DLW 106: Shanghai Disneyland

This week, we discuss holiday traditions, treehouse troubles, a big update coming to a classic, famous faces kick off the holidays, we learn about Shanghai Disneyland, and more!

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Mary Blair Links:

https://www.hilbertmuseum.com/ https://www.ocregister.com/2019/03/18/legendary-disney-artist-mary-blair-is-featured-at-this-museum/

News:

On Sunday night, a guest on Tarzan’s Treehouse broke a board on the suspension bridge section of the attraction. No guests were harmed in the incident, but the attraction is closed until further notice. Reports online state that the attraction was intended to always have a cast member posted at the bridge for guest safety, but that had been cut a few years ago. No word on how long the attraction will be down. – https://www.micechat.com/242072-breaking-news-tarzans-treehouse-emergency-closes-at-disneyland/

It is that time of year again when the candy makers at Disneyland have announced the dates when you can pick up a handmade candy cane! Each batch is 40 to 45 candy canes and there are three batches produced on the days they are scheduled. The two locations are the Candy Palace in Disneyland, and Trolley Treats in Disney California Adventure. It is recommended to arrive to the resort 30-45 minutes prior to opening to get a wristband that is good for one candy cane. Only one wristband is given to each guest, up to 40 per batch. You can return anytime between the batch time that you are given and 4pm. If you do not pick up your candy cane by 4pm, it will be sold to another guest. For the full list of dates, please visit the link in our show notes. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2019/11/08/get-ready-for-peppermint-filled-dreams-the-candy-cane-dates-have-been-announced-in-disneyland/

The Festival of the Holidays has arrived and along with it is some new merchandise! The options include a number of tee shirts, themed pins, phone cases, along with some general Christmas merchandise. You can pick up these festival specific designs at Holiday Central, Seaside Souvenirs, Elias & Co., Festival Merchandise Carts, and the Annual Passholder items at Trolley Treats. – https://www.micechat.com/241956-festival-of-holidays-2019-merchandise-debuts-at-california-adventure/

The Disney Parks blog has posted a foodie guide to the holidays at Disneyland. Items include a number of Churros, cotton candy, peppermint caramel corn, and loads of other sweet and savory creations. We are pretty sure that almost every major eatery in Disneyland has at least one item for the Holidays. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2019/11/foodie-guide-to-holidays-2019-at-disneyland-park/

For it’s 23rd season, it’s a small world holiday is getting some new upgrades. New, immersive scents will stimulate guests noses in the Asia, South America, and South Seas section of the attraction. Cherry blossoms in Asia, cinnamon in South America, and coconut in the South Seas. will fill the air. Fresh pine and peppermint candy will continue to be experienced in the European scenes. – https://wdwnt.com/2019/11/its-a-small-world-holiday-overlay-to-debut-three-new-immersive-scene-scents-at-disneyland-park/

Joining the Mickey sipper that we talked about last week is the Light-Up Christmas Tree and an Alien from Toy Story in his festive pajamas! The Christmas tree bucket also includes Mickey holding a package next to the decorated bucket, while the Alien “ooos” while wearing his flannel nightwear and cap. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2019/11/08/popcorn-news-the-new-mickey-light-up-tree-popcorn-bucket-has-arrived-at-disneyland-resort/

In a surprising bit of news, Disney has filed for a building permit to refurbish Snow White’s Scary Adventures in Fantasyland. The permit lists $445,000 in changes to the attraction that would include removing and replacing show sets, installing new structural beams, refurbish rock work and upgrade some electrical. New projectors will also be coming to the opening day attraction according to the permit. – https://www.ocregister.com/2019/11/08/disneyland-to-give-snow-whites-scary-adventures-dark-ride-a-major-facelift-in-2020/

Attendance at the Disneyland Resort is down, but revenue is up, according to the fourth quarter earnings report last week. Revenue from Disney’s Parks, Experiences, and Products increased 8 percent in the quarter to $6.7 billion dollars. Spending at the resort was higher due to increased ticket cost, food and merchandise. Bob Iger admitted that guests were holding off visiting the parks until the entirety of Galaxy’s Edge would be open. Iger also stated that Galaxy’s Edge has been more successful than what has been reported. – https://www.ocregister.com/2019/11/07/disneyland-attendance-lower-while-visitor-spending-increases-according-to-company-report/

Some special guests were on hand to kick off the holidays at the Disneyland Resort on Friday. The cast of Frozen 2, including Idina Menzel who plays Queen Elsa, Kristen Bell who plays Anna, Jonathan Groff, the voice of Kristoff, and everyone’s favorite summer loving snowman Olaf, voiced by Josh Gad came out in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle to start the fireworks. The crowd went crazy to the unannounced pre-show. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2019/11/09/news-you-will-never-believe-who-just-kicked-off-the-fireworks-in-disneyland/#more-286174

As is becoming the tradition for this time of year, Disney is filling the airwaves with a ton of holiday specials. On Thursday, November 28th, “The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration” from 8-10pm on ABC and the app. This special will provide a behind the scenes look at the Rise of the Resistance attraction, and have a number of musical performances. On December 13th from 8-8:30pm, “Disney Channel Holiday Party at Walt Disney World” will air on the Disney Channel and the DisneyNOW app. On Christmas Day, the “Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade” will air on ABC and the ABC app from 10am-12pm eastern. – https://wdwnt.com/2019/11/full-slate-of-star-studded-disney-parks-christmas-specials-announced-for-holiday-season-2019/

Disney is offering Cast Members throughout the company the option to choose the traditional Main Entrance Pass that allows the cast member to take family and friends into the parks for free, with limited blackouts and restrictions, or a full Disney+ bundle package that includes Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu. All Cast Members will still be able to sign themselves into the parks, and receive a limited number of complimentary tickets each year. – https://wdwnt.com/2019/11/cast-members-can-choose-between-disney-package-or-theme-park-main-entrance-pass-starting-january-2020/

If you missed the first episode of the Disney+ exclusive “High School Musical, the Musical, the Series” this past week, you can catch a preview coming to the Tomorrowland Theater starting on November 12th. November 12th is also the date that Disney+ premieres in the US. – https://wdwnt.com/2019/11/full-slate-of-star-studded-disney-parks-christmas-specials-announced-for-holiday-season-2019/

Another after hours opportunity for Annual Passholders was available on November 12th and 13th from 8:30pm to 9:30pm. Radiator Springs Racers remained open for passholders that showed their pass at the attraction. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2019/11/10/news-want-a-special-after-hours-ride-on-radiator-springs-racers-in-disney-california-adventure/