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Current Events 8/4/2023
Disneyland Resort Current Event
Our Friend Jim Korkis
“James (“Jim”) Patrick Korkis was born August 15, 1950, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He passed away at the age of 72 of stage four colon on July 28, 2023. He is survived by his two brothers Michael and Chris. Jim was divorced and had no children.
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“After graduation he spent two decades teaching English and Drama at Huntington Middle School in San Marino, California. Jim helped pay his way through college by working at the Los Angeles Zoo as a driver and tour guide.
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“In California, Jim also pursued a career in theater. He appeared in over 100 theatrical productions, starting with Glendale Center Theater. He directed over 100 stage performances. He did some occasional voice over work.
“With his brothers, Jim appeared at The Gong Show, The Dating Game and Family Feud. By himself he appeared on Camouflage (where he won a Cadillac) and the pilot Origins. He appeared on Entertainment Tonight as a Disney historian.
“With his brother Mike, Jim developed a comedy magic act as part of a show he wrote and directed at Six Flags Magic Mountain Lucky Louies Roaring ‘20s Revue. They performed at the Variety Arts Theater, Johnathan Clubs, J.C. Penny and more. Jim was a performer in Pelican’s Corner at Magic Mountain and helped design the Halloween Haunted Mountain promotion.
“In 1995 he moved to Orlando, Florida to take care of his ailing mom and dad. Jim became identified as a Disney historian and worked as a performer (Merlin in the Sword in the Stone ceremony and Prospector Pat in Frontierland), an animation instructor at The Disney Institute, Guest Relations at Epcot, tour instructor with Disney Adult Discoveries, and coordinator with The Disney Learning Center. He was brought as a special consultant for Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, Imagineering and Animation (where he taught different classes for interns) among other departments.
“Disney laid off Jim in 2009 along with thousands of others. Jim started writing books about all things Disney and ended up producing over three dozen books. He was a popular guest on podcasts.
“Jim's last words: ‘There are so many books I wanted to read or re-read, so many movies and television shows I wanted to see or re-see and more many food treats I wanted to enjoy again like See’s chocolates. I know God loves me and this is part of his plan. Be happy and kind to each other. When you think of me, I hope you smile. I loved you all and appreciated your generosity, support and hope.’”
Now Onto the rest of the Disney News:
Disneyland delays ‘Fantasmic’ return until Spring 2024 – without the 45-foot-tall dragon
'Fantasmic' will feature new special effects during the battle scene between Sorcerer Mickey and Maleficent when the show returns.
By BRADY MACDONALD
PUBLISHED: July 26, 2023
“‘Fantasmic’ will return to the Rivers of America at the Anaheim theme park in Spring 2024, according to Disneyland officials.
“‘Our goal is to always deliver the best possible show for our guests,’ according to Disneyland officials. ‘With that in mind, we are planning the return of ‘Fantasmic’ with exciting new magic in spring 2024.’
“Disneyland crews have been working to repair the ‘Fantasmic’ dragon since the technically impressive and massive audio-animatronic figure burst into flames during a performance of the nighttime spectacular in April.
“‘Fantasmic’ won’t include the dragon figure when the show returns, but will instead feature new special effects during the battle scene between Sorcerer Mickey and Maleficent, according to Disneyland officials.”
Orange County Register
Breaking News: Disneyland’s Fantasmic Delayed Until Spring 2024
By Dusty Sage -July 26, 2023
MiceChat
Disneyland opens Finding Nemo water park at Pixar Place Hotel
The revamped rooftop water play area will feature a Pixel Pool, Crush’s Surfin’ Slide and Nemo’s Cove splash pad.
By BRADY MACDONALD
PUBLISHED: August 1, 2023
“The new Finding Nemo water play area will open to Pixar Place Hotel guests on Tuesday, Aug. 1 as part of an ongoing transformation of the Paradise Pier Hotel that is expected to be completed this winter.
“The revamped rooftop pool area will feature a mini water park with a Pixel Pool, 186-foot-long Crush’s Surfin’ Slide and Nemo’s Cove splash pad starring Hank the septopus.”
Orange County Register
New “Finding Nemo” Themed Pool Area Ready For Guests As Disneyland’s Paradise Pier Hotel Transforms Into Pixar Place Hotel
by Tony Betti | Jul 31, 2023
Laughing Place
Pixar Place Hotel – Makes a Big Splash August 1st, 2023
By Dusty Sage -July 31, 2023
MiceChat
Disneyland to turn Steakhouse 55 restaurant into a bar and lounge
The flexible multipurpose space will feel lighter, brighter and more cohesive with the rest of the Disneyland Hotel lobby.
By BRADY MACDONALD
PUBLISHED: August 2, 2023
“The former Steakhouse 55 restaurant will be converted into a flexible lounge space that will occasionally serve as an extension of a seasonal bar to accommodate more guests during peak periods, according to Disneyland officials.”
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“Steakhouse 55 permanently closed in July 2021 during the phased reopening of eateries, shops and attractions at the Disneyland resort following the yearlong COVID-19 closure of the Anaheim theme parks.
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“The clubby and pricey Steakhouse 55 opened in 2006 at the Disneyland Hotel with an elegant Old Hollywood atmosphere. Steakhouse 55 replaced Granville’s Steak House, which opened in 1983. The 55 in the steakhouse name refers to the 1955 opening date of the Disneyland theme park.”
Orange County Register
Work Begins At Disneyland’s Former Steakhouse 55 – Fan-Favorite Eatery Not Reopening
by Tony Betti | Jul 31, 2023
“Steakhouse 55 officially opened on November 27th, 2006, replacing Granville’s Steak House, which opened in 1983 when the hotel was still managed by The Wrather Corporation. Granville’s Steak House was named after hotel co-owner Bonita Granville, whose name also graced one of the hotel’s three towers (now the Frontier Tower). Steakhouse 55 offered an upscale old Hollywood experience, decorated with black and white photos of stars from Hollywood’s golden era, including Walt Disney.”
Laughing Place
Disneyland nears opening of Tiana’s Palace restaurant: ‘We’re almost there’
Construction scrims have been removed from the New Orleans Square building revealing the thematic riverboat wheelhouse and twin smokestacks atop the restaurant.
By BRADY MACDONALD
PUBLISHED: July 31, 2023
“Construction scrims have been removed from the building revealing the thematic riverboat wheelhouse and twin smokestacks atop the restaurant and the Tiana’s Palace sign on the wrought iron balcony over the entrance.”
Orange County Register
Tiana’s Palace Revealed at Disneyland – Full Details!
By Nathan Villamor -July 28, 2023
MiceChat
Disneyland expands booze to 3 more restaurants – against Walt Disney’s wishes
Select alcoholic beverages will be introduced on Sept. 12 in tandem with new seasonal menu items at Cafe Orleans, River Belle Terrace and Carnation Cafe.
By BRADY MACDONALD
PUBLISHED: July 27, 2023
“Select alcoholic beverages will be introduced on Sept. 12 in tandem with new seasonal menu items at Cafe Orleans, River Belle Terrace and Carnation Cafe, according to Disneyland officials.
“The three table service restaurants join Oga’s Cantina that introduced alcohol in 2019 when Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge debuted and the Blue Bayou that added booze to the menu in 2021 following the pandemic closure of the park. The exclusive Club 33 private club in New Orleans Square has long served beer, wine and cocktails to its well-heeled members.”
Orange County Register
Disneyland Adding Adult Beverages to Three More Restaurants!
By Dusty Sage -July 26, 2023
Add this to the list of things you knew would eventually happen at Disneyland…
“Carnation Cafe is a classic American restaurant located on Main Street, U.S.A. The new menu will feature a selection of wines, beers, and cocktails, including a Carnation Cooler made with vodka, raspberry, and ginger ale.
“River Belle Terrace is a waterfront restaurant located in Frontierland. The new menu will feature a selection of wines, beers, and cocktails, including a River Belle Margarita made with tequila, lime, and orange liqueur.
“Cafe Orleans is a Cajun-inspired restaurant located in New Orleans Square. The new menu will feature a selection of wines, beers, and cocktails, including a Cafe Orleans Hurricane made with rum, passionfruit, orange, and pineapple juices.”
MiceChat
Disney reaches Magic Key settlement in $5 million annual passholder lawsuit
The lawsuit claims Disneyland misled and deceived its most loyal fans by artificially limiting capacity and restricting reservations.
By BRADY MACDONALD
PUBLISHED: July 24, 2023
“Disneyland has reached a settlement with a Magic Key annual passholder who claimed in a class-action lawsuit that the Anaheim theme park misled and deceived its most loyal fans by artificially limiting capacity and restricting reservations, according to court documents.
“The complaint filed by Disneyland Magic Key annual passholder Jenale Nielsen of Santa Clara County has reached a settlement, according to court documents. Nielsen’s motion for court approval of the class-action settlement is due Aug. 31.”
Orange County Register
Disneyland is already decking the halls for the Christmas holiday season
The winter holiday season returns to Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, Downtown Disney and the three Disney resort hotels from Nov. 10 through Jan. 7.
By BRADY MACDONALD
PUBLISHED: August 2, 2023
“The winter holiday season returns to Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, Downtown Disney and the three Disney resort hotels from Nov. 10 through Jan. 7”.
Orange County Register
Wed, August 2, 2023
2023 Disneyland Resort Holiday Season Dates and Details Revealed
by Kelsey Lynch, Public Relations Director, Disneyland Resort
Disney Parks Blog
Disneyland Holidays Begin Here – Your Guide to the 2023 Winter Season
By Dusty Sage -August 2, 2023
“We’re still feeling the summer heat, and Halloween items have already hit the shelves, and that means… it’s time to start thinking about Christmas at Disneyland! The Disneyland Resort’s holiday season starts November 10 and runs through January 7, 2024. The holidays at the Merriest Place on Earth are comfort food for the soul with dazzling lights, festive eats and treats, and many returning entertainment favorites.
“We’ve assembled an evolving guide to everything that’s known about the holidays at the Disneyland Resort in 2023 and will update you here with additional information throughout the season.”
MiceChat
Disneyland Update: ToonTown Tidbits, Terrific Treats & Tourist Trends
By Nathan Villamor -July 24, 2023
“Disneyland is a hub of constant activity, even when its gates are closed to guests. Each night, crews are busy with construction, maintenance, cleaning, and restocking in a neverending battle to keep a constantly evolving 68-year-old theme park running. Behind the obvious construction fences lies a world of change happening every week, and that’s where we come in.
“Today, we’ll take a closer look at these behind-the-scenes transformations. You’ll get updates on crowd patterns and insider tips to keep cool during the sizzling Disneyland summer. Plus, we’ve got the lowdown on the latest happenings in ToonTown and new mouthwatering treats and eats in San Fransokyo… including a surprise opening! And, as always, we’ll cover the latest construction news. Let’s dive in and uncover the magic of The Happiest Place on Earth…”
MiceChat
Disneyland Update: Fantasmic Falters, Tiana Triumphs, and San Fransokyo Sizzles
By Dusty Sage -July 31, 2023
“Another week, another drama… or two. Dive into today’s Disneyland Update for a sprinkling of disappointments with Fantasmic, an influx of new beverages on tap, jazzy entertainment, expensive plastic prizes, Halloween preparations, a sweltering tropical heatwave, and an abundance of construction updates. As always, we’ve got photos galore… featuring Tiana’s Palace revealed, Adventureland’s Treehouse addition, and the fast-progressing San Fransokyo Square…”
You can listen to show Current Events 8/4/2023 on iTunes or go to Libsyn service here.