What will Disney Celebrate? - LARGE crowds this weekend and much more news
Posted 01-16-2009 at 05:43 AM by In the Parks
Well, this is start of a Holiday weekend for most as the United States celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday. But some folks will be working, about 85,000 folks will be attending the NAMM show at the Anaheim Convention Center. So if you plan to go to the parks, make sure and bring some patience.
NAMM Show live coverage
While the NAMM show is a Trade Show and not open to the public, the Orange County Register is providing a live video feed of some of the events.
Around Disney - OCRegister.com
Adam Townsend wrote this yesterday at the OC Register.
But in this first dispatch on the convention, it must be mentioned: MOTORISTS BEWARE.
Don’t even think about trying to navigate Katella Avenue between the 5 Freeway and Walnut Street — in fact, avoid it all the way west to Euclid Street if possible just to be safe. All day long the street is going to be packed with 85,000 conventioneers and gawkers.
If you need to come off the highway, take the Ball Road/Harbor Boulevard exits off of the I-5. For you non-locals, Ball runs east and west, parallel to Katella.
You can take Ball pretty much anywhere you would have taken Katella.
That is pretty good advice.
For those planning to go to Disneyland and come from the North, I recommend getting off Interstate 5 at Disneyland Drive and go straight into the Parking Structure.
Coming from the south, getting off at the Harbor Boulevard exit, make the right and the left onto Ball Road and to the Parking Structure.
And while the Orange County Register warned about Katella Avenue, Harbor Boulevard between Disney Way and Orangewood. The NAMM show will use the Buzz Lightyear parking lot and traffic will be heavy in the area.
Disney is operating at Maximum Hours and will be fully staffed, including offering Remember... Dreams come True Fireworks the only time this month after the Christmas Holidays.
NFFC All Disneyana Show and Sale this weekend
This weekend also has NFFC holding one of the big events in the Disneyland Resort area.
This event is being held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel at the corner of Harbor and Chapman in Garden Grove.
Full details can be found at the link below.
NFFC News - Pin Debut at NFFC All Disneyana Show and Sale - NFFC
Anaheim GardenWalk to host live entertainment this weekend
Anaheim GardenWalk is celebrating the The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) annual trade show with complimentary live entertainment in the Gala Garden. Come out and join the fun as 88,000 from the music industry infiltrate Anaheim. Who knows - you may even spot a star or two!
January 16 - Friday
6:30pm - 8:00pm - Top Dead Center: Rock/Metal/Punk
8:00pm - 9:30pm - Matt O'Ree Band: Texas Style Rock/Blues Jam
January 17 - Saturday
6:30pm - 7:00pm - The Trouble with Boys: Pop/Rock
7:15pm - 7:45pm - The Hi-Tops: Pop
8:00pm - 9:30pm - HOT FOR TEACHER: The Van Halen Experience
But Anaheim GardenWalk also provides entertainment on a regular basis, here is a schedule of some of the upcoming events.
GardenWalk is committed to making your experience memorable. Enjoy the following live entertainment while you shop, dine & play! Offered between 5 and 8 PM
January 16 - Bitet featuring Dred Lion
January 17 - Qwiksand
January 18 - New Voice
January 23 - Cory Joseph
January 24 - Janelle Burris
January 25 - The Jam Cats
January 30 - CeeJay
January 31 - Mix Medix
February 1 - The Bluesbashers
Full details can be found at the Center's website.
Anaheim GardenWalk | Shopping, Dining, Entertainment in Orange County
National Popcorn Day Celebration Weekend
If you want to avoid the crowds around Anaheim, you might be interested in checking out the Orange County Market Place, held at the Orange County Fairgrounds.
Orange county Market Place Unique Swap Meet In California -Biggest Market place in Costa Mesa California for Shopping Food, Fun, Market place in Orange County
Costa Mesa, CA ---The Orange County Market Place will offer up free popcorn to all shoppers Saturday and Sunday, January 17 and 18, 2009 during its National Popcorn Day Celebration Weekend. The official date is Monday, January 19. The weekend swap meet, held at the Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa, will be popping fresh popcorn for visitors from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
In addition, special entertainment will be featured. On Saturday a giant popcorn stilt walker will welcome shoppers from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and on Sunday Kaptain Kernel ,“the King of Korn“, will perform from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. showing off his popcorn spill gags, juggling popcorn balls and turning kernels into popcorn from his magic bag.
The Orange County Market Place is held every Saturday and Sunday and features nearly 1,000 vendors, artisans and crafters, used car lot, produce and flower market and many other items.
Admission is $2 for ages 13 years and over, and free for children 12 and under.
A few more upcoming events
Since we are mentioning events, lets look past this weekend and plan for the future.
Disney has announced that an enhanced version of "it's a small world" will open to the public on Friday, February 6th.
If you are a Disneyland Resort Annual Passholder, you will have a chance to check out the changes on Thursday, February 5th during the parks normal operating hours (10 AM to 8 PM). A Cast Member will be checking for AP's at the rides entrance, and each person who wants to ride will need to show an AP on February 5th to access the attraction.
If you live in the San Diego area, the Disney Parks Celebrate marketing Tour will be coming to town on February 18th.
The Disney Food and Wine Festival is coming back to the Disneyland Resort and will be held April 24th through June 7th, 2009.
And of course, there is the celebration of MiceChat turning 4 years old the weekend of January 30th through February 1st that I need to mention.
The events will be held at the Disneyland Resort and at the Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel. It is a great chance to meet other fans of Theme Parks and Disneyland.
Full details and the schedule can be found at this link.
http://micechat.com/forums/meets-eve...save-date.html
Note, some of the events are limited in size and require the purchase of a ticket.
Hope to see you there!
Busch Theme Parks update
The Financial Times of London is reporting that the sale of the parks by InBev, the new owners of Budweiser that the sale of Busch Entertainment to a new owner is expected soon.
The article also mentions that The Walt Disney Company, NBC Universal and Six Flags will all show interest. One big benefit of being an interested party is the right to check out some financial details that are normally kept private.
So these companies might not be seriously looking to bid, but do get a chance to get some valuable information about a competitor.
Sale expected soon on Busch theme parks -- VAGazette.com
Zaget to offer a Disneyland Insider Guide Book
Here is an interesting Press Release plugging the new Zagat Book.
NEW YORK, Jan. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Zagat Survey today released its first Disneyland Resort Insider's Guide, a comprehensive overview of 279 rides, attractions, dining, shopping, hotels and amenities throughout California's renowned Disneyland Resort. Based on 3,122 avid Disney-goers, the guide offers advice on how to spend your time and money, as well as how to beat the lines, while enjoying the magic at Disneyland, Disney's California Adventure, the Downtown Disney District and the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort. Because Disney appeals to all ages, attractions are separately rated for their "Adult Appeal," "Child Appeal" and "Thrill" on Zagat's signature 30-point scale.
"Our goal is to give consumers access to a variety of information to help them make smart decisions and take action," said Tim Zagat, CEO of Zagat Survey. "Through this guide, our 3,000+ surveyors, who are frequent visitors to the Disneyland Resort, are sharing their experiences to help newcomers better navigate all the parks have to offer."
Thrilled to Perfection: The top thrill in the Disneyland Resort, the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, has earned itself a perfect 30 rating from surveyors - a rare honor in Zagat's history. Following close behind are Space Mountain and California Screamin', which both earned "extraordinary" thrill ratings of 29. With the Indiana Jones Adventure and SplashMountain rounding out the top 5, it's clear that these parks pack a punch for any thrill-seeking Disney-goer.
Disney Fever: Most Disney visitors first experience the magic while still young. A full 60% of surveyors report their first visit to a Disney theme park before age five - and 30% say before age three. Still, Disneyland Resort appeals to all ages. In fact, 89% of our surveyors have visited the Resort as an adult without children along. Echoing the Resort's remarkable popularity, the vast majority say they plan to visit again within six months.
Top Rides: This year, 65% of surveyors report spending almost all their time in the parks visiting rides or attractions. Surveyors' favorite ride is Pirates of the Caribbean, the swash-buckling pirate adventure. SpaceMountainand Soarin' Over California came in #2 and 3 respectively. The Tower of Terror earned a 29 for Adult Appeal, while the dazzling "Remember ... Dreams Come True" fireworks won top Child Appeal.
Most Popular Overall:
1. Pirates of the Caribbean - New Orleans Square, DL
2. Space Mountain - Tomorrowland, DL
3. Soarin' Over California - Golden State, DCA
4. Indiana Jones Adventure - Adventureland, DL
5. California Screamin' - Paradise Pier, DCA
Adult Appeal:
1. Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (DCA)
2. Space Mountain (Disneyland)
3. California Screamin' (DCA)
4. Soarin' Over California (DCA)
5. "Remember ... Dreams Come True" (Disneyland)
Child Appeal:
1. "Remember/Dreams Come True" (Disneyland)
2. Toy Story Midway Mania! (DCA)
3. Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters (Disneyland)
4. Turtle Talk with Crush (DCA)
5. Fantasmic! (Disneyland)
DL = Disneyland Park; DCA = Disney's California Adventure Park; DD = Downtown Disney District
Disney Dining: Like all Zagat Surveys, the Disneyland Resort Insider's guide separately rates restaurants for their Food, Decor, Service and Cost. This enables visitors to make informed dining decisions and stay within any budget. Special indexes such as Buffet, Quick Bites Romantic Places and Teen Appeal, also helps visitors tailor any meal to meet their needs.
Surveyors are definitely passionate about Disney dining as 38% of them say they spend quite a bit or almost all of their time dining out. Napa Rose at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa swept the competition, earning top honors for Food, Decor and Service, as well as ranking #2 in Popularity. Steakhouse 55 at the Disneyland Hotel came in second place for all three categories. Blue Bayou in Disneyland Park was named Most Popular, with Napa Rose, Rainforest Cafe, Redd Rockett's PizzaPortand Storytellers Cafe completing the top 5.
Most Popular
1. Blue Bayou (Disneyland)
2. Napa Rose (Disney's Grand Californian Hotel)
3. Rainforest Cafe (DD)
4. Redd Rockett's Pizza Port (Disneyland)
5. Storytellers Cafe (Disney's Grand Californian Hotel)
Top Food
1. Napa Rose (Grand Californian)
2. Steakhouse 55 (Disneyland Hotel)
3. Yamabuki (Paradise Pier)
4. Catal (DD)
5. Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen (DD)
Shop 'Til You Drop: With a plethora of toy, clothing and jewelry shops, shopping in Disneyland Resort is a popular pastime. A staggering 92% of visitors report purchasing apparel and an equally impressive 82% seek sweets. Disneyana, located on Main Street USA (in Disneyland Park), tops the list for Quality, earning a 28 rating out of a possible 30. And Downtown Disney's World of Disney, whose name really says it all, wins for Most Popular.
Top Quality (overall)
1. Disneyana (Disneyland)
2. Silhouette Studio (Disneyland)
3. Off the Page (DCA)
4. Jewel of Orleans (Disneyland)
5. China Closet (Disneyland)
Most Popular (overall)
1. World of Disney (DD)
2. Emporium (Disneyland)
3. Build-a-Bear Workshop (DD)
4. Disneyana (Disneyland)
5. Candy Palace (Disneyland)
Downtown Disney and the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort: The Downtown Disney District is home to retail shops, restaurants and live music venues, and is within walking distance of all three hotels of the Disneyland Resort: the Paradise Pier Hotel, Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and the Disneyland Hotel. Besides fine dining at Napa Rose and Steakhouse 55, visitors can experience live entertainment at the House of Blues or Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen. Some opt for more moderately priced dining at Rainforest Cafe and ESPN Zone, while others enjoy catching a flick at nearby AMC Theatres and shopping at the colossal World of Disney.
The Guide in Detail: Zagat Survey's Disneyland Resort Insider's Guide is loaded with helpful top lists and indexes. Attractions are broken down by type (Simulator, Roller Coaster, Animatronics,) and by special features (Toddlers, Educational, Rainy Day Appropriate). Dining and Shopping are also included in indexes, such as Cuisine, Special Features, and Merchandise.
The Disneyland Resort Insider's Guide ($14.95) was edited by John Deiner, with consulting by Laura Randall. It is available at bookstores and other retail outlets, through ZAGAT.com or by calling 888/371-5440.
About Zagat Survey, LLC
Known as the "burgundy bible," Zagat Survey is the world's most trusted source for information about where to eat, drink, stay and play around the globe, and as such has become a symbol of quality. Zagat Survey rates and reviews airlines, restaurants, hotels, nightlife, movies, music, golf, resorts, shopping, spas, and a range of other entertainment categories in over 100 countries and has been lauded as the "most up-to-date, comprehensive and reliable guides ever published" and as "a necessity second only to a valid credit card." Zagat content is available in print, on the Web, on the Palm and Windows Mobile operating systems, on BlackBerry, on mobile phones, and on TV. For more information, visit ZAGAT.com.
Website: ZAGAT: Ratings & Reviews for New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Philadelphia and Restaurants Everywhere
Disneyland Resort News Update
Disney has informed its Cast Members that Cocina Cucamonga will be expanded.
The plan is to convert the former Lucky Fortune Cookery, which is now behind refurb walls to an expanded Mexican Menu. The project should be done in time for the Summer season.
Also, Cast Members were informed of a store closure...
Effective immediately, Crystal Magic will no longer have store locations here at the Resort. These locations include Wishing Star Magic Crystals in Disneyland® Park, Off the Page in Disney's California Adventure® Park and World of Disney® in the Downtown Disney® District. If a Guest has placed an order with them or has a question about their purchase, please direct them to call 877-236-2672 or e-mail customerservice@crystalmagic.com.
Also, Disney has quietly added a larger Soda Cup (32 ounces) to restaurants that sell Fountain Drinks.
The 32 ounce Cups are $3.99, but only $2.99 if you show your Annual Pass.
A MiceChat reader, RiversofAmerica, got a photo of altered Window on Monorail Red.
Only a couple of the windows had the change. More than likely, these are not going to be the final design of the windows, but were installed just for testing reasons.
Selected Photos from Darkbeer.Smugmug.com
A new set of banners has been installed by the City of Anaheim along the streets near Disneyland. The banners feature Mickey, Minnie, Pluto and Donald with the "Celebrate Today!" theme.
Work is progressing on installing the infrastructure for the new World of Color water show at DCA
Some of the concrete that has been removed
This promotion just won't go away (Photo was taken Wednesday, January 14th, 2009 near the former Golden Dreams location)
That should do it for this week, hope everyone has a wonderful Holiday weekend.
NAMM Show live coverage
While the NAMM show is a Trade Show and not open to the public, the Orange County Register is providing a live video feed of some of the events.
Around Disney - OCRegister.com
Adam Townsend wrote this yesterday at the OC Register.
Quote:
But in this first dispatch on the convention, it must be mentioned: MOTORISTS BEWARE.
Don’t even think about trying to navigate Katella Avenue between the 5 Freeway and Walnut Street — in fact, avoid it all the way west to Euclid Street if possible just to be safe. All day long the street is going to be packed with 85,000 conventioneers and gawkers.
If you need to come off the highway, take the Ball Road/Harbor Boulevard exits off of the I-5. For you non-locals, Ball runs east and west, parallel to Katella.
You can take Ball pretty much anywhere you would have taken Katella.
For those planning to go to Disneyland and come from the North, I recommend getting off Interstate 5 at Disneyland Drive and go straight into the Parking Structure.
Coming from the south, getting off at the Harbor Boulevard exit, make the right and the left onto Ball Road and to the Parking Structure.
And while the Orange County Register warned about Katella Avenue, Harbor Boulevard between Disney Way and Orangewood. The NAMM show will use the Buzz Lightyear parking lot and traffic will be heavy in the area.
Disney is operating at Maximum Hours and will be fully staffed, including offering Remember... Dreams come True Fireworks the only time this month after the Christmas Holidays.
NFFC All Disneyana Show and Sale this weekend
This weekend also has NFFC holding one of the big events in the Disneyland Resort area.
This event is being held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel at the corner of Harbor and Chapman in Garden Grove.
Full details can be found at the link below.
NFFC News - Pin Debut at NFFC All Disneyana Show and Sale - NFFC
Anaheim GardenWalk to host live entertainment this weekend
Anaheim GardenWalk is celebrating the The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) annual trade show with complimentary live entertainment in the Gala Garden. Come out and join the fun as 88,000 from the music industry infiltrate Anaheim. Who knows - you may even spot a star or two!
January 16 - Friday
6:30pm - 8:00pm - Top Dead Center: Rock/Metal/Punk
8:00pm - 9:30pm - Matt O'Ree Band: Texas Style Rock/Blues Jam
January 17 - Saturday
6:30pm - 7:00pm - The Trouble with Boys: Pop/Rock
7:15pm - 7:45pm - The Hi-Tops: Pop
8:00pm - 9:30pm - HOT FOR TEACHER: The Van Halen Experience
But Anaheim GardenWalk also provides entertainment on a regular basis, here is a schedule of some of the upcoming events.
GardenWalk is committed to making your experience memorable. Enjoy the following live entertainment while you shop, dine & play! Offered between 5 and 8 PM
January 16 - Bitet featuring Dred Lion
January 17 - Qwiksand
January 18 - New Voice
January 23 - Cory Joseph
January 24 - Janelle Burris
January 25 - The Jam Cats
January 30 - CeeJay
January 31 - Mix Medix
February 1 - The Bluesbashers
Full details can be found at the Center's website.
Anaheim GardenWalk | Shopping, Dining, Entertainment in Orange County
National Popcorn Day Celebration Weekend
If you want to avoid the crowds around Anaheim, you might be interested in checking out the Orange County Market Place, held at the Orange County Fairgrounds.
Orange county Market Place Unique Swap Meet In California -Biggest Market place in Costa Mesa California for Shopping Food, Fun, Market place in Orange County
Quote:
Costa Mesa, CA ---The Orange County Market Place will offer up free popcorn to all shoppers Saturday and Sunday, January 17 and 18, 2009 during its National Popcorn Day Celebration Weekend. The official date is Monday, January 19. The weekend swap meet, held at the Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa, will be popping fresh popcorn for visitors from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
In addition, special entertainment will be featured. On Saturday a giant popcorn stilt walker will welcome shoppers from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and on Sunday Kaptain Kernel ,“the King of Korn“, will perform from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. showing off his popcorn spill gags, juggling popcorn balls and turning kernels into popcorn from his magic bag.
The Orange County Market Place is held every Saturday and Sunday and features nearly 1,000 vendors, artisans and crafters, used car lot, produce and flower market and many other items.
Admission is $2 for ages 13 years and over, and free for children 12 and under.
Since we are mentioning events, lets look past this weekend and plan for the future.
Disney has announced that an enhanced version of "it's a small world" will open to the public on Friday, February 6th.
If you are a Disneyland Resort Annual Passholder, you will have a chance to check out the changes on Thursday, February 5th during the parks normal operating hours (10 AM to 8 PM). A Cast Member will be checking for AP's at the rides entrance, and each person who wants to ride will need to show an AP on February 5th to access the attraction.
If you live in the San Diego area, the Disney Parks Celebrate marketing Tour will be coming to town on February 18th.
The Disney Food and Wine Festival is coming back to the Disneyland Resort and will be held April 24th through June 7th, 2009.
And of course, there is the celebration of MiceChat turning 4 years old the weekend of January 30th through February 1st that I need to mention.
The events will be held at the Disneyland Resort and at the Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel. It is a great chance to meet other fans of Theme Parks and Disneyland.
Full details and the schedule can be found at this link.
http://micechat.com/forums/meets-eve...save-date.html
Note, some of the events are limited in size and require the purchase of a ticket.
Hope to see you there!
Busch Theme Parks update
The Financial Times of London is reporting that the sale of the parks by InBev, the new owners of Budweiser that the sale of Busch Entertainment to a new owner is expected soon.
The article also mentions that The Walt Disney Company, NBC Universal and Six Flags will all show interest. One big benefit of being an interested party is the right to check out some financial details that are normally kept private.
So these companies might not be seriously looking to bid, but do get a chance to get some valuable information about a competitor.
Sale expected soon on Busch theme parks -- VAGazette.com
Zaget to offer a Disneyland Insider Guide Book
Here is an interesting Press Release plugging the new Zagat Book.
Quote:
NEW YORK, Jan. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Zagat Survey today released its first Disneyland Resort Insider's Guide, a comprehensive overview of 279 rides, attractions, dining, shopping, hotels and amenities throughout California's renowned Disneyland Resort. Based on 3,122 avid Disney-goers, the guide offers advice on how to spend your time and money, as well as how to beat the lines, while enjoying the magic at Disneyland, Disney's California Adventure, the Downtown Disney District and the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort. Because Disney appeals to all ages, attractions are separately rated for their "Adult Appeal," "Child Appeal" and "Thrill" on Zagat's signature 30-point scale.
"Our goal is to give consumers access to a variety of information to help them make smart decisions and take action," said Tim Zagat, CEO of Zagat Survey. "Through this guide, our 3,000+ surveyors, who are frequent visitors to the Disneyland Resort, are sharing their experiences to help newcomers better navigate all the parks have to offer."
Thrilled to Perfection: The top thrill in the Disneyland Resort, the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, has earned itself a perfect 30 rating from surveyors - a rare honor in Zagat's history. Following close behind are Space Mountain and California Screamin', which both earned "extraordinary" thrill ratings of 29. With the Indiana Jones Adventure and SplashMountain rounding out the top 5, it's clear that these parks pack a punch for any thrill-seeking Disney-goer.
Disney Fever: Most Disney visitors first experience the magic while still young. A full 60% of surveyors report their first visit to a Disney theme park before age five - and 30% say before age three. Still, Disneyland Resort appeals to all ages. In fact, 89% of our surveyors have visited the Resort as an adult without children along. Echoing the Resort's remarkable popularity, the vast majority say they plan to visit again within six months.
Top Rides: This year, 65% of surveyors report spending almost all their time in the parks visiting rides or attractions. Surveyors' favorite ride is Pirates of the Caribbean, the swash-buckling pirate adventure. SpaceMountainand Soarin' Over California came in #2 and 3 respectively. The Tower of Terror earned a 29 for Adult Appeal, while the dazzling "Remember ... Dreams Come True" fireworks won top Child Appeal.
Most Popular Overall:
1. Pirates of the Caribbean - New Orleans Square, DL
2. Space Mountain - Tomorrowland, DL
3. Soarin' Over California - Golden State, DCA
4. Indiana Jones Adventure - Adventureland, DL
5. California Screamin' - Paradise Pier, DCA
Adult Appeal:
1. Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (DCA)
2. Space Mountain (Disneyland)
3. California Screamin' (DCA)
4. Soarin' Over California (DCA)
5. "Remember ... Dreams Come True" (Disneyland)
Child Appeal:
1. "Remember/Dreams Come True" (Disneyland)
2. Toy Story Midway Mania! (DCA)
3. Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters (Disneyland)
4. Turtle Talk with Crush (DCA)
5. Fantasmic! (Disneyland)
DL = Disneyland Park; DCA = Disney's California Adventure Park; DD = Downtown Disney District
Disney Dining: Like all Zagat Surveys, the Disneyland Resort Insider's guide separately rates restaurants for their Food, Decor, Service and Cost. This enables visitors to make informed dining decisions and stay within any budget. Special indexes such as Buffet, Quick Bites Romantic Places and Teen Appeal, also helps visitors tailor any meal to meet their needs.
Surveyors are definitely passionate about Disney dining as 38% of them say they spend quite a bit or almost all of their time dining out. Napa Rose at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa swept the competition, earning top honors for Food, Decor and Service, as well as ranking #2 in Popularity. Steakhouse 55 at the Disneyland Hotel came in second place for all three categories. Blue Bayou in Disneyland Park was named Most Popular, with Napa Rose, Rainforest Cafe, Redd Rockett's PizzaPortand Storytellers Cafe completing the top 5.
Most Popular
1. Blue Bayou (Disneyland)
2. Napa Rose (Disney's Grand Californian Hotel)
3. Rainforest Cafe (DD)
4. Redd Rockett's Pizza Port (Disneyland)
5. Storytellers Cafe (Disney's Grand Californian Hotel)
Top Food
1. Napa Rose (Grand Californian)
2. Steakhouse 55 (Disneyland Hotel)
3. Yamabuki (Paradise Pier)
4. Catal (DD)
5. Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen (DD)
Shop 'Til You Drop: With a plethora of toy, clothing and jewelry shops, shopping in Disneyland Resort is a popular pastime. A staggering 92% of visitors report purchasing apparel and an equally impressive 82% seek sweets. Disneyana, located on Main Street USA (in Disneyland Park), tops the list for Quality, earning a 28 rating out of a possible 30. And Downtown Disney's World of Disney, whose name really says it all, wins for Most Popular.
Top Quality (overall)
1. Disneyana (Disneyland)
2. Silhouette Studio (Disneyland)
3. Off the Page (DCA)
4. Jewel of Orleans (Disneyland)
5. China Closet (Disneyland)
Most Popular (overall)
1. World of Disney (DD)
2. Emporium (Disneyland)
3. Build-a-Bear Workshop (DD)
4. Disneyana (Disneyland)
5. Candy Palace (Disneyland)
Downtown Disney and the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort: The Downtown Disney District is home to retail shops, restaurants and live music venues, and is within walking distance of all three hotels of the Disneyland Resort: the Paradise Pier Hotel, Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and the Disneyland Hotel. Besides fine dining at Napa Rose and Steakhouse 55, visitors can experience live entertainment at the House of Blues or Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen. Some opt for more moderately priced dining at Rainforest Cafe and ESPN Zone, while others enjoy catching a flick at nearby AMC Theatres and shopping at the colossal World of Disney.
The Guide in Detail: Zagat Survey's Disneyland Resort Insider's Guide is loaded with helpful top lists and indexes. Attractions are broken down by type (Simulator, Roller Coaster, Animatronics,) and by special features (Toddlers, Educational, Rainy Day Appropriate). Dining and Shopping are also included in indexes, such as Cuisine, Special Features, and Merchandise.
The Disneyland Resort Insider's Guide ($14.95) was edited by John Deiner, with consulting by Laura Randall. It is available at bookstores and other retail outlets, through ZAGAT.com or by calling 888/371-5440.
About Zagat Survey, LLC
Known as the "burgundy bible," Zagat Survey is the world's most trusted source for information about where to eat, drink, stay and play around the globe, and as such has become a symbol of quality. Zagat Survey rates and reviews airlines, restaurants, hotels, nightlife, movies, music, golf, resorts, shopping, spas, and a range of other entertainment categories in over 100 countries and has been lauded as the "most up-to-date, comprehensive and reliable guides ever published" and as "a necessity second only to a valid credit card." Zagat content is available in print, on the Web, on the Palm and Windows Mobile operating systems, on BlackBerry, on mobile phones, and on TV. For more information, visit ZAGAT.com.
Website: ZAGAT: Ratings & Reviews for New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Philadelphia and Restaurants Everywhere
Disney has informed its Cast Members that Cocina Cucamonga will be expanded.
The plan is to convert the former Lucky Fortune Cookery, which is now behind refurb walls to an expanded Mexican Menu. The project should be done in time for the Summer season.
Also, Cast Members were informed of a store closure...
Quote:
Effective immediately, Crystal Magic will no longer have store locations here at the Resort. These locations include Wishing Star Magic Crystals in Disneyland® Park, Off the Page in Disney's California Adventure® Park and World of Disney® in the Downtown Disney® District. If a Guest has placed an order with them or has a question about their purchase, please direct them to call 877-236-2672 or e-mail customerservice@crystalmagic.com.
The 32 ounce Cups are $3.99, but only $2.99 if you show your Annual Pass.
A MiceChat reader, RiversofAmerica, got a photo of altered Window on Monorail Red.
Only a couple of the windows had the change. More than likely, these are not going to be the final design of the windows, but were installed just for testing reasons.
Selected Photos from Darkbeer.Smugmug.com
A new set of banners has been installed by the City of Anaheim along the streets near Disneyland. The banners feature Mickey, Minnie, Pluto and Donald with the "Celebrate Today!" theme.
Work is progressing on installing the infrastructure for the new World of Color water show at DCA
Some of the concrete that has been removed
This promotion just won't go away (Photo was taken Wednesday, January 14th, 2009 near the former Golden Dreams location)
That should do it for this week, hope everyone has a wonderful Holiday weekend.
Total Comments 26
Comments
-
Thanks for the update!Posted 01-16-2009 at 07:38 AM by WheresMickey
-
Awesome!
Posted 01-16-2009 at 08:29 AM by SouthHrbrBlvd -
Great update- as always- thanks!Posted 01-16-2009 at 08:51 AM by mark -
Thanks!
Posted 01-16-2009 at 08:53 AM by Barbossa 
- The events calendar made me happy, I will be there for IASW AP preview.....YAY!!!
I should have gone to NAMM this year. I could have gotten tickets from a friend that works at Hoshino USA (Tama drums, and Ibanez Guitars) but then again do I really want to deal with the crowds for the sake of Disney??????
YES......YES I DO!!!!Posted 01-16-2009 at 10:33 AM by ravenscroft -
Another great update!Posted 01-16-2009 at 10:54 AM by DonDuck -
Thanks for all the great info!!Posted 01-16-2009 at 12:18 PM by xalesa -
Someone needs to explain to me the huge discrepancies in these reports.
All we hear all day long is how terrible the economy is doing and then someone turns around and predicts huge crowds this weekend at the DLR.
Something doesn't add up here. Whenever the economy begins to falter, one of the very things to decline is discretionary spending on entertainment.
Now you want me to believe that everyone is hurting, but somehow has the money to blow big $$$ on a trip to DLR.
Huh?Posted 01-16-2009 at 04:05 PM by 3rd Echelon -
I think in this case, the math would look like this:Quote:Something doesn't add up here. Whenever the economy begins to falter, one of the very things to decline is discretionary spending on entertainment.
Now you want me to believe that everyone is hurting, but somehow has the money to blow big $$$ on a trip to DLR.
Holiday weekend (with increased attendance by locals who have cancelled their winter getaway due to the economy) + Major convention (with many attendees' way being paid by an employer) = Huge crowds at DLR.
-JonPosted 01-16-2009 at 06:50 PM by triesch -
Thanks for the update!Posted 01-16-2009 at 07:07 PM by llama5492 -
Thanks for the updates! If I can't go to Disneyland, updates are the next-best thing!Posted 01-16-2009 at 07:10 PM by disney55 -
Well the parks are not quite at "maximum" hours and staffing all weekend. At least today, Friday, DCA closed at 6pm and Disneyland at 10pm. No fireworks tonight, only Fantasmic. Both parks were quite slow today. Even tomorrow, Disneyland closes at 11pm and DCA at 8pm. Fireworks are scheduled for tomorrow and Sunday only. Sunday is the day they seem to be expecting the biggest crowds with Disneyland closing at midnight and DCA at 10pm.Posted 01-16-2009 at 08:03 PM by AaronInCal - I do live in San Diego and I am interested in checking this out. Please provide additional detail.Quote:If you live in the San Diego area, the Disney Parks Celebrate marketing Tour will be coming to town on February 18th.
Quote:Zaget to offer a Disneyland Insider Guide Book
I can't wait until this comes out. I participated in the survey group and I am curious to see if any of my comments made it into the book.
Thanks for the update.Posted 01-16-2009 at 08:26 PM by toemblem -
Thanks for the update Darkbeer, and for the warning about NAMM. It should be a pretty crowded weekend.Posted 01-16-2009 at 08:41 PM by Mac Daddy -
"Stay"cations are the big thing right now in the economy. People are staying close to home for their vacations. That means that DL is being flooded with Californians.
I would also like more info on the San Diego stop of the Celebrate tour.Posted 01-16-2009 at 10:25 PM by caesarboxfan -
Disney has decided to keep the locations of the Celebrate Tour private until just a few days before the event.
When I know more, I will let you know. More than likely, held at a Shopping Mall in San Diego.Posted 01-16-2009 at 10:58 PM by Darkbeer -
Great update! Glad RDCT is running tomorrow and sun, as i wanted to watch it soon.
Also great to great to see the work progressing in DCA in PP!
Wondering what the deal is with the crystals though... they just put in all that work to redo their store for FL.Posted 01-16-2009 at 11:38 PM by twobluestripes - With Mexico's drug war, our bad economy, and canceled vacations, staycations for So Cal locals at Disneyland will become popular. It's inexpensive entertainment to get an AP for the year, and go to DL 12 times a year.Posted 01-17-2009 at 06:36 AM by whamo
- I am going to line up at Horton Plaza right now, caesarbox fan can line up at Fashion Valley and then we just need someone to cover UTC.Quote:When I know more, I will let you know. More than likely, held at a Shopping Mall in San Diego.
Posted 01-17-2009 at 09:12 AM by toemblem -
I was one of the select 3,000+ Disneyland surveyors that completed the extensive listing of all things at the Disneyland Resort. I too highly anticipate this book becoming available. It should be full of insightfull reviews by frequent Disneyland users.Quote:Zaget to offer a Disneyland Insider Guide BookPosted 01-17-2009 at 12:34 PM by LarrySubs
