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Show Notes for Episode 204
Pirates of the Caribbean with Rick West
In this episode we welcome Rick West who is founder of Theme Park Adventure website and magazine, Former Disneyland Attractions Cast Member and Disneyland fan. We discuss his love for the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, about his Pirates book, and his time working at Disneyland on Pirates and Haunted Mansion. Plus the latest in the Current Events.
Disneyland Resort Current Event
3 more hotel projects planned around Disneyland in Anaheim's resort area
"The Planning Commission approved the project in February, one of three hotel projects the commission has given thumbs up to in as many months.
In January, the commission approved Element by Westin, a 174-room boutique hotel on Alro Way at the former site of the Bergstroms Childrens Store and a city fire station. In March, the commission gave the go-ahead for the public to have access to a rooftop bar called "Fifth" at the Grand Legacy Hotel across the street from Disneyland.
In the past four years, 18 hotels have opened - including five last year - in the 1,100-acre resort area. One existing hotel is expanding. Four more are slated that would be considered four-diamond, luxury properties."
Orange County Register
Reimagining Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa at the Disneyland Resort
"The hotel-wide refresh will include reimagining all guest rooms, pool areas and the concierge-level Craftsman Club as well as new furniture for the lobby."
Disney Parks Blog
Disneyland project nudges Pizza Press to new site; chain also adding 300 restaurants
"The original Pizza Press location, at 1534 S. Harbor Blvd., will remain open through April 3 – overlapping several days with the March 24 grand opening of the new restaurant at 1700 S. Harbor."
Orange County Register
Are Disneyland and Knott's making food and wine festivals permanent additions to the theme parks?
"Unfortunately for what's traditionally been a family-driven business, pesky schools continue to insist that children attend classes for most of the year. Sure, some parents will take their kids out for a trip now and then, but parks need to go after a more grown-up audience to keep their queues - and bank accounts - filled during the weeks when schools keep their students in class."
Orange County Register
California Adventure 2017 Food and Wine Festival a Delicious Adventure
"Disney California Adventure’s beloved Food and Wine Festival returned last year after a lengthy absence, and folks seemed to really enjoy the revived Festival, but were turned off by high prices and small portions. After visiting the festival this year, it’s clear that those concerns were heard. For 2017, prices are down, portions are larger, and the available food items have been somewhat simplified to make them more appealing to a wider audience. The upshot? The first weekend of the Festival was incredibly popular, with food selling out, long lines, and lots of happy guests. While not perfect, this was a huge improvement over previous offerings and hopefully a step in the right direction for future festivals in the park. Let’s take a look and this year’s Food and Wine Festival and how we’d like to see it evolve in the future."
Mice Chat
Tivan Group Flag Signals Arrival of Collector’s Fortress at Disney California Adventure Park
"Mysterious forces are converging upon Disney California Adventure park as The Collector’s arrival is imminent. Throughout the coming months, changes are underway as Taneleer Tivan, The Collector, prepares to welcome guests to view the newest acquisitions in his extensive collection: the Guardians of the Galaxy.
One of the first signs of The Collector’s arrival appeared recently, which we’ve caught this glimpse at, flying at the site of his emerging fortress. This shining flag bears the Tivan symbol and signifies his arrival. We hope to hear more from the Tivan Group throughout the coming months, as The Collector’s Fortress continues to emerge.
Explore this mysterious collection yourself when Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! opens May 27 at Disney California Adventure park."
Disney Parks Blog
Marvel Land News: Breakout!...Of The Shroud
Mice Chat
Star Wars-Themed Lands Come To Life as Construction Progresses at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts
"We’re also creating two incredible new signature attractions: one that lets guests take the controls of Millennium Falcon on a customized secret mission, and an epic Star Wars adventure that puts guests in the middle of a climactic battle between the First Order and the Resistance."
Disney Parks Blog
Star Wars Land News: Indy, Rebels and Walkers! Oh, my!
Star Wars Land News: Walkers In The House!
Mice Chat
Disneyland Photo and Rumor Update – Major Fantasmic & Halloween Changes
"All tarps and construction equipment were recently removed from Tom Sawyer Island to facilitate nighttime rehearsals for the new version of Fantasmic. Right off the bat we’ll assure you that the show LOOKS beautiful. The new projections are amazing, crisp, and have never looked better. The show also appears to have a new title. Instead of “Fantasmic!,” it’s now “Fantasmic!!” – the two exclamation points indicating “Fantasmic 2.0”"
"Saving Seats for Parade and Fireworks
Disney recently changed their policy regarding the saving of seats for Electrical Parade and Fireworks. The new rule prevents guests from saving spots until after the ropes go up. However, they don’t seem to be doing a very good job enforcing the policy. Only guests attempting to put down blankets early are being stopped for now. Or, perhaps they are already finding the new policy too hard to enforce."
Mice Chat
Disneyland Update – Pirates Prepare to Return with Expanded Offerings
"All Signs Point to MaxPass
An increasing number of attractions are getting MaxPass scanners. In addition, Disney has rolled out an update of the Disneyland App to Android users which mimics the look of the Florida version. It should roll out to iPhone soon. Cast Members have been trying to scan paper Fastpasses on some attractions, but the resulting lines caused them to just start collecting tickets as before. They’ll either get better at this, or they could just scan those using the app and simply collect the paper Fastpasses as before. They’ll figure it all out. They always do."
Mice Chat
Pirates of the Caribbean ride reopens at Disneyland in time for its 50th anniversary
"On Saturday, March 18 the iconic ride, the last one personally overseen by Walt Disney, will celebrate its 50th anniversary.
Disneyland is honoring that anniversary with some special food and merchandise items."
Orange County Register
Celebrate 50 Years of Pirates of the Caribbean with New Specialty Food and Beverage Items at Disneyland Park
You can listen to show 204 on iTunes or go to Libsyn service here.