As MiceChat prepares for a huge Ten Year Anniversary Celebration this weekend, we are a little busy. Disneyland and Disney California Adventure are busy as well. With an aggressive roster of refurbishments and overhauls, the two parks are doing everything they can to get the resort ready for the big, 60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration beginning in May. The attractions and lands that are being worked on include Peter Pan’s Flight, it’s a small world, Matterhorn Bobsleds, all of Critter Country including Splash Mountain and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, the Disneyland Railroad, Grizzly River Run, Soarin’ Over California, and World of Color. Meanwhile, a small preview for the upcoming live-action Cinderella film is playing in the Bug’s Life Theater. Let’s get to it shall we?
Anabella Hotel is offering a special rate for MiceChat’s 10th anniversary. Rate only available for those who call in: call reservations at 800.863.4888 to reserve your room. Don’t forget to ask for the “MiceChat 10th Anniversary” rate.
Before we get into all that is under refurbishment we stop at the front gate to take it all in.
Disneyland Railroad
- Disneyland Railroad: Closed for refurbishment. Reopens February 13.
Sleeping Beauty Castle
- Sleeping Beauty Castle: Castle will be closed for refurbishments and installation of 60th Anniversary overlay. The Enchanted Chamber gift shop and Walk-Through attraction are scheduled to reopen March 3. Castle overlay will debut May 22, 2015.
Snow White’s Grotto
- Snow White Grotto and Wishing Well: Closed for refurbishment. Reopens May 1.
Peter Pan’s Flight
- Peter Pan’s Flight: Closed for refurbishment and enhancements. Reopens May 8.
Matterhorn Bobsleds
- Matterhorn Bobsleds: Closed for refurbishment, reopens May 16.
La Mascarade d’Orleans
The little shop in New Orleans Square is undergoing a big change. The new “Pandora” shop is essentially a mall store which sells jewelry. We understand that the design is very bright, white, and modern inside. We’ll share photos soon.
Magnolia Park Fountain
The little fountain at the center of Magnolia Park is getting some TLC.
Critter Country
- Critter Country, including Splash Mountain: All Critter Country attractions, stores and restaurants are closed for refurbishment and will reopen April 3, 2015.
it’s a small world
Despite the scaffolds,“it’s a small world” is planned for reopening today.
MICECHAT 10 Year Anniversary Celebration
It’s hard to believe that 10 years have gone by so quickly. So many things have happened in that time. So many friendships, and events, and Disney news stories. Today, there are nearly 100,000 registered MiceChatters, but we are still very much the little site of Disney nerds who just want things to be the best they can be.
To celebrate our first fabulous decade together, we’ve crafted an AMAZING weekend of fun at the Disneyland Resort just for you. Below you’ll find a collection of events, some require tickets, others don’t. Join us for as much or as little as you’d like.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6TH
Join a select group of animation superstars with a casual and fun MiceChat 10th Anniversary cocktail party at the lovely Anabella Hotel. Plus, enjoy a panel discussion with Disney legend Floyd Norman, Little Mermaid animator Mike Peraza, Lion King animator James Lopez, Bugs Life animator Dave Feiten, and moderator David Derks (International Animated Film Association Vice President). This is an evening you won’t want to miss! NOW SOLD OUT
SATURDAY MORNING, FEBRUARY 7TH
Saturday morning you can also celebrate MiceChat’s 10 years of Disney and theme park magic with our special AMAZEMENT Saturday epic event at the ESPN Zone.
Celebrate MiceChat’s 10 years of Disney and theme park magic with our special AMAZEMENT Saturday epic event at the ESPN Zone. We will treat you with three fantastic panel discussions with notable legends and surprise guests. Special Guests include Garner Holt, Bill Butler, Bill Farmer, Michael-Leon Wooley, Dave Feiten, Mark Silverman, Terri Hardin-Jackson, Joseph Yakovetic, Dave Avanzino, and some surprise stars of stage, screen and animation. Plus, a light breakfast and a delicious lunch! We even have a fun silent auction, book and art sale so you can bring home some signed treasures. Event lasts from 9am until 1:30pm:
- “This Animatronic Life” – This panel will explore the history of animatronics from the days of the ancient Greeks to today’s most cutting-edge figures, and take a look at Garner Holt Productions’ background in the themed entertainment industry. You’ll hear from the designers, animators, programmers, project leaders, and maintenance experts on what it takes to create dimensional animation and other show systems for theme parks around the world. Meet Garner Holt, Bill Butler, Tracy Cathey, Vic Martin and Dave Feiten as they tell us you how they create the magic!
- “Authors and Artists” – Meet the folks behind some of the hottest new Disney books. You’ll have a chance to pick up your own signed copy of these fantastic tomes and pick up some treasures as well. Some of the folks you can expect to find: Sam Gennawey (Disney and Universal history books), Shelby Picket (Disney trivia books), Terri Hardin (former Imagineer), Jeff Heimbuch (Windows of Main Street), Joseph Yakovetic (Disney Artist).
- “Voices of Magic” – The voices behind some of your favorite Disney characters will reveal the secrets behind bringing the magic to stage and screen. See Bill Farmer (the voice of Goofy), Micheal-Leon Wooley (from Princess and the Frog), Mark Silverman (Twilight Zone Tower of Terror), Nancy Adams (Robin Hood) and others.
- We will also celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Yesterland with MiceChat legend Werner Weiss and enjoy a very special MiceChat 10th anniversary video treat.
This enchanted morning will last from 9am until 1:30pm and will include a light breakfast of fresh fruit and assorted bagels as well as a delightful lunch of apple walnut salad, truffle mac and cheese with broccoli, and a delicious grilled beef tri tip with mashed potatoes and assorted desserts.
SIGN UP FOR AMAZEMENT SATURDAY HERE
SATURDAY AFTERNOON, FEBRUARY 7TH 3:30pm
MiceChat celebrates the upcoming D23 Expo 2015 with a D23 Expo Challenge during the MiceChat 10th Anniversary. The D23 Expo showcases the past, present and future of all things Disney, from theme parks and movies to television, music and beyond. NOW SOLD OUT
MICECHAT ANNIVERSARY SCHEDULE
Aside from the ticketed events, we will also be offering lots of other fun activities on anniversary weekend. Join us on Saturday evening for a trivia contest with funtastic prizes. Then on Sunday morning (Feb 8th) we’ll have breakfast at the Riverbelle Terrace, followed by Walt Disney inspired attractions, a massive noon meet at the central hub of Disneyland, and a group photo in front of the Train Station (Let’s make this one the biggest ever!)
CLICK HERE and we’ll send you the full “Times Guide” schedule when available this weekend.
The first 400 people to the Noon meet at Disneyland on Sunday Feb 8th receive an exclusive MiceChat Tencennial enamel pin (designed by Andy Castro and donated by Dustysage) which is inspired by Disneyland’s own 10th anniversary in 1965.
CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO LEARN ABOUT
A SPECIAL GIFT AT THE NOON MEET!
Saturday Feb 7, 6pm – Trivia Night at the Hearthstone
(Outside – back patio of Hearthstone Lounge at the Grand Californian Hotel)
Meet us on the outdoor back patio of the Hearthstone Lounge at the Grand Californian Hotel near the fireplace. The trivia show has become a MiceChat anniversary tradition. And what excuse do we need to have a good time and win prizes? The show lasts for about an hour and prizes will be given throughout. Prizes for the top placing individuals are sponsored by Fairy Godmother Travel, MiceChat’s official travel agency.
You do not need a ticket for this event. Just show up and have a great time!
Sunday, February 8th, 2015
The day will start in the classic style, as we’ve done for the last 10 anniversaries, with breakfast at the Riverbelle Terrace, trip around the Rivers of America aboard the Mark Twain, and a classic noon meet and group photo in front of the castle (we’ll meet you all at the Walt and Mickey statue at noon).
4:10 pm – Farewell Meet and Greet (Central Hub of Disneyland)
Following the Yesterland tour, we invite everyone to join us at the central hub of Disneyland for hugs, thanks and well wishes as we make our way home and dream of the next great MiceChat adventure.
STAY AND PLAY – SPECIAL MICECHAT ANNIVERSARY HOTEL OFFER
The Anabella Hotel is offering a very special MiceChat 10th Anniversary Rate:
– $89 (Standard Room Types)
– $139 (Concierge)
Rate is valid 2/6/15-2/8/15
Rate only available for those who call in: call reservations at 800.863.4888 to reserve your room. Don’t forget to ask for the “MiceChat 10th Anniversary” rate.
We’ll have a printable times guide for the MiceChat 10th anniversary for you shortly. Meanwhile, don’t lose your spot in our amazing special events listed above. Sign up today at the links above. And to add your name to the email list for more event information and times guide, please JOIN THE MAILING LIST HERE.
Click the Facebook Share button above and comment on this article about what MiceChat means to you for a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!
Happy anniversary everyone, we are looking forward to seeing you soon!
Cinderella Sneak Peek
In what has become the accepted norm at the resort, a movie based attraction has been put on hold to showcase the latest release from Disney Pictures. This particularly lazy edition of a preview is for the upcoming live-action Cinderella film opening March 13th.
Do NOT be fooled. There is very little magic to be had in what amounts to a screening of a ten minute clip from the opulently art directed, Kenneth Branagh-helmed fairy-tale movie.
The preview is not presented in 3D as the film is not being released in 3D. Fair enough. It’s almost refreshing to see a new Disney film not go for the 3D cash grab when it really isn’t necessary. The only theater effects used are the wind, some lighting cues, and the seat ticklers.
This is simply not up to par with the other previews, and is a sad commentary on the de rigor practice of trotting out the latest property into the park’s available screens, theme be damned. Thank goodness we only have until March 13th, theoretically.
World of Color
- World of Color: Dark for refurbishment and to upgrade infrastructure for new show. Reopens March 13.
Pacific Wharf Bakery
The Pacific Wharf Bakery was offering cast member previews during the week and has opened to guests.
Grizzly River Run
- Grizzly River Run: Closed for refurbishment. Reopens March 20.
Grizzly Peak Airfield
- Soarin’ Over California: Closed for refurbishment and enhancements. Reopens May 15.
- Taste Pilot’s Grill: Closed refurbishment and enhancements. Reopens March 13.
- Redwood Creek Challenge Trail: Closed for refurbishment. Reopens March 3.
Some may complain that the park has too much closed. However, one of the reasons why our beloved Disneyland Park sparkles so brightly is due to lots of maintenance. Take it in stride folks, the park will look great for the 60th.
MICECHAT PODCAST – BLING BLING AND OTHER DISNEY THINGS
The MiceChat crew discusses Disney park news and what’s coming to a theme park near you in 2015. Of course, the big news comes from Disneyland, where the 60th “Diamond” anniversary is on the way with three big new shows and surprises. And please help us welcome a new host to the show, The Fabulous Disney Babe.