Go directly to: News & Views | Current Refurbishment/Attraction Closures | Park Events | Discounts/Promotions | Park Schedule/Blockout Dates
News and Views
Calling all MouseAdventurers
Fans and participants of MousePlanet’s popular MouseAdventure puzzle-and-quest event take note: Our next event is scheduled to take place on Sunday, October 10 in Disney’s California Adventure park. We will publish full details and open registration here this Wednesday, August 25.
The trains on the track go ’round and ’round
Cast members and visitors report that empty Big Thunder Mountain Railroad trains have been spotted making laps around the track. Cast members stationed outside the attraction this weekend told visitors that the ride would be reopening within two weeks.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has been closed since July 8, when the ride was the scene of a third accident in 10 months: A train returning to the platform collided with another train that had loaded and was waiting to depart. Several riders were treated for minor injuries after the accident.
The California Division of Operational Health and Safety (DOSH) has been investigating the accident, conducting a mechanical inspection of the ride, reviewing the training and proceedures in place at the attraction, and interviewing cast members and witnesses.
DOSH representative Dean Fryer told MousePlanet that the ride cannot reopen until DOSH releases a report of its findings, lists any corrective action Disney may need to take, and determines what corrective action, if any, has been completed. Fryer says that DOSH will not authorize the ride to open until it is satisfied that the ride is safe to operate.
On September 5, 2003, Marcelo Torres of Gardena was killed and 10 other riders injured when the front portion of the train derailed, causing the front passenger car to collide with the train’s locomotive. DOSH cited improper installation of a guide wheel in that accident, and required Disney to retrain its cast members. Less than a week after the ride reopened in March, two empty trains collided during a reset operation. There were no injuries, and the ride reopened the next day. According to the DOSH report, that collision was caused specifically by operator error.
Read our entire coverage of the accidents at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad here.
Downtown Disney gets a makeover
It’s official: Club Libby Lu is moving into the Downtown Disney spot vacated last month by Petals. According to the company Web site (link), Club Libby Lu is not a store, but “a club with special membership privileges.”
The “club” offers a selection of “Tween tranformations” for $20 a pop. Themes include the “Starlet,” “Enchanted Princess,” “Rock’n Roll Chick,” and “Party Pop Princess.” These transformations seem to include a themed accessory and lots of sparkly cosmetics. The “not a store” also sells a variety of accessories and room decor pieces. Club Libby Lu offers makeover parties, which are sure to be a hit with the ‘tween scene.
Dozens of Club locations have opened across the country in the past two years, with another dozen on the books for 2004. The Downtown Disney location is expected to open in October. If you’re 16 or over, the new location is accepting applications for Club Counselor positions. Keep in mind, however, that those who are 16 or over would probably have little interest in being customers themselves.
Got any interesting news or rumors? Contact us here.
Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
Disneyland
BTMRR Accident page.
Upcoming Disneyland closures
Disney’s California Adventure
- Superstar Limo closed indefinitely; not listed on park maps or the Disneyland Web site.
- Who Wants to be a Millionaire – Play It! closed indefinitely as of last week.
Upcoming DCA Closures
- King Triton’s Carousel closes September 20–30.
- Maliboomer reduced capacity (2 of 3 towers operating) November 1–25, 2004, and January 3–22, 31 – March 12, 2005.
- Jumpin’ Jellyfish reduces capacity January 21 – March 5, 2005.
Disneyland Resort Hotels
- Disneyland Hotel Convention Center lobby, upper level & lower level closed through September 1.