Disneyland (CA)

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

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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

  • 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.

 

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Seth Kubersky

Author of The Unofficial Guide to Universal Orlando. Co-author of The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland and Beyond Disney. Contributor to Unofficial Guides to WDW and Las Vegas. Live Active Cultures columnist for the Orlando Weekly. Travel and arts journalist. Theatrical director and producer.

2 thoughts on “Last Week at Disneyland Resort (12/30/2012 – 1/5/2012)

  • Not sure why a comment I left via phone isn’t showing, but why is BMR shutting down for so long? What are they doing to it? My son loves that ride and runs to it every visit. We particularly like that the fastpass machine works independently of the other machines. Thanks.

    Reply
    • As detailed in the link provided above, BTMRR is receiving a complete rebuild of its track infrastructure and vehicles. Scenic elements and effects will also be completely refurbished, and the loading system will be reconfigured. Much like the refurb Matterhorn got last year, but maybe even more extensive. I will be sad not to ride it on my next couple trips, but the mountain is in need of much TLC.

      Reply

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