DLW 353: Author Jen Calonita

This week, new locations announced for Downtown Disney, a Halloween tradition expands around the resort, Coco loses some musicians, The Evil Queen has moved in, new characters have arrived in Frontierland, we talk with Disney Author Jen Calonita, and more!

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News: Details of the new shopping space near the Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage have been announced. Coming to the location is Avengers Reserve, a Marvel themed store featuring collectibles, apparel, accessories, toys, and comics. D-Lander Shop will be a boutique celebrating fashions for Disneyland fans with accessories, apparel, and jewelry. Elsewhere in Downtown Disney, Marceline’s Confectionary is going to expand and receive a new name. Disney Wonderful World of Sweets. The location will offer all the same goodies as before, but also have freshly made caramel corn! – https://disneyparksblog.com/dlr/announcing-new-shops-eateries-coming-to-downtown-disney-district/

A Halloween tradition is expanding this year. “Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit,” which was in Downtown Disney previously, has now expanded into Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. For $9.99, guests get a game board to hunt for pumpkins painted as different characters scattered around the resort. Return with the completed card and get a small Halloween sipper cup. If you would like a pin set of the cups, those can be purchased for $39.99. – https://www.micechat.com/396819-disneyland-update-critter-country-comeback-halloween-magic-labor-day-madness/

The reimagined Coco show in Disney California Adventure premiered last week, with some changes. The show has removed the live musicians, but kept the live singers. It is still a great show, but without the Mariachi Diva’s providing live music. Another change has come to the schedule of the Viva Navidad street party. The show will be offered on select days only, not the daily performances as in previous years. – https://www.micechat.com/396819-disneyland-update-critter-country-comeback-halloween-magic-labor-day-madness/

The Evil Queen has moved into the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Dressed as the Old Hag, she is creating the poisoned apple from a large cauldron made completely out of food! She is also surrounded by spooky trees and a basket of apples. As usual, there are hidden Mickeys to be found – 13 in all. – https://www.micechat.com/396819-disneyland-update-critter-country-comeback-halloween-magic-labor-day-madness/

Two new characters from Encanto have arrived at Disneyland. Luisa and Isabela, the strong and floral sisters of Mirabel will be meeting and greeting in the El Zocalo Park near Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. They will only be here for a limited time, so if you are interested in meeting them, act fast! – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2024/09/01/disney-announces-2-new-characters-are-coming-soon/

A large area of the west side of Disneyland has reopened. Critter Country, soon to be Bayou Country has reopened along with The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. The area has been repaved with themed walkway, updated lighting, and an extended section of exterior queue for Winnie the Pooh. – https://www.micechat.com/396819-disneyland-update-critter-country-comeback-halloween-magic-labor-day-madness/

November 15th is a busy day this year! Not only is it the day that Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens, but it is the start of the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort. New this year is Santa Claus is meeting and greeting at the Fantasyland Theatre, new outfits for Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, and Clarabel, and Chip and Dale’s Ornament Trail in Downtown Disney. Beginning November 19th, “Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates the Holidays!” premieres at the Disneyland Hotel, and “Mickey’s Holiday Pajama Party” at Storytellers Cafe. – https://disneyparksblog.com/dlr/2024-holiday-season-arrives-at-disneyland-resort-november-15/

A couple of updates from around the parks – the Jungle Cruise will undergo a $600,000 refurbishment to fix the tiger scene in the attraction that has been covered for a while now. The refurbishment could also address some other areas of the attraction that need work. There is also a lot of work going on around the Cozy Cones in Cars Land. There is no seating in the area while this work is being done. – https://www.micechat.com/396819-disneyland-update-critter-country-comeback-halloween-magic-labor-day-madness/

SnackChat: Kat Saka’s Kettle and Ronto Roasters – https://disneyland.disney.go.com/dining/disneyland/kat-sakas-kettle/ https://disneyland.disney.go.com/dining/disneyland/ronto-roasters/ Discussion Topic: Author Jen Calonita

https://www.tiktok.com/@jencalonitaofficial

https://www.jencalonitaonline.com/

https://www.instagram.com/jencalonita/

DL Weekly listeners who buy Fairy Godmother (now through Oct 15th), and is in the US, can email Jen through her website and she will send them FG Disney book swag and a personalized bookplate!