Update for May 8-15, 2006
Go directly to: News & Views | Current Refurbishment/Attraction Closures | Park Events | Park Schedule/Blockout Dates
News and Views
A light update this week as the resort relaxes into a mini-lull between Spring Break and the beginning of summer.
Haunted Mansion
The biggest news this week is that the redesign of the attic scene in Haunted Mansion has finally been fully unveiled. Bits and pieces of it had been seen over recent weeks while other pieces remained hidden under tarps. Warning: The rest of this item contains spoilers. If you want to skip the spoilers, just know that the first set of really big changes to Haunted Mansion are now in place. Click here to move to the next item.
Well, last Friday all the final changes were in place and all of the tarps removed, revealing the new storyline for the room. The new story has turned the bride into a “black widow,” having killed off a succession of husbands by beheading them with an axe. The decorations in the room are even more shifted towards a wedding theme than before, and portraits show the bride with her various husbands.
The big effect now in the room is a new bride animatronic (replacing the one with the red beating heart) in a new location on the other side of the Omnimover track. Constance—she has a name now—is a full animatronic figure with a camera face projection (like Madame Leota or the singing busts in the graveyard) who talks through her wedding vows. The bouquet of flowers she is holding then turns into the axe with which she has dispatched her husband. It is, of course, well-timed to the “until death do us part” portion of the vows.
While the early response to the change seems to be mostly positive, some strong complaints have been made as well. Some feel that the face and voice acting used in the bride is a bit to hokey and don’t hit the right tone. Also mentioned is that the style of this ghost doesn’t match well with the rest of the attraction. While we are working to get our own reasonable video (photography is almost impossible without using a flash, which we can’t condone) you might check out this video posted to YouTube.
The new effects in the seance room in which ethereal forms will be seen trying to respond to Madame Leota’s call are still being put in place and should be seen soon.
Aladdin & Jasmine
In a bit of a surprise (to us anyway), Aladdin and Jasmine at Aladdin’s Oasis has been put on hiatus, quite possibly to never return. The semi-improvisational telling of Aladdin using a cast of three has been playing inside Aladdin’s Oasis between The Enchanted Tiki Room and Jungle Cruise since Spring 1998. Over the years, all of the original actors involved in the show moved on and various modifications to the method in which it was told were tried out.
According to information in the internal Cast Member Reference Guide, the show has been suspended and no final decisions have been made about future use of the space. Aladdin’s Oasis itself is shown as closed for refurbishment until August 1. The entire theater and external waiting area were refurbished in early 2005 at the same time as Jungle Cruise.
While wishful thinkers immediately began hoping for the return of a Tahitian Terrace-type dining experience (the original resident of the location), especially in light of the rumors that Bengal BBQ is on borrowed time, there is no reason at this time to suspect any such thing is actually in the works.
On a personal note, this storytime played a quirky role in the early days of MousePlanet and if indeed the show is gone for good, we’re sad to see it go.
2,000,000,000 served
At park opening on May 2, 12-year-old Emmalee Mason of Colorado Springs, Colorado, was celebrated as the honorary two-billionth visitor to a Disney theme park. It is “honorary” since they don’t really know who the 2 billionth person was (otherwise, how convenient would it be that it was at Disneyland, just after park opening, and Jay Rasulo happened to be in the area).
It may have just been “honorary” however, but the benefits are certainly real enough. In addition to a certificate bestowing her the honor, Emmalee and her entire family (two parents, five sisters, one brother, and another baby in progress) all received lifetime passes to all 11 Disney theme parks worldwide. One fears that this couple’s ninth child may grow up with a serious chip on its shoulder.
This and that…
The new group of Dapper Dans hit the pavement of Main Street last week. Fortunately, the response from those who have seen the new group and show has mostly been positive. The act is more comedic and less interactive and several people report that it is more in line with the show put on by the Dapper Dans at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.
The new Dapper Dans cycle around Main Street after one of their shows. Photo by David Michael.
…All package levels for the July 6 Pirates of the Caribbean merchandise event have now sold out. MousePlanet didn’t offer much support of the event as described in the official program information, but here’s hoping everybody has a great time. For those who did register for the event, the official merchandise information page (link) has seen several updates in the merchandise photographs that may be of interest.
…With the completion of phase 1 of Club Buzz‘s seating area redesign, phase 2 has now begun. Phase 1 extended the seating area for the Club Buzz, on the side facing Space Mountain. Phase 2 will now reconfigure the seating on the other side to make adjusments for the new Submarine Voyage currently being built. The attraction will require more space, and the current Club Buzz seating would create a very narrow bottleneck on the path from Tomorrowland to Fantasyland.
The second phase of construction around Club Buzz will help make room for elements of the the new Submarine Voyage. Photo by David Michael.
…Stacia Martin, extraordinary artist of all Disney characters, will be making a signing appearance at the May 21 Pin Trading Night. The three-hour event at the Disneyland Hotel’s Marina Ballroom will run from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and feature the release of three new limited-edition pins designed by Stacia Martin. Keep an eye on this page for information about wristbands and whatnot. Each of the three pins is an edition of 500. A second Pin Trading Night will be held on June 9 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Pacific Ballroom in the Paradise Pier Hotel.
…The next major release from sculptor Robert Olzewski has also been announced. The new piece, to be released on Saturday, June 10, is the much-anticipated Haunted Mansion sculpture. The interactive piece will not only light up into a “night” scene, but also, through the back wall, display three difference scenes from the ride that also light up. It will be an expensive piece, however, being made available at $295.
The new Haunted Mansion sculpture will light up for nightime. Photo © Disney.
Three interchangable ride scenes will be viewable from the back of the sculpture and will also have lit elements. Photo © Dinsey.
…The Jolly Trolley has returned to Mickey’s Toontown but for now seems to just be in place as a photo opportunity and it is not making the loop of that land’s rail system. It could just be that someone felt the area could use a bit more pizzazz or it is a precursor to a change we haven’t yet heard about.
The Jolly Trolley is back in station, though it’s not going anywhere. Photo by David Michael.
…An unusual item for your calendar that may be of interest to some is a “Jungle Cruise Skippers” night at the monthly Maverick Stand Up show in Fullerton, California. Former Jungle Cruise skipper David Marley hosts a monthly night of comedy at Fullerton’s Maverick Theater. On June 11, however, he’ll be hosting a special gathering of comics who have all been Jungle Cruise skippers as well. The bill features both professional comedians and first-timers. According to the Web page (link) you can expect plenty of Jungle Cruise jokes, behind-the-scenes stories, and some videos as well. We can’t vouch that it will be funny, but it is an interesting idea for a show. Tickets are $8, or $6 if you have a current cast member ID.
…After announcing the next Patina Restaurant AP event in Downtown Disney two weeks ago, we forgot to add it to the calendar of upcoming events. So, just a reminder that on May 22 the Patina Group Restaurants at Downtown Disney (Tortilla Jo’s, Napolini Ristorante, and Catal) will be hosting an exclusive dining event. For $10 per person (each AP holder can bring three guests) participants can cycle through the restaurants sampling dishes from each restaurant. Drinks are included. To add your name ot the list call 866-972-8462 or email kenriquez@patinagroup.com. The event will go from 4:00 p.m to 9:00 p.m
Don’t keep it to yourself! Send us your news tips, rumors, and comments. E–mail us here.
Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
Disneyland
- Pirates of the Caribbean closed March 6 – June 26, 2006, for major refurbishment and show updates. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest will premiere at Disneyland on June 24. Ride may be available to public on June 25.
- Blue Bayou Restaurant closed March 6 – June 26, 2006, for the duration of the Pirates of the Caribbean closure.
- Cafe Orleans Restaurant closed March 13 – June 9, 2006, for redesign into full service restaurant.
- Fantasmic! dark June 17 – June 28, 2006, for activities surrounding premiere of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest.
- Disneyland Park opens and closes early June 24, 2006, for premiere of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest. Will open at 6:30 a.m. and close at 5:30 p.m. DCA will be open two hours later than usual until 11:00 p.m.
- Parade of Dreams dark June 24, 2006, for red carpet arrivals to premiere of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest.
- Golden Horseshoe closed May 15 – June 15 for refurbishment and kitchen changes.
- River Belle Terrace rumored to close in September or October 2006 for complete redesign into larger two-story restaurant.
- Bengal BBQ rumored to close permanently in September or October 2006 to provide room for expansion of River Belle Terrace.
- Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage is currently under construction and will open sometime in 2007.
- Snow White, An Enchanted Musical closed. On hiatus during off season; expected to return for final season in summer 2006.
- Disneyland Monorail goes into shuttle mode (one way trips only) January 2006. Complete closure for station redesign will not happen until later in 2006.
Disney’s California Adventure
- It’s Tough to Be a Bug closed April 24 – May 25 for refurbishment.
Note: Refurbishment schedules are estimates only. All information is subject to change without notice. To get the most recent updates, call Disneyland at (714) 781–7290.
Events
If you know of any events, official or unofficial, that should be listed here, let us know.
May
- Food and Wine Weekends #2, #3, and #4. May 5-7, May 12-14, May 19-21 (details).
- Music in the Parks. May 19. Annual middle school and high music festival at Disneyland.
- Pin Trading Night. May 21, 5:00 p.m to 8:00 p.m. in Marina Ballroom at Disneyland Hotel. Three hour pin trading event featuring 3-pin release designed by Disney historian and artist Stacia Martin (link).
- Patina Restaurant Group AP event. May 22 from 4 p.m. ot 9:00 p.m. Rotate the three patina group restaurants sampling dishes from each restaurant. $10 per person and each annual pass holder can bring three guests. RSVP to 866-972-8462 or email kenriquez@patinagroup.com.
June
- Pin Trading Night. June 9, 7:00 p.m. ot 10:00 p.m in Pacific Ballroom at Paradise Pier Hotel. Featured pins not yet announced.
- Olzewski Haunted Mansion release. June 10. Release of new sculpture of Haunted Mansion by Robert Olzewski. Full details not yet released.
- Cars at El Capitan Theater. June 9 – July 4. The accompany show is a demonstration of a real pit stop.
- Jungle Skippers Comedy Night. June 11 at Mavirick Theater in Fullerton, CA. A night of comedy featuring former Jungle Cruise skippers (link).
- Prirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest. June 24. Presumptive date of world premiere of this new movie, to be held in New Orleans Square. Park will close early (5 p.m.) with celebrity red carpet arrivals earlier in the day. Has not yet been officially announced.
July
- Pirates of the Caribbean merchandise event. July 6 (link, all package levels now sold out.
- Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest at El Capitan Theater. July 7 – September 4. Side show unknown.
September
- Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend. September 15-17. For more information and registration see the official Web site (link, warning: horribly annoying embedded music)
October
- Gay Days. October 6 – 8. Unofficial event (link).
- Mickey’s Halloween Treat. October 13, 20, 22, 26, 27, 29, 30, and 31 at DCA. (See Disneyland AP page for details)
November
- Lion King returns to Pantages Theater. Beginning November 16 for eight week run. Call 323-463-4367 for details and tickets.
Park Schedule/Blockout Dates
DL: Disneyland
DCA: Disney’s California Adventure
Annual Pass blockout dates:
- SL – Southern California Select Annual Pass
- SC – Southern California Annual Pass
- DX – Deluxe Annual Pass
Sun | Mon | Tues | Wed | Thurs | Fri | Sat |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5/8 | 5/9 | 5/10 | 5/11 | 5/12 | 5/13 | |
DL: 9a–9p | DL: 9a–9p | DL: 9a–9p | DL: 9a–9p | DL: 9a–Mid | DL: 8a–Mid | |
5/14 | 5/15 | 5/16 | 5/17 | 5/18 | 5/19 | 5/20 |
DL: 8a–11p | DL: 9a–9p | DL: 9a-10p | DL: 9a-10p | DL: 9a-10p | DL: 9a–Mid | DL: 8a–Mid |
5/21 | 5/22 | 5/23 | 5/24 | 5/25 | 5/26 | 5/27 |
DL: 8a–11p | DL: 9a–9p | DL: 9a–9p | DL: 9a–9p | DL: 9a–9p | DL: 9a–Mid | DL: 8a–Mid |
Visit our Annual Passholders Blockout Dates 2006 page to see more dates. You can see future calendar schedules at Disneyland. As always, specifics are subject to change without notice (or occasionally, without us noticing) so when information conflicts between what is presented here and that presented by Disney, it is best to assume Disney’s information is correct.
Entertainment schedule: Go directly to the Disneyland Resort schedule for this week at Disneyland.com here.