In this episode we welcome Bob D'Arcy to the show. Bob worked at Disneyland while it was being built, and worked in the publicity department as Disneyland's first host. He would give tours of the park for the first two years, and has some amazing stories to tell. Get his book A Walk In The Park
Plus the latest in the Disneyland Resort Current Events with all the latest on Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge.
UPDATE: Disney has announced the opening of both new lands. Disneyland will open May 29th, 2019 and Walt Disney World will open August 31st, 2019. See the announcement here at the Disney Parks Blog.
Disneyland Resort Current Event
On Twitter, "Dre" @VashSky linked to a Google Document that collects recent articles on Stars Wars: Galaxy's Edge from the usual fan websites, news and entertainment websites, and specialized sites like Popular Mechanics:
Google Doc
New Details Revealed for Disneyland Star Wars Land Attractions and Technology
February 28, 2019
"That app that Disney has been trying to get you to play within the parks while waiting in line and exploring the parks was just a test for . . . Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. You’ll soon be able to use the app (on your “datapad”) to explore Star Wars Land, translate messages, hack data ports, find hidden details, learn more about the environment, and go on missions. It’s your portal to adventures and puts you right in the middle of a battle over the control of Black Spire Outpost. You choose your side, Resistance, First Order, or Smugglers, and try to take over control of the land. It’s important to note that you don’t necessarily “choose” a side to begin, your story is dictated by the actions you take (so in some cases you can play both sides)."
MiceChat
By Todd Martens
Feb 27, 2019
"Disneyland’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, which opens in an identical setup at Florida’s Walt Disney World a few months after its Anaheim debut, is designed as a place to engage, recognizing both our culture’s shift to experience-based entertainment and the generational shift in today’s guests — and certainly those of tomorrow — increasingly weaned on games.
If you want to bring home a droid, you build it in a cavernous warehouse with tool-shed-like fixtures. Guests, for instance, will fish for robot bits from an assembly line. Want a lightsaber? Hunt down a not-so-secret shop where you and just 13 others will learn how to construct and use one under the guidance of a Jedi Knight sympathizer."
LA Times
Thu, February 28, 2019
Building Batuu: New Details Released about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
by Scott Trowbridge, Portfolio Creative Executive, Walt Disney Imagineering
"Today I’d like to introduce a new series on the Disney Parks Blog called “Building Batuu.” Batuu, as you may know, is the home of Black Spire Outpost, the location you will visit when you arrive at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, which has become a haven for the galaxy’s most colorful — and notorious — characters. Over the next several months, we will be providing you with more details about this entire new land, the offerings and attractions and how you can live your own Star Wars adventure in a galaxy far, far away."
…
"While we’re on the subject of taste, there will be several locations in our land to satisfy the appetites of most rogue adventurers:
Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo – Chef Strono “Cookie” Tuggs has traveled throughout the galaxy following his longtime gig as the chef at Maz Kanata’s castle on Takodana and brings exotic flavors and unusual dishes to his traveling diner “Tuggs’ Grub.”
Ronto Roasters – A recycled podracing engine fires up a spit of exotic meats, meticulously turned by a former smelter droid, 8D-J8. Guests can even sample some of the tasty Ronto fare.
Milk Stand – The place to go to get your farm-fresh blue milk or green milk, direct from Bubo Wamba Family Farms.
Kat Saka’s Kettle – One of the many street market stalls, this grain vendor sells the ever-popular Outpost Mix (sweet and salty popcorn snack with a hint of spice).
For those looking to purchase in-story Star Wars merchandise and rare finds from across the galaxy, you need to look no further than our many different Outpost stores and market stalls.
Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities – For those in the know, Dok-Ondar is the Ithorian you seek for selling and buying rare and uniquely-valued items from across the galaxy and spanning all eras.
Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers – Guests come to the workshop to meet with the Gatherers – a secretive group of people who have dedicated their lives to restoring balance in the galaxy by passing on their knowledge of Jedi lore and the Force. The workshop Master guides guests to customize and build their own unique lightsabers, and instructs them on the ways of the Jedi.
Droid Depot – Visitors to Mubo’s workshop can choose parts and construct their own individual astromech droids to accompany them on their journey, and then take them home with them.
First Order Cargo – A spaceport hangar bay serves as the temporary base and landing spot for the First Order. First Order officers have brought in crates of gear, uniforms and other supplies to win the hearts and minds of locals and visitors to Black Spire Outpost.
Resistance Supply – Resistance members and local sympathizers oversee a makeshift stall that supplies Resistance uniforms, pins, badges, hats, helmets, jackets, maps, tools, training supplies, food rations and other items.
There are also several market stalls which sell a variety of merchandise such as:
* Toydarian Toymaker (toys)
* Creature Stall (interesting critters that you can take home with you)
* Black Spire Outfitters (clothing)
* The Jewels of Bith (accessories and other trinkets to treasure)"
Disney Parks Blog
Thu, February 28, 2019
Building Batuu: Cast Members Suit Up for Work in Black Spire Outpost
by Scott Trowbridge, Portfolio Creative Executive, Walt Disney Imagineering
"In the early stages of designing the land, we knew that the Cast Members working here would be part of the story in a way unlike we’ve ever seen before. This guiding principle led a team of costumers, buyers and artists to create dozens of styles for Cast working on Batuu. Outside of the, well, orderly First Order, the costumes for members of the Resistance and, particularly the villagers, will be as varied as the Cast Members themselves. Different styles and colors for pants and shirts, and optional accessories like scarves, hats and even necklaces, will allow Cast to mix and match to create individualize their part of our Star Wars story."
Disney Parks Blog
Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Costumes Revealed at Disneyland
February 27, 2019
"In Black Spire Outpost, the town at Galaxy’s Edge, you’ll find good guys, bad guys and villagers all occupying a faux-for-real environment. The cast will be encouraged to assume a role and play a part in the overall experience. Their costume is an important tool in helping them achieve a look and get into the spirit of the new land."
MiceChat
Here’s what Disneyland unveiled about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at its cast party
By Marla Jo Fisher
February 26, 2019
Orange County Register
First look inside the Millennium Falcon ride at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland
By Brady MacDonald
February 27, 2019
"Disney offered a sneak peek of the flight simulator attraction during a behind-the-scenes tour of the new 14-acre land coming to the Anaheim theme park."
Orange County Register
Learn the backstory behind Disneyland’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge with role-playing mobile games
By Brady MacDonald
February 27, 2019
Orange County Register
Go behind the scenes of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge under construction at Disneyland
By Brady MacDonald
February 27, 2019
Orange County Register
See inside the Rise of the Resistance ride coming to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland
By Brady MacDonald
February 27, 2019
Orange County Register
The Shop Side: Star Wars Land Restaurants and Shops Revealed
February 27, 2019
"The marketplace has the feel of bazaars from around the world, including places like Jerusalem, Morocco, and Turkey. As such, the “owners” of the shops live above them in second story apartments.
There are also no “evergreen” Star Wars products, everything is custom made for Galaxy’s Edge. You won’t find the products sold at Star Traders, Launch Bay, or Target, just what the shopkeepers on Batuu have on hand. But don’t worry, all that other stuff will still be available elsewhere at Disneyland."
MiceChat
Disneyland’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge sneak peek: Photos and more about the rides, food, merch
By Brady MacDonald
February 27, 2019
Orange County Register
Want a Star Wars: Galaxy Edge lightsaber from Disneyland? Be prepared to pay
Orange County Register
Thu, February 28, 2019
Building Batuu: Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo
by Scott Trowbridge, Portfolio Creative Executive, Walt Disney Imagineering
"Visitors will be able to taste otherworldly flavors and enjoy the tantalizing scents of our many food and beverage locations. Among the newly revealed list of venues at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo."
Disney Parks Blog
Fri, March 1, 2019
Jessie’s Critter Carousel to Open in April at Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure Park
Disney Parks Blog
Jessie’s Critter Carousel slated to open in April at the Disneyland Resort
Would you pay $15,000 for this dinner at Disneyland?
By Marla Jo Fisher
February 18, 2019
Orange County Register
Sugarboo & Co. to open a retail location at Downtown Disney
By John Frost
February 27, 2019
"A little bit of the Southeast is coming to Downtown Disney when Sugarboo & Co. opens a retail location. A family-owned boutique offers cozy and whimsical art and treasures to help make your house a home."
Disney Parks Blog
Disneyland Update: Rainy Days and Mondays
February 18, 2019
MiceChat
Disneyland Resort Update – Mickey, Food, and Color
February 22, 2019
MiceChat
World of Color Reignites the Night at Disney California Adventure
February 23, 2019
"The Wonderful World of Color has returned to Disney California Adventure after a long absence. The show suffered a technical incident in April of 2018 which necessitated a lengthy repair."
MiceChat
Disneyland Update – Everything Old is New Again
February 25, 2019
You can listen to show 254 on iTunes or go to Libsyn service here.
Bob D'Arcy Disneyland's First Host
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Show Notes for Episode 254