It was a busy week at Disneyland!  In the parks, the holidays moved in quickly as Halloween Time vanished.  Garland, lights, and snow are now up in both parks, with even more on the way before the holiday season officially kicks off later this week.  Meanwhile, Marvel’s latest heroes have taken up residence at Disney California Adventure while construction and refurbishment projects continued in both theme parks. And, a bit of tension has been released… Disneyland’s contentious union negotiations seem to have avoided disaster as the company reaches agreement with the Unions in the nick of time. But Disney’s overworked and underpaid Cast Members still need to vote on the agreement, so the parks aren’t completely out of the woods just yet.  

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

We’ve got a lot of ground to cover this week, so let’s get started! 

Welcome to Disneyland!

The holiday season officially begins this Friday at Disneyland and both parks are in a state of transition.  Lots of garland, lights, and decorations are going up everywhere.

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

Main Street’s Christmas tree had yet to arrive over the weekend but was installed over night last night. So those of you with a park reservation today will see Disneyland’s glorious tree. But here’s what I saw over the weekend…

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

There were no garlands strung up across Main Street yet.  Hopefully soon! 

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

The hub’s gardens also still featured their fall plantings.  Christmas tree-like shrubs and poinsettias will likely be planted soon if they haven’t already.

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

Sleeping Beauty Castle’s winter overlay is almost complete and ready to dazzle guests with its shimmering lights at the end of this week.

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

Meanwhile, Christmas is in full swing in New Orleans Square and Toon Town, as other lands still await their decorations…

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

Over in Disney California Adventure, the park’s popular Festival of Holidays celebration will return. 

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

Buena Vista Street is decked out and ready for the season, complete with its Christmas tree already serving up holiday cheer. 

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

The charming animated window displays have returned to Elias and Co. and Big Top Toys.

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

Buena Vista Street’s spectacular Christmas tree appeared over the weekend and it of course looks lovely. 

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

It was a treat to see it all lit up again.  , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

Over in Grizzly Peak, the bears are all dressed up for the winter…

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

In Hollywood Land, the vintage-style Los Angeles city street holiday decorations weren’t back over the weekend.  Instead of the vintage metal lamppost decorations, the street was simply lined with Festival of Holidays banners.  Hopefully some of those great Hollywood Land decorations get installed this week. 

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

Hopefully Santa and his sleigh return at the end of Hollywood Blvd as well., Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

Along the parade route and in Paradise Park, Festival of the Holidays has moved in with the marketplace food booths, banners, and entertainment stages. 

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

The booths almost always make an early return, so look for at least the food service to start a day or two early for Festival of the Holidays.  

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

The stage is up in Paradise Park., Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

Banners and another stage are up in Pacific Wharf…

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

The holidays at the Disneyland Resort, including the Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure, kick off this Friday, November 12!

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

Outside of the parks, Downtown Disney was still largely in Halloween Time mode but some Christmas was beginning to appear.  At the former ESPN Zone, a new mural is up celebrating some of the Resorts favorite holiday offerings.

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

And Disneyland’s annual Toys for Tots drive is underway, with gift drop-off bins in front of Star Wars Trading Post and World of Disney.

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

Seasonal window displays are up at World of Disney 

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

Our merchandise maven, Natalie Kipper, has rounded up all the Holiday merchandise currently on the shelves, it was just TOO MUCH for us to include in today’s Dateline. Natalie’s got you covered here:

UPDATED! Disneyland Holiday Merchandise Guide 2021

Disneyland and Unions come to agreement

As Disneyland geared up for a cozy holiday season for guests, it also had to navigate contentious negotiations with Cast Member unions as tensions reached a fever pitch last week. But, on Friday Disney announced a tentative agreement with the unions which will still need to be voted on by employees. 

“The Disneyland Resort is pleased to have reached a tentative agreement with Master Services Council for collective bargaining agreements at the Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, which has the full support of the unions that are part of the Council.

Voting will occur on November 17, 2021.

Disney is committed to investing in its cast members to provide a comprehensive, holistic employee experience through multiple touch points including healthcare coverage options as low as $7 / week for full-time cast members as well as providing eligible hourly cast with access to childcare support and Disney Aspire, an educational program offering free tuition.”

The contract negotiations bordered on the brink of a strike for Disneyland’s union Cast Members for a moment last week.  Discussions had fallen apart between Disney and its employee unions on October 29, with unions notifying their workers that things were headed toward a town hall and potentially a strike.  Some union Cast Members had planned to organize a “Call Out” protest on the first day of the holiday season.  Luckily, no such action was needed and an agreement was reached.  Voting to ratify will take place November 17.  

The news that an agreement was reached came after an Orange County Superior Court judge ruled that Disney would not be required to comply with Anaheim’s Measure L, a living-wage ordinance that requires all hospitality companies with 25 or more employees to pay $18/hr by January 2022.  Disney was exempted from the law because the pay increases are subsidized by the city and Anaheim does not provide Disney with subsidies. 

We have complete coverage of the union negotiations in the article linked below:

UPDATED: Disneyland Reaches Agreement With Unions

 

Eternals land at Disney California Adventure

In Disney California Adventure, the latest entry to the Marvel Cinematic Universe is making its mark in both Hollywood Land and Avengers Campus.  In Hollywood Land, you can catch an extended clip from the film in the Sunset Showcase Theater (generally the home of Mickey’s Philharmagic).  

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

The theater queue is lined with film posters…

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

Costumes from the film are on display in the theater lobby.

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

Ikaris and Makkari’s costumes 

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

Thena and Gilgamesh’s costumes

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

Over in Avengers Campus, you can meet Sersi, Kingo, or Phastos in the Ancient Sanctum.

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

 They’re hard to catch, however, with limited appearances ending by mid-afternoon.

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

A sign up near the Ancient Sanctum invites Avengers Campus guests to learn more about the Eternals by scanning a code with their phones.

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

Magic Key Regrets and Reservations

Disneyland’s Magic Key annual pass program trudges on with little park availability for Keyholders as the parks head into the wildly popular holiday season.  In Tomorrowland, the Magic Key Lounge in the Starcade is now closed, already cutting one of the perks of the new Magic Key program.  

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

The Lounge seemed to be pretty popular with Magic Keyholders, even with its very limited amenities.  Seems like Disney could have better utilized the space with more couches, fewer photo-ops, and more Magic Key-exclusive retail and snack offerings.  

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

For better or worse for Disney, any complaints from Keyholders over the quick death of an early perk will be overshadowed by the fact that the reservation system for Keyholders continues to be a massive issue.  Last week, Disney released additional reservations for many days in November but they went quickly and they’re back at where they started the month: with almost no available reservations for Magic Keyholders.  Only two days, including the day of this publication are available for November, with no availability at all for December 2021, and most weekend days in January 2022 already sold out. 

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter
Magic Key reservation availability as of November 8 at 12:15 a.m.

Disney’s inaction to properly address the issues with the Magic Key system seems to be hurting any remaining goodwill they have with their passholder audience.  Disney’s insistence on keeping a reservation system in place for both day guests and pass holders, while all other theme parks in California have dropped theirs, is frustrating.  Reservations seem to be unpopular with nearly all guests — day guests and passholders — and difficult to navigate just to be able to go to Disneyland.   Below, we ran a series of polls on Twitter regarding Keyholders satisfaction. 

With reservations required for all tickets and passes, you may think that attendance would be better managed in the parks, or at the very least, staffing increased on days where reservation numbers are high.  That’s obviously not the case, however, with the parks often feeling like they did pre-pandemic these days.  Not to mention, the Resort continues to operate with reduced staffing.  Reservations are seemingly for Disney’s behind-the-scenes benefit only, allowing for better data collection and resource planning over guest experience.  

So what’s the solution?  Well, the easy one would be just to retire the reservation system altogether. Another option would be to sell only as many Magic Keys as the park can reasonably accommodate. It appears that this new program was quickly oversold. But whatever the solution, it can’t come soon enough.  Disney seems to be pretty quickly burning bridges with many of its most loyal customers.

 

Signs of Genie begin to materialize

Disneyland continues to get ready for the west coast debut of Disney Parks’ new Genie service.  The new system will add even more reservation-making to the Disneyland experience, with the paid version of the service requiring you to book reservations for rides on your mobile device.  That paid version of the now-defunct FASTPASS service will be called “Lightning Lane.”  Signage for Lightning Lane is replacing FASTPASS signs at attractions now.

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

As attractions get switched over you’ll likely see a lot of instances where some signage says FASTPASS while others say Lightning Lane, even at the same attractions.  It’s going to take time for Disneyland’s sign shop to get everything made and swapped out. But whether you like it or not, Lightning Lane is coming soon.

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

Lightning Lane signage is now up at Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin.

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

Over at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, which just reopened from refurbishment over the weekend, Lightning Lane signage is up and ready for the west coast debut of Genie+. 

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

But unlike Walt Disney World, which just slapped cheap stickers over existing signs, Disneyland does seem to be making more of an attempt to craft signs which fit. 

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

Some FASTPASS remnants remain, however.

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

The process to bring Lightning Lane is of course underway at Disney California Adventure as well.  Grizzly River Run’s signage is in transition.

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

FASTPASS… er, Lightning Lane, entrance here…, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

Over in Avengers Campus, WEBSLINGERS – A Spider-Man Adventure no longer offers a virtual queue as it prepares to be one of the resort’s extra cost Lightning Lane a la carte attractions.  As an a la carte offering, the Spider-Man ride will only be accessible through the standard stand-by queue or, for an additional fee that fluctuates by day, you can pay to ride it without the usual 75-90 minute wait. It will not be accessible as part of the regular Genie+ included Lightning Lane rides (which will give you access to the rest of the old FastPass attractions). 

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

Disney wasn’t using the backstage overflow space they used over the summer when Avengers Campus first opened.  Instead, the queue stretched through the Avengers Campus entry corridor, butting up against the Spider-Man meet-and-greet area.  When the Spider-Man stunt show happens, the crowds from the show and the extended attraction queue can create a bit of a bottleneck.  Expect similar crowding and overflow queues for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance in Disneyland as well. 

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

Disney+ Day Comes to the Parks

If you have a Disneyland reservation for this Friday, you’re in luck. The parks will be celebrating the first annual Disney+ day with extended hours, a blue carpet, photo opportunities and more. Here’s everything you need to know:

UPDATED: Disney+ Day Offers Early Theme Park Entry and Other Surprises

Construction Kingdom

Various refurbishment and construction projects continue in both parks.  Let’s take a look.

Fixing up Fantasyland

In Fantasyland, the Christmas shop has closed now that Main Street’s new Plaza Point shop has opened.  There’s been no word from Disney yet as to what will eventually go into this spot. 

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

Nearby, the small Enchanted Chamber shop in the Castle has yet to come back since the park reopened.

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

Meanwhile it’s a small world’s queue and gift shop are getting some fresh paint while the attraction is closed to install its holiday overlay. 

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

Holiday overlay decorations can be seen just inside the ride…

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

Nearby, the walkway repaving project in front of Toon Town continues. , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

But it appears to be just about done. 

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

And the Fantasyland Theater’s marquee is still under scaffolding for its refurbishment.  Hopefully we’ll see the theater reopen soon — the parks are desperately in need of more large-scale entertainment to help keep guests occupied when the rides are busy. 

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

 

Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway construction

In Mickey’s Toon Town, construction continues on the massive new Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway attraction.  Framework continues to take shape for the attraction’s new facade and the Toon Town hills which will hide the giant show building.

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

You can see flooring being laid inside the entrance to the attraction’s queue. 

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

Pelican’s Landing in New Orleans Square

In New Orleans Square, the new outdoor seating area called Pelican’s Landing continues to come together.  Views of construction were hard to get over the weekend with the top deck of the Mark Twain Riverboat closed, apparently due to “unsafe” conditions according to a cast member working the attraction. 

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

We could still spot some views of new boardwalk going in., Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

We’re looking forward to seeing this space eventually open up.  With so much seating removed prior to the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, it’ll be nice to see some of it reclaimed., Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

 

Fantasmic!

The main Fantasmic! lighting pit was open over the weekend for work.  Disney still has yet to announce any reopening timeline for the popular nighttime show.  Hopefully with work underway on the show infrastructure as well as on the Sailing Ship Columbia, the show will be able to return soon.

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

As I mentioned above, the Mark Twain Riverboat’s top deck was closed over the weekend.  We’re still curious why cast would tell guests that it was “unsafe,” and what that condition really was.  

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

Tarzan’s Treehouse

In Adventureland, Tarzan’s Treehouse continues its refurbishment.

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage

In Tomorrowland, repainting and other refurbishment work continue in the Submarine Lagoon…

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

It currently looks like an archeological dig site. 

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

When the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage was under construction, it was touted that the lagoon had been painted with recycled, crushed colored glass.  The technique was intended to be good for the environment and expected to retain its vibrancy for longer.  Disney hasn’t said if they’re once again painting the lagoon with glass or if they’re using more traditional painting techniques this time around., Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

Kingswell Camera Shop

Over in Disney California Adventure, the Kingswell Camera Shop is closed as it likely gets converted into more retail space for the adjacent Julius Katz shop.  The shop’s original purpose as a Photopass location is no longer needed with Photopass being consolidated and moved to Disneyland’s esplanade-facing portion of the Newsstand.  Below, the signage on the streetlamp that once directed guests to Kingswell Camera is gone. 

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

Kingswell Camera Shop was once the first retail space on the right, just inside the Elysian Arcade. 

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

Construction walls are up inside the Elysian Arcade while work is underway on the old Kingswell Shop. 

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

World of Color

Over in the bay, the massive World of Color platform continues to get much-needed TLC after sitting dormant and unmaintained during the 2020 closure.  There’s no official timeline yet on when the show will return but we don’t expect to see it back until sometime after the New Year. 

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

But with the lagoon drained, you do get a sense of the scale of this show. That’s a lot of equipment and fountains. 

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

All of the lighting pits are being worked on as well…

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

All of the projector and lighting boxes along the back of the bay were removed entirely and are now being rebuilt from the ground up. 

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

We’re looking forward to seeing this popular nighttime show return — the park desperately needs nighttime entertainment.  

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

Fillmore’s Taste-In

In Cars Land, Fillmore’s Taste-In is already getting some work done even though it only just recently reopened to guests.  The snack stand is open for business while the geodesic dome is reskinned and refurbished. 

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter , Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

Unfortunately, the refurbishment is taking place without proper construction walls.  Instead, some chainlink fence is up with Cars Land-facing fence covered in tie-dye tarps.  It doesn’t look great at all. 

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

But walk around the backside of Fillmore’s, the chainlink fence seen from Pacific Wharf is just covered in basic green tarps. The usual construction walls would look much better. 

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter


Merry and Bright Theme Park Ticket and Travel Deals

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys SputterOur travel partners at Get Away Today are here to help you make new family memories with discounted theme park tickets and hotels. Extra days, big savings, travel packages and more. Snap up those deals to Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line and other family travel destinations while you still can, with your MiceChat partners at Get Away Today- HERE


The World-Famous MiceChat Gumball Rally Returns!

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter
Event Information

After a long hiatus, it’s time for the big return of the MiceChat Gumball Rally at Disneyland. The event is a competition to see who can ride the most attractions at Disneyland in a single day. Guests compete in small groups of 2 to 4 members and spend the day doing what Disney fans love most… riding the attractions!

So, say goodby to those nice people on the dock… because the Gumball Rally is rolling your way on February 12th.  

Due to the need to book theme park reservations, we recommend signing up for the Rally now so you’ll have plenty of time to secure your spot. We are also offering discounted theme park admission and discounted hotel rooms this year via our partners at Get Away Today.  Don’t miss out! 

Gumball Rally Event information * HERE *


Let’s Hear From You!

Alright, that wraps up this week’s Disneyland update.  Are you ready for the holidays?  Did you manage to snag a Magic Key reservation so you could actually see the holidays?  Let us know your thoughts on how park reservations are going for you, or any of the rest of this week’s news, in the comments section below!  

And, I’d like to give special thanks to Mike Kindrich for the extra help with photos this week.

, Dateline Disneyland: Holidays take shape, Eternals suit up, Magic Keys Sputter

Until next time, see you at Disneyland!

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Andy Castro
Andy is a Southern California native and a life-long fan of Disney theme parks and animation. From 2007-2016, Andy wrote the weekly Dateline Disneyland photo, news and opinion blog here on MiceChat. Today, Andy continues to produce occasional Dateline Disneyland articles and additional special guest content for MiceChat.