It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Guests of the Disneyland Resort are enjoying some absolutely amazing days in the parks. Beautiful (if a bit hot) weather, historically low crowd levels for summer, and a massive brand new land to explore without long waits!
Unfortunately, significantly lower than expected crowd levels are now resulting in staffing cuts throughout the resort. And to make matters worse, the highly anticipated Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance attraction has been delayed until January of 2020.
But don’t assume the crowds won’t show up eventually . . . the double whammy of the majority of annual passes being unblocked comes on August 19th and Halloween Time not far off on September 6th.
Let’s take a look at the Disneyland Resort as it hits 64 years young (on July 17th), what’s new, what’s on the way, and the entertainment shuffle designed to get you to visit again soon.
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Nip and Tuck
When profits don’t measure up, Disney does what most companies would, it starts to make cuts. Castmember hours are being cut and some entertainment offerings are now on the chopping block as well.
But this isn’t a bloodbath; the cuts are mostly invisible to guests, with the exception of Entertainment, where you might notice some interesting changes.
Budgets will also be lighter at imagineering, where many project hires for Star Wars land are seeing their contracts come to an end. . . . but then again, there’s Marvel Land and Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway coming up. And very likely some new projects we’ve hinted about here which we hope will be confirmed at the upcoming D23 Expo.
Parade Changes
Many have been wondering where Paint the Night has gone. It’s in storage and won’t be back any time soon. . . But another old gem is coming out of retirement on August 2nd, The Main Street Electrical Parade. Though, instead of Disneyland having a day and nighttime parade, the current Soundsational parade will end this week on Wednesday, July 17th. This is likely that last time we will see Soundsational as the float bases (the drive units) are needed for a rumored new parade in the works. Once Soundsational closes on Wednesday, a temporary Character “Cavalcade” will run starting Thursday, the 18th, and continue running until August 1st, the day before Main Street Electrical Parade returns.
Entertainment Cuts
Newsboys Cease Publications
The Newsboy show will end on July 23rd. The official reasoning for closing Newsboys is because of lacking the trolley. While the show does have heart even without the iconic transport, it is an integral aspect of Buena Vista Street and isn’t the same as a result. For those that can’t make it to DCA before the show ends, enjoy our video of the performance from late last week.
Tale of the Lion King’s Pride Gets Smaller
In response to the cutbacks around the Disneyland Resort, the new Lion King show will be cutting some performers. According to sources at Disney, this is ultimately a business decision, some performers may be recast elsewhere.
The cast of the show help tell the story of Simba, we just hope the loss of bodies doesn’t ruin a great new offering.
For more details and to see Disney’s response, check out our article here.
But at the end of the day, we hope they are keeping this quote from Walt in mind. . .
Star Wars Land Updates
Empty Outpost
We visited Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge twice last week, on Thursday and Saturday. Both times we arrived in the early afternoon and both times we found the land uncrowded. It’s our observation that the land is busier in the morning and quickly settles into blissful emptiness.
We do have an observation: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is the only land at Disneyland that doesn’t have a sign. As you walk down Big Thunder Trail from either direction, there are signs at the forks in the pathways which say “To Frontierland” or “To Fantasyland” but nothing saying “Galaxy’s Edge” except for a single temporary boarding pass digital board on the fork closest to Big Thunder Mountain Entrance. Is it possible that some guests don’t know there’s anything back there behind those hidden tunnels to the new land?
Return of the Elusive Batuuan Spira
The collectible Galaxy’s Edge gift “credit” has returned to the land, and has moved locations. If you’re still looking to get your hands on one, head over to the Resistance Supply, as that’s the new (and only) location to find them. They cost $100, without any additional activation charges or fees. Since they are Disneyland gift cards, you can use them throughout the parks.
As for us, since it took a long to get these credits back in stock, we’ve already purchased our lightsabers, droids, and Cantina drinks with our Earth credit cards. At this point, there’s no real reason to stand in line, hoping that they won’t run out again.
Rise of the Resistance Delay
The highly anticipated Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance attraction has been delayed. The ride opening has been pushed to January 17, 2020. Meanwhile, the Florida version will open in December of this year.
For more info, check out our article below.
Crowds/Wait Times
Of course, it’s not just Star Wars land that’s uncrowded. For the last month and a half, we’ve been emphasizing how empty the parks are. Now is the perfect opportunity to head to the Resort for a full day with virtually no waits.
And here is the posted wait time from Saturday:
Welcome to the new normal. . .
Main Street Cinema Finds an Audience
While the rest of the Disneyland resort is lacking in foot traffic, the Main Street Cinema is gaining traction. After putting benches in the Cinema and pulling the curtain back a bit, people have started coming in and sitting for a spell in the glorious air conditioning. It’s good to see this Disneyland classic getting put to use.
Now it’s time for Disney to invest in some permanent and better-themed seating. These outdoor benches were just pulled in here for a test, but now we can all see they’ve been needed all along.
Grand Cal Gets Delicious
As of July 12, the Grand Californian Hotel and Spa has a fancy new pool bar and renamed eatery. We’re going to be spending a lot of time here for the rest of the summer. We LOVE this new venue.
Craftsman Bar
Located off the covered pathway to White Water Snacks, the new Craftsman Bar perfectly fits the vibe of the hotel and offers great food and drinks.
The signage indicates a new Grill as well. This is actually the old White Water Snacks, which is now called Craftsman Grill.
Craftsman Grill
Some redecorating has been done to the space. 
Speaking of the Craftsman, a friend of ours, David Yeh, took a look at all the bars of the Disneyland Resort and ranked them from Worst to Best. Take a look and let us know if your favorite ranked in the top spot:
Closure of Mandara Spa
The Grand Californian Hotel and Spa has lost its spa. Guests with scheduled appoint will receive services in their hotel rooms for now. We aren’t certain what’s happening with this space, but we’ve heard that the Senses Spa may be on the way (the same company that operated the Mandara Spa and also runs the Senses spas at Walt Disney World and the Disney Cruise Line). We hope to hear something official soon.
Halloween Approaches
Now that the 4th of July has come and gone, it’s time to start thinking about the next big holiday to hit the resort. Halloween time runs this year from September 6th through October 31st and the hard ticket Mickey’s Halloween Party Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party moves from Disneyland to Disney California Adventure this year.
DCA Halloween Nights
The majority of the Halloween happenings are planned to occur at DCA. While there have been Halloween elements and overlays added to this park in recent years, this is the first Oogie Boogie Bash special ticketed event.
The popular DCA Halloween ride overlays will be returning. This includes Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark, Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween, and Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree.
Also, keep an eye out for the costumed Cars around Radiator Screams.
Oogie Boogie’s Halloween Party
The biggest change of the whole season is the shift of the Halloween party from Disneyland to DCA. Some aren’t happy with the venue change, but this is also a good opportunity to see what the Resort can do to plus up the event which is generally looked at as a lesser version of what Disney does at the Magic Kingdom in Florida.
This year’s event will offer a brand new World of Color show, Villainous!, exclusive for the Halloween party, a transformed Redwood Creek, and treat trails featuring Disney villains and other not-so-scary offerings. The Halloween Party runs from September 17 through October 31. Tickets remain available for all dates.
Join us for the opening night, September 17 with a special MiceChat meetup during the event. Enjoy the new event and get to know some other MiceChatters. For more info, check our article. If you’re interested in attending, be sure to take advantage of the AP discount!
World of Color Villainous
Villainous! tells the story of Shelley Marie, a young girl who takes her inspiration from some of Disney’s nastiest villains. Promised villains include The Evil Queen, Ursula, Dr. Facilier, Hades, Jafar and Maleficent. Shelley is an all-new character who will tie together the story, and there will, of course, be fountains, lights, lasers, projections and special effects.
Halloween Screams for All
Part of the appeal to Disneyland’s Halloween parties has been the exclusive Halloween Screams projection/fireworks show. While the majority of the Halloween festivities have been open to the general public, the fireworks were a treat reserved only for partygoers. But for the first time in almost a decade, the seasonal show will be for all guests visiting Disneyland.
We’re glad to see that both parks will have special nighttime shows for Halloween. While the Villianous! show will be exclusive to Oogie Boogie Bash, seeing Disneyland with an open invitation for Halloween has us really looking forward to fall!
This and That
Lucky Menu Change
Many of you will be happy to learn that a new menu looks to be on the way to the Lucky Fortune Cookery on DCA’s Pacific Wharf. The menu, which consists primarily of rice bowls, will be enhanced with new items in the next couple of weeks according to cast at the location. We are looking forward to hearing what those items may be.
The Assault of the Lion King (Merchandise)
With the release of Lion King looming around the corner, Disney is really trying to grab parkgoers attention. At DCA, right when you enter Buena Vista Street, there are two cocktail tables filled with Lion King merchandise. Although the merch is cute enough, it feels a little cheap to be assaulted so viscerally right when you enter the park.
As much as I love The Lion King (at least, the original), I’d much rather get greeted by Minnie than Merch.
Small World Lights
Lights have been installed under the CM umbrellas for small world.
Adventureland Sign Still in the Dark
Although the new Adventureland sign was installed nearly two months ago, it is still lacking nighttime illumination. Or decor for that matter. It is a neat throwback to the past, but some modern illumination might do it some good.
More Synergy Signs
Over in Frontierland, a third Adventures by Disney ad has popped up. This one is just to the right of the main entrance of Pioneer Mercantile and they are advertising Wyoming and Yellowstone National Park.
You’ll find another in the queue of Jungle Cruise and one more further down the walkway in Frontierland, outside of Silver Spurs Supplies.
Redwood Creek Construction
The Ahwahnee Camp Circle is currently behind construction walls. Our guess is that this area is getting a small facelift for the upcoming Oogie Boogie Bash for Halloween at DCA.
Mickey and Friends Construction Update
Even though the Pixar Pals Parking Structure is open, work continues on the outside tram plaza. Lots of new trees have appeared, a much-needed improvement.
It also looks like a new set of elevators are being added to the Mickey and Friends Parking Structure.
The railings of the structure have been removed around where the elevators will go.
Work also continues on the bridge that will connect Pixar Pals to Downtown Disney.
On ground level, new cement has been laid that will connect to the new pathway to the walkways along Magic Way.
A second walkway connecting to Magic Way is also being laid closer to the Bridgeway.
Alex & Ani Collectible Ears
The second set of collectible ears arrived at the resort this week… and then promptly sold out before the week was over. The new Alex & Ani ears are made of thin metal and are not unlike the wire Etsy-style ears you can find guests wearing in the park.
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Do you think these collectible ears are going to cause a craze?
Spider-Man Construction
Work continues for the new Spider-Man dark ride. There’s plenty of scaffolding surrounding the structures. Hopefully, we can get a peek into what’s to come soon.
Moving back over to Mission Breakout side of the construction site, we can see a new steel structure sitting in the back corner close to Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree.
We tried to ride the Pal-A-Round to shoot photos for you . . . but they were closing it due to an oil leak on the motor.
Old Kiosk, New Paint Job
Over at the old information booth that sits between Downtown Disney and the Esplanade, construction scrims have come down revealing a green accent color I wonder what this kiosk will become?
Discount Theme Park Tickets and Travel
We couldn’t recommend a better time for you to make a beeline to the Disneyland Resort. Check with our partners at Get Away Today and book discounted theme park tickets and hotel rooms while you still can:
MiceChat’s partners at Get Away Today offer you amazing savings on theme park tickets and travel.
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