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Disneyland to drop Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway virtual queue, switch to standby line
Runaway Railway is the centerpiece of the reimagined Mickey’s Toontown – which will return a few weeks later on March 19.
By BRADY MACDONALD
PUBLISHED: February 21, 2023
“Minnie’s Runaway Railway will start using a standby queue on Wednesday, Feb. 22 and will only use a virtual queue when needed, according to Disneyland officials.
“Theme park visitors can check the Disneyland app to see if the Runaway Railway virtual queue is being deployed.
“Lightning Lane remains an option for visitors who want to skip the Runaway Railway line and are willing to pay an upcharge fee — which typically costs between $12 and $25 per person per ride.”
Orange County Register
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disneyland Switching from Virtual Queue to Standby Queue
Feb 21, 2023
Laughing Place
Complete Guide to Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disneyland
By Dusty Sage -February 21, 2023
“All aboard! Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway in the revamped ToonTown at Disneyland. The new family-friendly attraction officially opened on January 27, 2023 as part of the Disney100 Celebration at Disneyland. The ride is very similar to the version that opened in 2020 at Walt Disney World, though, the Disneyland version has a completely unique and expanded queue.”
MiceChat
Disneyland brings back scary ‘Witch in a Cage’ that horrified generations of children
The animated Old Hag would rattle her chains, scream wildly and cackle madly whenever curious kids got too close to her cage or dared to touch the lock.
By BRADY MACDONALD
PUBLISHED: March 1, 2023
“The fan-favorite ‘Witch in the Cage’ —as she was known — serves as the centerpiece of the new Disney100 exhibit celebrating the influence of Disney animation on Disneyland now on display in the theater lobby of ‘Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.’
“The Old Hag first debuted in the 1970s in the jewelry shop on Main Street USA. An employee behind the counter triggered the animated witch with the push of a button whenever anyone got too close or dared to touch the lock on the cage.”
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“The Old Hag would bang on the glass window inside the cage, rattle her chains, scream wildly and cackle madly while her eyes glowed an eerie yellow.”
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“The Witch in the Cage was moved in the 1990s to the Villains shop in Fantasyland, which today houses Merlin’s Marvelous Miscellany shop.
“The animated Old Hag was ‘lost to time’ in the early 2000s until she was found two decades later when Caranci and fellow Imagineer Kim Irvine discovered her in a Disneyland warehouse and had the robo-sorceress refurbished to working order.”
Orange County Register
NEW VIEWS: Disneyland Hotel New Vacation Club Villas Opening Soon
By Dusty Sage -February 22, 2023
“We’ve been following the construction of a brand new tower at the Disneyland Hotel for years, with only a couple of official concept paintings shared by Disney. Well, it’s finally time to get a glimpse inside! The villas will begin booking on March 17th for a September 2023 grand opening. We’ve got some great new concept art, construction images, and booking information to share with you below.”
MiceChat
First Look at The Villas at Disneyland Hotel Show Off “The Jungle Book,” “The Princess and the Frog” and More Themed Rooms
Feb 22, 2023
“In the new tower, guests will find a duo studio themed to the animated classic The Jungle Book.
“Deluxe studios, which will sleep up to four guests, will be themed to Sleeping Beauty and The Princes and the Frog.
“One- and two bedroom villas will also be available, sleeping up to five and nine guests respectively and sporting themes inspired by Fantasia and The Princess and the Frog.
“These villas include a washer and dryer, a living area and a full-size kitchen.
“And to really take your vacation to the next level, you can book a three-bedroom Grand Villa, which sleeps up to 12 guests.
“Up the spiral staircase, guests will find two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms inspired by Frozen and Moana, as well as a full washer and dryer on the second floor.”
Laughing Place
Earl of Sandwich opens full-service restaurant in Downtown Disney next to pop-up shop
The Earl of Sandwich Tavern offers breakfast, lunch and dinner with al fresco seating on the patio and a full indoor cocktail bar.
By BRADY MACDONALD
PUBLISHED: February 28, 2023
“The popular Earl of Sandwich that has come and gone several times at Downtown Disney is testing out a new full-service, sit-down restaurant concept next door to a temporary pop-up sandwich shop at the outdoor shopping mall.
“The Earl of Sandwich Tavern fast-casual, table-service restaurant officially opened on Tuesday, Feb. 28 in Downtown Disney next to the temporary Earl of Sandwich grab-and-go shop.
“The Earl of Sandwich Tavern offers breakfast, lunch and dinner with al fresco seating on the patio and a full indoor cocktail bar.”
Orange County Register
UFO over Disneyland? Mystery solved of hovering black rings in viral videos
The fascinating and uniquely Disney phenomenon gets a boost every time a sighting of one of the heavenly wormholes gains traction on social media.
By BRADY MACDONALD
PUBLISHED: March 1, 2023
“The quickly dissipating smoke rings are a standard side effect of the flame effects used during nighttime spectaculars above Main Street USA and during ‘World of Color,’ according to Disneyland officials.
“The return of nighttime spectaculars after the extended pandemic closures of Disneyland and Disney California Adventure have made the rings more noticeable — and popular fodder for social media postings.
“The strange sightings above Sleeping Beauty Castle, Splash Mountain and the Incredicoaster aren’t new. Disneyland fans have noticed the smoke rings for years — particularly on dewy nights.”
Orange County Register
Disneyland brings Marvel-themed ‘Rogers: The Musical’ to Hyperion Theater this summer
A short video clip posted to social media by Disney Parks shows a woman looking at a 'Rogers: The Musical' Playbill before walking into the Hyperion Theater at Disney California Adventure.
By BRADY MACDONALD
PUBLISHED: February 23, 2023
“Disneyland will bring a Broadway musical based on Marvel superhero Captain America to the Hyperion Theater this summer for a limited run at Disney California Adventure.”
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“Disney Live Entertainment is auditioning actors, singers and dancers for a new limited-run Broadway-caliber theatrical production in the Hyperion Theater at Disney California Adventure.
“The new show will be written by Tony-nominee Hunter Bell with music by Grammy-winner Christopher Lennertz. Bell wrote the book for ‘Villains Tonight’ on the Disney Cruise Line, according to Broadway World. Lennertz served as music director on Disneyland’s new ‘Wondrous Journeys’ fireworks show.”
Orange County Register
Rogers the Musical Coming to Disney California Adventure This Summer
By Dusty Sage -February 23, 2023
MiceChat
More than half of Disneyland’s Magic Happens parade performers return after 3-year break
The parade that ran for only a couple weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic makes a long-awaited return engagement on Friday, Feb. 24.
By BRADY MACDONALD
PUBLISHED: February 23, 2023
“The Magic Happens parade that ran for only a couple weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered the Anaheim theme park for more than a year will make a long-awaited return engagement on Friday, Feb. 24.”
Orange County Register
More Than Half of Nearly 100 Magic Happens Performers Return from the Parade’s Original Run
Feb 26, 2023
“The planned return of the Magic Happens parade to Disneyland this weekend didn’t go quite as planned, with Friday and Saturday’s performances being canceled due to inclement weather. Still, for many performers in the parade, it feels like a homecoming.”
Laughing Place
Disneyland’s Magic Happens Parade Returns – Essential Guide!
By MiceChat Staff -February 26, 2023
“Disneyland’s ‘Magic Happens’ Parade was scheduled to officially returns to Disneyland on February 24, 2023 – nearly 3 years after its initial run. However, Mother Nature had other plans and the first two days were rained out. The high-energy spectacle finally made its debut on Sunday the 26th of February.”
MiceChat
Disneyland quietly removes controversial lyric from new parade soundtrack
References to 'Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah' have been cut from Magic Happens, King Arthur Carrousel and Downtown Disney, but not yet from Splash Mountain — which becomes Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in 2024.
By BRADY MACDONALD
PUBLISHED: March 2, 2023
“Disneyland has quietly cut a reference to the ‘Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah’ song from the soundtrack of the Magic Happens parade that returned in late February after a three-year hiatus.”
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“The ‘Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah’ line near the finale of the parade was replaced with ‘Think of the happiest things’ from the song ‘You Can Fly’ in the 1953 Disney animated film ‘Peter Pan.’”
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“Magic Happens remains largely unchanged from the parade’s February 2020 debut aside from the removal of the ‘Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah’ reference and a few minor costume and choreography adjustments.”
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“The ‘Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah’ song was cut from the music loop played in Downtown Disney in 2020 and from the soundtrack of King Arthur Carrousel in 2021.”
Orange County Register
Arizona hairstylist jumped from Disneyland garage in suspected suicide, police say
Anaheim police officers worked to keep Marney Schoenfeld alive until paramedics arrived and took her to a hospital where she was pronounced dead.
By BRADY MACDONALD
UPDATED: February 20, 2023
“Marney Schoenfeld, 46, of Scottsdale, Arizona, died Saturday night, Feb. 18 after she jumped or fell from a parking structure at the Anaheim theme park resort, according to Orange County Sheriff Sgt. Scott Steinle.”
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“Anaheim police officers responded at 6:50 p.m. to the Mickey & Friends parking structure where they found Marney Schoenfeld on the ground.
“Officers worked to keep her alive until paramedics arrived and took her to a hospital where she was pronounced dead.
“The circumstances of the death are under investigation, according to Anaheim police Sgt. Jonathan McClintock.
“In December, a man from Huntington Beach jumped to his death from the same structure. Other incidents have occurred at the park structure including in 2010 and 2016.
“Anaheim Police are investigating the fall from the Disneyland parking structure as a suspected suicide. Witnesses or anyone with information about the incident are asked to contact Anaheim police detectives at 714-765-1900.”
Orange County Register
Anaheim Police Respond To Reports Of Woman Who Jumped or Fell From Mickey and Friends Parking Structure
Feb 19, 2023
“The seven-story Mickey & Friends Parking Structure was the largest parking structure in the United States when it opened in 2000, and was one of the tallest buildings in Anaheim, California. Tragically, these deaths are not the first time someone has died after leaping or falling from the structure. Previous incidents took place in 2010, 2012, and in 2016.
“The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached by dialing 988 or (800) 273-8255. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for those experiencing a mental health crisis. The Lifeline currently serves TTY users either through their preferred relay service or by dialing 711, then 988.”
Laughing Place
Disneyland will party like it’s 1955 with Throwback Nite tribute to the park’s opening
The 1950s and ‘60s Throwback Nite after-hours parties will take place on April 18 and 20 at Disneyland.
By BRADY MACDONALD
PUBLISHED: February 17, 2023
“The 1950s and ‘60s Throwback Nite after-hours parties will take place on April 18 and 20 at Disneyland.”
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“The separate admission events feature specialty-themed entertainment, character meet-and-greets, photo op backdrops, food and drinks, collectible merchandise, commemorative keepsakes and unlimited PhotoPass digital downloads along with select rides and shows.
“Throwback Nite includes ‘Fantasy in the Sky’ fireworks that pay tribute to the 1957 pyrotechnics show, 1950s and ‘60s dance parties with live bands and DJs, photo backdrops of Skyway and other Yesterland attractions, nostalgic characters and 1955-inspired snacks.
“Pre-party mix-in starts at 6 p.m. each night with the private event running from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. each evening. No theme park reservations are required to attend the separate-admission events. Parking is not included.”
Orange County Register
Fri, February 17, 2023
Disneyland After Dark Brings 2 More Themed ‘Nites’ To Disneyland Resort This Spring
by Valerie Lee, Public Relations Manager, Disneyland Resort
“Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite
“May 2, 4, 8 & 11, 2023, at Disneyland Park”
Disney Parks Blog
Disney100 Medallions at the Disneyland Resort Now Interact with MagicBand+
Mar 1, 2023
“Starting today, guests will be able to use their MagicBand+ to interact with select Disney100 medallions around the resort, as well as the platinum Mickey Mouse statue in Downtown Disney.
“Guests should keep an eye out for signs next to Disney100 decor to see if they can activate it with MagicBand+.”
Laughing Place
Delectable Delights: Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival Guide 2023!
By MiceChat Staff -March 3, 2023
“Foodies and theme park fans, Disney California Adventure‘s annual Food & Wine Festival has arrived! From March 3 through April 25, DCA’s celebration of Californian fare and ingredients is a prime opportunity to try something new and enjoy a DCA favorite. We’ve gotten a head start on the food for the festival, and we’ll be sharing our thoughts on the eats and treats from this year. There’s quite a selection to choose from, and we’re excited to go back for more. Here’s what we you need to know about DCA’s Food & Wine Festival this year.”
MiceChat
Disneyland Update: Dropped off, Burned Out & Forgotten…
By Dusty Sage -February 20, 2023
“Big crowds returned to Disneyland this week, along with super high ticket prices and less-than-perfect show conditions. We’ll take a look at the crowds, prices, construction, maintenance issues, and everything new going on.
“I would like to preface this article with a reminder. While I’m pointing out some issues, big and small, there’s actually quite a bit of progress the Resort has made lately as well. I enjoyed my visit this week… but I also have a pass and don’t have the same pressures or expenses that an occasional tourist has. It’s important for us to not only look at the good stuff but make sure the issues are being addressed for the betterment of the resort and the enjoyment of all guests. Yes… that means there’s a bit of ranting below… but as my 100-year-old grandmother reminds me every time she complains that I’m getting too fat… it comes from a place of love.”
MiceChat
Disneyland Update: Magic Finally Happened!
By Dusty Sage -February 27, 2023
“Into every life, a little rain must fall… and we made the most of it this week! Bad weather almost always means lower crowd levels, and that really helped us get some unique shots for you. We’ve assembled a stunning Disneyland update for you today with the return of the Magic Happens Parade after a 3-year hiatus and two rain delays this week. Plus, we’ve got some really fun (but expensive) news on a new restaurant, upcoming entertainment, and construction progress throughout the resort. “
You can listen to show Current Events 3/3/2023 on iTunes or go to Libsyn service here.
Current Events 3/3/2023