As the snow begins to fall upon Sleeping Beauty Castle, Halloween Time is rapidly coming to a close. Halloween itself is on Thursday this week, and directly after, the pumpkins will be packed up and replaced by wreaths, garland, and general holiday cheer. Today’s Disneyland Update looks at the change of seasons as well as construction projects in Tomorrowland, Matterhorn, Small World, and ToonTown. There’s also bad news about Disney’s FuelRod service, and all sorts of little things not to miss.  

Overcharging FuelRods

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

FuelRod announced this week that they’ll be charging $3 per FuelRod swap starting on November 1st, much to the annoyance of Disney fans. We expected this to come after the company began charging at machines outside of Disneyland, but are disappointed nonetheless.

The actual chargers themselves weren’t that great for the price, but the unlimited swapping was a convenience that made many of us buy a charger or two. What upsets us most is that the machines touted free swaps for life. But after just two years, they’ve already broken that promise.

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

Will you continue to use FuelRod or are you going to start using an alternative? 

Here’s the full story on FuelRod swaps:

Disney’s Free-to-Swap Battery Service Set to Charge

When Holidays Collide

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

Halloween and Christmas continue to mix this week as more Holiday decorations have shown up in the parks. The castle is now almost entirely covered in snow:

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays , Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

The snow certainly looks great with the new castle color scheme.

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays , Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

Small World Holiday is coming together, the clock face now has its hat:

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays , Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

Some of the Christmas bulbs are being placed all over the Small World facade. 

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays , Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays
Not everywhere, though, it’s a lot of light bulbs!

The topiaries are all in the holiday spirit.

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays , Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays , Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

Part of New Orleans Square has been celebrating Christmas and Halloween since September but is now fully decked out for a Mardi Gras-style Christmas celebration.

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays , Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays , Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays , Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays , Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

New Orleans definitely has some of the most unique and fun decorations in the resort. 

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays , Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays , Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

While we’re still on the topic of holidays coming to the park, we’re wondering if at some point Disney will deck the halls of their two newest lands, Pixar Pier and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. 

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays
Chewbacca in his Life Day finest

Particularly for Galaxy’s Edge, there’s already a Wookie holiday called “Life Day.” While the holiday was originally created for the infamous Star Wars Holiday Special, it’s remained canon even through the LucasFilm acquisition. On the outside, it’s aesthetically very similar to Christmas here on Earth, so it wouldn’t be too hard to incorporate into Black Spire Outpost. It certainly would breathe some *ahem* life into the land. Life Day is on November 17th, and I found this post on the official Star Wars blog in case you want to celebrate on your own. 

Construction Kingdom

The entire resort is back into construction mode as it readies for the holiday season.

Opera House

Facade work is finishing up at the Opera House. It remained open during construction but weirdly was closed on Thursday with contradicting signs.

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays , Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays , Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

The fresh coat of paint does look great, though.

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays , Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays , Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

Tomorrowland

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

The reshaping of the Tomorrowland entrance is still ongoing. Walls continue to block large portions of the east side of Main Street as the curbs are lowered and the walkways are reconfigured. 

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

This includes a tight walkway to the Plaza Inn, which is still a dead-end. Disney is hoping to finish this project before the beginning of the holidays on November 8th.

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays , Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

Looking from an aerial view, construction within the walls is starting to come together.

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The two murals flanking each entrance have been completely stripped down to the concrete. 

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The new FastPass kiosks are still being tested out by the Tomorrowland Theater. We’re hoping the test is successful, the bugs are worked out, and the selections are opened to the rest of the attractions in the park soon. This seems significantly more convenient than the current machines if done right. 

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

Have you tried the new system yet? What are your thoughts? 

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

Construction is also still ongoing near the exit of Space Mountain on what we assume is an emergency stairwell. 

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays , Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

You can definitely make out a staircase shape.

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays 

Matterhorn Bobsleds

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

The Matterhorn has been open off and on this week, but it will go down October 28 to November 1. We assume this is to fix the broken facade on the southern face of the mountain, which is already showing signs of patching.

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

As of yesterday, a wire patch has appeared over the missing section. Now it’s only a matter of time before we can enjoy the mountain without the scrims., Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

The Matterhorn has been at half capacity since August so we’re excited to see that a resolution is in sight. This weekend, 120-minute waits were common. 

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

Small World Mall

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

Touch-up continues on the projector towers on the Small World Mall parade route.

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

Fantasy Faire Gifts is also still under refurbishment.

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

Adventureland

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

The Adventureland sign finally got a little bit of dressing up this week. A few small decorations have been scattered around the thatched roof structure, making it feel more complete. We’re hoping that they continue to add to the decor, but we’ll take what we can get!

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

We really appreciate the clever masks that are covering up the spotlights for the sign.

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

Unfortunately, the angle of the lights does make part of the Adventureland sign harder to read at night. 

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays
The left side of the sign was a bit darker because the tiki torch had to be turned off due to high winds in Anaheim

We spotted some fishing tools below.

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays
Some grass was added to the lantern to spruce it up a bit.

Grass skirting and some new masks now adorn the bridge. It looks very natural in the land.

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays , Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays , Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays , Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

Team Disney Anaheim’s presence can be felt all over ToonTown as Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway begins construction. You don’t have to look that hard to see the imposing green building behind the ToonTown skyline. 

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays , Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays , Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

From above, there’s not a lot to see besides rubble as the crews continue to remove the former buildings’ concrete foundations. 

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

Elsewhere in ToonTown, some work is being done on a planter near the entrance to the land.

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays , Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

California Adventure

Although there are plenty of projects happening at Disneyland, DCA is hard at work too! 

Red Car Trolley

Construction is beginning to wrap up on the Buena Vista Street Red Car Trolley station. There are significantly fewer walls now, and it’s much easier to navigate around the entrance to the park.

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

Avengers Campus

Avengers Campus construction continues in the heart of DCA. It looks like they may be finished with the steel installation. 

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

The back half of the land went up quick.

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays , Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

Parking Updates

Mickey and Friends/Pixar Pals

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

Construction is STILL ongoing at the Mickey and Friends and Pixar Pals parking structures. 

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

They are getting close to finishing the new elevators, and they’ve also made a lot of progress on enclosing some of the outer parts of Mickey and Friends, including the stairwell. We assume this is to bring the style closer to the Pixar Pals structure, which has large planter boxes on all the levels. 

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

The Mickey and Friends side of the parking plaza is still under construction, but the planter that will house the new Mickey icon is taking shape. 

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays 

Toy Story Parking Lot 

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

Work continues on the new bus stops at Toy Story. The covers on the bus stops were installed this week.

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

Along the bus dropoff-side at the Resort, there has been some new construction. This old tram stop will be seeing some changes shortly. Fences now surround the center dividers.

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays , Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

Simba Parking Lot

Checking back at Simba lot, we can now see that all the old toll booths are now gone.

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

 

This and That

Halloween Sweets

With Halloween ending soon, we just had to try more of the treats. The Pumpkin Spice Shake at Red Rose Tavern and Flo’s V8 Cafe is one of our new favorites this year:

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays
They went a little overboard on the caramel this time…But I’m definitely not complaining!

There are plenty of churros to try around the Resort, but California Adventure seems to have the most unique ones; several of them have something poured all over them. That’s definitely the case with the S’mores Churro in Grizzly Peak, which has all the ingredients of a s’more poured on top: chocolate and marshmallow sauces, topped with graham crackers and chocolate chips. Ooie-gooey and messy, we’re fans of this one.

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

We stopped by Smokejumper’s Grill and tried a Green Apple Spell Lemonade. It’s a lemonade with green apple flavoring and popping pearls. It’s a simple and refreshing option to get when you’ve been overwhelmed with shakes, mint juleps and coke. 

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

And finally, New Orleans Square is the Mecca of food, as usual. The Haunted Mansion 50th items stayed from the summer and pumpkin spice churros joined in the fun once Halloweentime started. We’ve tried them all before but we had a strong urge to satisfy some cravings.

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays
Pumpkin spice beignets, Cheese fritters with ghost pepper ranch, and a Blackberry Mint Julep

Haunted Mansion Temporary Wall

On a recent ride of Haunted Mansion, we spotted a construction wall in the Portrait Gallery. We’re curious as to what’s going on behind it. Do you have any guesses?

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

Fantasyland Barriers

While walking through Fantasyland, we saw something rather strange. Barriers were erected around a handful of select trees near stroller parking. 

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

We’re not sure why they’re protecting the trees, maybe there’s some sort of problem with the irrigation system. 

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

Speaking of strollers, it was reported a few weeks ago that all strollers had to be folded (besides ones with a red tag) before getting on trams, no matter what row you’re sitting in. There are now signs near the tram route to remind you of this change. 

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

Plaza De La Familia

Disney has been pouring extra budget into the Plaza De La Familia at California Adventure this year, as evident by the really cute ads we’ve been seeing:

We love all the small details. While we were walking by, we had to stop and look at these adorable Coco themed table covers. 

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

The table cloth print is great, we’d buy merchandise that used this pattern.

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

New Downtown Disney Food Window

Back in September, Disney announced a new food offering at Downtown Disney, and our team was confounded on what it was/where it would go. The release stated it would be a trendy takeout window…and that’s exactly what we got.

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

This will be the future home of Asian Street Eats, a new concept from Earl Enterprises (who obviously own the Earl of Sandwich across the way). The building is very sleek, but it feels out of place.

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

Disneyland Hotel

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

The ramp to the top floor parking lot at the Disneyland Hotel has been under construction for the last month. It has also been revealed.

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

 


Disneyland and Theme Park Ticket and Travel Deals!

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

Don’t miss our current Halloween Time & Disneyland and Theme Park package deals and specials from our partners at Get Away Today:


Well folks, That’s it for this week. What caught your eye? 

And that’s it for this week. What do you think about the FuelRod changes? Are you excited for another year of the holidays at Disneyland?

, Disneyland Update – Charging More & Turning On The Holidays

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