Greetings earthlings. As we prepare to blast ourselves to the far corner of the Galaxy, there’s a whole lot of work being done at Disneyland to prepare for an epic battle between the forces of good and evil. Join us for a look at the current projects around the park as well as some news from regions beyond.
But first, the land that ate Anaheim . . .
GALAXY’S EDGE
As a galaxy far, far away gets closer by the day, a subtle change was made to Disneyland’s map . . . you can now find mention of Galaxy’s Edge in the upper portion of the digital version:
Disney shared additional information over the weekend with lots of new tidbits and some new concept art.
Black Spire Outfitters
This is an apparel shop that was only just revealed. It sounds like this will be a “local” clothing store, as in fashion from the Outer Rim. Once guests see the total immersion of the land, a lot of them are going to want to dress in the style of the land as well. This happens in the Wizarding World as well, once guests get to the land, the temptation is to buy a wand and a robe (or at the very least a scarf or hat).
Creature Shop
Not much new to glean from this new artwork other than the shop will likely be pretty small. It also raises the question on if we’ll be receiving a cage for our new Star Wars pet (Note the Porg being carried in a cage on the lower right). Just don’t spook the puffer pig or you’ll be crushed (quite literally).
Toydarian Toyshop
The description of the shop is interesting in that it mentions that Zabaka, the owner, will be flitting around the frosted back window of her workshop. Since every shop seems to have a named shop owner, I’m sure we’ll see lots of little creative ways for guests to feel the presence of the shopkeepers.
Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo
This artwork really gives us a good sense of the spacious and detailed environment of Docking Bay 7, the largest of the dining options in Galaxy’s Edge. The image evokes the feeling of being in a real working cargo bay, and it looks like there will be multiple stalls to visit for provisions.
Milk Stand
Not much to see here except for the fact that this indeed does look like the location is near the Fantasyland entrance to Black Spire Outpost (We were able to locate it in the model on display in Launch Bay). Still, the details on what is essentially just an outdoor vending cart is neat to see. Does this remind anyone of the Morocco pavilion at Epcot?
Star Wars Datapad
Here’s a look at what the “datapad” portion of the Disney Play app should look like. It’s sleek and very Star Wars looking but has a large and clear navigation which hopefully means it will be easy to use and figure out.
Scott Attula has updated the map for us with some locations we have only been able to guess about up to now:
Savi’s Workshop should be near the large crashed ship he’s scavenging for parts, near the Resistance base. Here’s an older photo where it’s in view in the left-hand corner:
While looking through some of the concept artwork, we realized that the stalls looked like they belonged near Black Spire Outfitters in what we’re assuming is the old marketplace, so we’ve updated Scott’s prediction map (the red labels are educated guesses).
Here’s a great bit of video from Galaxy’s Edge before we move on to other Disneyland topics:
CAPTAIN MARVEL
A new superhero landed in movie theaters this weekend with big box-office. She also made her first appearance at Disney California Adventure. Meet Captain Marvel . . .
Some of our staff went to the El Capitan in Hollywood for opening night. The El Cap always offers a little something extra. This time around they had costumes on display and a costume contest on stage.
Meanwhile, Captain Marvel has a temporary meet and greet in the Hollywood Pictures Backlot of California Adventure, while her fancier spot is completed nearby. We’ll have additional photos for you later in the week when her real meet and greet spot is up and running.
Updated: Captain Marvel is now in her fancy meet and greet spot:
DISNEYLAND PROJECTS & CONSTRUCTION
Much of the work being conducted at Disneyland right now is in some way related to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. We’ve previously covered Project Stardust, which is widening walkways and removing traffic obstructions throughout the park. But there’s also a lot of refurbishment work going on so the park can be a full capacity when the new land opens.
Main Street Garden Reshaping
Curbs have recently been lowered on high traffic corners of Main Street. One remaining part of that project is the garden you encounter as soon as you walk through the west entry tunnel into the park.
The tree will remain, but the shape of the garden will be altered to allow traffic to flow in and out of this area with less resistance.
Tomorrowland
As you enter Tomorrowland, you can’t miss the giant coke bottle which greets you. The Astro Orbiter was completely disassembled during this extensive refurbishment.
Also under refurbishment is Space Mountain. It’s scheduled to return later this week on the 15th.
Another planter project has popped up at the exit of Autopia
Hopefully the grouping of Palm trees will be saved.
Frontierland
The big project in Frontierland is the restoration of the Mark Twain/Columbia dock. But there’s another project I WISH they would undertake sooner rather than later.
Both boats are still available to guests, but you’ll have to line up along the river.
I watched one lady get in line and then ask the person in front of her if this was the line for Big Thunder. When you write about Disneyland as long as I have, a comment like that can make you chuckle (Sort of like the folks who ask where they can find the haunted house, or who ask where they can find Bugs Bunny Land).
Next to the Mark Twain dock and across from the entry to Big Thunder is a refreshment stand which blocks the flow of traffic on even moderatly busy days. Unfortunately, this is a direct pathway to Galaxy’s Edge.
Once you get past the pinch point things open back up. You can see the refreshment stand ahead on the right. Ideally, they’d move the Big Thunder Fastpass distribution into Zocalo Park and remove the refreshment stand completely. Other than the rocks at the front of Tomorrowland, this is the worst of the remaining traffic obstructions in the park.
Fantasyland
The most visible refurbishment in the park at the moment is the Castle. It’s completely surrounded in printed construction scrims.
A large crane is tucked down below the walls during the day.
Some of the old turrets have been removed. New ones were spotted on the freeway last week and have arrived at the park.
I’m really enjoying the Maleficent view on the back of the castle during this refurbishment.
The Fairy Godmother was meeting guests in front of the construction gates.
And the Disney Play app lets you capture the dragon!
New Orleans Square
There have been several Stardust projects around the Haunted Mansion in the last year. Planters have been removed, gardens scaled back . . . the latest of these projects has popped up across from the attraction.
The pathway gets blocked up easily during the construction.
The Mansion side of the project has a wooden wall, the river side is canvas.
The French Market building has been unwrapped. As far as I can tell, it’s the same as before.
Adventureland
Another of the park’s crowded arteries is the entry to Adventureland. Another Stardust project will soon rework the Adventureland sign and the problematic supports which block traffic.
Due to the placement of the support post, may guests stop here or park strollers.
THIS & THAT
There was another Disneyland After Dark event last Thursday. Sweethearts night got mixed reviews in February (mostly for long lines to see the characters) and we were looking forward to a more robust offering this time around for 90s night.
Our gal around town, Stephenie Pashkowsky, attended the event. She was excited about the list of characters, the special foods, the fanny pack gift . . .
Guests were enticed with this awesome character lineup:
Unfortunately, lines were very long to meet the characters. With so little time in the event, it just wasn’t possible for guests to see all the characters they wanted.
Here’s a little something Stephenie sent to us to explain her disappointment:
The 90s event surpassed the sweethearts event, but was still plagued by issues that cause concern as we get closer to Star Wars land opening. Demand for characters turned into confusion as characters were replaced by ones the guests waiting didn’t have interest in. We saw sit-ins happening in character lines with guests refusing to meet with the character available when the one they wanted to see was up next. People chanted Megs name while Hades stood alone with few wanting to see him. And it wasn’t a question of just getting back in line, because the lines were far longer than the character set-times.
The 90s lends itself to events like this. The food, music, Fanny pack and art work were a hit, but with so little time to meet characters the event hardly feels worth it when you have to wait 2 hours in line for characters. I was disappointed that I got to experience so little at such an expensive event. I’m sure many guests felt the same way.
Fantasmic returns
Fantastic was sorely missed during its refurbishment. How often do you make a point of seeing it? And has the new version of the show grown on you?
Steamboat Willie AP Bucket returns
Heads up! The popular Steamboat Willie Annual Passholder popcorn bucket will return on the 12th and refills have been extended through April 5th.
Buzz Lightyear’s Fastpass Distribution sign was wonky the other day.
Mardi Gras has been removed from New Orleans Square.
Passing of Diana Waller
I’m heartbroken to report that a larger than life Disney fan has passed away. If you attended Disney events hosted by MiceChat, D23, The Walt Disney Family Museum, Disneyana Fan Club or any of a number of charity events from the Walt Disney Birthplace, Dick Van Dyke Foundation or Broadway to the Rescue, you likely met Diana and were moved by her passion and generosity. We will miss her terribly and remember her fondly as a true Walt Disney supporter and dear friend.
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