DLW 150: Tarzan's Treehouse

This week, an update direct from Disneyland, expanded mobile ordering, more progress as the parks prepare to reopen, crowd estimates on when the parks do open, where the Wonderground Gallery went, we discuss Tarzan’s Treehouse, 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 and get your first year of Touring Plans for FREE! Just mention that you heard about ConciEARS from DLWeekly at booking!

All Enchanting Ears is offering 10% off for podcast listeners. Head on over to allenchantingears.com and use DLWEEKLY10 at checkout.

News:

At 10am pacific time on Tuesday, Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products held a press conference to give and update on the Disney Parks approach to operating during COVID-19. On the call were VPs of Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, WDW Hotels and Resorts, and Patrick Finnegan, the VP of DCA and Downtown Disney. Closing remarks were given by Josh D’Amaro, the Chairman of the division. 8 out of 10 guests feel the safety measures are just right. Disney plans on providing COVID testing in their communities with details to be announced soon. Josh D’Amaro joined from DCA and expressed how important Disneyland is to the economy in CA and how 80,000 jobs rely on the resort. The biggest line was “We are ready, and more importantly… it is time.” – https://www.laughingplace.com/w/articles/2020/09/22/live-blog-disney-parks-and-resorts-update/

When Disneyland does reopen, mobile ordering is going to be expanded, just as it was in Walt Disney World. And, just like in Disney World, it will be the preferred way for guests to order their food while in the parks. Apple Pay and Disney gift cards will also be allowed in the app and the minimum age for mobile ordering will be lowered to 13 years old, down from the previous 18 years old. There is currently no updated list of locations that will offer mobile ordering. – https://www.ocregister.com/2020/09/22/disneyland-to-expand-restaurant-mobile-ordering-when-theme-parks-reopen/

More progress seen in the parks in preparation for the reopening of Disneyland. Hand sanitizer stations have appeared all over Buena Vista Street in Disney California Adventure and crowd signage like “Enter Here” have also been spotted. – https://www.micechat.com/270828-disneyland-update-how-soon-is-very-very-soon/ and https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/09/22/two-major-new-park-additions-show-were-even-closer-to-disneyland-reopening/

The Thinkwell Group released an estimate that Disneyland could maintain social distancing measures at 50% of pre-COVID attendance capacity. This was calculated using the estimates from the Themed Entertainment Association of 500 to 650 per acre. With the 6 feet of distance, that leaves 140 square feet per person, and 200 square feet for groups of 3, Thinkwell estimates. In the end 25 to 30,000 visitors per day could visit and properly distance. – https://www.ocregister.com/2020/09/17/disneyland-could-allow-for-social-distancing-at-50-capacity-data-shows/

The likelihood of the trams returning when the parks reopen is pretty slim considering that Walt Disney World has been open for months and the trams have not returned there. So, Disneyland has turned it’s tramway into a pedestrian walkway this past week, installing signage, benches, and trash cans along the route from Mickey and Friends, as well as Pixar Pals parking garages. This isn’t the first time that this has been used or pedestrians, being used on heavy attendance days like New Years Eve. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/09/16/photos-disneyland-prepares-for-reopening-as-park-reservation-signs-and-a-potential-new-walkway-appear/

In another positive sign of possible reopening coming sooner than later, the floral Mickey in front of the Main Street Station has been refreshed. – https://wdwnt.com/2020/09/photos-mickey-entrance-floral-planter-refreshed-at-disneyland-social-distancing-signage-installed-at-disney-california-adventure/

Last week, the Wonderground Gallery was taken over by Star Wars overnight. Rumors spread online that it was a permanent closure of the popular art gallery in Downtown Disney. The new Star Wars Trading post sells a lot of items that were once only available in Galaxy’s Edge. {someone online? Disney} did say that they are looking for an alternate location for the Wonderground Gallery to return to. – https://www.micechat.com/270828-disneyland-update-how-soon-is-very-very-soon/

Star Wars fans that are collecting the various lightsabers from the Star Wars Universe have the opportunity to choose the next saber to be released. The options are Anakin Skywalker, Qui-Gon Jinn, Kanan Jarrus and Ezra Bridger from Star Wars Rebels, Cal Kestis from the Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order video game, and Lord Corvax. Head to the link in our show notes to cast your vote now through October 1st. – https://wdwnt.com/2020/09/guests-get-to-vote-for-next-legacy-lightsaber-coming-to-dok-ondars-den-of-antiquities-in-star-wars-galaxys-edge-products-from-the-theme-park-land-now-online-at-shopdisney-coming-to-disney-sprin/ and https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2020/09/vote-for-the-next-legacy-lightsaber-in-celebration-of-products-direct-from-star-wars-galaxys-edge-coming-to-shopdisney-disney-springs-and-downtown-disney-district/

The Mandalorian will be returning with season 2 at the end of October, but if you want some Baby Yoda, also known as “The Child” in your life before then, you can pick up a new travel blanket that features the little green creature. The blanket folds up in itself and includes a trolley sleeve for easy transport. You can pick one up for just $24.99 in Downtown Disney. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/09/17/snuggle-with-this-super-cozy-and-totes-adorbs-baby-yoda-blanket-from-disneyland/

A new set of Minnie ears came… and went at Downtown Disney this week. The Retro Disneyland Minnie Ears are blue sequins for the ears, with the vintage Disneyland lettering in place of the bow. On the band itself is the saying “The Happiest Place on Earth.” They are $29.99, if you can find them at the World of Disney. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/09/22/stop-these-are-the-most-iconic-disneyland-minnie-ears-ever/

Black Tap Craft Burgers and Shakes celebrated national cheeseburger day on September 17th. To honor the day, they offered a chance to win some prizes online. Possible prizes included discounts at Black Tap, free fries, and more. The grand prize was Heinz ketchup for a year, customizable Heinz swag, and free burgers for a year. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/09/17/spin-to-win-a-free-burger-online-from-this-downtown-disney-burger-spot/

Discussion:

Tarzan’s Treehouse – https://www.mouseplanet.com/12070/The_Story_of_Tarzans_Treehouse