It’s the off-season at Disneyland, the park has removed (most) of the holiday decor, and crowds are less than insane. We’d normally expect not much more going on than refurbishments and construction, but this was a busy week. Let’s take our purple potion pills and prepare to mix it up with Mickey . . . 

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

Refurbishment-land

Disney has a lot of work to complete between now and Spring Break . . . followed shortly thereafter by Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. 

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

So let’s kick this update off with walls, walls, walls . . . 

Town Square

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

As you enter the park, you can’t miss 2 sets of construction walls. One set of walls is in front of the Emporium, and the other surrounds the garden space that holds the water fountain in front of City Hall.

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On
They have added a temporary wheelchair ramp to the left of the wall since this picture was taken

While some brickwork & repair is going on, we hope that it’s not also for a reduction of garden space as has happened throughout the rest of the park.

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

And for the keen eye, the Indian Chief statue in front of the 20th Century Music Shop, has been moved over a couple feet to allow for some brick repair. 

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

Castle

This is the one that hurts. The castle is behind construction walls for a repaint and roof repair until “Spring”.  You can’t spend a minute in this area without hearing guests express their disappointment.  Since this is Disneyland’s most photographed spot, it’s too bad that they didn’t create some temporary photo opportunities in this area to make up for the lost Castle shots. But we are thrilled that the castle is finally getting the attention it deserves. 

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears OnDisney will be doing an estimated $300K of repair. You could build a new house for that in most of the country.  

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On , Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On , Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

And let’s do the spy thing . . . don’t get too excited  . . . yet . . . 

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

 

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

Through the fence we can see construction equipment being installed around the base of the castle in the now dammed and drained moat.

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On , Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

Signs around the castle read that the only way to Fantasyland is either around Big Thunder or the Parade Route along the Matterhorn. 

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

As we can see the direct walkway to Snow White’s Grotto is blocked…

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

…but around to the side, there is access just to the Grotto but a construction wall stops you from entering the castle.

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

And around the entire castle, we can see a ton of the actual problems that break the fantasy like…

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On
I see you electrical pipes… hopefully supervising Imagineer Kim Irvine has a plan to hide you!
, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On
I spy a safety rail…
, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On
Some of the lights have been removed
, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On
There’s a ton of roof molding damage from the winter roof covers

Coming around the back of the castle we can see the blocked passageways…

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On
Pathway straight to Main Street
, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On
Pathway around to Snow White’s Grotto

…but the passageway to both Fantasy Faire and over to Frontierland, as of the time of this writing, is still open. As well as the Castle Walkthrough and the Castle Gift Shop are both open as well. Disney has announced both the Walkthrough and Gift Shop will close for refurbishment as well on Thursday, January 17th, and I would bet that the passageway that is still open around the castle will then close as well.

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On
Passageway to Fantasy Faire
, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On
The Fairy Godmother couldn’t even Bibbity-Bobbity-Boo the canvas fence away…

Hopefully, during the refurbishment, they can take some time to freshen up the dioramas in the walkway as they are starting to show their age.

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On
And maybe some antiglare glass panels…please

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On 

Astro Orbitor

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

The Astro Orbitor is also closed until “Spring”. The construction wall takes up a lot of space and is decorated with signs showing the history of the attraction here at Disneyland and around the world. 

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On
Rocket Arms have been removed

The attraction should return around Spring Break.

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On , Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On
, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

And for historical picture posts of our attraction…

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

 

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On 

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

Haunted Mansion

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

Back in New Orleans Square, the Haunted Mansion is closed to remove its Holiday Overlay. Our Ghost Host will return to his regular duties on January 18th.

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

Dusty made an interesting observation that benches around Magnolia Park have not been brought back. Perhaps the park is no longer considered anything other than overflow for the Mansion.  

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

And for quick reference here are a few of the upcoming refurbishments…

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

Fireworks???

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

Over this last weekend, Disney filled the entertainment hole left in-between Christmas fireworks and the upcoming Mickey’s Mix Magic, with Fantasy In the Sky. 

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

But on Thursday night we caught Disney testing the upcoming Mickey “firework” show. The street had suits with cameras and video equipment ready to record the show. Meanwhile, Main Street closed early with the park (instead of staying open for an additional hour for your shopping convenience) so the suits could test that show at a reasonable hour and not upset the neighbors. 

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

Unfortunately, we had to preview the show from outside the park as all the paying guests were ushered out. From what we could make out, Mickey’s Mix Magic will be a short 10-minute projection show, and on select nights will have fireworks in addition to projections.

Disney has also released the music from the show on iTunes and Spotify. What do you think?

Show Playlist:

  • It’s a Good Time
  • I Wanna Be Like You
  • Ev’rybody Wants To Be A Cat
  • Friend Like Me
  • Grim Grinning Ghosts
  • Un Poco Loco
  • Let It Go
  • It’s a Good Time (Finale)

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On , Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

Ballast Point Soft Opens

 , Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

Outside the park, in Downtown Disney, Ballast Point soft-opened over the weekend, and will officially open on Wednesday this week. We will have a full review later this week but we were able to try the place out… 

Our initial impression was positive. The prices aren’t insane, there’s a little something for everyone, and the views are great. Check back with us on this one folks, we have a lot more to share. 

Monorail: Under Wraps

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

Disney has pulled Monorail Red and Orange off the line and put the newly rewrapped Monorail Blue back into service with images of classic Mickey adorning both sides of the train. 

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

Purple Is The New Gold

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On
A sample of the Purple Merchandise

On Friday this week, Disney launched their new hot color . . . Purple . . . 

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On
Purple…Purple…Purple Everywhere!

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

And now for the food…

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On
Taro Pancakes on the Breakfast menu at River Belle Terrace

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On
The Lavender Milk Tea and Purple Rose Cake at Red Rose Tavern
, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On
Purple Glove Macaron at Café Quick Service Restaurants around the Resort

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

And even more treats will be available by this weekend…

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On
Purple Cake Pops at Confectionary Shops around the Resort
, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On
The Purple Churro at Critter Country Churro Stand
, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On
The Jamaica Freeze at Rancho del Zocalo
, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On
The Purple Fish Tacos at Rancho del Zocalo

So, is Rose Gold dead? Is purple the new pink? So many important questions.  

Star Wars Land Construction

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

Progress continues on the massive new land coming this summer. We can see just a few peaks left with scaffolding on them. 

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

Outside the land, we can see the scaffolding a little more clearly. 

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

The large service entrance on the side of the building has now been fully sealed up.

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On
Where’s the door?

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

On the side of the land, we can see more landscaping taking place.

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

The view of Star Wars from Toontown is prominent but unfortunately does break the fantasy of the toon world. I’m pretty sure that if the situation was reversed, and you could see ToonTown from Star Wars land, folks wouldn’t be as accepting of this situation. Also is there is the fact you can see those ugly supports holding up the spires, it reminds of the terrible job of hiding Radiator Springs Mountain Range Backside from roadways around the resort, it’s a real shame too.

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

This and That

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

This week Party Print Balloons have been popping around the park.

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

Although the Holidays are over, decorations were still up in Frontierland, Critter Country, Tomorrowland, and over in Grizzly Peak in California Adventure when I shot these photos. They should be mostly gone now.

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On
I know Tomorrowland has only 6 wreaths on the building but they were still up on Friday.

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

Back in Disneyland, in New Orleans Square, the Christmas decorations have been put away and the remaining decorations will be transformed into Mardi Gras.

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

it’s a small world Holiday won’t close for removal until next Tuesday, the 22nd. 

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

Just across from the ride, will Disney ever remove this stupid fence? It looks ridiculous now that both sides are on stage!

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On
I see you sound box…your disguise is not fooling anyone
, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On
I hope next year Disney adds lights to these trees

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On
The lights must be exhausted by now

Let’s head inside…

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

Even though the Holidays have ended, the crowds have not quite got the message yet.

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On
Pirates queue on Thursday wrapped on top of the Pedestrian bridge
, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On
These wait times are on Thursday night…20 minutes before park closing when the park closed at 9pm. This is busy for the off-season.

Cups Galore 

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

One of the interesting things this week is the mishmash of paper cups and plates around the resort. At some quick service restaurants, Pixar cups are being served… while at others they’re using brown (ugly) Disney Quote cups…

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

…and at others, red resort cups…

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On
Pixar Fest Popcorn Holders

Hopefully, there will be some Mickey Celebration or Star Wars Land launch patterns coming soon.

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On
…and yes I love the tostada at Zocalo but I add a side of Cesar Dressing to the top…yummy!

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

Over in Tomorrowland, in the Magic Eye Theater, the Ralph Breaks the Internet preview is STILL playing even though the movie came out in November and this theater rarely has more than a small number of guests…

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

The most likely scenario is that they are still leaving this open to help promote the Disney Play App.

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

Star Tours has concluded their “test” for Single Rider line. It was not successful. 

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

My main problem with the program was the waiting for Single Rider was positioned on the exit side which caused guest confusion and inefficiency in getting the single rider into the loading zone in time. Add wheelchairs waiting in narrow hallways, and it just didn’t gel.

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On
Figaro was broken this week but it was easy to get a good picture…

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

MiceChat Anniversary weekend is next month! Join us for three days of events and activities. Don’t miss the Friday evening cocktail reception celebrating Disney super legend Buzz Price, our Sunday morning breakfast with David Koenig and the very first Disneyland tour guide, and our most affordable Gumball Rally ever, making this the PERFECT year for you to give it a roll. And please don’t miss the MiceChat Sunday meetup at Disneyland on February 10th . . . the event that started it all. All of the amazing events are listed below. Please help us spread the word. We can’t wait to see you!

TIP: Sign up for the Rally, then add the Combo Ticket Package for the best deal on Anniversary weekend. If you aren’t doing the Rally, the Combo Ticket Package (listed below) is your golden ticket to Anniversary Weekend magic!


, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On
The Buzz Way Cocktail Reception
Feb 8th, 7:30 – 9:30 PM – Wyndham Garden Hotel

A panel discussion and cocktail reception celebrating the great Buzz Price, the Disney super-legend who helped create the business model for Disneyland (and Walt Disney World) and discovered the land that the Happiest Place on Earth was built on. Joining us will be David Price, Buzz Price’s son and a themed entertainment star in his own right. David will have copies of his new book about his dad, which contains chapters written by theme park industry luminaries who worked with and were inspired by Buzz Price. The event will feature never-before-seen videos of Buzz and his thoughts on theme parks which will leave you wishing there were more men like him around today. We will also have a unique opportunity to pick up a copy of the book Buzz himself wrote which is now long out of print! Plus, Disney Imagineer Terri Hardin Jackson will be joining us!

The Hotel Indigo (the sister hotel to the Wyndham and immediately next door) is offering a special rate of $109 per night (for the nights of the 8th and 9th) with complimentary WiFi, Parking, and amenity gift. Contact [email protected] and request the MiceChat Anniversary rate.

Buzz event info and tickets HERE


, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

Gumball Rally!
February 9th – 7am until 8pm

The world-famous Gumball Rally is rolling your way on Saturday, February 9th. Do you have what it takes to ride the most attractions at Disneyland in a single day?

Gather together a team of 2, 3, or 4 friends or family members and enjoy the most fun you’ve ever had at the Happiest Place on Earth.
This year’s Rally is inspired by the 50th anniversary of the Haunted Mansion.
SPECIAL EARLYBIRD PRICING THROUGH JANUARY 15th ONLY – more than 50% off last year! We’ve been dying to have you.

Gumball Rally Links:


, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

The First Tour Guide
Breakfast
Feb 10th, 8:30 AM – The Anaheim Hotel

Disneyland author, David Koenig, introduces us to the man who was Disneyland’s very first tour guide in the months before Disneyland even opened to guests. David will interview Bob D’Arcy and we’ll see images of Disneyland that no one has seen before. We’ll also have a chat with David about his own new book coming out and books will be available from Bob & David as well as some additional surprises!

Enjoy a traditional American breakfast of Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Sausage, Seasoned Breakfast Potatoes, Assorted Pastries, Whole Fruit Display, Trinidad Regular & Decaf Coffee, Evolution Herbal Teas, and Water Station

This event will also serve as the Gumball Rally Award Party. The winning teams and special awards will be given out at this event. Gumball Rally event attendees will be given a special event discount so they can celebrate the winning teams (purchase the combo packages for deep discount).

Breakfast event info and tickets HERE SPECIAL


MICECHAT ANNIVERSARY TICKET COMBOS – (YOUR BEST VALUE)

Add both MiceChat Anniversary events and save $10 off our already low rates (buy the General Admission Combo Ticket). OR – Get VIP seating at both events and a special signed gift for just $20 more (buy the VIP Combo Ticket)

MiceChat Anniversary events Combo Tickets HERE


, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On

MiceChat Anniversary Noon Mega Meet
Sunday, February 10th
Disneyland

Don’t miss the event that started it all so many years ago. Join us for a classic noon meet up in the central hub of Disneyland. We’ll have lunch, then head off to experience what we call the “West Side Wonders”. This year is the 50th Anniversary of the Haunted Mansion, so we’ll be sure to do that. And if time allows, we’ll also ride the Mark Twain, Pirates, see the Tiki Birds and much more. Disneyland is fun in a group (even if it’s a busy day). Chat, make friends, and have a wonderful time celebrating 16 years of MiceAge/MiceChat.

Event details and RSVP HERE


Neet theme park tickets? We’ve got you covered, but act fast! Our ticket partner has Disneyland tickets for less than last year’s price! But their prices go up on the 15th.  


MiceChat has partnered with Get Away Today to provide you with discount tickets to Disneyland, Universal Studios, Knott’s Berry Farm and other southern California attractions. Click through and find yourself a deal – HERE.


That’s it for today but be sure to come back later this week as we have DCA, Downtown Disney, Mickey and Friends Structure update, as well as much more…

, Disneyland Photo Update: Mickey is Getting His Ears On


 

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Brian Pinsky
Brian is an avid visitor of Disneyland and has been a Passholder for over 20 years. He is currently studying Civil Engineering and loves to map out the parks in his free time.