Sun Wheel makeover, interesting to note the windshield wiper.
Work continues of the Grand Californian/Disney Vacation Club expansion
A very nice display at the World of Disney Store in Downtown Disney
The current bonus offer at most Disneyland Gift Shops
And the actual Holiday Throw being modeled
Sunday was the last day for the petting animals to be out in the Big Thunder Ranch area, as they are going on vacation for a couple of months to allow the Reindeer to take over the area.
Well that should do it for this week. Hope everyone has a great week, and weekend, and don't forget your patience!
This Upcoming Weekend will be BUSY!
Veterans Day is Tuesday, November 11th (Yes, a Tuesday, Veterans Day is one of the few holidays that is celebrated on the actual date, and not moved around). While not everyone gets the day off, many government workers and students get the day off. And of course, with it being Tuesday, many folks will take the Monday off to make it a 4 day weekend.
So what does this mean? Well, in past years Disneyland has reached capacity on multiple years, though since Disney pushed back the start of the Christmas season, the crowds haven't reached capacity status, but still as busy if not busier than a Summer Saturday. All the parks have extended hours for the weekend in expectation of the large crowds.
While not Christmas, the popular Fantasmic! returns from a 2 month hiatus on Friday the 7th, which will bring in extra locals to see the show. And note, Fantasmic! will be on a daily basis until after Thanksgiving, partly due to the holidays, but also due to the changeover in Parades and some work scheduled on the parade route between the 12th and the 20th. So one big hint, if you are a local, check out a weekday showing between the 12th and the 20th to find light crowds for the show!
Add to this, the Goth themed "Bats Day" that will be held at Disneyland on Sunday, November 9th, which brings in thousands of fun seekers every year, and you once again have a decent chance of capacity crowds.
www.batsday.net
Also, there are rumors of some filming around the resort during the weekend, though it looks like the main Christmas filming will be the weekend of November 15th.
So what to do? First off, Annual Passholders should get their Hand Stamped if leaving the park for any reason (Normally, Disney does not require AP holders to get stamped, to help speed the exit turnstiles, since they have your photo on file). Also, make sure it is a DISNEYLAND stamp to protect your choices, as if the park gets close to capacity, Disney will only allow returning guests back into the specific park, and the hand stamps are different (Disneyland uses characters, DCA uses attraction names). So head to Disneyland firs and get a handstamp prior to heading to DCA.
Second, have patience. Use things like Fastpass and visit some of the less popular attractions to escape some of the crowds.
Third, get there early and be prepared. The earlier you get there, the quieter the park will be, and things like the in-park lockers go quickly. Since there is a chance that they might not let you back in if you leave the park, bring everything you need for the entire day and store it.
Christmas Season starts Soon.
Disneyland officially starts its Christmas Season on Friday, November 21st, with the start of the Christmas Parade, Believe in Holiday Fireworks, and the return of "it's a small world holiday". (And note, if you are in the park November 17th through the 20th, check out "small world" as there is a good chance to find the attraction operating in "soft opening" mode to allow testing of the changes made to the flume and other operating issues).
Knott's starts its Christmas festivities on Thanksgiving Day, November 27th. Thanksgiving is one of the busiest days of the year for Knott's, mainly due to all the folks coming to the park for Thanksgiving dinner, but you will find its parade, shows and Christmas Tree Lighting, along with the Crafts Fair up and running.
Also, Disneyland will once again host the "pardoned" Turkeys after taking a year off to allow WDW to host the 2 turkeys (one is a back-up).
The ‘pardoned’ turkeys: Where are they now? - TODAY: Pets
Quote:
May and Flower have no worries about predators, of course. They don't even have to put up with roommate problems: When they didn't get along with the cow in their original exhibit, they were moved to their own private quarters.
Unfortunately, this means that they're no longer visible to the public. However, the turkeys to be pardoned this year will go to Disneyland in California, where you will be able to visit them at Big Thunder Mountain Ranch.
"In today's world of social media, they have their own fan club," says Disney's Wardle. "They have fans — I guarantee there will be people who will go out and look for them."
Candlelight Processional Dinner packages to go on sell November 18th
Based on a MiceChat post (Thanks to Aladdin/Pattimelt), tickets to the popular Candlelight Processional go on sell Tuesday, November 18th at 6 PM PST.
http://micechat.com/forums/disneylan...al-merged.html
Candlelight Processional is a very popular "unofficial" event held at Disneyland in early December (In 2008, December 6th and 7th) that feature a celebrity narrator (no word of the 2008 reader(s), a large mixed choir and a orchestra that features the story of Jesus. The event started over 40 years ago as a private event for Disneyland Sponsors and invited guests. But for decades, Disney has allowed the general public to watch as space allows. This is still true today, and some limited seating, and standing room is available at no charge (though folks do wait for hours to get a seat). The ceremony is held in the Town Square, with the Train Station being the main stage. (Parades are held earlier than normal on the 6th and 7th to allow the seating to be set up)
A few years ago, Disney started to offer some LIMITED reserved seats to those who opt to buy a special dining package, where folks have to purchase a meal PRIOR to the show. Since there are 2 shows a day, usually around 5 and 8 PM, the first seating for meals is around 3 PM.
The options this year, from the MiceChat thread...
Quote:
Napa Rose $135
Steakhouse 55/ Yamabuki $105
Hook's Pointe/Storyteller's Cafe: $80
In past years, the computers have crashed due to the popularity of the event, so be prepared, on time, and have patience.
The website to head to is
www.disneyland.com/candlelight
Info on Knott's Free Admission offerings to the Military, Veterans, Police and Fire and Social Service workers and the Toys for Tots drive.
For years, Knott's has offered a free admission as a Thank You to those in public service, and to guests who bring a Toy for Toys for Tots. Here are the dates and basic rules for 2008, of course, full details can be found at...
www.knotts.com
November 1 - Thanksgiving Day, November 27
Knott's annual tribute to our Military, past and present. Veterans or current serving military personnel plus one guest get in FREE with proper ID presented at Knott's turnstile (DD214, Veterans Administration Hospital ID or Active Military Service ID). Purchase up to six additional tickets for just $15 each.
Thanksgiving Day, November 27 - December 21, 2008
Knott's Annual event honoring Fire & Police Personnel. With proper ID presented at Knott's (employee ID card, paycheck, etc.) fire and police personnel plus one guest can receive free admission. Purchase up to six additional tickets for just $15 each.
Thanksgiving Day, November 27 - December 21, 2008
Free Knott’s Theme Park admission for County Welfare, Human and Public Social Services personnel with valid County photo ID or County pay stub and photo I.D. presented at turnstile. Plus one guest free, and up to 6 additional tickets may be purchased for $15 each.
December 6-7, 13-16, 20-21
Bring a brand new toy valued at $10 or more(not gift wrapped) to donate to Toys for Tots and you'll receive free admission to Knott's.
Note, the Toys for Tots days are very popular, so expect large crowds these three weekends.
Disneyland 2009 Grad Nite Dates
For planning purposes, here are the 2009 Grad Nite dates.
Thursday, May 14th
Thursday, May 21st
Thursday, May 28th
Thursday, June 4th
Wednesday, June 10th
Thursday, June 11th
Thursday, June 18th
This special after hour event does have some effect on the regular park schedule.
In May, no real effect, since the park closes at its normal off-season closing time.
But in June, the park has to close by 9 PM (and DCA earlier for a pre-event) on the above dates.
Also, the Magic Morning on Thursday, June 11th has to be cancelled due to the one Wednesday offering.
DCA's Paradise Pier Update
The Games of the Boardwalk closed last Wednesday for the makeover to Disney Themed Games scheduled to open in Spring 2009.
Starting today, the Lagoon will start to be drained for preparation of World of Color equipment installation. (The Water Show is scheduled to open in 2010).
Special showing of Casablanca at the new CinemaFusion Theaters at Anaheim Garden Walk
Wednesday (11/5) the new CinemaFusion at Gardenwalk will present CASABLANCA (1942) in glorius black and white on the big screen.
This classic has everything you could want from the glory days of Hollywood, Romance, action drama and much more. Starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman as the immortal lovers caught up in WWII intrigue.
But that's not all - every 90th guest will be awarded 90 passes for future shows at any Movie Experience theatre.
Come early for trivia and refreshments and just to mingle -
To be shown Wednesday Nov. 5 at CinemaFusion in Anaheim.
Opening activities at 6:30 p.m. and screening at 7:00 p.m.
Admission is only $7.50
A couple of stories you won't find in the Main Stream News.
Westsider, a longtime Cast Member shares a couple of news items over at LaughingPlace in regards to Halloween weekend.
The first one deals with why Harbor Blvd was closed at Disney Way Friday around 6 PM...
Discussion Boards: Halloween Hijinx On The Disneyland Marquee Page 1 of 1 - LaughingPlace.com: Disney World, Disneyland and More
Please do not try this trick next time you visit the park, go enjoy your cigar elsewhere!
And the second story is alas, a typical long going story...
Discussion Boards: Halloween Human Remains at Haunted Mansion Page 1 of 2 - LaughingPlace.com: Disney World, Disneyland and More
Once again folks, please do not spread ashes at Disneyland, it is illegal and will just be cleaned up as soon as they are found. There are plenty of appropriate, LEGAL locations you can scatter ashes.
If your loved one is truly a Disneyland fan, may I suggest a Disney themed Urn instead.
Selected Photos from Darkbeer.Smugmug.com
The Castle is starting to get in the mood for Christmas
New Orleans Square is already in the Christmas mood
The Games of the Boardwalk have closed and already the facades have been removed
Even the stucco has started to disappear
The Sun Wheel is growing scaffolding at a quick pace
This is the time lapse camera to cover the Sun Wheel makeover, interesting to note the windshield wiper.
Work continues of the Grand Californian/Disney Vacation Club expansion
A very nice display at the World of Disney Store in Downtown Disney
The current bonus offer at most Disneyland Gift Shops
And the actual Holiday Throw being modeled
Sunday was the last day for the petting animals to be out in the Big Thunder Ranch area, as they are going on vacation for a couple of months to allow the Reindeer to take over the area.
Well that should do it for this week. Hope everyone has a great week, and weekend, and don't forget your patience!
ADMIN NOTE:
FYI regarding the political Ads that some of our readers in California area seeing. MiceChat did NOT pick those Ads. Our Google Ad system picked the ads for us. We would NEVER allow such hurtful ads to appear if we had control. We have reported the Ads to Google and they did disappear after a few hours. However, they seem to be back again.
Unfortunately, Darkbeer's update was upstaged by the Ads. Off topic comments have been removed. If you have comments regarding the ads, please contact a Moderator or Administrator, or visit the MiceChat Debate Lounge.
Thank you -
Now, back to your regularly scheduled blog.
Total Comments 29
Comments
-
Interesting. I was planning to go Vetran's Day. Oh Well. Also, this Tuesday, Election Day, is a non-student day for the orange unified scholl district meaning many locals will be in the parks.Posted 11-03-2008 at 07:32 AM by Eric5675
-
Nice update!Posted 11-03-2008 at 07:55 AM by WheresMickey - WoW! This update is a keeper!
With so much info planing our holiday season visits just got easier.
What am I saying? My planing pretty much just involves jumping in the car and letting fate take over.
Yep that's me, the guy in the back of the line.
Thanks for a great update though.Posted 11-03-2008 at 08:07 AM by RikiTiki66 -
Nice update as always Darkbeer! It's always a pleasure spending time with you at the meet.
In your Partners pic, you can just make out that all the trees are now outfitted with their Xmas lights. I noticed all the snow machines were now in their place on the lighting standards around the hub as well.
I'm sorry you bailed out on TSMM just as Mr. Potato Head started flowing with hydraulic fluid from his arm.
See you out there again soon!Posted 11-03-2008 at 08:51 AM by ttrocc7007 -
THanks for the update....we're going today for 2 days... our last visit for awhile as we are moving to the midwest next tuesday...
Been APs for 12 years now...Posted 11-03-2008 at 09:05 AM by SomeSayImGoofy -
Kittens!Posted 11-03-2008 at 09:30 AM by BassBone -
Thanks for the update, my kids havent been to Knotts, maybe the toys for Tots drive will be a good time to take them. The crowds don't bother us.Posted 11-03-2008 at 09:36 AM by MollyTrolly -
Good info and pics. Thanks for another great update!Posted 11-03-2008 at 10:40 AM by DonDuck - Great Update thanks you so much for the information. Looking forward to the Holiday Year at Disney Resort.Posted 11-03-2008 at 10:42 AM by disnye4Life
-
good riddance stucco!
ps, i love that camera windshield wiper...Posted 11-03-2008 at 12:31 PM by twobluestripes -
Great update, I was wondering what was up with the guy on the Disneyland Marquee Friday night. The fire truck was setting up to get him down and traffic heading both ways was horrible, what a loon!Posted 11-03-2008 at 12:53 PM by Coast21 -
New Posting
Thanks for the update.
PamPosted 11-03-2008 at 03:20 PM by gawama
Updated 11-03-2008 at 03:58 PM by gawama (I misunderstood your advertising policy) -
ADMIN NOTE:
FYI regarding the political Ads that some of our readers in California are seeing. MiceChat did NOT pick those Ads. Our Google Ad system picked the ads for us. We would NEVER allow such hurtful ads to appear if we had control. We have reported the Ads to Google and they did disappear after a few hours. However, they seem to be back again.
Unfortunately, Darkbeer's update was upstaged by the Ads. Off topic comments have been removed. If you have comments regarding the ads, please contact a Moderator or Administrator, or visit the MiceChat Debate Lounge.
Thank you -
Now, back to your regularly scheduled blog.
Posted 11-03-2008 at 03:44 PM by Dustysage
Updated 11-03-2008 at 10:52 PM by Dustysage -
Getting back on topic.
Nice Monday update, David.Posted 11-03-2008 at 04:08 PM by MickeyMousePal -
Great pictures - thanks
!Posted 11-03-2008 at 04:09 PM by SouthHrbrBlvd -
Thanks for more pictures of the kitties.
Oh, and thanks for all the other pictures tooPosted 11-03-2008 at 04:29 PM by keith1phx -
yeesh. Monday.Posted 11-03-2008 at 04:42 PM by JafarFarAway... -
Nice update.Posted 11-03-2008 at 04:55 PM by Maleficent Fan -
KITTEH!!
Great update and thanks!Posted 11-03-2008 at 04:55 PM by haunted_hottie -
The second picture in this post has got to be the most awkward disneyland picture I have ever seen. There are pumpkins next to walt and mickey and a castle half covered with snow.. uh huh....Posted 11-03-2008 at 06:30 PM by Goover
