It’s almost time for the most patriotic day of the year. The patriotic finale following the “Together Forever” fireworks is only confirmed for July 4th this year. In addition, the 1st Marine Division Band will participate in the flag retreat ceremony at Disneyland park, followed by a pre-parade performance from Town Square to “it’s a small world” before the 6 p.m. showing of Pixar Play Parade. At 7 p.m., the band will perform a special concert at Fantasyland Theatre.
We started the week with a look at Pixar Pier, today we’ll cast our gaze at the park which started it all, Disneyland.
Tropical Hideaway
“Coming Soon” was once a joke fans would tell about signs on closed attractions which took decades to be replaced. But these days “Coming soon” can mean within a few months. We’re keeping a close eye, but those thatched roofs in the background are already an improvement on the Adventureland skyline.
It’s a Small World
The Small World mall parade gate project has stalled out. Some lower panels have been installed, but the upper panel frames remain unfilled for now.
Star Wars Land
It’s been a while since I’ve been to the park. The progress on Star Wars land was shocking to me. So much rock-work, scaffolding everywhere, and the scale of this thing is huge. I’m not thrilled with the placement, but it’s hard not to be excited about this new land.
Disneyland Miscellaneous
Pixar Fest is still going on and along with it, treats, merchandise and fireworks.
I’ve seen the Pixar Ball cakepops . . . but these Explorer Scout and Doug pops are new to me.
We’re thankful to be sponsored by The Anaheim Hotel this week:
Stay two nights at The Anaheim Hotel this summer and get $100 off your return stay in the fall*
It was also my first chance to see the recent changes in Pirates of the Caribbean.
And here’s what I came to see . . . Glenn Close as the Redhead.
If I hadn’t known what was here before, this would all look fine to me. It’s going to take a while to get used to this . . . but I know I eventually will.
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Also new to me were the Dumbo changes. You just can’t take a month or two off from the parks if you want to be up to date. I need to get back more often. Let me know if you enjoy these photos and I’ll see what I can do for you.
My weakness has always been the Haunted Mansion. It’s such a challenge to get good shots in the dark . . . all the more reason to try!
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And now a salute to America
Let’s amble on over to Disney’s shopping district, where some big closures make way for a huge project.
Downtown Disney
Our favorite event venue, ESPN Zone, has sadly closed. . . but so has the AMC theater, Rainforest Cafe and Earl of Sandwich. Soon, a hotel will begin to rise in this spot, sandwiched between the Disneyland Hotel and the Monorail beam.
The holdouts at the moment are Disney Vacation Club and Starbucks.
It’s hard to imagine that this brand new Starbucks will soon be torn down. Just goes to show you how last minute and rushed the decision was to build a hotel here.
But all of that is just a small piece of the remaking of Downtown Disney. . .
What’s this?! Wetzel’s behind walls? Don’t worry too much. It’s supposed to return in the fall.
And next to that . . . Salt and Straw ice cream is in the works. I’m looking forward to this one.
World of Disney
And one more big change in the works. . . as the side of World of Disney which was under heavy construction has opened and the side of the store has now begun its transformation.
There’s a retail pop-up for World of Disney in the Esplanade which was wrapped up tight when I shot this.
New Parking Garage
Next to Mickey and Friends is a construction project to expand resort parking.
Now that the project has gone vertical, things are moving quickly.
Be sure to follow along on social so you don’t miss out on any of the fun as it happens.
