Something old and something new. Yes, the refurbishments at the Disneyland Resort are still underway. The good news is that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. One of which is that the mammoth Big Thunder Mountain Railroad refurbishment could soon be coming to an end as cast members sign up for previews. While the Sailing Ship Columbia has returned to duty, it is now the Mark Twain’s turn for some TLC. Splash Mountain it nearly ready for a March 1st return. it’s a small world will remain closed until July. Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular returns from refurbishment today and Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in Disney California Adventure will be back by the end of February.
Let’s catch up with what has been happening this week In the Parks
Interesting developments are finally afoot at Disneyland. Rides are coming out of refurbishment and the flora are coming out of hibernation.
Space Mountain
A new ring of safety is being added to the top of Space Mountain. Workplace safety is job #1 at the Disneyland Resort.
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
The water is gone and the subs are on blocks. But it sure makes for interesting photos.
Captain America
Inside Innoventions, work is underway to get the new Captain America: The Living Legend and Symbol of Courage meet-and-greet ready for visitors.
The new exhibit officially opens March 7. Annual Passholders were invited to register to preview the new meet-and-greet March 1-6 – some availability remains, if you’re interested.
it’s a small world
The boat ride around the world is still scheduled for a rather strange double-dip refurbishment timeline according to the Disneyland website.
Closed for refurbishment January 21, 2014 to April 9, 2014, April 21, 2014 to May 29, 2014,
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
It seems that Big Thunder Mountain is very close to reopening. Disney began offering tickets to cast members for previews of the overhauled classic. Previews began last night with lucky cast members slinking in an open gate near Rancho del Zocalo for their first ride in over a year. That means that, barring any problems, we could see the attraction open to guests by mid-March. Disney has, up to this point, not made a formal announcement on the ride returning but you can expect it soon.
Club 33
From the rooftops to the pavement, anything near the vicinity of Club 33 is behind scaffolds and screens.
Splash Mountain
By March 1st, Splash Mountain is scheduled to return. So far, it isn’t readily apparent that anything substantial has been done to the exterior of the flume ride.
Mark Twain
The Mark Twain Riverboat will be down on February 24th and will return on March 1st for a .
The sunburst fountain near the tram load/unload area is behind walls for a much needed retiling. This is great to see as this was one of our favorite fountains before it fell into disrepair.
Some of the entry ways and windows at World of Disney are also behind refurbishment walls.
We also take a moment to look at the anticipated Starbucks location in Downtown Disney.
In Disney California Adventure everything is coming up blossoms.
Aladdin
Aladdin: a musical spectacular is set to reappear today on the Hyperion stage. We are looking forward to seeing the Genie again. Hopefully he’s got some funny new lines?
Soarin’ Over California
Soarin’ will be closing this coming week, Monday February 24th and should be returning on February 28th.
Ghirardelli
Don’t forget to stop by Ghirardelli for some special Easter deals.
Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
The interactive playground area of DCA will be reopening on February 28th.
MiceChat Gumball Rally – May 3rd, 2014
Can you ride the most attractions at Disneyland in a single day? Let’s find out! The world-famous MiceChat Gumball Rally is rolling your way soon. More than half the tickets have already been sold, so don’t delay. Put together your teams of 2, 3 or 4 today!
That should just about do it for this week. Be sure to stay tuned as we keep you up-to-date on Captain America, Starbucks, the subs, and all of the many developments In The Parks.