DLW 216: Author and Former Cast Member Austin Carroll

This week, a last hurrah for the holiday season at Disneyland, a review of New years at the park, an update on upcoming refurbs, a new technology patent goes through, we talk to former cast member and author Austin, and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. If you want some DLWeekly Swag, you can pick some up at https://www.dlweekly.net/store/. Book your travel through ConciEARS at no extra cost to you! Be sure to mention that you heard about ConciEARS from DLWeekly at booking! If you want some awesome headwear or one of a kind items, be sure to visit our friends over at All Enchanting Ears! You can use the promo code DLWEEKLY10 to get 10% off your order!

News:

The holidays are coming to an end soon, but one holiday treat just arrived at Disneyland. The Holiday Dole Whip is now available at the Tropical Hideaway for $6.79. This version is a swirl of cherry and lime dole whip, with festive sprinkles and a gummy on top. The flavor has been described like cherry limeaid, being a bit sour, and very sweet. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2021/12/30/this-new-disneyland-dole-whip-tastes-like-sour-gummy-worms/ In Disney California Adventure’s Paradise Gardens, guests can celebrate 3 Kings Day. From January 3rd through the 9th, special decorations and photo ops will be in the area to experience. – https://www.micechat.com/311498-disneyland-update-new-year-magic-and-mayhem/ Salt and Straw in Downtown Disney is at it again with more new flavors. This time, they are all vegan as well! The new flavors are inspired by cupcakes, with flavors like carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, Coconut Cream Pie with Lemon Curd, Chocolate Salted Caramel, Rainbow Sprinkled Babycakes, and a Chocolate Hazelnut Cupcake option. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2022/01/04/cupcakes-and-ice-cream-find-us-in-line-at-this-disney-scoop-shop/ Lovepop in Downtown Disney had a bit of a rough opening just before Christmas, and then was closed for a couple of days after. The new shop is open daily now and offers pop-up greeting cards with intricate designs. They also offer a line of Disney cards, but beyond that, they are just a unique greeting card store. – https://www.micechat.com/310913-disneyland-update-christmas-out-prices-up-and-changes-ahead/ This year, guests had a much better experience at the resort for the New Year celebration. With the reservation system being in place, the parks never closed their gates to guests and the crowds were pretty manageable. Fireworks were launched over Paradise Bay at DCA, and over Sleeping Beauty Castle on Main Street to ring in the new year. Stages were setup around the parks to host DJs for the evening. – https://www.micechat.com/311498-disneyland-update-new-year-magic-and-mayhem/ Magic Keyholders will have an updated location to dine soon. The Magic Key Terrace will be closing mid-January to add some more colorful elements, replace the furniture, and update the lighting fixtures. This update should really liven the place up and make it a more comfortable place to take a break and have a drink or a bite to eat. – https://www.micechat.com/311498-disneyland-update-new-year-magic-and-mayhem/ The Disneyland Hotel is getting some updates that are very magical. Carpet has been replaced near Goofy’s Kitchen and now features designs inspired by Sleeping Beauty. The new carpet looks like it jumped right off the screen and onto the floor of the hotel. – https://www.micechat.com/310913-disneyland-update-christmas-out-prices-up-and-changes-ahead/ Listeners who have tickets for Villains Nite or Star Wars Nite that were rescheduled, this message is for you. Be sure to call Disneyland at the number in our show notes before January 8th to exchange your tickets for the rescheduled nights in 2022. They are other options available as well, such as a refund, so act fast. – https://twitter.com/Disneyland/status/1476637234732232704 An after hours tradition returns to Disneyland this year, for the first time since the start of the pandemic. Grad Nites will kick off on May 13th this year, with dates until June 17th. The party will take place at Disney California Adventure from 9PM to 2AM, with characters dressed in their graduation best for photo ops, along with food and beverage specials. There are three ticket options, with the $89 party only ticket being the cheapest. There is also a DCA and Party ticket for $119, and a park hopper and party ticket for $179. For a complete list of the dates, visit the link in our show notes. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2022/01/03/news-grad-nite-is-coming-back-to-disneyland-resort-this-year/ Possible trigger warning for those of you who participated in the Minnie the Main Attraction merchandise line. Mickey the Main Attraction is coming with a new release every month in 2022. The January set will be themed to Space Mountain, much like Minnie the Main Attraction. February is rumored to be themed to Pirates of the Caribbean. The collection should go on sale this month on shopDisney.com. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2021/12/photos-sneak-peek-of-new-mickey-mouse-the-main-attraction-loungefly-bags-and-ears/ Disney Parks have been granted a patent for technology that allows guests to experience 3D worlds without 3D glasses. The patent is for a Virtual World Simulator that enables multiple users to experience a 3D virtual world from multiple vantage points without any glasses, goggles or digital devices. – https://www.ocregister.com/2022/01/04/disney-patents-ar-without-headsets-for-theme-park-rides/ Have you been wanting to watch the Imagineering Story again? If you’re a DisneylandForward subscriber, check your email for a chance to watch the first episode on Wednesday, January 5 at 6 p.m. pacific time. No Disney+ subscription is required; only an internet-connected device. – https://events.twdcstreaming.com/client/player/a68a0fba-a0ef-4f4f-8036-c83ded030bc6

Discussion Topic:

Austin Carroll – Fastpass to the Past Podcast – https://fastpasstothepast.com/ FASTPASS TO THE PAST The Jr. Historian’s Guide to Disneyland – https://www.amazon.com/Fastpass-Past-Historians-Guide-Disneyland/dp/0578301911