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.

All photos copyright Disney

The masses of annual Passholders that were anticipated to invade the Anaheim attractions after blackout dates were lifted last week didn't quite materialize. So if you've been avoiding Disneyland all summer, now is a great time to visit as preparations begin for the Halloween season.

Crowd Calendar

Quietest Day: Friday 8/17 was a 5 out of 10 at the resort, with DCA crowds at 4.7 and Disneyland Park at only 3.1.

Busiest Day: Sunday 8/19 was an 8 out of 10 at the resort, with DCA crowds at 8.9 and Disneyland Park at 5.7.

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

Special Events

• On Thursday 8/23 an unannounced screening of The Lion King was held inside the Main Street Opera House exclusively for annual Passholders. The event may be repeated in the future.
• Registration was closed for the Fantasmic! Glow with the Show annual Passholder viewing on 8/28.
• Concept art was released of the elaborate Gingerbread House being added to the Haunted Mansion for Halloween. The ride closes this week for the installation of the Nightmare Before Christmas overlay, and will re-open in mid-September.
• A recipie was published for the Apple Crisp served at Napa Rose in the Grand Californian hotel.
• Disney announced that Frost Perriwinkle will soon join her sister Tinker Bell in Pixie Hollow to promote their new animated film.

Opening, Closings, and Refurbishments

• Disney announced that the Magic, Memories, and You show will have its final performance on Labor Day.
• Construction continues on the new Princess Fantasy Faire, with new concept art recently added to the construction walls. The former Fantasyland Theatre is also being turned back into an entertainment venue.
• Progress continues on Earl of Sandwich in Downtown Disney.
• Speakers were installed outside Space Mountain for the Ghost Galaxy Halloween effects, which debut on September 14.
• The Court of Angels in New Orleans Square is currently closed, and will become a temporary Pirates League dress-up boutique.
• Owen the Horse made his debut pulling the Main Street USA streetcars, and was honored with an online video.

Last Week at Disneyland Resort (8/19/2012 -8/25/2012) is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.

Pixar in Concert at the Hollywood Bowl (photo by Disney/Pixar)

As we enter the final month of Cars Land's blockbuster first summer season, Disneyland Resort has survived some of the largest crowds in its history. Fear not; there's still plenty of activity predicted before the peak season crowds taper off towards the end of this month. And if you can hold out for a few more weeks, near-optimal touring conditions are on the horizon.

Crowd Calendar

Quietest Day: By the last week of the month, crowds should slow considerably, with Thursday 8/30 predicted at only 2.2 out of 10 at Disneyland, and 4.7 at DCA.

Busiest Day: Sunday 8/19 is the last day of Summer Break season, so crowds should top out 10 out of 10 in Disneyland, and 9.7 at DCA.

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

Special Events

• Destination D, a convention for D23 fan club members celebrating 75 years of Disney animated features, will be held August 11-12 at the Disneyland Hotel.
• Tickets for the 2013 D23 Expo (August 9-11 at the Anaheim Convention Center) go on sale online August 9th.
• Pixar in Concert, a live multimedia performance of film scores from Toy Story, The Incredibles, and other hits, will be performed August 3-5 at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.
• Taste of Downtown Disney, an annual charity dining event benefiting Children's Hospital of Orange County, is on Thursday 8/16. A special package including overnight accommodations in the Dream Suite over Pirates of the Caribbean is still available for a $5000 donation.

Earl of Sandwich under construction. (photo by Guy Selga Jr.)

Openings, Closings, and Refurbishments

• The Jungle Cruise is closed through Thursday 8/2 to improve guest safety at the boat dock.
• Princess Fantasy Faire closes on 8/12, and the princess meet and greets will relocate to the elevated mall near it's a small world. The Fantasyland Theatre will reopen as an entertainment venue at an unannounced date.
• The Haunted Mansion closes on 8/27 for installation of its seasonal Nightmare Before Christmas overlay. It reopens as Haunted Mansion Holiday on 9/14.
• Construction continues through 2013 on transforming the former Carnation Plaza Gardens into the new Princess Fantasy Faire.
• Construction continues on Earl of Sandwich in Downtown Disney. The newsstand in front of the former Compass Bookstore is also being demolished. There is no announced completion date for the project.

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

Disneyland Park is widely praised for having the highest density of highly-themed attractions of any American amusement enterprise. But one area in which the original Magic Kingdom falls behind some of its younger siblings is in the theming of its queue lines.

Back in Walt’s day, the “switchback” queue was an innovation, encouraging face-to-face interaction between strangers waiting in line. Today, with many guests engrossed in their digital devices, people need something more enticing that other humans to hold their interest. Hence, the highly-detailed holding area, filled with scenic elements and effects engineered to import the backstory information riders need to fully enjoy their imminent adventure.

Currently, the world’s top themed queue environments can generally found in Disney parks outside of Anaheim, such as Expedition Everest at WDW’s Animal Kingdom, or Journey to the Center of the Earth at Tokyo’s DisneySea. And while this article only touches on the original Disneyland Resort gate, Radiator Springs Races may make that list once cars Land at Disney California Adventure opens in June. But the Happiest Place on Earth can still lay claim to a few top-flight queues.

Here is my personal top 5 favorite pre-attraction areas inside Disneyland Park. Please add your own nominees to the comments below!

5. The Haunted Mansion

The Haunted Mansion was the last attraction Walt had direct input on, and is justly regarded as an essential example of the Disneyland experience. The Omnimover ride vehicles and elaborate ghostly effects inside the ride certainly are a big element of that, but the attraction’s brilliance begins long before you board your Doombuggy. After entering the Southern Gothic mansion’s front gate, you’ll pass a pet cemetary filled with witty monuments to departed furry friends. Upon crossing the threshold, you’ll enter the infamous “Stretching Room,” and encounter your “Ghost Host” (voiced by the immortal Paul Frees). And there’s still the corridor of transforming paintings and seemingly-shifting statues to traverse before your voyage into the netherworld really begins. As a bonus, during the Halloween and Christmas holidays the exterior and interior are adorned with decor inspired by Tim Burton’s A Nightmare Before Christmas.

4. The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln

Since this theater presentation is rarely full, most guests see it without having to wait more than a few minutes in its Main Street lobby. But it would be a mistake to miss the mini-museum that makes up this attraction’s pre-show, and not only because it it blissfully air-conditioned. Start by examining the exhibits dedicated to the development of Disneyland, especially the lovingly-detailed model of the park as it looked on opening day. The retrospective video starring Steve Martin and Donald Duck shown here was originally created for the park’s 50th anniversary in 2005, but is still well worth watching in full, with a wealth of historical footage. Next, move on to the inner pre-show room, home to a stunning scale model of the White House (made by hand, based on the original blueprints) and maquette miniatures of the Spirit statues found in Epcot’s American Adventure. Finally, a second video fills you in on the origins of the Mr. Lincoln show, and Walt’s personal interest in Honest Abe. By the time they enter the main theater, patrons who have seen all the pre-show has to offer will have a much fuller understanding of the historical importance of this still-impressive patriotic performance.

3. Roger Rabbit’s Cartoon Spin

Based on a film franchise that the Disney corporation seems to have largely forgotten, Cartoon Spin is a hybrid between Mr. Toad and the Mad Tea Party that doesn’t have a lot of fans among Unofficial Guide reviewers. There are some nifty effects, and it’s certainly more detailed than some of the classic Disneyland dark rides. But some of us feel that it falls short because the spinning makes for a chaotic, incoherent experience. Still, one strong suit everyone can agree on is the elaborately detailed queue line. A tour of the seamy side streets of Toontown, visitors get to see a landmarks like the Ink & Paint club (knock on the door for an interactive surprise) and a Dip-making facility. Roger Rabbit’s queue is often overloaded, and its Fastpasses are disconnected from the rest of the park, so I often skip the line when I ride, which is a shame.

2. Star Tours: The Adventures Continue

The original Star Tours queue was among the first with first-class theming, featuring an authentic-feeling Star Wars spaceport complete with animatronics of C-3PO and R2-D2. When Imagineering refreshed the ride in 2011, they upgraded the already-amazing queue as well. A razor-sharp hi-def screen in the initial room now broadcasts a steady stream of saga references, and a pair of wisecracking security robots in the second room spout side-splitting inside jokes about Lucas and Disney characters. Even the pre-boarding safety video was beefed up (some dodgy CGI aside) with some droid-based humor. (Classic Star Tours fans, fear not for the original pre-show’s distinctively coiffed narrator; she and her hair can still be glimpsed in the new film.) Best of all, when you use Fastpass at this attraction (a must on busy days) you still get to experience all the same sights as the standby line.

1. The Indiana Jones Adventure

This one wasn’t even close. More than a decade an a half after its debut, Disneyland’s Indiana Jones attraction still has no real competition for the “best queue” crown on the West Coast (though Universal Studios Hollywood’s new Transformers ride is making a run for it). Only Unversal Orlando’s Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey has truly surpassed Indy effort in completely immersing guests in a complete world before they board. The journey from Adventureland into the Temple of the Forbidden Eye feels like an epic (and lengthy) adventure in of itself. Born of the necessity to get guests beyond the park’s berm and into the former parking lot where Indy’s show building was constructed, the extensive line effectively builds anticipation for the groundbreaking ride at the end. Treacherous tunnels, decorated with dangers such as spiked celings and realistic-looking bat guano, sport interactive elements that (when working) will prompt surprised smiles; just be sure ignore any “don’t touch” signage. There are even ancient codes on the walls that you can learn to decipher. Frequent guests will often use the single rider option to board quicker, skipping the queue, but this is one line that every theme park fan needs to wait in at least once.

All photos copyright Disney.

Top 5 Attraction Queues at Disneyland Park is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.