Monday in the Parks - Christmas time is here
Monday, November 24th, 2008
Yes, I know, it is not even Thanksgiving, but Christmas has arrived (or will arrive shortly) at the Southern California Theme Parks.
A quick Fire Update, the Southern California Fires have been contained, and while a lot of homes were lost, at least there were no fatalities. The smoke and ash has cleared and not affecting the air quality. Alas, this week has rain in the forecast in Southern California, and that is not good for the burned areas, since the barren land can turn into mudslides if it rains enough.
Knott's and Universal Studios Hollywood offer Free admission to Firefighters.
While Knott's had already planned its annual Fire and Police Salute, they decided to start a week early as a Thank You in regards to the recent fires. The ending date remains December 21st.
Also, this is the last few days for Veteran's to get into Knott's for Free, as that offer expires Thanksgiving Day.
Full details can be found here.
Knott's
Universal Studios Hollywood also has offered Firefighters free admission as of last Friday.
Universal Studios give holiday bonanza to firefighters - LA Daily News
Universal Studios Hollywood will offer free one- day admission for firefighters beginning today and continuing through Christmas Eve.
The offer extends to all badged California firefighting personnel. In addition to the free admission offer for firefighters, up to six family members or friends can receive $25 off a one-day admission.
Larry Kurzweil, president and chief operating officer of Universal Studios Hollywood, said the tribute, timed to start the week of Thanksgiving, is designed to salute firefighters called into action during the recent wildfires in Southern California.
"All of us were moved by the hard work and dedication shown by firefighters during this recent crisis," he said.
"What better way to mark Thanksgiving and the holiday season than to offer our sincere thanks and appreciation to the men and women who are working so tirelessly to protect us."
The free one-day admission is good for one-time use any time from today through Dec. 24 and cannot be combined with any other offer. Firefighters must present an official ID and a badge at the box office.
Friends and family members must come to the park on the same day as the eligible emergency personnel to receive $25 off one-day admission.
Universal Studios Hollywood, for the first time, will remain open on Thanksgiving and Christmas day.
Once again, thanks to all the Public Service employees that helped out with the recent Fires.
Christmas Events in Southern California
Here is the Knott's Merry Farm Press Release
Knott's Merry Farm Invites Everyone to "A Charlie Brown Christmas"
BUENA PARK, Calif., Nov 11, 2008 -- Knott's Berry Farm will magically transform into Knott's Merry Farm this holiday season as they present "A Charlie Brown Christmas" with seasonal entertainment, spectacular decorations including a 65 foot tall Christmas tree, and a colorful Christmas parade starting Thanksgiving day and running through December 30, 2008.
"A Peanuts' Holiday Parade" offers seven elaborately themed floats featuring the Peanuts Gang and accompanied by students from Orange County Song and Dance Company. Children and adults alike will be able to get into the holiday spirit along with CHARLIE BROWN, LUCY, LINUS, SALLY, SCHROEDER and of course SNOOPY, as they ready for the holidays. Join them as they partake in all the holiday festivities including candy making, tree trimming, and even toy building! "A Peanuts' Holiday Parade" will run November 27-30; December 5-7, 12-14, 20-23, 26-30, 2008 and January 1 -- 3, 2009.
Also in the spirit of the season, Knott's Merry Farm is proud to present the ice spectacular, "Snoopy's Cool Christmas." The show, performed in the 2,100-seat Charles M. Schulz Theatre, is hosted by the famous skating Beagle and features Knott's ensemble skaters, dazzling sets, colorful costumes and plenty of surprises. "Snoopy's Cool Christmas" will be presented November 27-30; December 5-7, 12-16, 18-24 and 26-30, 2008. The show and parade are included with regular Park admission and available to Christmas Crafts Village guests for a nominal additional charge.
Knott's 1880s Ghost Town will again be transformed into Knott's Christmas Crafts Village, inviting mall-weary guests to explore one-of-a-kind treasures created by more than 100 artisans in a Victorian holiday wonderland of strolling carolers, musical groups, community choirs and lavish holiday decorations.
Adding to the unique Village atmosphere are live performances of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" and O'Henry's "A Gift of the Magi" in the Bird Cage Theatre.
Elf Mountain Christmas is also back. The world famous Timber Mountain Log Ride has once again been transformed this holiday season giving guests an up-close and-personal view into the world of Santa's Elves. Sneak a peak as Santa's helpers get ready for Santa's busiest day of the year. Rich with lights, music and the merriest of times, this attraction will remain open until Jan. 4, 2009.
Experience the wonder of "Berry Merry Lights," as hundreds of thousands of twinkling white and multicolored lights, adorning Knott's historic Ghost Town and Camp Snoopy, merrily light up the nighttime sky from dusk to Park closing.
A trip to Knott's Merry Farm would not be complete without a visit with the man of the hour -- Santa! Stop by Santa's Headquarters for a little one-on-one with the big guy. Here, in Santa's cozy hideaway, kids can share their wish lists with St. Nick, and Mom and Dad can take home a picture of the occasion (photo requires additional fee).
Village guests can also indulge in the ultimate comfort foods with Knott's world-famous holiday treats, including fresh-baked pies, cakes, cookies, muffins and gingerbread men, as well as daily specials and the legendary cooking at Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant. For an all you can eat buffet, try Joe Cool's Backyard BBQ Holiday Style starting November 22 and running Saturdays and Sundays through December 28. For only $18.00 for adults and $14.00 for seniors (62+) and $10.00 for kids (3-11), you can partake of a holiday feast that includes Mrs. Knott's famous fried chicken, roast turkey, vegetarian lasagna, roast beef, mashed potatoes, boysenberry pie and much more! For reservations, call 1-800-PICNICS.
Another holiday treat is "Snoopy's Calico Christmas Tree Lighting" each evening in Calico Square. Join SNOOPY, LUCY, LINUS, SALLY and CHARLIE BROWN as they host a song-and-dance show complete with carolers and a Christmas sing-along then light a beautifully decorated Christmas tree. The Peanuts gang is also featured in their very own live musical show, "Winter Wonderland" shown daily in Camp Snoopy.
Merry Farm guests can combine their holiday treats with Knott's blockbuster rides. The legendary GhostRider(R), the ultimate wooden sleigh ride; 30-story Supreme Scream(R), the world's tallest descending thrill ride; Silver Bullet, the longest and tallest suspended coaster in the West and Knott's newest addition, Pony Express, all deliver a thrill this holiday season.
Knott's Merry Farm admission covers all Christmas Crafts Village and in-park shows and activities, including the ice show, "Snoopy's Cool Christmas," and all regular rides, shows and attractions including Silver Bullet, GhostRider(R), Supreme Scream(R) and XceleratorSM. Adult residents of Southern California zip codes 90000 through 93599 pay just $41.99 and kids (3-11) and seniors (62+) are just $22.99. Special discount coupons are also available at participating McDonald's offering admission for $34.99 for adults starting November 24 through January 4, 2008.
Knott's Christmas Crafts Village is included with regular Knott's Berry Farm admission daily. Monday through Friday guests may purchase Crafts Village only tickets; $10 for adults, $5 for seniors (62+) and $5 for kids (3-11). Village guests can enjoy the ice show, "Snoopy's Cool Christmas," or take a spin on GhostRider for nominal fees.
Knott's opens daily at 10 a.m. The park closes Dec. 25 to allow its employees to spend Christmas with their families. For information about the day you plan to visit and available discounts, call (714) 220-5200 or click on www.knotts.com.
Don't forget, that Knott's also will be offering its Toys for Tots Toy Drive weekends in December.
Six Flags Magic Mountain is having a Food Drive Thanksgiving Eve.
Magic Mountain hosts annual food, toy drive
Six Flags Magic Mountain is offering two ways for the community to help others during the holiday season.
The Valencia theme park will host a food drive for the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday.
Guests who bring a full bag of nonperishable food items will receive a free park admission ticket good for that day.
On the food bank's wish list are:
n Canned goods, which include soups, vegetables, tuna, peanut butter and baby food.
n Packaged items, which include hot cereal, mashed potatoes, stuffing mix, rice and baby cereal.
n Drinks, which include coffee, tea, supplemental drinks, baby formula and dry milk.
This year marks the sixth consecutive year Magic Mountain has hosted the drive.
Along with the food drive, Magic Mountain offers free admission to anyone who brings a new, unwrapped toy valued at $15 or more to the theme park on Dec. 7, 13 and 14 as part of the annual "Toys for the Holidays" drive.
A price tag and/or receipt should accompany the toy.
All toys collected during this year's three-day event will be distributed with the help of UPS to thousands of children through local charities including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern California.
More than 410,000 toys have been collected for Southland youngsters over the 24 years since the theme park started the toy drive.
Universal Studios Hollywood is offering Grinchmas starting December 6th. One of the highlights will be "real snow" to play in at the park. Full details and dates of the special holiday events can be found at the following link.
Universal Studios Hollywood – Grinchmas
Lots of happenings at the Disneyland Resort this week.
The big event this week is the Jonas Brothers Book signing. Brady MacDonald at the Los Angeles Times wrote about all the special rules for the event being held Tuesday, November 25th.
Jonas Brothers to sign new ‘Burning Up’ book at Disney’s California Adventure - Travel - LATimes.com
The Jonas Brothers will be signing their new book, “Burning Up: On Tour With the Jonas Brothers,” on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2008 at Disney’s California Adventure — but be prepared to wait up to 10 hours for the privilege of being in their presence.
Anticipating big crowds and a tight schedule, Disney has taken the unusual step of warning fans not to line up for the 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. book signing before 1 a.m. on Tuesday. Anybody showing up before then will be turned away and asked to leave. A limited number of wristbands (Disney won’t say how many) will be distributed from 7 a.m. until noon on Tuesday.
So just how many books can Kevin, Joe and Nick Jonas sign in 90 minutes? Nobody can say for sure. But Disney does promise that everyone who waits in line will get an autographed book (just maybe not autographed personally for you while you gaze longingly at the JoBros). The 90-minute autograph session will take place inside the former Golden Dreams Theater.
Naturally, there are a few more rules (this is Disney after all):
* Theme park admission required.
* Books must be purchased at the park.
* Limit one book per person.
* No place-holding in line.
* No personal items will be signed.
Wednesday, November 26th brings the opening of Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough. Both the Traditional Walkthrough and the Alternative Experience should be ready to go.
FYI, the Alternative Experience is very similar to the Marine Observation Outpost at the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. This room, next to the exit of the castle walkthrough will accommodate Wheelchairs and others who cannot handle walking up and down the stairs. It is basically a video of the walkthrough, in the area that used to host the Crystal Shop.
Thursday is Thanksgiving, and after a year's absence, the National Pardoned Turkeys are returning to Disneyland. After President Bush officially pardons the Turkey (and his Alternative) on Tuesday, they both will fly First Class from Washington, DC to Anaheim.
Thursday morning, Disneyland will have a small Thanksgiving Day Parade down Main Street at 10 AM, featuring the 2 turkeys. Then they will be taken to their new home, the Big Thunder Ranch. By Noon, they should be on public display, where they will remain for the rest of their natural lives.
Well, at least the recorded Turkey Gobbles will make sense again. This is the future home for the lucky two turkeys.
Of course, the regular Christmas Fantasy Parade will be offered later on Thanksgiving Day at their regular times.
Once again, the Candlelight Dinner Reservation system was a Major Fiasco
Due to popular demand, and only a very limited number of seats available, the Disneyland Candlelight online purchasing crashed.
Every year since they switched the booking system to online, it has not worked on its first try.
This year, the original date was Tuesday, November 18th at 6 PM PST. Well, nobody could get through, and after about 2 and 1/2 hours, Disney posted a message that the bookings will be rescheduled and offered on Wednesday, November 19th.
Well, on Wednesday, the system had the same issues, and around 8 PM, Disney started to post some information about the issue, when finally the system started to take orders. A lot of confusion was happening at the time, some folks thinking it was going to be rescheduled again, others thinking somehow it got sold out, etc.
Within a few hours, all the packages sold out. Hopefully Disney will once again look into the issue and try and find a way to make the system work more smoothly in 2009.
For those who didn't get a package, you can still see the Candlelight Processional on Saturday, December 6th and Sunday, December 7th at 5:30 and 8 PM. A limited number of obstructive view seats, and plenty of standing room viewing is available at no charge on a first come, first serve basis.
Toy Story Mania! gets a minor improvement
Disney has addressed the problem with the indoor queue area just before you pick up your 3-D glasses. Disney closed down the area to install an Air Conditioning system in the area, and now, the entire queue area can be used, which should help out in keeping guests cool in the queue and out of the main pathway.
New Fantasmic! Digital Projector Images
Here are a few photos of images from the new Fantasmic! Projectors. (Follow up from Al Lutz's 11/18 article - MiceAge.com - A different look at Disney... )
Selected Photos from Darkbeer.Smugmug.com
A Big Thank You to all that have viewed photos at my Smugmug page, over 7,000,000 hits alone in November.
A lot of new albums planned for this week, so keep checking in. Selected photos end up here at MiceAge, of course here on Monday's, but also frequently at Dateline Disney on Fridays, and in other MiceAge articles.
The extended queue for "it's a small world holiday" is full on Sunday.
Noy much in Christmas Decor is being offered at DCA this year.
The Wonder/Sun/Fun Wheel has had a second set of scaffolding placed in front of the wheel
Work is progressing nicely on the Grand Californian Hotel Expansion.
Well, that should do it for this week, I hope everyone has a very Happy Thanksgiving!
(And a quick shout out to the Calgary Stampeders, winners of the 96th Grey Cup!)
Yes, I know, it is not even Thanksgiving, but Christmas has arrived (or will arrive shortly) at the Southern California Theme Parks.
A quick Fire Update, the Southern California Fires have been contained, and while a lot of homes were lost, at least there were no fatalities. The smoke and ash has cleared and not affecting the air quality. Alas, this week has rain in the forecast in Southern California, and that is not good for the burned areas, since the barren land can turn into mudslides if it rains enough.
Knott's and Universal Studios Hollywood offer Free admission to Firefighters.
While Knott's had already planned its annual Fire and Police Salute, they decided to start a week early as a Thank You in regards to the recent fires. The ending date remains December 21st.
Also, this is the last few days for Veteran's to get into Knott's for Free, as that offer expires Thanksgiving Day.
Full details can be found here.
Knott's
Universal Studios Hollywood also has offered Firefighters free admission as of last Friday.
Universal Studios give holiday bonanza to firefighters - LA Daily News
Quote:
Universal Studios Hollywood will offer free one- day admission for firefighters beginning today and continuing through Christmas Eve.
The offer extends to all badged California firefighting personnel. In addition to the free admission offer for firefighters, up to six family members or friends can receive $25 off a one-day admission.
Larry Kurzweil, president and chief operating officer of Universal Studios Hollywood, said the tribute, timed to start the week of Thanksgiving, is designed to salute firefighters called into action during the recent wildfires in Southern California.
"All of us were moved by the hard work and dedication shown by firefighters during this recent crisis," he said.
"What better way to mark Thanksgiving and the holiday season than to offer our sincere thanks and appreciation to the men and women who are working so tirelessly to protect us."
The free one-day admission is good for one-time use any time from today through Dec. 24 and cannot be combined with any other offer. Firefighters must present an official ID and a badge at the box office.
Friends and family members must come to the park on the same day as the eligible emergency personnel to receive $25 off one-day admission.
Universal Studios Hollywood, for the first time, will remain open on Thanksgiving and Christmas day.
Christmas Events in Southern California
Here is the Knott's Merry Farm Press Release
Quote:
Knott's Merry Farm Invites Everyone to "A Charlie Brown Christmas"
BUENA PARK, Calif., Nov 11, 2008 -- Knott's Berry Farm will magically transform into Knott's Merry Farm this holiday season as they present "A Charlie Brown Christmas" with seasonal entertainment, spectacular decorations including a 65 foot tall Christmas tree, and a colorful Christmas parade starting Thanksgiving day and running through December 30, 2008.
"A Peanuts' Holiday Parade" offers seven elaborately themed floats featuring the Peanuts Gang and accompanied by students from Orange County Song and Dance Company. Children and adults alike will be able to get into the holiday spirit along with CHARLIE BROWN, LUCY, LINUS, SALLY, SCHROEDER and of course SNOOPY, as they ready for the holidays. Join them as they partake in all the holiday festivities including candy making, tree trimming, and even toy building! "A Peanuts' Holiday Parade" will run November 27-30; December 5-7, 12-14, 20-23, 26-30, 2008 and January 1 -- 3, 2009.
Also in the spirit of the season, Knott's Merry Farm is proud to present the ice spectacular, "Snoopy's Cool Christmas." The show, performed in the 2,100-seat Charles M. Schulz Theatre, is hosted by the famous skating Beagle and features Knott's ensemble skaters, dazzling sets, colorful costumes and plenty of surprises. "Snoopy's Cool Christmas" will be presented November 27-30; December 5-7, 12-16, 18-24 and 26-30, 2008. The show and parade are included with regular Park admission and available to Christmas Crafts Village guests for a nominal additional charge.
Knott's 1880s Ghost Town will again be transformed into Knott's Christmas Crafts Village, inviting mall-weary guests to explore one-of-a-kind treasures created by more than 100 artisans in a Victorian holiday wonderland of strolling carolers, musical groups, community choirs and lavish holiday decorations.
Adding to the unique Village atmosphere are live performances of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" and O'Henry's "A Gift of the Magi" in the Bird Cage Theatre.
Elf Mountain Christmas is also back. The world famous Timber Mountain Log Ride has once again been transformed this holiday season giving guests an up-close and-personal view into the world of Santa's Elves. Sneak a peak as Santa's helpers get ready for Santa's busiest day of the year. Rich with lights, music and the merriest of times, this attraction will remain open until Jan. 4, 2009.
Experience the wonder of "Berry Merry Lights," as hundreds of thousands of twinkling white and multicolored lights, adorning Knott's historic Ghost Town and Camp Snoopy, merrily light up the nighttime sky from dusk to Park closing.
A trip to Knott's Merry Farm would not be complete without a visit with the man of the hour -- Santa! Stop by Santa's Headquarters for a little one-on-one with the big guy. Here, in Santa's cozy hideaway, kids can share their wish lists with St. Nick, and Mom and Dad can take home a picture of the occasion (photo requires additional fee).
Village guests can also indulge in the ultimate comfort foods with Knott's world-famous holiday treats, including fresh-baked pies, cakes, cookies, muffins and gingerbread men, as well as daily specials and the legendary cooking at Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant. For an all you can eat buffet, try Joe Cool's Backyard BBQ Holiday Style starting November 22 and running Saturdays and Sundays through December 28. For only $18.00 for adults and $14.00 for seniors (62+) and $10.00 for kids (3-11), you can partake of a holiday feast that includes Mrs. Knott's famous fried chicken, roast turkey, vegetarian lasagna, roast beef, mashed potatoes, boysenberry pie and much more! For reservations, call 1-800-PICNICS.
Another holiday treat is "Snoopy's Calico Christmas Tree Lighting" each evening in Calico Square. Join SNOOPY, LUCY, LINUS, SALLY and CHARLIE BROWN as they host a song-and-dance show complete with carolers and a Christmas sing-along then light a beautifully decorated Christmas tree. The Peanuts gang is also featured in their very own live musical show, "Winter Wonderland" shown daily in Camp Snoopy.
Merry Farm guests can combine their holiday treats with Knott's blockbuster rides. The legendary GhostRider(R), the ultimate wooden sleigh ride; 30-story Supreme Scream(R), the world's tallest descending thrill ride; Silver Bullet, the longest and tallest suspended coaster in the West and Knott's newest addition, Pony Express, all deliver a thrill this holiday season.
Knott's Merry Farm admission covers all Christmas Crafts Village and in-park shows and activities, including the ice show, "Snoopy's Cool Christmas," and all regular rides, shows and attractions including Silver Bullet, GhostRider(R), Supreme Scream(R) and XceleratorSM. Adult residents of Southern California zip codes 90000 through 93599 pay just $41.99 and kids (3-11) and seniors (62+) are just $22.99. Special discount coupons are also available at participating McDonald's offering admission for $34.99 for adults starting November 24 through January 4, 2008.
Knott's Christmas Crafts Village is included with regular Knott's Berry Farm admission daily. Monday through Friday guests may purchase Crafts Village only tickets; $10 for adults, $5 for seniors (62+) and $5 for kids (3-11). Village guests can enjoy the ice show, "Snoopy's Cool Christmas," or take a spin on GhostRider for nominal fees.
Knott's opens daily at 10 a.m. The park closes Dec. 25 to allow its employees to spend Christmas with their families. For information about the day you plan to visit and available discounts, call (714) 220-5200 or click on www.knotts.com.
Six Flags Magic Mountain is having a Food Drive Thanksgiving Eve.
Magic Mountain hosts annual food, toy drive
Quote:
Six Flags Magic Mountain is offering two ways for the community to help others during the holiday season.
The Valencia theme park will host a food drive for the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday.
Guests who bring a full bag of nonperishable food items will receive a free park admission ticket good for that day.
On the food bank's wish list are:
n Canned goods, which include soups, vegetables, tuna, peanut butter and baby food.
n Packaged items, which include hot cereal, mashed potatoes, stuffing mix, rice and baby cereal.
n Drinks, which include coffee, tea, supplemental drinks, baby formula and dry milk.
This year marks the sixth consecutive year Magic Mountain has hosted the drive.
Along with the food drive, Magic Mountain offers free admission to anyone who brings a new, unwrapped toy valued at $15 or more to the theme park on Dec. 7, 13 and 14 as part of the annual "Toys for the Holidays" drive.
A price tag and/or receipt should accompany the toy.
All toys collected during this year's three-day event will be distributed with the help of UPS to thousands of children through local charities including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern California.
More than 410,000 toys have been collected for Southland youngsters over the 24 years since the theme park started the toy drive.
Universal Studios Hollywood – Grinchmas
Lots of happenings at the Disneyland Resort this week.
The big event this week is the Jonas Brothers Book signing. Brady MacDonald at the Los Angeles Times wrote about all the special rules for the event being held Tuesday, November 25th.
Jonas Brothers to sign new ‘Burning Up’ book at Disney’s California Adventure - Travel - LATimes.com
Quote:
The Jonas Brothers will be signing their new book, “Burning Up: On Tour With the Jonas Brothers,” on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2008 at Disney’s California Adventure — but be prepared to wait up to 10 hours for the privilege of being in their presence.
Anticipating big crowds and a tight schedule, Disney has taken the unusual step of warning fans not to line up for the 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. book signing before 1 a.m. on Tuesday. Anybody showing up before then will be turned away and asked to leave. A limited number of wristbands (Disney won’t say how many) will be distributed from 7 a.m. until noon on Tuesday.
So just how many books can Kevin, Joe and Nick Jonas sign in 90 minutes? Nobody can say for sure. But Disney does promise that everyone who waits in line will get an autographed book (just maybe not autographed personally for you while you gaze longingly at the JoBros). The 90-minute autograph session will take place inside the former Golden Dreams Theater.
Naturally, there are a few more rules (this is Disney after all):
* Theme park admission required.
* Books must be purchased at the park.
* Limit one book per person.
* No place-holding in line.
* No personal items will be signed.
Wednesday, November 26th brings the opening of Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough. Both the Traditional Walkthrough and the Alternative Experience should be ready to go.
FYI, the Alternative Experience is very similar to the Marine Observation Outpost at the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. This room, next to the exit of the castle walkthrough will accommodate Wheelchairs and others who cannot handle walking up and down the stairs. It is basically a video of the walkthrough, in the area that used to host the Crystal Shop.
Thursday is Thanksgiving, and after a year's absence, the National Pardoned Turkeys are returning to Disneyland. After President Bush officially pardons the Turkey (and his Alternative) on Tuesday, they both will fly First Class from Washington, DC to Anaheim.
Thursday morning, Disneyland will have a small Thanksgiving Day Parade down Main Street at 10 AM, featuring the 2 turkeys. Then they will be taken to their new home, the Big Thunder Ranch. By Noon, they should be on public display, where they will remain for the rest of their natural lives.
Well, at least the recorded Turkey Gobbles will make sense again. This is the future home for the lucky two turkeys.
Of course, the regular Christmas Fantasy Parade will be offered later on Thanksgiving Day at their regular times.
Once again, the Candlelight Dinner Reservation system was a Major Fiasco
Due to popular demand, and only a very limited number of seats available, the Disneyland Candlelight online purchasing crashed.
Every year since they switched the booking system to online, it has not worked on its first try.
This year, the original date was Tuesday, November 18th at 6 PM PST. Well, nobody could get through, and after about 2 and 1/2 hours, Disney posted a message that the bookings will be rescheduled and offered on Wednesday, November 19th.
Well, on Wednesday, the system had the same issues, and around 8 PM, Disney started to post some information about the issue, when finally the system started to take orders. A lot of confusion was happening at the time, some folks thinking it was going to be rescheduled again, others thinking somehow it got sold out, etc.
Within a few hours, all the packages sold out. Hopefully Disney will once again look into the issue and try and find a way to make the system work more smoothly in 2009.
For those who didn't get a package, you can still see the Candlelight Processional on Saturday, December 6th and Sunday, December 7th at 5:30 and 8 PM. A limited number of obstructive view seats, and plenty of standing room viewing is available at no charge on a first come, first serve basis.
Toy Story Mania! gets a minor improvement
Disney has addressed the problem with the indoor queue area just before you pick up your 3-D glasses. Disney closed down the area to install an Air Conditioning system in the area, and now, the entire queue area can be used, which should help out in keeping guests cool in the queue and out of the main pathway.
New Fantasmic! Digital Projector Images
Here are a few photos of images from the new Fantasmic! Projectors. (Follow up from Al Lutz's 11/18 article - MiceAge.com - A different look at Disney... )
Selected Photos from Darkbeer.Smugmug.com
A Big Thank You to all that have viewed photos at my Smugmug page, over 7,000,000 hits alone in November.
A lot of new albums planned for this week, so keep checking in. Selected photos end up here at MiceAge, of course here on Monday's, but also frequently at Dateline Disney on Fridays, and in other MiceAge articles.
The extended queue for "it's a small world holiday" is full on Sunday.
Noy much in Christmas Decor is being offered at DCA this year.
The Wonder/Sun/Fun Wheel has had a second set of scaffolding placed in front of the wheel
Work is progressing nicely on the Grand Californian Hotel Expansion.
Well, that should do it for this week, I hope everyone has a very Happy Thanksgiving!
(And a quick shout out to the Calgary Stampeders, winners of the 96th Grey Cup!)
Total Comments 26
Comments
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Great update! Happy Thanksgiving!Posted 11-24-2008 at 07:43 AM by WheresMickey
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Great update. Thanks.Posted 11-24-2008 at 07:44 AM by Darkwing -
Thanks for the Update. Is the walk-through opening on Wed. or on the 27th? The 27th falls on a thursday this year.Posted 11-24-2008 at 08:29 AM by Disneytwins 
- Oops, Wednesday the 26th.
Fixed the Main Article.Posted 11-24-2008 at 08:36 AM by In the Parks -
Awesome!
Posted 11-24-2008 at 08:49 AM by SouthHrbrBlvd -
Thank goodness they are addressing the Toy Story queue area before next summer! Now hopefully whatever they put in there for AC actually works! Great update!Posted 11-24-2008 at 08:58 AM by penguinsoda -
Thanks so much for all your efforts, it makes Mondays easier to face.
Also, a shout out to the Columbus Crew, MLS Cup Champions!Posted 11-24-2008 at 09:51 AM by FREQDUDE - Thanks for a great update again. Thanks also for the shout out to the Stamps. I find it hard to believe (coming from the "Great White North") that people actually find snow an attraction. Happy Thanksgiving to you all.Posted 11-24-2008 at 12:16 PM by Calgal
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Terrific update and I love the little plush Thanksgiving pilgrim versions of Mickey and Minnie.
Posted 11-24-2008 at 12:23 PM by Disney Liz -
Great update as always!Posted 11-24-2008 at 12:37 PM by Kritter -
Great update! Thanks for all your great info.Posted 11-24-2008 at 12:44 PM by sassy*tink -
Do you have your own personal helicopter or are you like 10 feet tall bc those main street pics look like they were taken from pretty high up (lol).Posted 11-24-2008 at 01:24 PM by Goover -
There are a few tricks up my sleeve, but I will say that I always take photos from publicly accessible areas and follow Disney rules.
For example, when they were working on Pixie Hollow, I rode the Astro Orbitor a lot.
Some of the GCH shots come from Mulholland Madness. (Note, be VERY careful if you do this yourself. I never take pictures the first time I ride a Roller Coaster, as I want to learn where the G's kick in and when there are smoother areas. Also, watch your arms, while the Coasters are designed to be safe for outreached arms and hands, you still need to be careful. Also, NEVER use your small view-piece that you place against your eye, use the large outer screen, or just point and shoot while on a fast moving vehicle.Posted 11-24-2008 at 01:34 PM by Darkbeer -
Just love the Monday updates. Thanks, again!Posted 11-24-2008 at 01:41 PM by DonDuck -
Fabby fab fab update this week!
(I guess that the high up MS photo was from the Omnibus?)Posted 11-24-2008 at 03:48 PM by twobluestripes - Great update, but having been born and raised in Edmonton, I can't bring myself to congratulate Calgary.Posted 11-24-2008 at 03:49 PM by deggert
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I'm thinking anytime this week will probably be a mess to get through the castle or anything...though I will be there sometime this week...to really have a chance to see all the following week will be best I'm thinkin. Fabulous photos thanks....oh...anymore idea about the gingerbread house decorating at downtown Disney...Brennans???Posted 11-24-2008 at 04:00 PM by jmnycrkt
Updated 11-24-2008 at 04:02 PM by jmnycrkt (add information...) - Wow, great photos as usual. But there's something odd about seeing a snow-covered castle ... surrounded by green trees and tourists in T-shirts. Must be a wicked spell (on the castle, not the tourists).Posted 11-24-2008 at 04:44 PM by PA*
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Thanks for the update Darkbeer.
Next time I'm at the park I will head over to see the Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough for the first time ever!Posted 11-24-2008 at 05:14 PM by MickeyMousePal -
Thanks for the update. It's a good thing Disney also said Sleeping Beauty Castle opens on Wednesday, because in Anaheim, "the last leaf of Autumn" might not fall until January!Posted 11-24-2008 at 05:59 PM by AliKzam
