River Belle Terrace closed through December 14 for remodel. 3

Alice in Wonderland closed October 15 - November 20. 3

Space Mountain closed January 15 & 16. 3

Disney's California Adventure. 3

Walt Disney commissioned Dorothea Redmond to design a suite of rooms for his family and guests. Disney archive photo. 3

Snow White Anniversary event at Disneyland. 3

Halloween Mickey & Minnie by Marie Osmond. Disney photo. 3

Garden Grove council rejects casino plan. 3

Disney Vacation Club. 3

Disney Cruise Line. 3

Disneyland Resort Paris. 3

Disney Resorts in Asia. 3

Disneyland. 3

Disney's California Adventure. 3

High School Musical Mania. 3

Downtown Disney artist weekend. September 15-16. An exhibit "dedicated to the art of local artist participants." No additional details are available at this time. 3

MouseAdventure

MousePlanet's 15th MouseAdventure event was held this past weekend at the Disneyland Resort, and we are proud to say that we once again broke our own record for the Biggest Event Ever. Over 650 players formed 190 teams to compete in the 6-hour challenge. Full results, including individual team photos and scores, will be posted in the near future.

MouseAdventure players await the trivia challenge. Photo by Kenji Luster.

A big thank you to the Disneyland Resort for providing the inspiration and setting for the event; to the staff and crew who work so hard to pull it all together, and especially to the teams who have turned our little scavenger hunt into a semiannual tradition.

Joe Stevano (left), co-creator of the Fall 2008 MouseAdventure, gives a hint to a team. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

MouseAdventure teams search Main Street for an elusive clue. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Our next MouseAdventure event will be held in Spring 2008 at the Disneyland Resort. We will post the event date and registration dates as soon as we confirm them, but that announcement may be as little as 90 days before the event. We generally open registration around 60 days before the event, so there will be at least a month between the time we announce the event date and the time we begin accepting registrations. Our Fall 2008 event sold out in just 44 hours, so you'll want to register quickly. Keep reading MousePlanet.com for more information—MouseAdventure updates are posted right here in the Disneyland Resort Park Update.

CHOC/Disneyland Resort Walk in the Park

The CHOC/Disneyland Resort Walk in the Park is this coming Sunday, October 21. This annual fundraiser for the Children's Hospital of Orange County follows a path through Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure. Opening ceremonies start at 7:00 am on Main Street inside Disneyland. Participants must arrive by 8:45 am; latecomers who arrive after 8:15 am will be allowed to join the walk in progress inside DCA only.

There is still time to register for the Walk, and you can even sign in the morning of the event if you want. Walkers must raise or donate a minimum of $25 to participate, payable at registration. Additional information is available at the CHOC/Disneyland Resort Walk Web site (link).

Expect extra crowds on Sunday, as participants are offered the opportunity to purchase discounted park-hopper tickets after the event.

The DVC expansion of the Grand Californian Hotel will be joined by a new Hawaiian resort in 2011. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

New ART schedule

MousePlanet reader David Michael provided this update about a change in the Anaheim Resort Transit (ART) operation:

Noticed the Tram Routes have been changed and renamed, they are now NUMBERS instead of letters. The signage at the Resort, including the bus stops in the Lion King Tram Loading area have been changed. It looks like the Anaheim GardenWalk is a major reason for the change, as 13 out of the 16 new routes have a stop at the AGW. (Some restaurants are scheduled to open in mid November). Every route except Route 16 runs every 20 minutes. Route 16, the one that goes to the Block of Orange still is offered once per hour.

The other main change, the standard hours are now 8 AM to Midnight, as the GardenWalk will remain open later than the parks on many nights. (Also ART will start earlier on the days the DLR opens prior to 9 AM.)

A map of the new routes is available on the Anaheim Resort Transit Web site (PDF link).

Nightmare at the El Capitan Theatre

Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas returns to Hollywood's El Capitan Theatre October 19th through November 18th. The El Capitan Theater will present the film digital 3-D, and a display of Nightmare& art and props will be on display inside the theater.

Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas in Disney Digital 3-DT at Hollywood's legendary El Capitan Theatre, 6838 Hollywood Blvd. © Disney

According to the El Capitan press release, the engagement kicks off on Thursday, October 18 at 7:00 p.m. with a special opening night filmmakers' panel featuring producer Denise Di Novi, director Henry Selick (who will offer an exclusive sneak peek at his new stop-motion feature, Coraline), and supervising animator Mike Belzer (who will present a live on-stage demonstration of the art of stop motion). The panel is hosted by Don Hahn, veteran Disney producer of The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast.

Indy and Tom Sawyer Island closures

Indiana Jones Adventure and Tom Sawyer Island both experienced unscheduled downtime last week. Tom Sawyer Island has partially reopened, though the Pirates Lair cave remains shuttered. Indiana Jones Adventure had not reopened as of Monday afternoon, and there are several explanations for the closure floating around the Internet. According to one rumor, one of the Indy ride vehicles derailed last Sunday afternoon, causing no injuries to passengers but requiring some repair work to be done on nearby props. Others put the blame on the attraction's electrical system.

Indiana Jones Adventure closed unexpectedly last week. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Disneyland.com does not list the ride on the refurbishment schedule, and the resort's Guest Relations department could not say when the ride would reopen. Estimates given by various sources range from "any day now" to "months." Indiana Jones Adventure was also briefly closed in August for what one CM said was an unscheduled refurbishment of the attraction's audio system.

Update: MousePlanet readers have reported that Indy reopened late Monday afternoon.

This and That

...Artist Jim Shore will participate in a product release and signing event at Disneyland on December 1st. No additional details are available at this time.

...Several MousePlanet readers spotted Pamela Anderson honeymooning with husband Rick Salomon at the Disneyland Resort this weekend. Anderson's entourage was reported to include her children and several bodyguards.

...The Orange County registrar of voters has qualified a second Disney-backed initiative to go before Anaheim voters. The Anaheim City Council is expected to place the measure on the same June, 2008 ballot as the previously-qualified initiative.

...Space Mountain will be closed for two days in mid-January, 2008, prompting some speculation that the "Rockin' Space Mountain" overlay may return for the spring season. Last year's overlay featured music by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

...Choir cast members were told that Jane Seymour will narrate this year's Candlelight Processional. Disney has not yet made a public announcement about this year's event or any potential dining package.

...Disney is rumored to be ready to make a public announcement of a major overhaul of Disney's California Adventure park sometime this week. We'll post all the details as soon as we have them from Disney.

The future has that new carpet smell. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

...The Pioneer exhibit inside Disneyland's Innoventions attraction has been removed, and the area recarpeted. Cast members are using the wide open space to demonstrate the Segway. The rotating Innoventions building is currently stationary, and visitors can enter without waiting for one of the periodic shows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Disneyland

River Belle Terrace closed through December 14 for remodel.

Alice in Wonderland closed October 15 - November 20.

"it's a small world" closed October 22 - November 8 to install the holiday overlay, then reportedly will close at the end of January 2008 for a nine-month refurbishment, and should re-open in late October.

Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor closed January 7 - 24 for refurbishment

Haunted Mansion closed January 7 - 24 to remove the Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay.

Space Mountain closed January 15 & 16

Work continues on Riverbelle Terrace. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Disney's California Adventure

California Screamin' may open at 1:00 PM Monday - Friday through Fall 2008 due to construction for Toy Story Mania!

Golden Dreams closed November 1 & 2 to remove the Halloween show.

Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue will be closed from November 26 at least through the end of January, 2008.

Midway Games closed for an unknown duration. The future of the games has been somewhat questionable due to the Toy Story Mania project, but some of the games remain open for now.

Toy Story Mania! under construction. Opens 2008.

Note: Refurbishment schedules are estimates only. All information is subject to change without notice. To get the most recent updates, call Disneyland at (714) 781–7290.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Events

If you know of any events, official or unofficial, that should be listed here, let us know.

October

Mickey's Halloween Treat. October 12, 19 and 26; 7:30 PM - 11:30 PM and October 11, 18, 25, 29, 30, and 31; 6:30 PM - 10:30 PM Tickets are $39 per person if purchased the day of the event. $29 advance-purchase tickets currently available through the Disneyland Web site (click on the "tickets" link). $27 discounted tickets are currently available to Annual Passholders via the Disneyland Annual Passholder Web site, and to Disney's Vacation Club Members at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths.

CHOC/Disneyland Resort Walk in the Park Sunday, October 21 (link)

Nevada Day. Friday, October 26. All Nevada public schools closed to commemorate the admission of the state of Nevada into the union, possibly resulting in unusually high crowd levels at the Disneyland Resort. (Link)

2008 UEA convention. October 29 to 30 (in Utah). Many Utah public schools close so teachers can attend the Utah Education Association convention, which creates a four-day weekend for the students. Expect the resort to be busy that weekend—some claim 'UEA' stands for 'Utah Escapes to Anaheim.' One reader has told us that his Utah school district is closed for a "Fall Break" October 11 – 15, so crowds may be more dispersed throughout the month than in past years.

November

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs 70th Anniversary Celebration. November 16, 2008. See MousePlanet's October 2, 2008 Disneyland Resort update for details (link).

December

Candlelight Processional Saturday, December 1 and Sunday, December 2.

Jim Shore product release and signing.Saturday, December 1.

February 2008

Unofficial Homeschool Day at Disneyland. Friday February 1st, 2008. This event is open to all homeschool and alternative schooling families (link).

Spring 2008

Disney's California Food & Wine Weekends. Spring 2008 (link)

Summer 2008

Disney Magic returns to Pacific Ocean itineraries. May 25-August 17, 2008.

Year of a Million More Dreams

Disney officially announced the extension of the Year of a Million Dreams program yesterday, and the company's publicity machine immediate went into overdrive to spread the word. In addition to the national announcement on Good Morning America, the marketing blitz included a barrage of press releases from the participating Disney Parks and Resorts, publication of an online Dream Catalogue, and new television commercials featuring some of the new prizes that can be won starting in 2008.

Walt Disney commissioned Dorothea Redmond to design a suite of rooms for his family and guests. Disney archive photo.

All of this hype should help Disney overcome a big challenge faced during the first year of the promotion: park visitors don't exactly understand it. Disney has a delicate task managing guest expectations with regards to this contest—the company needs to generate enough hype that people will book trips during the Year of a Million Dreams, but at the same time they don't want to create a situation where those same visitors are too disappointed when they don't receive a visit from the Dream Squad during their trip.

It can be argued that Disney erred too far on the side of caution during the first phase of the promotion. To most park visitors, the "Year of a Million Dreams" is a marketing slogan splashed across banners and T-shirts, not a promotion that might actually involve them. Twelve months after the giveaways began, Dream Squad cast members still routinely have to explain the promotion and assure winners that there is no "catch" to their prize.

This time around, Disney has produced a slick online Dream Catalog (link) to show off some of the major new prizes to be awarded in 2008. The full spectrum of prizes is still detailed in excruciating legal detail in the Official Rules (link), but the Dream Catalog gives potential visitors something to… well, dream about.

The Disney Dream Suite decor is based closely on the original Dorothea Redmond renderings. Disney photo.

The new prizes are pretty spiffy, too. As expected, Disneyland will offer overnight stays in the new Disneyland Dream Suite. This suite of rooms in New Orleans Square was originally planned as a private apartment for Walt Disney, but was never used for that purpose. For the last 20 years the space has housed the Disney Gallery. Imagineers are now working to convert the space into a two-bedroom, two-bath guest suite, using the original 1960s designs created by designed Dorothea Redmond and set decorator Emile Kuri in consultation with Walt Disney. Perhaps to address the concerns of those upset by the Disney Gallery closure, Disney is quick to point out that the Dream Suite will now be used for overnight guests, just as Walt Disney intended. Walt Disney Imagineering Art Director Kim Irvine says that the suite will "be filled with things that might have inspired Walt as he dreamed of Disneyland." Each of the bedrooms will feature a special nighttime lighting effect, activated at the push of a button. This "goodnight kiss" also includes effects that are quite frankly so charming that we don't want to spoil the surprise for the first winners.

Disney is planning to award 266 one-night stays in the Disneyland Dream Suite during 2008. Winners will also receive a gift basket, VIP viewing for the parade, and dinner at a Disneyland Resort restaurant. The winners also receive VIP viewing for either fireworks and/or Fantasmic!, but who would want to pass up the view from the Disneyland Dream Suite balcony? Winners are not confined to their suite after Disneyland closes—a concierge will be on hand at all times to arrange for special after-hours excursions into the theme park if desired. Once the Disneyland Dream Suite is open, the Mickey Mouse Penthouse at the Disneyland Hotel will be returned to regular (if pricey) service as a guest suite.

Mickey and Minnie frolic on a Times Square "beach" to announce a new prize in the Year of a Million Dreams. Disney photo.

Many of the prizes are one-of-a-kind opportunities. Disney Cruise Line will offer one lucky winner the opportunity to have Castaway Cay all to themselves for a day. According to the DCL press release, "everything on the island will be at their disposal—private meet and greets with Disney characters, an opportunity to parasail over the island, gourmet lunch prepared on the beach, kayaking excursion through the mangroves, beachside cabana massage, snorkeling with tropical marine life—everything and anything a normal guest could experience on Castaway Cay with a few special surprises tossed in. And, it's all arranged exclusively for the winner and their guests!"

The winner of the Character Breakfasts Extraordinaire prize will get to dine right on Walt Disney World's Main Street U.S.A. with at least 25 Disney Characters. For Disneyland fans, the Sorcerer's Apprentice for a Day prize is a dream come true. The lucky winner of this vacation package will get to tour the Walt Disney Imagineering offices in Glendale, and take a backstage tour of Disneyland with an Imagineer. Other one-time-only prizes include hot air balloon rides above Walt Disney World or Disneyland, a trip to the premiere of High School Musical 3, and holiday-theme trips for Halloween, Christmas and New Year's Eve. The $13 million prize assortment also includes VIP seating opportunities for parades and fireworks, admission to "Dream Time" events at the Disney theme parks, character meet and greet opportunities and shopping sprees. And of course, the Dream Ears, Lanyards and Fastpasses will return.

The expanded Year of a Million Dreams promotion will run January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008. Mail-in entries will be accepted starting December 19, 2008. Disney has simplified the requirements for mail-in entries and will now accept entries by mail from Australians—see the official rules for details.

Discrimination or misunderstanding?

A San Diego man claims that Disneyland Resort security detained, searched and questioned him in full view of other resort visitors two weeks ago, targeting him because he was holding hands with another man. A Disneyland spokesperson says that the entire thing was a misunderstanding, and denies that the situation had anything to do with sexual orientation. With the annual Gay Days at Disneyland scheduled for this weekend, many are asking if Disney is really discriminating against gays, or if this was just a major overreaction by Disney's security department?

There seems to be little disagreement about what happened. According to a report published by The Advocate magazine ("An Antigay Incident at Disneyland?") Wil Kenney was walking with friends through Downtown Disney on September 22 when he was approached by Disney security. Security claimed to have received a report that Kenney threatened someone with a gun. Kenney denied having a gun, and Disney security detained him while Anaheim police department officers were summoned to search him. Finding no weapon, Anaheim PD left the scene, after which Kenney demanded to speak with a Disneyland Resort security manager. Anaheim police department spokesperson Rick Martinez confirmed that Kenney was "detained" and "might have been frisked."

While the "what" seems pretty straightforward, the "why" is much less obvious. Kenney claims that a Disney cast member called security because they were offended that he was holding hands with another man. Disneyland spokesperson Rob Doughty told The Advocate that Kenney made a hand gesture that a Disney Cast Member interpreted as threatening, specifically that Kenney made his hand "look like a gun." Kenney and companions deny this claim. According to Kenney, the Disneyland Resort security manager could or would not tell him what specific report had been made about him, alternately telling Kenney that the cast member "was threatened, felt threatened, or was offended." Kenney also claims that the security manager refused to apologize for the actions of her department, and also that plainclothes security officers continued to follow his group through Downtown Disney.

Kenney claims discrimination, Disney claims misunderstanding. Either way, Disney doesn't look good, but it's easier to believe that Disney security overreacted than to believe that the company is actively targeting gays. Disney is known as a very inclusive employer, and there are in fact openly gay members of the Disneyland security department. Disney has recently expanded their Fairy Tale Weddings offerings to include gay couples, and next weekend's Gays Days event at Disneyland is sponsored in part by Pride, a Disney employee group for gay and lesbian cast members.

Snow White Anniversary event at Disneyland

Disney celebrates the 70th anniversary of Snow White on November 16. Disney photo.

The Disneyland Resort will host a event to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Walt Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs on November 16 (link). The event will include a screening of the film inside Disney's California Adventure, and two packages are available.

The $25 Magic Mirror package includes admission to DCA for the event only, admission to the screening and a commemorative gift.

The $150 Poisoned Apple package includes admission to DCA for the event only, Snow White's Soiree with hors d'ouevres, dessert and a signature drink, premiere viewing of the new "The Fairest One of All" exhibit, panel discussion featuring Pixar's John Lasseter, moderated by Disney animator and producer Don Hahn, opportunity to pre-purchase event merchandise via Random Selection Process, admission to the screening and a commemorative gift.

Reservations for the event will be available online beginning Wednesday, October 3, 2008 at 11 AM Pacific / 2 pm Eastern. We've been told that there are fewer than 300 tickets available for the Poisoned Apple package, and that Roy Disney may make a surprise appearance at the panel discussion.

This and That

Visitors to DCA's Animation Building have the opportunity to enjoy the intricate zoetrope. Photo by Lisa Perkis.

...MousePlanet staff member Lisa Perkis reported that a Toy Story zoetrope is now on display inside the Animation Building in Disney's California Adventure. MousePlanet staff member Stephanie Wien saw the installation as part of the Pixar: 20 Years of Animation exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art in New York last year, and described it in her trip report:

"The Zoetrope was made up of Toy Story characters, including Army Men parachuting from the top and Wheezy jumping on seesaw. The illusion of movement is suspended at one point during the presentation by turning off the strobe effect, so that the viewer can see what's 'behind the curtain.' "

Halloween Mickey & Minnie by Marie Osmond. Disney photo.

...Disneyland is offering a set of Halloween Adora Belle dolls by Marie Osmond via the Disney Gallery Web site only, now through October 10. (Link)

...Cafe Orleans is offering a special Nightmare Before Christmas ornament as your gift with a $30 purchase. One new ornament will be released each Friday for 12 weeks, and will be available while supplies last.

Blue September

The end of the summer travel season traditionally brings a wave of blue construction walls around Disneyland, and this September is no different. Areas under refurbishment include the River Belle Terrace in Frontierland and the facade and entry/exit doorways of Store Command in Tomorrowland, as well as other smaller installations. We hope you'll enjoy the selection of construction photos in this week's update

The Frontierland show light tower used for Fantasmic! is surrounded by blue construction walls. Photo by Andrew Rich.

More House of Blues heavy metal shows canceled

Following Disney's cancellation of the September 7 show of heavy metal band Machine Head at the House of Blues in the Anaheim Downtown Disney, music news site Pollstar.com reports that the band's September 15 concert at the House of Blues in Walt Disney World's Downtown Disney, had also been canceled (link).

A statement from Machine Head read in part, "While no one is willing to provide evidence that would prove unfavorable to Disney, sources close to events have suggested that once again, vague threats of liability, and now threats on job security may have been levied, successfully resulting in the show being moved off of Disney property."

Garden Grove council rejects casino plan

A unanimous vote by the Garden Grove City Council appears to have permanently killed a proposal for an Indian casino on Harbor Boulevard near Disneyland (link).

"We made a very strong statement with that 5-0 vote," said Councilwoman Dina Nguyen. "It will give the casino developers a hint that it will not be that easy to get into Garden Grove again."

The casino proposal was competing for a 40-acre parcel, which will now be offered to Colorado-based McWhinney Enterprises for development of the InternationalWEST hotel, retail and entertainment complex, which will also include a water park (link).

The facade over Store Command, itself a false front covering the only remaining intact Mary Blair tile mural in Disneyland, is hidden behind a colorful canvas structure; construction walls surround the entrance to Store Command and exit from Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters. Photo by Andrew Rich.

Incredible on ice in Manchester, England

Disneyland Adventure, the latest Disney on Ice production, will visit the MAN center in Manchester, England October 3 – 7 (link). This original story picks up after the end of Disney/Pixar's The Incredibles, as the family of superheroes vacations at the Happiest Place on Earth.

Bob, Helen, Violet, Dash and Jack-Jack try to blend in with normal Southern California tourists as they enjoy Disneyland's famous attractions, meeting Disney characters including the Fab Five, princesses, Buzz Lightyear, and more.

Disneyland places mid-range in Amusement Today's Golden Ticket Awards

Legoland, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Knott's Berry Farm took top honors in their categories in the 2008 Amusement Today Golden Ticket Awards, an annual rating of theme parks worldwide (link). Disneyland scored no better than third, in the "Cleanest Park" category behind Holiday World (Santa Claus, Indiana) and Busch Gardens Europe (Williamsburg, Virginia), and in "Best Outdoor Night Production" for Fantasmic! behind Illuminations at Epcot and the nighttime show at Six Flags Fiesta Texas (San Antonio). Disneyland also scored fifth in "Best Park" and "Friendliest Park Staff" and took fourth and fifth place in "Best Dark Ride" with the Indiana Jones Adventure and Pirates of the Caribbean (link).

Inside the River Belle Terrace during the current refurbishment project. Why is the "Personalize Pewter and Leather Goods" sign from Frontierland here? Photo by Andrew Rich.

Best time to ride Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage?

This question comes up over and over on our MousePad discussion board, and now Theme Parks writer Brady MacDonald of the Los Angeles Times has weighed in with his findings: Get in line as close as possible to park closing, and you'll ride with perhaps a 45-minute wait—much better than the two- to three-hour waits we've seen reported during summer days (link).

Mickey's Halloween Treat dates selling out fast

Mickey's Halloween Treat at Disney's California Adventure is now sold out for Friday, October 12. The only remaining Friday night is October 5. Many MousePlanet readers and staff members will gather at the Halloween Treat on October 12th to kick off MouseAdventure weekend (link).

The "Disney Gallery" sign has been removed. At night, the interior lights are on revealing... not much. Photo by Andrew Rich.

She doesn't look a day over 50

Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Events, Product Releases & Promotions department issued a "teaser" announcement for a Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs 70th Anniversary Celebration, to be held November 16, 2008. (link). No additional information is available yet. Thanks to MousePlanet reader cstephens for the tip.

Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Disneyland

River Belle Terrace closed through December 14 for remodel.

Casey Jr. Circus Train closed through October 5 for refurbishment.

Storybook Land Canal Boats closed through October 5 for refurbishment.

Disneyland Monorail closed through September 20.

Haunted Mansion closed through September 20 to install the holiday overlay.

Alice in Wonderland closed October 8 - November 20.

"it's a small world" closed October 22 - November 8 to install the holiday overlay.

Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years will be closed September 17 – 28.

"it's a small world" reportedly will close at the end of January 2008 for a nine-month refurbishment, and should re-open in late October.

A covered balcony over the River Belle Terrace's outdoor eating area has been removed. Photo by Andrew Rich.

Disney's California Adventure

California Screamin' may open at 1:00 PM Monday - Friday through Fall 2008 due to construction for Toy Story Mania!

Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue will be closed from November 26 at least through the end of 2008.

Midway Games closed for an unknown duration. The future of the games has been somewhat questionable due to the Toy Story Mania project, but some of the games remain open for now.

Toy Story Mania! under construction. Opens 2008.

Golden Dreams closed through September 20 to install the Halloween "Golden Screams" show.

Golden Dreams closed November 1 & 2 to remove the Halloween show.

Note: Refurbishment schedules are estimates only. All information is subject to change without notice. To get the most recent updates, call Disneyland at (714) 781–7290.

Alaska Airlines makes wishes come true

Alaska Airlines' new "Spirit of Make-A-Wish" aircraft. Photo credit: Kenneth Gill, JuneauEmpire.com

Alaska Airlines rolled out its new "Spirit Of Make-A-Wish" aircraft (link) on August 18 to help the Make-A-Wish Foundation make wishes come true for children suffering life-threatening medical conditions. The Disney-themed Boeing 737-400, emblazoned with a larger-than-life image of the Genie from Disney's Aladdin, flew six "wish children" from the Pacific Northwest to the Disneyland Resort on its inaugural flight, and will continue in service flying approximately 100 of these special children per year. A time-lapse video of the aircraft painting process is available on the Make-A-Wish Foundation's Web site (link).

Update: The "Spirit of Make-A-Wish" aircraft actually debuted last November according to the airline's own press release (link). It's not clear why the news article from which we sourced this story stated that the debut was August 18 of this year. As always, we strive for the greatest accuracy in our reporting.

Manolo Blahnik rental shoes?

According to an article (link) in the Orange County Register, AMF Bowling Centers Inc. will open a high-end bowling center in the new Anaheim GardenWalk mall. This new center will be the first in AMF's "300" series of deluxe centers, which offer gourmet dining with an executive chef, private lanes, and concierge service.

From Frontierland to your front yard

An interesting interview (link) with Disneyland Resort horticulturist Karen Hedges appeared in the Los Angeles Times last week. The article includes background on how the various flowers and foliage around the Resort are chosen, and tips on giving your own garden that Disney touch.

Disney cancels heavy metal shows at House of Blues

Heavy metal band Machine Head, scheduled to perform at Downtown Disney's House of Blues, had its show suddenly cancelled (link) less than 48 hours before the band was to go on stage. According to the band's Web page, Disney had begun pressuring promoter Live Nation to cancel all upcoming heavy metal concerts and placed Machine Head under a five-day internal review only seven days before the scheduled performance, citing violent imagery, undesirable fans, and inflammatory lyrics.

Christmas Parade schedule correction

We reported last week (link) that the seasonal "A Christmas Fantasy Parade" would begin November 16 due to the expansion of Disney's HalloweenTime this year. While the date is correct, we've been informed that the Christmas parade always begins a week after "it's a small world holiday", typically starting the weekend before Thanksgiving.

Get your MousePlanet gear

The MousePlanet.com store is now open for business (link)! You can get shirts, mugs, hats and even a Teddy Bear! Check it out and show your MousePlanet pride!

Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Disneyland

River Belle Terrace closed through December 14 for remodel.

Casey Jr. Circus Train closed through October 5 for refurbishment.

Storybook Land Canal Boats closed through October 5 for refurbishment.

Haunted Mansion closed through September 20 to install the holiday overlay.

Alice in Wonderland closed October 8 - November 20.

"it's a small world" closed October 22 - November 8 to install the holiday overlay.

Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years will be closed September 17 – 28.

"it's a small world" reportedly will close at the end of January 2008 for a nine-month refurbishment, and should re-open in late October.

Much progress is seen at the new Fort Wilderness on Tom Sawyer Island. Photo credit: Bill Allen.

Disney's California Adventure

California Screamin' may open at 1:00 PM Monday - Friday through Fall 2008 due to construction for Toy Story Mania!

Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue will be closed from November 26 at least through the end of 2008.

Midway Games closed for an unknown duration. The future of the games has been somewhat questionable due to the Toy Story Mania project, but some of the games remain open for now.

Toy Story Mania! under construction. Opens 2008.

Golden Dreams closes September 11 - 20 to install the Halloween "Golden Screams" show.

Golden Dreams closed November 1 & 2 to remove the Halloween show.

Construction for the new DVC resort continues at the Grand Californian Hotel. Photo credit: Bill Allen.

Note: Refurbishment schedules are estimates only. All information is subject to change without notice. To get the most recent updates, call Disneyland at (714) 781–7290.

Disneyland Half Marathon Results

The Disneyland Half Marathon was held Monday, September 3 at the Disneyland Resort. Results are posted on the official Disneyland Half Marathon Web site (link). The top female finisher was Suzy Schumacher at 1:24:06, while the top male finisher was Carlos Carballo with a time of 1:10:05. Congratulations to all who participated.

Disneyland Christmas schedule update

Disney has finally posted the park hours and entertainment schedules for the Disneyland Resort on the Disneyland.com Web site, and it looks like the expansion of the Halloween Time promotion will cause a slight delay in the Christmas festivities. "it's a small world holiday" opens on November 9 as scheduled, but the first performances of "A Christmas Fantasy" Parade and the "Believe...In Holiday Magic" Fireworks Spectacular will not be until a week later, November 16.

Cartoon Art Museum event at Pixar Studios

The Cartoon Art Museum presents Fourth Annual Benefit At Pixar Animation Studios on Saturday, September 15, 2008. This 3.5-hour event is one of the rare opportunities available to the general public to get a peek inside the Pixar offices. The event includes a reception inside Pixar's Emeryville campus; presentation and panel discussion with members of the production crew for Ratatouille; coffee and dessert mixer with Pixar employees. Tickets are $200 per person, $150 for Cartoon Art Museum members, and are extremely limited.

The Pixar campus also hosts its first annual Family Fun Day from 1:00 – 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 15, 2008. According to the press release, "you will be able to go behind the scenes at Pixar's private studio facility to view in-house only exhibitions, including original pre-production artwork from Ratatouille." Tickets are $125 per person, or $450 for a family of 4. Cartoon Art Museum members receive a discount for this event as well.

You can read the full announcement on our MousePad discussion boards. (link)

MousePad theme park discussion forums restructured

We have made some changes to the forum structure on MousePad. We know that questions related to trip planning can get lost amid the general chatter of the resort forums, so we've created sections devoted just to trip planning topics. We think this is going to make it easier for readers to ask for help, and to help other members. We've also moved the Trip Reports forums to be with their related theme parks.

The biggest change has been made within the Walt Disney World section, because we know that planning a trip to Florida is usually a more complicated process. We reserve the right to further split or merge the sub forums if we don't think they are doing what we expected them to do.

Here is the structure we will be creating:

Disneyland Resort Discussions

News and Current Events

Trip Planning

Trip Reports from California

Walt Disney World Resort Discussons

News and Current Events

Touring the Parks (Parks)

Where to Stay (Hotels) (sponsored by Small World Vacations)

Getting There/Getting Around (Transportation) sponsored by Quicksilver Tours & Transportation)

Good Eats (Dining)

Everything Else in the (Walt Disney) World (Downtown Disney, water parks, etc)

Trip Reports from Florida

Other Park & Resort Discussions

Disney Vacation Club

Disney Cruise Line

Disneyland Resort Paris

Disney Resorts in Asia

Trip Reports from Abroad

Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure (Universal Studios parks all over the world)

Parks General (Various parks and the theme park industry)

Everything else - Entertainment, the Lounge, etc - will remain the same.

We have not gone through the previous resort-level forums to move existing threads to their new topic forum. Those can all be found in the News and Current Events forums. New threads on trip planning topics should be started in the appropriate forum.

Why not stop by, check them out, and let us know what you think!

Get your MousePlanet gear

The MousePlanet.com store is now open for business (link)! You can get shirts, mugs, hats and even a Teddy Bear! Check it out and show your MousePlanet pride!

This and that

...Indiana Jones Adventure was closed for three days last week, but we weren't sure what had prompted the brief refurbishment. It turns out that the attraction was closed so that some of the ride's speakers could be replaced. A cast member tells us that there may be a longer renovation in the near future, as the ride is experiencing recurring problems with bus bars that provide power along the track to the ride vehicles.

...Los Angeles radio station KLAC is hosting a special listener event at Disneyland on Sunday, September 9. Tomorrowland will open at 7:30 a.m., 90 minutes before the park opens to the general public. If you visit that day, expect to find long lines in Tomorrowland as soon as the park opens. [Thank you to reader cstephens for the event info.]

...In last week's Park Update, we originally stated that Disney's Happiest Haunts tour would be offered nightly during the Halloween season starting September 25. Instead, tickets for the tour go on sale on September 21, and the tour will only be offered Monday through Thursday. We regret the error.

...The latest version of Honda's ASIMO humanoid robot is now on display inside Innoventions at Disneyland. This Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility model is able to run nearly 4 miles per hour, and replaces an earlier model for the Say 'Hello' to Honda's ASIMO show.

...The Los Angeles Times reported last week (link) that Disney will operate and staff—though not own—two hotels in the Garden Walk project across the street from the Disneyland Resort. Representatives of Garden Walk and Disney declined to comment on the rumor.

...The Grand Californian Hotel's Napa Rose restaurant has been awarded the 2008 DiRoNA Award of Excellence for the second time. This award recognizes North American restaurants for offering outstanding food, wine, service and hospitality.

...Mickey's Halloween Treat at Disney's California Adventure is now sold out for Friday, October 19.

Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Disneyland

River Belle Terrace closed August 19 until December for remodel.

Casey Jr. Circus Train closed September 4 - October 5 for refurbishment.

Storybook Land Boats closed September 4 - October 5 for refurbishment.

Haunted Mansion closed September 4 - 20 to install the holiday overlay.

Alice in Wonderland closed October 8 - November 20.

it's a small world closed October 22 - November 8 to install the holiday overlay.

Work continues on the River Belle Terrace restaurant renovation. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Disney's California Adventure

Midway Games closed for an unknown duration. The future of the games has been somewhat questionable due to the Toy Story Mania project, but some of the games remain open for now.

Toy Story Mania under construction. Opens 2008.

Golden Dreams closes September 11 - 20 to install the Halloween "Golden Screams" show.

Golden Dreams closed November 1 & 2 to remove the Halloween show.

A closer look shows where a faux balcony was removed from the restaurant facade. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Note: Refurbishment schedules are estimates only. All information is subject to change without notice. To get the most recent updates, call Disneyland at (714) 781–7290.

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Events

If you know of any events, official or unofficial, that should be listed here, let us know.

September

KLAC day at Disneyland. Sunday, September 9. Listeners of the local radio station will be in Tomorrowland before park opening.

Los Angeles Unified School District schools closed. Thursday, September 13th. This annual "no school" day usually results in huge crowds at the Disneyland Resort.

The Art of Disney Parks – Where Dreams Come True event. September 13-14 at the Disneyland Resort. Will include an auction of artwork from the Festival of Arts exhibit and 50th Anniversary. Registration now available at Disney Gallery Web site. (Link).

Downtown Disney artist weekend. September 15-16. An exhibit "dedicated to the art of local artist participants." No additional details are available at this time.

Unofficial Homeschool Day at Disneyland. Wednesday September 19th, 2008. This event is open to all homeschool and alternative schooling families (link).

October

Gay Days at Disneyland (unofficial event) Friday, October 5 through Sunday, October 7. Event attendance will be higher at Disneyland on Saturday, DCA on Sunday (link).

Mickey's Halloween Treat. October 5, 12, 19 and 26; 7:30 PM - 11:30 PM and October 4, 11, 18, 25, 29, 30, and 31; 6:30 PM - 10:30 PM Tickets are $39 per person if purchased the day of the event. $29 advance-purchase tickets currently available through the Disneyland Web site (click on the "tickets" link). $27 discounted tickets are currently available to Annual Passholders via the Disneyland Annual Passholder Web site, and to Disney's Vacation Club Members at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths.

MousePlanet night at Mickey's Halloween Treat (unofficial event) Friday, October 12. Join your fellow MousePlanet readers and MousePad members at Mickey's Halloween Treat to kick off MouseAdventure weekend. More information is available on our MousePad discussion boards. (Link)

MouseAdventure. Sunday, October 14. Registration is now closed.

CHOC/Disneyland Resort Walk in the Park Sunday, October 21 (link)

2008 UEA convention. October 29 to 30 (in Utah). Many Utah public schools close so teachers can attend the Utah Education Association convention, which creates a four-day weekend for the students. Expect the resort to be busy that weekend—some claim 'UEA' stands for 'Utah Escapes to Anaheim.' One reader has told us that his Utah school district is closed for a "Fall Break" October 11 – 15th, so crowds may be more dispersed throughout the month than in past years.

News and Views

Caution, runners ahead | Disney's Happiest Haunts Tour | New Character Dining rates | This-and-That

Caution, runners ahead

The 2nd annual Disneyland Half Marathon is next Monday, September 3, 2008. (Labor Day) Although the big event is on Monday, the Health and Fitness Expo starts on Saturday, with a Family Fun Run 5K and Kids Races on Sunday morning.

The race is scheduled to start at 6am, and roads closures around the resort will begin at 5:00 am. Disney is strongly encouraging runners who are staying at select Good Neighbor Hotels to use the complementary event shuttles to reach the race check in area. Runners who will be driving to the race will park in the Mickey and Friends parking structure, and Disney asks that you allow plenty of time to get there.

The race will impact traffic on interstate 5 through the Anaheim area. The Katella exit from the northbound I-5, the Disney Way exit from the southbound I-5 and both Harbor Blvd. exits from the I-5 will be closed between 6 and 8am on September 3 due to the race. The course winds from the Disneyland Resort to the Honda Center, then to Anaheim Stadium and back, so expect road closures on sections of major roads including Ball Road, Harbor Blvd and Katella Ave. You can view the race course at the Disneyland Half Marathon Web site. (Link) (Adobe Acrobat Reader required)

If you want to come cheer on the runners, Disney recommends four viewing areas. All of these viewing areas are accessible by foot only, so you will need to walk either from the Mickey and Friends parking structure (or from your hotel if staying nearby).

Start line - Disneyland Drive to Katella Ave - 6:00am - 6:31am.

Esplanade between Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure - 6:12am - 7:11am.

Disneyland Drive to Ball Road - 6:20am - 7:20am.

Downtown Disney - 7:00am - 9:45am.

Guests staying at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and the Paradise Pier Hotel will also have the opportunity to watch as the runners pass their hotels. Disney is not allowing spectators to view the race course from inside either Disneyland or Disney's California Adventure. 200 "Spectator VIP Packages" are available at $99 per person, and include reserved parking at the Disneyland Hotel, continental breakfast, reserved restrooms, reserved seating at the finish line and a one-day, one-park admission ticket. (Link)

Disneyland will open at 10am and Disney's California Adventure will open at 11am on Monday due to the race.

Disney's Happiest Haunts Tour

The Disneyland Resort will offer a new Halloween-theme tour this year. Disney's Happiest Haunts Tour is described as "a unique nighttime tour hosted by a mysterious guide," and promises "tall tales and legends" about the Disneyland Resort. The tour includes rides on the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Haunted Mansion Holiday, and participants will receive a keepsake of their experience. This new tour sounds eerily similar to the Myths, Mysteries and Legends tour that was offered in 2004, a tour that was not well reviewed by a group of MousePlanet readers who booked one of the first outings. (You can read reviews of the 2004 tour at this link) Tour guides assure us that the script has been completely reworked for the 2008 version.

The two-hour tour is $59 per person (all ages), and will be offered Monday through Thursday at 6:00 and 6:20 pm from September 25th - October 30. Tickets can be booked 30 days in advance by calling (714) 781-4400. According to the Disneyland Web site, valid admission to Disney's California Adventure is required, but there is no mention of Disneyland admission. Participants under 40" tall will not be able to ride the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror or Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

New Character Dining rates

MousePlanet reader "FunMom" posted to our MousePad discussion boards to share the news that prices for the character meals at Disneyland will go up effective September 12th. The prices below do not include tax or gratuity (an automatic 15-18% charged added to your bill.) At locations that also offer a menu in addition to the buffet, children 2 and under eat free from the buffet when accompanied by an adult who purchases the buffet.

Minnie & Friends - Breakfast in the Park at Plaza Inn (Disneyland) - Adults $25.99, Kids (3-9) $13.99

Ariel's Disney Princess Celebration at Ariel's Grotto (Disney's California Adventure) Adults $27.99, Kids (3-9) $15.99

Lilo & Stitch Aloha Breakfast at Disney's PCH Grill (Paradise Pier Hotel) - Adults $25.99, Kids (3-9) $13.99

Chip 'n Dale Critter Breakfast at Storyteller's Cafe (Grand Californian Hotel) - Adults $25.99, Kids (3-9) $13.99

Goofy's Kitchen (Disneyland Hotel) Brunch - Adults $25.99, Kids (3-9) $13.99

Goofy's Kitchen (Disneyland Hotel) Dinner - Adults $31.99, Kids (3-9) $13.99

If you have already purchased vouchers for the character meals through your travel agent, don't worry - Disney will continue to honor them, and will not require you to pay the difference in price. Disneyland annual passholders still receive a 10 or 15% discount on character meals.

Get your MousePlanet gear!

The MousePlanet.com store is now open for business (link)! You can get shirts, mugs, hats and even a Teddy Bear! Check it out and show your MousePlanet pride!

This and that

...Indiana Jones Adventure will be closed three days this week August 28 - 30 for refurbishment. This is a recent addition to the refurbishment schedule, and we don't know what has prompted the brief closure.

...Robert Olszewski will be at Disneyland on Saturday, September 22, 2008 from 9am - Noon for the release of the final pieces in his Disneyland® Main Street, U.S.A. Collection. Available for purchase will be the Carnation Plaza Gardens piece, the Adventureland/Frontierland Gateway, the Front Turnstiles and Side Gates accessory pack and the Newsstand / Stroller Rental / Will Call / Souvenir Stands accessory pack. Purchases made on the 22nd will include the first day of release plaque, while supplies last. Photos of the new releases are available on the Disney Gallery Web site. (Link) A display platform for the completed Disneyland® Main Street, U.S.A. Collection, as well as accessory tree packs, are available directly through the Olszewski Studios Web site. (Link)

...After talks between Disney and developer SunCal failed last week, the Anaheim City Council finally voted to put a Disney-backed zoning referendum before the city's residents. On June 3 2008, Anaheim voters will get to decide whether or not to overturn a zoning change made by the City Council to allow a residential development to be built within the Anaheim Resort area. Disney wants the land in question to be reserved for tourism uses, the land owner and developer want to build a 1500-unit condominium development which will include 225 low-cost housing units.

...Editor's note: next week's Disneyland Park Update will be published on Tuesday, September 4th due to the Labor Day holiday.

Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Disneyland

River Belle Terrace closed August 19 until December for remodel.

Indiana Jones Adventure closed August 28 - 30 for refurbishment.

Casey Jr. Circus Train closed September 4 - October 5 for refurbishment.

Haunted Mansion closed September 4 - 20 to install the holiday overlay.

Alice in Wonderland closed October 8 - November 20.

it's a small world closed October 22 - November 8 to install the holiday overlay.

While the nearby River Belle Terrace restaurant is closed for renovation, overflow crowds wait to dine at the French Market. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Disney's California Adventure

Midway Games closed for an unknown duration. The future of the games has been somewhat questionable due to the Toy Story Mania project, but some of the games remain open for now.

Toy Story Mania under construction. Opens 2008.

Golden Dreams closes September 11 - 20 to install the Halloween "Golden Screams" show.

Golden Dreams closed November 1 & 2 to remove the Halloween show.

Note: Refurbishment schedules are estimates only. All information is subject to change without notice. To get the most recent updates, call Disneyland at (714) 781–7290.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Events

If you know of any events, official or unofficial, that should be listed here, let us know.

September

Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend. September 2 and 3. Family Fun Run 5K on Sunday, September 2, Half Marathon on Monday, September 3 (link). Run 5K on Sunday, September 2, Half Marathon on Monday, September 3 (link).

Los Angeles Unified School District schools closed. Thursday, September 13th. This annual "no school" day usually results in huge crowds at the Disneyland Resort.

Downtown Disney artist weekend. September 15-16. An exhibit "dedicated to the art of local artist participants." No additional details are available at this time.

Unofficial Homeschool Day at Disneyland. Wednesday September 19th, 2008. This event is open to all homeschool and alternative schooling families

High School Musical Mania

Hundreds and hundreds of giggling, screaming High School Musical fans converged on Downtown Disney to watch the stars of High School Musical 2 arrived for the film's World Premiere last Tuesday. Some arrived before 5am to get in line to claim the best spots along the "summer sea blue" carpet. Thought the sight of star Zac Efron was enough to make some fans feel weak in the knees, the brutal summer sun and 95+ degree temperatures took care of the rest of the crowd. Some fans gave up, and instead went inside the theme parks to catch a glimpse of the stars during a mini-parade inside Disneyland and a later one inside Disney's California Adventure. The Downtown Disney merchants did their best to cater to the die-hard fans who remained. Jamba Juice, Wetzels Pretzels and Haagen Daas all sent vendors into the crowds to hawk drinks and snacks. ESPN Zone offered sun block, umbrellas and disposable cameras while Compass Books sold stacks of teen magazines and puzzle books.

High School Musical fans wait to catch a glimpse of the film's stars. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

After a cast-and-crew press conference, during which it was confirmed that there will be a High School Musical 3 (to be released directly to theaters), the stars