In this episode we welcome back Disney Historian, Author, and friend Jim Korkis, to talk about Disneyland in the year 1960. There was much going on as always with the ever changing park, and Jim is here to help us relive those times. Check out Jim's books on Amazon
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
How often is Rise of the Resistance breaking down at Disneyland?
Back-to-back downtimes hurt the most — and Rise of the Resistance has had its share of them during the first two weeks of operation.
By Brady MacDonald
PUBLISHED: January 31, 2020
"The new Rise of the Resistance ride at Disneyland has been breaking down once or twice a day for an hour or more as thousands of Star Wars fans anxiously wait to experience the new Galaxy’s Edge attraction, according to a theme park tracking company."
...
"On most days, the backup boarding group threshold tends to be in the 80 to 83 range, meaning visitors with boarding groups below that number are expected to get on the ride. The backup boarding group threshold has been as low as 42 — which happened on Wednesday, Jan. 29, when the park was closing early for an 80s Nite after-hours party."
...
"It often takes time to get new ride systems to operate reliably and for ride operators to become familiar with an attraction."
Orange County Register
What Disney needs to fix in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland
Analysis: The necessary fixes needed to get Galaxy’s Edge in proper working order may take months or years to materialize. In the meantime, the problems don’t go anywhere. They just sit and wait and become more glaring with time.
By Brady MacDonald
PUBLISHED: January 31, 2020
"Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge remains a work in progress filled with seemingly unlimited potential once the new themed lands at Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios have a chance to adjust, change, grow and evolve over time.
"Like any new home, the Star Wars lands in California and Florida have a punch list of honey-dos that need to be repaired and fixed once there’s enough time, will and money. But you have to take care of the immediate issues on the short-term list before diving into the longer-term plans and bigger dream projects."
Orange County Register
EDITORIAL – Adding The Mandalorian Could Improve Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run
By Lilliana Parker -
January 30, 2020
"One of the striking things about The Mandalorian are the varied landscapes and use of colors. Over the course of the first season of The Mandalorian, we visit quite a few unique places. As I’ve thought about it, the aesthetic and ideals of the show would fit quite nicely in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. But what would be the best way to incorporate it so that it fits into the carefully crafted timeline of the land? Here are a couple of my thoughts, and I’d like to hear yours as well."
MiceChat
What Disney got right with Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland
Analysis: What Disney got right with Galaxy’s Edge and how those choices could keep the new Star Wars lands relevant and vibrant for years to come.
By Brady MacDonald
PUBLISHED: January 30, 2020 at 6:33 am
"Walt Disney Imagineering took a big and ambitious risk creating a brand new planet in the Star Wars universe with its own unique backstory for the twin Galaxy’s Edge themed lands at Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
"Imagineering doubled down on the risky bet by locking the timeframe for the new 14-acre lands into the current “Star Wars” trilogy — a choice that essentially locked Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Han Solo and many other popular characters out of Galaxy’s Edge."
Orange County Register
Disney Imagineers fill Rise of the Resistance queue with ‘secret history’ of ancient Star Wars civilization
Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Rise of the Resistance queue designed to serve as the opening scene of the sweeping epic story that unfolds on the new Disneyland attraction.
By Brady MacDonald
PUBLISHED: January 21, 2020 at 9:33 am
"As a complement to Rise of the Resistance, the “Galaxy’s Edge: Black Spire” novel by Delilah S. Dawson that came out in August introduces readers to the “secret history” of the caves on the outskirts of the smuggler’s outpost that serve as the attraction’s queue."
...
"Like an onion, the backstory for the queue becomes more complex with every layer you peel back. While Batuuans use the lichen growing on the rock walls in cooking and to dye fabrics, ground up lichen produces a valuable golden powder that doubles as a local currency accepted at Oga’s Cantina and other Black Spire Outpost businesses, Makela explains."
Orange County Register
When will Disneyland open the FastPass line for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run?
Star Wars fans planning a trip to Batuu East can now make FastPass reservations to fly the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy. But what about Batuu West?
By Brady MacDonald
PUBLISHED: January 24, 2020
"Now that Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida has announced plans to open the FastPass lane on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run it begs the obvious question: When will Disneyland do the same thing?"
Orange County Register
Rebel hero or First Order spy? Rise of the Resistance mobile games let you choose sides
The debut of Rise of the Resistance dark ride at Disneyland has unlocked two new missions gamers can play in the Star Wars themed land that tie into the backstory of the new attraction.
By Brady MacDonald
PUBLISHED: January 23, 2020
"A pair of new mobile games in Disneyland’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge let you enlist as a Resistance rebel, remain loyal to the First Order or play a rogue scoundrel determined to pit both sides against each other.
"The debut of Rise of the Resistance dark ride at the Anaheim theme park has unlocked two new missions gamers can play in the Star Wars themed land that tie into the backstory of the new attraction."
...
"The two new mobile app missions tied to the Rise of the Resistance backstory give visitors the choice of helping the heroic Resistance or spying for the villainous First Order. Both games unfold in the secret military encampment that serves as the queue for the ride.
"If you choose Team Resistance, you’ll be helping Finn navigate the Star Destroyer at the heart of the new attraction. But first, you have to help the rebel hero escape from the Star Destroyer custodial closet he’s trapped in."
Orange County Register
Disneyland After Dark Adds Star Wars Nite to the 2020 Schedule
By Rio McCarthy -
January 23, 2020
"Where are my fellow night owls and Star Wars fans at? If you’ll be in Anaheim for the Star Wars Celebration event that runs from August 27th – August 30th, 2020 at the Anaheim Convention Center, you’ll be in for a treat on opening night! On August 27th, 2020 Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite will be taking over the park after dark, and you can join in on all the excitement. Even if you’re not attending the convention, this is a chance for you to join in the fun! This is a separate ticket event, so you’ll need to get your ticket ahead of time once they go up on Disneyland.com."
MiceChat
Disneyland’s after-hours Star Wars Nite celebrates Twin Moons Eclipse Day in Galaxy’s Edge
The separate-admission Disneyland After Dark event will take place on Aug. 27 just as the Star Wars Celebration fan convention is kicking off at the Anaheim Convention Center.
By Brady MacDonald
PUBLISHED: January 25, 2020
"Select Disneyland attractions will be open during Star Wars Nite. While Disneyland hasn’t announced which rides will be operating, part of the allure of the after-hours events is the opportunity to get on attractions such as Star Tours, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Rise of the Resistance multiple times with limited lines.
"Droid Depot and Savi’s Workshop will be open during Star Wars Nite for those who want to build their own R2 unit or lightsaber. Reservations are recommended. Expect Oga’s Cantina to offer specialty cocktails during the event, although Disney has not yet revealed the exclusive drink menu for the wretched hive of scum and villainy.
"The Disneyland After Dark events are one of the few times adults can wear costumes in the park. Visitors can dress as their favorite Star Wars characters as long as they don’t pose for photos or sign autographs. The costumes can’t be obstructive, offensive or violent. Weapons aren’t permitted, but we will have to wait and see if that extends to lightsabers and stormtrooper blasters."
Orange County Register
Disney teases high-flying Spider-Man ‘stuntronic’ robot coming to Avengers Campus
Disney posted a slow-motion video to social media of a Spider-Man stunt robot performing somersaults and backflips against a black background at a “top secret location.”
By Brady MacDonald
PUBLISHED: January 30, 2020
"A high-flying Spider-Man autonomous 'stuntronic' robot will swing above rooftops and perform midair acrobatic feats when the new Avengers Campus opens this summer at Disney California Adventure.
"Disney posted a slow-motion video to social media of a Spider-Man stunt robot performing somersaults and backflips against a black background at a 'top secret location.'"
...
"Imagineering’s stuntronic robots can fly through the air, strike aerial poses and calculate trajectories to hit a prescribed target using on-board hardware, according to TechCrunch.
"The stuntronic robots use accelerometers, gyroscopes and laser range finders to rotate in midair and perform aerial tricks after being slung from a wire, according to TechCrunch."
Orange County Register
Thu, January 30, 2020
Spider-Man Swings into Action Above Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure Park
by Scot Drake, Creative Executive, Marvel Global Portfolio
"Today I’m excited to share that guests visiting Disney California Adventure park in the near future may be able to catch a glimpse of the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man himself swinging above the rooftops of Avengers Campus.
"Check out this video we captured of Spider-Man practicing some of his amazing acrobatic feats at a top secret location:"
Disney Parks Blog
High-Flying Spider-Man Stunts Over Disneyland’s Avengers Campus!
ByChloé Ferreira -
January 30, 2020
MiceChat
Disneyland plans Mickey-shaped spa and outdoor pool bar for Disney Vacation Club time-share tower
A final site plan and conditional use permit application for a proposed Disney Vacation Club Resort next to the Disneyland Hotel was filed with the city of Anaheim.
By Brady MacDonald
PUBLISHED: January 23, 2020
"The new Disney Vacation Club time-share tower expected to open in 2023 will boast a Mickey-shaped spa, outdoor pool bar and multi-level grand villas with expansive balconies overlooking the Disneyland Hotel property.
"A final site plan and conditional use permit application for a proposed Disney Vacation Club project next to the Disneyland Hotel was filed with the city of Anaheim, Disney officials said.
"Disney has set a 2023 proposed opening date for the 12-story Disney Vacation Club tower. The proposal for the new property is still in the early planning stages and details could change. The proposed 280,000-square-foot DVC time-share tower would be built on approximately 2 acres next to the Disneyland Hotel. The project would include 307 on-site parking spaces within an existing lot.
"The 350 Disney Vacation Club rooms would include 271 larger studios, 38 smaller two-person studios, 20 two-bedroom suites, 19 one-bedroom suites and two Grand Villas."
...
"The proposed Disney Vacation Club project has yet to go before the city of Anaheim for approval and may not be built, Disney officials said."
Orange County Register
Just Released: Here’s What Disneyland Hotel’s New Tower Could Look Like
By Chloé Ferreira -
January 24, 2020
MiceChat
Disney Imagineers seek to inspire the next generation of theme park dreamers and builders
Imagineering recently hosted a panel discussion at Disneyland for 400 Southern California STEM students interested in someday creating the next Rise of the Resistance dark ride, Marvel themed land or even a new Disney park.
By Brady MacDonald
PUBLISHED: January 22, 2020
"Imagineering recently hosted a panel discussion at Disneyland for 400 Southern California STEM students interested in someday creating the next Rise of the Resistance dark ride, Marvel themed land or even a new Disney park."
...
"The goal of the hour-long panel discussion was straightforward: Inspire the next generation of future Imagineers."
...
"The Imagineering panel brought together STEM kids interested in science, technology, engineering and math from several Anaheim, Orange County and Southern California organizations, including Big Brother Big Sisters, Girls Inc., Girl Scouts, First Robotics, Stand Up for Kids, Higher Ground, Mind Research Institute and Tiger Woods’ TGR Foundation."
Orange County Register
‘Burly’ Disneyland visitor pulls Excalibur from Sword in the Stone
By Brady MacDonald
PUBLISHED: January 18, 2020
"A guest was able to pull a prop version of the legendary Excalibur sword from an anvil next to King Arthur Carousel in Fantasyland, according to Disneyland cast members. Disneyland officials could not confirm the incident."
Orange County Register
Disneyland maintenance crew feels sense of pride working on 1922 King Arthur Carrousel: ‘It’s part of our heritage’
A monthslong refurbishment will replace the Fantasyland carousel’s steel canopy and freshen up the hand-carved horses on the vintage merry-go-round that was built in 1922 and moved to Disneyland for opening day.
By Brady MacDonald
PUBLISHED: January 27, 2020
"Disneyland’s maintenance crew has just started a monthslong refurbishment project that will replace the carousel’s steel canopy and freshen up the hand-carved horses on the vintage merry-go-round that was built in 1922 and moved to Disneyland for opening day."
...
"In 2002 and 2003, King Arthur Carrousel underwent an extensive yearlong restoration project that rebuilt the rotating platform and added a computer-controlled ride system. New bench seats reduced the number of steeds from 72 to 68.
"The carousel was moved farther away from Sleeping Beauty Castle in 1983 as part of the New Fantasyland project. A 1975 overhaul of the carousel painted all the horses white and added custom-designed color schemes and decorative jewels to the bridles, saddles and breastplates."
Orange County Register
What’s closed for refurbishment at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure
Four Disneyland attractions are currently undergoing refurbishment with two more scheduled to join them. Across the esplanade, four Disney California Adventure attractions are scheduled to undergo refurbishment during the winter season.
By Brady MacDonald
PUBLISHED: January 29, 2020
"The post-Christmas winter season always brings a flurry of annual refurbishments to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure as the holiday crowds recede and the Anaheim theme parks experience a brief respite with a bit more elbow room.
"Four Disneyland attractions are currently undergoing refurbishment with two more scheduled to join them. Across the esplanade, four Disney California Adventure attractions are scheduled to undergo refurbishment during the winter season.
"To counter the closures, Disney’s Anaheim theme parks offer new entertainment and festivals during the off-season."
Orange County Register
Disneyland’s new Magic Happens parade promises fashion-forward look and pop culture vibe
The new Magic Happens parade launching Feb. 28 at the Anaheim theme park will feature nine new floats along with new musical score.
By Brady MacDonald
PUBLISHED: January 21, 2020
"The new Magic Happens parade launching Feb. 28 at the Anaheim theme park will feature nine new floats along with a new musical score.
"The new daytime parade coming to Disneyland will include characters from “Frozen,” “Moana,” “Coco,” “Sleeping Beauty,” “Cinderella,” “Peter Pan,” “Aladdin,” “Pinocchio,” “The Princess & the Frog” and “The Sword in the Stone” all led by a float featuring Mickey Mouse."
Orange County Register
New “Magic Happens” Parade Almost Ready at Disneyland
By Natalie Kipper -
January 21, 2020
"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. Let’s look at some of the floats and what you’ll expect from the parade!"
MiceChat
Fri, January 24, 2020
Explore Your Palate at Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival with Sips, Savories and Signature Events
by Michael Ramirez, Editorial Content Director, Disneyland Resort
"It’s almost the tastiest time of year for foodies as the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival returns to the Disneyland Resort! From Feb. 28 to April 21, you can enjoy the California-inspired festival with a classic Disney twist. Experience specialty eats and sips, culinary experiences and entertainment that will satisfy any palate.
"This year, the Festival Marketplace will welcome back some of your favorite marketplaces, such as Avocado Time and Cluck-A-Doodle-Moo. The best way to enjoy all of the marketplaces is to purchase the popular Sip and Savor Pass, which includes eight opportunities to try all of your favorite and new palate discoveries! Over at Sonoma Terrace, you can enjoy a new limited-time expanded wine and beer menu under the relaxing shade. The festival continues at the Paradise Gardens Bandstand and Palisades Stage with live music."
Disney Parks Blog
Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival Experiences Now Available
By Rio McCarthy -
January 24, 2020
"For all the foodies and connoisseurs out there, we have the information you’ve been waiting for! Here are the goodies that await us at the 2020 Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival. Starting February 28th, and going all the way through April 21st, you’ll be able to fill yourself with some delightful food, drinks, and enjoy all kinds of entertainment. Here’s a quick rundown on what’s coming soon!"
MiceChat
Rise of the Resistance Inspired Food and Merchandise Lands in Galaxy’s Edge
By Natalie Kipper -
January 18, 2020
"Disney released several new menu items as well as different souvenirs yesterday in celebration of Rise of Resistance’s West Coast opening. Let’s take a trip to Batuu to see what’s Ba-nuu!"
MiceChat
Disneyland Update – A Lucky Lunar New Year
By Nathan Villamor -
January 20, 2020
MiceChat
Disneyland News & Photo Update – Rise and Resistance!
January 20, 2020
"Is Rise of the Resistance Worth the Trouble?
"Yes! Rise of the Resistance is a fantastic new addition to Disney’s attraction library and will continue to be a primary draw for years to come. It is an amazing feat of storytelling and technology that combine to create one of the best adventure rides that Imagineering has ever attempted. The boarding pass system is not easy (or fun) to deal with, but it is a necessary evil if you wish to experience this ride in the early days."
MiceChat
Disneyland Update – Snow, Show & Grow
January 27, 2020
"It’s been an interesting week here at the Disneyland Resort as the boarding group process for Rise of the Resistance continues to cause HUGE crowds in the morning and droughts as the day goes on. Meanwhile, Lunar New Year brings good luck to DCA and construction projects take off all around the Resort. Let’s take a trip around Disneyland and see what’s been going on. There’s a lot to see and comment on. . ."
You can listen to show 277 on iTunes or go to Libsyn service here.
Show Notes for Episode 277
Disneyland 1960 with Jim Korkis
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