All photos copyright Disney

Halloween still has a few days left before it’s officially here, but that hasn’t stopped the Disneyland Resort from starting to install Christmas decor earlier than ever. Try not to suffer too much seasonal dissonance while strolling around the resort!

Crowd Calendar

Quietest Day: Monday 10/22 was a 2 out 10 at the resort, with crowds at 1.3 out of 10 at Disneyland, and 1.2 at DCA.

Busiest Day: Saturday 10/27 was an 8 out of 10 at the resort, with a 7.6 out of 10 in Disneyland, and 4.5 at DCA.

Subscribe to the Touring Plans Disneyland Crowd Calendar for full details on predicted attendance for the next 30 days.

Special Events

• Halloween Time, Disneyland’s annual trick-or-treat-themed decor treatment, concludes on October 31. The Disney Parks Blog released behind-the-scenes videos highlighting the carved pumpkins and gingerbread house featured during the event.
• Disney’s Happiest Haunts VIP guided tours continued to be offered every night through October 31. It will be replaced next month by Holiday Time tours.
• Mickey’s Halloween Party was held after hours in Disneyland on October 23 & 26, and will conclude on October 29 & 31. Disneyland Park closes to day guests as early as 6pm on these nights, greatly increasing attendance in DCA on those days.
• A temporary ice-skating rink officially opened on 10/23 at Downtown Disney near the AMC Theatre. It is tied to the release of the new Tinker Bell film, and will operate through the holiday season.
• Singer/actress Mandy Moore stopped into Disneyland and visited her cinematic alter-ego Rapunzel in Fantasyland.

• A new series of pseudo-retro souvenir T-shirts were released for sale around the resort.

• Disneyland announced it will sponsor a Cars Land-themed float in the 2013 Rose Parade.

• The Stanley Cup was spotted at Disneyland on 10/22 to celebrate the LA Kings’ recent NHL hockey championship victory.
• Celebrity narrators, starting and ending with actor Dennis Haysbert, were announced for the Disneyland Candlelight Ceremony in Town Square on December 1-20.
• Holders of 4 and 5 day tickets are now being asked to enter Disneyland Resort parks through specially marked turnstiles and show ID, in an effort to reduced resale fraud.

Openings, Closings, and Refurbishments

• Indiana Jones Adventure is closed through 12/7/12 for a much needed refurbishment.
• Storybook Land Canal Boats and Casey Jr. Circus Train are closed through 11/15/12.
• it’s a small world is closed now through 11/8 to install the holiday overlay.
• Redwood Creek Challenge Trail at DCA is closed through 11/8 for refurbishment.
• Construction continues through 2013 on the new Princess Fantasy Faire and Fantasyland Theatre.
• The Tomorrowland Starcade is now hosting a temporary Wreck-It Ralph meet & greet, which opened on 10/26.

• Muppet*Vision 3D retuned to its theater at DCA during the daytime; a Frankenweenie 4D trailer is screened in the theater in the evenings (end date unknown).
• Decorative tile in front of Carthay Circle in DCA is currently being replaced; the restaurant remains open.
• In Cars Land, the garage that was originally intended as the FASTPASS distribution center for Radiator Springs Racers is being repurposed as an extension of Ramone’s gift shop.
• Construction is concluding on Earl of Sandwich in Downtown Disney, which is scheduled to open on November 2.

• The aritists painting custom watches on Main Street have sadly been discontinued at both Disneyland and WDW.
• The upcoming motion picture Saving Mr. Banks, starring Tom Hanks as Walt Disney, will be filming at Disneyland on November 6-7.

Last Week at Disneyland Resort (10/21/2012 – 10/27/2012) is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.

All photos copyright Disney

The spook season is on the verge of saying “boo-bye” for another year, so slide over to the Disneyland Resort in the coming week if you want to experience the Halloween Time festivities. But be warned: you won't be the only one flocking to see Haunted Mansion Holiday and Ghost Galaxy next weekend!

Crowd Calendar

Quietest Day: Monday 10/15 was a 2 out 10 at the resort, with crowds at 1.1 out of 10 at Disneyland, and 1.9 at DCA.

Busiest Day: Saturday 10/20 was an 8 out of 10 at the resort, with a 8.4 out of 10 in Disneyland, and 5.5 at DCA.

Subscribe to the Touring Plans Disneyland Crowd Calendar for full details on predicted attendance for the next 30 days.

Special Events

• Halloween Time, Disneyland's annual trick-or-treat-themed decor treatment, continues to run through October 31. Special themed foods are currently available at the Blue Bayou, Cafe Orleans, and other park restaurants.
• Disney's Happiest Haunts VIP guided tours continued to be offered every night through October 31. It will be replaced next month by Holiday Time tours.
• Mickey's Halloween Party was held after hours in Disneyland on October 14, 15, & 19, and will continue on October 23, 26, 29, and 31. Disneyland Park closes to day guests as early as 6pm on these nights, greatly increasing attendance in DCA on those days.
• The CHOC Children's Hospital Walk in the Park charity fundraiser was held at the resort on 10/14, raising $1.8 million for health care programs.

• Disney announced their new “Limited Time Magic” marketing campaign, which will bring short-term special experiences to the parks in 2013, including a temporary return of the classic Golden Horseshoe Revue show to Disneyland.
• A temporary ice-skating rink is now operating at Downtown Disney near the AMC Theatre. It is tied to the release of the new Tinker Bell film, and will officially open on October 23.
• Check out this adorable “goat-cam” video featuring the residents of Big Thunder Ranch.
• The United States Air Force concert band and singing sergeants performed in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle and around the resort on 10/18.
• Police arrested a Buena Park man for selling $40,000 worth of counterfeit tickets to Disneyland and other area attractions. Alway buy your park tickets from reputable source!
• Glee actor Mathew Morrison was photographed with Mickey in Halloween garb while visiting Disneyland Resort last weekend.

Openings, Closings, and Refurbishments

• Indiana Jones Adventure is closed through 12/7/12 for a much needed refurbishment.
• Storybook Land Canal Boats and Casey Jr. Circus Train: Closed through 11/15/12.
• Construction continues through 2013 on the new Princess Fantasy Faire and Fantasyland Theatre.
• The Tomorrowland Starcade was closed 10/8-10/18 to install a Wreck-It Ralph meet & greet, which is scheduled to open on 10/26.
• Muppet*Vision 3D is not running while a Frankenweenie 4D trailer is screened in the theater (end date unknown).
• Decorative tile in front of Carthay Circle in DCA is currently being replaced; the restaurant remains open.
• In Cars Land, the garage that was originally intended as the Fastpass distribution center for Radiator Springs Racers is being repurposed as an extension of Ramone's gift shop.
• Construction continues on Earl of Sandwich in Downtown Disney, with no opening date announced yet. The largest rumors suggest it may be open for Thanksgiving.

Last Week at Disneyland Resort (10/14/2012 – 10/20/2012) is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.

All photos copyright Disney

The spooky seasonal spirit is in full swing at the Disneyland Resort, thanks to thrice-weekly Halloween parties in Disneyland Park. Keep an eye out for special snacks and souvenirs offered around the parks until the end of the month, and enjoy the lighter crowds on non-party weekdays.

Crowd Calendar

Quietest Day: Tuesday 10/9 was a 3 out 10 at the resort, with crowds at 1.6 out of 10 at Disneyland, and 7.6 at DCA.

Busiest Day: Sunday 10/7 was a 9 out of 10 at the resort, with a 7.7 out of 10 in Disneyland, and 9.5 at DCA.

Subscribe to the Touring Plans Disneyland Crowd Calendar for full details on predicted attendance for the next 30 days.

Special Events

• Halloween Time, Disneyland's annual trick-or-treat-themed decor treatment, continues to run through October 31. A variety of “ooey-gooey” sweets are currently available from Disneyland's candy kitchens.
• Disney's Happiest Haunts VIP guided tours continued to be offered every night through October 31.
• Mickey's Halloween Party was held after hours in Disneyland on October 9 & 12, and will continue on October 14, 15, 19, 23, 26, 29, and 31. Disneyland Park closes to day guests as early as 6pm on these nights, greatly increasing attendance in DCA on those days.
• Disneyland cast members Sachiko White and Megan Navarette were appointed the resort's 2013-2014 Ambassadors, and will represent the resort as spokespersons at publicity events around the world.
• Downtown Disney hosted an Octoberfest party with German-themed food and drink on Sunday 10/13.
• A temporary ice-skating rink is being constructed at Downtown Disney near the AMC Theatre. It is tied to the release of the new Tinker Bell film, and will officially open on October 23.
• You can download free desktop wallpaper from the Disney Parks blog to celebrate the 5th anniversary of the beginning of DCA's recently-completed expansion.
• Disney received permission from the FCC to being testing RFID-enabled electronic wristbands than may be used by guests as admission tickets and hotel keys. The “next generation” technology is being rolled out first at Walt Disney World, and is expected to eventually migrate to Anaheim as well.

Openings, Closings, and Refurbishments

• Indiana Jones Adventure is closed through 12/7/12 for a much needed refurbishment.
• Storybook Land Canal Boats and Casey Jr. Circus Train: Closed through 11/15/12.
• Construction continues through 2013 on the new Princess Fantasy Faire and Fantasyland Theatre.
• The Tomorrowland Starcade is closed 10/8-10/18 to install a Wreck-It Ralph meet & greet.
• Muppet*Vision 3D is not running while a Frankenweenie 4D trailer is screened in the theater (end date unknown).
• Decorative tile in front of Carthay Circle in DCA is currently being replaced; the restaurant remains open.
• In Cars Land, new padding has been added to the vehicles at Mater's Junkyard Jamboree, and temporary telephone poles have be added to support holiday decor.
• In Cars Land, the garage that was originally intended as the Fastpass distribution center for Radiator Springs Racers is being repurposed as an extension of Ramone's gift shop.
• Construction continues on Earl of Sandwich in Downtown Disney, with no opening date announced yet. The largest rumors suggest it may be open for Thanksgiving.

Last Week at Disneyland Resort (10/7/2012 – 10/13/2012) is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.

All photos copyright Disney

October is off and running at the Disneyland Resort, with moderate crowds on weekdays, and longer lines for popular Halloween offerings on the weekends. Word is that cast members are cracking down on gate-crashes during after-hours Halloween parties this year, so make sure you have your wristband before lining up for trick-or-treats!

Crowd Calendar

Quietest Day: Monday 10/1 was a 1 out 10 at the resort, with crowds at 1.1 out of 10 at Disneyland, and 1.1 at DCA.

Busiest Day: Saturday 10/6 was a 9 out of 10 at the resort, with a 8.6 out of 10 in Disneyland, and 8.7 at DCA.

Subscribe to the Touring Plans Disneyland Crowd Calendar for full details on predicted attendance for the next 30 days.

Special Events

• Halloween Time, Disneyland’s annual trick-or-treat-themed decor treatment, continues to run through October 31. Disneyland released a video with pumpkin carving templates to celebrate the resort’s holiday festivities.
• Disney’s Happiest Haunts VIP guided tours continued to be offered every night through October 31
• Mickey’s Halloween Party was held after hours in Disneyland on October 2 & 5, and will continue on October 9, 12, 14, 15, 19, 23, 26, 29, and 31. Disneyland Park closes to day guests as early as 6pm on these nights, greatly increasing attendance in DCA on those days.
• Magic Morning early entry is no longer available at the Disneyland Park on Sundays. Instead, Extra Magic Hour is available on Sunday at Disney California Adventure for Disneyland Resort hotel guests only.
• October 5-7 was the 14th annual unofficial Gay Days Anaheim.
• WonderGround art gallery in Downtown Disney announced a number of Halloween-themed artist events between now and the end of the month.
• The Disney Parks blog released some details on Disneyland’s Holiday offerings (Nov 12-Jan 6), which will now include Christmas decor in Cars Land and Buena Vista Street.

Openings, Closings, and Refurbishments

• Indiana Jones Adventure: Closed through 12/7/12 for a much needed refurbishment.
  
• Storybook Land Canal Boats and Casey Jr. Circus Train: Closed through 11/15/12.
• Construction continues through 2013 on the new Princess Fantasy Faire and Fantasyland Theatre.
• Matterhorn Bobsleds was scheduled to be closed 10/1 to 10/3 for refurbishment.
• Muppet*Vision 3D is not running while a Frankenweenie 4D trailer is screened in the theater (end date unknown).
• The Beast’s Library interactive attraction inside the Disney Animation exhibit has been updated with new characters.
• In Cars Land, the garage that was originally intended as the Fastpass distribution center for Radiator Springs Racers is being repurposed as an extension of Ramone’s gift shop.
• Construction continues on Earl of Sandwich in Downtown Disney, with no opening date announced yet.

Last Week at Disneyland Resort (9/30/2012 – 10/6/2012) is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.

Photo copyright Disney

The month of October is one of my favorite times to visit the Disneyland Resort, between the moderate crowds, mild weather, and special events. Beware, however, that several favorite Disneyland attractions will be off-limits for refurbishment or sporting seasonal overlays over the next month.

Crowd Calendar

Quietest Day: Most Mondays through Thursdays this month (with the exception of Columbus Day) should see light crowds. Tuesday 10/30 is predicted at only 1.1 out of 10 at Disneyland, and 3.2 at DCA.

Busiest Day: Saturdays and Sundays should get quite crowded thanks to the popular Halloween offerings. Saturday 10/13 is the month's predicted peak with a 9.4 out of 10 in Disneyland, and 10.0 at DCA.

Subscribe to the Touring Plans Disneyland Crowd Calendar for full details on predicted attendance for the next 30 days.

Special Events

• Halloween Time, Disneyland's annual trick-or-treat-themed decor treatment, officially runs through October 31.
• Disney's Happiest Haunts VIP guided tours continue to be offered every night through October 31
• Mickey's Halloween Party will be held after hours in Disneyland on October 2, 5, 9, 12, 14, 15, 19, 23, 26, 29, and 31. Disneyland Park will close to day guests as early as 6pm on these nights.
• Magic Morning early entry is now now longer available at the Disneyland Park on Sundays. Instead, Extra Magic Hour is available on Sunday at Disney California Adventure for Disneyland Resort hotel guests only.
• Sunday 10/14 is the 2012 CHOC Walk In The Park, a charity 5k inside Disneyland Resort benefiting Children's Hospital of Orange County.
• October 5-7 are the 14th annual unofficial Gay Days Anaheim. Red-shirted crowds will be present in Disneyland on 10/6 and DCA on 10/7.
• Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen in Downtown Disney hostes haunted gingerbread house building workshops on October 20, 27, and 28. Call 714-776-5200 for reservations.

Photo courtesy Ralph Brennan

Openings, Closings, and Refurbishments

• Indiana Jones Adventure: Closed through 12/7/12 for a much needed refurbishment.
  
• Storybook Land Canal Boats and Casey Jr. Circus Train: Closed through 11/15/12..
• Construction continues through 2013 on the new Princess Fantasy Faire and Fantasyland Theatre.
• Matterhorn Bobsleds: Closed 10/1 to 10/3 for refurbishment.
• Starcade: Closed 10/8 to 10/18 for refurbishment.
• “it's a small world”: Closed 10/22 to 11/8 for holiday overlay installation.
• Muppet*Vision 3D is not running while a Frankenweenie 4D trailer is screened in the theater (end date unknown).
• Construction continues on Earl of Sandwich in Downtown Disney, with no opening date announced yet.

This Month at Disneyland Resort: October 2012 is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.

All photos copyright Disney

The Halloween celebrations continued last week at Disneyland, as an extraterrestrial celebrity made a farewell flight over the Happiest Place on Earth.

Crowd Calendar

Busiest Day: Sunday 9/16 was a 6 out of 10 at the resort, with DCA crowds at 7.5 and Disneyland Park at 4.7.

Quietest Day: Tuesday 9/18 was a 1 out of 10 at the resort, with DCA crowds at 1.9 and Disneyland Park at 1.1.

Subscribe to the TouringPlans.com Disneyland Crowd Calendar for details on predicted crowds for the next 30 days.

Special Events

• Halloween Time, featuring special “haunted” versions of Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain, continues through October 31.
• The Space Shuttle Endeavour, mounted on the back of a 747, made a farewell flyover of the Disneyland resort on its way to retirement at a Los Angeles science center.
• Disney announced that characters from Wreck-It Ralph will appear in the Tommorrowland Starcade starting in November.
• Amusement Today awarded the “Golden Ticket” for “2012 Park of the Year” to Disney California Adventure.
• Collectible “artist sketches” depicting iconic park attractions are now for sale at the Disney Gallery on Main Street USA.
• A “Get Spookier” meetup for Disney Parks blog readers was held on 9/17 in New Orleans Square, featuring a panel with members of Disneyland's Halloween creative team.
• Tinker Bell's sister Perriwinkle is now appearing in meet & greets at Pixie Hollow in Disneyland.
• A time-lapse video depicting the transformation of Haunted Mansion into Haunted Mansion Holiday was relaxed by the Disney Parks blog.

Openings, Closings, and Refurbishments

• Storybook Land Canal Boats and Casey Jr. Circus Train: Closed through 11/15/12.
• Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes: Closed 9/17/12 and 9/18/12.
  
• Sailing Ship Columbia: Closed 9/18/12 through 9/20/12.
• Construction continues through 2013 on the new Princess Fantasy Faire and Fantasyland Theatre.
• Soarin' operated at 50% capacity on September 18 and 19 as its two theaters were each serviced on successive days.
• The Frankenweenie exhibit is now on view in DCA's Disney Animation building.
• Construction continues on Earl of Sandwich in Downtown Disney, with no opening date announced yet.

Last Week at Disneyland (9/16/2012 – 9/22/2012) is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.

All images copyright Disney

The Halloween season kicked off last week at Disneyland, attracting spooks and ghouls of all shapes and sizes to the Anaheim resort during what is otherwise an exceptionally slow season.

Crowd Calendar

Busiest Day: Saturday 9/15 was a 6 out of 10 at the resort, with DCA crowds at 6.5 and Disneyland Park at 5.4.

Quietest Day: Monday 9/10 through Wednesday 9/12 were 1 out of 10 at the resort, with DCA crowds at 1.1 and Disneyland Park at 1.1.

Subscribe to the TouringPlans.com Disneyland Crowd Calendar for details on predicted crowds for the next 30 days.

Special Events

• Halloween Time began at Disneyland on September 14, including the annual debut of Ghost Galaxy and Haunted Mansion Holiday. The even runs through October 31, with after-hours parties beginning on 9/28.
• New merchandise is also available to commemorate the Halloween season. A new series of Vinylmation figures from the Haunted Mansion, featuring the long-lost Hatbox Ghost, will be released on 9/22 at D Street in Downtown Disney.
• Mexican Independence Day was celebrated 9/16 with food and drink specials at Tortilla Joe’s in Downtown Disney.

• Disneyland cast members volunteered to build a new playground on 9/10 at the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Ana.
• Artist Robert Olszewski will appear at the Main Street USA’s Disney Gallery on 9/21-23, when his attraction sculptures and collectibles will be on sale.
• Disney released the recipe for the Bloody Mary cocktails served at the Carthay Circle Lounge.
• Controversially, generic modern merchandise has been added to the carefully-decorated period shop windows lining DCA’s Buena Vista Street.
• Disneyland donated old ride cars from the Matterhorn Bobsleds to the National Roller Coaster Museum.
• Actor Dylan McDermott was photographed riding the Red Car Trolley down DCA’s Buena Vista Street

Openings, Closings, and Refurbishments

Disneyland

• Haunted Mansion: Reopened on 9/14 after installation of the Nightmare Before Christmas-themed Hauntend Mansion Holiday overlay. Unlike in past years, FASTPASS was not offered for the attraction during opening weekend. Look for a reference to the film Frankenweenie in the Mansion pet cemetery.

• Indiana Jones Adventure: Closed through 12/7/12 for a much needed refurbishment.
• Storybook Land Canal Boats and Casey Jr. Circus Train: Closed through 11/15/12.
• Big Thunder Ranch: Reopened 9/14 after installation of Halloween Carnival decor.
• Space Mountain: Reopened 9/14 after installation the Ghost Galaxy seasonal overlay.
• Construction continues through 2013 on the new Princess Fantasy Faire and Fantasyland Theatre.
• Snow White’s wishing well and grotto are currently undergoing refurbishment.
• Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port is closed until 9/21 for refurbishment.

Disney California Adventure

• Muppet*Vision 3D was closed 9/10/12 through 9/13/12, and will screen a 4D preview of the Frankenweenie film now through 10/31.
• The Art of Animation lobby was closed 9/10/13 through 9/13/13 to install a Frankenweenie exhibit, but the other attractions inside remained open. In celebration of the new exhibit, the hot dog stand across the street is selling a bacon wrapped weenie.

Downtown Disney

• Construction continues on Earl of Sandwich, with no opening date announced yet.

Last Week at Disneyland Resort (9/9/2012 – 9/15/2012) is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.

All photos copyright Disney

September has arrived, bringing with it cooler temperatures, smaller crowds, and lengthy rehabs for numerous attractions at Disneyland.

Crowd Calendar

Quietest Day: Sunday 9/2 was a 7 out of 10 at the resort, with DCA crowds at 7.9 and Disneyland Park at 5.7.

Busiest Day: Tuesday 9/4 through Thursday 9/6 was a 1 out of 10 at the resort, with DCA crowds at 1.1 and Disneyland Park at 1.1.

Subscribe to the TouringPlans.com Disneyland Crowd Calendar for details on predicted crowds for the next 30 days.

Special Events

• The Disneyland Half-Marathon concluded on 9/2 with runner Jimmy Grabow setting a new record time of 1:05:29.
• Glow With The Show illuminated mouse ears now synchronize with nightly performances of both World of Color and Fantasmic!
• Disney released a unique multi-camera video featuring the Red Car Trolley on Buena Vista Street.

• Two horses from Disneyland's Circle D ranch participated in the Labor Day parade in Norco, California.
• Disney announced that a Halloween Carnival will take over the Big Thunder Ranch beginning 9/14 through 10/31, featuring a villains meet & greet and “haunted” performances by Billy Hill and the Hillbillies.

• Registration was announced on 9/5, and quickly filled to capacity, for a “Get Spookier” meet-up of Disney Blog readers in Disneyland on 9/17.
• Disney announced that there will be no after-hours cast member Christmas Parties this year.

Opening, Closings, and Refurbishments

• The Pirates League makeover boutique has temporarily taken over New Orleans Court of Angels, now through Halloween.
• The Haunted Mansion closed on 8/27, and will reopen on 9/14 as Haunted Mansion Holiday.
• Space Mountain is closed today 9/10 through 9/13 for installation of the Ghost Galaxy effects.
• Several attractions, including Indiana Jones Adventure, Casey Jr Circus Train, and Storybookland Canal Boats, closed this week on 9/4 for extensive refurbishments lasting until the holiday season.
• Last Monday (9/3) was the final performance of the Magic, Memories, and You projection show. A new similar show will be introduced at Walt Disney World, but no replacement is expected in Anaheim.
• Toy Story Midway Mania! was scheduled to be closed on 9/5/12 for a computer software update.
• Construction continues on the new Fantasyland Theatre and Princess Fantasy Faire.
• Construction continues on the Earl of Sandwich in Downtown Disney.
• The former 15-minute parking zone off Harbor Boulevard has been converted into passenger drop-off and taxi lanes.

Last Week at Disneyland Resort (9/2/2012 – 9/8/2012) is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.

All photos copyright Disney

The end of August equals the start of the slow September season at Disneyland. Crowds should be minimal for the next couple weeks, at least until the special Halloween events kick off on the 14th.

Crowd Calendar

Quietest Day: Tuesday 8/28 was a 2 out of 10 at the resort, with DCA crowds at 2.7 and Disneyland Park at only 1.2.

Busiest Day: Saturday 9/1 was a 5 out of 10 at the resort, with DCA crowds at 3 and Disneyland Park at 5.

Subscribe to the TouringPlans.com Disneyland Crowd Calendar for details on predicted crowds for the next 30 days.

Special Events

• The Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend was held 8/31 through 9/2, culminating in the running of the 2012 Disneyland half-marathon on Sunday.
• Disneyland Annual Passholders can make reservations to sample the new menu at Disney's Paradie Pier Hotel's PCH Grill, now through September 20.
• Annual Passholders were also invited on 8/28 to an exclusive viewing of Fantasmic! which kicked off the inclusion of “Glow with the Show” mouse ear lighting effects in the nightly production.
• Tickets went on sale for Passholder previews of the upcoming Frankenweenie exhibit at DCA, including a special dining experience. Registration for free previews begins on 9/5 for the 9/13 event.

Openings, Closings, and Refurbishments

• Mouseinfo reported that the Voices of Liberty performances at the Main Street Opera House have been extended through the holiday season.
• The Pirates League makeover boutique has temporarily taken over New Orleans Court of Angels, now through Halloween.
• The Haunted Mansion closed on 8/27, and will reopen on 9/14 as Haunted Mansion Holiday.
• Several attractions, including Indiana Jones Adventure, Casey Jr Circus Train, and Storybookland Canal Boats, close this week for extensive refurbishments.
• Tonight (9/3) is the final performance of the Magic, Memories, and You projection show.
• Construction continues on the new Fantasyland Theatre and Princess Fantasy Faire.
• Construction continues on the Earl of Sandwich in Downtown Disney.

Last Week at Disneyland Resort (8/26/2012 – 9/1/2012) is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.

All photos copyright Disney.

The summer tourists have gone home, and the local kids are back in school, making September a spectacular time to visit the Disneyland Resort if you desire short lines. Mid-week visitors can expect the smallest crowds seen since before the June relaunch of Disney California Adventure. Beware, however, that seasonal installations and long-delayed refurbishments will result in several favorite Disneyland attractions being declared off-limits over the next month. Be sure to check the refurbishment list when planning a visit to the parks, so that you aren’t unpleasantly surprised upon arrival.

Crowd Calendar

Quietest Day: Most Mondays through Thursdays this month sport wait times in the bottom third of the year. The day after Labor Day is traditionally dead quiet, with Tuesday 8/30 predicted at only 1.1 out of 10 at Disneyland, and 1.8 at DCA.

Busiest Day: Saturdays and Sundays will be moderately busy once the Halloween decor is in full effect. Saturday 9/22 should hit a predicted peak of 6.3 out of 10 in Disneyland, and 6.6 at DCA.

Subscribe to the Touring Plans Disneyland Crowd Calendar for full details on predicted attendance for the next 30 days.

Special Events

• The Disneyland Half-Marathon on September 2 wraps up a weekend of fitness events that attracts 17,000 runners. Due to races, there will be no early entry at DCA on September 1, and none at Disneyland on September 2.
• Halloween Time, Disneyland’s annual trick-or-treat-themed decor treatment, officially runs September 14 through October 31, though merchandise is already available in the park.
• Disney’s Happiest Haunts VIP guided tours run every night starting September 14 through October 31
• The season’s first Mickey’s Halloween Party will be held after hours in Disneyland on September 28. Parties continue on select nights through October.
• Disneyland will close early at 5pm on September 6 for an employee recognition event. DCA will remain open until 8pm.
• “Sneak peak” dining events at the the Paradise Pier Hotel of the PCH Grill’s new menu are being offered to Annual Passholders during September 2-20.

Openings, Closings, and Refurbishments

Disneyland

• The final performance of The Magic, The Memories, and You will be held on Labor Day. The version in Florida is being replaced with a new projections show, but there are no plans for the Disneyland version to return after the seasonal lighting display on it’s a small world.
• Haunted Mansion: Closed since 8/27/12 through 9/13/12 for installation of the Nightmare Before Christmas-themed Hauntend Mansion Holiday overlay.
• Indiana Jones Adventure: Closed 9/4/12 through 12/7/12 for a much needed refurbishment.
• Storybook Land Canal Boats and Casey Jr. Circus Train: Closed 9/4/12 through 11/15/12.
• Big Thunder Ranch: Closed 9/10/12 through 9/13/12 to install Halloweentime decor.
• Space Mountain: Closed 9/10/12 through 9/13/12 to install the Ghost Galaxy seasonal overlay.
• Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes: Closed 9/17/12 and 9/18/12.
• Sailing Ship Columbia: Closed 9/18/12 through 9/20/12.
• Mark Twain Riverboat: Closed 9/25/12 through 9/28/12.
• Construction continues through 2013 on the new Princess Fantasy Faire and Fantasyland Theatre.

Disney California Adventure

• Soarin’ will run at 50% capacity on September 18 and 19 as its two theaters are each serviced on successive days.
• Toy Story Midway Mania! is closed on 9/5/12.
• Muppet*Vision 3D is closed 9/10/12 through 9/13/12.
• The Art of Animation lobby will be closed 9/10/13 through 9/13/13 to install a Frankenweenie exhibit, but the other attractions inside will remain open.

Downtown Disney

• Construction continues on Earl of Sandwich, with no opening date announced yet.

This Month at Disneyland Resort: September 2012 is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.