Our friend David Smith joins us as we discuss Disneyland as it was in 1981, 40 years ago! What was going on then? We talk about it. Plus, we catch up on current events at the Disneyland Resort, as always.
Check our Disney COVID-19 Tab for updated information of COVID-19 resort requirement updates.
Disneyland Resort Current Event
Our web master Russell was injured in a fall from a ladder and his right arm is in a brace making it difficult to type. We apologize for the delays in getting our show notes up for this and the next couple shows but he insists in continuing with our web page.
Disneyland sells out of another Magic Key annual pass
The Believe Key has proven very popular and is currently sold out, according to Disneyland officials.
By BRADY MACDONALD
PUBLISHED: November 24, 2021
“The Believe Key is sold out, according to Disneyland officials. Disneyland sold out of the top-priced Dream Key in late October after the new Magic Key annual passes went on sale in late August amid hours-long virtual waits.
“The other Magic Key passes — the Enchant Key and Imagine Key — remain on sale at this time, according to Disneyland officials.
“Disneyland’s four new Magic Key annual passes — the $1,399 Dream Key, $949 Believe Key, $649 Enchant Key and $399 Imagine Key — went on sale Aug. 25. Passholders pay more for increased access to the parks — with the Dream Key boasting no blockout dates and the Imagine Key having the most blockout dates.”
...
“Magic Key reservations have been frequently unavailable through the end of the year. In contrast, the daily ticket calendar often shows availability virtually every day — with a few near-term dates ‘sold out.’
“Disneyland’s loyal fan base has grown increasingly irate over the apparent prioritization of daily ticket buyers over annual passholders.”
...
“Walt Disney World in Florida halted sales of its three top-priced Magic Keys earlier this week, leaving only the lowest-priced annual pass available for purchase.”
Orange County Register
Believe It – Another Disneyland Magic Keys Sells Out!
By Dusty Sage -November 24, 2021
MiceChat
Disneyland Resort Announces Believe Key Magic Key Sold Out
Nov 24, 2021
Laughing Place
Disneyland imports Magic Band wearable tech from Disney World
The next generation of the Magic Band wearable tech will be coming to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure in 2022, according to Disney Parks chairman Josh D’Amaro.
By BRADY MACDONALD
PUBLISHED: November 20, 2021
“The next generation of the Magic Band wearable tech will be coming to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure in 2022, according to Disney Parks chairman Josh D’Amaro.”
...
“Disney Magic Bands have been an essential part of any visit to Disney’s Florida theme parks since 2013, but wearable tech devices haven’t made the trip west to Disney’s California parks — until now.
“The Magic Bands — similar in size to a FitBit — are plastic bracelets that use radio-frequency identification (RFID) electromagnetic fields to identify and track Disney World visitors and collect user data during their stays at the Florida theme park resort.
“Disney World visitors use Magic Bands in place of theme park tickets and hotel room keys as well as to make payments and unlock in-park experiences. The Magic Bands are also used as part of Disney’s PhotoPass program and as a way to interact with some theme park attractions.”
...
“Magic Bands from the Walt Disney World resort will work at the Disneyland resort.
“Disney World gave away generic Magic Bands to hotel guests and annual passholders for years — before ending the freebies.
“Magic Bands can be upgraded to dozens of styles in a variety of colors and designs featuring Disney, Pixar, Star Wars and Marvel characters. Base models in solid colors start at $20 with designer models going for more than $50, according to the ShopDisney website.”
Orange County Register
MagicBand+ Coming to Disneyland Resort in 2022
Nov 20, 2021
Laughing Place
Disneyland tests Rise of the Resistance standby line without virtual queue
The Rise of the Resistance attraction in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland will begin testing a hybrid standby and virtual queue beginning on Monday, Nov. 22, according to Disneyland officials.
By BRADY MACDONALD
PUBLISHED: November 19, 2021
“The Rise of the Resistance attraction in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland will begin testing a hybrid standby and virtual queue beginning on Monday, Nov. 22, according to Disneyland officials.
“Disneyland will begin the day with standby queue access for Rise of the Resistance and the park could potentially activate the virtual queue on certain days and times.
“The twice-a-day distribution of virtual queue boarding group return times for the Rise of the Resistance attraction at 7 a.m. and noon each day through the Disneyland mobile app will be paused during the test.
“Disneyland visitors are encouraged to check the Disneyland mobile app prior to 7 a.m. before arriving at the park and throughout the day to see if Rise of the Resistance is using a standby or virtual queue.”
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“Rise of the Resistance will be among the pay-to-ride individual Lightning Lane attractions that will be available through Disney Genie+ when the new service launches later this fall as part of the Disneyland mobile app. Prices are expected to run between $7 and $15 per ride. Virtual and standby queues will still be available for attractions offering the individual Lightning Lane option to jump to the front of the line.”
Orange County Register
Disneyland’s Rise of the Resistance to Test Standby Queue!
By Caitlyn Wisser -November 19, 2021
MiceChat
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disneyland Testing Stand-By Line Beginning Monday, November 22
Nov 19, 2021
Laughing Place
Disneyland opens waterfront dining across from the Haunted Mansion
The new Pelican's Landing dining area opens Friday, Nov. 19 next to the Harbour Galley quick-service restaurant, according to Disneyland officials.
By BRADY MACDONALD
PUBLISHED: November 19, 2021
“Pelican’s Landing offers waterfront views of the Mark Twain Riverboat, Sailing Ship Columbia and Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes plying the Rivers of America.
“Harbour Galley, which serves seafood and soups, was expanded to include the upper and lower Pelican’s Landing seating areas as part of a new dock structure.
“The sea shanty restaurant -— which serves lobster rolls and clam chowder — will offer a Ghost Mariner’s Seafood Boil with Cajun-buttered shrimp, Andouille sausage, red potatoes and corn starting in December.”
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“According to the backstory created for the project, Pelican’s Landing was established in 1787 — the same year the real-world Columbia Rediviva was built, which inspired Disneyland’s full-scale replica.
“A pod of brown pelicans — the state bird of Louisiana — will nest above the Pelican’s Landing gantry marquee.”
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“Disneyland will reassess ‘Fantasmic’ seating at Pelican’s Landing once the nighttime spectacular returns.”
Orange County Register
Pelican’s Landing Seating Area Now Open in New Orleans Square
Nov 19, 2021
Laughing Place
Disneyland reimagines Mickey’s Toontown for Runaway Railway launch in 2023
Disney Parks, Experiences and Products chairman Josh D’Amaro announced the update to Mickey’s Toontown on Monday, Nov. 15 during a presentation at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Expo in Orlando, Florida.
By BRADY MACDONALD
PUBLISHED: November 15, 2021
“Mickey’s Toontown will be transformed into a ‘vibrant symphony of sights, sounds, and sensations,’ according to D’Amaro.
“Mickey’s Toontown will close in March for construction and won’t reopen until sometime in 2023.
“The new additions will include a water play area and fountain at the center of the reimagined land dubbed Centoonial Park and a Dreaming Tree with a grassy play area.
“The fountain will feature a statue of Mickey holding Minnie aloft like a ballerina as she holds a garden watering can. The land’s centerpiece will feature water play tables by day with the fountain brought to life at night in a ‘unique spectacle.’
“The Dreaming Tree will be inspired by the tree a young Walt Disney would daydream under in his hometown of Marceline, Missouri. Children will be able to climb and play on the sculpted tree roots popping out of an undulating topography.
“Concept art also shows a new climbing structure with slides added to Toontown as well.”
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“Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin will get a new plot twist that throws Jessica Rabbit into the lead role as a private eye determined to stamp out a Toontown crime wave as part of the reimagining of the land.”
Orange County Register
Mon, November 15, 2021
Mickey’s Toontown at Disneyland Park to be Reimagined with New Experiences, More Play and Interactivity for Young Families in 2023
by Kelsey Lynch, Public Relations Director, Disneyland Resort
“Focusing on today’s families with young children, Mickey’s Toontown will feature new play experiences, as well as open, grassy play spaces for everyone to unplug. The land will have landscaping for both spontaneous family play and parental relaxation.”
Disnet Parks Blog
Disneyland’s ToonTown Closing in 2022 for Enhancements
By Dusty Sage -November 15, 2021
MiceChat
MousePlanet notes:
“Though it's popular with families with young children, the entire land has suffered from general neglect for quite some time. Chip & Dale's Acorn Ball Crawl closed in 1998, the same year the interactive Toon Park closed; the Jolly Trolley was taken out of service in 2003; a Goofy-themed bounce house was downgraded to a walk-through attraction in 2006; and a number of the interactive elements throughout the land work intermittently or not at all.”
Mouse Planet
Disneyland Announces Mickey’s Toontown Reimagining for 2023, Land to Close in March 2022
Nov 15, 2021
Laughing Place
Downtown Disney to undergo multi-year renovation starting in January
Work will begin in January on a multi-year project that will reimagine the Downtown Disney outdoor shopping center.
By BRADY MACDONALD
PUBLISHED: November 20, 2021
“Downtown Disney will undergo a major renovation that will see the popular Earl of Sandwich shop, the former AMC Theaters and other stores demolished to make way for a new midcentury modern-designed addition to the Anaheim shopping mall next to Disneyland.
“Work will begin in January on a multi-year project that will reimagine the Downtown Disney outdoor shopping center, according to Disney Parks chairman Josh D’Amaro.”
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“The new Downtown Disney renovation project will be part of the existing development agreement with the city of Anaheim and is not expected to require as many city approvals as the canceled fourth hotel project.”
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“The former ESPN Zone and the Star Wars Trading Post in the former Rainforest Cafe location in the West End of Downtown Disney were not mentioned as part of the renovation project.”
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“In other news, D’Amaro announced the Hey Disney virtual assistant smart speaker system will be coming to the Disneyland resort hotels and revealed new details about the Disney Vacation Club tower building under construction next to the Disneyland Hotel.
“The Hey Disney virtual assistant that works with Amazon Alexa smart speakers will debut at the Disneyland resort hotels in 2022. Hey Disney — already announced for Walt Disney World hotels — is expected to roll out over time at the Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Grand Californian and Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel.”
Orange County Register
Downtown Disney To Receive Green Spaces and New Offerings In Next Evolution Starting Early Next Year
Nov 20, 2021
Laughing Place
Disneyland to bring back ‘Fantasmic,’ ‘World of Color’ and Main Street Electrical Parade in 2022
The COVID-19 pandemic put fireworks, nighttime spectaculars, parades and live shows on hold during the phased reopening of Disneyland and Disney California Adventure.
By BRADY MACDONALD
PUBLISHED: November 20, 2021
“Extensive fountain refurbishment has taken place on ‘Fantasmic’ with work continuing on ‘World of Color.’
“The Main Street Electrical Parade will be back in time for the 50th anniversary of the beloved nighttime parade.
“The Main Street Electrical Parade will celebrate its 50th anniversary in summer 2022. The parade debuted at Disneyland on June 17, 1972.”
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“Disneyland famously held a heavily-promoted farewell season in 1996, promising the Main Street Electrical Parade would “glow away forever.” But much like the farewell tours by rock bands like Kiss, Motley Crue and the Eagles, farewell never means goodbye forever.”
Orange County Register
Fantasmic, World of Color, Main Street Electrical Parade to Return to Disneyland Resort in 2022
Nov 20, 2021
Laughing Place
UPDATE: Disneyland Strike Looms As Vote Date Is Set
By Dusty Sage -November 18, 2021
“Disneyland unions (represented by the Master Services Council) will vote on whether or not to strike on December 3rd, 2021.”
MiceChat
Disneyland Resort Master Services Council Contract Vote Split Across Esplanade Lines
Nov 18, 2021
Laughing Place
Disneyland Update – The Down-low on the Ho, Ho, Ho
November 15, 2021
“Disneyland’s halls have been decked with holly, silver bells are ringing down Main Street, and Sleeping Beauty Castle has been transformed into a winter wonderland… Yes, the holiday season is upon us once again. After a long nap in 2020, we sure are ready for fireworks, parades, food festivals, and lots of entertainment! But the holidays are a gift to Disney as well. While Halloween Time has become incredibly important to the bottom line, it is eclipsed by the increase in guest attendance and spending driven by all things holly jolly. This year brought a new revenue line-item on the balance sheet with the debut of an extra-ticket after-hours holiday party. But it’s not all merry… there’s a bit of coal in the stocking this year as well.
“We’ll take a look at all the holiday offerings at Disneyland and get you up to date on news from around the parks as well. Grab a hot cocoa and a Mickey-shaped sugar cookie and let’s take a trip around Disneyland!”
MiceChat
BIG DISNEYLAND NEWS: Fantasmic, Magic Bands, Downtown Disney Redevelopment and More!
By Caitlyn Wisser -November 20, 2021
“The Disneyland Resort is getting some major upgrades soon. The changes — which were announced at the Destination D23 event by Josh D’Amaro, Chairperson of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts — will greatly affect certain areas of the resort and the overall guest experience. They may also be taking away something you love… but there’s also the return of some classics too! Here’s a look at all the changes that are ahead for Disneyland…”
MiceChat
Dateline Disneyland: Redevelopments, Major Changes & Possible Strike!
By Andy Castro -November 22, 2021
“Disneyland entered its second week of the holiday season with a bang, announcing a major re-imagining of Mickey’s Toon Town that would bring large new green spaces for relaxation and play. The announcement was a little unexpected and the fan community dug in, looking over concept art and speculating on what features would survive and which would head to Yesterland. But that wasn’t all — from there the news kept coming in, from ongoing union troubles that may lead to a strike, to the opening of the new Pelican’s Landing dining area, and into a weekend of announcements that included news for both parks, Downtown Disney, and the Disneyland Hotel.
“The week wrapped up proving to be anything but an average holiday week in November and we’ve got it all covered here for you in today’s update!”
Ken joined our friend Ralph of Casino Skunk Productions on The Secret Society show to discuss Ralph’s experiences with Custodial at the Disneyland Resort. Watch it on Youtube!
You can listen to show 323 on iTunes or go to Libsyn service here.
Listen to our Show
Show Notes for Episode 323
Disneyland 1981