It’s been a crazy week for the Disneyland Resort, and the United States as a whole. With all the news about the spread of the Coronavirus, it’s really putting a dampener on the spring break celebrations at Disneyland. Although the parks are beautifully decked out in colorful flowers and foliage, the crowds are starting to thin. Let’s take a closer look at the impact of the coronavirus on Disneyland, construction, refurbishments, and the explosion of spring flowers throughout the Resort.
Coronavirus & Crowds
This isn’t a normal spring break season. Hotels throughout the Anaheim resort area are suffering major declines in occupancy and guest cancelations. The Coronavirus scare is increasingly sinking in. As we are still in the early days of the spread of this virus, the parks will no-doubt be increasingly impacted.
One of the first indicators that something has changed is Rise of the Resistance boarding groups no longer sell out within an instant. We arrived at the park just after 9 AM on Friday, the park opened at 8 AM, and we were able to join boarding group 124. The park is frequently able to get to boarding group 160 or even higher. Earlier in the week there were several days last when boarding groups were still open around noon!
Fridays tend to be busy days for Disneyland, but this is what the park looked like this week:
By afternoon, there were more guests, but not too many more.
It was a similar situation in Galaxy’s Edge as Millennium Falcon had a posted 25 minute wait at lunchtime, but you could walk right in and up the ramp with no exterior queuing.
Although it was a BEAUTIFUL sunny 73°, there was only a 5-minute wait at Splash Mountain (5 minutes at Grizzly River Rapids just an hour later as well).
Wide-open spaces at ToonTown for the majority of the day.
Even the biggest bottleneck in the park was anything but busy on Friday. You could easily walk through New Orleans Square near Pirates.
A smattering of guests in the hub on our way out of the park. . .
But the real telltale sign that Disneyland wasn’t busy is that Starbucks on Main Street. It had a shockingly short wait when they would normally be packed, even on a moderately crowded day.
On my way over to California Adventure to shoot the rest of the Update, I climbed the stairs of the Main Street Train Station to shoot one last shot into the park. This is just after noon.
So, what is Disney doing about all of this? There really hasn’t been enough time for them to do too much. They are adding hand sanitation stations near food service locations.
To lure guests back into the parks, Disney is combining as many pass holder perks as possible into a new program called “AP Magic.” We don’t really see much new here, but it’s a good start in highlighting reasons why now is a good time to buy an AP.
So, is it safe to visit Disneyland? We think it’s still safe at the moment for most folks. And, if you can tolerate the risk, visiting the parks under these conditions is REALLY enjoyable. There’s a new parade, Food and Wine Festival, spring flowers, gorgeous weather, and low crowd levels.
We’ve got a guide for you below, including some tips on how to use all those cancelations to your advantage:
Many of you have been asking what the chances are that Disneyland will close. And while we can’t foresee the future, and neither can Disney, there are a few things we’d like to recommend.
- If you are booking hotels and air, get travel insurance. In the event you have to cancel due to illness, travel is restricted, or the parks have to shut down, you’ll be covered.
- So much still seems unknown about COVID-19, but with each day, more and more people are becoming infected and fatality rates appear to be much higher than with the flu. It’s why the World Health Organization is begging nations to take this virus seriously. It’s absolutely a possibility that the domestic parks may be forced to close or limit operations. We sincerely hope it doesn’t happen, but there is, of course, a chance. So, be prepared just in case (again, get travel insurance!)
What might a shutdown look like? We think Disneyland and Disney World would resist a complete shutdown unless absolutely necessary. Their operations (especially in Florida) are so massive and so important to the local economies, that they are much more likely to scale back operations and take more aggressive guest screening procedures rather than closing entirely.
Yesterday, Shanghai Disneyland, which has been closed since January 24th, announced that they would reopen a hotel and shopping district. Although the park remains closed.
BREAKING NEWS: Tokyo Disneyland Extends Closure for Third Time
Could the state-side parks follow a similar path if faced with sharp declines in attendance and external pressures to close? Time will tell. But at the current nearly daily doubling in Coronavirus infections, we may find out sooner rather than later.
Springtime at Disneyland
Enough handwringing about what Coronavirus may do to our parks. Let’s clear our minds and enjoy the start of the spring rebirth in the parks. And, yes, the Pink Lapacho (Handroanthus impetiginosus) trees are just starting to bloom!
From the moment you enter the park, you’ll note bold orange, purple, and yellow plantings.
Town Square is pretty in red and yellow, but there will soon be blue blooms in the center of these gardens.
Disneyland has become known for its Pink Lapacho trees. They are just bursting into pink clouds now.
Though, it was strange to see gardeners out in the park well after opening.
At Small World, the topiaries look really good right now. We wonder if some of these have been refreshed recently.
The Lion has a new tail.
Seeing these topiaries reminded us that Epcot just opened its Flower and Garden Festival for the year. Oh, how we wish Disneyland Resort would also offer a spring Flower Festival and move Food & Wine to the fall.
Star Wars land and ToonTown are getting into the pink tree club as well . . .
And you know it’s spring when the baby ducks start to appear.
DCA is looking lovely as well (10 years ago I could never have imagined writing those words).
In Cars Land, some of the cacti have the most interesting otherworldly blooms . . .
I thought I saw something moving behind this planter in Pixar Pier . . .
It’s Sadness. She was feeling a little blue.
And ALMOST ready for its big show is the wisteria arbor near the DCA entry to the Grand Californian Hotel.
Give it a week and it will really look spectacular.
Every year I enjoy watching the grapevines sprout in the Golden Vine Winery. It always happens near the start of the Food and Wine Festival. By the end of the Festival run, they will be lush and green.
The Redwood Creek Challenge Trail is another great place to nature walk right now.
Magic Happens, but sometimes it doesn’t
Disneyland’s brand new parade, Magic Happens, has been having breakdowns of its various units. In the last week, we caught both the Frozen float and the Sleeping Beauty float being towed. Unfortunately, when a float breaks down, it can take up to 20 minutes for the tow to arrive, attach itself to the float, and get it going again. During that time, the performers are forced to continue their choreography over and over again in the same location.
It isn’t uncommon for a float to break down, but this parade has only been running since February 28th. Here’s hoping that the issue is resolved in the long run.
We were also able to watch Magic Happens for the last time at night (now that we’re back on Daylight Savings time) until fall. There are a lot of elements that worked better at night than during the day, but it also came with its fair share of problems too.
The floats themselves are gorgeously lit at night. There are many details that get lost in the daylight that really shine in the dark, like Mickey’s hat and Moana’s LED wave. While the floats look amazing, it’s hard to see many of the performers during the parade due to lighting issues.
When the parade segments move into the light of the lighting towers, everything pops like it’s supposed to. But between towers, sections of the parade fall into darkness. You’ll note characters, props, and dancers, that just about disappear. . .
Moana’s bright blueish screen overshadows Moana herself, who is barely lit in yellow.
The section of the parade has large lighting issues across all four of its floats.
Cinderella’s float leaves Cindy in the dark in the middle of a very well lit outside shell.
The Sword and the Stone Float is even more unkind to both Merlin and Arthur in the dark.
And the Castle float lights the three good fairies well . . . at least their feet . . . but their faces are in the dark.
We don’t mention any of this to be mean. We actually prefer this parade at night. Unfortunately, daylight savings means that both daily shows will now be in daylight. But we hope that by fall, they are able to address some of these lighting issues. It would be great if they could use the small head-mounted spotlights that used for both the Main Street Electrical Parade and Paint the Night.
Disneyland Updates
There are all sorts of updates around Disneyland. Let’s take a quick tour. . .
Tomorrowland
More changes are still in the works for Tomorrowland’s entry. The sides are done, the french fry rocks are long removed, but the empty grass gardens have yet to be transformed. They were promised for spring, so we are expecting some action soon.
An Onward preview is showing in the Tomorrowland Theater. But the meet and greet with the characters is all the way over in Pixar Pier (more on that in a bit).
The stairs are still a work in progress, but at least the construction walls are down.
Fantasyland
Now, on to construction land, the happiest land of them all.
A happier Snow White is on the way. The “Scary Adventures” are being brightened up a bit. . .
The pee-yellow scrims have come down, revealing the new cream colors and bright stones.
The former greys are now bright
Roofs are being redone.
But what jumped out to me is that the scarier elements on the exterior have been completely covered in cream. I almost didn’t notice them at all.
And just steps away from Snow White is another big project. . . King Arthur Carrousel refurbishment.
The roof is going back up right now.
Across from Storybook Land, on Small World Mall, some seating has been added.
Star Wars Land
A new Baby Yoda doll was released and sold out right away this week.
Steps away, there’s pavement work between Ronto Roasters and Savii’s Workshop.
Rise of the Resistance opened after 10:30 AM on Friday. It continues to suffer long downtimes. But they are serving larger numbers of guests most days.
West Side
Are you missing the Haunted Mansion yet? Unfortunately, there’s still no firm return date.
But windows are being reinstalled on the outside, and everything has been painted.
One nice thing about the Mansion being down is how quiet this corner of the park is right now.
Indiana Jones 25th Anniversary
In celebration of one of the most incredible attractions Disney has ever created, the park has rolled out a few things. You can decode symbols and glyphs via the Play Disney Parks App. And there’s Play Disney Parks game as well, “Indiana Jones Adventure – The Gifts of Mara.”
There are two special T-Shirts and Funko Pop figure as well:
This Funko Pop figure is HUGE. Compare with the size of the regular figures in the case below:
There were some Indy inspired treats as well (March 3 through 8th). Bengal Barbecue had a pork rib bowl. And Tropical Hideaway had a special Dole Whip loaded with chocolate, and a chilled shaker-style salad with crunchy noodles.
And passholders had the opportunity to ride the attraction the hour after park closing on Mar. 4th and 5th.
Decoder:
Indy still has one of the best queues Disney has ever created. Here are just a few I took quickly on the outside of the temple.
Are you a Temple of the Forbidden Eye fan? What sets this attraction apart from the others for you?
Also at the Tropical Hideaway, but not part of the Indy celebration is the new Loco Moco bao. It’s pretty good.
DCA
Disneyland had its time to shine last year with the opening of Star Wars land, and now DCA is finally getting its time in the limelight for the upcoming Marvel Land. Let’s take a look at what’s been happening.
Food & Wine
We’re headed into the third week of DCA’s Food & Wine Festival. We’ve gone through three Sip & Savor cards, and I’m projecting that we’re going to go through another few before the festival ends April 21!
For the most part, the festival remains unchanged from last week. However, there are some new signs directing guests where to stand when ordering or picking up food. This helps clear up confusion and keep walkways clear.
Although the park felt busier than Disneyland, many of the booths had little or no wait and 1pm. There was definitely an interesting traffic pattern at play when we were in the park.
If you want to take a break, watching Chef Junior with Chef Goofy in the Hollywood Backlot is always fun.
For more information about the festival, and our thoughts on the food we’ve tried, check out the article below.
DCA Food and Wine Festival Opens Today – Here’s What You Need to Know
In addition to all the delicious food and drinks available during the festival, there is one more limited-time attraction that runs for the full length of Food & Wine: Soarin’ Over California. The beloved (dare I say iconic?) simulator is back until April 21, but there will also be some opportunities for APs to enjoy the attraction after the park closes. On March 11, 18, and 25 APs can enjoy the ride for an hour after the park’s closing. Are you planning on riding any time soon?
This was the longest wait for any attraction at DCA when we visited. Just goes to show you that people sure do love Soarin’ Over California.
Avengers Campus
There have been a lot of changes to the upcoming Marvel Land. As we head closer and closer to the projected opening date of summer 2020 (which generally means a May or June opening).
The (still unnamed) Spider-Man attraction has gained some new metal grills along the front of the facade. Additionally, windowpanes have been installed. In its current state, it’s almost reminiscent of the World of Disney store in Downtown Disney with its abandoned/converted warehouse vibes. A few weeks ago we saw some red paneling on the front, but it only lasted a few days before being taken down. For now, the exterior is just brick, metal, and drywall.
The facade treatments have been added. You can see how the brick and aging on the concrete make this building look vintage, even though it isn’t even done yet!
Looking at it from an aerial view, there’s still quite of work left to finish on the Spider-Man show building. Lots of exposed AC ducts along the roofline.
The buildings in the back of Marvel Land have all sorts of scaffolding along the sides.
Over in the backstage portion of Cars Land, the building behind Luigi’s Tires removed its printed construction scrim and has replaced it with a sheer red one. The siding of the building has been installed, along with some decorative metallic rings at the roofline (which will likely become tires).
While we were back by Luigi’s, we got a quick peek into the construction zone facing Guardians. It looks like a labyrinth from the outside!
Over by Guardians, there’s a new set of construction walls. They have taken over part of a dividing garden between the Hyperion Theater and Guardians.
Refurbs
Around DCA there are a handful of attractions that are undergoing refurbishments.
Mater’s continues to have long lines —it’s one of the longest in the park!— because it is still running at half capacity.
The good news is that the turntable and the ride vehicles have been reinstalled inside the construction walls. Hopefully, this aspect of the refurb is coming to a close soon. The other side will most likely get a similar treatment once the refurb on the parade route-side is finished.
Also in Cars Land, the Cozy Cones are now fully closed for their refurbishment. Last week, they were open in a limited capacity after 12pm. This week the signs posting their opening hours were removed. We’re glad to see that they’re getting touched up.
It’s great that the buildings are getting repainted with a vibrant orange. Now they just need to do something about those sunbleached umbrellas…
Over on Pixar Pier, Jessie’s Critter Carousel has reopened after a brief refurbishment.
Finally, the last item on our refurb list at DCA is the mural at the end of Hollywood Boulevard. Almost all of the scrims were down when we visited and the difference from just a few weeks ago was stark. Now it looks fresh and brightly colored, whereas before it was dull with lots of cracks in the paint.
Since all of the scrims were down when we were in the park, we were able to see some of the workers spraypainting some details on the clouds.
They were also able to fix the two burnt-out letters from the Roosevelt Hotel sign. It looks much nicer now.
Finally, the walkway behind Grizzly River Rapids has a construction wall blocking access along the back road toward the waterfall.
We couldn’t get a close enough look to figure out what this equipment was for.
Although the weather was beautiful outside, it appears that there just weren’t enough guests willing to get drenched.
The Pixar Pal-A-Round has an interesting addition to the loading station. There are two powerful magnets that help act as a brake for the swinging cars once they come into the station. Currently, there are only two gondolas equipped with the metal fin needed for the magnet, but will probably expand to all of the swinging vehicles in the near future.
This & That
As always, there’s more happening at the Disneyland Resort than just construction updates. Here are a few of the smaller stories from around the parks.
Onward Ian & Barley Meet and Greet
The latest Disney/Pixar movie opened this weekend, and there’s a new character meet & greet opportunity with Ian and Barley, as well as Barley’s van named Guinevere, at the Pixar Pier Bandshell.
They actually have a pretty good likeness to their characters in the movie. Good job costuming!
Have you seen Onward yet? What did you think? We watched it in 4DX over the weekend (with the moving seats).
Opening of Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway
This past week, the next major attraction at the Disney parks had its grand opening. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway premiered at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World. Disneyland’s identical version is set to open in 2022 in ToonTown. We think that it’ll be a much better fit in ToonTown than at Disney’s studios park. To learn more about Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, plus to hear the song from the attraction, be sure to check out the link below.
UPDATED! Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Synergy on Main Street
Disney is all about company-wide synergy. One of the Emporium Windows on Main Street has been advertising the Lady & the Tramp movie for a little while, but they’ve added a large sign that it’s available on Disney+.
And “Give the gift of Disney+” signs have popped up at many registers.
Plus, much of the featured merchandise in the Main Street windows happens to be themed to Lady & the Tramp as well. Gotta give Disney creds for synergizing between merch, the parks, and of course, Disney+.
Leftover Pixar Nite merch
The third late-night event at the Disneyland Resort happened this week. This time around, the theme was all-things Pixar. There were special foods, merch, and obviously, Pixar Pier was open for business. Although, when we went the next morning, we found plenty of the leftovers for sale.
According to the cast member at Bing Bong’s, their display case was primarily leftovers from the Pixar event. They brought out all of the Pixar candy designs for the event. Many of these were also produced during the Pixar Fest promotion. Remember that one?!
Spring Food and Treats
Spring is always a weird season for Disneyland. After Valentine’s day in February, there aren’t really a whole lot of major celebrations at the resort. With that said, there are a few things popping up around the park to celebrate the changing of seasons. One of the things that we’re most looking forward to are the return of the Disneyland Easter Egg candies.
The Easter Egg candies are made on Sundays and finished on Mondays. If you’re wanting to try one of these guys, you’re going to want to snag them up as soon as they’re available. They sell out quickly!
There are five different flavors: Chocolate Fudge, Peanut Butter, Black Walnut Fudge, Vanilla Creme, and Vanilla Nut Cream. You can pick them up for $9.99, and they’re limited to just two per guest.
Besides Easter, there’s also St. Paddy’s day too. To celebrate, you can find a Corned Beef and Cabbage Burger at Uva Bar & Cafe in Downtown Disney. The burger is made with a certified Angus Beef patty, corned beef, bacon braised cabbage, crispy sauerkraut, swiss cheese, and dijon mustard served with house-made salt and vinegar chips for $20.
At Craftsman Grill at the Grand Californian Hotel, you can also find this cute little St. Paddy’s cupcake.
DVC Expansion
We recently saw this notice for the upcoming DVC tower at the Disneyland Hotel posted on the exterior gates of the hotel parking lot.
For more info about the proposed DVC project, read the article below.
Just Released: Here’s What Disneyland Hotel’s New Tower Could Look Like
Disneyland Ticket and Travel Deals!
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Let’s hear from you!
Are you getting nervous about Coronavirus? If not, do the lower crowd levels and travel deals entice you? Would you like to see the Disneyland Resort add a Flower and Garden Festival and move Food and Wine to the Fall? Do the pink trees in the Hub signal spring to you the way they do for me? And what about the varied state of construction in the upcoming Marvel land? Doesn’t it look like Spider-man may make the opening but the rest of the land is too far behind? Hard to imagine them getting that brewery and shop done in just a couple of months. Let’s hear from you below folks!
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