In this episode, we chat with one of our former bosses and one of the first women to be a Custodial Manager. After gaining much experience in Disneyland Park, Charlene helped to open California Adventure. She has many fascinating stories and we really enjoyed talking with her. We also discuss current events at the Disneyland Resort, as always.
The Sweep Spot is a podcast with full episodes every two weeks, focusing on the Disneyland Resort. Lynn Barron and Ken Pellman, former Disneyland Day Custodial Foremen are your hosts.
***Disney Resort Updates***
Due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 (Corona) Virus, ALL Disney Parks, Cruise Lines, and Disney Vacation Club Resorts will be closed until further notice:
Disney is over whelmed with people attempting to rebook / cancel so please be patient with them. They are modifying their cancelation policy to accommodate guests. Many booking services can be handled online (links above). They are reportedly going to extend AP's by one month.
Please be sure to follow CDC and your State's guidelines during this crisis. We will get through this.
Shanghai Disneyland • Shanghai Disneyland is now open but requires reservations. Go to Shanghai's web page for advance reservations. Please visit their site for details.
Walt Disney World • All 4 Walt Disney World theme parks are open.
• Additionally, Disney Vacation Club properties at Walt Disney World and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground have begun to reopen to Members and Guests. Disney Springs has already begun to reopen. Upon reopening, theme parks, Disney Resort Hotels, restaurants and other offerings may be modified, limited in capacity and subject to availability or closure. You must have an advance reservation and valid ticket.
Disneyland • The Downtown Disney District is open.
• The Hotels of the Disneyland Resort remain closed and will reopen at a later date.
• Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park remain closed and will reopen at a later date, pending state and local government approvals. However, the State of california announced it is working on plans to allow theme parks to reopen and will soon have an announcement.
Hong Kong Disneyland • As required by the government and health authorities in line with prevention efforts taking place across Hong Kong, Hong Kong Disneyland Park is temporarily closed until further notice.
• The resort hotels remain open with adjusted level of services. Enhanced health and safety measures that reflect the guidance of health and government authorities have been put in place, such as social distancing measures and increased cleaning and sanitization.
Disneyland Paris • The Disneyland Paris phased reopening introduces enhanced health and safety measures implemented for both Cast Members and guests. As the capacity of our Parks is significantly limited to comply with governmental requirements, Disneyland Paris is managing attendance through a new online registration system, subject to availability.
Disney Cruise Lines • Disney Cruise line suspends cruises through October 31, 2020.
INFORMATION CORRECT AS OF September 11, 2020. Please check individual Resorts eb pages for restrictions, requirements, and changes.
Disneyland Resort Current Event
Disneyland delays Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway to 2023 as vertical construction begins
Disneyland had announced a 2022 opening date for Runaway Railway back in April 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic closed Disney’s Anaheim theme parks for more than five months and slowed construction on the dark ride project.
By BRADY MACDONALD
PUBLISHED: September 1, 2020
"Disneyland will delay the debut of the new Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway trackless dark ride until 2023 due to the extended coronavirus closure as vertical construction begins on the project behind Mickey’s Toontown.
"Disneyland had announced a 2022 opening date for Runaway Railway back in April 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic closed Disney’s Anaheim theme parks for more than five months and slowed construction on the dark ride project."
...
"Walt Disney Imagineers and Disneyland president Ken Potrock were on hand at the Runaway Railway construction zone on Tuesday, Sept. 1 when the first vertical beam on the project was lifted into place."
Orange County Register
Disneyland Delays Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway to 2023 While Sharing Construction Photos
Sep 1, 2020
"The official Instagram accounts of Disneyland President Ken Potrock and Walt Disney Imagineering just released new construction photos for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, announcing that the project’s opening date has been pushed back to 2023."
Laughing Place
Disneyland sets attraction lineup through 2023 with Spidey, Tiana and Mickey rides
The decision to delay the opening of Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway until 2023 offers a glimpse at how and when Disneyland plans to roll out its new lineup of attractions over the next few years.
By BRADY MACDONALD
PUBLISHED: September 10, 2020.
"Disneyland and Disney California Adventure have three major new attractions tied to Spider-Man, Princess Tiana and Mickey Mouse that are expected to debut over the next three years once the Anaheim theme parks reopen following extended coronavirus closures.
"Avengers Campus, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway and a 'Princess and the Frog' makeover of Splash Mountain have all been announced — making for a full slate of new attractions coming to Disney’s California parks in the coming years."
[But nobody knows when the actual opening dates or even months will be. - Ken]
Orange County Register
Disneyland expands Marvel superhero stunt show casting call for Avengers Campus
The Anaheim theme park is looking for a professional stunt person to play the role of Black Widow in a new Marvel superhero live action show, according to the Disney Audition website.
By BRADY MACDONALD
PUBLISHED: September 4, 2020
"Black Widow will join a new Avengers Campus rooftop stunt show featuring Captain America and Black Panther fighting a sword-wielding villain once the new Marvel themed land debuts after Disney California Adventure reopens.
"The Anaheim theme park is looking for a professional stunt person to play the role of Black Widow in a new Marvel superhero live action show, according to the Disney Audition website."
Orange County Register
Disneyland cancels Candlelight Processional as coronavirus threatens Christmas events
Disneyland was unable to commit to the months-long planning process for the Candlelight Processional without a clear understanding of when theme parks can reopen from the State of California, according to Disney officials.
By BRADY MACDONALD
PUBLISHED: September 10, 2020
"The Candlelight Processional will not take place this year at Disneyland, according to Disney officials.
"The Candlelight Processional features dozens of choir groups who gather on a stage in front of Disneyland’s train station to bring the story of Christmas to life. The annual event is attended by hundreds of community members who fill a seating area set up each holiday season in Disneyland’s Town Square."
Orange County Register
Disneyland Cancels Candlelight Ceremony for 2020 Holiday Season
Sep 10, 2020
Laughing Place
Reported at MousePlanet:
"The Anaheim Resort RV park near Disneyland announced last week it will close September 1 after 64 years. The park was operating on a limited basis with many amenities closed due to COVID-19."
[The location, if you want to look it up, was 200 W. Midway Drive, Anaheim, California 92805 - Ken]
You can listen to show 293 on iTunes or go to Libsyn service here.
Show Notes for Episode 293
Retired Disneyland Custodial Manager
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