Step with us into a world where holidays collide and Disneyland’s seasons dance side by side. Snow has fallen on Sleeping Beauty Castle, while pumpkins hold court on Main Street, USA. However, amidst the spectacle of multiple celebrations, we ponder the missed opportunities for a grand centenary celebration. Join us as we delve into this week’s Disneyland update, filled with ongoing projects, major construction, lengthy refurbishments, and a reflection on how Disney’s legacy has touched our lives. We’re looking forward to your thoughts in the comments this week. There are certainly some topics and issues that call for continued discussion…
Another Ho Ho Halloween
Entering Disneyland, it’s all Halloween…
But the closer you get to Sleeping Beauty Castle, the more you feel a change of seasons…
It wouldn’t be Halloween if Disneyland didn’t jump the gun by putting fake snow on the rooftop of the castle. Yes, it feels all kinds of wrong, but that’s how it’s been done for years.
The fancy Disney100 finials and flags have been removed to accommodate the drop-on snowy roof-toppers. Winter adornments will be added atop the snowcapped peaks soon.
Some spots are already getting their spiral icicles as well.
Christmas lights are going up in the trees around the castle and along Main Street.
New Orleans Square is also being decorated for the holiday season.
When we shot this Update on Friday, there were only minimal holiday details up in Disneyland’s French Quarter. But lots more is on the way and was likely installed over the weekend.
Missed Opportunities
While Disneyland’s Disney 100 celebration continues in muted mode (mostly just lingering merchandise in the stores), the actual 100th anniversary last Monday, the 16th, was surprisingly low-key. There were no Disney100 buttons given to eager guests, no celebratory cupcakes, no cavalcade of Disney family members on the vehicles of Main Street, and no flash-mob of 100 classic Disney characters to celebrate the milestone. There wasn’t even a nostalgic showing of Walt’s first fireworks show, Fantasy in the Sky. It was heartbreaking to the many fans who booked park reservations to celebrate Disney’s century of magic.
The cost of commemorating the actual centennial would have been minimal, yet Disneyland chose to ignore this momentous occasion. Most of the 100th-anniversary decorations on the castle were unceremoniously removed just one day before the big day to make way for the holiday overlay. Couldn’t they have waited just one more day? It begs the question: Is there so little reverence for the legacy of Disney’s founders, Walt and Roy Disney, that the park couldn’t pause to celebrate their incredible contributions for even a brief moment?
I’d like to note that the park did do some nice things for cast members to honor the day. But there was next to nothing for the guests.
The one bright note for those of you without Disney+, is that you can see the brilliant short film that celebrates Disney’s animated film legacy, “Once Upon a Studio,” in the Opera House lobby for a limited time… or you can see it on Disney+, Hulu, or in front of Disney’s newest animated film, Wish.
There’s also a collection from the Disney Decades collection celebrating the characters of the 2000s.
Disney100 Decades 2000s Collection – Enchanted, Emperor’s New Groove, & More!
It’s disheartening to see a company as successful as Disney fail to prioritize something as momentous as a 100th anniversary. It’s a stark reminder that the bottom line often takes precedence over preserving the magic and nostalgia. The only celebratory event for local Disney enthusiasts was an additional cost party at the Disney Studios for D23 members, held the night before the actual 100th celebration. 🎈💔💵
I did host a little party (at the suggestion of Adrienne Norman and assisted by Jeffrey the Disney Geek) for Disney family members and legends at Walt Disney’s historic 1930s Storybook Mansion in Hollywood on the actual 100th anniversary of the Disney Company. We toasted to Walt and Roy, watched some exclusive animation in Walt’s screening room, enjoyed a specially crafted 100th-anniversary cake, and shared stories about the company and the incredible people who made it what it is today. It was a simple but touching tribute to the dreamers who succeded beyond all odds to create the most well-known company and characters the world has ever known.
Disney’s 100th at Walt’s Mansion: A Star-Studded Celebration Fit For a Centennial!
Here’s to Walt and Roy 🥂. Your millions of appreciative fans will never forget nor overlook your extraordinary accomplishments.
How has Disney touched your lives, folks? What would you have liked to have seen Disneyland and the company at large do for the actual 100th anniversary of the Walt Disney Company (not just the year-long marketing campaign)?
Construction Kingdom
And now, the reason that many of you check in with us every Monday… to see what’s going up, and what’s coming down at the Disneyland Resort.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
“Tiana’s Foods” continues to transform Splash Mountain into a salt dome. And while none of that sounds exciting in the least, what’s inside will surprise us all. I had the most incredible conversation with a big-wig associated with the project recently. I’ve seen all the public concept art, attended a junket about the attraction, and heard what the leads on the project had to say. So, I know there’s a whole lot more to this attraction than the uninspired signs around the construction site, which read “Tiana’s Foods – Employee Owned.”
When I expressed my concerns in the clandestine conversation, that too much was being said about the setup of the attraction… That Tiana is in search of a missing ingredient, and we are all going on an adventure in the bayou to find it. I was told that I, and all of you, are sort of being played right now. Yes, that’s all technically true, but not at all what you think it means.
What you should know is that the attraction does take place in the bayou, and is going to look gorgeous. It is packed full of whimsical musical figures, lush greenery, and hundreds of fireflies. We’ve already heard that Mama Odie is the instigator of a magical moment that becomes the inflection point of your adventure.
I won’t get anyone in trouble here, but I can’t resist telling you that guests will get the sort of musical grand finale to the attraction that they want. Imagineering is taking full advantage of the massive show building, even more so than the previous version of the ride. Bayou Adventure is installing massive set pieces.
Preparations are underway to install the “Tiana’s Foods” water tower in front of the attraction.
Although I love to poke fun at the cringe-worthy marketing on the attraction thus far, I am actually quite excited about it. They could have built a new attraction from the ground up for what they are spending on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure… and perhaps they should have… but I think (crossing my fingers) we are going to end up with something really beautiful.
ToonTown Troubles
It’s really shocking how much refurbishment and repair the brand-new ToonTown requires. A vast stretch of the land is behind construction walls to address issues with tripping hazards, slipping hazards, broken elements, elements that NEVER functioned correctly, interactive elements that have already had to be removed, and even more repairs on the way.
The interactive Mickey and Minnie fountain and surrounding area of “CenTOONial Park” are wrapping up a big redo. bricks have been installed around the fountain to assist with drainage and provide a more surefooted surface. The fountain mechanism was also taken apart. Hopefully, they can get all the interactive elements up and running soon.
A tall scaffold has been erected behind the El Capitoon Theater. We aren’t sure why. But the mountain mural is already starting to show signs of wear and tear.
Once CenTOONial Park is complete, then Goofy’s Play Yard will be closed for major repairs.
And, they eventually need to get that splash pad in front of Donald’s boat working as well. It has NEVER opened to guests. It’s been a problematic relaunch for this small land… BUT… it has also been extremely popular with guests. So, for all the trouble, it’s worth it to Disney to fix and keep the guests coming all the way to the back of the park for a little ToonTown fun.
Downtown Disney
Aside from Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the biggest project in the resort is the redo of Downtown Disney. Multiple restaurants are all under construction at the same time, along with a new stage and some shade structures.
Din Tai Fung is a Chinese dumpling house under construction closest to the Disneyland hotel security tents. It has a dramatically arched roofline and will have an elegant interior as well.
Behind it you find the construction of a shade structure with a curved roof.
This simple structure will likely contain tables for the trio of quick-serve resturants which are under construction nearby.
The wide view shows Din Tai Fung on the right, and the stage and new marketplace on the left
There are already lights installed under the ceiling of the stage.
Two new Patina restaurants are taking over the old Catal and Uva bar.
This particular project seems to be crawling.
We have all the info for you on the new establishments:
Downtown Disney Transformed: Updates on New Restaurants & Shops!
Pixar Place Hotel
We are getting very close to the reopening of the Paradise Pier Hotel as it becomes the Pixar Place Hotel. In fact, we can confirm that the hotel is slated to officially open as the Pixar Place Hotel on January 30th… even though it remains open during the construction. A few key elements are yet to be installed. In the entry, guests will soon find a giant Luxo Lamp sculpture. Currently, there’s a palm tree in the spot.
The hotel gift shop is now known as “Store-E,” an homage to the Pixar film Wall-E.
The lobby leans heavily into mid-century furnishing and Pixar concept art.
A stairway is themed to Pixar’s Soul. There’s even a small piano and some stenciled wall.
Outside, Pixar Ball lights have been installed along the path.
Disney has rented out the old PCH Grill space to Great Maple. The construction is pretty far along. While there’s still a lot of cleaning up to do. The furniture has arrived and the space looks like it is just about ready for guests.
Aside from the main dining spot, Great Maple will also run the lobby bar & coffee shop, and the pool bar.
Adventureland Treehouse
Look at this, folks… doesn’t the treehouse look fantastic without scaffolding? It’s not quite open yet, but it sure is ready for some employee previews.
“Welcome to our home. We are a family of five who, following our dreams and aspirations of adventure, have settled in this tree high above a great jungle river.”
Train Station Untouched
We’re coming up on nearly a year since the New Orleans Train Station caught fire. NO work has been done to fix the damage since. The fire happened in the wee hours of December 29th and was first reported by MiceChat. The park has had 10 months to get to work… What’s taking so long?!
Current Disneyland Refurbishments:
- Tarzan’s Treehouse: Transformation: (September 1st, 2021-2023)
- Splash Mountain: Conversion to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure: (May 31st, 2023-Late 2024)
- Schmoozies!: (July 30th-November 2nd)
- CenTOONial Park: (September 15th-October 29th)
- Mark Twain Riverboat: (September 17th-TBA)
- Space Moutain: (September 18th-October 26th)
- it’s a small world Holiday Install: (October 23rd-November 9th)
Upcoming Disneyland Refurbishments:
- Goofy’s How-to-Play Yard: (October 30th-November 9th)
- Redwood Creek Challenge Trail – Holiday Change Over: (November 1st-9th)
- Indiana Jones Adventure: (November 27th-30th)
- Astro Orbitor: (November 27th-TBA)
- Incredicoaster: (November 27th-30th)
This and That
We have a few more items for you today…
- Halloween Cavalcade: Although this is a very busy week leading into Halloween, Disneyland has placed the Magic Happens Parade on hiatus to save some money. Instead, a brief Halloween Cavalcade is now rolling down the parade route.
- Breakfast with Santa (act fast) – Naples Ristorante in the Downtown Disney District will offer “Breakfast with Santa” this holiday season. This festive experience is designed for the whole family. Enjoy a family-style breakfast, sip on hot cocoa, and there are bottomless mimosas for the adults. The kids (aged 10 and under) will get to take home a stuffed animal and a personalized stocking. Carolers will serenade you with holiday tunes. The main attraction is, of course, the opportunity to meet Santa in person and capture a special photo with him and his elves. Sessions are available from November 25th through December 24th, in the mornings, but don’t wait too long; this experience is highly sought after and fills up quickly. Prices are $110 for adults and $50 for children. Reserve your spot at: Naples Breakfast with Santa
- 100th Anniversary Art – The Walt Disney Archives has partnered with artist Sam Carter to produce some beautiful images celebrating the century of Disney history.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=910126937138645&set=a.755934805891193&type=3&mibextid=cr9u03
- Ticket Prices Up – Disneyland recently raised their ticket prices. But TODAY is the LAST DAY for you to snag tickets at the old price from our ticket partners at Get Away Today travel. Discount theme park tickets, hotels, and exclusive packages – HERE
(MiceChat works with Get Away Today to provide you with the best theme park travel deals and we may make a small commission on any sales made through our links)
NOTE: Book before 11:59 pm MT TODAY, October 23, 2023, to avoid missing the cutoff. Lock-in your ticket prices today before they go up tonight!
Disneyland Live
One thing I absolutely love doing is sharing the parks with you! Every Friday, I head to Disneyland to stream an hour of everything new at Disneyland with you on our Facebook and YouTube pages. Join me as I discuss Disney’s 100th bust, construction around the parks, the first snowfall on the castle, and some special guests and encounters:
More Events With Dusty
My schedule is filled with events and opportunities right now. If you waited until today, you’ve missed out on my big gala with the Garner Holt Foundation this coming weekend. The event has sold out! However, I still have some tours available at Walt Disney’s historic 1930s storybook mansion in the Hollywood Hills (History tours by day and scary ghost tours at night!). And, early next month, we’ll have a very special event with Chris Crump, son of the legendary Rolly Crump, about his whimsical dad. (We have some exciting Gumball Rally news coming this week, stay tuned)
More information about these events:
The Thrilling & Chilling Tales of Walt Disney’s Real-Life (Haunted?) Mansion
LAST CHANCE: Step Into The Weird World of Disney Legend Rolly Crump
It’s MiceShots Time!
That was the news… Now, let’s have a little fun in the parks…
Have you stopped by the river at night to see Queenie and the Jambalaya Jazz Band? Some nights they alternate with the charming Heartbeat of New Orleans animated experience.
Today feels like fall… but when we were in the park on Friday, it was 90°. It was soooo humid and uncomfortable that we shot about half the images we are usually able to capture.
Since it was so warm, we made a pit stop in the lobby of the Grand Californian Hotel, which is celebrating Dia de los Muertos and COCO.
Suzanne spotted a “Celebrating Disney100” photo shield and wanted a photo… not because it’s a very exciting prop, but because…
we’re celebrating at “The Disneyland.” Interesting phrase…
Suzanne also spotted a gorgeous sunset and some interesting details in San Fransokyo…
There’s lots of back story and interesting info in the various things posted to the bulletin boards throughout San Fransokyo.
Our own Natalie Kipper said that the blue poster below is a spoof on anime like Evangelion. The Japanese characters on the poster say “greet the sun!” Also, “El Layecks,” would be pronounced as “LAX”… our local airport. Fun!
As Disney100 starts to wrap up, we hope the lovely fountains in front of the castle remain.
Have you noticed that the Fire Station bell has been removed? It has been missing for at least a couple of months. But the printed image hiding the missing element does a pretty good job…
Let’s Hear From You
Well, folks, I’m exhausted, what about you?! Time to reflect on this week’s Update and comment below. Which projects have your attention? Are you surprised by the ToonTown troubles? Are you ready for snowfall before Halloween?
Did Disney do enough to celebrate their milestone 100th anniversary? Or is the company so damaged (trading more than $100 off its high stock price in 2021) that it can’t be bothered with things that don’t directly make the company money. I’m growing increasingly concerned about the trajectory of the company. Perhaps we were all too excited about Iger’s return. While the disaster left behind by Bob Chapek was massive, many of Iger’s moves have been draconian. Bob is cutting rather than digging Disney out of the hole by building the business (as Eisner did). Cutting jobs, preparing business units to be sold off, further squeezing budgets… all while dramatically raising prices across the board. It’s a recipe for disaster. A premium brand can’t cut services AND raise prices at the same time… over and over again… and get away with it forever. There will be a reckoning.
The endless optimism of Disney’s most loyal fans is fraying. I’ve never seen so much hostility toward Disney and their decisions before. Even the foamers who are incapable of seeing any wrong in Disney are starting to grumble about price, the difficulties of park visits, and the lackluster content on Disney+ and at the movies. This hurts my heart because Disney should be riding a wave of nostalgia on its centenary. Instead, they are under a microscope of scrutiny. All because they made a decision to make this a year about hard decisions, layoffs, budget cuts, and other bad news. I really thought Iger was smarter than this.
Every dawn brings a new day. And I’m patiently waiting for some good Disney news. News I’ll be all too happy to share. 🙏
