Disneyland Update – It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Progress

It’s been a lonely few months for the Disneyland Resort. The 65th anniversary for the original Magic Kingdom was largely uncelebrated since the park was closed. And even the recently reopened Downtown Disney was afraid of being overrun by fans and opted not to even mention the significance of the day, much less do anything to celebrate it. But that doesn’t mean things haven’t been happening behind closed gates. We’ve got exclusive aerial shots of what’s been going on at the Disneyland Resort, plus coverage from the reopening of Walt Disney World and a look at a hopeful Halloween season at Knott’s Berry Farm. There’s a lot of ground to cover this week (but isn’t there always?), so settle in with a jolly cup of cocoa (or a bracing hot toddy if you need it) because this update is Christmas in July. 

Aerial Disneyland photos

It’s hard to imagine Disneyland closed on its mid-summer birthday, especially a milestone year, but that’s what happened last week. So we took to the air on the big day and gathered some shots of both parks to see what’s new and how projects are coming along. One thing’s for sure, we are seeing more and more workers out and about.

First, the long shot down an empty Main Street USA. The gardens of the Hub remain empty. A white truck parked in front of Jolly Holiday Bakery. On the Fantasyland side of the castle there are all sorts of workers and projects (we’ll talk about that in a moment).

Below is the East spoke of the Hub. New pavement is going in now. A simple fence and some benches keep anyone from accidentally entering the work zone. Two yellow-jacketed workers on the right side appear to be setting up a white sandwich board sign. 

Opposite that project is one on the Frontierland side of the Hub. The bridge is being expanded. But you’ll see that the lagoon between Adventureland and Frontierland has also been enclosed with construction walls. We do hope that the lagoon isn’t being scaled back as rumored early last year. Lots of white trucks are parked everywhere. 

Switching our view to Fantasyland, we find Snow White’s “Scary” Adventure still behind scrims. You can already see that the exterior coloration has been lightened and the scary details obscured. The altered version of the ride should be complete soon, revealing a new happy ending and reduced scares throughout. 

The sno-cone King Arthur Carrousel also remains under wraps. So far we’ve yet to see any signs of progress on this one, though it’s likely that they are still hard at work under the tent.  Two workmen in white paint a railing at Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride. 

 

At the Rivers of America, we spotted fountains being tested again. 

Nearby, the Haunted Mansion lurks behind scaffolds. Its refurbishment has been extensive, inside and out. Pet Cemetery tombstones remain parked in the central lawn awaiting reinstallation. 

Decorative details and ironwork still await reinstallation. 

Splash Mountain is an interesting sight to behold. With the flumes empty, the mountain looks like a toy. Many of you have contacted us with questions about the plans for reinventing the attraction as a Princess and the Frog ride. While that’s very much on the books, it won’t be happening soon. There’s still a lot of behind the scenes work left to do. So the ride is expected to reopen with the park . . . whenever that happens. We suspect it will go down for transformation in January or later in 2021.  

Nothing new at Big Thunder, but we thought you’d enjoy seeing it from above. 

Another iconic coaster from above. . . the Matterhorn! Look at all those coaster trains lined up at the bottom. 

Over in Disney California Adventure, there’s a massive amount of work left to be done on Avengers Campus. And hopes of a Food and Wine Festival extension were dashed when the festival booths were recently carted off. You can see the empty parade route below.  

With both EPCOT and Knott’s Berry Farm successfully holding festivals right now, we do wonder if DCA could pull one off as well right now. 

 

A number of trucks are parked along the parade route near the entry to Avengers Campus. You can see that the Spider-Man ride looks just about done.  

A new backstage building (below center – light blue) is almost complete. 

Look at all those vehicles at the bottom of the screen. 

There’s scaffolding on the exterior of the old Millionaire building in the Hollywood Pictures Backlot.  

But it’s the Avenger’s Campus area with most of the activity in the park. Below you see a large dirt area. That will be a large plaza in front of the PYM Test Kitchen microbrewery.

This view is the flip side of the one above. Here we are behind the PYM Test Kitchen looking at that plaza from the opposite direction. 

The light blue building at top center below is the backside of the Spider-Man ride.  There’s a lot of equipment back there. 

We’ve been tracking the spot below for a while now. Just behind the futuristic “L” shaped building is a Stark Industries Quinjet. In the concept art, this jet is seen at the top of the building. It will eventually be lifted into place. 

That blue tent below is the approximate spot of the Quinjet. 

The only thing missing in real life from the concept art is the tall building directly behind the Quinjet. That’s the showbuilding for phase 2 Avengers ride. Due to these crazy times, it’s anyone’s bet if this happens as planned or gets delayed or even canceled. 

Now, let’s zoom in on the PYM Test Kitchen. . . 

The outdoor patio has been formed. 

Some workers are laying concrete below. 

And we are seeing the installation of the new WEB sign on the Spider-Man building below. Look at the red tower with the big arm above it. A worker on a blue cherry picker is working on the circular sign with the spider on it. That’s the first anyone has seen of the new logo. It was just a big round hole in the side of the building for the last 4 months.  That’s an exciting bit of progress. 

Disney World Opening

While Disneyland had to scuttle its July 17th reopening, Walt Disney World has officially reopened to guests on the 11th of this month. The MiceChat crew visited the parks to cover the openings for you. As you might expect, as wonderful as it was to see the theme parks again, there are many questions regarding the sanity of operating at a time of rapidly growing risk. 

We visited all four of WDW’s theme parks for their opening week, and across all of our social media channels, the number one question we got was “how safe is Disney World?” The answer to that question is a bit tricky. Disney is doing a lot of things right about guest safety; their health and safety procedures are a great commitment to providing as safe an experience as possible with the things within their control. The reduced operating capacity makes the parks feel like a VIP experience, there are plenty of hand sanitizers available, and changed operational procedures help create a feeling of safety. However, the main problem lies with the other guests. In order for these updated policies to be truly effective, it requires that guests comply with them. We saw many visitors blatantly not wearing masks correctly (over both the nose and mouth) — if at all— and WDW cast members not enforcing Disney’s guidelines. It’s frustrating because there’s so much that Disney was doing right, but public health requires mass participation. 

One issue we noticed during our trip were guests wandering around with drinks in hand so they could avoid wearing a mask. This was particularly a problem at EPCOT’s new Food and Wine Festival and in Disney Springs. Disney appears to have noticed as well and has finally closed the “eating and drinking loophole.” Guests are now asked to consume food and drinks while stationary and physically distanced from others. They’ve also clarified what counts as appropriate facial coverings, banning neck gaiters and bandanas. 

One way that WDW is trying to get guests to comply with wearing face coverings is to withhold PhotoPass photos of guests not wearing face coverings. This is an interesting procedure, and I hope that it helps make an impact.

While we felt safer at WDW than just about any grocery or gas station back at home, what didn’t feel safe was the process of getting there. We flew from Los Angeles to Orlando on United Airlines, in part because United wasn’t booking middle seats and their aggressive marketing about their safety procedures made it seem like a good choice. What we found was airports on both sides of the country filled with people refusing to respect physical distancing, not wearing masks, and airlines and airport staff doing nothing about it other than playing toothless safety announcements which everyone seemed to ignore.

Worse, by the time we actually boarded the plane, we found the flight was packed full, including the middle seats which we had been promised wouldn’t be filled when we booked. The airline had made the change in policy sometime within the 3 weeks between when we booked and when we flew. At no point did United step in to keep guests 6 feet apart when boarding. And once on the plane, there is no way to distance at all when you are practically touching the passengers in the aisle seats and within an inch of strangers in all directions once seated.  

Since safety appears to just be lip service to the airlines, TSA, and airports, we strongly advise against this mode of transportation at the moment. For those brave enough to visit, the parks should probably be reserved for those who can get there by car. 

Here’s our Magic Kingdom opening coverage: 

Disney World Update – Risks and Rewards

Walt Disney World Annual Pass Changes

While we were in Orlando, there was a surprise announcement about the WDW Annual Passholder program. Passholder access to the parks will be increased (marginally) and they’ll be getting a bump in their passholder discounts. The passholder discount at applicable locations has been increased to 30%, which is better than the usual discount for Cast Members of 20%. But Disney giveth and Disney taketh away, additional discounts are only good through mid-August and passholder payments resume soon even if you aren’t able to secure a theme park reservation . . . You can read about the changes here:

New Discounts, Reservations and More – Walt Disney World Annual Passholder Update

Speaking of Cast Members, during the preview period Disney has really welcomed them back to WDW with massive temporary discounts, like 40% at full-service restaurants during preview days, 50% merchandise discounts and up to 65% off of hotel stays. It’s good to see that Disney is discounting things for its employees, but sign-in privileges are blocked through summer, so think twice about booking that 65% off room if you won’t be able to get into the park. 

Disneyland 65 Anniversary

While Disneyland may not have celebrated its anniversary with any actual events in the Parks (besides themed merchandise being stocked at World of Disney), it did make an attempt at an online shopping event, which took place on July 14. Unfortunately, it did not go well for many hopeful shoppers. More than 40,000 people were in the digital queue waiting for their chance to shop. And about an hour after the queue opened, it “paused” to allow people to complete their purchases. This “pause” lasted about two hours before the line began to move again. You can read about one of our staff’s first-hand experience here:

Merchandise Mess – Disneyland 65th Online Shopping Event

Several of the items sold at the online shopping event were also available for purchase in World of Disney in Downtown Disney. These items included the Loungefly Mini Backpack, the Spirit Jersey, and the figural ornament. But that wasn’t all. In addition to these previously-seen products, the Disneyland 65th Anniversary series of Wishables mystery plushes along with the series chaser plush were spotted. 

Some of the sold out items then showed up later on shopDisney. Imagine waiting hours in a virtual queue for a chance to shop for something which sells out before you ever get a chance, only to hear that the same item is available a few days later on ShopDisney. Lots of upset folks out there who feel their time was wasted.  But at least they got another shot at picking up some of the more popular items.

Christmas in July – MiceChat Reader Photos

Here’s a chilling thought: we’re now more than half-way to Christmas. So we thought it might be fun to enjoy a few moments of Christmas in July! This week we asked the MiceChat Facebook group to share their favorite photos of Disneyland decked out for the holidays, and we had a HUGE response. Disney knows how to turn the parks into a nostalgic wonderland, and we’re excited to share some photos and stories from our readers of some Disneyland winter magic. There are photos of attractions long gone, and some that will be around the next time Disneyland is open for the holidays. Still drinking that hot chocolate from earlier? Time for a refill!

Main Street USA captures the quintessential essence of an old-fashioned holiday. The shops are fully decorated, a giant Christmas tree, and who can forget “A Christmas Fantasy Parade? 

The true kickoff to the holiday season at Disneyland is the Candlelight Processional. A massive choir backed with a full orchestra performs traditional Christmas carols, and a celebrity narrator tells the story of Christmas. Last year, the narrator was Lin Manuel-Miranda! You can relive last year’s Candlelight Processional HERE. 

We loved seeing the Jingle Cruise decorations. The Jingle Cruise debuted in 2013 and had a short-lived 4-year run. It was a simple overlay, but a fun change of pace. Would you like to see it return? 

And for many Disneyland/Nightmare Before Christmas fans, it’s not really the holidays until Jack has decked the halls! But here’s a thought . . . Haunted Mansion Holiday ended for the season in early January and then the Mansion closed for refurbishment. It was supposed to have reopened in time for the summer season in regular Mansion mode. However, we are just over a month away from when the Mansion would close to change back over to Haunted Mansion Holiday. Since the reopening of the park is still an unknown, should this be the year that Jack Skellington gets a vacation? 

For a more quaint and rustic holiday spread, look no further than Critter Country.

The holidays at Storybook Land are on a whole different scale . . . literally!

Park hopping over to Disney California Adventure for a quick spell. DCA sure has changed a lot over the years, and now the holiday displays rival Disneyland!

Redwood Creek Challenge Trail becomes a mystical forest adorned with wreaths, ribbon, and the distant sound of sleigh bells hanging from the rope bridges. 

And if you’re a foodie, you can’t pass up an opportunity to enjoy a feast of various traditions and backgrounds during the Festival of Holidays.

Thank you to everyone who shared a photo with us! There’s nothing quite like seeing the Disneyland Resort for the holidays. It’s transformed with magic tinged with nostalgia and warmth of good tidings. We’re not sure what this year has in store for a Disneyland Christmas, but we’re being extra good (wearing masks, social distancing, not touching our faces!) this year to better our chances of being able to return in time. This was just a small handful of the 200+ photos shared with us. To see all the beautiful Disneyland at Christmas photos, be sure to join our MiceChat Facebook group! Let us know if you have a request for next week’s reader photo section. 

Knott’s Berry Farm Mini Update

Knott’s Berry Farm continues to surprise. They pulled together a new food festival with just a few days notice to guests and may also be working on a version of their annual Halloween Haunt as well. Here’s a quick update. 

Taste of Calico

The Ghost Town portion of the park has reopened in a limited capacity of about 500 guests for a brand new “Taste of Calico food festival.” The festival was announced just last week and is planned as a two-weekend event that started July 17 and will end July 26. Tickets are pre-purchased in the form of tasting cards ($25 for adults with 5 tastings; $15 for kids 3-11 with 3 tastings); there is no walk-up availability for this event. Rides and shows are NOT operating; however, festival craft booths and Ghost Town shops are open.  

The festival features a few selections from this year’s Boysenberry Festival that was unfortunately canceled due to the COVID-19 outbreak, as well as some favorites from festivals past. But if you’re still looking to get a Taste of Calico, you’ll have to hope for an event extension; as of yesterday, the event has sold out! 

Knott’s has got some of the best theme park food around, and the lines for Taste of Calico certainly proved that. When we visited on the sold-out opening day, we heard that the tickets were capped at 500 guests. Unfortunately, lines for food were over 45 minutes long at times. Now, it’s no surprise that I LOVE Knott’s boysenberry-inspired nibbles, but I won’t wait 45 minutes for a single slider-sized food item in normal times, much less in a pandemic.  

But we think Knott’s can solve this issue if they time the guest entries to the event so all the guests don’t show up in the first hour. 

Knott’s event had us wondering if perhaps Disney California Adventure might be able to pull off a festival-only version of their Food and Wine event. Let us know your thoughts on how this might work at the Disneyland Resort.  

To see what Taste of Calico was like on opening day, enjoy a personal tour with Dusty Sage in the video below. 

Scary Farm Season Ahead?

While at the park, we spotted something backstage that had us feeling cautiously optimistic. When walking towards the California Marketplace, we saw the facades of at least two mazes and thematic decor stacked up in the backstage area between the two mazes. 

At this time, there’s no official word about the status of Halloween this year at Knott’s. We’re hoping to see a smaller scale haunt that’s modified for social distancing and still delivers the scares we’ve been craving. 

Bear-y Cute New Sign

Finally, the newest attraction at the park, Knott’s Bear-y Tales – Return to the Fair, was supposed to have opened this summer. It’s clear that work has continued during the shutdown because they’ve installed an adorable animated sign. The ride was intended to be a cornerstone for Knott’s 100th-anniversary celebration. Unfortunately, that celebration has been pushed to next year. 

The sign lights up at night:

For a more comprehensive update on all-things Knott’s Berry Farm, take a look at the article below.

Knott’s Berry Farm Partially Opens for NEW Festival!

 

This and That

Former Disneyland President and current President of Disney Parks International, Michael Colglazier, has accepted the position of CEO at Virgin Galactic. Wow . . . talk about your out of this world promotions!

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