Disneyland Imagineering Memories with Josh Shipley
We welcome theatrical actor and director, and former Imagineer Josh Shipley to discuss things he helped design for Disneyland and his time at Walt Disney Imagineering, which was from 1996 to 2017.
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. We appreciate all of the well wishes he has received. He is in Physical Therapy and is doing well. 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.
Want to live at Disneyland? New Disney community near Palm Springs could be next best thing
Walt Disney Imagineering — the secretive creative team behind Disney theme parks — will design the new Cotino master-planned community coming to Rancho Mirage just outside Palm Springs.
By BRADY MACDONALD
PUBLISHED: February 16, 2022
"The new Cotino community in the heart of the Coachella Valley is billed as a 'creative oasis' for Disneyland die-hards and Mickey Mouse fans looking for “new ways to make Disney a bigger part of their lives.”
"The new Disney neighborhood around a 24-acre lake will feature estates, single family homes and condominiums as well as a senior section for residents 55 and older.
"The Cotino development is also approved for a hotel, shopping mall, waterfront club and private beach area.
"The 618-acre property bounded by Monterey Avenue and Bob Hope, Frank Sinitra and Gerald Ford drives will have 1,700 homes and 400 hotel rooms, according to the Desert Sun. Grading work is expected to begin in the next few weeks, the Desert Sun reported."
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"Disney will not be the real estate developer, builder or home seller of the Cotino community or any future Storyliving project. Scottsdale-based developer DMB Development is developing the Cotino master-planned community."
Orange County Register
Disneyland crime blotter: Assault and battery, grand theft and vandalism in January
Anaheim Police responded to more than 30 calls at Disneyland in January that resulted in some type of action taken by officers.
By BRADY MACDONALD
PUBLISHED: February 10, 2022
"Anaheim Police responded to more than 30 calls at Disneyland in January that resulted in some type of action taken by officers."
Orange County Register
Thu, February 17, 2022
The Transformation of Mickey’s Toontown at Disneyland Park Begins Soon
by Kelsey Lynch, Public Relations Director, Disneyland Resort
"To begin this work, Mickey’s Toontown will be closed beginning March 9, 2022, and will reopen in early 2023, alongside the new attraction, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway."
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"But don’t worry if you can’t make it before then — when Mickey’s Toontown reopens in 2023, it will still be home to favorite attractions such as Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin, Mickey’s House and Minnie’s House! Plus, other attractions will be reimagined in new and exciting ways, including Gadget’s Go Coaster, Goofy’s House and Donald’s Boat."
Disney Parks Blog
Mickey’s Toontown to Close for Overhaul on March 9th, Reimagining of Gadget’s Go Coaster and Others Confirmed
Feb 17, 2022
Laughing Place
What to expect during Disneyland’s Celebrate Gospel music festival
This year’s Celebrate Gospel festival in the Fantasyland Theatre at Disneyland expands from a one-day event in past years to two back-to-back Saturdays on Feb. 19 and 26.
By BRADY MACDONALD
PUBLISHED: February 17, 2022
"This year’s Celebrate Gospel music festival in the Fantasyland Theatre at Disneyland expands from a one-day event in past years to two back-to-back Saturdays on Feb. 19 and 26.
"Celebrate Gospel will showcase and highlight Black talent, experience and culture with a variety of music from traditional gospel to contemporary acts, according to Disneyland entertainment team senior manager Veronica Horton."
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"The Feb. 19 Celebrate Gospel show features award-winning gospel singer, actor and fashion designer Kierra Sheard along with a cappella gospel group Sacred Groove. The Feb. 26 show features Grammy Award winners Jonathan McReynolds and Mali Music along with the Singers of Soul a cappella group.
"Southern California church and community choirs that have struggled to practice during the COVID-19 pandemic will also take the stage on both weekends." ...
"The returning Celebrate Gospel music festival is now part of the new Celebrate Soulfully monthlong event that honors the triumphs and struggles of African Americans throughout U.S. history.
"Celebrate Soulfully — which celebrates the work of Black artists through music, dance, food and stories — runs throughout February at Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, Downtown Disney and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel."
Mon, February 7, 2022
Celebrate Soulfully Debuts at Disneyland Resort, Featuring ‘Celebrate Gospel’ on Feb. 19 and 26
by Valerie Lee, Public Relations Manager, Disneyland Resort
Disney Parks Blog
What to expect during the 2022 Food & Wine Festival at Disney California Adventure
The Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival runs March 4 through April 26.
By BRADY MACDONALD
PUBLISHED: February 10, 2022
"The Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival running March 4 through April 26 will feature local, celebrity and Disney chefs who will offer cooking tips during culinary demonstrations, tasting seminars and signature events.
"Among this year’s celebrity chefs: 'Iron Chef America' floor reporter Jet Tila, 'Chopped' champion and Adya chef-owner Shachi Mehra and 'American Barbecue Showdown' judge Kevin Bludso.
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"Kids ages 3 to 11 years old can take part in a free hands-on cupcake decorating course inspired by the new 'Alice’s Wonderland Bakery' show on Disney Junior. 'Alice’s Wonderland Bakery Unbirthday Party' will be hosted by Rolly Pin along with Alice and Princess Rosa from the show. Space will be limited and participants can sign up 45 minutes before the courses start at the Hollywood Backlot Stage."
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"Unused Sip and Savor cards from the 2020 Food & Wine Festival cut short by the coronavirus closure of the parks cannot be used during the 2022 Food & Wine Festival."
Orange County Register
Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival Returns March 4th-April 26th, 2022
Feb 10, 2022
Laughing Place
PREVIEW: Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival 2022 Set to Soar
By Samantha Davis-Friedman -February 11, 2022
Mice Chat
Thu, February 10, 2022
Get Ready for Culinary Fun at the 2022 Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival
by Kelsey Lynch, Public Relations Director, Disneyland Resort
Disney Parks Blog
Soarin’ Over California returns for limited run during Disney’s Food & Wine fest
Soarin’ Over California returns for a limited run starting on March 4 just in time for Disney’s Food & Wine Festival at the Anaheim theme park.
By BRADY MACDONALD
UPDATED: February 14, 2022
"Soarin’ Over California returns for a limited run starting on March 4 just in time for Disney’s Food & Wine Festival at the Anaheim theme park. An end date for Soarin’ Over California hasn’t been announced yet."
Orange County Register
Disneyland throws a Super Bowl victory parade for Rams stars
Disneyland hosts Rams stars Cooper Kupp, Aaron Donald and Matthew Stafford less than 24 hours after their win in the NFL championship game.
By BRADY MACDONALD
UPDATED: February 16, 2022
"Cooper Kupp, Aaron Donald and Matthew Stafford made good on their post-game promise and showed up at Disneyland for a victory parade down Main Street U.S.A. in honor of the Rams win in Super Bowl LVI.
"Disneyland threw a Super Bowl cavalcade for the victorious trio on Monday, Feb. 14 less than 24 hours after the Los Angeles Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 to win the NFL championship on their home field at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood — just a 30-mile trek from the Anaheim theme park."
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"Blue, gold and white confetti rained down as the Rams parade float made its way down Disneyland’s main promenade."
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"Within minutes, Disneyland’s janitorial team were hard at work sweeping up with brooms, leaf blowers and vacuums as kids tossed handfuls of confetti carpeting Main Street into the air."
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"Rams defensive tackle Donald said he hadn’t been asleep yet after staying up late to celebrate after the Rams championship victory and getting up early for the Super Bowl parade at Disneyland — his first visit to the park."
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"Kupp, Donald and Stafford filmed the famous “What’s Next” commercial with their families after the Super Bowl on the confetti-strewn SoFi Stadium field as fans in the stands headed for the exits."
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"The Disney theme parks TV commercial tradition began in 1987 when New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms yelled “I’m going to Disney World” after the Super Bowl. Disney paid Simms $75,000 to make the proclamation during the on-field celebration immediately following the Giants’ Super Bowl XXI victory, according to Sports Illustrated."
Orange County Register
Mon, February 14, 2022
MVP Cooper Kupp, Aaron Donald and Matthew Stafford Celebrate Super Bowl Win at Disneyland Resort with a Jubilant Cavalcade by Kelsey Lynch, Public Relations Director, Disneyland Resort
Disney Parks Blog
Disneyland sets revenue record thanks to Genie+ spending
The big surprise: Genie+ and Lightning Lane which helped raise average per capita ticket revenue at Disneyland and Disney World.
By BRADY MACDONALD
PUBLISHED: February 9, 2022
"Disneyland and Walt Disney World achieved record revenue during the recent winter holiday season thanks to higher attendance, increased spending and an embrace of the new Genie+ line-cutting service that left Disney executives 'blown away.'
"Disney’s theme parks in Anaheim and Florida hit record revenue and operating income levels in the first quarter of 2022 that ran from Oct. 3, 2021 through Jan. 1, 2022, according to the company’s earnings call on Wednesday, Feb. 9."
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"Disney Parks, Experiences and Products revenue doubled to $7.2 billion in the first quarter of 2022 compared to $3.6 billion during the same period in 2021.
"Disneyland was closed due to COVID-19 health and safety restrictions during the company’s first quarter of 2021 while Disney World was at reduced attendance capacity. Disney’s international parks experienced similar pandemic-related closures and restrictions during the last three months of 2020, which covered the company’s first quarter of 2021."
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"The big surprise: Genie+ and Lightning Lane which helped raise average per capita ticket revenue on both coasts."
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"Visitor spending at Disneyland and Disney World was up more than 40% compared to the first quarter of 2019 before the pandemic thanks in part to Genie+ and Lightning Lane purchases, according to McCarthy."
Orange County Register
Disneyland parking trams finally return after nearly 2 years
The parking trams that shuttle visitors between the Mickey and Friends and Pixar Pals garages and the front gates of Disneyland and Disney California Adventure will return on Feb. 23.
By BRADY MACDONALD
PUBLISHED: February 10, 2022
"The parking trams that shuttle visitors between the Mickey and Friends and Pixar Pals garages and the front gates of Disneyland and Disney California Adventure will return on Feb. 23, according to Disney officials."
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"Any visit to Disneyland and DCA involves a lot of walking. The tram route is about the same length as the distance from the Disneyland front gate to the back of the park in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. The trek from Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run to Toy Story Midway Mania at the back of DCA is about a mile.
"Savvy visitors and annual passholders have already figured out a way to avoid the long walk to and from the parking garages — the Toy Story surface parking lot on the southeast corner of the resort, which reopened in mid-June.
"The Toy Story parking lot offers bus transportation to and from the entry esplanade between Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. Security screening at the Toy Story lot during peak hours allows arriving visitors to bypass the esplanade security station and head straight to the theme park turnstiles."
Disneyland’s Trams FINALLY Set to Return This Month
By Natalie Kipper -February 10, 2022
"During the closure, some refurbishments were made to the tram route. The loading zone was repaved, and new sensors were placed in the pavement."
Mice Chat
Disneyland drops mask requirements
Disneyland and Disney California Adventure will no longer require vaccinated visitors to wear masks indoors starting on Thursday, Feb. 17.
By BRADY MACDONALD
UPDATED: February 16, 2022
"Disneyland and Disney California Adventure will no longer require vaccinated visitors to wear masks indoors starting on Thursday, Feb. 17. Unvaccinated visitors will still be required to wear masks indoors at the Anaheim theme parks.
"California will lift a statewide COVID-19 health and safety mandate requiring masks indoors after Tuesday, Feb. 15 as coronavirus cases related to the omicron variant continue to decline."
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"All Disneyland visitors — regardless of vaccination status — will be required to wear masks while traveling on enclosed transportation. That includes the shuttle buses traveling between the Toy Story parking lot and the theme park front entrances. The Disneyland Monorail is currently closed for refurbishment through March 6 — with no word yet if the enclosed transportation system will require masks when it returns."
Orange County Register
Face Coverings Optional for Fully Vaccinated Guests Beginning February 17th at the Disneyland Resort
Feb 15, 2022
Laughing Place
Disneyland News Update: Success Ruins Everything
By Mike Kindrich -February 7, 2022
"It’s been another busy week at the Disneyland Resort. Between the Lunar New Year festival, Sweethearts Nite after hours party, and the kickoff of Magic Key Holder appreciation month, there’s been a lot going on. But, of course, it isn’t all sparkles and smiles. Many Disneyland locations have been struggling with big crowds and staffing issues, a combination which leads to long lines. There’s a lot to cover this week, so let’s get started!"
MiceChat
Disneyland Update: Happy Feet, Upcoming Eats, Football Cleats
By Mike Kindrich -February 14, 2022
"Lots of news and tons of photos for you this week as Disneyland prepares to return Mickey and Friends parking trams. Meanwhile, a big festival swap is happening at Disney California Adventure, the resort celebrates Black History Month, and we pay tribute to Valentines Day with a look at some things we absolutely love. This has been a big week for MiceAge/MiceChat as well as we celebrated our 20th anniversary and held an epic Gumball Rally. Keep reading below to find out why feet and tummies will be happy, and see what the progress of many projects looks like right now at the Disneyland Resort…"
You can listen to show 328 on iTunes or go to Libsyn service here.
Show Notes for Episode 328
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