Let’s face it, you’re a fan. Whether you love everything Disney does or just enjoy complaining about the crowds and prices, you come back here week after week because Disney is your happy place. And as any parent will tell you, even when you scold a child for failing to brush their teeth and comb their hair, you still love them. There’s a bit of that going on in today’s update. But there’s also a lot of pride in watching something we love grow and evolve into a what we hope doesn’t become a spoiled brat.
Small World
There are several little things all going on at it’s a small world all at once. One of the first things you’ll notice is that the area in front of the attraction doesn’t feel chaotic any more. Strollers are usually parked on west side of the attraction (along the path to ToonTown), and most of the queue is now on the far east side of the attraction in space claimed from backstage. That’s the good stuff.
Those green towers we showed you last week finally have some lights strung up. These are basic ugly green posts with canister spots bolted to them (the wire you see is there to prevent the light from falling if a bolt comes loose). The neat thing about these lights is that they are super saturated and bright LEDs.
The other thing going on in this corner is the new parade gate. What you see is mostly temporary. A small world inspired facade will be extended toward the gate with new towers to the sides. The support structures have been erected along the back of the new queue and on either side of the gate.
But if you look toward the back of the new queue, you’ll see that next to where the old facade ends, new supports have been erected. Those will support new facade, extending the small world-look all the way to the parade gate.
Stroller Parking remains ugly but organized.
The actual stroller parking is massive. The attraction obviously pulls a lot of families with kids. But it also illustrates why Disney eventually needs to come up with stroller rules, not unlike the airlines have for carry-on bags. Strollers should have size limits placed upon them and there should probably be limits on what age children are allowed to be in a stroller (with exceptions for medical reasons). Disney took the painful steps of implementing rules for those cheating the Disabled Access system a few years ago. That was hard at first but is now accepted (except for disgruntled cheaters). It’s time to do the same with strollers. There’s only so much space in Disneyland’s pathways and we’d hate to see any more gardens ripped out just to park ever-larger baby buggies. Sadly, I don’t think we can expect this situation to be resolved on its own. Disney is going to need to step in. The sooner the better!
Dumbo Dazzles
I’m still amazed by the new Dumbo queue. The new wrap-around circus tent structures look great and help protect you from the brutal SoCal sun. It’s also a much-expanded line which doesn’t feel overly packed as the old queue did. This is a great example of building something new which fits the style and theme of the attraction in a way that feels like it was always there. Instantly comfortable.
A Tale of Two ToonTowns
Most of the buildings in ToonToon look pretty good right now. The central play-zone building has saturated colors, as does Roger Rabbit.
Donald’s Boat has received some much needed touch-ups which fixed the grime that Brian Pinsky shared (including some photos which almost gave you pinkeye just by viewing them).
But look up a bit and things start to look a little shabby . . .
The hills are alive with the sound of peeling. The faded and cracked backdrop to the land is a bit dismal.
But that’s not the only trouble from on high. The rooftops of several of the buildings also look dilapidated.
Paint is missing from shingles, cracks, dents and general disrepair.
Whimsical Purses at Fortuosity
Ladies, if you haven’t visited Fortuosity on Main Street recently, you’ll want to take a look. While all of these bags may not be brand new, it’s the first time I’ve noticed the collection . . . and there are some really fun designs here.
Indy Needs Love
Indiana Jones is in need of a little attention. Many of the problems may go unnoticed by the average guest, but we can’t help but notice the broken snake and boulder troubles. This is one attraction that relies heavily on visual tricks. For the benefit of all guests, it’s worth having the attraction go down for a few days to keep things working rather than running it in a compromised state.
Fluffy is motionless and in the dark (did you know the snake’s name is fluffy?)
Doughnuts
I can’t help myself. I’m fascinated by the doughnuts and how clever they look. Enticing for sure.
Grad Nights
If some of the days recently have seemed to be a little wilder than normal . . . we are in the middle of Grad Night season. All the extra bodies do make a difference and these younger folks really enjoy riding the E-Tickets – one of the reasons why the waits have been a little worse. I was with an ex-castmember the night I took these photos and he sure did have some colorful stories to tell about the trouble these teens get into in the park (many of them too adult themed to tell you here).
Pixar Pier
Let’s make the leap across the Esplanade to DCA, where Pixar Pier is nearing its opening on June 23rd.
All sorts of details like new red domes, flags, signs, and new color schemes are showing up throughout the area.
The lower patio of the Lamp Light Lounge (formerly Ariel’s restaurant/Avalon Cove) is getting a new roof.
Much of the building is tented or tarped.
But the cove bar remains open (without a view on the interior section). 
The giant chandelier in the atrium staircase has been removed.
World of Color is also under refurbishment while the Pier is closed for transformation.
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The new Incredcoaster station building is changing fast. The new A-line roof extension has been installed.
Meanwhile, Midway Mania has a new entry point. They’ve tunneled through the construction.
It also affords a closer look at the nearby buildings.
We’ve had some really hot days recently. Lucky for guests the Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats has opened. . . but it’s VERY popular and with a painfully slow-moving line.
Of course, there are other ways to stay cool:
Bug Trap
Perhaps Flik will get a job as Ant Man. Tough to be a Bug remains closed as they imagineer a brand new Marvel-themed attraction. But that’s about the only change . . . for the time being.
Sunset Showcase Theater
Over in Hollywood Land, it looks like the Pixar Shorts are about to take a little break so an Incredibles 2 preview can be screened. After the movie hits theaters, the Pixar shorts should return with 3 new offerings.
This and That
Are you enjoying Pixar Fest? Aside from the characters and Fireworks, does anything stick out to you about the event?
in Frontierland, they are replacing a tree at Stage Door
Photobomb deluxe!
Well, that wraps up this update folks. It’s really hard to keep up with all the little projects going on at Disney right now. But it sure is fun to track it all (the good stuff and the bad). Like we said at the top, we love the place. Addicted. But nothing makes us happier than seeing something get fixed.
Be sure to follow along on social so you don’t miss out on all the fun.
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