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as seen in Magically Speaking newsletter
November 2, 2009
October 19, 2009
October 5, 2009
September 21, 2009
September 7, 2009
August 24, 2009
August 10, 2009
November 2, 2009
The Water Is Beginning to Rise…
After being empty for over a year, and getting filled with countless wires, lights, projectors, and who knows what else (in preparation for the World of Color show), Paradise Bay Lagoon in Disney's California Adventure is finally getting filled with water once again. The lagoon will be refilled in stages, in order to allow for different periods of testing, and is assumed to be filled with all 16 million gallons by late 2009 or early 2010.
Tiana's Showboat Jubilee to Debut in Disneyland
Princess Tiana and her friends, the stars of Disney's new movie The Princess and the Frog, will be taking over the Mark Twain inside Disneyland. Beginning November 6, and occurring four times daily, the jubilee will make its way through New Orleans Square, leading guests onto a Mardi Gras themed party on the Mark Twain, and around the Rivers of America.
Disneyland Closures and Rehabs (official calendar updated through December 10,
2009)
- Casey Jr. Circus Train is closed through November 19.
- Storybook Land Canal Boats is closed through November 19.
- it's a small world is closed through November 12 for the holiday install.
- Space Mountain will be closed on November 2 for the removal of the Halloween overlay.
- Jungle Cruise will be closed from November 16 through November 19.
- "Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years" has closed. “The Disneyland Story, Featuring Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln” is scheduled to return on December 17.
Disney's California Adventure Closures and Refurbishments (official calendar updated through December 10, 2009)
- Paradise Pier Lagoon and the Golden State Amphitheater are closed for preparation of the "Disney's World of Color" lagoon show.
- Orange Stinger is closed for conversion into the Silly Symphony Swings through April 28.
- Corn Dog Castle is closed for a major refurbishment that will transform the surrounding area into the new Little Mermaid attraction.
Upcoming Events at Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure
- Holiday Time (Christmas), November 13 through January 3.
- Candlelight Processional, December 5 and December 6 (narrator TBD).
October 19, 2009
Disneyland Resort Names New President
George Kalogridis, who started with the Walt Disney Company in 1971 as a busboy for the Contemporary Resort in Walt Disney World, has been named the new president of the Disneyland Resort. Kalogridis replaces Ed Grier, who had been the president of Disneyland for a little over three years.
No Candlelight Processional Dining Package in 2009
Despite troubles with the online reservation system for at least the past five years, fans of the Candlelight Processional still looked forward to the dining packages that had been offered. Other than a $275 Candlelight Spectacular event, which is available only to D23 members, there will be no other Candlelight packages available at Disneyland this year.
October 5, 2009
Disney Gallery Reopens
When the original Disney Gallery in New Orleans Square closed in 2007, no one was sure if it would ever return. But, more than two years later, at a new location in the old Bank of Main Street, it's finally back. The Victorian design of the new location fits in with the rest of Main Street, and the old bank vault displays the art. The first exhibit, titled "Enchanting the Classics," focuses on how Imagineeers have updated Disneyland's most cherished rides while staying true to their classic roots.
Edelweiss Snacks Opens in Fantasyland
Possibly the most highly themed turkey leg stand in existence has opened across from the Matterhorn. Disneyland has removed the outdoor vending carts that used to serve turkey legs, corn on the cob, sodas, and other snacks, and replaced them with a huge, detailed Swiss chalet. At first glance, you may think a new attraction had been built, but in this case, you'll be able to get a hot lunch instead.
Disney Parks Rewarding Volunteers Beginning January 1
Disney hopes to inspire 1 million people to volunteer in 2010. The new "Give a Day, Get a Day" program will reward volunteers with a day of free admission. Guests will have to register online and participate in a number of volunteer activities. There will be options available for guests who are on a package and have multi-day tickets, similar to 2009's birthday program. The most notable exception to this is that a gift card will no longer be an option. It has been replaced with the option of donating your ticket to a select charity. To learn more about the program visit www.DisneyParks.com.
Official Disney Blog
The Disney theme parks will officially join the blogging world. The blog will be the official source for information about new rides and attractions, as well as in-depth coverage of events at Disney theme parks in the United States. The blog will be managed by the in-house public relations team, and select employees at the company's theme parks in Anaheim and Orlando, will contribute to the blog. Check out the new blog at disneyparks.com/blog/.
September 21, 2009
Star Tours 2.0 in 3-D to Debut in 2011
Although it was one of the worst kept Imagineering secrets, a new 3-D version of Star Tours, expected to be completed sometime in 2011, was announced at the D23 Expo. In an elaborate display featuring Darth Vader and a legion of Stormtroopers, Jay Rasulo previewed a portion of the new 3-D film for the crowd in attendance. Although not confirmed at the time, unlike the current film, there are rumored to be several destinations to visit in the new version of the ride.
Is a Return of Captain EO in the Cards?
It was widely expected that along with the Star Tours revamp, Rasulo was also going to announce the return of Captain EO early next year. Although he denied that a return of Captain EO to the Magic Eye Theatre was imminent, come January, it's still a high possibility. If it does happen, further rumors indicate that it will play for a year or two, before being replaced by Disneyland's own version of the Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor.
September 7, 2009
New Fantasmic Dragon Finally Premieres
The new Fantasmic dragon, the centerpiece of this summer's Nightastic promotion, finally made its public debut last week after months of delays. The appearance of the 45 foot tall, 18,000 pound fire-breathing dragon has been highly anticipated, with rumors about its delays and problems highly publicized. As a result of the delay, nightly performances of Fantasmic have been extended through September 7, with performances Friday–Sunday and during the holiday season through the end of 2009.
"Halloween Screams — A Villainous Surprise in the Skies" is Announced
More details, including the official name, have emerged in regards to Disneyland's all-new Halloween-themed fireworks show. The show will be run by "Master of Scare-omonies" Jack Skellington, with appearances by Maleficent, Ursula, and Oogie-Boogie. The most anticipated appearance may be that of Jack's ghost dog Zero, who will be flying across the sky in the same manner as Tinker Bell and Dumbo have in the past.
August 24, 2009
Main Street Magic Shop Is No More
Disneyland's Main Street Magic Shop, a staple inside the park from the beginning, has seen its final days. The actual magic tricks in the shop have slowly been disappearing, as changes in distributors and federal regulations have made it difficult to keep stocked. The shop is currently filled with Sorcerer Mickey items, with the belief that it will be leased to an outside vendor sometime in the near future.
The Muppets Visit Disneyland
The Muppets, who were purchased by the Walt Disney Company a few years ago, have had little presence inside Disneyland, but that seems to be changing. Although an official announcement has not yet been made, the 2010 Disneyland marketing campaign is focused around the Muppets. Commercials featuring the Muppets have been filmed around the park, including riding the fire truck on Main Street, cruising around on the Mark Twain, and taking a trip on Dumbo.
Magically Speaking at the D23 Expo!
Magically Speaking will be at the first annual D23 Expo in Anaheim, California! Editors Carol and Kate are looking forward to experiencing all the highlights the expo has to offer, including special presentations by Disney company greats. But, perhaps even more great — we're excited to meet you and hand out Magically Speaking swag at The Magic For Less Travel's booth! We're thrilled that our sponsor travel agency was selected as one of only ten travel agencies in the nation to attend D23. If you're going to D23, please stop by and say hello. And look for full reports of the D23 experience in an upcoming issue!
August 10, 2009
Disneyland Increases Prices of Tickets and Annual Passes
As with Walt Disney World, Disneyland has increased ticket prices across the board. Adult one-day tickets and Park Hoppers both increased $3, to $72 and $97, respectively. Premium annual passes went up $40 (as opposed to the usual $20), and now cost $429. Unlike the above-mentioned option for Walt Disney World annual passes, Disneyland will not offer 15 months for the price of 12.
Big Thunder Ranch Barbeque Continues to Evolve
When the Celebration Ranch and Barbeque opened inside Big Thunder Ranch, it was met with mixed reactions, mostly negative. It has now been renamed the Big Thunder Ranch Barbeque, and features two different menus, one for lunch and one for dinner. The character interactions with Woody and Jessie are now gone, and dessert and sodas, which once came with the meal, are now extra. But, this means that the meal itself has now decreased in price, and attendance at the restaurant has increased as a result.
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