It’s Memorial Day, the unofficial start of summer for theme parks everywhere and a day of both play and remembrance. On what would normally be one of the busiest days of the year, most major theme parks remain closed, but not for much longer. It’s at this strange and chaotic time that Disney’s parks and resorts has announced a new crop of leaders, just 6 months after many of them were placed in their previous positions. EVERYTHING about how the theme parks do business is being rapidly rethought, with plans for how to implement new safety procedures rolling out as quickly as possible. Today is also the 43rd anniversary of the original Star Wars film. We have a special section at the bottom of today’s extensive update which celebrates both Memorial Day AND Star Wars . . . it’s red, white and blue & Star Wars too today!
Disney Parks Leadership Shakeup
Last week, just hours after publishing our last Disneyland Update, Disney announced new leaders for Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and a new Chairman for all the Disney Parks, as well as other roles.
The good news is that former Disneyland and Walt Disney World president, Josh D’Amaro, who is nearly universally beloved, has taken on the top spot in Disney parks and resorts worldwide. The Chairman role was previously held by Bob Chapek, who is now Disney’s CEO, a job he expanded into consumer products as well. So, aside from helping the parks around the world prepare for reopening, Josh is also learning the ropes at the massive consumer products and Disney travel divisions. We don’t envy the task ahead of him, but we are relieved that Josh is the one who earned the spot. There are going to be some difficult budget cuts ahead, but we think Josh knows what to keep and what can be cut for the benefit of both the guests and the company.
Disneyland’s new President, Ken Potrock, cut his teeth on the Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, and Adventures by Disney. But his appointment created initial concern in the fan community due to his recent stint at Disney Consumer Products, where he was responsible for a lot of consolidation and streamlining of operations.
But Ken has the advantage of Disneyland’s well-established operations team. Disneyland’s Vice President, Kris Theiler, is an incredible leader who can handle day to day operations and strategic planning for Disney’s flagship theme park. And Patrick Finnegan, Disney California Adventure Vice President, should easily be able to handle the opening of Avengers Campus. So, Disneyland Resort doesn’t need someone to come in and upset the apple cart. What Disneyland, its cast, fans, and guests want is a benevolent and personable leader at the top who promotes incremental enhancements that also respect Disneyland’s rich history. Let’s hope Ken is that guy.
The main problem with the frequent shakeups at Disneyland is the temptation for new leaders to want to make a mark. And that may be fine every decade or so, but doing so every 6 months to 2 years creates more havoc than good. But that’s not to say that the Disneyland Resort doesn’t have areas that need improvement or which can be enhanced to generate more income (such as improved food service and increased events and opportunities).
Disneyland has a strategic advantage over Disney World right now due to the number of locals in the California market and reduced reliance on foreign tourists. Focusing on things to get the locals back in the parks would be much easier than convincing tourists in the UK, Australia, South America or Asia to travel. As a result, events, festivals, tours and special experiences would also give locals a reason to return and also be an important way for Disney to make a little extra money off of them. (For example, would you pay extra for a short tour of Space Mountain and a chance to ride with the lights on?!)
[click_to_tweet tweet=”How much extra would you be willing to pay for a short tour of #Disneyland’s #SpaceMountain and the opportunity to ride the attraction with the lights on?” quote=”How much extra would you be willing to pay for a short tour of Disneyland’s Space Mountain show building and the opportunity to ride the attraction with the lights on?” theme=”style3″]
For all the changes in the latest game of Disney executive musical chairs, please check out our article below:
MAJOR Disney Parks Leadership Changes Announced – Josh D’Amaro Takes Top Spot
Reopening Update
After the initial two-week closing announcement, Disneyland switched to an easier to manage “we’ll be closed until further notice” stance. When they made a big announcement late last week that they had an “Update,” many folks expected to hear that they were preparing to reopen in Florida and somewhat later in California. If you don’t feel like reading the entire statement below, I’ll give it away for you . . . they simply announced that they don’t have an announcement.
An update from Guest Relations at the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort
Dear Guests,
It’s an understatement to say that the past few months have been a challenging time for us all. As we navigate the longest park closures in our histories, we’ve loved hearing your kind words of hope and seeing how you’ve made your own Disney memories at home has uplifted and inspired us all.
During this time, we know it can be difficult to plan your Disney vacation. Now more than ever we’re longing for the opportunity to come together with family and friends to escape, to celebrate, to re-do missed milestones, like birthdays and anniversaries and to make new Disney memories.
Given the current uncertainty as to when we will reopen Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World Resort, we’ve had to periodically adjust the schedule for the ability to book hotel reservations at our resorts. While we’re currently accepting reservations starting in July 2020 at both resorts, as this situation evolves, timing may continue to shift.
As we continue to follow guidance from government and health care officials regarding how we’ll be able to reopen our parks and resorts in a responsible way, we may also need to make real-time adjustments to booked experiences, park tickets and park passes.
Please know that if any reservations you may have made need to change, we will work with you to make the necessary modifications.
If you haven’t already, we encourage you to check out the recent blog post from our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Pamela Hymel, on how we’re planning for re-opening our parks and resorts.
Our focus remains on the safety of the entire Disney community. Be sure to keep checking our websites for more details, and stay tuned for more information right here on the Disney Parks Blog.
We appreciate your understanding and patience as we navigate this unprecedented time together. We continue to be moved by the incredible support and passion our guests have shown for our Disney family, and we hope to see you real soon.
While Disney may not have had a real announcement, they are certainly being pushed by their competitors. Universal Orlando has announced a June 5th reopening date. But their CityWalk shopping district is already reopened.
Not to be completely overshadowed, Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs reopened a week later. But Disney hasn’t announced a reopening date yet for the Florida parks.
Entertainment offerings in Central Florida are opening or announcing future openings. Here’s what we know so far:
- Wild Florida (Kenansville)- Drive-through Safari, opened May 4
- Lion Country Safari (Loxahatchee)- Drive-through Safari Only, opened May 7
- ICON Park (I—Drive, Orlando) SeaLife Aquarium, Madame Tussauds Reopened May 15 (the Starflyer opened on the 22nd). Select restaurants are also open
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium – Opened May 15
- Fun Spot America – Orlando location opened May 22, Kissimmee location still closed
- Gatorland (Orlando)- opened May 23
- Island H2O Live! Water Park (Margaritaville Resort, Orlando) – Opened May 23
- Andretti Indoor Karting & Games (Orlando) – reopens May 27
- Kennedy Space Center (Cape Canaveral) opening May 28
- Legoland Florida (Winter Haven)- June 1
One thing we have been wondering is if the parks would attempt Halloween events this year since mazes/houses are typically conga lines of tourists huddled together and screaming. But Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights has confirmed their dates for this fall and tickets are already on sale!
The event will be held on select nights from September 10th through November 1st. If you buy a Halloween event ticket by July 22nd, you’ll get a 2nd night free (Online only. Select nights, blockout dates and restrictions apply.). Tickets start at $84.99 through July 22nd. We assume they’ll go up after that. No word yet on Universal Hollywood’s plans.
So, when might Disneyland open? Well, speculation is a dangerous game. But there are lots of clues. Disney is essentially waiting for the state to tell them they have the go-ahead. California is opening in 4 stages. We are currently in the early days of Stage 2, when shops and restaurants can reopen with limitations.
But when you look at what the City of Anaheim is saying, they mention the reopening of the Disneyland Resort in the 2nd half of Stage 2. Let’s call it Stage 2.5. As the city sees it, Disneyland would reopen in phases across stages 2, 3 and 4.
We would expect to see parts of Downtown Disney and perhaps even a hotel or two reopen in phase 2. The city says that Stage 3 will arrive in “weeks” and that could bring the opening of the theme parks. But the tightest spaces and highest touch areas in the theme parks would be reserved for Stage 4. Since only restaurants and shopping can open in Stage 2, parts of Downtown Disney and the hotels could begin reopening any time now if Disney wished to do so.
The parks, including most rides and restaurants, will likely open in Stage 3. But play areas and complicated high-touch environments might be kept closed initially (like Grizzly Peak Challenge Trail), character meet and greets would likely remain closed as well (though Disney will find ways to have characters out and about that you aren’t allowed to touch). Restaurant buffets will close or be reconfigured (staff may need to hand you food rather than you picking it up yourself). Theater attractions would need to be reconfigured to block out seats, or simply remain closed until comfort levels improve. Stage 4 would see all those restrictions lifted.
Just to give you an idea of where we are here in Orange County, CA. Parts of Knott’s Berry Farm’s Marketplace reopened just before Mother’s Day and has been quite popular. Many outdoor malls throughout the area are set to open next week, including Southcoast Plaza (which is a regional destination mall).
Take a look at this chart from the City of Anaheim and let us know when YOU think Downtown Disney might open and when the parks could reopen. Focus on that blue bar that says “Disneyland Resort.” To us it sounds like a June opening for Downtown Disney and possible July/August opening for the parks.
Up, Up & Not So Far Away
Essential construction is underway again in the parks, but we have to get above it all to get a glimpse. Let’s start with Disneyland . . .
Disneyland Aerial Images
There are four main projects that we can see in the images below. I’ve circled them for you . . . Starting in the upper left, that’s Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway construction. In the center are the Fantasyland projects. The small circle on the right is the hub/path project in front of the Castle. And at the bottom is the Haunted Mansion refurbishment project.
The Frontierland bridge widening project is in the upper right of the image below. It’s a crowd-flow enhancement project. Workers are out and about in their vehicles in the Hub area as well.
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway
The big project at Disneyland right now is Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway behind ToonTown!
There’s more than just a coat of paint going up in Fantasyland, the Carrousel is being rebuilt and fully refurbished, and Snow White is getting a happier adventure.
Disney California Adventure
The biggest current project in the resort area is the Marvel-themed Avengers Campus at DCA.
As we zoom in on the Spider-Man attraction (in red), you can see that the facade is mostly done. The circle in yellow is one of the turn-tables for Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree. The vehicles are still missing.
You can make out some Food and Wine Festival booths on the parade route below. There’s no official word on if the Festival will be extended post-reopening, but Disney did get an extension from the city for the Festival through early September should they wish to do so. Would you like to see the Festival extended?
If you’re looking for more amazing aerial shots of construction happening around the Disneyland Resort since the shutdown. Please read last week’s Disneyland Update below:
Red, White & Blue . . . And Star Wars Too – MiceChat Reader Photos
Today is a special day for a few reasons. First and foremost, it’s Memorial Day. Today we celebrate and recognize military personnel who sacrificed everything for our security. It’s also the unofficial start to the summer season with a glorious three-day weekend. This week we asked the MiceChat Facebook group to share some of their favorite photos for a dual-themed reader-contributed photo segment about the patriotic holiday in the parks . . . and the 43rd anniversary of Star Wars, which made its debut today (May 25th) in 1977.
Memorial Day
Although today is frequently enjoyed as the kickoff to the summer season, it’s also important to remember the brave individuals who gave their lives to keep us safe.
Memorial Day is also when you can find Main Street U.S.A. adorned with American flags and patriotic bunting that stays up through July 4th.
We couldn’t overlook Captain America!
Rare Disneyland 1976 America on Parade Photos
Folks, you’re in for a special treat today. Reader and pal Mike Cowan shared a set of photos of Disneyland’s America on Parade in 1976 to celebrate the United State’s bicentennial! It was a major spectacle of a parade, with 50 units and 150 performers that lasted over half an hour. Popular American historical figures were 8 feet tall with cartoonish doll-like heads. It was quite a spectacle. We hope you enjoy seeing these as much as we did!
For more about America on Parade, be sure to check out Yesterland’s article on the parade! We’d also like to wish our good friend Werner Weiss a happy 25 anniversary of his site Yesterland!
Star Wars
And now, for the second half of our photo section! Today we’re also celebrating the 43rd anniversary of Star Wars (today!), a film that became an icon and would eventually become part of Disney as well!
Although Jedi Training Academy is no longer offered, it sure was a lot of fun to watch!
There’s not much out that that’s better than getting a big bear hug from a Wookie!
Need more Star Wars photos? Check out the Disneyland Update from a few weeks ago for more!
Thank you so much to everyone who submitted a photo for this section! It’s hard to believe that it’s been over two months since Disneyland shut down. We’re grateful to have dedicated readers that are helping us keep our favorite theme park memories alive by sharing photos. To see more of the MiceChat community’s photos, be sure to join the MiceChat Facebook group! Keep an eye out for the announcement next week’s theme for photos in a few days.
This and That
Keeping in the Disneyland Update tradition, here are a few more Disney news bits from this past week.
ABC Wonderful World of Disney Revival
This week featured a welcome surprise for TV watchers. Disney decided to revive its classic tradition of a “Movie of the Week” with the Wonderful World of Disney on ABC. Since production for film and television has effectively been halted, for the time being, theatrical movies are making a comeback on broadcast television. Last week kicked off the reiteration with the broadcast world debut Moana. This week will feature the oft-overlooked 2014 animated feature, Big Hero 6. For more information about the return of The Wonderful World of Disney be sure to check out the article below.
Keeping the Disney Magic Alive at Home
Two months without Disneyland sure is a long time. We would visit the parks at least twice a week to keep our readers up to date with current events. While we recognize it’s been hard for Disneyland and Disney World fans to not visit their beloved parks, one of our staff writers explained how she’s keeping her Disney-centered family sane during the shutdown.
How I’m Keeping My Disney Family Sane in the Age of Quarantine
Halfway to Halloween Merch
Last week, we celebrated Halloween a little early. We have crossed the threshold to officially being closer to Halloween than not. To celebrate, Disney previewed some of the items that will be released this fall. LOTS of Haunted Mansion merch. To see everything that’s coming, check out the article below.
TRAVEL UPDATES
Our Anaheim Partner Hotels Are Reopening
While most Anaheim hotels closed shortly after Disneyland did, not all did so. We have a quick update on two of our partners and a pretty neat offer from one of them.
The Howard Johnson Anaheim Resort and Water Playground is accepting reservations for a July 2nd reopening. They have some exciting news to share soon as well. Ooooooooh a mystery!
The Anaheim Hotel never closed, though they’ve been mostly empty for much of the park shut down. Well, that’s starting to change. Reservations at the hotel are picking up, in part because they have the largest pool in the Anaheim area and folks are getting restless. I just checked in with them to see how they’ve been holding up and they told me about a new “Staycation Package” which includes accommodations for two nights, free parking, late check out on the last day, a $40.00 food and beverage credit for Pizza Press and free admission to their Dive N Dine Movies (offered poolside on Saturday nights). The Package is $270.00 inclusive for the weekend or two-night stay.
The Dive N Dine Poolside Movies are reserved seating to allow for proper social distancing. There are also family games on the green. Craft Beer and California Wine available. Pool toys and snacks. Private in-room or courtyard dining delivered by favorite local restaurants. And the Pizza Press is doing poolside dining as well.
If you are interested in the sunset movies (must be a guest of the hotel), here’s the upcoming schedule:
May 30 – Sunset is at 7:57PM – Cars
June 6 – Sunset is at 8pm – Lion King
June 13 – Sunset is at 8:04pm – Moana
June 20 – Sunset is at 8:06pm – Onward
June 27 – Sunset is at 8:06 pm – The Avengers
July 4 – Sunset is at 8:06pm – Star Wars ~ Last Jedi
July 11 – Sunset is at 8:04pm – Guardians of the Galaxy
July 18 – Sunset is at 8:01pm – Monsters Inc.
July 25 – Sunset is at 7:57pmpm – Finding Nemo
August 8 – Sunset is at 7:45pm – Coco
August 15 – Sunset is at 7:38pm – The Incredibles
You can find out more information and book HERE
Get Away Today
Speaking of getting away. . . our travel agency partner is also experiencing an uptick in bookings for trips to Orlando, Hawaii, and even local travel destinations. If it’s time to get something on the books to give your family something to look forward to, Get Away Today can help. Special comeback rates are now available at some of your favorite theme park hotels – discounted up to $100 off their regular nightly rates.
Get Away Today is offering the most flexible Disney travel options available. We also recommend you add the “Peace of Mind” plan so you are covered in the event you want to cancel or change your travel plans. And, with Get Away Today, you can put down as little as $175 and don’t have to pay the remainder until just a week before you travel!
Visit Get Away Today HERE Or fill out a request form and they’ll call you back: Vacation Information Request Form HERE
Let’s Hear From You
Well folks, now that theme parks are starting to open in Florida and shopping is returning to California, what are your thoughts on when parks will open in Southern California? Do you have thoughts on the rapid game of musical chairs that Disney theme park executive management has become?
Memorial Day weekend has become so many things. Of course, first and foremost, it’s a time of reflection and thanks to those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. But over the years, it’s also become the start of the summer season. Theme parks try to have their newest attractions open by this weekend, and park crowding is generally massive. This year is very different. All we can do is remember times gone by and be thankful if we get caught in the crowds again in the future. For me, Memorial Day also brings strong memories of a film that dominated my childhood and sparked my imagination, Star Wars.
I hope you enjoyed today’s Disney update. We expect the news to start picking up as more parks announce plans for the future. Will Disney do Halloween parties this year, or will they take a break? When will the hotels reopen? How will Disneyland control park capacity, and how will that impact each passholder tier? There’s so much left to explore. Keep an eye on the site and we’ll keep you in touch with your Disney side!
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