Show Notes for Episode 274
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Disneyland 1999
In this episode we take a look at Disneyland in the year 1999. Both Ken and I were working at Disneyland at this time and share some of our memories along with some history. Join us for this fun conversation. Plus the latest in the Disneyland Resort Current Events.
Also We are participating in the MiceChat Gumball Rally on Feb. 8, 2020 and would love if you could find a space on website for a link to that as well and also saying that we will be there participating.
Disneyland Resort Current Event
Ken will be selling and signing Cleaning The Kingdom books!
Saturday, December 21 5 pm -7 pm
Bob Baker Marionette Theater
4949 York Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA
Also scheduled to be there:
Bob Baker and Walt Disney treasures on exhibition
Bob Gurr
Leonard Maltin
David Koenig
Mindy Johnson
Chris Nichols
FREE ENTRY for all ages!
Bob Baker Marionette Theater
Disney reveals how Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run works at Disneyland’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
'The Imagineering Story' docuseries on Disney+ debuting Friday, Dec. 13 shows the three-dimensional Swiss watch mechanism that allows Smugglers Run ride operators to get up to 1,800 riders per hour on the attraction.
By Brady MacDonald
PUBLISHED: December 13, 2019
“Walt Disney Imagineering revealed the magic behind the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge during a new Disney+ show that was offered unprecedented behind-the-scenes access inside the new Disneyland attraction.”
...
“Imagineering partnered with game engine software developers to create an interactive video game-like experience aboard the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run attraction.”
Orange County Register
Disney reveals how the Rise of the Resistance escape pod works in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
'The Imagineering Story' docuseries on Disney+ shows how the theme park creative team combined three rides into one to create the signature finale experience in Rise of the Resistance.
By Brady MacDonald
PUBLISHED: December 13, 2019
“The Rise of the Resistance attraction opened on Dec. 5 at the Florida theme park and debuts Jan. 17 at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Anaheim.
“For the most complicated Disney attraction ever created, the Imagineers opted for a trackless dark ride vehicle as the best way to explore a First Order Star Destroyer.”
Orange County Register
How Disney pulled off the spectacular technical feats in Rise of the Resistance at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
By Brady MacDonald
PUBLISHED: December 6, 2019
“The new Rise of the Resistance attraction combines 5 million lines of computer code with animatronic figures, physical sets, digital projections and special effects to create a 15-minute ride experience unlike anything ever built by Disney.”
Orange County Register
Disney launches new Rise of the Resistance ride as X-Wing drones soar overhead
By Brady MacDonald
PUBLISHED: December 4, 2019
“A pair of X-Wing drones flew in the night sky as Disney launched the highly-anticipated Rise of the Resistance attraction at the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge themed land in Florida.
“The multi-rotor drones hovered over the dedication ceremony for Rise of the Resistance on Wednesday, Nov. 4 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.”
San Gabriel Valley Tribune
Rise of the Resistance gets off to a rough start on opening day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
By Brady MacDonald
PUBLISHED: December 5, 2019
“Star Wars fans lined up as early as 2 a.m. on Thursday morning at the Florida theme park to be among the first to experience Rise of the Resistance.
“Disney’s Hollywood Studios used a virtual queue to assign boarding group times to riders. At 7:30 a.m., boarding groups were being notified that their ride time would take place in the afternoon. Twenty minutes later virtual queue groups were being assigned to evening boarding times. By 8:40 a.m., boarding group allocations for Rise of the Resistance were closed for the day.
“Visitors were allowed into the park before the scheduled 8 a.m. opening time and the first riders boarded Rise of the Resistance before 7 a.m.”
Orange County Register
OPENING! Rise of the Resistance at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
December 4, 2019
“The ride had a difficult opening day with lots of down time. Guests with late boarding groups are being notified that they won’t be accommodated. But they are getting some compensation. In the form of park hopper tickets and Fastpasses for tomorrow.”
MiceChat
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Not-So-Spoiler-y Walkthrough
By Cory Disbrow -
December 4, 2019
MiceChat
How Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance may fix what ails Disney’s Galaxy’s Edge
By Todd Martens
Dec. 6, 2019
“Rise of the Resistance essentially gives Galaxy’s Edge what it has lacked — fully movable droids and multiple recognizable characters, from Daisy Ridley’s Rey in holographic form to John Boyega’s Finn and Adam Driver’s Kylo Ren as audio-animatronics. Oscar Isaac’s Poe appears on screen and we see a lifelike creation of his X-wing. Additionally, the more Disney employees get into character, either as welcoming and excitable resistance fighters or as fiercely strict followers of the First Order — the more the ride comes to life.”
LA Times
Rise of the Resistance: I rode Disney’s new Star Wars attraction 4 times and here’s what it’s like
The long-awaited attraction will leave you wondering again and again how Walt Disney Imagineering pulled off one visual illusion after another with each scene somehow outdoing the last.
By Brady MacDonald
PUBLISHED: December 4, 2019
“Rise of the Resistance will leave you wondering again and again how Walt Disney Imagineering pulled off one visual illusion after another, with each scene somehow outdoing the last. Disney’s new Star Wars attraction redefines what E-ticket stands for: Extraordinary.”
…
“If you’re like me, you’ll find yourself wanting to linger in each new space you encounter in Rise of the Resistance. Every scene has so many visuals to drink in that you can’t see them all in a single ride. The experience moves at such a quick clip that you can’t see everything. Which is what makes a great ride — and the kind of problem you’d like to have. You’ll just need to get in line again.”
Orange County Register
A showstopping Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance — a new hope for Galaxy’s Edge?
By Todd Martens
Dec. 4, 2019
“While there are dozens of animatronics, including one of John Boyega’s Finn that can be relatively hidden depending on the route taken by your vehicle, this is the rare modern theme park attraction where screens and projections are used with artistic restraint. Yes, there are lots of projected and filmed effects, but they always interact with the set — when a Stormtrooper shoots a blaster, it triggers a mini explosion effect. Elsewhere, projections give way to blaster-scarred walls, and near the end giant laser cannons firing into a hectic space battle retract and advance, impeding our stop-and-start journey. When Kylo Ren’s lightsaber crashes through the ceiling it’s a surprise, but we’re kept at just enough of a distance to not spoil the razzle-dazzle of it all.”
LA Times
9 secrets revealed in Disneyland’s Rise of the Resistance ride sneak peek
Disney unveiled new details from nine scenes inside the Rise of the Resistance attraction during the 'The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration' television special.
By Brady MacDonald
PUBLISHED: November 29, 2019
Orange County Register
Disney gives away Rise of the Resistance surprise finale with ‘swift drop’ warning
Rise of the Resistance is set to debut on Thursday, Dec. 5 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida and on Jan. 17 at Disneyland.
By Brady MacDonald
PUBLISHED: November 30, 2019
Orange County Register
Rise of the Resistance scene-by-scene breakdown of new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge ride coming to Disneyland
Eagle-eyed Star Wars sleuths have been able to combine clues offered by Disney with scene-by-scene track layouts leaked online to develop an in-depth inside look at the new attraction billed as four rides in one.
By Brady MacDonald
PUBLISHED: November 26, 2019
Orange County Register
Disneyland’s Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway dark ride starts with a blast
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway debuts March 4 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida and in Mickey’s Toontown at Disneyland in 2022.
By Brady MacDonald
PUBLISHED: December 4, 2019
“‘Every scene is so jam-packed,’ Imagineer executive creative director Kevin Rafferty said during an interview. ‘It’s 10 pounds of potatoes in a five pound bag. There’s so much to see, so many Easter eggs, so many nods, such great stuff that hearkens back to the Disney Studio.’”
Orange County Register
Tue, December 10, 2019
‘Indiana Jones Adventure – The Gifts of Mara’ Experience Now Available in the Play Disney Parks App at Disneyland Resort
by Kelsey Lynch, Public Relations Manager, Disneyland Resort
“When Indiana Jones Adventure first opened back in 1995, guests would receive a decoder card that helped them translate and decipher the Mara-glyphics hidden throughout the queue as they waited to board their troop transports and head out on their adventure. I’m excited to share that as of today, this is no longer a memory of the past – the fan-favorite decoder is back – and with more features and fun than ever before – with a new digital version, available in the Play Disney Parks mobile app!*”
Disney Parks Blog
New “Magic Happens” Parade Gets Real at Disneyland
By Natalie Kipper -
December 11, 2019
“When Mickey’s Soundsational Parade ended in July, it was unclear when its replacement would arrive. Well, starting February 28, 2020, there will be an all-new parade to watch that looks quite promising. Elements of the new parade were revealed at this past D23 Expo and we’re looking forward to seeing the new “Magic” soon.”
MiceChat
Wed, December 11, 2019
New ‘Magic Happens’ Parade to Premiere on Feb. 28, 2020 at Disneyland Park
by Shawn Slater, Senior Communications Manager, Disney Parks Live Entertainment
“As we previously shared on the Disney Parks Blog, ‘Magic Happens’ celebrates awe-inspiring moments of magic that are at the heart of so many Disney stories. Mickey Mouse leads this new daytime spectacular down Main Street, U.S.A., revealing a parade of stunning floats, beautiful costumes and beloved Disney characters. ‘Magic Happens’ will also feature an energetic musical score and a new song, co-composed by singer-songwriter Todrick Hall.”
Disney Parks Blog
The 2020 Rose Parade’s new half-time show will feature a beloved Disney movie
By Bradley Bermont
PUBLISHED: December 5, 2019 at 3:16 pm
“For the first time ever, the 2020 Rose Parade will have a half-time show. That’s right, we’re not talking about the football game. The New Year’s day extravaganza will have a mid-parade performance and — hold on to your beanies — it’s a live action rendition of songs from ‘Frozen.’”
San Gabriel Valley Tribune
Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion will close in 2020 for months-long renovation
By Brady MacDonald|
PUBLISHED: December 6, 2019
“The Haunted Mansion will undergo a scheduled refurbishment beginning Jan. 21 after the attraction’s holiday overlay is removed, Disneyland officials said.
“The Haunted Mansion becomes the third Disneyland attraction to undergo an extended refurbishment in 2020. Snow White’s Scary Adventures will get a $445,000 ‘happily ever after’ makeover while the Indiana Jones Adventure thrill ride will get a $300,000 overhaul.”
Orange County Register
Beloved Disneyland draft horses retire after decade of pulling Main Street U.S.A. trolleys
By Brady MacDonald
PUBLISHED: December 7, 2019
“Reggie and Brother have now retired and both have been adopted by a Disney cast member, Disneyland officials confirmed. After more than a decade of service, Reggie and Brother will spend their retirement living on a farm in the Norco area.”
...
“In addition to their Main Street U.S.A. duties, Reggie and Brother also appeared in city parades throughout Southern California and often pulled Cinderella’s Coach for fairy tale weddings at Disneyland.”
Orange County Register
Disneyland Resort Gets Hit With Class-Action Lawsuit Alleging Workers Are Not Paid a Living Wage Under New Tax Laws
Dec 10, 2019
“Filed in Orange County Superior Court, the lawsuit alleges that the Disneyland Resort has violated ‘Measure L,’ a measure that took effect January 1st, 2019, which requires hospitality businesses in Anaheim’s resort district that are benefiting from a city subsidy pay workers a minimum of $15 an hour
“The lawsuit states that Disneyland is benefiting from a city subsidy since Anaheim is using tax dollars, most of which come from Disney’s $35 million in revenue from the parking garage (and some from bed taxes throughout Anaheim) to pay off construction bonds for a six-story parking garage at the resort. After the 40-year bond has been paid off, the city has agreed to transfer ownership of the garage to the Disneyland Resort.”
Is the Disneyland Resort getting a city subsidy? Workers’ lawsuit pushes court to decide
By Hugo Martín
Dec. 9, 2019
“Disney collects most of the parking revenue from the garage — more than $35 million a year. Once the 40-year bond is paid off, the city has agreed to transfer ownership of the garage to the resort.”
...
“Disney representatives have noted that all non-tipped employees of the resort already earn a minimum of $15 an hour, along with the ability to earn overtime pay.”
LA Times
Tue, November 26, 2019
Enchanting New Magic Coming to Snow White’s Scary Adventures at Disneyland Park
by Michael Ramirez, Editorial Content Director, Disneyland Resort
“In addition to experiencing familiar elements of the attraction you know and love, you’ll discover enhanced story details and all-new scenes. For example, a new vignette will show Snow White in a beautiful forest setting waking up from her deep sleep. Also, the attraction will conclude when Snow White is reunited with her animal friends and a shimmering castle is seen in the distance.
“Imagineers are implementing state-of-the-art audio and visual technology throughout the attraction, including new music, LED black lighting, laser projections and a new animation system. The exterior of the attraction will be completely refreshed with new, fairy tale-inspired details to complement the nearby charming Sleeping Beauty Castle.”
Disney Parks Blog
NEWS – Snow White’s Adventures to Be Less Scary at Disneyland
By Dusty Sage -
November 26, 2019
MiceChat
Snow White’s Scary Adventures to get new ‘happily ever after’ ending at Disneyland
Walt Disney Imagineering will update the interior and exterior of the Snow White’s Scary Adventures attraction during an extended renovation in 2020.
By Brady MacDonald
PUBLISHED: November 26, 2019
“The revamped attraction will conclude with Snow White reunited with her animal friends as a castle shimmers in the distance. The ride currently ends with a bolt of lightning sending the wicked witch tumbling to her death from a mountaintop with a terrifying scream.
“The extensive rehab will add new music, LED black lighting, laser projections, animation systems and audio-visual technology to the dark ride.”
Orange County Register
Disneyland After Dark Events Announced for 2020!
By Nathan Villamor -
November 26, 2019
MiceChat
Videopolis returns to Disneyland plus more after-hours events for 2020
The Disneyland resort will host after-hours parties themed to the 1980s, villains, Pixar and Valentine’s Day during the first four months of 2020.
By Brady MacDonald
PUBLISHED: November 26, 2019
“The 80s Nite event on Jan. 29 at Disneyland will flash back to the days of Videopolis with the dance party taking over the Fantasyland with VJs, music videos and songs from the decade. The Awesome After Dark — Fireworks to the Max nighttime spectacular will light up the evening sky.
“Villains Nite on April 30 at Disney California Adventure will feature a cabaret-style musical revue with Disney’s most famous bad guys and gals.
“Pixar Nite on March 5 at Disney California Adventure will include a dance party hosted by the characters from the Incredibles and Monsters Inc.
“The return of Sweethearts’ Nite on Feb. 12 and 13 at Disneyland will offer a romantically-themed royal ball with a soundtrack filled with love songs.”
Orange County Register
NEW! Dueling Piano Show Opens at the Golden Horseshoe in Disneyland
By Alisa Hopper -
November 23, 2019
“The long-awaited dueling piano show, dubbed Showdown at the Golden Horseshoe, opened yesterday at Disneyland (November 22, 2019).”
MiceChat
Review: Disneyland’s new dueling piano ‘Showdown’ combines 20 flying fingers into one fun show
The new 'Showdown at the Golden Horseshoe' in the Frontierland restaurant debuted on Friday, Nov. 22.
By Brady MacDonald
PUBLISHED: November 23, 2019
“The show follows a script that allows for a bit of musical and comedic improv. The duo is expected to refine the act as they continue to engage and gauge the audience and test out songs and jokes. The witty repartee in “Showdown at the Golden Horseshoe” comes courtesy of the Disneyland writers who work on the snappy Fantasy Faire shows in Fantasyland.”
Disneyland News Update: The Future of Tomorrow
By Dusty Sage
November 25, 2019
MiceChat
Disneyland News – Black Friday Surprise Update
November 29, 2019
MiceChat
Disneyland Update – Candlelight, Candy Canes & Resistance Rising!
By Dusty Sage
December 2, 2019
MiceChat
Disneyland’s Candlelight Processional: The Ultimate Christmas Event
By Logan Collins
December 6, 2019
MiceChat
Disneyland Merchandise Update: It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Star Wars
By Natalie Kipper
December 8, 2019
MiceChat
Disneyland Update – Glory, Disappointment, and Rainy Days
December 9, 2019
You can listen to show 274 on iTunes or go to Libsyn service here.