DLWeekly Podcast - Disneyland News and Information

This week, our upcoming trip and what we are excited for, and we talk to Dustin from MouseDining.com, and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. If you want some DLWeekly Swag, you can pick some up at https://www.dlweekly.net/store/. Book your travel through ConciEARS at no extra cost to you! Be sure to mention that you heard about ConciEARS from DLWeekly at booking! If you want some awesome headwear or one of a kind items, be sure to visit our friends over at All Enchanting Ears! You can use the promo code DLWEEKLY10 to get 10% off your order! News: With Tage out on the road, there will not be any news as part of the podcast until the August 4th episode. Trivia: Discussion Topic: Dustin from MouseDining.com – https://www.mousedining.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week, a new ticket offer for California residents, fireworks are back at the park, the Disneyland Hotel has returned with some favorites, Halloween news, Coco is expanding at the resort, paid fastpass could be coming, we finsih our discussion with Evan, and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. If you want some DLWeekly Swag, you can pick some up at https://www.dlweekly.net/store/. Book your travel through ConciEARS at no extra cost to you! Be sure to mention that you heard about ConciEARS from DLWeekly at booking! If you want some awesome headwear or one of a kind items, be sure to visit our friends over at All Enchanting Ears! You can use the promo code DLWEEKLY10 to get 10% off your order! News: A new California Resident ticket offer has been announced! The tickets are good for 3 visits to the resort between now and September 30, 2021 for as little as $224. For an additional $55, the ticket can be upgraded to a park hopper. – https://www.mouseplanet.com/12975/Disneyland_Releases_Summer_2021_Ticket_Offer With the 4th of July, the fireworks officially returned to Disneyland! Mickey’s Mix Magic lit up the night with a special 4th of July segment added to the end. The crowds for this performance were huge and looked like Disneyland before the pandemic. Once the show was over, getting out of the park took a while since the park closed soon after. – https://www.micechat.com/295512-disneyland-update-red-white-boo/ With the recent 4th of July celebration here in the US this past week, the Disney Parks Blog posted about the Flag Retreat Ceremony and it returning to Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom on July 1st. Disneyland’s flag retreat has been happening daily since the reopening on April 30th. The ceremony is one of the park’s oldest traditions. The flag retreat ceremony happens daily in the late afternoon in Town Square. Check with Guest Services for exact timing. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/07/time-honored-flag-retreat-ceremonies-return-to-walt-disney-world-resort-and-disneyland-resort/ The Disneyland Hotel has reopened along with a couple of it’s famous establishments. Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar and Tangaroa Terrace both welcomed guests back for their great food and drink options. The Tangaroa Terrace bar is open 11am to midnight, and Trader Sam’s is open 4pm to midnight. The bars have a 90 minute window to enjoy your food and beverages, to allow for more guests who are waiting to get in. – https://www.micechat.com/295512-disneyland-update-red-white-boo/ Trader Sam is celebrating at the Disneyland Hotel! The Enchanted Tiki Bar opened in 2011, making this their 10th year! To celebrate, a limited-edition pin inspired by the exterior of the location. The pin opens up to reveal a zombie head mug, along with a tiki! The pin is limited to 3,000 and is available on shopDisney.com for $19.99. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/07/02/trader-sams-is-celebrating-its-10th-anniversary-in-disneyland-with-a-limited-edition-pin/ It is just the beginning of summer, but it is so hard not to look forward to fall and Halloween! The park calendar has the Haunted Mansion going down for refurb from August 15th through September 3rd. This typically means only one thing! Haunted Mansion Holiday could be returning this year! Disney has not confirmed this at this time, but it seems likely. – https://www.micechat.com/295512-disneyland-update-red-white-boo/ Guests are once again enjoying the frosty peaks of Matterhorn Mountain, since it has reopened as of July 2nd. Also, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln also returned to the Opera House this week for guests to enjoy and take in some great air conditioning. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/07/02/photos-matterhorn-bobsleds-has-reopened-in-disneyland/ and https://dlnewstoday.com/2021/07/photos-video-great-moments-with-mr-lincoln-reopens-at-disneyland/ and https://www.micechat.com/295512-disneyland-update-red-white-boo/ Coco is coming to the parks, but not exactly in the way we had imagined. On July 17th, a new Coco scene will be coming to Mickey’s PhilharMagic in Disney California Adventure. “Un Poco Loco” will anchor the new scene, with Germaine Franco, one of the original composers from the movie, producing the score that is unique to the show. Disneyland Paris will also debut the addition on July 17th, with Disney World getting it for their 50th anniversary. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/07/disney-and-pixars-coco-coming-to-mickeys-philharmagic-on-july-17/ Disneyland Paris welcomed guests back to its parks recently, and with that a new FastPass option that may come to the US parks as well. Premiere Access, not to be confused with the same name as Disney+ Premiere Access, allows guests to purchase one “Premiere Access” at a time, ranging from $9.50 to $17.75, depending on the attraction. Some attractions will also have a virtual queue, which could mean the only way to ride an attraction is t

This week, new cast member safety changes, more attractions return ahead of schedule, single rider lines have returned, Avengers Campus is more open, the last Disney Hotel is about to reopen, we talk to Evan about his time as a Cast Member, and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. If you want some DLWeekly Swag, you can pick some up at https://www.dlweekly.net/store/. Book your travel through ConciEARS at no extra cost to you! Be sure to mention that you heard about ConciEARS from DLWeekly at booking! If you want some awesome headwear or one of a kind items, be sure to visit our friends over at All Enchanting Ears! You can use the promo code DLWEEKLY10 to get 10% off your order! News: With the higher temperatures on the horizon for Southern California, a new safety policy couldn’t come soon enough for cast members. Fully vaccinated cast members can now go mask free outdoors. Masks are still required for all cast members indoors for now. Physical distancing for all cast members, indoors or out has also been phased out. This will greatly help in tight spaces like kitchen areas around the resort. – https://www.ocregister.com/2021/06/25/fully-vaccinated-disneyland-employees-no-longer-need-to-wear-masks-outdoors/ and https://www.micechat.com/294044-new-disneyland-procedures-start-june-15-masks-off-no-physical-distancing/ With all of the changes recently to all the safety protocols around the resort, MiceChat posted a guide to all the current policies. These include the new cast member guidelines we talked about previously in this episode, as well as theme park reservations sticking around for the foreseeable future, face coverings no longer required anywhere except for transportation like buses for fully vaccinated guests, un-vaccinated or partially vaccinated guests must still wear masks, physical distancing is no longer required, ride capacity is back at 100% without plexiglass shields, dining capacity has also been increased, indoor queues are back in service, both parking structures are open, out of state guests are allowed, no temperature checks are required, and entertainment has started to return. – https://www.micechat.com/294044-new-disneyland-procedures-start-june-15-masks-off-no-physical-distancing/ A sign that things are coming to an end with the pandemic is the return of single rider lines at a few attractions this week. Space Mountain, Indiana Jones, Smuggler’s Run, Star Tours, and Splash Mountain at Disneyland, and Radiator Springs Racers, the Incredicoaster, and Grizzly River Run at Disney California Adventure now allow single riders. This should help get as many guests on attractions and out of the lines faster. – https://www.ocregister.com/2021/06/26/disneyland-brings-back-single-rider-lines-for-most-popular-attractions/ Some attractions have reopened earlier than expected in the last week! Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters and Storybook Land Canal Boats both welcomed guests a day or two early. Storybook Land Canal Boats look great and have had a number of their elements updated during the closure. Buzz Lightyear has not been updated and we have seen reports online that some of the attraction vehicles have been tagged out of service. Hopefully maintenance can get to them soon and get Buzz back to 100%! – https://dlnewstoday.com/2021/06/photos-video-buzz-lightyear-astro-blasters-soft-reopens-at-disneyland/ Some great news for guests who want to walk around and see Avengers Campus! The land is now open to everyone and the gates that were in place to control the amount of people in the new land have been removed. Guests can now freely enter the land from any of the three entrances. This is making the ability to get food and to enter stores very easy, with little to no wait on most days. – https://www.micechat.com/295081-disneyland-update-topsy-turvy-more-or-less/ For those of you visiting the parks soon, the crowds look to be great! Even though more people are allowed in the parks now, the wait times for attractions have been lower than they were before the lower capacity! This, along with the cast members getting back into the swing of things has made the process much smoother. – https://www.micechat.com/295081-disneyland-update-topsy-turvy-more-or-less/ There have been some rumors that cast members that generally work on parades have been called back to work. This could mean the return of Magic Happens sometime this summer, which only had a couple of weeks to run before the pandemic shut it down. – https://www.micechat.com/295081-disneyland-update-topsy-turvy-more-or-less/ The Disneyland hotel will begin a phased opening this week as the Fantasy Tower opens to guests. Along with the one tower, the two pools and the Monorail water slides will reopen, as well as the fitness center. The Tangaroa Terrace and Trader Sam’s will also reopen to the public. – https://www.mouseplanet.com/12971/Disneyland_Resort_Update_for_June_30__July_4_2021#news1 Constructi

This week, a lot of operational changes with no masks or social distancing, some entertainment returns to the streets, a popular guest activity is available again, we finish our discussion with Joan, the first Peter Pan at Disneyland, and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. If you want some DLWeekly Swag, you can pick some up at https://www.dlweekly.net/store/. Book your travel through ConciEARS at no extra cost to you! Be sure to mention that you heard about ConciEARS from DLWeekly at booking! If you want some awesome headwear or one of a kind items, be sure to visit our friends over at All Enchanting Ears! You can use the promo code DLWEEKLY10 to get 10% off your order! News: Since June 15th and the drop of the blueprint for a safer economy restrictions in California, what has changed at Disneyland? A lot, but most of it is good news! Indoor queues have returned, mix that with the removal of social distancing, and attractions returning to full capacity and the parks feel delightfully empty. Dining location capacity has also returned to at or near capacity, making finding a place to sit and eat a lot easier. Mobile order availability has been reduced, allowing more standby ordering to happen, easing the strain to get food. Stores have also returned to full capacity, removing the need for one way entrance and exits of retail locations, making access much easier. – https://www.micechat.com/294489-disneyland-update-the-magic-of-entertainment-returns/ Disneyland is a magical place, and part of what makes it so magical is the entertainment around the resort. This week, a couple of those entertainment options returned. The Disneyland Band is marching down Main Street, and the Citizens of Buena Vista Street are performing on a stage in front of the Carthay Circle Fountain. No word yet on when the rest of the entertainment, like the Dapper Dans will return. – https://www.micechat.com/294489-disneyland-update-the-magic-of-entertainment-returns/ For guests that have been waiting for over a year to trade their pins, the wait is finally over! Pin trading has returned to most locations in the form of the pin boards. Cast member lanyard trades have not returned at this time, but is expected to return in the not too distant future. – https://www.micechat.com/294489-disneyland-update-the-magic-of-entertainment-returns/ Guests visiting Disney California Adventure will have a much easier time accessing the new Avengers Campus. This week, the line to access the new area has dropped from 5+ hours all day, to a line in the morning at opening, and being non-existent by as early as 11am everyday. – https://www.micechat.com/294489-disneyland-update-the-magic-of-entertainment-returns/ Fans of the new Disney+ original Loki are in for a treat at Avengers Campus! Since the premiere, each week when Loki appears in Avengers Campus, his outfit reflects the one he wears in the show from that week. So far, he has appeared as standard Loki in his Asgardian outfit, then his jumpsuit from episode 1, and then in his jacket from the Time Variance Authority. We expect to see more changes as the character changes in the show. – https://www.micechat.com/294489-disneyland-update-the-magic-of-entertainment-returns/ It appears that the virtual queue test for Indy has been discontinued with the reopening of indoor queues and social distancing relaxation. The attraction, just like other attractions in the park, has returned to full capacity making the line move quickly for standby guests. – https://www.micechat.com/294489-disneyland-update-the-magic-of-entertainment-returns/ This September, Gay Days is returning to the resort. From September 17th through the 19th, the unofficial event will bring a sea of red t-short wearing members and ally’s of the LGBTQ++ community. Previously, the event took place the first weekend in October. A schedule hasn’t been announced yet, but will be posted at the link in our show notes. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/06/18/gay-days-is-coming-back-to-disneyland-this-year/ and https://www.gaydaysanaheim.com/GDA/ The limited presentation of Rise of the Resistance that has been utilized since Disneyland reopened has been discontinued and the original flow has returned. Guests progressing through the attraction previously skipped the pre-show to keep under the limitations from the state to keep indoor attractions under 15 minutes. With the limitation dropped, the full pre-show is back. – https://www.micechat.com/294489-disneyland-update-the-magic-of-entertainment-returns/ The force is strong with coffee lovers in Star Wars Galaxys Edge. A new Cold Brew Coffee topped with Sweet Cream Cheese and Chocolate Puffs has arrived at Docking Bay 7. The drink is topped with Cocoa Puffs, adding an interesting texture and flavor to the drink. The beverage is available for lunch and dinner, and not breakfast. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/06/17/review-there-are-cocoa-puffs-i

This week, there are no strings on Disneyland with the state reopening for business, more food locations have returned, some day and nighttime entertainment will be returning in the next few weeks, we talk to the first Peter Pan at Disneyland, and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. If you want some DLWeekly Swag, you can pick some up at https://www.dlweekly.net/store/. Book your travel through ConciEARS at no extra cost to you! Be sure to mention that you heard about ConciEARS from DLWeekly at booking! If you want some awesome headwear or one of a kind items, be sure to visit our friends over at All Enchanting Ears! You can use the promo code DLWEEKLY10 to get 10% off your order! News: With the blueprint for a safer economy measures being stopped by the State of California, Disneyland is free to loosen some restrictions. As of Tuesday, June 15th, masks and social distancing are no longer required in the theme parks. Distancing markers have begun to be removed from the resort and indoor queues are now open for guests to wait inside, instead of outside like was previously required. – https://disneyland.disney.go.com/travel-information/ With the addition of more guests from out of state, more dining locations are reopening. As we reported on last week, Oga’s Cantina, Docking Bay 7, Alien Pizza Planet, Rancho del Zocalo, Wine Country Trattoria, and Bayside brews are all returning. In addition to these, some quick service and outdoor vending locations are returning. Maurice’s Treats, Jack Jack Cookie Num Nums, Fantasyland Food Cart, and Edelweiss Snacks on June 24th. July 1st, Hungry Bear, Lucky Fortune Cookery, Corn Dog Castle, Harbor Galley, Schmoozies, and Morimer’s Market will be open. July 2nd, the Tangoroa Terrace and Trader Sam’s reopen at the Disneyland Hotel. Finally, on July 8th, the Refreshment Corner and Clarabelle’s Hand Scooped Ice Cream return. – https://www.micechat.com/294078-disneyland-update-the-rush-to-fully-reopen/ Some of the live entertainment has been spotted rehearsing for their return this Friday, June 18. The Disneyland Band has been practicing after park hours, according to Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock’s Instagram account. No word on other acts, but it seems like only a matter of time at this point. – https://www.micechat.com/294078-disneyland-update-the-rush-to-fully-reopen/ Starting July 4th, Disneyland will resume nightly fireworks! Mickey’s Mix Magic will run nightly through the summer for all to enjoy. Over at Walt Disney World, Happily Ever After will resume on July 1st at Magic Kingdom, and EPCOT Forever will return to Epcot, also on July 1st. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/06/fireworks-spectaculars-are-back-at-disney-parks-this-summer/ Four small attractions also reopened on June 15th. The Sleeping Beauty Castle Walk-through, the Animation Academy, the Golden Zephyr, and Sorcerer’s Workshop have all returned to guests. These attractions were able to return with the social distancing mandate expiring for California, allowing the tighter spaces and indoor areas to accommodate enough guests, allowing them to open. – https://www.micechat.com/294078-disneyland-update-the-rush-to-fully-reopen/ Some changes have come to Avengers Campus since it opened at the resort just over a week ago. Showtimes for the Avengers character encounters have been added to the Disneyland mobile app, in order to allow guests to plan ahead and not wait in the land for hours waiting for the encounters to happen. – https://www.micechat.com/294016-simple-avengers-campus-fixes-on-the-way-showtimes-publish-today/ Some dining changes have come to Avengers Campus. Shawarma Palace has been removed from mobile order all together, more standby capacity was added to Pym Test Kitchen, and mobile orders can only be made inside the land. Previously, some guests could mobile order outside of the area, and then use the order to gain access, but this is no longer allowed. Having guests place orders while already in the area also allows for the mobile order windows to last a lot longer and not be completely full in the morning for the entire day. – https://www.micechat.com/294078-disneyland-update-the-rush-to-fully-reopen/ The Disney Food Blog tested out the WEB Slinger Power Band to see if it was worth the price if you wanted to use it on the attraction. Basically, having a power band will give your web slinging a power up and gain more points, but it doesn’t really affect the enjoyment of the attraction, unless you want to get the high score. Guests wanting to be the top of the leader board will need to have one of these to score the highest points possible. Unless topping the leader board is worth $60 to you, then these aren’t a must have item. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/06/11/does-60-really-make-a-difference-on-web-slingers-at-disneys-avengers-campus/ Starting on June 18th, the Toy Story Parking lot will be open for guests again. B

This week, the Avengers have landed in Disney California Adventure, we talk about all the new experiences, a new Disney Paper Parks creation, Cast members are training on a classic attraction that could return soon, we finish our discussion with Devin from Disney Media Finance, and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. If you want some DLWeekly Swag, you can pick some up at https://www.dlweekly.net/store/. Book your travel through ConciEARS at no extra cost to you! Be sure to mention that you heard about ConciEARS from DLWeekly at booking! If you want some awesome headwear or one of a kind items, be sure to visit our friends over at All Enchanting Ears! You can use the promo code DLWEEKLY10 to get 10% off your order! News: Avengers Campus finally opened to the public on Friday. The new area features Pym Test Kitchen, a unique take on different sized meals, Pym Testing Lab, a great place to get a cool beverage, Shwarma Palace, featuring the Avenger’s favorite wraps, Terran Treats, with some sweet concoctions, two stores, WEB Suplliers, and Campus Supply Pod, a lot of area meet and greets, and two attractions, the existing Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout, and the new WEB Slingers: A Spider-Man Attraction. We will talk more in-depth about this experiences as we go through the news. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/06/now-open-first-recruits-assemble-at-avengers-campus-at-disney-california-adventure-park/ and https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/06/cast-and-community-members-among-first-recruits-in-avengers-campus-at-disney-california-adventure-park/ Of course the hot ticket on Campus is the new WEB Slingers attraction. This is virtual queue only at the moment, with slots available at 7am and noon each day. There is no standby. Guests that were able to snag a place in the queue can bypass the line to enter Avengers Campus and head in to board the attraction. Reviews are mixed and described the ride as a different version of Toy Story: Midway Mania. Riders use their hands to “shoot webs” at the different objects in the attraction to get a score and help Spider-Man save the Campus from the Spider-Bots, which have gone out of control. – https://www.micechat.com/292046-how-to-score-a-boarding-group-for-web-slingers-a-spider-man-adventure/ Pym’s Test Kitchen has been pretty well reviewed. Mobile ordering is the primary way to get food at this, and all the other dining locations in Avengers Campus, and has been less than ideal. On opening day, guests could order food when not in the land and could sometimes be allowed in to get their food, while other times being denied access. Over the weekend, they changed the notification so guests had to order in the land only, in addition to adding the order windows throughout the day, instead of only in the morning. The food itself is getting good reviews. The Pym-ini sandwich is reported to taste like a meat-lovers pizza in a sandwich. The Not So Little Chicken Sandwich also got good reviews. For a complete review, check out our link in the show notes. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/06/04/full-review-lunch-at-pym-test-kitchen-in-disneys-avengers-campus/ Over at Terran Treats, the two new items are on the menu. The Sweet Spiral Ration, which is a pineapple churro, wrapped into a swirl, and the Cosmic Cream Orb, which is a chocolate cream puff, filled with whipped raspberry cheesecake. The Ration tastes like a Dole Whip mixed with a Churro. The Orb tastes mostly of cheesecake, with a hint of raspberry. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/06/04/full-review-terran-treats-at-disneys-avengers-campus/ The Shawarma Palace features breakfast and daytime menus. For breakfast, there is the Impossible Breakfast Sha-warm-up, which features plant based breakfast sausage and egg omelet wrap, with a dairy free American cheese and crispy potato bites, served with maple syrup. The daytime options include the New York’s Tastiest, which is a chicken shawarma wrap, with garlic spread, and a coconut yogurt-tahini sauce and pickled vegetables, and then there is the Impossible Victory Falafel, which is a plant based falafel and cauliflower wrap, garlic spread, hummus, and coconut yogurt-tahini sauce, with pickled vegetables. The Disney Food Blog said the Falafel was a little bland, but the Chicken Wrap was great. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/06/04/full-review-shawarma-palace-in-disneys-avengers-campus/ Pym Test Kitchen also serves breakfast from opening until 10:45am. Options include Calculated Breakfast, the Ever-expanding Cinna-Pym Toast, the Impossible Quantum Garden Breakfast, and the Spoonful of Cereal. Sides include smoked bacon, turkey bacon, potato bites, or a Cuties mandarin. The Cinna-Pym toast was reviewed well, but the other items were hit and miss. Check out the link in our show notes for the complete review. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/06/04/breakfast-review-pym-test-kitchen-at-di

This week, out of state guests will be allowed to attend starting June 15th, the reservation window has been expanded, Avengers Campus opens this week, an opening day attraction has a return date, we talk to Devin from Disney Media Finance, and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. If you want some DLWeekly Swag, you can pick some up at https://www.dlweekly.net/store/. Book your travel through ConciEARS at no extra cost to you! Be sure to mention that you heard about ConciEARS from DLWeekly at booking! If you want some awesome headwear or one of a kind items, be sure to visit our friends over at All Enchanting Ears! You can use the promo code DLWEEKLY10 to get 10% off your order! News: As we suspected would happen, starting on June 15th, Disneyland will allow out of state guests to attend. The State of California strongly recommends that all guests be fully vaccinated or obtain a negative COVID-19 test before arriving at the parks. Face masks will still be required throughout the resort. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/05/disneyland-resort-theme-parks-to-welcome-back-guests-from-outside-california-beginning-june-15-plus-theme-park-reservation-window-expands-allowing-more-time-to-plan-your-visit/ With the addition of the out of state guests that will be flooding the parks, the reservation window to reserve a day in the park has expanded to 120 days. This doubles the size of the original reservation window. Dining reservations are still limited to 60 days for now. – https://www.micechat.com/292483-disneyland-update-avengers-fireworks-staffing-crowds/ As we spoke of last week, the possibility of fireworks returning to the parks as early as the 4th of July is not out of the question. MiceChat reports that some of the pyrotechnic cast members are being recalled. With fireworks being outdoors and guests being able to be physically distant, it is possible to have them back soon. – https://www.micechat.com/292483-disneyland-update-avengers-fireworks-staffing-crowds/ The night that this podcast is posted, June 2nd, Disneyland will broadcast live online the Avengers Campus Opening Ceremony. The stream starts at 8:15pm Pacific time on the Disneyland Facebook and Twitter channels, as well as on the Disney Parks Blog, and YouTube. A few “special guests” will be on hand to launch this new land. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/05/tune-in-to-avengers-campus-opening-ceremony-live-from-disney-california-adventure-park-june-2-at-815-pm-pt/ When Avengers Campus opens, there will be a standby queue to enter the area. This will be similar to the standby queue used for Star Wars: Galaxys Edge a couple of years ago. There is no word on how often this queue will be in place, or for how long. Disney is “strongly encouraging” guests to mobile order all food and beverages in the land. Guests will be directed to do so upon walk-up. – https://www.ocregister.com/2021/06/01/disneyland-adds-avengers-campus-standby-queue-to-control-access-to-new-marvel-land/ With Avengers Campus opening this week, some of the merchandise for the new area has already appeared on shelves in the park. The Backlot Premiere Shop now has Spider-Bots, Web-Shooters, clothing, and more. There are two versions of the Spider-Bots; one larger one that has accessories that can be attached for $79.99, and a basic one, which is smaller and is not radio controlled for $24.99. The Web-Shooters come in two varieties; a Web-Shooter that looks like Spider-Man’s web shooter, and a Repulsor, which looks like Iron Man’s repulsor. A Power Band must be purchased separately for the accessory to work. – https://www.micechat.com/292487-avengers-campus-merchandise-now-available-at-disney-california-adventure/ Producer Vern will be very happy to hear this next bit of news. The World Famous Jungle Cruise is reopening to guests on July 16th, after being closed since the parks closed back in March, 2020. When it reopens, there will be a new story in place to help add a backstory to the opening day attraction. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/05/new-jungle-cruise-experience-will-open-at-disneyland-park-july-16-with-work-completed-at-magic-kingdom-park-this-summer/ The traditional red, white, and blue decorations in the parks for the summer have been installed. In preparation for Memorial Day, Main Street and Buena Vista Street were decked out in the patriotic colors, which are expected to remain in place through most of the summer. – https://www.micechat.com/292483-disneyland-update-avengers-fireworks-staffing-crowds/ Not only are the parks returning to more elaborate decorations, but so is Downtown Disney! The abstract sculptures that were installed two summers ago, which look like abstract shapes, until you find the correct angle, revealing a Disney character or scene, have been setup around the planters in Downtown Disney. – https://www.micechat.com/292483-disneyland-update-avengers-fireworks-staff

This week, major changes are possibly coming mid-June, hours are changing, more attractions coming back, the last Disney hotel has a return date, a view inside of Avengers Campus, some controversial merchandise, we talk about The Enchanted Tiki Room, and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. If you want some DLWeekly Swag, you can pick some up at https://www.dlweekly.net/store/. Book your travel through ConciEARS at no extra cost to you! Be sure to mention that you heard about ConciEARS from DLWeekly at booking! If you want some awesome headwear or one of a kind items, be sure to visit our friends over at All Enchanting Ears! You can use the promo code DLWEEKLY10 to get 10% off your order! News: With June 15th quickly approaching, there are a lot of changes to be aware of with California Theme Parks with the expiration of the Blueprint for a Safer Economy. On June 15th, out of state guests will be allowed at theme parks, vaccine verification will be required, park capacity will not be restricted by the state, this includes shops and restaurants, physical distancing will not be required, indoor shows and queuing can return, masks will still be required indoors and outdoors for theme parks. We will have to wait and see what Disneyland will require. – https://www.micechat.com/291605-disneyland-update-very-nearly-normal-for-better-or-worse/ Along with all of the other measures that are sure to be changing come June 15th, this next one we know for certain is happening. Disneyland will be discontinuing the temperature checks that are currently in place just before security. – https://t.co/JdJOyPVUyD If you are like we are, and love experiencing the parks at night, then this next announcement will be very good news. Starting July 1st, Disneyland will be open 8am to 10pm, with Main Street remaining open until 11pm, Disney California Adventure will be open 8am to 9pm, and Downtown Disney will generally be open 9am to 11pm. – https://www.micechat.com/291605-disneyland-update-very-nearly-normal-for-better-or-worse/ Two attractions will also be returning for the first time since the parks reopened. Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters will return on June 26th, and the Matterhorn returns on July 2nd. With the increased capacity, Disneyland can really use all the attractions up and running. – https://www.micechat.com/291605-disneyland-update-very-nearly-normal-for-better-or-worse/ The last of the Disneyland Resort hotels has an opening date! July 2nd the Disneyland Hotel returns to housing guests that are visiting the resort. Upholstery and fabrics were updated during the closure in the guest rooms, lobbies, and meeting rooms. Beds have been upgraded to allow for more space under the bed for storage, the carpets feature a fireworks design, and the corridor flooring features patterns inspired by Mary Blair art. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/05/disneyland-hotel-reopens-july-2-book-your-stay-today/ For those just too excited to wait for Avengers Campus to open, you can virtually see inside the new area through the magic of Google Earth! The 3D map of the area was updated before the parks reopened last month and gives us a pretty good view of the inside of the land. – https://www.micechat.com/291605-disneyland-update-very-nearly-normal-for-better-or-worse/ For a more official look inside Avengers Campus, look no further than the Disneyland App. The map for DCA has been updated to include the new land. There are three entrances to the campus, one from Hollywood Land, one from Cars Land, and the “main” entrance along the parade route. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/05/first-look-guide-map-for-avengers-campus-at-disney-california-adventure-park/ As with Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance opening at the parks, the new Web Slingers attraction will also be part of the virtual queue system. Guests will need to use the Disneyland App to virtually queue for the attraction, as there will not be a standby line. The virtual queue will be available at 7am and 12pm, just like Rise of the Resistance. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2021/05/web-slingers-a-spider-man-adventure-will-use-virtual-queue-system-similar-to-star-wars-rise-of-the-resistance/ The outdoor waiting area for the Hyperion Theater has been setup for use as seating for Avengers Campus dining. Signage from Pym’s Test Kitchen, as well as some larger than life props really theme this area well. – https://www.micechat.com/291605-disneyland-update-very-nearly-normal-for-better-or-worse/ Some possibly controversial merchandise is coming to Avengers Campus when it opens on June 4th. Web tech accessories can be purchased in the WEB Suppliers store and then used on the WEB Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure to get special abilities and help get a higher score on the attraction. Some online communities have suggested this makes the attraction a more pay to win experience than a skill based one, like Buzz Lightyear or

This week, ticket and reservation changes, the big and small food coming to Avengers Campus, Legacy Passholder exclusive dining, some Touch of Disney favorites return, Disney has their earnings report, we talk to Weeklyteers about returning to the Happiest Place on Earth, and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. If you want some DLWeekly Swag, you can pick some up at https://www.dlweekly.net/store/. Book your travel through ConciEARS at no extra cost to you! Be sure to mention that you heard about ConciEARS from DLWeekly at booking! If you want some awesome headwear or one of a kind items, be sure to visit our friends over at All Enchanting Ears! You can use the promo code DLWEEKLY10 to get 10% off your order! News: There have been some changes to the ticket purchase and reservation system for Disneyland. You can now purchase tickets and immediately make a reservation as part of the same process. Reservations can always be cancelled and re-booked for another day if you are trying to buy further out than the reservation calendar allows. – https://www.micechat.com/291137-disneyland-update-part-2-new-adventures-arriving-soon/ The Disney Parks Blog released a Foodie Guide to the Avengers Campus that will be open in just a couple of weeks! Pym’s Test Kitchen will offer up some larger than life, as well as tony options including breakfast, snacks, and specials. At the Pym Testing Lab, guests can get some craft beers, which, if they are on tap, will fill from the bottom of the glass. At Shawarma Palace, there are a couple of wraps, including a plant based falafawl and cauliflower wrap. Terran Treats features a Cosmic Cream Orb, which is a crispy cream puff filled with whipped raspberry cheesecake mousse, and a Sweet Spiral Ration, which is a churro spiral with unique flavors. At these locations, guest can take home souvenirs like the Iron Man Infinity Gauntlet for carrying your bottled coke, or Glowing Pym Particle Capsule and Particle Disk, and more! – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/05/foodie-guide-to-avengers-campus-at-disneyland-resort/ The pricing of the items in the Pym Test Kitchen range from $10.49 for the pretzel, all the way up to – get this – $99.99 for the Quantum Sized Pym-ini Sandwich. This item is listed twice on the menu, once at $57.99, so we aren’t sure what is going on here. It is possible that this sandwich is available in two sizes, with enough to feed the whole family. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/05/18/socan-someone-explain-disneys-new-100-sandwich/ Legacy Passholders can now grab some food at the exclusive Alfresco Dining Terrace. Some of the notable items on this new menu include a Screamin’ Cauliflower Ceviche, Slider Invasion, and Mulhollad Meatballs. Some of the signature cocktails include the Pizza Oom Mow Wow!, which is basically a pizza bloody mary, the Drop In… If You Dare, which has gin, elder flower liqueur, fresh lemon huice, and maraschino cherry mix. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/05/15/pizza-bloody-mary-check-out-the-new-menu-for-alfresco-tasting-terrace-at-disney-california-adventure/ The Paradise Garden Grill has reopened and is offering favorites from the Touch of Disney event. Pizza Eggrolls, Asian-Style Barbacoa Tacos, and more. A reminder that this location is primarily mobile order at the moment. – https://www.micechat.com/291137-disneyland-update-part-2-new-adventures-arriving-soon/ Fans of the Tropical Hideaway will rejoice at the news that the menu has been expanded to include some of their previous items. The Bao buns are back, along with the Sweet Lumpia, and the PB&J Mochi. – https://www.micechat.com/291137-disneyland-update-part-2-new-adventures-arriving-soon/ The Walt Disney Company held their quarterly shareholders meeting last week, and updated everyone on how the company was doing. Performance for the company has increased 32% over the last quarter, but is still hindered by capacity limitations, and Disney Cruise Line being closed. Disney+ has 104 million paid subscribers. Bob Chapek also made the comment that instead od a “new passholder program,” they will have a loyalty/affinity program instead. – https://www.micechat.com/291137-disneyland-update-part-2-new-adventures-arriving-soon/ Last week, Walt Disney World ended its mask requirement for vaccinated guests in outdoor areas of the parks in Florida. Masks are still required indoors, and while on all attractions. This is probably a sign of things to come for Disneyland, and an important piece of information to know. The mask mandate, along with the blueprint for reopening will expire in California on Jule 15th, and Disneyland is expected to change it’s mask policy to the one in Disney World. Keep this in mind when booking your trips to the Happiest Place on Earth if this makes you uncomfortable, or you have young ones who cannot be vaccinated yet. – https://www.micechat.com/291137-disneyland-update-part-2-new-adventures-arriving

This week, more dining locations are returning, a new menu at a couple of the locations, staffing issues may effect capacity levels, attraction re-openings and changes, we are halfway to Halloween, we duke it out in a trivia spectacular and more, and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. If you want some DLWeekly Swag, you can pick some up at https://www.dlweekly.net/store/. Book your travel through ConciEARS at no extra cost to you! Be sure to mention that you heard about ConciEARS from DLWeekly at booking! If you want some awesome headwear or one of a kind items, be sure to visit our friends over at All Enchanting Ears! You can use the promo code DLWEEKLY10 to get 10% off your order! News: With the theme parks having just opened almost two weeks ago, more dining locations are returning. The Paradise Garden Grill reopens on Thursday, May 13th, the Alfresco Dining Terrace for Legacy Passholders and their guests on Thursday, May 20th, the Blue Bayou on Thursday, May 27th, the Napa Rose for dinner only on Friday, May 28th, Storytellers Cafe for breakfast and dinner on Friday, May 28th, and finally the GCH Craftsman Bar, also on Friday, May 28th. For a complete list of all the dining locations, please check out the link in our show notes. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/05/update-foodie-news-dining-guide-to-disneyland-resort-reopening/ The Blue Bayou is reopening soon, so we finally get a look at the updated menu, which now includes some alcoholic beverages. Appetizers include the Signature Gumbo, the Grilled Heirloom Jumbo Asparagus, and the House salad. Entrees include the Monte Crist Sandwich, Jambalaya, Cauliflower Steak and Grits, and more. Two dessert options – an 8 layer chocolate and hazelnut cake, and a vanilla0bourbon creme brulee. A variety of wines and the new Hurricane round out the options. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/05/11/first-look-at-the-alcohol-coming-to-disneylands-blue-bayou-restaurant/ Another restaurant has reopened in Downtown Disney this past week. Catal has returned with a brand new menu, featuring Ahi Avocado Toast, Traditional Paella, Filet Mignon, and Three Cheese Mac and Cheese. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/05/06/another-downtown-disney-restaurant-has-reopened-this-time-with-a-new-menu/ With the likelihood that most restrictions will be lifted next month, Disneyland still is taking it slow due to a number of reasons. The biggest at the moment is the staffing issues at the resort. Furloughed workers had to be called back first and must be given two chances to turn down their jobs before Disney can bring back laid off employees. One visible sign of this is the Disneyland Railroad, which explains why the attraction has been shut down by 3pm each day. Disney has worked through the furloughed cast, and has begun contacting laid off cast. – https://www.micechat.com/290274-disneyland-update-one-week-in-heres-how-its-really-going/ The most budget friendly of the Disneyland Resort Hotels will be reopening next! The Paradise Pier Hotel will reopen on June 15th, with limited capacity. The Grand Californian’s special entrance to Disney California Adventure will reopen on May 28th. Still no word on when the Disneyland Hotel will reopen to guests. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/05/news-from-the-hotels-of-the-disneyland-resort-disneys-paradise-pier-hotel-reopening-june-15-more-restaurant-dining-returning-to-disneys-grand-californian-hotel-spa/ With the weather getting warmer, it is nice to have a popular water attraction back open! Grizzly River Run has returned to operation this week, and is looking great. The attraction usually has its annual refurbishment around this time of year, so this is nothing new. – https://www.micechat.com/290274-disneyland-update-one-week-in-heres-how-its-really-going/ Another attraction is joinging the virtual queue system, if only for testing at this time. The Indiana Jones Adventure is running a test of standby and virtual queue at the same time off and on at the moment. With the current limitations on indoor queuing, the line has been clogging up the nearby walkways. The Jungle Cruise extended queue, which Indy has been using, will be needed by the Jungle Cruise when that attraction reopens this summer. For now, guests can get in the virtual queue through the Disneyland app. Only one virtual queue per guest, per attraction, per day at this time. – https://www.micechat.com/290527-breaking-disneyland-news-indiana-jones-to-get-the-virtual-queue-treatment/ and https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/05/11/another-ride-joins-disneylands-virtual-queue-system/ The costumes for Avengers Campus have been revealed. Cast Members will be known as Campus Representatives in the various parts of the new area, each with their own distinct style. Web Slingers and Web Suppliers Cast Members will wear modern, techy emblems, made from lightweight, breathable fabrics. Pym Test Kitchen Cast M

This week, Snow White gets a much more happily ever after, the ghosts have been busy redecorating their mansion, a solution to save thousands of gallons of water at the resorts each year, and, of course, THE PARKS ARE OPEN AGAIN, we talk to Thomson about the parks, and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. If you want some DLWeekly Swag, you can pick some up at https://www.dlweekly.net/store/. Book your travel through ConciEARS at no extra cost to you! Be sure to mention that you heard about ConciEARS from DLWeekly at booking! If you want some awesome headwear or one of a kind items, be sure to visit our friends over at All Enchanting Ears! You can use the promo code DLWEEKLY10 to get 10% off your order! News: After 412 days, Disneyland is finally open to guests again. Resort President Ken Potrock has been in the job since May, and until this week, has not presided over a fully opened resort. In an interview, he stated that the reopening symbolizes hope and optimism. 15,000 cast members have been brought back from furlough, almost half of the amount of cast members at the resort prior to the closure. – https://www.ocregister.com/2021/05/01/disneyland-president-says-reopening-symbolizes-hope-and-optimism-after-yearlong-closure/ Snow White’s Enchanted Wish is open and ready to wow guests. As you ride your mine cart through a happier version of the story, you’ll enjoy updated animatronics, lighting, projections and music. The attraction is facing some backlash for adding in the scene where her prince kisses her to awaken her from her slumber. – https://www.micechat.com/288029-first-look-a-ride-on-disneylands-reimagined-snow-white-attraction/ The 999 residents have finished their home renovations and are ready to invite you… as long as you hurry back with your death certificate. The Haunted Mansion includes an updated pet cemetery, a redecorated portrait room, and several technical improvements throughout the attraction. – https://www.micechat.com/287447-disneylands-haunted-mansion-gets-spirited-updates/ While we’re used to long lines at the Disney Parks, the length of the queues could be quite shocking as social distancing is still enforced. That means queues for several attractions are spilling out into normal walkways. Micechat specifically noted New Orleans Square being noticeable, with both Pirates and Haunted Mansion having tight indoor queues that have to be spread out. Also, be mindful of what this means for the end of the night on Main Street. – https://www.micechat.com/288064-disneyland-is-back-new-magic/ Guests that have returned to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge may have noticed some socially distanced changes. The shopping market now has limited capacity to allow for social distancing. Throughout the land, the spots for guests to stand on are also themed appropriately to the land. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2021/04/photos-black-spire-outpost-market-in-star-wars-galaxys-edge-reopens-with-limited-capacity-themed-physical-distancing-markers-at-disneyland/ Guests can expect simple menus when they return to the parks. Some restaurants have only a few options, for example Micechat shared an image of the Plaza Inn menu board that only had the chicken entree and two kids meals. Guests are also being highly encouraged to use mobile ordering, as staffing at cash registers will be limited, meaning longer wait times for traditional ordering. It’s expected most food will continue to go out in disposable containers. – https://www.micechat.com/288064-disneyland-is-back-new-magic/ It’s been quite the challenge to get character meet and greets right with the health and safety protocols. It seems Disney is being more intentional with the locations to help guests have a better chance for interaction and pictures. – https://www.micechat.com/288064-disneyland-is-back-new-magic/ Guardians of the Galaxy, Mission Breakout will finally be home when Avengers Campus opens on June 4th. Ahead of the new land, there’s a new gateway installed just past the Hyperion Theatre and a Terran Treats stand is in place — Terran referring to a description of Humans from Earth used in the films. A few other aesthetic changes have also been made, including lights, some iridescent goo on the pavement and nods to other Avengers. – https://www.micechat.com/288064-disneyland-is-back-new-magic/ Water is quite the precious commodity on this planet — it seems even more so in California. Some cast members figured out how to save about 450-thousand gallons of water every year between the U.S. Theme Parks. Outdoor food carts will take their melted ice at the end of the day and share it with Custodial Teams to wash down areas of the resort — and create some water art during the day. We’ll share a link to the Disney-Produced video on the topic in our show notes. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/04/field-notes-disneyland-resort-cast-members-discover-a-way-to-conserve-water/ The Downtown Disney Mura

This week, cast member previews have started, how the park is looking after being closed over a year, what to know before you go, what could have been in Galaxy’s Edge, an Imagineering marvel is shown off, we talk to Jerry about Adventures by Disney, and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. If you want some DLWeekly Swag, you can pick some up at https://www.dlweekly.net/store/. Book your travel through ConciEARS at no extra cost to you! Be sure to mention that you heard about ConciEARS from DLWeekly at booking! If you want some awesome headwear or one of a kind items, be sure to visit our friends over at All Enchanting Ears! You can use the promo code DLWEEKLY10 to get 10% off your order! News: On Monday night, the Disney Parks YouTube page hosted a short, 8 minute “magical moment” to welcome Cast Members back to the resort and to light up Sleeping Beauty Castle once again. Josh D’Amaro was joined by Ken Potrock, and Disneyland Ambassadors Justin and Rafa to welcome everyone back to the Happiest Place on Earth. Some folks online held it together through the presentation until Walt Disney’s opening day speech played. – https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=ys3HYqmbo90&fbclid=IwAR0XACEz2gio8jNFKFD6qGIw_PW3zSOmiNW10HlxU7H_JRMAg-Dg9dQbHHY For those Weeklyteers going to the parks in the near term, Disney has posted a Know Before You Go article on the Disney Parks Blog. The main points are to make sure that you have your ticket and theme park reservation confirmation, you have the latest version of the Disneyland app, if you are starting your day at Disneyland, be sure to try for a boarding group as early as 7am that day, and hotel guests can use online check-in before arrival. Once you get to the resort, Mickey and Friends, as well as Pixar Pals parking structures will be open, and guests will walk the tram route to the parks. Downtown Disney will be open at 10am on April 30th, and 9am starting May 1st going forward. Also, please remember to bring an appropriate face covering. Park hopping begins at 1pm, use mobile ordering for food and beverages, and please use contactless payments such as Apple Pay and Disney Gift Cards as much as possible. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/04/getting-ready-to-return-to-the-magic-heres-your-planning-checklist-for-your-visit-to-disneyland-resort/ Today was the first day of Cast Member previews, so there have been a lot of posts on social media, and on YouTube. Disneyland is looking great! There are still a few attractions under refurbishment, but the park overall looks spectacular. A new billboard has popped up in ToonTown! Mickey and Minnie are working to hide the construction of Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway with the sign, reading “What big building? There’s no big building here!” – https://dlnewstoday.com/2021/04/photos-video-disneyland-unveils-humorous-billboard-to-hide-mickey-minnies-runaway-railway-show-building-in-toontown/ There is a new PhotoPass+ One Day package available at Disneyland! For $19.99, guests get access to unlimited downloads of Disney PhotoPass photos from one day, including select attraction and dining photos. The package can be purchased through the Disneyland mobile app. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/04/27/new-photopass-1-day-package-available-in-disneyland/ The mystery of what will go in place of Trader Sam in the World Famous Jungle Cruise has been answered by the Disney Parks Blog this week. Trader Sam will be operating the Lost and Found of the Jungle Navigation Company, at the direction of Alberta Falls, the proprietor. This is just one scene that will be updated for the Jungle Cruise at both Disneyland and Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/04/jungle-cruise-getting-ready-to-set-sale-with-help-from-old-friend/ Guests attending the reopening of Disneyland, and getting a chance to ride Rise of the Resistance in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. will want to check out the guide to getting a boarding pass for this popular attraction. The link in our show notes has been updated with the latest information, including the times and restrictions that are now in place. – https://www.micechat.com/247617-everything-you-need-to-know-about-getting-a-boarding-pass-to-ride-rise-of-the-resistance-at-disneyland/ Legacy Passholders should take a look in the Disneyland Mobile App to see what level of discount they have available to them. There are two categories – Legacy Passholder Discount A and Legacy Passholder Discount B. Discount A was given to the higher category passes like the Premier, Signature Plus, and Signature Annual Pass, and Discount B is for Deluxe, Flex, Southern California, and Southern California Select passholders. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/04/22/we-found-another-way-disneyland-is-changing-the-passholder-experience/ Another Imagineering marvel has been shown off online this week. A free roaming Groot animatronic c

This week, new rules when the parks reopen, dining location and menu updates, more mobile ordering locations, where to grab a great hotel deal, lightsabers might cost more, we talk to a friend of Mickey from Fantasmic!, and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. If you want some DLWeekly Swag, you can pick some up at https://www.dlweekly.net/store/. Book your travel through ConciEARS at no extra cost to you! Be sure to mention that you heard about ConciEARS from DLWeekly at booking! If you want some awesome headwear or one of a kind items, be sure to visit our friends over at All Enchanting Ears! You can use the promo code DLWEEKLY10 to get 10% off your order! News: Some of the rules at the parks will be updated when they reopen. Most notably, Disney reserves the right to request a guest to leave if they are not wearing an approved face covering, violating any of the existing park rules, or for using profanity or offensive language towards Cast Members or other guests. This is in response to the guests that have caused altercations in Walt Disney World upon it’s reopening. – https://blogmickey.com/2021/04/following-guest-outbursts-at-disney-world-disneyland-warns-against-profanity-towards-cast-members/ and https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/04/16/news-disney-will-kick-guests-out-for-using-profanity-towards-others/ With the parks reopening in just over a week, the Disney Parks Blog has posted their Dining Guide. Select locations will open for dining booking on April 22nd, with limited capacity. Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance. For a complete list of the locations that will be open, with links to the menus, check out the link in our show notes. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/04/disney-parks-foodie-news-dining-guide-to-disneyland-resort-reopening/ One thing that the food guide does not explicitly touch on is the more limited menus when dining returns. Currently, the Plaza Inn only has fried chicken as an entree for example. Beignets are also disappearing from Cafe Orleans, making them only available at the Mint Julep Bar. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/04/19/no-beignets-there-are-some-major-menu-changes-at-this-disneyland-restaurant/ and https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/04/20/we-hope-you-really-like-chicken-big-menu-changes-are-coming-to-this-disneyland-restaurant/ More locations are being added to the long list of locations accepting mobile ordering. The Tropical Hideaway, French Market Restaurant, and the Plaza Inn will now be mobile friendly. Studio Catering Company in DCA will also join this list. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/04/19/mobile-order-will-be-available-at-four-more-restaurants-when-disneyland-reopens/ Last minute dining reservations can now be secured through the mobile walk-up waitlist feature. This allows guests to get on a wait list for the location without having to interact with the host for the location. For now, it is only in place at Lamplight Lounge and Carthay Circle Lounge. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/04/20/theres-a-new-way-to-get-last-minute-dining-reservations-at-disneyland-resort/ Dining locations at the Grand Californian Hotel and Spa, including GCH Craftsman Bar, GCH Craftsman Grill, and Hearthstone Lounge, will be open for dining, but you must be a hotel guest to eat there. The hotel, along with these locations, is reopening on April 29th, one day before the parks return. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/04/16/disneyland-hotel-dining-will-be-open-to-a-select-group-upon-reopening/ With limitations being put on who can enter the hotel areas of the resort, scan in gates are being added to the Disneyland Hotel entrances. These scan in gates are expected to be used in the evenings after the grounds close to the public to allow hotel guests only onto the property. – https://wdwnt.com/2021/04/photos-disneyland-hotel-will-be-open-to-all-guests-during-the-day-scan-in-gates-to-be-available-for-hotel-guests-at-night/ Visit Anaheim has some great deals listed on their site for local hotels. Some of the promotions include Legacy Passholder rates, regular discounts, and a free limited-edition Disneyland Resort castle stainless steel water bottle. These deals seem to run until June 30th, but act fast as they are sure to book up fast! Visit the link in the show notes for all the locations and deals! – https://www.visitanaheim.org/hotel-spring-promotions/ Last week, we talked about the updates coming to the Haunted Mansion, including updates and additions to the pet cemetery. Disney Parks posted some closer looks at this area of the attraction on their TikTok account, which WDW News Today posted on their site. – https://wdwnt.com/2021/04/video-closer-look-at-refurbished-pet-cemetery-at-the-haunted-mansion-in-disneyland/ Force sensitive folks who want to build their own lightsabers at Savi’s Workshop may find the price has gone up. In Florida, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the pric

This week, Avenger’s Campus has an opening date, ticket information is online for the parks reopening, how to get your reservation, Cast Members get a sneak peek, all types of attractions updates, we talk to former Cast Member Andy, and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. If you want some DLWeekly Swag, you can pick some up at https://www.dlweekly.net/store/. Book your travel through ConciEARS at no extra cost to you! Be sure to mention that you heard about ConciEARS from DLWeekly at booking! If you want some awesome headwear or one of a kind items, be sure to visit our friends over at All Enchanting Ears! You can use the promo code DLWEEKLY10 to get 10% off your order! News: We have an opening date for Avenger’s Campus! The new area in Disney California Adventure is landing on June 4th. This is just over a month after the parks reopen to the general public. A video has been posted showing off the main elements of the campus, including Web Slingers, Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout, Pym’s Test Kitchen, and Doctor Strange’s ancient sanctum. The WEB Suppliers Store will also be open on the 4th. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/04/avengers-campus-at-disneyland-resort-set-to-open-and-recruit-super-heroes-june-4/ Disneyland posted the ticket prices and availability calendars online this week. As of the recording of this episode, all days on the calendar are still open from April 30th to June 28th. This is expected to change once new ticket sales open the morning of April 15th, so this could change. The pricing for the tickets has not changed since the parks closed ticket sales last year. To check the current availability and to get tickets to the parks, check out the link in our show notes. – https://disneyland.disney.go.com/experience-updates/park-reservations/#drawer-card-new-tickets Step by step guide to making reservations {walk through this} – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/04/12/your-step-by-step-guide-to-making-a-disneyland-park-pass-reservation/ Cast Members get the greatest perk of all: visiting the parks before the general public! Cast Members are able to attend to a soft opening of Disneyland and DCA before they open to the public on April 30th. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/04/10/the-disneyland-resort-parks-will-host-a-soft-opening-for-cast-members/ A small thing that guests may notice when the parks reopen is the new nametags that the resort is rolling out. The saying at the bottom of the nametag is being changed to “Bringing Back the Magic” in place of “Where Dreams Come True” that is on the current nametags. – https://www.micechat.com/287392-disneyland-update-you-snooze-you-lose/ When hinges creak in doorless chambers, when strange and frightening sounds echo though the halls, that is when new news from the Haunted Mansion is present! What a great week for news of the changes that have happened since some of these attractions were last open to guests. New curtains, wallpaper, decor inside and out, and a few more surprises have been added and refreshed in the stately manor. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/04/haunted-mansion-home-improvements-at-disneyland-park/ and https://www.micechat.com/287447-disneylands-haunted-mansion-gets-spirited-updates/ Kim Irvine got the pleasure of showing off the completed King Arthur Carrousel on a video posted by Disney today. The newly refurbished attraction has had all of the horses touched up, the paint scheme updated to a more classic look with parchment white with purple, magenta, and other colors. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/04/even-more-beautiful-king-arthur-carrousel-at-disneyland-park/ Even though the parks will be open like they were in the “before times”, it hasn’t stopped changes from happening during the Touch of Disney event. Of course attractions have been cycling, preparing for guests in just a couple of weeks! In addition to this, the Incredibles have been seen on Pixar Pier. – https://www.micechat.com/287392-disneyland-update-you-snooze-you-lose/ With the reopening of Disneyland, there have been questions on how Rise of the Resistance is going to operate, since it was only open for a limited time before the parks closed. Just like in Walt Disney World, it will be on a virtual queue system through the Disneyland mobile app. Boarding groups will be opened in the morning, and once in the afternoon. Guests that have Disneyland reservations can request a boarding group in the morning. For the afternoon group, you have to have entered one of the parks prior to requesting a boarding group. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/04/attractions-and-entertainment-reopening-details-for-disneyland-resort-theme-parks/ Head of the Disney Parks, Josh D’Amaro showed off some impressive technology this past week during the press event to announce the opening of Avenger’s Campus. The awe inspiring things that he showed off were a Groot walking

This week, Disneyland announces ticket and reservation details, what attractions will be open when the parks return, project updates, alcohol expands at the resort, staffing issues, we talk about the rest of our trip to California, and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. If you want some DLWeekly Swag, you can pick some up at https://www.dlweekly.net/store/. Book your travel through ConciEARS at no extra cost to you! Be sure to mention that you heard about ConciEARS from DLWeekly at booking! If you want some awesome headwear or one of a kind items, be sure to visit our friends over at All Enchanting Ears! You can use the promo code DLWEEKLY10 to get 10% off your order! News: Today Disneyland announced how ticket sales and reservations will work for the reopening on April 30th. To enter the parks, guests will need a park reservation plus a valid theme park admission ticket. Reservations are currently limited to California residents, and groups of no more than three households. Reservations will launch on April 12th for guests that currently have valid theme park tickets (not annual passes), no earlier than 8am Pacific time. April 15th guests will be able to purchase new theme park tickets. Reservations will be made available on a rolling basis for greatest access to the most guests. Starting April 9th, guests will a valid ticket can check and see what dates they can request reservations for. Disneyland recommends that guests login to their Disneyland account and add the park tickets to the account before attempting to get reservations for the best chance at success. Park Hopping will be allowed, but only after 1pm on the reservation date. Guests with multi-day tickets will have to make separate reservations for each day they wish to attend. For complete details, visit the link in our show notes. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/04/heres-what-you-need-to-know-about-disneyland-resorts-reopening-including-theme-park-reservations-and-tickets/ The Orange County Register posted a list of attractions that will be open, and which attractions will be closed when the parks reopen. Some notable closed attractions are the Jungle Cruise, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, the Monorail, the Matterhorn, Grizzly River Run, and the Animation building. For the complete list, check out the link in our show notes. – https://www.ocregister.com/2021/04/06/which-disneyland-and-dca-rides-will-be-open-when-the-parks-return/ When Disneyland reopens, there will be some limitations on indoor attractions. Attractions have to be less than 15 minutes long, and must be queued outdoors. There is a question on if Rise of the Resistance qualifies under this 15 minute limit. Pirates, Haunted, Small World, and Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln are about that length, so we will have to see what happens with those. Other issues, like masks getting wet on attraction like Splash and Grizzly River Run could pose issues. – https://www.laughingplace.com/w/news/2021/03/26/california-theme-park-reopening-guidelines-released-with-specific-limits-on-indoor-attractions-and-more/ and https://www.micechat.com/286268-disneyland-update-to-dream-the-impossible-dream/ With Disneyland preparing to open in just a few weeks, there is a lot of work going on with new and existing projects, which can be seen with MiceChat’s aerial photography this week. The Matterhorn looks like there are workers on the mountain, barges are likely servicing Fantasmic! infrastructure, Splash Mountain appears to be having work done, Storybook Land has been drained and work has wrapped up on King Arthur’s Carousel, the Haunted Mansion, and Snow White. – https://www.micechat.com/286878-disneyland-update-soarin-over-a-soon-to-open-disneyland/ Orange County, where Disneyland is located, has entered the Orange tier, which allows for a maximum of 25% capacity. Indoor capacity limited to a maximum of 25%, indoor dining limited to a maximum of 25% capacity. Orange county could move into the yellow tier soon, which would increase these levels to a maximum of 35% capacity, indoor capacity limited to a maximum of 25% and indoor dining limited to a maximum of 50% capacity. – https://www.micechat.com/286878-disneyland-update-soarin-over-a-soon-to-open-disneyland/ and https://www.laughingplace.com/w/news/2021/03/26/california-theme-park-reopening-guidelines-released-with-specific-limits-on-indoor-attractions-and-more/ After Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opened, it was just a matter of time before this next change showed up elsewhere in Disneyland. When the Blue Bayou reopens it will have alcohol on the menu. This will operate similarly to how it works in Oga’s Cantina in Galaxy’s Edge, which allows guests to order off a limited menu for beverages. Beer, wine, and a signature drink, which is a hurricane will be available. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/03/disney-parks-best-bites-april-2021/ and https://www.micechat.com/286631-blue-bay

This week, Tage and Teresa are visiting Touch of Disney and Bowers Museum! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. If you want some DLWeekly Swag, you can pick some up at https://www.dlweekly.net/store/. Book your travel through ConciEARS at no extra cost to you! Be sure to mention that you heard about ConciEARS from DLWeekly at booking! If you want some awesome headwear or one of a kind items, be sure to visit our friends over at All Enchanting Ears! You can use the promo code DLWEEKLY10 to get 10% off your order! NOTE: We will talk about the plans Disney has released this week once we get back home and can go through all the deals. This will probably be the discussion topic next week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week, the early bird gets the Touch of Disney worm, tips for making Touch of Disney a better experience, Avenger’s Campus updates, some fun surprises for guests and legacy passholders, we talk about our planning for our visit to Touch of Disney, and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. If you want some DLWeekly Swag, you can pick some up at https://www.dlweekly.net/store/. Book your travel through ConciEARS at no extra cost to you! Be sure to mention that you heard about ConciEARS from DLWeekly at booking! If you want some awesome headwear or one of a kind items, be sure to visit our friends over at All Enchanting Ears! You can use the promo code DLWEEKLY10 to get 10% off your order! News: Arriving early seems to be the best bet when it comes to Touch of Disney. For those folks staying at a hotel on Harbor, the access is easier and you can arrive to Downtown Disney earlier than the 11:30am Mickey and Friends crowds. For locals, there is also the option to park at the Anaheim Hotel for $10 and walk over. The crowds do pick up in the afternoon and early evening, so getting in and ordering some food right away is a good idea. Avoiding food and checking out the characters and photo ops in the afternoon when it is busiest is the best idea. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/03/18/what-does-a-sold-out-a-touch-of-disney-crowd-look-like-at-disneyland/ Touch of Disney hasn’t been all sunshine and churros. Guests online and even in our community, reported some hiccups with the opening weekend of the event. Guests arriving to Mickey and Friends at 11:30 when the garage opened, then had to walk the tram route, which resulted in getting the the gates after the noon start time. Entrance was slowed down due to having to scan the ticket, take guests photos, then scanning the $25 food gift card to enter. Mobile ordering is highly encouraged, but also had long waits for food once ordered, that in some cases, was faster to stand in line and order at the booth instead. – https://www.mouseplanet.com/12893/Disneyland_Resort_Update_for_March_22__28_2021 Something interesting popped up online this week with guests being able to see different angles into Avenger’s Campus with Touch of Disney going on. It appears that the Web Slingers attraction has a part of the track outside on the roof! We looked at some aerial photos to see if we could 100% confirm this, but there wasn’t a good angle to do so. There is a piece of concept art that has Mission Breakout in the background, so it could show proof of this. We were under the impression that the stunt show would be in this area, so we will see when the land and this attraction officially open to the public. – https://www.micechat.com/285785-disneyland-gets-ready-to-reopen-as-california-adventures-food-festival-kicks-off/ Attendees of the Touch of Disney event are able to look into Avenger’s Campus and see one of the decorative highlights of the new area – the Quinjet! It is parked on top of the location of the possible future location of the phase 2 big Avenger’s e-ticket attraction. – https://www.micechat.com/285785-disneyland-gets-ready-to-reopen-as-california-adventures-food-festival-kicks-off/ Guests were greeted with some unexpected refurbishments going on within California Adventure at the start of the Touch of Disney event. The rotunda for Ariel’s Undersea Adventure is behind scaffolding and being painted, as well as quite a bit of work around Pacifc Wharf, specifically the Cocina Cucamounga. – https://www.micechat.com/285785-disneyland-gets-ready-to-reopen-as-california-adventures-food-festival-kicks-off/ One amazing thing that has returned with the Touch of Disney event are the PhotoPass photographers! There are a number of locations that have been setup to take advantage of their return. There are also some locations that are setup without PhotoPass photographers that are just plain fun! There is a Mickey mural on the side of the D-Lish booth, a D23 Mickey Hands mural near Ghiradelli, butterfly wings by Paradise Garden, and more. For a complete list, check out the link in the show notes. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/03/20/heres-every-photo-op-at-disney-california-adventures-new-event/ During the Touch of Disney event, the games of Pixar Pier are open for guests to enjoy. Dividers have been installed between the seats and cast members are cleaning and sanitizing between each game. The games were free to play during the event, but it is unclear if it will remain that way. – https://www.laughingplace.com/w/news/2021/03/19/games-of-the-pixar-pier-operating-during-touch-of-disney-event-at-disney-california-adventure/ Legacy Passholders have a few places to pick up some nice swag at Touch of Disney. Over in Paradise Gardens, there is an AP corner with a photo op for the 20th anniversary of DCA, along with a Legacy Passholder magnet and button. The 65th Anniversary of Disneyland AP magnet is also still available at m

This week, the resort preps for Touch of Disney at the end of this week, browse the menu and pricing before you go, extended hours coming to Downtown Disney, with an extended discount for legacy passholders, we talk to former Disney Institute cast member Jeff, and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. If you want some DLWeekly Swag, you can pick some up at https://www.dlweekly.net/store/. Book your travel through ConciEARS at no extra cost to you! Be sure to mention that you heard about ConciEARS from DLWeekly at booking! If you want some awesome headwear or one of a kind items, be sure to visit our friends over at All Enchanting Ears! You can use the promo code DLWEEKLY10 to get 10% off your order! News: Disneyland announced their reopening date, along with Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel. April 30th both parks will reopen. Reservations will be required and only open to residents of California. No fireworks or parades, just like we suspected. Check out the links here on the show notes for all the details. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/03/magic-is-back-at-disneyland-resort-theme-parks-plan-to-reopen-on-april-30/ and https://dlnewstoday.com/2021/03/snow-whites-enchanted-wish-will-open-with-disneyland-on-april-30th/ and https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/03/17/news-disneyland-to-use-theme-park-reservation-system-upon-reopening/ and https://dlnewstoday.com/2021/03/the-haunted-mansion-will-return-at-disneyland-with-enhancements-and-new-magic/ Banners are lining the tram route from the Mickey and Friends Parking Garage as preparations wrap up ahead of Touch of Disney, as guests will be walking this path. There are also several speakers that have been installed. Social distancing markers have also appeared in the esplanade. – https://www.micechat.com/285327-disneyland-news-update-its-looking-good/ Inside the park, booths have been set up on the parade route, menus have been posted and even registers are ready to go. Which, is no surprise since everything has to be ready to go by this weekend. Cast member previews have also been going on this week for the event, which starts this Thursday, March 18th. – https://www.micechat.com/285327-disneyland-news-update-its-looking-good/ Ready to start planning all the food you’ll be eating at Touch of Disney? I know we are. The menu and prices are now in the Disneyland app. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/03/15/menus-prices-added-to-disneyland-app-for-a-touch-of-disney-event/ Another reservation snafu to add to the Touch of Disney list is with dining reservations. Like with admission tickets, Disney didn’t announce a time for anything to go on sale, so anyone looking to grab a seat had to refresh all day. There was also a mixed message telling app users to use a desktop, which turned out to put people at the back of the line. What a mess. – https://www.micechat.com/285327-disneyland-news-update-its-looking-good/ Starting with the launch of Touch of Disney, Downtown Disney will stay open an additional hour for your shopping convenience. The new hours will be 10am to 9pm for that week. And on March 27th and 28th, it goes 9am to 9pm, a full 12 hour day. We haven’t seen these extended hours since the holidays, a likely indication of Disney expecting bigger crowds. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/03/10/downtown-disney-hours-extended-during-a-touch-of-disney-event/ Legacy passholders will have an extra step to keep receiving discounts at the park and Downtown Disney. Parkholders will need to show a digital discount ticket, their annual passport and photo ID when they make a purchase. If you’ve previously linked your Passport to your account through the Disneyland app, a new discount ticket should automatically be added. If you haven’t look for an email to come from Disney to come soon with instructions. All of this information was included in an email sent to annual passholders. – Coffee addicts have another one of their Starbucks locations back at Downtown Disney. The west location reopened on Monday with hours basically mirroring Downtown Disney’s operation. They also have a special opening week drink. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/03/10/another-starbucks-location-at-disneyland-resort-is-set-to-reopen-soon/ The hunt is on at Downtown Disney as the Eggstravaganza makes its return. The egg themed scavenger hunt started Monday and runs through April 18, while supplies last. Game boards and stickers are available for about $8 at select locations. Complete your game board and you get a special surprise of one of six collectible eggs. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/03/kick-off-spring-with-eggstravaganza-and-more-at-downtown-disney-district-at-disneyland-resort/ Some perks to get more time at the parks are going away, for now. Disneyland is suspending fast pass, max pass and both sets of magic hours upon its upcoming return. It’s a similar move to what happened at other Disney parks. I

This week, the State released new guidance for theme park reopening, what that means for Disneyland, plus Disney’s reaction to the news, a pleasant surprise from Bob Chapek during the shareholders call, D23 celebrates 20 years of DCA, we finish our talk with former cast member Dave, and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. If you want some DLWeekly Swag, you can pick some up at https://www.dlweekly.net/store/. Book your travel through ConciEARS at no extra cost to you! Be sure to mention that you heard about ConciEARS from DLWeekly at booking! If you want some awesome headwear or one of a kind items, be sure to visit our friends over at All Enchanting Ears! You can use the promo code DLWEEKLY10 to get 10% off your order! News: The State of California released new guidance on the reopening of theme parks througout the state. Theme parks can now open at 15% capacity in the red tier, 25% in the orange tier, and 35% in the yellow tier. Some other restrictions include no indoor dining, limits on indoor attractions, and visits are limited to residents of California. – https://www.ocregister.com/2021/03/05/disneyland-universal-and-other-california-theme-parks-can-reopen-april-1/ and https://www.micechat.com/284100-breaking-disneyland-reopening-plans-revealed/ Disneyland President Ken Potrock released a statement shortly after the revised guidelines were posted stating they are encouraged by the revisions and are looking forward to reopening in spring and getting thousands of cast members back to work, allowing other local businesses to open as well. – https://twitter.com/DisneyParksNews/status/1367974539397795844/photo/1 With the announcement of the ability for the parks to reopen on April 1st, there are still a lot of things that have to land in place to actually be able to open. First, Disney has to decide if opening at the lower capacity is financially possible, then cast members have to be called back to work and re-trained. Part of this re-training is becoming recertified on the attraction to be able to operate them in the state of California. Senior attraction operators need to be called back in earlier to get recertified, so they can then train the other cast members for them to get certified. – https://www.micechat.com/284685-disneyland-update-not-quite-as-soon-as-you-think/ On the Disney Company Shareholders meeting Tuesday, Bob Chapek stated that they hope to have Disneyland open in late April. There is no date they are ready to announce, but if the cases in Orange County continue on the decline, guests could be welcomed back shortly after the Touch of Disney event ends on April 19th. Chapek stated that they are calling back 10,000 cast members in preperation. – https://twitter.com/DisneyParksNews/status/1369358327562477568/photo/1 D23 is hosting a virtual event to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Disney California Adventure. Tickets are free for D23 Gold members, and $11.50 for D23 general members. The panel will include a multitude of Imagineers and others that worked to bring DCA to life. The panel will be available for viewing from March 10th at 4pm Pacific to March 26th at 11:45pm Pacific. – https://d23.com/d23-event/d23-x-walt-disney-imagineering-magical-milestones-disney-california-adventure-park-20th-anniversary/ Tickets for the Touch of Disney event went on sale last week with no specifics, other than the date. Guests hit up the site at midnight pacific time to no update, then at 7am, then 8am, and finally around 9ish, a button appeared to take guests to a queue to get tickets. This queue then lead to another queue to actually get tickets, which for most folks we talked to said “more than an hour.” Once guests got to the online sales page, the process was quick and easy, with no major hiccups. – https://www.mouseplanet.com/12881/Disneyland_Resort_Update_for_March_8__14_2021 MiceChat has some new photos from the skies above Disneyland this week, giving us a glimpse into the park. Lighting was turned on down Main Street, the pink lapacho trees are starting to bloom in the hub, and cocktail tables have been setup around Jolly Holiday and the Plaza Inn. The Frontierland bridge is looking completed and ready to go for guests, and all the attraction work seems to be compelted, with the exception of the carrousel. Over in DCA, Avenger’s Campus looks to be complete on the exterior, waiting to receive guests. – https://www.micechat.com/284685-disneyland-update-not-quite-as-soon-as-you-think/ The WandaVision photo opportunity in Hollywood Land in Disney California Adventure has added a new prop! Agatha Harkness’ directors chair from one of the last episodes of the show is now setup in a fenced off area near the living room setup that has been there for a few weeks now. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2021/03/photos-agatha-harkness-directors-chair-added-to-wandavision-photo-op-at-disneyland-resort/ The Walt Disney Company turns 100 in 2023 and the Walt Disney A

This week, A Touch of Disney is announced, we have most of the details, new tram route decorations for the 65th anniversary, Legacy Passholders have some more new perks, permits filed for the changes coming to the Jungle Cruise, we talk to former cast member Dave, and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. If you want some DLWeekly Swag, you can pick some up at https://www.dlweekly.net/store/. Book your travel through ConciEARS at no extra cost to you! Be sure to mention that you heard about ConciEARS from DLWeekly at booking! If you want some awesome headwear or one of a kind items, be sure to visit our friends over at All Enchanting Ears! You can use the promo code DLWEEKLY10 to get 10% off your order! News: Just after posting our episode last week, Disney announced the details for their food event, “A Touch of Disney”. This experience will cost $75 per person, and will include a food gift card for $25, entrance to most of Disney California Adventure, and free parking in Mickey and Friends. A Touch of Disney will begin on March 18th, with tickets going on sale March 4th. The event will take place Thursdays through Mondays from noon to 8pm. Tickets continue to be released on a rolling basis until the experience ends. Tickets must be purchased in advance on disneyland.com for a specific date. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/02/a-touch-of-disney-new-limited-capacity-ticketed-experience-coming-to-disney-california-adventure-park-beginning-march-18/ – https://www.micechat.com/282589-updates-disney-california-adventure-food-and-wine-event-to-take-over-much-of-the-park/ Where there is food, there is a Disney Parks Blog Foodie Guide! So much food will be available at A Taste of Disney, including many resort favorites. Some of our highlights include Dole Whips, Fluffernutter Churros, corn dogs, lobster nachos, some beef skewers from Bengal BBQ, and more! There are so many options, it will be impossible to not find something that you want to eat, and will probably want to attend a few days to eat it all! – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/03/foodie-guide-to-a-touch-of-disney-at-disney-california-adventure-park-opening-march-18/ and https://www.micechat.com/282589-updates-disney-california-adventure-food-and-wine-event-to-take-over-much-of-the-park/ With the upcoming use of the Mickey and Friends parking structure to be utilized for A Touch of Disney, the tram route to Downtown Disney has been refreshed with some 65th anniversary banners and decorations. The tram route will open to guests for walking to Downtown Disney, as there will not be any tram service at this time. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2021/02/photos-tram-route-decorated-with-flags-and-banner-for-belated-65th-anniversary-of-disneyland-resort/ With the continued closure of the parks beyond A Touch of Disney, the local politicians are trying to help accelerate the limited reopening as completely operating theme parks at a reduced capacity at a lower tier of the COVID-19 Blueprint for a Safer Economy. LA County voted in favor of AB 420, which allows theme parks to reopen at 25% capacity in Tier 3, instead of tier 4. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2021/02/la-county-votes-in-favor-of-bill-allowing-disneyland-resort-universal-studios-hollywood-to-open-in-tier-3-of-california-governors-covid-19-plan/ and https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/02/25/news-bill-to-reopen-disneyland-sooner-moves-forward/ Legacy Passholders continue to have added perks to their non-defunct passes, this time, there will be some exclusive perks and extras during the A Touch of Disney event. There will be a special photo op to celebrate DCA’s 20th anniversary, plus access to themed amenities at the Legacy Passholder Corner in Paradise Gardens. A special button will be available, as well as a Legacy Passholder magnet! – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/03/01/exclusive-legacy-passholder-perks-coming-to-disney-california-adventure-event/ As we told you a few episodes ago, the World Famous Jungle Cruise is set to get a modern update to make the attraction more culturally sensitive. Permits were filed to begin work on transforming the areas to be updated. Scrims will be installed around the areas to be worked on, allowing the attraction to stay running for guests. The construction is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2021. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2021/02/permits-filed-to-begin-construction-of-new-culturally-sensitive-jungle-cruise-ride-scenes-at-disneyland-park/ Guests with reservations at Carthay Circle can now use mobile check-in to notify a host that you are ready for your reservation, without having to stand in line to speak to a host. Reservations can also be made through the mobile system, if you can snag one! – https://www.micechat.com/283944-disneyland-update-the-billion-dollar-question/ Since the opening of the Star Wars Trading Post, waits to access the location have exceeded 4 hours at times, resulting in

This week, Cast Members make a huge difference in Orange County, guests can get Food and Wine Fest refunds, some more Legacy Passholder perks, Wonderground returns, we talk to former Entertainment Performer Madison, and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. If you want some DLWeekly Swag, you can pick some up at https://www.dlweekly.net/store/. Book your travel through ConciEARS at no extra cost to you! Be sure to mention that you heard about ConciEARS from DLWeekly at booking! If you want some awesome headwear or one of a kind items, be sure to visit our friends over at All Enchanting Ears! You can use the promo code DLWEEKLY10 to get 10% off your order! Check us out on the latest episode of The Sweep Spot! News: Disneyland Resort Cast Members that are part of the VoluntEARS program recently helped the Community Action Partnership of Orange County, along with MOMS Orange County to deliver essential items to those in need. More than 300 families received diapers, wipes, and other baby items at a drive-thru distribution event. Disneyland donated plush toys to the event, with the help of 50 VoluntEARS. Since COVID-19 started, more than $5 million dollars worth of merchandise and 500,000 pounds of food have been donated by Disneyland to local nonprofits. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/02/disneyland-resort-helps-get-essential-items-to-those-in-need-with-the-help-of-local-nonprofits/ and https://t.co/4DJKngIauP The reimagined Snow White’s Enchanted Wish attraction is sure to be an excellent upgrade from the old “Scary Adventures” version. What makes this feat even more amazing is that it was accomplished by some Imagineers working from home! Special effects, lighting, paint work, and more were created for the refreshed attraction at Imagineer’s homes during the pandemic. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/02/creating-magic-at-home-snow-whites-enchanted-wish-at-disneyland-park/ In an unexpected move, Disneyland is offering refunds for unused Food and Wine Festival passes. Attendees can receive the refund by calling Disney, or contacting the resort online. $7 will be refunded for each unused tab still attached to a Sip and Savor pass for the 2020 festival. Detached tabs are not eligible. Refunds will be issues via a Disney gift card. – https://t.co/SrReiUECdY Just a friendly reminder that you should also keep track of tickets that you have not yet used and will be able to get refunded or alternative use for in the future. Tickets include Star Wars Nite, which was originally scheduled for August 27th, and Villains Nite, originally scheduled for April 30th. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/02/22/if-you-had-tickets-for-these-3-disneyland-events-be-sure-to-check-for-your-refund/ Once again we have a reopening date for the DVC Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian. As of this podcast recording, the reopening date is set for May 2, 2021. The rest of the hotel will not be open, just the villas for DVC members. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/02/23/news-new-opening-date-announced-for-disneylands-grand-californian/ Disney has announced that Legacy Passholders who attend the upcoming limited-time ticketed experience at DCA will “have access to a special opportunity” at the event. No further information has been announced, and we still have no ticket – or any details – on this event at DCA. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/02/23/legacy-passholders-to-have-a-special-opportunity-at-the-upcoming-disney-california-adventure-event/ Ron Moore, who some of you may know from Battlestar Galactica, Outlander, For All Mankind, and the Star Trek universe, is working with Disney+ on a new universe model based around Disney Parks and classic Disney films. This project is called the Magic Kingdom Universe, and could explore characters like a sea boat captain from the Jungle Cruise, the prospector from Big Thunder Mountain, and more. The first project is based on the Society of Explorers and Adventurers. – https://www.ocregister.com/2021/02/23/magic-kingdom-universe-to-connect-disney-theme-parks-with-disney-shows/ Star Wars Trading Post opened to the general public on Friday and it was popular! There were waits of up to 3+ hours to get into Downtown Disney, and then lines to get into the location. Some of the merchandise was on display outside of guests to look at before entering the new location. – https://www.micechat.com/283144-disneyland-news-update-food-wine-star-wars-and-wonder/ Now that Star Wars Trading Post has opened in Downtown Disney, the Wonderground Gallery could also return! Some new items have appeared in the location including the “Kingdom of Cute” home collection. The collection is from designer Jerrod Maruyama, who is known for his cure Disney park icons designs. Some of the items that you can pick up include a limited edition canvas, a ceramic plate set, serving tray, and more. Check out the link in our show notes for all the optio

This week, guests get “a touch of Disney” next month, less money for the parks, Star Wars Trading post lands in Downtown Disney, some more locations reopen, make some Disney treats at home, we talk to Michael about working third shift, and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. If you want some DLWeekly Swag, you can pick some up at https://www.dlweekly.net/store/. Book your travel through ConciEARS at no extra cost to you! Be sure to mention that you heard about ConciEARS from DLWeekly at booking! If you want some awesome headwear or one of a kind items, be sure to visit our friends over at All Enchanting Ears! You can use the promo code DLWEEKLY10 to get 10% off your order! News: The food event that is coming to Disney California Adventure next month finally has an official name: “A Touch of Disney.” Since there won’t be entertainment or attractions for this event, calling it a Festival was not in the cards. The name is similar to the name that Knott’s used this year, “Taste of Knott’s.” – https://www.micechat.com/282214-disneyland-update-openings-closings-and-glimmers-of-hope/ Last week, Disney had their quarterly earnings call with investors. Not much Disneyland news, except that Disney plans to decrease their budget for Parks, Experiences, and Products and funnel that money into Direct to Consumer, which is TV, movies, and streaming. Bob Chapek also talked about how the pandemic allowed them to rethink their passholder program and how limited attendance could be going forward. Finally, he didn’t expect masks and social distancing at the parks to continue in 2022. – https://www.micechat.com/282214-disneyland-update-openings-closings-and-glimmers-of-hope/ One of the limited capacity issues that they face is overall attendance with reopening Disneyland during the pandemic. One of the possible strategies would be to offer “day-parting” tickets. Day Parting tickets allow Disney to split one day into two parts, each with different tickets needed to attend. Disneyland could then sell, say 15,000 tickets for the first part of the day, remaining within capacity limits, then sell another 15,000 for the second part of the day, bringing capacity up to 30,000 guests a day. – https://www.micechat.com/282214-disneyland-update-openings-closings-and-glimmers-of-hope/ Star Wars Trading Post will be opening to the public this week after some early access days for Legacy Passholders. This location will be more flexible with the timeline for Star Wars than Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland. Merchandise from all eras of the universe will be on sale. The exterior is still themed to be a Resistance base, but also fits in with other iconic locations. Inside the location, Grogu’s pram will be on display. – https://www.ocregister.com/2021/02/11/how-disney-imagineering-turned-the-rainforest-cafe-into-a-star-wars-rebel-base-in-downtown-disney/ and https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/02/11/disneys-new-star-wars-store-will-have-details-from-the-mandaloridan/ La Brea Bakery has reopened in Downtown Disney! This is one of the last locations to reopen since the stay at home order was lifted allowing restaurants to allow guests to dine in again. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/02/10/did-someone-say-bread-a-downtown-disney-bakery-is-reopening-soon/ The exterior section of Oswald’s at the entrance to Buena Vista Street has reopened for the first time since closing almost a year ago. Currently, there is a limited selection of merchandise, but it is nice to have another location open on Buena Vista Street. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2021/02/photos-oswalds-reopens-with-new-mickey-and-minnie-shirts-at-disney-california-adventure/ Starbucks has returned to Downtown Disney in its largest store near World of Disney. No word on the smaller Starbucks at the west side of Downtown Disney, or the location on Buena Vista Street. Sprinkles Cupcakes and Splitsville also do not currently have an opening date. – https://www.micechat.com/282214-disneyland-update-openings-closings-and-glimmers-of-hope/ For the Star Wars fans listening, a new coffee table book based on the art of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is available for pre-order. The book will be priced at $50 and will be on sale April 27th in a hardcover version, with 256 pages. – https://wdwnt.com/2021/02/new-the-art-of-star-wars-galaxys-edge-book-available-for-pre-order/ For Valentines Day this year, Salt and Straw offered a sweet deal of two pints of ice cream and “A Whiff of Waffle” candle package for $49. The UVA Bar and Cafe offered a White Chocolate Raspberry Martini, which is made up of Godiva white chocolate, Stoli Chocolat Razberi vodka, and creme de cacao. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/02/13/spend-valentines-day-with-ice-cream-and-candles-in-downtown-disney/ and https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/02/13/forget-chocolate-boxes-wed-rather-drink-our-dessert-in-disneyland-resort/ With Valentine’s Day over for this year, you can stil

This week, a BIG rumor is going around, a new ticketed event will allow guests to roam around all of Disney California Adventure, Star Wars Trading post is coming along with a chance to see it early, we talk to Emily from Pinderella, and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. If you want some DLWeekly Swag, you can pick some up at https://www.dlweekly.net/store/. Book your travel through ConciEARS at no extra cost to you! Be sure to mention that you heard about ConciEARS from DLWeekly at booking! If you want some awesome headwear or one of a kind items, be sure to visit our friends over at All Enchanting Ears! You can use the promo code DLWEEKLY10 to get 10% off your order! News: This piece of news is strictly in the RUMOR category, but thought it was possibly exciting enough to at least mention on the show. There is a rumor, posted over at Disneyland News Today, that Main Street, USA is planning to open sometime in mid-March. This would be approximately a year since the park closed to guests on March 14th last year. If this is true, Main Street should be open to guests just like Buena Vista Street is currently. No word on how close guests will be able to get to Sleeping Beauty Castle, or what will be open. Keep an eye on our social media accounts for any update on this rumored story. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2021/02/rumor-main-street-u-s-a-at-disneyland-park-to-reopen-march-14th-exactly-one-year-after-the-park-closed/ With the closing of the resort last year, the Food and Wine Festival that was in progress never got to run it’s course. A new, limited ticketed event will allow Disneyland favorites from around the entire resort to be enjoyed once again. The rest of Disney California Adventure, minus all the attractions, will be accessible during this event, starting in mid-March. This event is also expected to bring 1,000 cast members back to work. No details on exact dates, ticket cost, or when the tickets will go on sale. – https://www.micechat.com/281918-breaking-news-food-festival-planned-for-disney-california-adventure/ and https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/02/08/breaking-news-ticketed-food-event-inside-of-disney-california-adventure-coming-soon/ The theming of the new Star Wars Trading Post in Downtown Disney has been coming along with some new props. On the building itself, camouflage netting, communications dishes, and wiring have been added. In front of the new location, Rey’s speeder from Jakuu has been installed as a photo op. With all of this new themeing, it is only a matter of time before this location is open to welcome guests. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2021/02/photos-wires-thrown-all-over-and-set-piece-added-to-star-wars-trading-post-at-downtown-disney-district/ and https://wdwnt.com/2021/02/photos-new-star-wars-trading-post-lights-up-in-the-downtown-disney-district/ Preview reservations were open for Star Wars Trading Post for legacy passholders, but sold out immediately. They may open more availability in the future, so keep an eye on the link in our show notes. – https://disneyland.disney.go.com/enchanting-extras-collection/booking-star-wars-trading-post/ and https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/02/09/reservations-now-open-for-star-wars-passholder-event-at-disneyland-resort/ Exterior lighting has been in testing for Avenger’s Campus this week. The new lighting for the area can be seen by those guests who are inside Buena Vista Street after dark. The front of the Spider-Man attraction is lit up in blue, with the red section sporting a lit up WEB logo in white. Once the parks reopen, it shouldn’t be too long until guests can walk the pathways of this new area! – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/02/04/photos-lights-are-on-at-avengers-campus-in-disneyland-resort/ With eating allowed at the resort again, there are a couple of new options for churros. Returning is the fluffernutter churro, which you may remember is a churro covered with peanut butter, marshmallows, and chocolate. A new option is the chocolate pineapple churro. The churro is covered in an oreo crumble, and drizzled with a pineapple glaze. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/02/06/churro-lovers-rejoice-fluffernutter-churros-have-returned-to-disneyland/ and https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/02/08/review-are-the-chocolate-pineapple-churros-a-must-try-or-a-hard-pass-in-disneyland-resort/ Salt and Straw is bringing some flavors back out of their “vault” to Downtown Disney. The flavors are a salted caramel cupcake, Cinnatopia Cinnamon Bun, Strawberry Tres Leches, Brown Ale & Bacon, and Lemon Cheesecake Crumble. Some of these flavors date back to as early as 2011! – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/02/06/salt-straw-at-disneyland-resort-is-bringing-its-most-epic-flavors-out-of-the-vault/ Dining- whats open and how to get a reservation. – https://www.micechat.com/281610-disneyland-update-hearts-sing-and-wishful-things/ and https://www.mouseplanet.com/12855/Disneyland_Resort_Upda

This week, dining returns to Downtown Disney, with Buena Vista Street locations coming soon, an update to the mask policy, annual passholders get some perks, information about the new membership program launch, we talk to former DCA cast member Daniel, and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. If you want some DLWeekly Swag, you can pick some up at https://www.dlweekly.net/store/. Book your travel through ConciEARS at no extra cost to you! Be sure to mention that you heard about ConciEARS from DLWeekly at booking! If you want some awesome headwear or one of a kind items, be sure to visit our friends over at All Enchanting Ears! You can use the promo code DLWEEKLY10 to get 10% off your order! News: A few of the Downtown Disney dining locations that closed due to the stay at home order have now reopened. UVA Bat and Cafe reopened on January 30th, along with Tortilla Jo’s, and Naples Ristorante e Bar. Reservations can be made for these locations on the Disneyland Dining reservations page. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/01/28/two-downtown-disney-restaurants-share-reopening-dates/ With the return of dining, food carts and extended seating areas have returned to Buena Vista Street. Water, soft drinks, and even cotton candy have returned to the carts. A lot of the expanded eating areas that were setup previously have also returned in a similar fashion. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2021/01/photos-food-carts-return-and-seating-areas-extended-at-disney-california-adventure/ Friday, February 5th is the date when Award Wieners, Carthay Circle Lounge, and Smokejumpers Grill will reopen for guests. The three locations should return to the same level of service and menus as they had before the stay at home order caused them to close down. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/02/01/carthay-circle-award-wieners-and-more-get-reopening-dates-in-downtown-disney/ Disneyland has updated their mask policy while on property to include reference to the COVID-19 vaccinations that are ongoing around the world. The first policy that they updated was the requirement for everyone, even those vaccinated against the virus to wear a mask while on property. The other policy is that of clear face masks. Clear face masks must be attached to fabric on all sides using tight knit stitching. The clear face masks are designed to help those guests who need to read lips, or are deaf. – https://www.ocregister.com/2021/02/01/downtown-disney-and-buena-vista-street-visitors-face-2-new-mask-rules/ Disneyland wants to make sure that former annual passholders feel the love. Passholders as of March 14, 2020 are now labeled as Disneyland Resort Legacy Passholders. This new title brings with it some new extras like 30% off select merchandise at some Downtown Disney and Buena Vista Street locations on Monday through Thursdays through February 25th. Also, a WandaVision inspired retro photo op the weekend of February 6th. There is another perk, which we will touch on later. – https://disneyland.disney.go.com/news/legacy-passholder-program/ and https://www.micechat.com/281168-disneyland-update-survey-says-jungle-news/ Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock hopes that the new membership program will be ready when they are allowed to reopen, which currently looks to be spring at the earliest. He said they are working all hands on deck to develop the program as quickly as possible. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2021/01/disneyland-hopeful-of-launching-new-annual-pass-membership-program-when-allowed-to-open/ Hard to believe, but it has almost been 20 years since Disney California Adventure opened! Starting February 8th, World of Disney and Elias & Co. are releasing a limited assortment of merchandise celebrating the milestone. The items will include the 20th anniversary logo, which features Mickey and Minnie riding the Trolley, with the Pixar Pal Around as the 0 in Celebrating 20 years. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/02/01/20th-anniversary-disney-california-adventure-merch-is-being-released-soon/ Progress is being made on the exterior of the old Rainforest Cafe location to convert it to the new home of the Star Wars Trading Post. Control panels, satellite dishes, and more Star Wars touches have been made to the exterior. The new sign for the location also appears to be hung up, but covered for the time being. Legacy Passholders will get early access to the location starting on February 16th through the 18th, before the opening to the public on February 19th. – https://www.micechat.com/281168-disneyland-update-survey-says-jungle-news/ A new Beauty and the Beast collection has appeared on Buena Vista Street at the Kingswell Camera Shop. The new items spread across kitchen and household items like a Chip Succulent that has Chip blowing bubbles, with a succulent growing out the top as well. A Madame de La Grande Bouch jewelry box, Lumiere light-up figure, and more are in the collection. – https://www.disneyfoodblo

This week, Disneyland provides a mind-boggling amount of potential annual membership options, our experience with AP refunds, the Jungle Cruise is getting a makeover, food returns to Downtown Disney, we go in depth about the survey options, and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. If you want some DLWeekly Swag, you can pick some up at https://www.dlweekly.net/store/. Book your travel through ConciEARS at no extra cost to you! Be sure to mention that you heard about ConciEARS from DLWeekly at booking! If you want some awesome headwear or one of a kind items, be sure to visit our friends over at All Enchanting Ears! You can use the promo code DLWEEKLY10 to get 10% off your order! News: Disneyland sent out a survey to some annual passholders this week with a TON of different pass and ticket options. We will talk more about this at length for our discussion topic! – Links here AP refunds- talk about our experience If the total amount paid toward a Passport (minus any refunds already given) exceeds the “usable value” of the Passport, that excess amount will be refunded for that Passport. The “usable value” of the Passport equals the total sales price of the Passport divided by the total number of access days to any theme park permitted under the Passport at activation and multiplied by the number of days that the Passport could have been used to visit any park per the terms of the Passport prior to March 14, 2020. – https://disneyland.disney.go.com/annual-passholder-refund-information/ This week, Disney announced some drastic changes coming to the World Famous Jungle Cruise. Former Jungle Cruise skipper turned Imagineer Kevin Lively announced the changes on a video posted by the Disney Parks Blog. The changes involve making the attraction more story based, focusing on a skipper and his passengers journey going awry. Two previous boats, the Mekong Maiden and the Kwango Kate will also make an appearance. Gone will be the “natives” of the jungle, making this a more inclusive attraction. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/01/new-adventures-to-cast-off-soon-along-world-famous-jungle-cruise-at-disneyland-park-and-magic-kingdom-park/ and https://www.micechat.com/280932-breaking-news-major-changes-coming-to-the-jungle-cruise-at-disneyland-and-magic-kingdom/ With Disneyland being closed for so long, UBS, a financial services company, expects attendance will reach “historical levels” by 2022. UBS states that Disney theme parks will be “the beneficiary of vaccine availability and pent-up demand for leasure travel” in the second half of 2021, expecting full recovery by 2023. – https://www.ocregister.com/2021/01/26/disneyland-attendance-to-rebound-by-2022-due-to-pent-up-demand-analysts-forecast/ With the stay-at-home order being lifted, guests can enjoy food and drink at Downtown Disney again! The previous rules are still in place that you must be stationary and socially distanced from others to be eating or drinking. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/01/25/guests-can-eat-and-drink-around-downtown-disney-again/ Recently, it seems like collectible keys have become popular, despite them being available for quite some time now. A new series of keys are coming to shopDisney on January 30th at 7am Pacific. This series is love themed, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Designs feature Disney classics, including The Aristocats, Bambi, Dumbo, Lady and the Tramp, and The Lion King. The keys are sold in blind packs, so you never know what you are going to get upon opening. There is also a mystery key you can get. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2021/01/new-blind-pack-love-series-collectible-keys-coming-to-disney-springs-and-shopdisney-on-january-30/ With Valentine’s Day just a couple of weeks away, some lovely treats have come to Disneyland. There is a “Bee” Mine Krispy treat, which features a bee and the word “mine” on top of a heart shaped treat, a chocolate dipped marshmallow wand, with marshmallows dipped in caramel, then dipped in dark chocolate and drizzled with red and pink chocolate. Chocolate covered strawberries are also availalble. For Caramel Apple fans, there is a “bee” mine chocolate covered caramel apple, which compliments the krispie treat we mentioned earlier. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/01/25/review-these-may-bee-the-sweetest-treats-at-disneyland-resort/ Discussion Topic: Disneyland Annual Pass (Annual Membership) Options Survey https://www.micechat.com/280749-disneyland-update-ticket-access-potential-pricing-and-new-features-ahead/ https://www.mouseplanet.com/12851/Disneyland_Resort_Update_for_January_25__31_2021#news1 Our Google Doc with all the options we could find! – https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1sObP1HJ1bQ0OO7jHyS8t-6d7DxsCNKNi8VaBzKZGf0Y/edit?usp=sharing Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week, the current annual passholder program is going away, Spider-Man gives us a look inside the upcoming attraction, Wonderground gallery is coming back, another Imagineer is retiring, we talk to Michael and Jamie about being a college program family, and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. If you want some DLWeekly Swag, you can pick some up at https://www.dlweekly.net/store/. Book your travel through ConciEARS at no extra cost to you! Be sure to mention that you heard about ConciEARS from DLWeekly at booking! If you want some awesome headwear or one of a kind items, be sure to visit our friends over at All Enchanting Ears! You can use the promo code DLWEEKLY10 to get 10% off your order! News: The Disneyland Annual Pass Program in it’s current form was cancelled by Disneyland last week. If you are interested in hearing our opinions of this breaking news from the day that it was announced, please check out our breaking news episode that we posted last week. In addition to our opinions on the matter, a couple of our supporters were on the call when we recorded the news and had some thoughts on connected topics. – https://www.micechat.com/280078-disneyland-update-all-good-things-must-come-to-an-end/ Some new information has been presented as a behind the scenes look at the new Web Slingers attraction coming to Avenger’s Campus. Spider-Man himself, Tom Holland, presents the behind the scenes footage and talks about what the attraction is going to be. Footage of the ride vehicles, filming of the safety and instruction videos, and more are seen in this 1 minute video. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/01/first-look-at-actor-tom-holland-as-peter-parker-in-web-slingers-a-spider-man-adventure-coming-to-avengers-campus-at-disneyland-resort/ and https://dlnewstoday.com/2021/01/photos-first-look-at-3d-glasses-pre-show-video-and-web-shooting-on-web-slingers-a-spider-man-adventure-ride-for-avengers-campus-at-disneyland-resort-and-disneyland-paris/ Some great news for those of you who miss the Wonderground Gallery in Downtown Disney, it is returning! Star Wars fans, don’t be too upset, because the Star Wars Trading Post is moving to the old Rainforest Cafe location. The temple look of the location will be re-themed to a hidden jungle Resistance Base, with Rey’s speeder parked at the entrance. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/01/new-year-new-tips-for-downtown-disney-district-at-disneyland-resort-come-now-for-fun-finds-come-again-soon-for-star-wars-trading-post-in-a-new-location/ and https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/01/17/news-star-wars-trading-post-at-disneyland-resort-will-get-a-new-location-designed-by-imagineers/ and https://www.micechat.com/280078-disneyland-update-all-good-things-must-come-to-an-end/ The Black Panther mural that we talked about previously will be “glowing away forever” on February 28th. The mural was created after the untimely passing of Chadwick Boseman to commemorate his life and legacy. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/01/new-year-new-tips-for-downtown-disney-district-at-disneyland-resort-come-now-for-fun-finds-come-again-soon-for-star-wars-trading-post-in-a-new-location/ Calling all Annual Passholders! If you will be getting your expanded discount while shopping at Disneyland, make sure to ask for your free 65th anniversary AP magnet! The magnet is free to passholders who make any purchase at Downtown Disney. We would recommend acting fast, as these are sure to go quick! – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/01/18/pics-free-annual-passholder-magnet-now-available-with-any-purchase-at-disneyland-resort/ For those of you who collect Starbucks Disneyland tumblers, there is a new design available! This version features fireworks, Sleeping Beauty Castle, “it’s a small world”, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and more! The tumbler is available at Downtown Disney for $24.99, plus tax. Also available are some new sweatshirts that feature characters from Disney classics. Lady and the Tramp, Fox and the Hound, The Lion King and more are some of the options. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/01/18/starbucks-just-released-a-new-disneyland-themed-tumbler/ and https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/01/18/pics-new-character-sweatshirts-feature-classic-disney-duos/ Imagineer Kevin Rafferty, best known for attractions such as Toy Story Midway Mania, Tower of Terror, Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, and, most recently, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway announced his retirement from Imagineering after 42 years, effective April 1st. No, this isn’t some form of April fools joke he says. Kevin started working for Disney washing dishes at the Plaza Inn at Disneyland. D23 had a great interview with him that we will have linked in the show notes. – https://d23.com/imagineer-kevin-rafferty-retiring-after-42-magical-years-read-his-exclusive-interview/ Another Disney great was lost to us this past week when Dale Baer passed away. Dal

Ken Potrock issued a statement and emails were sent out to APs today “In the next several days, we will begin the process of issuing appropriate refunds for eligible Disneyland Resort Annual Passports and sunsetting the current Annual Passport program due to the continued uncertainty of the pandemic and limitations and expected restrictions around the reopening of our theme parks.” He kept using the term “sunsetting” instead of canceling the program which seems intentional and a clear hint that the program will be back! Disney “plan(s) to use this time while we remain closed to develop new membership offerings that will utilize consumer insights to deliver choice, flexibility and value for our biggest fans. Once we have more information to share about future membership offerings, our Passholders will be the first to hear from us as we embark on this next chapter.” APs, that had active passports on March 14,2020, will receive additional discounts on merchandise purchased at DTD and Buena Vista St www.disneyland.com/APSpecialOffers We also encourage you to stay connected with the Disneyland Annual Passholders Facebook page as we plan to continue our Annual Passport communication and digital content with more special opportunities to come, until new membership offerings are announced. Links: Great coverage from MiceChat about this. Sounds like they talked to Ken Potrock about this: https://www.micechat.com/279966-breaking-news-disneyland-annual-pass-program-ending/ Refund page: https://disneyland.disney.go.com/annual-passholder-refund-information/ Letter from Ken: https://www.laughingplace.com/w/news/2021/01/14/disneyland-cancels-annual-pass-program/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week, Disney celebrates some various milestones, Downtown Disney changes, mardi gras comes to Jazz Kitchen Express, some new merchandise for your castle, new Up merchandise lands, we talk to Emery about working in DCA, and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. If you want some DLWeekly Swag, you can pick some up at https://www.dlweekly.net/store/. Book your travel through ConciEARS at no extra cost to you! Be sure to mention that you heard about ConciEARS from DLWeekly at booking! If you want some awesome headwear or one of a kind items, be sure to visit our friends over at All Enchanting Ears! You can use the promo code DLWEEKLY10 to get 10% off your order! News: 2021 marks 30 years of the Disney Vacation Club! To celebrate, Disney has released some new items with the 30th anniversary logo for the occasion. There is a magnet, phone case, and a selection of tees, in mens, womens, and child sizes. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2021/01/shop-new-disney-vacation-club-30th-anniversary-30-magical-years-merchandise-available-on-shopdisney/ January 12th marks 20 years since Downtown Disney opened to the public as part of the Disneyland Resort expansion. To celebrate, a few locations offered discounts of special deals. Sephora is offering 20 products under $20 through January 17th, Jazz Kitchen Express offered 20 beignets for $20, and Wetzel’s Prezels offered 20% off of rainbow crunch pretzels. – https://twitter.com/Disneyland/status/1349038583135481857 Since the New Year, there have been some changes at Downtown Disney. Some of the shops have closed, while others have reopened. Sprinkles Cupcakes has closed, although they state that it is temporary. Asian Street Eats, which has been open less than a year has closed and it’s permanent food truck has been removed. Pandora has reopened after an enexpected shutdown over the holidays. – https://www.micechat.com/279631-disneyland-update-on-your-mark-get-set-go/ Lower crowds after New Years has resulted in some changes to Buena Vista Street. Guests can now just walk right into the former theme park entrance without waiting or any cast members at the gates. Stage 17, which is home to the Hollywood Backlot Premiere Shop, has moved it’s entrance to Hollywood Land and discontinued the entrance from the esplanade. This change has increased shoppers to this location. Gone Hollywood has gone to Friday through Sunday hours of operation. – https://www.micechat.com/279631-disneyland-update-on-your-mark-get-set-go/ With Mardi Gras coming up in February this year, Jazz Kitchen Express has started offering some specials, including Mardi Gras Glazed Beignets! This version of the popular treat is almond-glazed and sprinkled with purple, green, and gold colors celebrating Mardi Gras. – https://www.micechat.com/279631-disneyland-update-on-your-mark-get-set-go/ For those of you who would like to make your home “your castle” there are some new Beauty and the Beast inspired Home Goods. You can flip some food with the rose themed spatula, pour yourself some tea with the Belle Mug and Tea Infuser, stay cozy with the “Be Our Guest: throw blanket, and more! These items can be seen in the Disney Home store in Downtown Disney. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2021/01/photos-new-beauty-and-the-beast-be-our-guest-home-goods-arrive-at-disneyland-resort-2/ Merchanside from the Disney Pixar film Up has appeared at the resort. Some of the items include a “Paradise Falls” coin bank, an Up pillow featuring balloons made from pom poms, tumblers, hoodies, leggings and more round out the collection. – https://www.micechat.com/279380-disneyland-merchandise-update-new-year-new-gear/ Disneyland has been announced as the first mass vaccination site in Orange County. The vaccination site will be setup and available later this week to start vaccinating eligible people who live or work in Orange County. Vaccinations are available by appointment only. As a side note, Dodger Stadium was also announced as a mass vaccination site, but as of this recording, there are no specifics. – https://bit.ly/3sfiPld and https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/01/11/news-disneyland-announced-as-orange-countys-first-mass-vaccination-site/ Discussion Topic: Former Cast Member Emery from DCA. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week, MiceChat gives us a look inside the parks from the air, Avengers Campus nearing completion, Vegan Ice Cream options coming to Downtown Disney, get ready to welcome in the Year of the Ox, new merchandise for the pet lover in your life, we talk to Will and Jessica about musical performers in the parks, and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. If you want some DLWeekly Swag, you can pick some up at https://www.dlweekly.net/store/. Book your travel through ConciEARS at no extra cost to you! Be sure to mention that you heard about ConciEARS from DLWeekly at booking! If you want some awesome headwear or one of a kind items, be sure to visit our friends over at All Enchanting Ears! You can use the promo code DLWEEKLY10 to get 10% off your order! News: MiceChat was able to take to the air once again and get some nice shots of inside of the closed parks last week. Social distancing markers can be seen in place for when the park, or at least Main Street, can reopen. The Tomorrowland entry project appears to have stalled again. It appears that Snow White has finished construction, while King Arthur Carousel is still behind walls. Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is progressing quickly. – https://www.micechat.com/278744-disneyland-update-high-in-the-sky-disney-holiday-spy/ DCA aerial updates – https://www.micechat.com/278744-disneyland-update-high-in-the-sky-disney-holiday-spy/ The Orange County Register had an interview with Disneyland President Ken Potrock, where he went into the challenges the resort is facing and what the hopes are for the future. Ken has not been in charge of the resort since it closed back in March. He states that he spent an enormous amount of time and energy trying to get the parks reopened. Ken said that he has looked at the problems that the resort has faced and turned them into opportunities to be creative. “We will mount a legendary comeback” he said. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/12/31/we-will-mount-a-legendary-comeback-disneyland-president-comments-on-the-challenges-of-the-closure/ and https://www.ocregister.com/2020/12/31/disneyland-president-ken-potrock-faces-challenges-steeper-than-matterhorn/ Vegan Ice Cream options are coming to Salt and Straw in Downtown Disney. The new flavors are under the name “Vegandulgence” and are 100% plant based. The new options include Peanut Butter Strawberry Crumble, Bourbon and Caramelized Honeycomb, Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies and Cream, Coconut Rice Pudding, and Banana Avocado Sorbet. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/01/02/banana-and-avacado-sorbet-downtown-disneys-salt-straw-is-offering-new-vegan-ice-cream-flavors/ In a few weeks, the “Year of the Ox” will arrive. The Chinese New Year celebration is well represented this year at Disneyland with merchandise already available. Some of the options include a spirit jersey, Minnie Ears, t-shirts, and more. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2021/01/photos-new-year-of-the-ox-chinese-new-year-minnie-ears-spirit-jersey-and-apparel-arrive-at-disneyland-resort/ If there is a cat lady in your life, Disney has you covered with some new merchandise. There is a t-shirt with the saying “You say Cat Lady like it’s a bad thing”, a coffee mug with various Disney cats drawn on the side, and more. If you are more of a dog person, there is a “I’m a dog person” tote bag, as well as a cats and dogs rain hat, rain slicker, and umbrella. Socks, dresses, and much more are also available. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2021/01/photos-its-raining-cats-and-dogs-merchandise-at-disneyland-resort/ Another monthly collection is coming to shopDisney, this time focused on Stitch. Stitch Crashes Disney is a new monthly collection that will have Stitch mashed up with different Disney films. The first in the series is themed to Beauty and the Beast. This series is part of MerchPass starting on January 12 at 7am Pacific, and in stores on January 16th. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2021/01/first-look-at-stitch-crashes-disney-monthly-collection-series-coming-to-shopdisney/ One of the first inhabitants of the Disneyland property was Ron Dominguez. His family owned 10 acres of orange groves, which would house Disneyland starting in 1954. Some of you may recognize the name from the Dominguez tree that stands to this day as art of the entrance building for the Jungle Cruise. He worked at the park, climbing the Disney ladder until 1994, when he retired as Executive Vice President, Walt Disney Attractions, West Coast. He was made a Disney Legend in 2000. He sadly passed away on January 1st. – https://www.micechat.com/279106-farewell-to-mr-disneyland-ron-dominguez/ The former chief photographer who was responsible for some of the most iconic photos from Disneyland has passed away. Renie Bardeau was the chief photographer for close to 43 years, in that time capturing many celebrities, including Walt Disney, in the park. His most famous photos include Walt walking through Sleeping Beauty Cast

We are talking all about Star Wars! What is coming to the Star Wars Universe in the form of movies and TV series, mostly released on Disney+. Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. If you want some DLWeekly Swag, you can pick some up at https://www.dlweekly.net/store/. Book your travel through ConciEARS our vacation easy and memorable! Just mention that you heard about ConciEARS from DLWeekly at booking! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week, Snow White returns with a new name, Tomorrowland 2055 lives!?, Josh D’Amaro is hanging out at the resort, start your morning with a Disney sunrise, Mickey balloons return, more shops reopen, we reverse trivia land, and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. If you want some DLWeekly Swag, you can pick some up at https://www.dlweekly.net/store/. Book your travel through ConciEARS for all your Disney travel needs! Make sure that you mention DLWeekly sent you! News: Seemingly out of nowhere, we got a magical reveal of the reimagine of Snow White’s Scary Adventures, which has been renamed Snow White’s Echanted Wish. The interior and exterior have been updated in this classic attraction, along with some new 21st century tech. New LED black lights, music, laser projections, animation systems, and audio-visual technology has added. Several new scenes were added, including Snow White waking up from her sleep. A new animatronic Snow White also appears. – https://t.co/tIZciEQAyO An artist has created a 3-D version of some of the concept art from the proposed Tomorrowland 2055 designs that never came to be from the early 90s. Rob Yeo recreated the 3-D models in a program called Blender from drawn concept art. The result is a very art-deco and even includes a redesign of the People Mover! – https://dlnewstoday.com/2020/12/artist-creates-tomorrowland-2055-based-on-rejected-imagineering-concepts-for-disneyland/ With the stay-at-home order in effect throughout California, Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, has been visiting the parks. With the massive layoffs of 32,000 cast members, walking around the parks must be especially hard right now. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2020/12/photos-josh-damaro-visits-disneyland-resort-amidst-california-covid-19-stay-at-home-order/ Josh D’Amaro has been hanging out at the Disneyland Resort a lot recently, and on a recent trip noticed that Cast Members have decorated Walt’s apartment above the Firehouse on Main Street, even though no guests would be able to see it. Josh took the opportunity to post it on social media for all those who could not see it this year. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2020/12/photos-josh-damaro-shares-look-at-christmas-tree-inside-walt-disneys-apartment-at-disneyland/ Last year, Disney posted a set of sunrise videos from the different parks in the US. Disney has now posted these as a series of videos on Disney+. If you want to start your day off right with a sunrise in a Disney park, this is a great option. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2020/12/new-disney-parks-sunrise-series-now-streaming-on-disney/ A common sight before the pandemic was the high flying Mickey Balloons for sale. Disney has started selling these guest favorites on Buena Vista Street. Other items also include popcorn buckets and holiday merchandise. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2020/12/photos-mickey-balloons-once-again-available-at-disney-california-adventure/ The Orange County Register posted an article explaining how Avenger’s Campus could be bringing 50 – or more – super heroes to life. Already announced are at least 16 of them, including Spider-Man, Doctor Strange, Black Widow, Black Panther, Captain America, Iron Man, Ant-Man and even a super villain Taskmaster. For a complete list of characters they think are coming, check out the link in our show notes. – https://t.co/G933qShI2R Disney collaborated with the Power of One foundation to offer dry goods, pantry items, fresh foods, meal kits, diapers, baby food, and more. The Disney VoluntEARS worked with the foundation to distribute the items into 1,500 Anaheim family and cast member vehicles. In addition, food donations were made to the local food bank partners including the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County and the Orange County Food Bank. 20 tons of food was donated from closed Downtown Disney restaurants. The Disneyland resort has donated over 200 tons of food since March to those in need in Orange County. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/12/21/disneyland-resort-supports-a-donation-event-for-anaheim-families/ and https://dlnewstoday.com/2020/12/foundation-hosts-christmas-food-bank-at-the-disneyland-resort-for-laid-off-cast-members-and-locals-in-need/ and https://t.co/XPQYVU4W7q Another shop has returned to service last week in California Adventure. Gone Hollywood is carrying a wide variety of holiday and other Disney merchandise, but has also unveiled new coin press machines that feature a digital screen to select your coin design. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2020/12/photos-video-gone-hollywood-reopens-at-disney-california-adventure/ An extension to the Stage 17 shopping area of Disney California Adventure has opened in Hollywood Land. The new area includes the Studio Store kiosk, as well as plenty of racks of items out in the area. The Studio Store section is heavily stocked with Star Wars merchandise, while the outside is more holiday merch. – https://d

This week, Downtown Disney is closing on Christmas, Cast Members get a sneak peek of something new, Avenger’s Campus information, 2021 merchandise has arrived, a new Disney Paper Parks project, we talk to Ethan about working in Tomorrowland, and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. If you want some DLWeekly Swag, you can pick some up at https://www.dlweekly.net/store/. Book your travel through ConciEARS our vatcation easy and memorable! Just mention that you heard about ConciEARS from DLWeekly at booking! News: On episode 160, we talked about the holiday hours for the Downtown Disney District. This week it was announced that the shopping area will not be open for Christmas Day. Downtown Disney will be open 9am-8pm on Christmas Eve and 9am-9pm on the day after Christmas. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/12/11/news-downtown-disney-at-disneyland-resort-will-be-closed-on-christmas-day/ and https://www.micechat.com/277730-disneyland-resort-update-holiday-twist-and-avengers-surprise/ This week, Cast Members got to take part in an exciting preview for a new attraction coming to Disney California Adventure. Cast members were able to experience “WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure” in the new Avenger’s Campus area of the park. Cast Members reported liking the new attraction and said it was similar to the Transformers attraction in Universal Studios. At Disneyland, the Toy Story Midway Mania attraction is the most similar. – https://www.micechat.com/277730-disneyland-resort-update-holiday-twist-and-avengers-surprise/ Avenger’s Campus will include a WEB Supply Shop at the exit of the new WEB SLINGERS attraction, which will sell the Spider-Bots that are already for sale around Downtown Disney. The Spider-Bots will also be upgradable with new skills, personalities, and sounds. Near Guardians of the Galaxy side of the campus, the Avenger’s store and the PYM test kitchen will be located. The Avenger’s building which includes the Quinn Jet on the roof will one day be the home to a new attraction, which is delayed indefinately at this point. In front of that building is the “hub” of the land and includes a Dr. Strange garden, where guests can meet and greet with him. – https://www.micechat.com/277730-disneyland-resort-update-holiday-twist-and-avengers-surprise/ 2020 is almost over! That means it is time for the 2021 merchandise to arrive at the resort. This year, the design has moved away from the design style of the last few years and matches the design style which was used on the 2020-2021 16 month calendars. The design centers around bright primary colors including red, blue, yellow, white, and black. The standard fare of ears, magnets, keychains, apparel and much, much more. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2020/12/photos-new-ear-headband-apparel-and-more-2021-merchandise-arrive-at-disneyland-resort/ For our annual passholder listeners, Disney is offering 30% off on select holiday merchandise, plus the annual passholder discount. Combined, this offers up to 45% off your purchase of these items. – https://www.micechat.com/277730-disneyland-resort-update-holiday-twist-and-avengers-surprise/ This week, Disney offered a shopping event to launch the new Legacy Lightsaber Hilts. The new hilts incuded Ashoka Tano and Darth Tyrannus. There is also a Vader Force Guidance Kyber Crystal, and some new limited edition pins. The Ashoka Tano legacy saber includes two hilts for $199.99, and the Darth Tyrannus hilt is $129.99. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/12/11/reservations-are-now-available-for-the-legacy-lightsabers-shopping-event-at-disneyland-resort/#more-420748 Another fun Disney Paper Parks project has been posted online. This time, it isn’t an attraction based project, but do it yourself paper ornaments, AND themed sheets to make your own wrapping paper! The ornaments are meant to be cut out and built for “the twelve days of ornaments”. The designs feature Bengal Batbeque, Tom Sawyer Island, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Hyperspace Mountain and more. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2020/12/disney-parks-blog-presents-disney-paper-parks-holiday-edition-designed-by-walt-disney-imagineering-part-1/ The Disney Dreamers Academy was presented in a virtual format this year for 100 teens around the US. The academy was a 12-week program that offered noted professionals and celebrities talking about topics including empowerment, overcoming obstacles, and pursuing goals. Diney Dreamers were awarded a career shadowing externiship in their field of interest, including Imagineering, Walt Disney Studios, ABC, Pixar, and more. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2020/12/be-100-first-disney-dreamers-academy-virtual-program-series-culminates-with-a-stirring-commencement-celebration/ The annual Children’s Hospital of Orange County, or CHOC, Walk to support the CHOC foundation to help sick children and their families, will be virtual next year. The Walk is sponsored by Disney.

This week, stay at home orders closes down some recently open spaces, some dining it still available, Disney tickets extended, new merchandise comes to the stores, mobile ordering comes to World of Disney, we talk to Jeff from Mousetalgia, and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. If you want some DLWeekly Swag, you can pick some up at https://www.dlweekly.net/store/. Book your travel through ConciEARS and start planning your next trip today! Don’t forget to mention that you heard about ConciEARS from DLWeekly at booking! All Enchanting Ears is offering 10% off for podcast listeners and weekly flash sales! Head on over to allenchantingears.com and use DLWEEKLY10 at checkout. News: This week, California entered into another stay at home order for much of the state. The new order allows retail stores to remain open at 20% capacity, but restricts all on-premise dining options. Carthay Circle, Award Wieners, Taste Pilots, Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Cafe, and outdoor vending carts will close. Retail that sells food will remain open, like Marceline’s and Trolley Treats. Disney is evaluating opening more retail locations to soak up the demand for the existing stores. 350 Cast Members are returning to furlough. – https://www.micechat.com/276877-rollback-disneyland-resort-operations-changes-on-the-way/ and https://t.co/pp0ivoplh0 and https://www.micechat.com/276793-disneyland-update-two-steps-forward-and-two-steps-back/ Downtown Disney locations that are not owned by Disney are hit and miss on what is remaining open. For the full list, please check the link in our show notes and, as always, check the Disneyland Mobile App. – https://www.mouseplanet.com/12820/Disneyland_Resort_Update_for_December_7__13_2020#news1 With the stay at home order in effect through California, the planned re-opening of Disney’s Grand Californian has been delayed. The hotel was supposed to reopen the Disney Vacation Club Villas on Sunday, December 6th. If you booked a stay and would like to reschedule, head on over to the DVC website to make changes. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2020/12/breaking-disneys-grand-californian-hotel-spa-reopening-delayed-due-to-stay-at-home-order/ and https://t.co/Vyux6WweEL For listeners who have Disney Theme Park tickets that have expiration dates, Disney has posted updated guidelines. Unused non-promotional tickets will be extended to December 16, 2021. Tickets still expire 13 days after first use, or December 16th, whichever is first. For guests who have partially used tickets, those remaining days will be expended to December 16th, 2021. – https://www.micechat.com/276793-disneyland-update-two-steps-forward-and-two-steps-back/ A whole range of items are now available at Downtown Disney. A new Jack Skellington AP popcorn bucket, which lights up in different colors is $20, Mickey can be spotted inside of a snow globe sipper, also an AP only offering for $17.69. A new holiday insulated tumbler is at the World of Disney for $23.99, a White Christmas Tree Popcorn bucket for $18.99, and a new pair of Minnie ears, this time in “cornflower blue” for $29.99. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/12/04/whats-new-at-downtown-disney-jack-skellington-popcorn-buckets-a-store-reopening-and-cornflower-blue-minnie-ears/ As we reported on earlier this summer, the El Capitan Theatre is expanding their custom marquee messages to the holiday season. Pricing ranges from $25 to $200, depending on what you want. The theatre is also offering to-go “Winter Cheer” bundles that include Disney Parks popcorn buckets. For full details, visit the link in our show notes. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2020/12/el-capitan-theatre-offering-custom-holiday-marquee-messages-disney-parks-popcorn-bucket-bundles-and-more-for-winter-cheer-promotion/ Guests have become accustomed to mobile ordering of food around the parks, so Disney has added mobile ordering to World of Disney. The system is in testing at the moment, but it may help speed up your shopping experience. Guests will grab a designated shopping bag, scan items you wish to buy and place them in the bag, pay for the items through your phone, and then show a cast member a QR code as you exit. – https://www.micechat.com/276793-disneyland-update-two-steps-forward-and-two-steps-back/ With the closure of the parks this holiday season, a gap in holiday entertainment for some guests has appeared, and Disney has offered a solution. The 2019 Epcot Candlelight Processional has been posted online to take the place of the annual holiday event. The event posted online is hosted by Neil Patrick Harris. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2020/12/video-disney-releases-full-performance-of-candlelight-processional-featuring-neil-patrick-harris-at-epcot-from-2019/ Dusty Sage over at MiceChat posted a tour of Walt Disney’s Storybook Mansion in the Hollywood Hills. The tour was posted to the Storybook Mansion Facebook page, and is linked in our show notes. This was the mansion wher

This week, dining reservations are open at Carthay Circle, some new treats for this holidays, expanded Downtown Disney hours, Salt and Straw has some new flavors, more bad news for cast members and Disney Parks, we talk to former cast member Stephanie, and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. If you want some DLWeekly Swag, you can pick some up at https://www.dlweekly.net/store/. Book your travel through ConciEARS and ask about custom dining adventures! Be sure to mention that you heard about ConciEARS from DLWeekly at booking! All Enchanting Ears is offering 10% off for podcast listeners and weekly flash sales! Head on over to allenchantingears.com and use DLWEEKLY10 at checkout. News: Carthay Circle is now available for dining reservations! Guests who would like to reserve a time to dine at the restaurant on Buena Vista Street can head into the Disneyland app and schedule a time to dine. There is still the option to walk up and be seated, but Disneyland highly recommends a reservation. Reservations are open as far out as the parks calendar, but have been very popular. Also note, if you have a dining reservation, you can enter Buena Vista Street up to one hour before your reservation, with your entire party present. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/11/25/disneyland-announces-carthay-lounge-dining-reservations-experiences-technical-difficulties/ and https://disneyland.disney.go.com/dining/disney-california-adventure/carthay-circle-lounge For guests that are lucky enough to get into Buena Vista Street, there are some new holiday treats over at Trolley Treats. A new vanilla cupcake with blue icing, white pearls, and Mickey ears is available, along with a chocolate cupcake with green icing in the shape of a Christmas tree. The cupcakes are $5.99 each. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/11/25/review-does-this-cupcake-at-disney-california-adventure-impress-chocolate-lovers/ Hours at Downtown Disney are being expanded for the Holiday season. Downtown Disney was opening at 10am, but that is being pushed back to 9am. The shopping and dining district will be open from 9am to 9pm until January 2nd, with the exception of Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve when it will close at 8pm. Christmas Day will have a delayed opening of 10am. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/11/29/update-downtown-disney-extends-hours-into-the-new-year-at-disneyland-resort/ Once again Salt and Straw in Downtown Disney have whipped up another fun flavor for guests. Among the options are Dwanta’s Teremana Spiked Eggnog, Cocoa and Peppermint Patties, Gingerbread Cookie Dough, Almond Brittle with Salted Ganache, and more! The new flavors will be available through the holiday season. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/11/27/spiked-eggnog-ice-cream-check-out-the-2020-holiday-salt-straw-ice-cream-flavors-in-downtown-disney/ With holiday shopping in full swing, shopDisney has started offering same day shipping on select items through Instacart. The downside of this is that in-store pricing and sale prices don’t apply to items ordered this way. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2020/11/shopdisney-now-offering-same-day-delivery-on-select-disney-store-items-via-instacart/ Disney has issued refund checks for the full amount of the Premiere Annual Passes this week. The premiere annual pass is the pass that includes access to all the US Disney theme parks on both coasts. The refund checks are for the full amount and not just for one coast or the other. No word on if this was a requested refund, or something automated. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2020/11/disney-now-sending-full-refund-checks-to-premier-annual-passholders-due-to-extended-disneyland-resort-closure/ LA County, which is adjacent to Orange County where Disneyland is located, has entered a second “safer at home” order through December 20th. This doesn’t mean anything directly for the resort, but guests living in the county are being advised to stay home as much as possible. – https://www.micechat.com/276470-disneyland-update-its-a-small-holiday-after-all/ With the continued closures, Disney’s theme parks division was forced to lay off another 4,000 cast members, bringing the total to 32,000. In addition to theses cast members, another 37,000 are on furlough as of October 3rd. Before the pandemic, Disneyland employed 32,000 cast members, and Walt Disney World employed 77,000. – https://t.co/eVIKkZIINM Not only has Disneyland been effected by the increase in cases around the world, but two other Disney parks around the world are closing down again. Disneyland Paris, which was planning on opening for the holiday season will be closed until February 12th per government rules, along with Hong Kong Disneyland, which was just reopened for the second time for the 15th anniversary, also mandated by the government there. No reopening date has been set for Hong Kong. – https://www.micechat.com/276470-disneyland-update-its-a-small-holiday-after-all/ To end t

This week, Buena Vista Street has opened, Walt and Mickey have a refreshed look, Avenger’s Campus updates, new food in DCA, Grad Nite 2021 update, we talk to Liberty about her Disney World trip, and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. If you want some DLWeekly Swag, you can pick some up at https://www.dlweekly.net/store/. Book your travel through ConciEARS and ask about custom dining adventures! Be sure to mention that you heard about ConciEARS from DLWeekly at booking! All Enchanting Ears is offering 10% off for podcast listeners and weekly flash sales! Head on over to allenchantingears.com and use DLWEEKLY10 at checkout. News: Buena Vista Street has reopened and guests have descended upon the resort to step foot inside of a Disney park again. For those who may go in the near future, you will have to pay $10 to park in the Downtown Disney parking lot, stores are capped at 25% per state mandate, so be prepared to wait. To actually get access to Buena Vista Street, guests must wait in a queue or scan a daily-changing QR code to join the virtual queue. Once you get inside, there are also waits to enter the shops. – https://www.micechat.com/275982-disneyland-update-holiday-hopes-and-humbugs/ With the opening of Buena Vista Street, the Storytellers statue that features Mickey and Walt when first arriving in California has been refurbished. In Disneyland, the Partners statue was also refurbished. Over time, the bronze had oxidized, and because of the applied patina, acrylic polymer and wax, it required a more intensive process than just a simple cleaning or polishing. Over four days, an artisan utilized a process using crushed walnut shells to gently strip the figure down to the bare bronze. After cleaning, various chemicals were applied and heated with a blowtorch to create a reaction and fuse with the bronze. The figure was coated in a polymer to protect the patina, then coated with a very thin layer of wax. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2020/11/a-special-surprise-to-commemorate-mickeys-birthday-at-disneyland-resort/ Avenger’s Campus may not be open at Disney California Adventure at the moment, but you can still pick up your very own Spider-Bot! The Spider-Bot is a tool that WEB, or the Worldwide Engineering Brigade, built to help super heroes. Guests can find this fun toy, along with all new Avenger’s apparel at World of Disney or the Backlot Premiere Shop starting December 4th. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2020/11/first-chance-to-get-your-very-own-spider-bot-from-avengers-campus-at-disneyland-resort/ With the ability to be in Disney California Adventure, guests have been able to get a closer look at Avenger’s Campus! Most of the buildings that can be seen from guest accessible areas look in place, and nearly complete. With the pace and amount of work being done, this new area could open with the rest of the park sometime next year. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/11/19/photos-construction-is-moving-along-at-avengers-campus-in-disneyland/ Guests that would like to order a drink from Award Wieners can also purchase a Green or a Red Mickey Jingle Bell Glow Cube for just $4.99. For a more upscale dining experience, some of the new options at Carthay Circle might hit the spot. Baked Bay Scallops, Moroccan Roasted Chicken Meatballs, Pumpkin Ice Cream Sundae, and available. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/11/21/whats-new-at-disney-california-adventure-buena-vista-street-re-opens-with-new-menus-holiday-merchandise-and-more/ and https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/11/18/whats-new-at-downtown-disney-a-crazy-mickey-shake-iconic-mickey-ears-holiday-decorations-and-more/#more-408166 Without an opening date for the parks, and even knowing if graduation celebrations will be allowed next year, Disneyland has canceled the 2021 Grad Nite. Disney’s statement said “We know how disappointing this will be to the many graduates who were looking forward to celebrating at the Disneyland Resort, and we thank you for your understanding during these challenging and unprecedented times. We look forward to celebrating your students in years to come.” – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/11/24/news-grad-nite-2021-has-been-canceled-at-disneyland-resort/ Disney fans have been very excited about the Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway toys available at McDonald’s as part of a Happy Meal order. However, in just the last couple of days, the toys have been pulled from the restaurants. The QR codes to register to win a WDW trip were having some issues and new toys without the codes are on the way to restaurants now and should be in stock again soon. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2020/11/mcdonalds-temporarily-stops-selling-happy-meals-featuring-mickey-and-minnies-runaway-railway-toys-due-to-error/ Once again, a new Disney Paper Parks creation has been posted online. This time, it celebrates the unveiling of the Castle of Magical Dreams which just debuted in Hong K

This week, Disney’s losses in 2020 weren’t as bad as expected, Disneyland not opening in 2020, updates coming to the parks, a first look at the Spider-Man vehicle, the holidays come to the resort, we talk to former cast member Jesse, and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. If you want some DLWeekly Swag, you can pick some up at https://www.dlweekly.net/store/. Book your travel through ConciEARS and ask about custom dining adventures! Be sure to mention that you heard about ConciEARS from DLWeekly at booking! All Enchanting Ears is offering 10% off for podcast listeners and weekly flash sales! Head on over to allenchantingears.com and use DLWEEKLY10 at checkout. News: Last Thursday, Disney held their Q4 earnings report and fiscal 2020 year end results. The company had 14 billion in revenue, beating expectations. The Disney Parks had the worst loss in the company with a 61% decrease in revenue, resulting in a 1.1 billion dollar loss. Disney estimates the total impact from COVID-19 in 2020 was 7.4 billion overall. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2020/11/breaking-disney-parks-experiences-and-products-segment-records-loss-of-1-1-billion-in-q4-2020/ During the 2020 earnings call last week, Disney CEO Bob Chapek dropped the news that they did not think that Disneyland would be open in the fiscal first quarter of 2021. This is confusing some as different online publications are saying this means until March 2021, but the way that Disney has it’s fiscal years setup means that Disneyland will not be open for the rest of 2020. The second fiscal quarter starts in January, 2021. – https://www.micechat.com/275082-disneyland-update-open-and-closed-as-disneyland-faces-a-purple-christmas/ Most of California, including Orange County where Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, and Knott’s Berry Farm are located have slid back into the purple zone on California’s COVID-19 blueprint. This means that even the smaller amusement parks need to close down again, and indoor dining will not be allowed, with fewer guests allowed inside retail locations. For Downtown Disney, this means a return to outdoor dining only, and longer lines for the retail stores. – https://www.micechat.com/275082-disneyland-update-open-and-closed-as-disneyland-faces-a-purple-christmas/ and https://www.ocregister.com/2020/11/16/disneyland-and-knotts-further-from-reopening-with-orange-countys-slide-into-most-restrictive-covid-19-tier/ Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products, presented at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, or IAAPA, Virtual Education Conference. During the presentation, he showed off some positive changes coming to the parks around the world. At Disneyland, Avengers Campus is working toward completion, with the bulk of the additions happening at other parks. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2020/11/updates-on-new-disney-parks-attractions-entertainment-offer-glimpse-of-exciting-future/ This week, we received a first look at the actual ride vehicle for the new Spider-Man attraction coming to Avenger’s Campus. The new attraction, named “Web Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure” will be the new e-ticket in the land when it opens. The ride vehicles are enclosed and give the feel of a much smaller Guardian’s gantry lift. The side of the vehicle opens to allow guests to board in a single line facing outward so they can sling webs! – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/11/16/pics-check-out-the-ride-vehicles-for-the-upcoming-web-slingers-a-spider-man-adventure-in-disneyland/ At the IAAPA Expo, Josh D’Amaro stated that more inclusion projects will be coming to the parks after the Splash Mountain retheming. This is part of the fifth key in Cast Member training that was announced in September. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2020/11/josh-damaro-states-there-will-be-more-inclusion-projects-for-disney-parks-starting-with-splash-mountain-retheming/ The holidays have officially arrived at the Disneyland Resort with a number of seasonal shopping and dining options now available. Black Tap has a Thanksgiving Burger, La Brea Bakery has a few different spirits to choose from like the Merry Manhattan, the Tinsel-Tini, a Mistletoe Margarita, the Joyful Daiquiri, and the Jolly Old Fashioned. Earl of Sandwich, California Churro, Wetzel’s Pretzels, and Marceline’s Confectionery also have some festive options. A holiday favorite will not be returning this year. The infamous Disneyland Candy Cane will not be avaliable. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/11/16/take-a-look-at-the-seasonal-shopping-and-dining-available-at-downtown-disney/ and https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2020/11/shop-sip-savor-and-celebrate-the-holiday-season-at-downtown-disney-district-at-disneyland-resort/ For merchandise, holiday options are coming to a lot of Downtown Disney shops, the Backlot Premiere Shop, and Buena Vista Street Shops. If you are able, we would encourage a donation to th

This week, Buena Vista Street is reopening as part of Downtown Disney, new food comes with it, the Red Car Trolley is here and gone again, more furloughs, some exciting D23 events coming next week, we talk to former parade performer Tim, and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. If you want some DLWeekly Swag, you can pick some up at https://www.dlweekly.net/store/. Book your travel through ConciEARS and ask about custom dining adventures! Be sure to mention that you heard about ConciEARS from DLWeekly at booking! All Enchanting Ears is offering 10% off for podcast listeners. Head on over to allenchantingears.com and use DLWEEKLY10 at checkout. News: In just a few days guests will be walking around on Buena Vista Street again! On November 19th, the front part of Disney California Adventure will be open and operate as an extended part of Downtown Disney. All of Buena Vista Street from the front gates to the Carthay Circle Theater, and from Award Wieners on Hollywood Boulevard to Smokejumpers Grill in Condor Flats will be open to guests. – https://twitter.com/Disneyland/status/1324416422664196096 The Carthay Circle Lounge will be open with Buena Vista Street and will offer a new menu. The new options include smaller plated featuring Mediterranean-California light types of food. Among the items are a Carthay shrimp roll, harissa-roasted lamb, soy-glazed salmon, and more. Pasta and chicken skewers are some of the options for kids. All dining will be outdoors. The full menu can be seen on the Disneyland App. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/11/05/carthay-circle-to-offer-new-menu-and-alfresco-dining-upon-reopening-at-disneyland-resort/ and https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/11/05/news-full-menu-for-carthay-circle-lounge-released-on-disneyland-app/ In a bit of a surprise, Award Wieners on Hollywood Boulevard in DCA will be reopening with Buena Vista Street on November 19th. The location, best known for hot dogs and corn dogs, will have a new menu. A hotdog and corn dog are still on the menu joined by a cheddar cheese stick and apple pie funnel cake fries! Some adult beverages will also be offered. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/11/09/award-wieners-to-reopen-with-buena-vista-street-at-disneys-california-adventure/ and https://dlnewstoday.com/2020/11/corn-dog-castle-corn-dogs-and-more-will-be-offered-at-award-wieners-for-the-reopening-of-buena-vista-street-at-disney-california-adventure/ The Red Car Trolley made an appearance on Buena Vista Street last week, and then disappeared again as work started on what is most likely the electric charging which is built into the street at the station. The Trolley is expected to return as a photo op when this section of the park opens on November 19th. – https://www.micechat.com/274668-disneyland-update-red-car-parking-and-partial-reopening/ Even with all the excitement of more things opening, Disney has announced another wave of furloughs. This time, it includes executive, salaried, and hourly workers. Ken Potrock, the President of the Disneyland Resort sent the letter to cast members explaining how difficult this decision is and they hope to get things open and cast members back to work as soon as possible. – https://www.ocregister.com/2020/11/09/disneyland-announces-additional-furloughs-as-state-guidelines-leave-theme-park-in-limbo/ The Orange County Register posed an interesting question to readers this week: would you be willing to take a rapid COVID-19 test to enter the theme parks? Universal Studios and Six Flags have asked this question in surveys to potential guests. They are trying to determine if a rapid test that could be completed in as little as 15 minutes would make potential guests feel safer in the parks, almost ruling out that any guest would have COVID-19 in the parks after the tests would be completed. – https://t.co/c0MGSWp9Me The face masks that Disney has been selling online and in the parks and shops have received a price increase from $6 each to $9.99 each. The price has not increased at Disneyland just yet, so if you have been eyeing up a Disney mask, now would be a good time to buy before the price could go up. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/11/04/mask-price-increases-have-not-reached-disneyland-resort-yet/ Holiday merchandise is coming in hot and heavy at the moment. New items like a gingerbread character ornament set, Christmas snack bracelets, beanies, spirit jerseys, and a new one – underwear! The underwear features Wreck-it-Ralph, Disneyland, Kevin from Up, and Disney emoji. Each pair is $19.99. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/11/05/whats-new-at-downtown-disney-red-trolley-sighting-snowman-candy-apples-and-so-many-christmas-pins/ and https://dlnewstoday.com/2020/11/photos-new-monsters-inc-scream-canister-water-bottles-roll-into-disneyland-resort/ One of the three Disneyland Hotels will have a partial re-opening on December 6th! The Disney Vacation Club Villas at Disney’s

This week, the Disney Horses horse around for Halloween, churro toffee recipes, a change to the Disneyland mobile app, some new merch has come to Downtown Disney, a new Imagineering invention, we talk to former Disneyland Ambassador Robyn, and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. If you want some DLWeekly Swag, you can pick some up at https://www.dlweekly.net/store/. Book your travel through ConciEARS and ask about custom dining adventures! Be sure to mention that you heard about ConciEARS from DLWeekly at booking! All Enchanting Ears is offering 10% off for podcast listeners. Head on over to allenchantingears.com and use DLWEEKLY10 at checkout. News: The horses from Disneyland have been enjoying their extended “vacation” at the Circle-D Ranch, but they got into the spirit with their own costumes for Halloween. Horses Chief and Chad were decked with flowers representing traditional carousel horses, Jack dressed as an African okapi, Maximus was dressed as – get ready for this – a baked potato! Val dressed for the upcoming holiday with red, green, and ribbons, Finn dressed as Flynn Rider, and Gracie dressed as a bee! To see all these costumes, make sure to check out the link in our show notes! – https://dlnewstoday.com/2020/10/photos-horses-of-circle-d-ranch-at-disneyland-resort-dress-up-for-halloween/ Listeners of the show know that we love the churro toffee from the parks. Pumpkin Spice has come to the popular treat! This version was available at the California Churro Co. cart in Downtown Disney until Halloween. On the white chocolate outside, pumpkin spice and orange colored sugar has been added for this fall treat. We hope that they bring this back in the future! – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/10/29/review-the-limited-time-pumpkin-spiced-toffee-is-available-now-in-downtown-disney/ You might have missed the pumpkin spice churro toffee at the resort, but you can make your own regular churro toffee at home! MiceChat has posted a recipe that is only 5 ingredients, along with a video showing how to do it! Visit the link in the show notes to try it yourself. – https://www.micechat.com/274134-dia-de-los-muertos-treat-copycat-disneyland-churro-toffee-recipe/ The Disneyland Mobile app has added a chat feature, a “Know Before You Go” section, and retired updates through the Disneyland Today Twitter profile. Guests have to be logged into a Disney account to use the chat feature. The Know Before You Go section is split into Downtown Disney and Disneyland Resort. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/10/31/news-cast-member-chat-and-downtown-disney-operational-updates-added-to-disneyland-app/ and https://dlnewstoday.com/2020/10/disneyland-app-adds-chat-feature-know-before-you-go-information-ahead-of-buena-vista-street-reopening/ An interactive talking Groot has come to World of Disney for just $59.99. Groot responds to 20 spoken phrases with sounds, music, and movement. The list of phrases is included with the purchase. Groot can also attach to guest’s shoulders. A seperate bluetooth speaker is also available for $39.99. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2020/11/photos-new-interactive-talking-groot-and-bluetooth-speaker-bring-guardians-of-the-galaxy-to-life-at-disneyland-resort/ The Dress Shop in Downtown Disney has a new Sleeping Beauty Castle Snowflake dress for sale. The dress is cream colored and has embroidered snowflake details on the belt and collar, with Sleeping Beauty Castle on the left side of the dress. The dress also features pockets, which is a great addition to any dress. The dress costs $128. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2020/11/photos-new-sleeping-beauty-castle-snowflake-dress-by-the-dress-shop-arrives-at-the-disneyland-resort/ Guests visiting Downtown Disney will notice that mobile ordering and queueing has expanded for the shopping district. For waiting for access to the popular stores, guests can now just scan a QR code on a sign to get on the waiting list and not have to talk directly with a cast member. Third party dining establishments have added mobile ordering through scanning a QR code and placing an order. – https://www.micechat.com/274153-disneyland-update-closures-christmas-reopening/ Some new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge merchandise has come to the the Trading Post in Downtown Disney. A new Annual Passholder t-shirt for $36.99, and an Oga’s Cantina Coasters t-shirt for $36.99. Along with Star Wars, holiday merchandise has shown up around the shopping district. Items include a wide range of clothing, accessories, and more. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/10/30/whats-new-at-downtown-disney-christmas-merchandise-fall-snacks-and-buena-vista-street-prepares-to-reopen/ and https://www.micechat.com/273974-disneyland-merchandise-update-holidays-in-galaxies-far-far-away/ The Orange County Register reported that the changes that have taken place for the virtual queue for Rise of the Resistance out in Hollywood Studios could come to Disneyland. The boa

This week, presidents of the resorts respond to the new guidelines, annual pass changes could be coming, Buena Vista Street is reopening, we talk to former Jungle Cruise Skipper Vedder, and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. If you want some DLWeekly Swag, you can pick some up at https://www.dlweekly.net/store/. Book your travel through ConciEARS and ask about custom dining adventures! Be sure to mention that you heard about ConciEARS from DLWeekly at booking! All Enchanting Ears is offering 10% off for podcast listeners. Head on over to allenchantingears.com and use DLWEEKLY10 at checkout. Also, this month they are re-launching their Ear of the Month Club. Head on over to https://www.patreon.com/AllEnchantingEars to sign up! News: The California Attractions and Parks Association, an organization that represents amusement parks and attractions througout California, streamed reactions from the big theme park operators last week. Ken Potrock, President of the Disneyland Resort, Kurt Stocks, President of Legoland California, Karen Irwin, President and COO of Universal Studios Hollywood, and Raffi Kaprelyan, Regional Vice President for Cedar Fair, which operates Knott’s Berry Farm were on the stream. Good points were made by each of them, such as local residents might be traveling out of state to go to theme parks since the local ones aren’t open, helping with the COVID-19 spread. Overall, the group of theme park leaders were not happy. – https://www.facebook.com/CaAttractionsandParks/ The Orange County Register reported this week that the Southern California theme parks are considering legal action to gain permission to reopen, or, at the very least, change the guidelines for reopening. The parks at least want to be able to open in tier 3 instead of waiting for tier 4. – https://www.ocregister.com/2020/10/21/disneyland-universal-studios-knotts-and-more-considering-legal-action-over-californias-unachievable-reopening-guidelines/ Disneyland sent an email out to annual passholders discussing the reopening guidelines that were announced last week. The email went on to mention that they are not sure what that means for the annual passholder program. They finish saying that they will be in touch soon, when they can share more details. – https://www.micechat.com/273627-disneyland-update-the-nightmare-before-christmas/ Tokyo Disneyland is a huge annual passholder park, much like Disneyland. This week, Tokyo Disneyland has ended their annual passholder program and refunded the balance to passholders. Could this be something that Disneyland will do when it eventually reopens? – https://www.micechat.com/273340-tokyo-disneyland-annual-pass-program-ending-could-it-happen-at-disneyland/ and https://www.micechat.com/273627-disneyland-update-the-nightmare-before-christmas/ Beginning in November, Buena Vista Street will be open for shopping and dining! Disney is considering this as an expansion to Downtown Disney. All of the stores on Buena Vista Street will be open, including Elias & Co., Julius Katz & Sons, Kingswell Camera Shop, and Trolley Treats. The Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Cafe, Carthay Circle Lounge, and Smokejumpers Grill will also be open for dining. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2020/10/more-shopping-more-dining-coming-soon-downtown-disney-district-at-disneyland-resort-extends-to-buena-vista-street/ With the reopening of Buena Vista Street, Cast Members have been called back to work, ending their furlough. However, others got messages from Disney that the furloughs have become layoffs. Over 200 cast members will be retuning to work on Buena Vista Street starting COVID training on November 1st. – https://www.micechat.com/273627-disneyland-update-the-nightmare-before-christmas/ Another Downtown Disney shopping event is happening from October 26th-29th. Reservations are required, but have gone quickly. Products that will be available include the 65th anniversary Walt and Mickey vinyl, the 65th anniversary Mr. Toad vinyl, both priced at $29.99, plus tax. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/10/23/make-your-reservations-now-for-this-exclusive-disneyland-shopping-event/ We talked about the 40th anniversary of the Make-A-Wish foundation last week, and just after that episode posted, Disney released the “Wishes Come True Blue Color Collection.” 25% of the purchase price for each item will go to the Make-A-Wish foundation, up to $500,000. This is the first color collection that helps benefit a nonprofit. 10,000 of the cloth masks are also being donated to the nonprofit. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2020/10/celebrate-40-years-of-disney-and-make-a-wish-with-debut-of-all-new-global-products-including-the-wishes-come-true-blue-color-collection/ Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen has added three new sauces to their lineup for beignets. The new sauces include a BOO-Berry sauce, a caramel apple sauce, and a praline-maple anglaise. The sauces are $1.49 each and

This week, Disneyland is probably not reopening for “the foreseeable future”, Disney and Anaheim are not happy about that, work is still happening around the parks, centerpieces get shined up, we revisit the history of Space Mountain, and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. If you want some DLWeekly Swag, you can pick some up at https://www.dlweekly.net/store/. Book your travel through ConciEARS and ask about custom dining adventures! Be sure to mention that you heard about ConciEARS from DLWeekly at booking! All Enchanting Ears is offering 10% off for podcast listeners. Head on over to allenchantingears.com and use DLWEEKLY10 at checkout. Also, this month they are re-launching their Ear of the Month Club. Head on over to https://www.patreon.com/AllEnchantingEars to sign up! News: The State of California Health and Human Services hosted an update on COVID-19 in California stream on Tuesday afternoon to talk about theme park reopening guidelines. This was not good news. In a nutshell, small theme parks, which is categorized as being under 15,000 guest capacity can reopen at tier-3, or orange level at 25% capacity or 500 guests, whichever is lower, with only outdoor attractions, and ticket sales limited to the same county the park is located in. – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8QJF0uEDO8 For larger theme parks, they can reopen at tier-4, or yellow level with 25% capacity. Both levels of theme parks must utilize a reservation system for obtaining tickets and must screen guests for symptoms in advance. Face coverings are mandatory throughout the parks, unless eating or drinking. – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8QJF0uEDO8 Disneyland’s President Ken Potrock went to Twitter to post his reaction to the guidelines, in part “Together with our labor unions we want to get people back to work, but these State guidelines will keep us shuttered for the foreseeable future, forcing thousands more people out of work, leading to the inevitable closure of small family-owned businesses, and irreparably devastating the Anaheim/Southern California community.” – https://twitter.com/DisneyParksNews/status/1318644525565321217?s=20 The Mayor of Anaheim, Harry Sidhu, seems to agree with Disney, saying in part on Twitter: “These guidelines fail working families and small business. As painful as this is, Disney and the city of Anaheim will survive. But too many Anaheim hotels, stores, and restaurants will not survive another year of this.” continuing “The unions of the Disneyland Resort agree and support the reopening of the theme parks in tier 3, not tier 4, which would wipe out jobs in our city and destroy lives.” – https://twitter.com/City_of_Anaheim/status/1318634185989369856?s=20 Disneyland Unions had drafted a letter to the Governor of California, Gavin Newsom, asking to be included in the discussions regarding the reopening of Disneyland. Previously, the unions asked to delay the opening for the union members safety, but Disney has made the requested changes, so they now support the reopening. – https://www.micechat.com/273190-breaking-disneyland-unions-call-on-california-to-reopen-disneyland/ Disneyland has come to agreement with most of the unions that represent their Cast Members on layoffs and recall procedures. Union Cast Members will be called back to work based on seniority. Most full-time members will not be let go, but part-time members should be concerned. Layoffs are expected to happen beginning next month. – https://www.micechat.com/273009-disneyland-update-you-arent-going-to-like-this/ We were a little concerned about a protest that was promoted online last week. It was billed as a protest to get the parks open for the good of the Cast Members, but it was also rumored to be organized by a conservative group from out of state that would turn it into more of an attack on Governor Gavin Newsom. Protesters did show up from both groups, with the cast member supporters wearing masks and being safe with COVID protections. The other group had a tent setup and were not distancing or wearing masks. Quite a difference between the groups. – https://www.micechat.com/273009-disneyland-update-you-arent-going-to-like-this/ More work is happening around the entrance to Tomorrowland that was originally scheduled to be complete by last Summer. The last of the “french fry” rocks have been removed. No word yet on when they plan to start the construction of the entrance planters. – https://www.micechat.com/273009-disneyland-update-you-arent-going-to-like-this/ Two focal points in the parks are getting a refurbishment. The Partners and Storytellers statues in each park are being cleaned up and are having the oxidation removed. Apparently, they look like a shiny new penny. – https://www.micechat.com/273009-disneyland-update-you-arent-going-to-like-this/ The votes are in and the new legacy lightsaber that will be available for purchase will be Cal Kestis’ from the video game Jedi: Fal

This week, two popular shows have come to an end, Disney Park’s Doctor disagrees with the state, health secret shoppers, a yummy treat has returned, the resort improved health preparedness, we talk about our perfect Dream Disney Park, and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. If you want some DLWeekly Swag, you can pick some up at https://www.dlweekly.net/store/. Book your travel through ConciEARS and ask about custom dining adventures! Be sure to mention that you heard about ConciEARS from DLWeekly at booking! All Enchanting Ears is offering 10% off for podcast listeners. Head on over to allenchantingears.com and use DLWEEKLY10 at checkout. Also, this month they are re-launching their Ear of the Month Club. Head on over to https://www.patreon.com/AllEnchantingEars to sign up! News: Two shows at the Disneyland Resort have ended their run. Frozen: Live at the Hyperion, and Mickey and the Magical Map will not be returning when the parks eventually reopen. As of the recording of the podcast, none of the members of the American Guild of Variety Artists have been laid off, but just notified that the shows have ended thri run. Two hundred and fourteen AGVA members are affected by this news. Mickey and the Magical map debuted in 2013 and Frozen debuted in 2016. – https://www.micechat.com/272572-disneyland-update-dont-count-on-christmas/ and https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/10/12/two-popular-disneyland-resort-shows-will-reportedly-not-reopen-with-the-parks/ and https://www.ocregister.com/2020/10/12/disneyland-to-layoff-200-actors-as-frozen-live-and-mickey-and-the-magical-map-close-amid-pandemic/ Last week, just after we posted the podcast, Dr. Pamela Hymel posted a response to Governor Gavin Newsom’s comments about following the science in regards to keeping the parks closed for now. Her message stated “We absolutely reject the suggestion that reopening the Disneyland Resort is incompatible with a “health-first” approach. The fact is, that since March we have taken a robust science-based approach to responsibly reopening our parks and resorts across the globe. Our health and safety protocols were developed in consultation with epidemiologists and data scientists, and after considering guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and experts in local government and health agencies. All of our other theme parks both in the United States and around the world have been allowed to open on the strength of our proven ability to operate with responsible health and safety protocols.” – https://twitter.com/DisneyParksNews/status/1314023556720648192 Disney CEO Bob Chapek was recently on CNBC and commented on the continued closure of Disneyland. When asked about the negotiations with the state, Chapek replied “It’s not much of a negotiation, it’s pretty much a mandate that we stay closed. You know, I look across our Disney properties whether it be Shanghai, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Paris, Walt Disney World, the Disney bubble for the NBA, and all that I see is that we’ve been able to open up responsibly using the guidelines that healthcare experts have given us. As a result, we’ve been very, very successful at reopening without having issues that would preclude us from staying open. It would seem to me that the guidelines that are set up by the state of California are more stringent than any states across the country. If you look at the history of Disney, and what we’ve been able to do during the reopening rather than arbitrary standards that are set up without regard to what actual fact is, and what we’ve been able to do as a company, I think you might come to a different decision about reopening Disneyland.” – https://blogmickey.com/2020/10/disney-ceo-theres-no-negotiations-with-state-of-california-its-a-mandate-that-we-stay-closed/ Last week, California Governor Gavin Newsom sent a team to Walt Disney World to see first hand how the parks were handling being open to the public during the pandemic. They visited like “secret shoppers” and did not inform the parks that they were coming or who they were. Newsom hopes that this will help the state come up with guidelines to open the theme parks in the state. – https://www.ocregister.com/2020/10/12/newsoms-team-heading-to-disney-world-to-inspect-reopening-protocols/ and https://www.ocregister.com/2020/10/12/state-agencies-plan-visits-of-california-theme-parks-this-week-to-develop-reopening-plans/ Over in Walt Disney World, the My Disney Experience App, which is much like the Disneyland mobile app, has added some push notifications to inform guests about properly wearing masks. The notice links to the specific guidelines that Disney has setup on how to wear the masks properly. – https://blogmickey.com/2020/10/my-disney-experience-push-notification-mirrors-resort-wide-messaging-about-proper-face-covering-usage/ In addition to the push notifications, signs have appeared arounf the resort to inform guests that if they do not wear the mask

This week, things are moving erradically for the parks reopening, a new shop opens inside of one of the parks, faster security could be coming, cast member layoffs, a celebration of 20 years of pin trading, we talk with Mike Wally Davis about his new book, and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. If you want some DLWeekly Swag, you can pick some up at https://www.dlweekly.net/store/. Book your travel through ConciEARS and ask about custom dining adventures! Be sure to mention that you heard about ConciEARS from DLWeekly at booking! All Enchanting Ears is offering 10% off for podcast listeners. Head on over to allenchantingears.com and use DLWEEKLY10 at checkout. Also, this month they are re-launching their Ear of the Month Club. Head on over to https://www.patreon.com/AllEnchantingEars to sign up! News: What a week it has been. Since we last recorded, there were rumors of guidelines being released to allow the parks, and other amusement parks throughout the state to open, then they were postponed, then Bob Iger left the task force that was working on the guidelines, then more and more Anaheim area organizations are pressuring the state and Governor Gavin Newson to allow the parks to open. The guidelines that were rumored to be suggested were that “individual theme parks can reopen only once their county reaches the least-restrictive “minimal” risk level, they must operate at 25% of attendance capacity, and limit visitors to residents living within a 120-mile radius of each theme park.” The biggest issue with this was that to get to the minimal risk level would basically mean waiting until the pandemic was over. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/10/02/news-early-details-of-californias-theme-park-reopening-guidelines-revealed/ and https://www.laughingplace.com/w/news/2020/10/01/california-attractions-and-parks-association-asks-state-not-to-finalize-reopening-guidelines-until-modifications-are-made/ and https://www.laughingplace.com/w/news/2020/10/01/bob-iger-leaves-gavin-newsom-economic-recovery-advisory-group/ and https://www.laughingplace.com/w/news/2020/10/02/california-officials-to-work-with-theme-park-operators-before-issuing-reopening-guidelines/ Guests can now step inside the gates of Disney California Adventure to shop, but it isn’t what it sounds like. Stage 17, which has been home to Who Wants to be a Millionaire: Play It! and recently a Frozen themed area for the holidays, will be open and used as a retail space to help with guest demand for Halloween merchandise. Even though this building is inside DCA, guests will enter through a backstage entrance to the left of the entrance to DCA and head right into the space. The building will house 10,000 square feet of retail space. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2020/10/fall-is-filled-with-halloween-merchandise-collections-featuring-new-disneyland-resort-backlot-premiere-shop-coming-soon-to-stage-17-in-downtown-disney-district/ and https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/10/05/news-disneyland-resort-will-open-a-backlot-premiere-shop-in-downtown-disney/ With the amount of guests that have been arriving at Downtown Disney for an escape from reality and their piece of Disney Magic, the security checkpoints have been slow going. Waits of 90 minutes or more just to pass throught the security checkpoints have been reported on the weekends. The resort is testing new contactless metal detectors at the screening areas that hope to speed things up a bit. The system allows guests to walk through the new detectors without the need to remove items from their pockets, open their backpacks, or place anything in a bin. The new scanners can process 10 times more guests, up to 3,600 per hour. The system also uses artificial intelligence to detect weapons on guests as they pass through. – https://www.ocregister.com/2020/10/03/disneyland-tests-new-contactless-metal-detectors-to-speed-visitors-through-security-checkpoints/ Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Parks, visited Downtown Disney this week to apologize to cast members for the layoffs that the company just announced last week. He listened to cast members and let them vent, cry, and just express their feelings. His visit comes after the announcement that 28,000 cast members between Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and Disney Imagineering would be laid off. – https://wdwnt.com/2020/10/josh-damaro-visits-cast-members-to-apologize-at-downtown-disney-district/ LaughingPlace posted the breakdown this week of the number of cast members being laid off. Of the total 28,000, 5,000 would come from the Disneyland Resort, 400 from Imagineering, and the rest from Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, and Disney Vacation Planning. 2,765 non-union Cast Members, salaried, and executives are reportedly being laid off in California. Nearly 1,000 Cast Members from Unite Here Local 11 are expected to be let go out of 3,000, most of them working in hotels. – https://www.laughingplace.

This week, Anaheim wants to reopen, for a second Disneyland was accepting new guests, why no guidelines are worse then delayed guidelines, the D23 Expo has been moved, construction continues, new parking kiosks, we discuss the State of California and Disneyland reopening, and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. If you want some DLWeekly Swag, you can pick some up at https://www.dlweekly.net/store/. Book your travel through ConciEARS and get your first year of Touring Plans for FREE! Just mention that you heard about ConciEARS from DLWeekly at booking! All Enchanting Ears is offering 10% off for podcast listeners. Head on over to allenchantingears.com and use DLWEEKLY10 at checkout. News: The “Reopen O.C. Now coalition of Anaheim, Buena Park and Garden Grove city leaders and the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce” released an ad targeted at the Governor of California Gavin Newsom to get him to release the guidelines for reopening theme parks. The ad states that the represented area is hurting since most of the economy is based on travel related to the closed theme parks. They also make the case that all other areas of business have guidelines that allow them to operate, except for theme parks. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/09/25/new-ad-calls-on-governor-newsom-to-reopen-disneyland-and-other-california-theme-parks/ Last week it looked for a brief second as if Disneyland had reopened to guests! Unfortunately, it was just for filming something for the Disney social media team. We are guessing that it is a promotional video on how to enter the park safely once they are allowed to reopen. – https://www.micechat.com/271641-disneyland-update-a-tale-of-wild-extremes/ As many of us that want Disneyland to reopen, we also want it done in a safe, responsible way. As frustrated as Disney is at the State of California not providing guidelines to reopen, they are also not comfortable with the complete abandonment of any guidelines like has recently happened in Florida. The lack of any guidelines, with cases on the rise in Florida will deter guests from traveling to the parks, considering Florida just too unsafe, even if Disney is completely safe. Once California provides guidelines, that will be the happy medium that guests and Disney are the most comfortable with. – https://www.micechat.com/271641-disneyland-update-a-tale-of-wild-extremes/ If you are one of the lucky few who have a Premier Annual Passport, which allows access to all the Disney Parks in the United States for an entire year, this bit of news is for you. Disney is extending the pass expiration date 30 days at a time until Disneyland reopens. Once Disneyland does reopen, a final extension will be added to the pass. Any questions should be directed to the V.I.Passholder support line. – https://wdwnt.com/2020/09/disney-extending-premier-passports-30-days-at-a-time-while-disneyland-resort-remains-closed-full-extension-to-be-made-when-california-parks-reopen/ Disney Internships and College Program partipants can now request complimentary tickets for their participation in the programs in the Spring of 2020. Ticket requests must be made by September 20, 2021. For complete details, please see the link in our show notes. – https://wdwnt.com/2020/09/disney-internships-programs-now-accepting-complimentary-park-ticket-requests-for-spring-2020-participants/ With the continued uncertainty coming in 2021 with the continuation of COVID-19, Disney announced this week that the D23 Expo, originally scheduled for August, 2021, will be rescheduled to September 9th-11th, 2022. At the Expo, details will be revealed on how The Walt Disney Company will celebrate their 100th anniversary. Disney stated in the announcement that it will be an Expo “unlike any other.” Virtual D23 events will continue to be held through the year. – https://www.micechat.com/271829-breaking-2022-d23-expo-to-celebrate-100th-anniversary-of-the-walt-disney-company/ and https://wdwnt.com/2020/09/breaking-d23-expo-2021-officially-moved-to-september-2022-the-walt-disney-company-100th-anniversary-celebration-plans-to-be-announced/ Construction at Disneyland has continued to progress through the shutdown. The refurbishment on the exterior of the Emporium seems to have been completed and looks wonderful, and Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is coming together fast! The steel framework is going up very quickly and seems like it will be completed in short order. – https://www.micechat.com/271641-disneyland-update-a-tale-of-wild-extremes/ Disney Cast Members all over the world are currently trained in the 4 keys – Safety, Courtesy, Show, and Efficiency. Recently, a fifth key has been added to this list: Inclusion. This has been added “to drive meaningful cultural change” in the world. – https://www.micechat.com/271641-disneyland-update-a-tale-of-wild-extremes/ and https://wdwnt.com/2020/09/disney-introduces-inclusion-as-fifth-key-in-cast-member-training-worldwid

This week, an update direct from Disneyland, expanded mobile ordering, more progress as the parks prepare to reopen, crowd estimates on when the parks do open, where the Wonderground Gallery went, we discuss Tarzan’s Treehouse, and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. If you want some DLWeekly Swag, you can pick some up at https://www.dlweekly.net/store/. Book your travel through ConciEARS and get your first year of Touring Plans for FREE! Just mention that you heard about ConciEARS from DLWeekly at booking! All Enchanting Ears is offering 10% off for podcast listeners. Head on over to allenchantingears.com and use DLWEEKLY10 at checkout. News: At 10am pacific time on Tuesday, Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products held a press conference to give and update on the Disney Parks approach to operating during COVID-19. On the call were VPs of Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, WDW Hotels and Resorts, and Patrick Finnegan, the VP of DCA and Downtown Disney. Closing remarks were given by Josh D’Amaro, the Chairman of the division. 8 out of 10 guests feel the safety measures are just right. Disney plans on providing COVID testing in their communities with details to be announced soon. Josh D’Amaro joined from DCA and expressed how important Disneyland is to the economy in CA and how 80,000 jobs rely on the resort. The biggest line was “We are ready, and more importantly… it is time.” – https://www.laughingplace.com/w/articles/2020/09/22/live-blog-disney-parks-and-resorts-update/ When Disneyland does reopen, mobile ordering is going to be expanded, just as it was in Walt Disney World. And, just like in Disney World, it will be the preferred way for guests to order their food while in the parks. Apple Pay and Disney gift cards will also be allowed in the app and the minimum age for mobile ordering will be lowered to 13 years old, down from the previous 18 years old. There is currently no updated list of locations that will offer mobile ordering. – https://www.ocregister.com/2020/09/22/disneyland-to-expand-restaurant-mobile-ordering-when-theme-parks-reopen/ More progress seen in the parks in preparation for the reopening of Disneyland. Hand sanitizer stations have appeared all over Buena Vista Street in Disney California Adventure and crowd signage like “Enter Here” have also been spotted. – https://www.micechat.com/270828-disneyland-update-how-soon-is-very-very-soon/ and https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/09/22/two-major-new-park-additions-show-were-even-closer-to-disneyland-reopening/ The Thinkwell Group released an estimate that Disneyland could maintain social distancing measures at 50% of pre-COVID attendance capacity. This was calculated using the estimates from the Themed Entertainment Association of 500 to 650 per acre. With the 6 feet of distance, that leaves 140 square feet per person, and 200 square feet for groups of 3, Thinkwell estimates. In the end 25 to 30,000 visitors per day could visit and properly distance. – https://www.ocregister.com/2020/09/17/disneyland-could-allow-for-social-distancing-at-50-capacity-data-shows/ The likelihood of the trams returning when the parks reopen is pretty slim considering that Walt Disney World has been open for months and the trams have not returned there. So, Disneyland has turned it’s tramway into a pedestrian walkway this past week, installing signage, benches, and trash cans along the route from Mickey and Friends, as well as Pixar Pals parking garages. This isn’t the first time that this has been used or pedestrians, being used on heavy attendance days like New Years Eve. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/09/16/photos-disneyland-prepares-for-reopening-as-park-reservation-signs-and-a-potential-new-walkway-appear/ In another positive sign of possible reopening coming sooner than later, the floral Mickey in front of the Main Street Station has been refreshed. – https://wdwnt.com/2020/09/photos-mickey-entrance-floral-planter-refreshed-at-disneyland-social-distancing-signage-installed-at-disney-california-adventure/ Last week, the Wonderground Gallery was taken over by Star Wars overnight. Rumors spread online that it was a permanent closure of the popular art gallery in Downtown Disney. The new Star Wars Trading post sells a lot of items that were once only available in Galaxy’s Edge. {someone online? Disney} did say that they are looking for an alternate location for the Wonderground Gallery to return to. – https://www.micechat.com/270828-disneyland-update-how-soon-is-very-very-soon/ Star Wars fans that are collecting the various lightsabers from the Star Wars Universe have the opportunity to choose the next saber to be released. The options are Anakin Skywalker, Qui-Gon Jinn, Kanan Jarrus and Ezra Bridger from Star Wars Rebels, Cal Kestis from the Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order video game, and Lord Corvax. Head to the link in our show notes to cast your vote now through October 1st. – https://wdwnt.com/2020/09/guests-get

This week, a lot of stuff happening behind the closed gates, restaurants have reopened interior dining, theme parks are beating COVID-19, Kate joins us to talk about her experience at the Bower’s Museum, new merchandise, we finish our discussion with our Magic Kingdom experience, and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. If you want some DLWeekly Swag, you can pick some up at https://www.dlweekly.net/store/. Book your travel through ConciEARS and get your first year of Touring Plans for FREE! Just mention that you heard about ConciEARS from DLWeekly at booking! All Enchanting Ears is offering 10% off for podcast listeners. Head on over to allenchantingears.com and use DLWEEKLY10 at checkout. News: MiceChat got some more aerial photos of the resort this week and showed off some of the ongoing construction. Before taking to the skies, hand washing stations have been spotted just inside the gates at Disneyland before the entrance tunnels to Main Street. It seems like there is a lot of work underway to prepare for an eventual reopening. The bridge to Frontierland is almost complete, with the land’s entrance sign about to be re-installed. The last of the “french fry” rocks at the entrance to Tomorrowland have been removed and are in the process of being cleared away. The Snow White Facade has been completed and the scaffolding has been removed. Work also appears to be progressing on King Arthur’s Carousel. – https://www.micechat.com/270189-disneyland-update-spooky-skies-over-an-empty-kingdom/ Over in Disney California Adventure, new plexiglass shields have been installed at the entrance turnstiles. There have also been some iron fencing installed to facilitate a shield between entrance sections. The paths in front of the new Spider-Man attraction appear to be completed, but the rest of the campus is still dirt. The PYM test kitchen is still missing walls as well. The new administrative building behind Cars Land looks almost complete. Gondolas are still missing from the Pal-A-Round and the swings have been removed from the Silly Symphony Swings. With all of this work happening, the parks should look great when they reopen to the public! – https://www.micechat.com/270189-disneyland-update-spooky-skies-over-an-empty-kingdom/ With Orange County being removed from the purple status last week, restaurants in Downtown Disney have begun seating guests at 25% capacity indoors. There is still outdoor seating available as well. – https://wdwnt.com/2020/09/photos-restaurants-in-downtown-disney-now-allowing-indoor-dining/ The largest U.S. theme parks have reported no COVID-19 outbreaks since reopening. Florida’s Orange County Department of Health said in late August that Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld Orlando haven’t had any outbreaks. An outbreak is defined as teo or more people with coronavirus who are linked to a potentially extensive transmission within a setting or organization, according to the CDC. – https://www.ocregister.com/2020/09/14/largest-u-s-theme-parks-report-no-covid-19-outbreaks-since-reopening/ With Orange County moving into the red category, museums could reopen with limited capacity, including the Bowers Museum, which is currently hosting “Inside the Walt Disney Archives: 50 Years of Preserving the Magic” exhibition. Here to join us and talk about her experience is supporter and Community Manager Kate. This week there was a second Downtown Disney shopping event held in the old ESPN Zone building. As we reported on before, the Pop-Up! Disney interior hasn’t been changed, they just added areas to look at and choose merchandise. Items were limited to 2 per guest. There were 5 items for sale which included a Fidget Bat pin for $17.99, a Victor Geist, better known as the organ player from the Haunted Mansion, Funko Pop for $39.99, an Oogie Boogie Popcorn bucket, a pair of light up dice, and a sequined Mickey Pumpkin bag. Four of these items were available outside of this event, only the pin was exclusive. – https://www.micechat.com/269725-heres-what-was-available-at-todays-downtown-disney-shopping-event/ Sprinkles in Downtown Disney has reopened this week. Orders must be placed online at order.sprinkles.com, and credit cards are the only acceptable form of payment at this time. – https://wdwnt.com/2020/09/photos-sprinkles-reopens-at-the-downtown-disney-district-at-disneyland-resort/ Disneyland’s 65th anniversary is just going on and on it seems. Target, Boxlunch and Amazon are getting into the game with 65th merchandise. Some of the items have already gone on sale, and some will debut as late as November 15th in the case of Amazon. Target has a pin set, lunchbox, t-shirt and more. Items will be available online and in store starting in early October. Also coming in early October are exclusive Boxlunch items including a sweatshirt, Loungefly mini-backpack, and more. Some of the items are available for pre-order. Finally, at Amazon, they also have

This week, the pandemic didn’t keep guests away from Downtown Disney, a new set of fans has come just in time for the heat, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is going up fast, California getting close to guidelines to reopen theme parks, discuss Disney gaming, and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. If you want some DLWeekly Swag, you can pick some up at https://www.dlweekly.net/store/. Book your travel through ConciEARS and get your first year of Touring Plans for FREE! Just mention that you heard about ConciEARS from DLWeekly at booking! All Enchanting Ears is offering 10% off for podcast listeners. Head on over to allenchantingears.com and use DLWEEKLY10 at checkout. News: This weekend was Labor Day in the US, and Downtown Disney was very busy. The limitations on guests in the shopping district were upheld, but this lead to long, physically distant, lines in the parking lot before the security tents to get into the area. Disneyland’s social media accounts were keeping guests informed of parking limitations throughout the weekend. – https://www.micechat.com/269469-disneyland-update-and-the-winner-is/ and https://www.mouseplanet.com/12746/Disneyland_Resort_Update_for_September_7__13_2020#news1 Handheld folding fans have appeared at the resort and just in time for the massive heat wave that has been happening in California. There are a lot of fun options to choose from. Dr. Facilier sports the word “Shade” on his, The Evil Queen has “Queen” displayed, there is a plain Disneyland fan that has the retro-multi-colored text on it, an Orange Bird fan that is more of an icon out in Florida, and finally a Hei Hei fan that has the lovable chicken and his name. – https://wdwnt.com/2020/09/photos-three-new-folding-fans-featuring-dr-facilier-the-evil-queen-and-a-rainbow-disneyland-resort-logo/ Since our eipsode last week, new pictures of Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway construction have been posted online. The building’s vertical construction seems to be going up at a rapid pace. At this rate, 2023 seems just around the corner! – https://www.micechat.com/269469-disneyland-update-and-the-winner-is/ New 65th Anniversary collection Funko POP! figures have appeared on for Amazon.com for sale. Peter Pan riding in a pirate ship, Minnie riding in a Dumbo vehicle, Mr. Toad riding in a Toad car, and a stand alone Mr. Toad with hypnotic eyes are available. Each figure runs $29.99, except for the stand alone Mr. Toad, which is $10.99. As of writing of the podcast, all of the figures are listed as “currently unavailable”. – https://wdwnt.com/2020/09/shop-disneyland-65th-anniversary-funko-pop-vinyl-figures-ride-vehicles-for-peter-pans-flight-mr-toads-wild-ride-and-more-now-available-online/ Last week, Governor Gavin Newsom stated during a press conference that the state is “making a llot of progress” on the guidelines for reopening the theme parks around the state. Newsome followed up by saying that there were still some details to work out, but as soon as they were at a point to comment, they would. – https://www.ocregister.com/2020/09/02/newsom-california-making-a-lot-of-progress-toward-reopening-theme-parks/ This Tuesday, Cast Members were spotted in front of Disneyland installing signage related to COVID-19 changes in the parks. Some have said that the parks could be opening at any time, but until there is any offical word, we can’t say anything for sure. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2020/09/photos-disneyland-and-disney-california-adventure-prepare-for-imminent-reopening-with-new-health-safety-signage-at-park-entrances/ Also on Tuesday, Orange County, where the Disneyland Resort is located got out of the purple level and has entered the red level. The red level is the second most restrictive, but allows indoor restaurants, and movie theaters at 25%, and indoor shopping at 50%. This could mean that indoor shops and restaurants at Downtown Disney could be just around the corner. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/09/08/could-we-see-indoor-dining-resume-in-downtown-disney-soon-heres-what-we-know/ Discussion Topic: Platform: Disneyland Adventures – https://www.amazon.com/Disneyland-Adventures-Xbox-One/dp/B075YLGWDY/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Disneyland+adventures&qid=1599660243&sr=8-1 Infinity – https://www.amazon.com/Disney-Infinity-3-0-Starter-Pack-Xbox/dp/B00WJ0Z17Q/ref=sr_1_1?crid=269EGFSH29CFJ&dchild=1&keywords=disney+infinity&qid=1599660298&sprefix=disney+infin%2Caps%2C216&sr=8-1 Kingdom Hearts – https://www.amazon.com/Kingdom-Hearts-All-One-Package-PlayStation/dp/B084J45N4V/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1Y9SJZQW5AWS9&dchild=1&keywords=kingdom+hearts&qid=1599660317&sprefix=kingdom+%2Caps%2C201&sr=8-3 Lion King & Aladdin (NES) – https://www.amazon.com/Lion-King-Pc/dp/B00002SWBG/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=lion+king+nes&qid=1599660343&sr=8-1 and https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00002STX3/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=aladdin+nes&qid=1599660361&sr=8-1 Epic Mickey – https://www.amazon.com/

This week, Orange County is off the COVID watch list, why this isn’t good news, the lights have returned, Disneyland is ready to open, new mercandise has landed for Halloween and Dia de Los Muertos, we talk about Hollywood Studios, and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. If you want some DLWeekly Swag, you can pick some up at https://www.dlweekly.net/store/. Book your travel through ConciEARS and get your first year of Touring Plans for FREE! Just mention that you heard about ConciEARS from DLWeekly at booking! All Enchanting Ears is offering 10% off for podcast listeners. Head on over to allenchantingears.com and use DLWEEKLY10 at checkout. News: The State of California moved Orange County, where Disneyland is located, off the COVID watch list last week. However, this isn’t as meaningful since shortly after, the state came out with a new set of guidelines which moved Orange County to the highest risk level of “widespread”. The new guidelines don’t mention theme parks at all, but the state is working on seperate guidelines for theme parks specifically. No word yet on when that will be released. – https://www.micechat.com/268822-disneyland-update-the-blueprint-for-reopening/ In a bit of a click-bait headline, Walt Disney World News Today posted that the lights are on once again at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, at least at the main entrances. The click bait part of the theadline stated that the parks were lit up in preperation for imminent reopening, which is not the case. It is, however, nice to see the train station and first part of Buena Vista Street lit up again and adds much needed atmosphere to the esplanade for those heading to Downtown Disney. – https://wdwnt.com/2020/08/disneyland-resort-lights-illuminate-anaheim-once-again/ Josh D’Amaro, Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products Chairman appeared on “The Dow Report” last week and stated that Disney is “ready” to reopen the parks as soon as guidelines allow. Disneyland and California Adventure have both installed plexiglass safety shields at the entry turnstiles. D’Amaro also went on to talk about the procedures they ahve taken to make sure that the parks are safe and the trust that people have for Disney. – https://wdwnt.com/2020/08/josh-damaro-discusses-disney-parks-reopening-in-new-interview-says-were-ready-to-reopen-disneyland-resort-parks-when-guidelines-permit/ The Tokyo Disney Resort is entering the second stage of reopening this week, and with it may come some clues as to how the Disneyland Resort may handle some circumstances. For example, Tokyo will be running the first parade at any Disney park since COVID-19 started. They also have a new Beauty and the Beast dark ride that is opening, which could show how Avengers Campus might open like in these COVID times. It also gives us a hint at the timelines for nighttime fireworks and other shows coming back in stage 2. – https://www.ocregister.com/2020/09/01/what-tokyo-disney-changes-could-mean-for-disneyland/ The Disneyland Horticulture team is working hard on getting the areas around the resort ready for fall. Signs declaring “We will soon be rolling our the green carpet for our Disneyland guests” have been placed around where the new fall flowers and displays will be planted soon. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2020/08/photos-landscaping-team-ready-to-roll-out-the-green-carpet-for-fall-flower-displays-at-the-disneyland-resort/ Avengers Campus is chugging right along, and proof of that is from the Disney Auditions website that is looking for stunt performers for Captain America, Black Panther, and Black Widow. The posting is for a live action stunt show in the new land. – https://www.mouseplanet.com/12741/Disneyland_Resort_Update_for_August_31__September_6_2020#news5 Disney stage shows and nighttime spectaculars are already some of the most technologically advanced performances anywhere in the world, but Disney is always working on new technology to push the envelope further. A new patent filed by Disney shows a use for drones to control show elements. The patent doesn’t just use the drone itself as an effect, but uses the downdraft from the propellers to make an entirely new effect. As a reminder, just because Disney files a patent for something doesn’t meant that we will see it soon, or ever. – https://wdwnt.com/2020/08/disney-enterprises-files-patent-for-further-use-of-drones-to-control-show-elements/ Even though it has been a couple months since Disneyland turned 65, there is still more new merchandise coming out that celebrates this milestone. A new 65th anniversary sipper featuring Sleeping Beauty Castle has arrived and looks like a snow globe that you can drink from! A special release of pins also arrived that show off some of the classic attractions from Disneyland. There are 13 pins in the collection, each limited to 2,000 and cost $17.99, limited to 2 per guest. The 13 designs are: King Arthur’s Carousel, Dumbo, Mr. Toad, Sto

This week, we go to Disney World and talk about what it was like with Animal Kingdom and Epcot! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. If you want some DLWeekly Swag, you can pick some up at https://www.dlweekly.net/store/. Book your travel through ConciEARS and get your first year of Touring Plans for FREE! Just mention that you heard about ConciEARS from DLWeekly at booking! All Enchanting Ears is offering 10% off for podcast listeners. Head on over to allenchantingears.com and use DLWEEKLY10 at checkout. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week, construction projects still happening, a love story from Disney, music is in the air, how an old favorite came to be, more Jazz in Downtown Disney, new cast masks, we discuss 12 interesting things about Disneyland, and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. If you want some DLWeekly Swag, you can pick some up at https://www.dlweekly.net/store/. Book your travel through ConciEARS and get your first year of Touring Plans for FREE! Just mention that you heard about ConciEARS from DLWeekly at booking! All Enchanting Ears is offering 10% off for podcast listeners. Head on over to allenchantingears.com and use DLWEEKLY10 at checkout. News: It is always great to hear that there is movement and excitement going on in the parks, even though guests can’t see it yet! MiceChat got some aerial photos this past week that show that progress is happening in the parks. The World of Color lagoon is bubbling away to keep the fountains for the show in running order, some of the fixed gondolas on the Pixar Pal-a-Round are missing and are probably getting the fins to aid in steadying the cabins as guests load and unload. There is a small bit of construction going on in Cars Land with roadwork. But, the exciting news comes from Avenger’s Campus! The Quinjet that has been parked under tarps backstage has been lifted to its place on teh Avenger’s building! – https://www.micechat.com/267362-disneyland-update-new-magic-aerial-discoveries-and-layoffs/ A new Disney Cast Life episode is live and features Zach Riddley, Walt Disney World Site Portfolio Executive at Walt Disney Imagineering. Topics included international friendship day, cast members share a love story, and more. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2020/08/new-disneycastlife-features-disney-imagineer-zach-riddley-a-magical-cast-member-love-story-and-more/ In an interesting bit of news this week, guest walking along the tram route near Downtown Disney recently heard something new. A new sound system has been installed along the route playing the music loop from the espalnade between the parks. The sound can be heard walking down the sidewalk, in your car with the windows down while driving by, and, when the trams are running again, on board the trams! – https://wdwnt.com/2020/08/photo-report-disneyland-resort-7-15-20-scaffolding-removed-from-the-emporium-on-main-street-usa-new-sound-system-along-tram-route-altered-world-of-disney-queue-and-more/ Disney Legend Rolly Crump takes guests back to the creation of the Haunted Mansion and a little bit of working with Walt Disney himself! Rolly talks about the beginnings of the attraction, how it progressed from a walk through to a ride-through attraction and more! – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2020/08/disneymagicmoments-travel-back-with-disney-legend-rolly-crump-for-a-feeling-of-foreboding-at-the-disneyland-resort-haunted-mansion/ Last week, just as our podcast was posted, Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen and Jazz Kitchen Express reopened in Downtown Disney. At the Jazz Kitchen Express, guests can walk up and order at the counter and then wait for the food to be prepared. Social distancing markers are present, just like everywhere else. Guests wanting to dine in at the main Jazz Kitchen could get on the waitlist by talking to the host, or scanning the QR code to be added to the list with a smartphone. The tables are distanced well, with seating upstairs on the balconies, as well as in the courtyard on the main level. No inside dining is offered. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/08/13/review-we-were-reunited-with-our-beloved-beignets-at-ralph-brennans-jazz-kitchen-express-in-disneyland/ and https://www.micechat.com/267362-disneyland-update-new-magic-aerial-discoveries-and-layoffs/ The Disneyland and Walt Disney World costuming teams have worked together to create a new face mask exclusively for cast members designed to be more functional and comfortable. The new masks fit fetter, are more breathable, and can be washed more than 50 times. There are two styles, pleated and contoured, and multiple sizes to fit all face shapes and sizes. The masks sparkle with pixie dust and Mickey constellations. The masks are not for sale to guests. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2020/08/for-cast-by-cast-new-face-coverings-roll-out-across-domestic-disney-parks/ There are some great deals on 2020 merchandise at World of Disney. All 2020 dated items are buy one, get one free. This offer includes apparel and accessories as well. New mask designs, sporting “Together Again” have also arrived for $6 each. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/08/13/whats-new-at-downtown-disney-up-minnie-ears-a-restaurant-reopens-and-new-mask-designs/ Unions representing the cast members at Disneyland continue to push for more safety measures before cast members return to work when the parks eventually reopen. On the table is two weeks of paid leave if a cast member tests posititve for the

This week, the D23 fan club is full of parks fun, a panel that isn’t just for moms anymore, surprising work going on in the parks, cast members are getting care packages, Halloween is here, we discuss “Master Gracey”, and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. If you want some DLWeekly Swag, you can pick some up at https://www.dlweekly.net/store/. Book your travel through ConciEARS and get your first year of Touring Plans for FREE! Just mention that you heard about ConciEARS from DLWeekly at booking! All Enchanting Ears is offering 10% off for podcast listeners. Head on over to allenchantingears.com and use DLWEEKLY10 at checkout. News: D23, The Official Disney Fan Club is celebrating 65 years of the Disney Theme Park. The fall issue of the D23 magazine is dedicated to Disney theme parks. Included is a postcard set for members featuring Disney resorts around the world. D23.com will feature stories about Disney parks, including movies filmed in the parks and vintage parks recipes. An exclusive pin set with 6 pins, available August 31st to D23 Gold members for $49.99. There will be a Disney Imagineer virtual panel on August 21st through 23rd. For those of you who love our trivia, there will be a D23 trivia night on August 28th. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2020/08/first-look-d23-celebrates-65-years-of-the-disney-theme-park/ and https://wdwnt.com/2020/08/d23-celebrates-65-years-of-disney-theme-parks-with-fall-2020-issue-of-disney-twenty-three-gold-and-gold-family-member-exclusive-pin-set-on-shopdisney/ As we mentioned earlier, D23 is hosting some amazing events for the 65th anniversary of Disney Theme Parks. On August 21st through 23rd, a panel discussion that was originally recorded on July 17th for Imagineers and Cast Members will be available to D23 Gold and Gold Family Members. The viewing is free with membership, but you must request a ticket at the link in our show notes. The panel shares personal stories and fun memories about projects that they worked on at Disneyland through the decades. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2020/08/d23-to-screen-disney-imagineers-celebrate-65-years-of-disneyland-park-panel-for-gold-and-gold-family-members-august-21st-23rd/ The Disney Parks Moms Panel, which is made up of more than just moms and parents, has updated their name to something more accurate. planDisney is a set of expert Disney guests who offer different opinions and perspectives on guest questions. The planDisney panel covers Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line and Disney Vacation Club. Additionally, they can answer questions in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese. – https://wdwnt.com/2020/08/plandisney-officially-replaces-disney-parks-moms-panel/ In a bit of a surprise, there is more work happening around the resort than would be expected with the parks shutdown. The Emporium on Main Street is surrounded by scaffolding and is probably being repainted. Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is also very active at the moment, not showing any signs of slowing down progress. – https://www.micechat.com/266881-disneyland-update-magic-mayhem-parks-bleed-billions/ We wouldn’t count on anything for sure, but the Disneyland Hotels are accepting reservations starting in October as of now. As we have reported on numerous times now, these dates keep getting announced and pushed back. The fact that reservations are open does not mean that the parks are going to be open, or that the reservations won’t be delayed further. – https://www.micechat.com/266881-disneyland-update-magic-mayhem-parks-bleed-billions/ Cast Members that are returning to work at Disneyland will be provided with a special care package that includes face masks, thermometer, hand sanitizer, and a pamphlet with cast member resources. – https://wdwnt.com/2020/08/disneyland-resort-provides-care-packages-with-face-masks-hand-sanitizer-and-more-for-all-cast-members-returning-to-work/ California State Officials are currently reviewing and working on how and when to allow theme parks such as Disneyland to reopen in the state. Once they have come up with a plan that will provide detailed guidance, the California Department of Public Health will work with the theme parks to open. There is currently no time frame on when this might be, as conditions continue to change in the state. – https://www.ocregister.com/2020/08/10/state-reviewing-how-and-when-to-reopen-disneyland-and-other-california-theme-parks/ The Morning Consult research company and the Hollywood Reporter surveyed 2,200 people in late July about how safe they would feel retuning to Disneyland and other theme parks. 78% of those surveyed had no interest in any theme park this summer. Attendance caps and sanitzation stations are helping respondents to feel safer going back to the parks. However, 20% of parents are less likely to visit when masks are required. – https://www.ocregister.com/2020/08/08/parents-not-ready-to-take-their-kids-to-