I felt a great disturbance in the Force, as if millions of passholders suddenly cried out and . . .  then got in line. And what were they getting in line for? The return of Hyperspace Mountain and some plastic popcorn buckets, for a start.  Let’s take a quick jaunt through Disneyland to check on the park. We have a lot more for you this week, so please check back daily.

The Return of Hyperspace Mountain

On Thursday night last week, Disneyland hosted its second “Disneyland After Dark” event in the park. This was an extra charge affair held after regular park hours and it sold out fast. Event guests were the first to be able to ride Hyperspace Mountain, eat some specialty foods, buy some event merchandise, and meet with their favorite Star Wars characters. But what will have most of you excited is that some of those Star Wars offerings remain open to all guests.

, Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace

, Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace

, Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace , Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace , Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace , Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace

, Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace

, Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace
I had never noticed before that the middle set of speakers make a hidden Mickey.

I don’t know about you, but I am madly in love with Hyperspace Mountain. For me, it’s a more complete experience than regular Space Mountain.  Not only does it stir nostalgic Star Wars excitement from my youth, but the rousing music and projections provide a bit of extra thrill.  What about you? Do you just tolerate this overlay or do you fully embrace it?

Meanwhile, some new atmospheric moments are happening in Tomorrowland. This march of the First Order is pretty amazing.

, Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace

, Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace

, Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace

, Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace

SPONSORED BY: The Anaheim Hotel

, Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace

Your MiceChat visit was made possible in part by the support of the wonderful Anabella Hotel. This mid-century marvel of a hotel is located directly across the street from Disneyland and has recently been completely remodeled with your comfort and an eye toward the luxury of the past in mind. The Anaheim Hotel has the largest pool in the area, a comfortable jet-set lounge, and one of the most popular (and best) pizza restaurants in Southern California.

Call reservations at 714-772-5900 and ask for the “MiceChat Rate.”

Disneyland After Dark

MiceChat staffer, Shelly Valladolid, attended the party and shares some photos. As you’ll see her iPhone shots, there was lots of specialty food and character interaction. Some of the photo spots were set up in front of the Star Wars Land construction walls.

, Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace , Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace , Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace  , Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace  , Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace , Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace , Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace , Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace , Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace

Rey is now meeting and greeting in Launch Bay. We’ll visit her soon.

, Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace , Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace

, Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace

Check out all the character and photo options!

, Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace

, Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace , Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace  , Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace

Did you attend the event? Would you pay to do another Disneyland After Dark event in the future? What did you like (or not) about the event?

Star Wars Merchandise

As long as we are on the Star Wars subject, let’s take a look at some of the newer merchandise in the Star Trader. Much of it is inspired by the upcoming Han Solo film.
, Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace

, Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace

Starcade Meet and Greets

And at the exit of Space Mountain, poke your head into the old Starcade to see some of the photo spots that were set up for the Disneyland After Dark event (they were still available over the weekend, don’t know how long they will be there.)



, Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace , Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace , Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace , Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace

, Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace

, Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace

Speaking of the Starcade. Disney has filed some construction permits for the space which will likely result in a new airconditioned queue for Space Mountain.  There have been a lot of projects this year to rebuild queues in the park and make them more comfortable for guests. The change would be a big improvement over partially shaded switchbacks on the roof of the Magic Eye Theater.

Tomorrowland PeopleMover Rumors

Disney has long wanted to remove the PeopleMover tracks from the main walkway in Tomorrowland. Unfortunately, budgets couldn’t get approved or were cut and used for other projects over the years. The ill-fated Rocket Rods, which took over the tracks for a very short stint, closed in the year 2000. That has given Disney 18 years to come up with a replacement or remove the tracks altogether.

It looks increasingly likely that the crowd flow enhancement project (which is removing planters and revising stroller parking and curbs throughout the park) may finally bring the tracks down in the central part of Tomorrowland later this year. The goal is to free the park of as many obstructions as possible before the Star Wars land crowds descend upon the park en mass next year.  It’s possible that the rocks at the front of the land may also be removed as part of this project.

, Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace

, Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace

, Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace

[clickToTweet tweet=”Is it time for Disneyland’s long-abandoned PeopleMover tracks to go? ” quote=”Is it time for Disneyland’s long-abandoned PeopleMover tracks to go? ” theme=”style3″]

, Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace
The speaker boxes on the PeopleMover track are now empty. The audio equipment has been removed. 
, Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace
The all-weather lighting bubbles on the track have also been emptied. The bubbles remain, but the lighting inside is gone.

Mobile Ordering Coming

, Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace

The quick-serve and select additional dining locations in the parks are soon to get mobile ordering. That means you will be able to use the Disneyland app on your phone to pre-order your food and beverage. When you arrive at the location, you click “I’m Here.” That prompts the kitchen to make your meal and charge you for your order. If the restaurant starts getting backed up, they have the ability to limit or pause new orders to allow the establishment to catch up.

, Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace

, Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace

, Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace                                                                                                                Tomorrowland Terrace has been testing the new system using managers and cast members. The results have been positive and we should see Hungry Bear and possibly Tomorrowland Terrace begin testing with guests by mid-month.  Various locations, including the Pacific Wharf restaurants, are scheduled for training regarding the new system. There is even talk of possibly adding the beer cart to the system.

, Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace

To accommodate pick-up, some locations may lose a register normally used to take new orders. However, because the orders are simply being shifted to the mobile app, instead of a cash register, it shouldn’t impact the normal flow of guests.

, Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace

Meet Redd of the Caribbean

Pirates of the Caribbean is down for its controversial refurbishment to replace the Bride Auction scene with a “Loot Auction.” But it’s the change of the famous Redhead which has many folks up in arms. Seems our fair lady has become a pistol-packing pirate herself in the upcoming version of the ride.  To help guests get into the mood, the new redhead, whom they call “Redd,” will be walking around New Orleans Square very soon.

, Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace , Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace , Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace

With the attraction closed, the pathways and bridges of New Orleans Square are quite manageable, even at busy times.

, Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace

Meet Redd, she’s the newest Pirate in the Caribbean. You’ll see her soon at Disneyland . . . both inside the ride and walking around New Orleans Square.

, Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace

 

Splish Splash

Splash Mountain continues to struggle since returning from refurbishment. Just minutes after opening on Sunday, the ride already had a 45 minute wait. Then it broke down.

, Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace

Only a few minutes after reopening on Sunday the wait was 45 minutes.

, Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace

, Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace , Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace Here’s my ride-through video of the attraction from reopening weekend. While there are some figures missing and some lighting that’s off, it looks mostly good inside. . . when it’s running that is.

Sully Popcorn Bucket

He’s baaaaaaaaack. A new shipment of Sully popcorn buckets has arrived. And as you might expect, passholders came flocking to the carts that had him available.

Star Wars Land Update

There are so many little details starting to pop up in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge that we took a few extra photos this week.

We’ll lead off with our friends from NearMap who have a bonus aerial image of the construction site.

, Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace

From ToonTown, the mountains of Star Wars land loom large.

, Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace , Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace

But the best views of the construction are from the Rivers of America and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

, Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace , Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace , Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace , Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace , Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace , Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace

, Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace

This new building sure does have that Star Wars look!

, Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace

, Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace

, Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace

, Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace  , Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace , Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace  , Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace

And from the parking structure . . .

, Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace , Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace , Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace , Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace  , Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace , Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace , Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace , Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace , Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace , Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace , Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace , Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace , Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace , Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace , Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace , Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace

 

This and That

The Train stopped for a bit, so we snagged a couple unique shots for you.

, Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace  , Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace , Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace

The baby fox is missing. They grow up so fast.

, Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace

, Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace

, Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace , Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace

, Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace , Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace

We had a very warm week with temps into the 90s for multiple days. Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor is a popular spot when that happens. Yes, that’s a line out the door that goes all the way to the Penny Arcade

, Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace

Well, that wraps up this update folks. I had to pull a bunch of content out to make the length work, so that means more for you in the coming days.

, Disneyland Update – Pirates, PeopleMover, and Hyperspace

Thank you for joining us today. Be sure to follow along on social so you don’t miss out on all the fun.

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Dusty Sage
Dusty is the founder and CEO of MiceChat.com. When he's not visiting theme parks and writing, editing or speaking about Disney and theme parks worldwide, Dusty is involved in multiple Disney related projects and charities. He helped save and restore the charming Walt Disney Birthplace in Chicago, launched the Dick Van Dyke Foundation, and is the curator of Walt Disney's historic 1930's estate in Hollywood. If you've got news or photos to share with the MiceChat community, or would like to book Dusty for an upcoming event, please contact [email protected]