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Disneyland 1962 with Jim Korkis
Show Notes for Episode 333
Disney Author and Historian Jim Korkis joins us to discuss what was happening at Disneyland in 1962! Jim always brings
great stories. We also 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
Disneyland to give Tarzan’s Treehouse a new theme
Disneyland will reimagine Tarzan’s Treehouse in Adventureland with a new theme and backstory, according to Disneyland officials.
By BRADY MACDONALD
UPDATED: April 19, 2022
“Disneyland will reimagine Tarzan’s Treehouse in Adventureland with a new theme and backstory, according to Disneyland officials.
“The treehouse experience isn’t going away, but the Tarzan theme won’t return when the attraction reopens, according to Disneyland officials.
“The walk-through attraction’s new theme, backstory and reopening date have not yet been announced.
“MiceChat reports one possible overlay for Tarzan’s Treehouse could be an attraction themed to Disney’s “Encanto” animated film. In the movie, young Antonio Madrigal has a magical rainforest bedroom where he can communicate with animals.”
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“The Disneyland attraction first opened in 1962 as Swiss Family Treehouse just a few years after Disney released the ‘Swiss Family Robinson’ movie in 1960. The Swiss Family theme was swapped for a Tarzan backstory in 1999, the same year the Disney animated movie debuted.
“Tarzan’s Treehouse features several Easter Eggs that pay homage to the attraction’s original Swiss Family backstory.”
Tarzan’s Treehouse at Disneyland Will Be Receiving a New Theme
Apr 18, 2022
Din Tai Fung coming to Downtown Disney along with several restaurant renovations
The internationally acclaimed soup dumplings chain is headed to Downtown Disney as part of a major renovation that will see updates to the decor and menus at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen, Catal and Uva Bar.
By BRADY MACDONALD
PUBLISHED: April 28, 2022
“The internationally acclaimed soup dumplings chain is headed to Downtown Disney as part of a major renovation that will see updates to the decor and menus at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen, Catal and Uva Bar.
“Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock announced the changes coming to Downtown Disney during a State of the Disneyland Resort presentation on Wednesday, April 27 at the Hyperion Theater in Disney California Adventure.”
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“Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen will get an interior and exterior renovation along with a new menu as part of the Downtown Disney renovation.
“Catal will be transformed into an upscale, gourmet Mexican restaurant with a culinary concept created by Michelin-star chef Carlos Gayton — who owns Chicago’s Tzuco restaurant.
“The adjacent Uva Bar will also get a new high-end Mexican-inspired small plate menu and bar transformation that puts an emphasis on tequila-based cocktails.
“Earl of Sandwich will open a new pop-up shop as part of the Downtown Disney renovation.”
Disneyland plans Pixar hotel makeover of Paradise Pier Hotel
The Pixar Hotel will have a new entry portal into Disney California Adventure for hotel guests.
By BRADY MACDONALD
PUBLISHED: April 28, 2022
“Disneyland will sprinkle a healthy dose of Pixar pixie dust on the aging Paradise Pier Hotel as part of a multimillion-dollar renovation that will include a new back entrance to Disney California Adventure for hotel guests.”
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“The new DCA back entrance is expected to stretch from Paradise Gardens in DCA to Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel vehicle entrance via a backstage passageway.
“Paradise Pier Hotel will not close during the Pixar makeover with portions of the hotel renovated on a rotating basis.”
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“The new Pixar-themed hotel does not have an official name yet — but for now most Disneylanders will likely refer to it as the Pixar Hotel. No dates have been announced for the start or completion of work.
“Disneyland has already begun renovation of the Paradise Pier Hotel pool that will get a new Pixar theme.”
Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel to Receive a Pixar Makeover
Apr 28, 2022
“The hotel originally opened in 1984 as a non-Disney hotel, before being purchased by Disney in 1995 and renamed to the Disneyland Pacific Hotel.”
New Concept Art Released for Newly Named The Villas at Disneyland Hotel
Apr 28, 2022
“The new tower will be known as The Villas at Disneyland Hotel and is projected to open at some point in 2023.
“The original concept art for the new tower was revealed way back in January 2020 and construction has been in full swing since 2021, with vertical construction beginning a month ago.
“The new 12-story tower is being built on approximately two acres in an existing corner of the Disneyland Hotel, once the site of the Fantasy Waters fountain show.”
Thu, April 28, 2022
News from the Disneyland Resort: Upcoming Pixar Plans, Big Foodie News and More!
by Kelsey Lynch, Public Relations Director, Disneyland Resort
“Yesterday, Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock met with community leaders about upcoming plans for magical new experiences coming to the Disneyland Resort, and we wanted to bring you in on the fun!”
Disneyland launches new Grad Nite Reunion after-hours party
The new Disneyland After Dark: Grad Nite Reunion events will be held on June 23, 28 and 30 at Disney California Adventure.
By BRADY MACDONALD
PUBLISHED: April 26, 2022
“The new Disneyland After Dark: Grad Nite Reunion events will be held on June 23, 28 and 30 at Disney California Adventure. Tickets go on sale no earlier than noon on Thursday, April 28.
“The Grad Nite Reunion events promise nostalgic fun with a pep rally cavalcade, photo opportunities with characters in cap and gown, dancing to music from the past six decades, cafeteria-inspired food and attractions with shorter wait times.”
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“Disneyland had already doubled the number of limited-time, after-hours events in 2022 with Disneyland After Dark late night parties tied to Valentine’s Day, Disney Villains and Star Wars.”
Tue, April 26, 2022
Introducing the First-Ever Disneyland After Dark: Grad Nite Reunion
by Hayley Silva, Internal Communications Specialist, Disneyland Resort
“From good times to even better dance moves, this separately ticketed Disneyland After Dark event gives you after-hours access to Disney California Adventure after the park closes to day guests, with the opportunity to experience special offerings* not typically available during the day. Enjoy delicious cafeteria-inspired dishes, special character experiences, entertainment, photo opportunities and some favorite attractions (with shorter wait times!) for four hours of fun. Also included with your ticket, you’ll have three additional hours pre-party to mix-in at Disney California Adventure park!
“In addition to these special offerings, you’ll receive a commemorative credential and guide as well as unlimited downloads of Disney PhotoPass** digital photos you take during the party.”
Disneyland gets its glow back with return of Electrical Parade and ‘Forever’ fireworks
Review: The Main Street Electrical Parade has the ability to tug on nostalgic heartstrings while simultaneously catering to the Instagram generation.
By BRADY MACDONALD
PUBLISHED: April 21, 2022
“Disneyland hosted a media preview of the Main Street Electrical Parade and the ‘Disneyland Forever’ fireworks show on Wednesday, April 20 to mark the return of large-scale entertainment put on hiatus for two years by the COVID-19 pandemic. That meant Disneyland visitors got a ‘surprise’ performance of the two nighttime spectaculars before they officially debut alongside the ‘World of Color’ water show at Disney California Adventure on Friday, April 22. ‘Fantasmic’ returns on May 28.
“Plenty of people were in on the back-to-back nighttime spectacular ‘surprise’ as Main Street U.S.A. was lined with parade-goers five deep who responded with hoots and hollers as the Spring Breakers waited for the lights to dim on Disneyland’s primary thoroughfare. Passageways were opened behind the Main Street shops to handle overflow traffic rerouted by the clog of visitors lining the parade route.”
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“The parade’s mushroom floats are still built out of little more than plywood and two-by-fours painted with black primer. The simplicity of the parade makes you believe you could build it in your backyard, but the enormous scale of the spectacle makes you realize only Disneyland could and would pull off such an audacious performance.”
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“The new Electrical Parade finale float is two-sided — meaning you’ll have to see the parade twice to catch the entire experience. To put the size of the finale in perspective, the behemoth float is nearly as long as the Incredicoaster is tall.
“If you’re on the Aladdin and Jasmine side of the final float you’ll see the backside of Mirabel and Antonio as well as the backs of Merida, Tiana, Mulan and Mowgli. Elsa and Anna face each other hand in hand — allowing parade-goers to easily see them from either side of the route.
“It’s possible to see both sides of the Togetherness float in one evening if you stand on the same side of the parade route for the 8:45 and 10:30 p.m. showings — since the parade heads in opposite directions for each performance. Otherwise, you’ll have to make a return trip to Disneyland to catch the alternate version of the final float — which is exactly what Disney is hoping you’ll do.
“The Main Street Electrical Parade has a long history of triumphant returns. After officially ‘glowing away forever’ in 1996, the Electrical Parade came back in 2001 to Disney California Adventure in an effort to boost the new park’s attendance and it stuck around for another decade. The beloved parade made briefer return engagements at Disneyland in 2017 and 2019. The limited-time 2022 reincarnation marks the fifth debut of the parade at the Anaheim theme park resort.”
Fri, April 22, 2022
Ignite the Night – Tonight! The Nighttime Spectaculars are Back at the Disneyland Resort
by Kelsey Lynch, Public Relations Director, Disneyland Resort
Disneyland crime reports: Assault and battery, identity theft and disturbing the peace in March
Anaheim Police responded to 25 calls at Disneyland in March that resulted in some type of action taken by officers.
By BRADY MACDONALD
PUBLISHED: April 19, 2022
“Anaheim Police responded to 25 calls at Disneyland in March that resulted in some type of action taken by officers.”
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“The Happiest Place on Earth is also one of the safest -— with police responding once or twice a day on average to the Anaheim theme parks that attract millions of visitors annually.”
With Latest Round of Announcements and Developments, The Disneyland Resort Continues Its Return to Normalcy
by Ben Breitbart | Apr 28, 2022
“This Saturday will mark the one year anniversary since Disneyland reopened after being closed for 412 days. To celebrate how far they have come, Disneyland Resort president Ken Potrock held a ‘State of the Resort’ presentation for community leaders last night. Ahead of that, he held a media briefing to preview his remarks and share his excitement for the future of the Disneyland Resort.
“A year in, it is clear that the Disneyland Resort believes they are at a pivot point in their comeback. With the recent return of nighttime spectaculars and up-close character interactions, part of what has been missing from the Disneyland experience has been restored. But Disneyland still faces challenges that don't have a quick switch like an Electrical Parade float.”
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“Currently, the Disneyland Resort has about 30,000 cast members working. About one-third of the current cast base are new to the Disneyland Resort.”
Dateline Disneyland: Tarzan’s Treehouse Out, Characters Return, Crowds Surge
By Andy Castro -April 18, 2022
“After an unusually mild Spring Break season, big crowds finally arrived last week at Disneyland. The crush of big crowds comes as Disneyland prepares to bring back four major nighttime spectaculars this upcoming weekend, including a 50th Anniversary run of classic Main Street Electrical Parade. The big news this week, however, is some major springtime gardening underway in Disneyland. Chip and Dale’s Treehouse has been chopped down as part of Toontown’s major re-imagining project. While over in Adventureland, Tarzan’s Treehouse is getting pruned as well as that attraction prepares for some major changes including ousting its title character, Tarzan. Meanwhile, New Orleans Square’s gardens and waterfront continue major re-imagining project as well.”
Disneyland Update – Electric Entertainment, Magic Key Blues & Rumors Too
By Dusty Sage -April 25, 2022
“What a week for Disneyland. Big nighttime entertainment has returned, sparking renewed energy in the parks. Along with the thousands of twinkling lights, character meet and greets are back as well, helping pack the parks. But there’s lots more going on behind the scenes. Everyone wants to know if the Magic Key program is DOA come renewal time this August, and there may be more (or should we say less) to Adventureland’s Treehouse. We have a lot to show you and talk about today. You’ll want to read all the way through to the bottom as we discuss rumors and float some new ones…”
Disneyland Updates! New Downtown Disney Restaurants, Pixar Hotel & More
By Dusty Sage -April 28, 2022
“We have a humdinger of a Disneyland news update for you today folks. Last night, Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock gave his state of the resort address to Anaheim community leaders and revealed some big plans for the resort. There’s a lot to cover here and plenty of concept art.”
You can listen to show 333 on iTunes or go to Libsyn service here.