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Former Disney Imagineer Bill Watkins

In this episode we welcome Bill Watkins to the show. Bill worked WED Enterprises from 1966 to 1985. He was Project Engineer for the WEDway People Mover, for Big Thunder Mountain, Space Mountain and more. Plus we welcome Michael from ConciEars and Erick to discuss the Run Disney event in April. Plus the latest in the Disneyland Resort Current Events. 









 Disneyland Resort Current Event

Disneyland’s top 10 priciest construction permits this year
PUBLISHED: August 24, 2018 at 7:01 am | UPDATED: August 29, 2018 at 2:04 am

"The permits include projects at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure theme parks, the recent remodel at Disney’s Grand Californian hotel and some changes at Downtown Disney.

Now, building permits are often issued in series as a project goes on, so one permit doesn’t necessarily tell the entire story, especially on a major site such as Disneyland. Also, the cost estimates are made by the contractor, and don’t include later changes or furnishings. Still, it provides an interesting glimpse into the park, provided by BuildZoom, an Internet company that connects homeowners with contractors."

Orange County Register


Disney calls on Anaheim to end all tax incentive agreements in an attempt to improve relationship with city
By Hugo Martin
Aug 22, 2018

"Amid growing animosity between Anaheim and Walt Disney Co., the president of the media giant’s Disneyland Resort asked the city to end all tax incentive deals in hopes of promoting “cooperation and goodwill.”

In a letter sent to Anaheim’s mayor and city council, Disneyland Resort President Josh D’Amaro said he was calling for the end to two tax incentive agreements as a way to improve the company’s relationship with the city and its residents."

Los Angeles Times



Anaheim officially puts an end to tax breaks for Disneyland Resort
By Hugo Martin
Aug 28, 2018

"The Anaheim City Council voted Tuesday to end agreements that offer the Disneyland Resort tax breaks for investing in its theme parks and an adjacent shopping district, a move requested by theme park owner Walt Disney Co.

After sometimes heated debate, the council voted unanimously to end the incentive deals, which were designed to encourage Disney to build a 700-room luxury hotel at the resort and to invest in multimillion-dollar expansions at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park."

Los Angeles Times


Disneyland to Anaheim: These tax agreements are ‘divisive’ so let’s rip them up 
By Alicia Robinson
August 21, 2018

Orange County Register


By declining tax breaks, has Disneyland offered Anaheim a peace treaty? 
By Jonathan Lansner
August 22, 2018

Orange County Register


Disney wisely plays the long game, once again 
By Lucy Dunn
August 26, 2018

Orange County Register


Disneyland Resort Update – Canceled Hotels Tell No Tales

"What a mess – Disney’s new hotel plans have unraveled and left a hole in their high rent shopping district. It all started last year when Disney and the city couldn’t come to terms on the then already-under-construction Eastern Gateway parking structure and bridge over Harbor Blvd. Disney eventually abandoned those plans and moved the parking project to the west side of the resort, which is now under construction. In short, they had a city relations problem.

A similar problem has now occurred with a proposed new hotel, which was originally supposed to be built on what is Downtown Disney parking. When the Eastern Gateway project failed, that hotel project was shifted to the far western end of Downtown Disney – on top of what was shops, restaurants, and the theater located between the Monorail beam and the Disneyland Hotel."

MiceChat


Disneyland puts planned fourth hotel on hold after City balks at tax break

"It's possible there will be no progress until after the November elections, when Anaheim residents will elect a new mayor and fill three council seats. Residents will also vote whether to approve a living wage initiative for businesses within the Anaheim Resort district. Disney has previously said it will look outside Anaheim for future development opportunities if that initiative passes.

Should the November elections put in place a city council that is more receptive to Disney's arguments, the hotel project could get back on track by the new year. If not, Disney could move forward with the project at the planned site and forgo the tax break, reverse course and build the project at the original site to qualify for the tax break, or simply cancel the Anaheim project and look at building in neighboring Garden Grove."

Mouse Planet


Could the Earl of Sandwich be reopening in Downtown Disney? 

Orange County Register


Wed, August 22, 2018 
Disney Makes Cast Member Dreams Come True with New, Groundbreaking Education Investment Program

Disney Parks Blog


Disneyland will sell alcohol for the first time when Star Wars land opens in 2019 
PUBLISHED: August 30, 2018 at 12:25 pm | UPDATED: August 31, 2018 at 6:20 am

"Disneyland will sell liquor publicly for the first time in its 63-year history, officials announced Thursday, Aug. 30, though it will really only be available in outer space, also known as the Black Spire Outpost on the planet Batuu, in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge when it opens next year."

Orange County Register


The Cantina at the Edge of the Galaxy
August 30, 2018

"The new family-friendly lounge will be called Oga’s Cantina and will serve themed specialty drinks for adults and kids alike. Since the Cantina and entire land are full immersion in the Star Wars universe, all available items are inspired by intergalactic adventures. The beverages will be served in unique vessels with interesting preparations (think bubbles, fog, colors, and illumination). This will be the only publicly available bar in all of Disneyland, so it’s sure to be highly sought after. However, you won’t be able to order off-menu – that means if you’re looking for a vodka tonic, you’d best continue your search in another star system. Additionally, the beverages must be consumed inside the Cantina – you won’t see guests walking around with alcohol as they can do in DCA. It’s also unlikely that food will be served in the Cantina when the land opens. However, there will be options for food nearby.

Musical entertainment will be led by RX-24, you’ll remember him best as your Star Tours pilot “Rex.” At Oga’s he’s been put into service as the Cantina DJ. True to his previous character, he retains his goofy personality and continues to do his best to keep everything from falling apart under his watch. It’s an interesting nod to the past and shows how familiar storylines will weave through the land."

MiceChat


Tue, August 28, 2018 
Sneak Peek: What to Discover at The Tropical Hideaway in Disneyland Park

Disney Parks Blog


Disneyland’s newest eatery will offer tiki torches and a river view 

Orange County Register


Thu, August 30, 2018 
Mobile Ordering Expands to Seven New Locations at Disneyland Resort

"This includes using mobile order to pick up the legendary Dole Whip!"

Disney Parks Blog


This is the last time you can play with bugs at Disneyland Resort

Orange County Register


After Pixar Fest, what comes next at Disneyland? 
Robert Niles

Orange County Register


Disneyland Update – A Ghost Will Follow You Home
August 20, 2018

Including:

Halloween Time Approaches
Main Street Refurb
Adventureland Construction
New Orleans Square
Star Wars Land
Matterhorn Refurb
Tomorrowland Mural

MiceChat


Disneyland Resort Update – They’ve Come To Suck Your Blood
August 24, 2018

Including:

Haunted Mansion Holiday Reveal
Halloween Party Dates
Halloween Merchandise
Pixar Fest Ending Soon
Pixar Pier
Bugs Land closing September 4th
Downtown Disney
Parking Garage Update

MiceChat


Disneyland Update – Things That Go Bump In The Light
August 27, 2018

Including:

Haunted Mansion Conversion
Halloween Merch
Halloween Food
Adventureland Construction
Pirates – Hold the Ticket
Star Wars Construction
Refurbishments


MiceChat

​ You can listen to show 242 on iTunes or go to Libsyn service here.

Updated: 9/2/2018

Show Notes for Episode 242