Photo by Seth Kubersky

As you may have heard, the Disneyland Resort has been having serious issues with some of its headlining E-Tickets lately. On April 12, inspectors from California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (following up on an incident from earlier this year in which a Space Mountain maintenance worker fell and was injured) issued a citation to Disneyland for safety violations in the Anaheim parks, with proposed penalties totaling nearly a quarter million dollars.

At one point earlier this week, Space Mountain, Matterhorn Bobsleds, and Soarin’ Over California were all simultaneously shuttered, in addition to Big Thunder Mountain which is closed for an extensive refurb. Then, on Friday (April 19) California Screamin’ was added to the list of forbidden rides, following a review of emergency evacuation procedures. Note that these closures are not related to guest safety, but to fall protection and other safety measures for employees cleaning and servicing the attractions after hours.

At press time, the Matterhorn and Soarin’ Over California have both been reinspected and returned to service. California Screamin’ was also reopened late on Friday, and is expected to operate on Saturday. However, according to reports on MiceAge, Space Mountain may be out of service for the rest of April.

If you are visiting Disneyland in the immediate future and using our Lines app to optimize, your touring plan should automatically adjust to accommodate any closed attractions. Check back on our Refurbishment page for updates on what is operating at the resort on any given day.

Disneyland Alert: Space Mountain Closed by Cal/OSHA is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.

They say that April showers bring May flowers, but this month a different kind of precipitation may be misting up Disneyland’s Main Street, U.S.A. I’m certain that I’m not the only Disney devotee who is shedding a tear over the loss of two favorite front-of-park attractions. One, a legendary retail outlet that had remained largely untouched for decades; the other, a relatively recent entertainment import from Epcot.

First and foremost, Disneyland’s Market House will close on April 15 for its transformation into a franchised Starbucks Coffee outlet, similar to the Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Cafe that opened in DCA last summer. The rehabbed location, like the one across the Esplanade, is expected to be hugely popular with guests seeking their familiar Starbucks fix. But we would be remiss not to mark the passing of one of Main Street’s best-loved locations.

The Market House, a 1955 opening day original that was originally sponsored by Swift Premium Meats, had several elements that made it unique in the Disneyland retail universe. For starters, the interior decor had an number of unusual antique or interactive elements, including checker boards you could play, an authentic cast iron stove, and (best of all) old-fashioned party line telephones you could pick up and listen in on comical pre-recorded conversations. Second, as a merchandise (not foods) outlet, the Market House offered not only a variety of coffee-themed souvenirs (including some lovely mugs I’ve collected over the years) but a more substantial Annual Passholder discount on all purchases than restaurants offer.

Most importantly, the Market House brewed its own house blend of flavored coffee grounds (much tastier than the terrible Nescafé normally served in park restaurants) and offered it in unlimited quantities. Simply save your same-day receipt, and the Market House’s gregarious cast members would happily offer bottomless free refills until park closing.

This combination of charm, taste, and generosity had long made the Market House a favorite among Disneyland regulars, who will now have to find another java joint until it reopens at an unannounced date later this year. When it does, we’ve received assurances from Disney that classic elements of the shop — including the telephones — will be retained; on my last visit, I overheard some Imagineers discussing the history and future of the iconic stove.

Less comforting is news that the Disneyana shop adjacent to the Market House will be subsumed into the new Starbucks, and all its collectible merchandise merged into the Disney Gallery down the street. The already-intimate Gallery is one of my favorite oases in Anaheim, and while Disney promises the rotating art displays will remain, I fear the placid museum-like atmosphere may be destroyed in the process.

Finally, while they didn’t have the longevity of the Market House, the Voices of Liberty have made a nice addition to Disneyland’s live entertainment lineup for the past year. Imported from a similar group that has been a long-running hit at Epcot’s American Adventure pavilion, the Voices were intended to be a short-term addition to absorb last summer’s extreme attendance.

Their a cappella Americana performances in and around the Main Street Opera House proved popular enough to repeatedly extend their limited engagement, but now the curtain has finally fallen. As of April 7, the Voices have sung their last secular psalm in Anaheim, and their west coast incarnation is done (the show continues as normal at Walt Disney World). Enjoy this video I shot last year of one of the Voices of Liberty’s first Disneyland performances.

Farewell to Main Street Favorites: Disneyland’s Market House and Voices of Liberty Say Goodbye is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.

Unless you visit the Disneyland Resort with toddlers in tow, the Disney Junior — Live On Stage! show in Disney California Adventure’s Hollywood Land probably isn’t one of your top in-park destinations. But if you have pint-sized patrons of the popular Disney Junior series in your household, you know that the network’s cartoon characters are like rock stars to the pre-school set.

After many weeks of refurbishment, DCA’s Disney Junior show reopened on Friday, March 22, with the same refreshed production that previously premiered at Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios park. This latest version retains the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse framing segments and Jake and the Neverland Pirates vignette, while replacing the Handy Mandy and Little Einsteins sequences with new scenes inspired by Sophia the First and Doc McStuffins. As before, the show uses a mix of live actors and rod puppets manipulated from beneath the stage.

Squarely aimed at the smallest guests, the Disney Junior show largely disregards Walt’s dictum that Disneyland attractions should appeal to the entire family, but it does have positive aspects. It takes place in an indoor, air-conditioned venue where kids can move around without being forced to sit still in a seat, and the show’s simple object lessons about friendship and kindness are well taken. Plus, a few of benches in the parent seating area at the rear of the theatre are near accessible electrical outlets, making this a fine place to recharge your cellphone while taking a rest.

One final word of warning: with this update, we expect a temporary surge in interest for this already popular show. On busy days you’ll want to get in line at least 15 or more minutes before showtime to secure a spot. If the waiting crowd fills the outdoor queue area, ask a cast member if you’ll make it into the next performance.

DCA’s Disney Junior Show Reopens with New Characters 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

Happy Inauguration Day! As America’s President retakes the oath of office in chilly Washington, the sun is rising over Anaheim on a warm Martin Luther King Day. Unlike some Superbowl stars, Obama probably won’t end his victory celebration by shouting, “I’m going to Disneyland!” But if you are visiting the Happiest Place On Earth this week, why not honor our Republic by spending some great moments with Mr. Lincoln as you enjoy this season’s short lines in Disneyland.

Crowd Calendar

Quietest Day: Wednesday 1/16 was a 2 out of 10 at the resort, with 2.5 at Disneyland, and 1.1 at DCA.

Busiest Day: Saturday 1/19 was an 9 out of 10 at the resort, with a 9.9 at Disneyland, and 7.5 at DCA.

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

Special Events

• The annual Tinker Bell Half Marathon on 1/20 brought tens of thousands of running enthusiasts to Disneyland last weekend. Registration opens on 1/22 for the Disneyland Half Marathon in September.
• As part of the 2013 Limited Time Magic promotion, a tribute to the classic Golden Horseshoe Revue opened on 1/10. The show will be performed Thursdays through Mondays until February 4. Guests can request same-day tickets to the show, or purchase Annual Passholder dinner packages. Watch this new video featuring Disneyland employees involved in the new production reminiscing about the original Golden Horseshoe show.
• Also as part of Limited Time Magic, Disney announced a Lunar New Year celebration will be held in DCA’s Pacific Wharf area on February 8-11.

• Disneyland Annual Passholders now receive one hour early entry into both parks on Saturdays and Sundays through April 14, 2013 (except 1/19, 1/20, & 2/3). Advanced registration is not necessary, and the benefit may be used more than once.
• Artist showcase events began January 12 at WonderGround Gallery, and continue each weekend in January from 1-4 p.m. At the nearby Vault 28 store, new couture HARVEYS handbags will be released on February 9.
• New merchandise featuring Oswald the Lucky Rabbit is being released, including a limited edition pocket watch exclusively sold at DCA’s Elias & Sons store.

• The Fossil store in Downtown Disney closed temporarily for remodeling.
• As part of the the Limited Time Magic campaign, the New Orleans Bayou Bash returned on January 18, bringing Mardi Gras food and music to Disneyland on weekends through February 12.

• Disneyland released this video of Imagineer Marty Sklar’s 2009 retirement ceremony, in which he received a coveted window on Main Street USA.
• The Blue Sky Cellar near Cars Land reopened on 1/19 with new exhibits previewing the new Fantasy Faire in Disneyland Park. Newly released concept art depicts the interior of Fantasy Faire’s Royal Hall meet and greet.

• A new online special currently offers a 3-Day Disneyland Park Hopper for $220, a $30 savings. Tickets must be purchased online by February 27 and used by March 11.
• This video from the Disney Parks blog celebrates this months 10-year anniversary of DCA’s Aladdin stage show.
• Disneyland Resort is still taking photos of all guests holding multi-day tickets. This results in slow entry procedures; be prepared to arrive extra early (at least 45 minutes pre-opening) to be one of the first people into the park.

Openings, Closings, and Refurbishments

• Construction continues on the new Princess Fantasy Faire and Fantasyland Theatre through spring 2013.
• Big Thunder Mountain is closed 1/7 through 10/30 for a major refurbishment of the track and scenery. Due to construction, the Big Thunder Trail connecting Frontierland and Fantasyland will be closed on weekdays.
• Big Thunder Ranch was closed 1/7 through 1/17 for holiday decor removal.
• Haunted Mansion reopened on 1/17 after its holiday decor was removed.
• Fantasmic! will not be performed 1/7 through 2/14.
• The Mark Twain Riverboat is closed 1/7 through 3/28 for refurbishment.
• The Main Street train station is closed 1/7 through 3/28, and the Primeval World portion of the ride is under refurbishment 1/7 through 1/23.
• Grizzly River Run is closed 1/7 through 2/28 for refurbishment.
• The Imagineering Blue Sky Cellar was closed 1/7 though 1/18 to install a new exhibit.

Last Week at Disneyland Resort (1/13/2013 – 1/19/2013) 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

Last week, Disneyland Resort bid farewell to the Christmas season and sailed into 2013 with festivities, fireworks, and fierce crowds. The end of the holidays brings a brigade of closures and refurbishments, but also arriving are a wave of limited-time events and merchandise to welcome the new year.

Crowd Calendar

Quietest Day: Wednesday 1/2 was a 6 out of 10 at the resort, with 5.1 at Disneyland, and 5.1 at DCA.

Busiest Day: Monday 12/31 was a 10 out of 10 at the resort, with a 10.0 at 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

• New Year's Eve was celebrated on 12/31 with special entertainment, fireworks, and massive crowds. Disneyland's Holiday season concluded on 1/6/2013.

• Jeff Reitz and Tonya Mickesh visited Disneyland on all 366 days of 2012, and were rewarded on 12/31 with honorary Disneyland citizenship and a stay in the Disneyland Dream Suite.

  
• A Cars Land themed float was a highlight of the 124th Tournament of Roses parade on New Years Day.
• New 2013 themed souvenirs are now on sale throughout the Disneyland resort, and new limited-edition pins featuring fragments from Disneyland attractions will be released throughout the new year.
• Disney announced that Mickey and the Magical Map will debut in the refurbished Fantasyland Theatre this summer. The new stage show will feature “a fantastic adventure through worlds of music, color and beloved characters” as Mickey explores the sorcerer Yen Sid's enchanted map.

• Disneyland celebrated the Hispanic holiday Three Kings Day (Día de los Reyes Magos) with special food and entertainment at Big Thunder Ranch on 1/4-6.
• As part of the 2013 Limited Time Magic promotion, a tribute to the classic Golden Horseshoe Revue will be performed Thursdays through Mondays from January 10 to February 4. Details were released on how guests can request same-day tickets to the show, or purchase Annual Passholder dinner packages.
• 5 new “couture” ear hats (including a steampunk style one) are now on sale around the resort. As part of the Year of the Ear, Disney will introduce new ear hats for sale each month.

• Beginning 1/5, Disneyland Annual Passholders receive one hour early entry into both parks on Saturdays and Sundays through April 14, 2013 (except 1/19, 1/20, & 2/3). Advanced registration is not necessary, and the benefit may be used more than once.
• Artist showcase events were announced for each weekend in January from 1-4 p.m., beginning January 12 at WonderGround Gallery.
• A modest “holiday village” of merchandise and snack vendors continued operating near the ice skating rink in Downtown Disney through 1/6.
• Disneyland Resort is still checking photo IDs for all guests holding multi-day tickets. This results in slow entry procedures; be prepared to arrive extra early (at least 45 minutes pre-opening) to be one of the first people into the park.
• Disney recently confirmed that the Market House on Main Street USA will close later this year for conversion into a Starbucks. No word yet if the tradition of free coffee refills will remain.

• Exclusive viewing areas for Glow With The Show hat holders have been established for Disneyland fireworks, Fantasmic!, and World of Color performances. Originally intended for the holiday season, they seem to be sticking around until further notice.

  

Openings, Closings, and Refurbishments

• Construction continues through Summer 2013 on the new Princess Fantasy Faire and Fantasyland Theatre.
• MuppetVision 4D was temporarily replaced with the Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice 3-D short film for the holiday season. The Muppets returned after 1/6.
• Big Thunder Mountain is closed 1/7 through 10/30 for a major refurbishment of the track and scenery.
• Big Thunder Ranch is closed 1/7 through 1/17 for holiday decor removal.
• Haunted Mansion is closed 1/7 though 1/17 for holiday decor removal.
• Fantasmic! will not be performed 1/7 through 2/14.
• The Mark Twain Riverboat is closed 1/7 through 3/28 for refurbishment.
• Grizzly River Run is closed 1/7 through 2/28 for refurbishment.
• Silly Symphony Swings are closed 1/7 through 2/17 for refurbishment.

Last Week at Disneyland Resort (12/30/2012 – 1/5/2012) 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

Happy New Year! 2012 saw some of the most substantial expansions in the history of the Disneyland Resort; with nothing on the scale of DCA’s reimagination on the horizon, 2013 can be seen as somewhat of a transitional year for the resort. Even so, there are a parade of updates, temporary additions, and notable refurbishments on their way in the coming months. As the signs of the holiday season swiftly disappear over the next week (shortly followed by the heavy crowds), look for some “limited time magic” to light up a historic Frontierland venue.

Crowd Calendar

Quietest Day: Weekdays after mid-month should see some of the slowest crowds of the year. Thursday 1/17 is predicted to be a 1 out of 10 at the resort, with 1.2 at Disneyland, and 2.8 at DCA.

Busiest Day: The Tinkerbell Half-Marathon over Martin Luther King Jr. Day Weekend will bring the biggest crowds since New Year. Sunday 1/20 should be a 10 out of 10 at the resort, with a 9.8 at Disneyland, and 8.1 at DCA.

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

Special Events

• Disneyland’s Holiday season concludes on 1/6/2013, with the Holiday Fantasy daytime parade performing daily until then. Guided VIP tours of Disneyland’s holiday offerings are still available through 1/6.
• A Cars Land themed float was a highlight of the Tournament of Roses parade on New Years Day.
• The Tinker Bell Half Marathon and associated running events will be held at Disneyland Resort on 1/18-1/20. Registration for the races is already sold out. Expect extreme crowds around the resort that weekend.
• New 2013 themed souvenirs are now on sale throughout the Disneyland resort.

• Disneyland will celebrate the Hispanic holiday Three Kings Day (Día de los Reyes Magos) with special food and entertainment at Big Thunder Ranch on 1/4-6.
• As part of the 2013 Limited Time Magic promotion, a tribute to the classic Golden Horseshoe Revue will be performed Thursdays through Mondays from January 10 to February 4. No word yet on how admission to the sure-to-be-popular revival will be distributed.
• Also as part of Limited Time Magic, the Year of the Ear will introduce new ear hats for sale each month, begining with Disney Couture designs in January.

• Beginning 1/5, Disneyland Annual Passholders receive one hour early entry into both parks on Saturdays and Sundays through April 14, 2013 (except 1/19, 1/20, & 2/3). Advanced registration is not necessary, and may be used more than once.
• Now through 1/6, the Believe…In Holiday Magic fireworks show at Disneyland Park interacts with Glow With The Show light-up mouse ear hats. Temporary exclusive viewing areas for Glow With The Show hat holders have been established for Believe, Fantasmic!, and World of Color for the next couple weeks.
• A modest “holiday village” of merchandise and snack vendors continues operating near the ice skating rink in Downtown Disney through 1/6.
• Disneyland Resort is still checking photo IDs for all guests holding multi-day tickets. This results in slow entry procedures; be prepared to arrive extra early (at least 45 minutes pre-opening) to be one of the first people into the park.

Openings, Closings, and Refurbishments

• Construction continues through 2013 on the new Princess Fantasy Faire and Fantasyland Theatre.
• MuppetVision 4D has been temporarily replaced with the Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice 3-D short film for the holiday season. The Muppets should return after 1/6.
• A Prep & Landing sequence has also been temporarily added to World of Color performances through 1/6.
• Big Thunder Mountain is closed 1/7 through 10/30 for a major refurbishment of the track and scenery.
• Big Thunder Ranch is closed 1/7 through 1/17 for holiday decor removal.
• Haunted Mansion is closed 1/7 though 1/17 for holiday decor removal.
• Fantasmic! will not be performed 1/7 through 2/14.
• The Mark Twain Riverboat is closed 1/7 through 3/28 for refurbishment.
• Grizzly River Run is closed 1/7 through 2/28 for refurbishment.
• Silly Symphony Swings are closed 1/7 through 2/17 for refurbishment.
• World of Color will not be performed 1/28 through 1/31.

This Month at Disneyland Resort: January 2013 is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.

Did you get all the gifts you asked Santa for last week? The Disneyland Resort found exactly what it wanted under the tree this holiday season: record-setting crowds overrunning both its parks. Heavy attendance will hang around for the first couple weeks of the new year, when the resort returns to its pre-holiday look as the Cristmas decor comes down.

Crowd Calendar

Quietest Day: Monday 12/24 was an 8 out of 10 at the resort, with 7.6 at Disneyland, and 7.9 at DCA.

Busiest Day: Thursday 12/27 was an 10 out of 10 at the resort, with a 10 at Disneyland, and 10 at DCA.

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

Special Events

• Disneyland's Holiday season concludes on 1/6/2013, with the Holiday Fantasy daytime parade performing daily. Guided VIP tours of Disneyland's holiday offerings are still available through 1/6.
• The Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade was broadcast on ABC, featuring footage of Disneyland Resort.
• Players from the Wisconsin Badgers and Stanford Cardinals college football teams toured Disneyland together on December 26 prior to their Rose Bowl face off on New Years Day. A Cars Land-themed float will be a highlight of the Tournament of Roses parade on Tuesday.

• Disneyland will celebrate the Hispanic holiday Three Kings Day (Día de los Reyes Magos) with special food and entertainment at Big Thunder Ranch on 1/4-6.
• Check out this cute video of the “roastie-toastie” dolls found inside Disneyland's popcorn vending carts.
• The Disney Parks Blogs released compilations of their Top 10 YouTube Videos and Top Disneyland-related stories from 2012.
• As part of the 2013 Limited Time Magic promotion, a tribute to the classic Golden Horseshoe Revue will be performed Thursday through Monday from January 10 to February 4. No word yet on how admission to the sure-to-be-popular revival will be distributed.

• Now through 1/6, the Believe…In Holiday Magic fireworks show at Disneyland Park interacts with Glow With The Show light-up mouse ear hats. Temporary exclusive viewing areas for Glow With The Show hat holders have been established for Believe, Fantasmic!, and World of Color for the next couple weeks.
• Holiday decor, seasonal songs, and nightly “snowfalls” have been added to DCA's Mad T Party now through New Years. The party will go to midnight on 12/31 with pyrotechnics at 12.
• The final 2012 days for freshly-made candy canes were 12/24 at Disneyland and 12/25 at DCA.
• Santa Claus posed for (paid) photos in the mornings at the Paradise Pier hotel, and in the evenings at the Grand Californian and Disneyland hotels.
• A modest “holiday village” of merchandise and snack vendors continues operating near the ice skating rink in Downtown Disney through 1/6.
• Disneyland Resort is now checking photo IDs for all guests holding multi-day tickets. This results in slow entry procedures; be prepared this holiday season to arrive extra early (at least 45 pre-opening) to be one of the first people into the park.

Openings, Closings, and Refurbishments

• Construction continues through 2013 on the new Princess Fantasy Faire and Fantasyland Theatre.
• MuppetVision 4D has been temporarily replaced with the Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice 3-D short film for the holiday season. The Muppets should return after 1/6.
• A Prep & Landing sequence has also been temporarily added to World of Color performances through 1/6.

Last Week at Disneyland Resort (12/23/2012 – 12/29/2012) is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.

Last week was slow news-wise, but not attendance-wise, as the Disneyland Resort ramped up into the final week of the busy holiday season. Look for the largest crowds of the year to descend upon Anaheim between now and New Year's Day.

Crowd Calendar

Quietest Day: Tuesday 12/18 was a 5 out of 10 at the resort, with 4.7 at Disneyland, and 3.7 at DCA.

Busiest Day: Thursday 12/20 was an 9 out of 10 at the resort, with a 8.6 at Disneyland, and 8.6 at DCA.

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

Special Events

• Disneyland's Holiday season continues through 1/6/2013, with the Holiday Fantasy daytime parade performing daily. Check out this Disney Parks Blog video of “Nighttime Holiday Magic” in the parks.
• The Candlelight Processional at Disneyland Park concluded on 12/20 with celebrity narrator John Stamos.
• Singer Brad Paisley recorded a performance in Cars Land for broadcast in the Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade on ABC.

• A new 10k race was announced for the 2013 Disneyland Half Marathon weekend (8/30-9/1). Registration begins at rundisney.com on 1/22.
• Disney released this video to celebrate the 60th anniversary of their Imagineering department on 12/21.
• Molly the Messenger, one of the Citizens of Buena Vista Street, has been delivering letters to and from Santa to children at DCA.
• Disneyland will celebrate the Hispanic holiday Three Kings Day (Día de los Reyes Magos) with special food and entertainment at Big Thunder Ranch on 1/4-6.

• Guided VIP tours of Disneyland's holiday offerings are available now through 1/6.
• Now through 1/6, the Believe…In Holiday Magic fireworks show at Disneyland Park interacts with Glow With The Show light-up mouse ear hats. Temporary exclusive viewing areas for Glow With The Show hat holders have been established for Believe, Fantasmic!, and World of Color for the next couple weeks.
• Holiday decor, seasonal songs, and nightly “snowfalls” have been added to DCA's Mad T Party now through New Years. The party will go to midnight on 12/31 with pyrotechnics at 12.
• Fresh hand-made candy canes were prepared at Disneyland's Candy Palace on Monday and Friday, and at DCA's Trolley Treats on Tuesday and Saturday. The final days for fresh candy canes will be 12/24 at Disneyland and 12/25 at DCA. Arrive at park opening to secure a wristband and be prepared for a long, long, wait if you want one of the $13 sweets!
• Santa Claus posed for (paid) photos in the mornings at the Paradise Pier hotel, and in the evenings at the Grand Californian and Disneyland hotels.
• A modest “holiday village” of merchandise and snack vendors continues operating near the ice skating rink in Downtown Disney.
• Disneyland Resort is now checking photo IDs for all guests holding multi-day tickets. This results in slow entry procedures; be prepared this holiday season to arrive extra early (at least 45 pre-opening) to be one of the first people into the park.
• Disney announced that DCA's Disney Junior – Live on Stage! Show will be revamped next year. Characters from “Doc McStuffins” and “Sofia the First” will join the show in mid-March.

Openings, Closings, and Refurbishments

• Construction continues through 2013 on the new Princess Fantasy Faire and Fantasyland Theatre.
• MuppetVision 4D has been temporarily replaced with the Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice 3-D short film for the holiday season.
• A Prep & Landing sequence has also been temporarily added to World of Color performances.

Last Week at Disneyland Resort (12/16/2012 – 12/22/2012) 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

Looking to take a quiet stroll around the Disneyland Resort to check out the Christmas decor? Better get there quickly, because the busiest season the Anaheim resort has seen in years is rapidly approaching with the winter solstice! And while you're add it, be sure to take a spin on the “wildest ride in the wilderness” while you still can…

Crowd Calendar

Quietest Day: Tuesday 12/11 was a 3 out of 10 at the resort, with 2.6 at Disneyland, and 2.0 at DCA.

Busiest Day: Saturday 12/15 was an 8 out of 10 at the resort, with a 8.1 at Disneyland, and 5.0 at DCA.

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

Special Events

• Disneyland announced that Big Thunder Railroad will close January 7 through Fall 2013 for a major refurbishment. The trains and track will be replaced, and scenic elements will be refreshed, though the ride experience is expected to remain essentially the same.
• Disneyland's Holiday season continues through 1/6/2013, with the Holiday Fantasy daytime parade performing daily.
• The Candlelight Processional at Disneyland Park began on 12/1 and runs every day until 12/20. All tickets have already been distributed to VIPs and Annual Passholders, but limited standing-room-only viewing is available around Town Square. Due to stage equipment for the show, access to the Main Street Train Station is currently through the exits. Expect crowd congestion entering and exiting the park after 5pm on show nights.
• Have a sweet tooth? Check out the Santa Mickey cupcakes now on sale at Jolly Holiday Bakery, or use this recipe to make your own Big Thunder Ranch-approved s'mores.

• For a fun free craft, print out an assemble this paper toy soldier inspired by Disneyland's holiday parade.
• The Disney Moms Panel released another video documenting the “different magic” found around the Disneyland Resort during the holiday season.
• This photo blog reviews Disney's 75-year association with Pasadena's Tournament of Roses parade, which will continue on New Year's Day with a Cars Land-themed float.

• The Disney Gallery on Main Street USA was quietly updated with a new “Realms of Fantasy” exhibit featuring Fantasyland designs from Disney parks around the world.
• Imagineering recently conducted “play tests” of an interactive improvisation show at DCA. No word yet if the limited-time experiment will evolve into an actual attraction.

• Guided VIP tours of Disneyland's holiday offerings are available now through the end of the season.
• Now through 1/6, the Believe…In Holiday Magic fireworks show at Disneyland Park interacts with Glow With The Show light-up mouse ear hats.
• Check out this video of the entertainment available at Big Thunder Ranch's Jingle Jangle Jamboree through the end of the season.
• Holiday decor, seasonal songs, and nightly “snowfalls” have been added to DCA's Mad T Party now through New Years.
• Fresh hand-made candy canes were prepared at Disneyland's Candy Palace on Monday and Friday, and at DCA's Trolley Treats on Tuesday and Saturday. Arrive at park opening to secure a wristband and be prepared for a long, long, wait if you want one of the $13 sweets!
• Santa Claus posed for (paid) photos in the mornings at the Paradise Pier hotel, and in the evenings at the Grand Californian and Disneyland hotels.
• A modest “holiday village” of merchandise and snack vendors continues operating near the ice skating rink in Downtown Disney.
• Disneyland Resort is now checking photo IDs for all guests holding multi-day tickets. This results in slow entry procedures; be prepared this holiday season to arrive extra early (at least 45 pre-opening) to be one of the first people into the park.
• Smartphone users can now enjoy the free official Disneyland Explorer app on their iPhones, and interact with the park through the new @DisneylandToday Twitter feed.

Openings, Closings, and Refurbishments

• Construction continues through 2013 on the new Princess Fantasy Faire and Fantasyland Theatre.
• MuppetVision 4D has been temporarily replaced with the Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice 3-D short film for the holiday season.
• A Prep & Landing sequence has also been temporarily added to World of Color performances.

Last Week at Disneyland Resort (12/9/2012 – 12/15/2012) 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

Walt Disney World was on the receiving end of the theme park world's attention last week, thanks to the opening of New Fantasyland. But that doesn't mean WDW's West Coast older brother took the week off. Candlelight ceremonies and the return of a long-absent archeologist were highlights of one of the final moderately-attended periods before the Christmas crowds come.

Crowd Calendar

Quietest Day: Monday 12/3 was a 2 out of 10 at the resort, with 2.1 at Disneyland, and 1.9 at DCA.

Busiest Day: Friday 12/7 was a 7 out of 10 at the resort, with a 6.2 at Disneyland, and 6.9 at DCA.

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

Special Events

• Disneyland's Holiday season continues through 1/6/2013, with the Holiday Fantasy daytime parade performing daily.
• The Candlelight Processional at Disneyland Park began on 12/1 and runs every day until 12/20. All tickets have already been distributed to VIPs and Annual Passholders, but limited standing-room-only viewing is available around Town Square. Due to stage equipment for the show, access to the Main Street Train Station is currently through the exits. Expect crowd congestion entering and exiting the park after 5pm on show nights.
• Walt Disney was born on December 5, 1901.
• Disney released video of the Cars Land-themed float being constructed for the 2013 Rose Bowl parade on New Year's Day.
• New Park Icon Sketches featuring the Partners Statue and other Disneyland landmarks were revealed, and will be on sale in the Disney Gallery.

• The U.S. Marine Corps collected donations for Toys For Tots in Downtown Disney through 12/10.
• Disney Parks blog published the recipe for Rancho del Zocalo vegetable tamales.
• Guided VIP tours of Disneyland's holiday offerings are available now through the end of the season.
• Now through 1/6, the Believe…In Holiday Magic fireworks show at Disneyland Park interacts with Glow With The Show light-up mouse ear hats.
• Santa is making daily appearances at Big Thunder Ranch's Jingle Jangle Jamboree through the end of the season.
• Holiday decor, seasonal songs, and nightly “snowfalls” have been added to DCA's Mad T Party now through New Years. Glow in the dark collectible pins are also now on sale.
• Fresh hand-made candy canes were prepared at Disneyland's Candy Palace on Monday and Friday, and at DCA's Trolley Treats on Tuesday and Saturday. Arrive at park opening to secure a wristband and be prepared for a long, long, wait if you want one of the $13 sweets!
• Santa Claus posed for (paid) photos in the mornings at the Paradise Pier hotel, and in the evenings at the Grand Californian and Disneyland hotels.
• A modest “holiday village” of merchandise and snack vendors continues operating near the ice skating rink in Downtown Disney.
• Disneyland Resort is now checking photo IDs for all guests holding multi-day tickets. This results in slow entry procedures; be prepared this holiday season to arrive extra early (at least 45 pre-opening) to be one of the first people into the park.

Openings, Closings, and Refurbishments

• Indiana Jones Adventure reopened on 12/7 after an extended refurbishment. Lighting adjustments, scenic improvements, and maintenance repairs were completed during the 3-month overhaul, but no significant new elements were added.
• Construction continues through 2013 on the new Princess Fantasy Faire and Fantasyland Theatre.
• MuppetVision 4D has been temporarily replaced with the Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice 3-D short film for the holiday season.
• A Prep & Landing sequence has also been temporarily added to World of Color performances.

• Mickey’s Fun Wheel reopened from refurbishment a few days early on 12/4.

  

Last Week at Disneyland Resort (12/2/2012 – 12/8/2012) is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.