As an Orange County native, I am one of the few who is very attached to the beloved California Adventure theme park. I remember visiting Disneyland while it was under construction during my youth and wondering what was behind the temporary walls. I remember being… Read More »Preview of Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree at DCA
Suddenly, it’s much closer to Halloween than I am ready for. How did that happen? We have a lot of decorating and spooky business left to attend to, but at least we’ve got Disneyland’s Mickey’s Halloween Party under our belt (belt not included with costume).
If you want to visit the Disneyland Resort and enjoy the event for yourself, then you need to hurry — there are only a few nights left! Also, you should know that the event requires its own ticket, but don’t fret — admission to Mickey’s Halloween Party actually allows ticket holders to enter Disneyland a few hours prior to the park closing (the Halloween event happens after the park is closed) so that they can enjoy a bit more of the magic. Most rides are open during Mickey’s Halloween Party.
For remaining dates, times and pricing please visit Disneyland.com/halloween.
Friday, August 19 was opening day of the D23 Expo (I’m working under the assumption that you are familiar with D23) and it kicked off with a bang. Or a mouse, as the case may be. It always starts with a mouse.
While the expo was open to the general ticket-buying public, it did offer a number of perks specifically to official D23 members, such as discounted passes, special “members only” events and early admission. It pays to belong, people!
Friday’s itinerary started at 9:00 a.m. with two of the aforementioned members only events, namely the Disney Store Opening Ceremony and the Radio Disney Road Crew Dance Party.
Other events that morning included an art contest with Disney.com, vintage footage showcasing the history of the Disneyland Hotel (congrats, DH, on the new ranking!), meet and greets with artists Jim Salvati and Robert Olszewski of the Disney Store and Disney Dream, respectively, and characters from Disney Channel’s Jake and the Never Land Pirates.
Then it was time for the 2011 Disney Legends Ceremony, which was, as you might imagine, magical. However, not everyone was able to attend the ceremony, so they had to settle for other really cool things like The Wonderful Words of Disney… Behind the Page: Kingdom Keepers presentation with Ridley Pearson. I would have loved to have attended this event to discuss some of my issues with the continuity, or lack thereof, within the series, but alas, Mr. Pearson was spared my fanboy criticism, and is probably the better for it.Read More »D23 Expo Recap: Day 1
Despite having California right in the title, the park known as California Adventure has never had a coherent theme. Was it a movie studio? A fantasy-take on the golden state? or a wistful glance at the history of seaside amusement parks? There was no one theme, but it was trying to capture the gestalt of California. The new ‘theme’ is even less coherent (but that’s a different article) and it requires the removal of everything that greeted guests and set up the park’s original story.
The new story (about Walt’s arrival in California) doesn’t need railroads (despite the very important role they played in the early life of Walt Disney, including his arrival). So that means it’s time for the California Zephyr to hit the road. But some good will come of it, the Disneyland Resort has donated the California Zephyr train previously located at the entrance to Western Pacific Railroad Museum in Portola, CA.
The train and related artifacts, which were part of the entrance to the theme park, arrived at their new home August 6 and will become part of the museum’s Zephyr Project collection. Plans for a gallery dedicated to sharing the legacy of the California Zephyr are underway.
“Walt Disney’s love of trains made this donation perfectly fitting,” said Disneyland Resort President George A. Kalogridis. “The expansion of Disney California Adventure park provided the opportunity for us to make this meaningful donation and we are thrilled the train will offer museum visitors and train enthusiasts an immersive experience, much like it did here.”
Read More »Disneyland Donates California Zephyr Locomotive to Western Pacific Railroad Museum
One part of the renovation of California Adventure’s Paradise Pier is now open. Disney has released this short promotional video for Goofy’s Flight School tying it into one of the short animated films that stars our lovable Goofy. What do you think? Have you been… Read More »Goofy’s Flight School Open at California Adventure
The Clam Shell shaped omnimover vehicles that will be the passenger compartments for The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Undersea Adventure attraction coming to California Adventure have arrived and are now being installed on the track. Thanks to Disney for providing this video: If those look familiar,… Read More »Little Mermaid Clam Shells arrive at California Adventure
While Imagineers busy themselves fixing California Adventure so it is finally worthy of the name Disney, the park itself has become a maze of walls. But there is a vision that looks pretty good. There’s been plenty of concept art released, but they’ve decided to… Read More »California Adventure Animated Preview Map
Places everyone…. The OC Register has an update on the Unite HERE scare tactics I reported yesterday. The cops say union’s claims are unjust. I also received a partial look at the back of the flyer. It’s composed mostly of common sense suggestions for keeping… Read More »Unite HERE – Local 11 Update