Fall has officially arrived… but someone forgot to tell the weatherman. It will be opressively hot again this week in Anaheim. But that’s not the only issue the resort will deal with this week… There’s a big change landing at the resort for cast members which could cause some additional staffing issues for a while as things shake out. Maintenance issues continue to pop up in strange places. And we share all the latest construction, refurbishments, and park news.
Fall Crowds with Summer Heat
As the parks ease into fall with Halloween decorations and pumpkin spice lattes, the weather forecast has taken a turn back to high summer heat.
This has been an unseasonably hot summer. While July through September averages temps in the upper 80s for Anaheim, we had more than the usual number of days in the 90s and 100s, including a record-setting 107° day earlier in the month. High heat wrecks Disneyland attendance and makes it extremely hard for Disneyland’s outdoor cast and characters to perform as expected.
As a result, mid-day crowds have been light, while they begin to soar again in the evening as temperatures moderate. Add to the mix Tuesday/Thursday/Sunday Oogie Boogie Party mix-ins and nighttime is the busiest time at the resort.
Early afternoon wait times on Friday, when most of these photos were captured, were quite reasonable. Rise of the Resistance was in its all too usual broken state, which caused Big Thunder, Space Mountain, and Indiana Jones to have a bump in attendance during that period.
There were large areas of the park that felt practically empty at times.
Although it was hot outside, there was less than a 5-minute wait for Small World. This is a great place to avoid the heat. It’s a long air-conditioned ride…
By evening, the crowds had arrived.
MagicBands Coming this Fall
MagicBands may seem like an idea from the past, but they will be arriving later this fall to Disneyland. If you’ve lamented the long waits at the front gate as guests fumble with their Disneyland App for their digital park tickets, or look for their barcodes to scan for Lightning Lanes… MagicBands will help with that. A quick and simple tap will give guests access to park tickets, Lightning Lanes, PhotoPass and more.
Years ago, Disney World did away with turnstiles and installed MagicBand tap stations. One cast member can help up to 4 guests at a time tap into the park, rather than just one guest at a time at Disneyland. Also, Disney World uses biometric fingerprint scanning instead of guest photos to make sure the person scanning into the park is the actual owner of the ticket. But it does NOT appear that Disneyland will switch to biometrics, nor does it appear that the turnstiles will disappear any time soon. So, while I do expect the front gate experience to speed up considerably, it will still be constrained by the number of guests each cast member can assist, and by guests who still need to have their photos taken at the front gate for new tickets.
We would really like to see Disneyland fix this issue by allowing guests to take a selfie or upload their own photos via the Disneyland app.
Walt Disney World recently got their new MagicBand+ and it’s been mostly successful… with one main problem… battery life isn’t very long. Guests will need to charge the bands daily.
There’s also an interactive element coming. Aside from making the business side of the park easier (tapping to access things), you’ll also be able to play games and your band will interact with shows and spectaculars (not sure if we really need to have our wearables tap our wrist and change colors when we should be paying attention to the actual entertainment, but its a potentially fun diversion).
When the MagicBands launch, you’ll be able to play a Bounty Hunter game in Galaxy’s Edge. The same game is already up and running at Walt Disney World. It will be an interesting diversion for kids, and perhaps even some adults. If you enjoy the Disney Play app games, this one is for you. The game is under construction now.
More about the Bountyhunter game from the launch at Walt Disney World:
Necessity or Nuisance: MagicBand+ Lights Up at Walt Disney World
Hulk Arrives
We learned at the D23 Expo that the Hulk would soon be appearing in Disney California Adventure. Well, he’s here… if you show up at the right time and his suit is working properly.
The Hulk is fun to see, but the suit seems difficult to walk in and the character is very stiff. There have also been issues with the fingers not performing correctly and the suit needing fixing. It’s all a bit awkward at the moment. Hopefully, as they get the kinks worked out, it will feel a little more natural. Though, Hulk is only supposed to be in Avengers Campus for a limited time.
If you are trying to figure out when Hulk is appearing, it can be difficult to get a straight answer out of cast members. They are apparently instructed to be vague about which characters are appearing and at what times. This means you can spend hours waiting in the 90+ degree heat in the completely unshaded and poorly designed Avengers Campus and perhaps still not see the Hulk. It took us hours and two days to obtain these glimpses for you.
Eudora’s Chic Boutique Opens
There was very little announced for Disneyland at D23 Expo this year (though, there are a few things we’re looking forward to). However, one of the things brought to light was the unveiling of a new shop, Eudora’s Chic Boutique, in New Orleans Square. The New Orleans/Tiana-themed store opened this week, and we were there to take it all in!
https://www.instagram.com/p/Civ3mi5pjMm/
The store has gotten a major makeover since its Le Bat En Rouge days. Now, the shop features a mix of New Orleans and Mardi Gras decorations, festive chandeliers, and a hidden speaker where Tiana and her mother Eudora have conversations.
The shop has a mix of store-exclusive items and some merchandise that’s available across the resort. Some of the unique things you’ll find are cookbooks (both Disney-themed and not), New Orleans merchandise and memorabilia, and neat art prints.
While the shop’s name does mention “Tiana’s Gourmet Secrets,” it looks like you’ll have to find those secrets for yourself inside all the cookbooks sold there.
MiceChat’s Dateline Disneyland takes us on a walkthrough video of Eudora’s Chic Boutique:
One thing to be aware of is that since the shop is so small, it can easily become congested. This is especially apparent when entertainment groups like the Bootstrappers play just outside one of the entrances.
Eudora’s Chic Boutique has a lot of charm to it; while its footprint is quite small, we think the overhaul is really effective. We’d love to see updates to other stores around the park in a similar fashion (China Closet and Disney Showcase on Main Street could definitely use some updating). Can you think of any other shops around the parks that would benefit from a major rethink?
For a more in-depth look at Eudora’s Chic Boutique Featuring Tiana’s Gourmet Secrets, take a look at the write-up below:
NEW DISNEYLAND SHOP! Eudora’s Chic Boutique Opens in New Orleans Square
New Attendance Policy Goes Into Effect
The Disneyland Resort is instating its new attendance policy for cast members starting Sunday, October 2nd. We’ve previously reported on this new 3-strike policy, which will replace the much more lenient points system that Disney feels is being abused.
Speculation is that cast member attendance will be heavily impacted this week as cast who aren’t close to receiving discipline for points will attempt to use up many of their available points before they go away. Depending on how many cast actually call out, some locations could be forced to close or operate at reduced capacity.
Disney believes the new system will help morale in the long term and keep hard working cast members happy who otherwise were working in understaffed locations due to excessive callouts from the point system. Disneyland has also been hiring as quickly as possible to replace cast who may leave or be terminated as a result of the new policy. But staffing isn’t an easy process right now and the resort continues to struggle to fill roles.
Many cast we have spoken with, particularly part time workers with low seniority, are worried about scheduling conflicts with other responsibilities like school, a second job, or childcare which may contribute to needing to call out. Additionally, some are concerned that those who are sick may remain at work so as to not trigger discipline under the new system.
One cast member explained that moving around the resort always takes more time than one might think and many cast members are often waiting in line trying to use the same one or two time clocks/computers to clock in/out.
We hope the transition to the new system happens with as little grief as possible for cast, but due to the massive number of employees at the resort, and the level of concern being expressed by many cast, there could be a difficult adjustment period ahead.
The Grass is Always Greener
So far the spread of fake grass at the resort that we’ve been reporting on has been constrained to mostly Disneyland Park. This week some new faux turf was added to the outer ring of the central hub. The inner ring was still the real stuff.
Here’s the traditional grass in the inner ring…
And the new fake stuff…
In these smaller spaces, the faux grass really looks clean and manicured. The tight green border is a nice accent to the floral.
Since it’s now clear that all the grass will be removed from the park, we hope Disney can find some more realistic-looking options. The solid green color currently used looks good in small spaces but in vast lawns like the ones at the front gate, Haunted Mansion, and Storybookland, it sticks out as artificial (particularly in person… but it does look pretty good in photos).
Mobile Checkout Expands
A set of registers was removed from the Emporium on Main Street this past week. They were replaced with a couple of new merchandise islands. Small podiums for the Mobile Checkout cast members take up a small portion of the old register counter.
Last week we showed you a black curtain covering the old registers…
The registers are now gone, with more floor space now available for merchandise.
Love it or hate it, there has been a good side-effect to the register removal. This is the biggest entry into the store and the old registers could block traffic when the store was busy. If more than a few guests lined up, the entry got very crowded. There is a bank of registers just steps away that includes a queue line.
Do you use Mobile Checkout? We prefer to have cast member assistance, but when the stores are busy, we’ll occasionally use the mobile option (but even that can back up as you still need to see a cast member before leaving the store).
Tomorrowland: Old Rockets Turned to Art, Turning to Junk
The original Rocket Jets that once thrilled guests from atop the old People Mover platform, were turned onto a moving art installation once the Astro Orbitor was installed at the entrance of the land. The older attraction, which was essentially Dumbo for adults, was rethemed to look like spinning satellite dishes. Various songs, including one from the Rocketeer, would play as the Orbitron spun around. Over the years, as Tomorrowland has aged, the once in-motion art has become stationary. This week we noticed that one of the dishes has been removed…
Sadly, Tomorrowland plans derailed prior to the D23 Expo and the park just doesn’t have enough approved projects to announce… yet. However, this land is in serious need of a lifeline. Since we know that a Disney Vacation Club lounge is going into the top floor of Launch Bay, and the Subs recently received an expensive extended refurbishment, we can’t expect huge projects in the immediate future for those long-rumored expansion plots… but, as one Imagineer made a point of telling us at the Expo, “Don’t assume that just because big things weren’t announced that nothing new is on the way.”
https://www.micechat.com/331420-disneyland-news-fancy-new-dvc-lounge-headed-to-tomorrowland-next-year/
Toontown Views:
Here’s a tiny sliver of the ToonTown construction… an itty bitty bit of the El CapiTOON Theater and re-imagined hills…
And the model from the D23 Expo.
The headlining Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway attraction is all but done. It’s the cosmetic changes in the outdoor portions of the land that have the most work left to complete, but that will come together quickly now. If all goes well, the land (or portions of it) could be open to guests very early next year.
More about the transformation of ToonTown here:
https://www.micechat.com/307775-disneylands-toontown-closing-in-2022-for-enhancements/
Pacific Wharf to Become San Fransokyo
While Disney didn’t announce any groundbreaking projects for the Disneyland Resort at the recent D23 Expo, there is a cosmetic change to Disney California Adventure we’re keeping a lookout for. The existing Pacific Wharf area of DCA that is home to a mélange of food and beverage offerings will be rethemed to the setting of Big Hero 6’s San Fransokyo (a fantasy city based on a combination of San Francisco and Tokyo). Here’s what the area looks like currently:
Based on concept art shown at D23 Expo, the retheme of the area looks like it will largely be new signage, lighting, and some ornamentation. It is very likely that all of the existing eateries will continue to operate as normal here, just with a few new decorations and some character meet-and-greets added.
This seems like a harmless change; it’s certainly not a risk by any means. There was no timeline announced for this transformation, so we will be keeping an eye out for any changes to the area. Based on the concept art, the major thing that is changing is the bridge between the wharf area and the coffee cart. But even with this big new element, you can see that the existing bridge won’t be changed, the new Golden Gate-ish bridge will be built around and above it.
Maintenance Issues and Refurbs
Even though the parks are ramping up to a very busy season from October through the end of the year, there are projects, refurbishments, and issues on the horizon…
Monsters Returns to Refurb
Monsters Inc was recently under refurbishment from August 15 through September 2 and has been open to guests even though the exterior mural is still being repainted.
However, there must have been a problem discovered since the attraction is headed back into refurbishment starting November 1 with no anticipated end date.
It’s A Small World: One
It’s been a tough few months for the hula dancers in Small World. One by one the dancing girls stopped working and have disappeared. Or, perhaps it’s all a sinister plot by the one surviving dancer to claim all the glory for herself!
Carthay Circle Broken Curb
When we were meandering around DCA on Friday, we saw something a little strange. Right by the fountain near Carthay Circle, one of the curbs had a few barriers set up around one of the corners.
When we got closer to it, we noticed that a whole chunk of the concrete had been broken away. We’re not entirely sure what caused this (we’re guessing something heavy bumped into the corner), but this will likely get repaired quickly.
Main Street Animated Windows
Yes, this is something we’ve been covering a lot recently, but it’s really terrible show. Seeing the animated windows at the Emporium on Main Street in a continually broken state isn’t a great first or last impression of the park. The two that were down this week were the same ones we’ve been complaining about for a while now: Peter Pan and Princess & the Frog. The windows are frozen all day, and dark at night.
The odd thing about this recent spate of broken windows is that they have been left on full display this entire time. When windows would stop working in the past, they would quickly be blocked out from public view.
Do you love the animated windows on Main Street? This is the kind of thing you need to speak up about before the budgets get permanently slashed and they are removed.
Disneyland Refurb Calendar
Here’s what’s on the refurbishment docket…
Currently Under Refurbishment
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- Tarzan’s Treehouse: (September 1st, 2021-TBA)
Although there wasn’t a single word about the Adventureland Treehouse during the D23 Expo, work is being conducted around the clock. This past week we heard loud saw noises behind the scrims and saw shadows at night through the work lights. But why the secrecy? Are they afraid the fans won’t like what they hear?
- Mickey’s Toontown (March 9th, 2022-Early 2023)
- Matterhorn Bobsleds: (August 8th-October 13th)
- Sailing Ship Columbia: (September 26th-29th)
Upcoming Refurbishments
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- it’s a small world Holiday Install: (October 24th-November 10th)
- Redwood Creek Challenge Trail: (November 1st-TBA)
The day after Halloween, the Challenge Trail will close to remove Villains Grove and install the Reindeer Games overlay.
- Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!: (November 1st-TBA)
This & That
This week, there was an abundance of smaller stories from around the parks. We’ve collected them all for you to get you caught up.
Halloween Collectible Merchandise
It’s been a good season for Disney merchandise. Between the things you can find in the parks or online, there have been all sorts of Halloween and fall-time merch that’s been flying off the shelves (physical and virtual). At Disneyland, there have been a few new merchandise releases that have caused quite a stir. Though, the question is how long will the popularity last; will it end in a massive overstock of goods like what happened with the mega-popular Elliott popcorn bucket and Turtle sipper from Main Street Electrical Parade? We won’t know until later in the season, but we have a good idea what will be happening with some of the new items… Without further ado, let’s take a look at the new stuff!
Donald Duck Candy Corn Sipper
The line of Halloween sippers has expanded with this new Donald-shaped one in the shape of a piece of candy corn. This sipper has been highly anticipated ever since it was announced way back in August, and is available both at the Disneyland Resort and at Walt Disney World.
When these sippers first launched last week, there was an initial craze to get one… But by the time we visited the park this past weekend, it looked like there were still plenty of them left.
Mike Wazowski Bottle Topper
If you’ve ever wanted to drink through a straw coming from a closed bottlecap, now’s your opportunity. The new Mike Wazowski Bottle Topper features our favorite one-eyed cretin dressed as a jack-o-lantern with a straw that runs through the topper.
The Grand Reappearance of Mickey Pumpkins
Without a doubt, the most popular item this season is the miniature (but still oversized) version of the Mickey Pumpkin on Main Street. With this hot item selling out as soon as the boxes hit the floor, it’s difficult to know when and where there will be pumpkins in stock. One popular tactic is to ask anyone and everyone carrying a large cardboard box if they got a pumpkin and if it is, where they got it from.
Lately, the World of Disney in Downtown Disney has been doing a limited release of the Mickey Pumpkins in the evening (at an undisclosed time). When we were there on Friday night, we saw multiple people carrying large boxes and they said that they were able to get it at World of Disney. Inside the shop, there was a massive line solely for the pumpkins in the third room (where all the mugs and hats are). The pumpkins were all being held behind the counter with a team of Cast Members rapidly ringing up guests.
We’ve heard that the Emporium on Main Street will also occasionally get pumpkins in as well, but that location releases their inventory at a different time. There is a listing for these pumpkins on shopDisney, but they will frequently sell out when they are restocked in the middle of the night. We’re curious if Disney will be able to provide enough supply for the obvious demand, but we also want to know if they’ll be able to meet that demand without ending with too much overstock.
For more about the various Disney Halloween merchandise you can find, be sure to take a look at the articles below:
Get in the Spooky Spirit with Our Disney Halloween Shopping Showcase
No Showtimes for Tale of the Lion King
No cause for alarm… Tale of the Lion King, one of the new entertainment offerings from this summer, is set to continue into the future. However, shows in the Fantasyland Theater were canceled for the last few days.
This is one of the most energetic and robust of the daytime entertainment offerings in the resort. If you haven’t had a chance to see it, please add it to your list on your next trip.
Downtown Disney Hocus Pocus 2 Photo Op
They’re back, witches! The Sanderson Sisters have worked their magic and have created a photo op in Downtown Disney to celebrate the upcoming release of the highly anticipated Hocus Pocus sequel (almost 30 years after the original!). Between Tortilla Jo’s and Splitsville, you can find the walk-in photo op.
It is located in an odd, out-of-the-way location but it is cute if you like these kinds of photo backdrops.
Hocus Pocus 2 will debut on September 30 exclusively on Disney+. Will you be watching?
Hispanic & Latin Heritage Month
All across the resort, Hispanic & Latin Heritage Month is being celebrated. Now through October 15, you can find an array of various foods, activities, and entertainment that celebrates Hispanic and Latin cultures.
One popular place for photos is Zocalo Park in Disneyland, with colorful Dia de los Muertos displays…
signboards explain the significance of the holiday.
There are also some limited-time foods that can be enjoyed in honor of the occasion. One that seems to keep popping up on our social media feed is the Mexican Street Corn Dog (a spicy hot link sausage dipped in corn meal batter, fried and topped with garlic mayo, corn kernels, cotija cheese, and cilantro, garnished with a lime wedge) from Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs in Downtown Disney.
Additionally, on the Downtown Disney stage, you will find some Hispanic and Latin artists performing in the evenings.
And kids can do crafts at tables across from the stage.
And of course, there’s the Plaza de la Familia in DCA. With a variety of crafts, activities, entertainment, and food (much of it inspired by the film Coco) there’s a lot to see here.
For more about Plaza de la Familia, be sure to check out our Disneyland Resort Halloween Guide below!
https://www.micechat.com/324041-disneyland-halloween-time-and-oogie-boogie-bash-guide-2022/
Photos Around the Parks
And now, to close out today’s Disneyland Update, we have a few photos from around the parks to share with you from Dusty and Mike. Getting to see the park in fall colors is always a treat for us, and we hope that you’re able to see it for yourself soon!
For a little treat, Andy Castro of Dateline Disneyland shared this neat video of an evening trip on the Red Car Trolley through Buena Vista Street. Enjoy!
A Walk Through Disneyland with Dusty
Most Fridays around 5pm, Dusty goes on a stroll through Disneyland to catch you up on the latest news in the form of a LIVE video on the MiceChat Facebook Page. In this week’s video, he talks about all the main stories and issues, including a walk through Eudora’s Chic Boutique, checking out the crowd situation, and tips regarding using MagicBand. Watch the video below!
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Let’s Hear From You
These Disneyland Updates are a massive amount of information to take in each week, and we really appreciate you making it to the bottom here! What do you think about Hulk finally making an appearance after being teased at D23 Expo earlier this month? Are you a fan of the new Eudora’s Chic Boutique in New Orleans Square? Do you think that the new attendance policy change could lead to drastic measures from Cast Members? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
And if you enjoyed today’s Disneyland Update, please take a second and share on social media (and be sure to tag us!), it really helps us out a lot! Thank you all so much for your help and for reading our site!
Today’s update was brought to you by Dusty, Nathan, Mike & Andy.