Former DCA  Attractions, and Custodial Manager 

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Show Notes for Episode 276

In this episode we welcome Jim Farmer to the show. Jim worked the college program at WDW, then DCA Attractions, then DCA Custodial Manager. We have a fun conversation with him about his time working for Disney. Plus the latest in the Disneyland Resort Current Events with guest Michael Renfrow from ConciEars. 








Also We are participating in the MiceChat Gumball Rally on Feb. 8, 2020 and would love if you could find a space on website for a link to that as well and also saying that we will be there participating. 


​Disneyland Resort Current Event


Rise of the Resistance NOW OPEN – Is the Force Strong With This One?
January 17, 2020

"The Resistance is now recruiting guests in both Walt Disney World and, as of today, Disneyland as well. The Rise of the Resistance opened at Walt Disney World on December 5th of last year and today (January 17, 2020) at Disneyland. Rise is a blockbuster attraction on a scale Disney has never before attempted. We attended cast member previews, media events, and waited in line with regular guests on both coasts."

MiceChat



Thousands of Star Wars fans rise early to ride Rise of the Resistance at Disneyland
By Brady MacDonald 
PUBLISHED: January 17, 2020 at 8:01 am | UPDATED: January 17, 2020 at 5:49 pm

"Thousands of fans lined up as early as midnight Friday, Jan. 17 for the opening day of the new Star Wars trackless dark ride at the Anaheim theme park. All of the boarding group passes for the entire day were distributed within 6 minutes, according to Disneyland Guest Relations.

...

"At 8 a.m., the virtual queue on the Disneyland app opened to allow fans a chance to nab digital boarding passes to ride Rise of the Resistance later in the day. Groups were numbered up to 160, with those numbered 82 and higher being on “standby” status.
"The attraction broke down at 9:55 a.m., apparently because of the kinds of technical issues that have bedeviled the version of the ride at Disney’s Hollywood Studios since it opened there on Dec. 5. Riders were evacuated from the Ready Room after a holographic Rey failed to appear. The Resistance transport ship also appeared to be down.

"Chewbacca banged on a GNK power droid in front of Rise of the Resistance to help restore the ride just before visitors were allowed to get back in line after the 50-minute downtime.
"The ride went down again around 2:30 p.m. Disneyland cast members told visitors it would likely take 60 to 90 minutes to reopen. At that point, the virtual queue had reached 61 boarding groups with at least 100 more boarding groups to go."

Orange County Register



Fri, January 10, 2020 
Get ‘Resistance Ready’ for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Launching Jan. 17 at Disneyland Park
by Michael Ramirez, Editorial Content Director, Disneyland Resort

"Here are seven ways to make the most out of your visit to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and planning tips for the highly anticipated opening of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance on Jan. 17 at Disneyland park:

1. Download the official Disneyland mobile app
First things first. The Disneyland app* allows you to navigate that land and even utilize the mobile ordering feature at select dining locations when you are in the land. Be sure to download before you go!

2. Plan around your attraction experience
Starting Jan. 17 as needed, a virtual queue for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance may be implemented to help deliver the best possible guest experience, allowing guests to explore other areas of the park while waiting for their turn to ride. The Disneyland app will have a dedicated module, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance – Access by Boarding Group, available from the main page. Here’s how it will work:

Request to join a boarding group to ride the attraction, once you have entered Disneyland park. The virtual queue will not be available until published park opening hours.

Boarding groups will be sent a push notification when it is their turn to enter the attraction queue and you can monitor status of boarding groups from the app.

There also will be the ability to join a boarding group from select locations inside Disneyland park, if you are not using the app. The boarding group is tied to admission that will be scanned upon entry of the attraction.

Signage throughout the park will also display boarding group status.

Admission into Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance will be subject to capacity, and having an assigned boarding group will not guarantee entrance to the attraction.

3. Make a reservation for select experiences
Whether you’re looking to craft your own lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop, build your very own custom astromech droid unit at Droid Depot, or sip on a delicious concoction at Oga’s Cantina, these three locations offer advance reservations up to 60 days in advance. These popular experiences book up quickly, so be sure to check out the Disneyland Resort website or the Disneyland app to make your reservations today!

4. Display your affiliation with the rebellious Resistance or the intimidating First Order
You’re encouraged to live out your Star Wars story and dress the part while visiting Batuu, however, keep in mind the Disneyland Resort costume policy is in effect. While costumes may not be worn by guests 14 years of age or older, appropriate bounding—dressing in outfits inspired by Star Wars—is permitted.

5. Find a buddy to ride with you
Head to Batuu’s marketplace to check out the Creature Stall. You may find an exotic creature or critter from around the galaxy to accompany you aboard Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, including a sassy Kowakian monkey-lizard or an adorable porg!

6. Explore Black Spire Outpost with your Star Wars: Datapad through the Play Disney Parks App
If you’ve traveled to Batuu, you may be familiar with the Star Wars: Datapad, a land-wide interactive experience available through the Play Disney Parks mobile app.* There are so many ways to explore with your Datapad, including choosing to support the Resistance or First Order by selecting new jobs within the app as you move through the Resistance clearing and towards the new attraction.

7. Follow the experience with a refreshing treat
After escaping the clutches of the dark side, treat yourself to a local delicacy in Batuu – Blue Milk and Green Milk! Available at the Milk Stand, these frosty confections are an invigorating, refreshing drink. Pair your milk with a sweet, savory snack made with popcorn from Kat Saka’s Kettle. Try the new chocolate popcorn with Crait Red Salt – yum!
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance opens Jan. 17 at the Disneyland Resort. Rising Moons!"

Disney Parks Blog



Everything You Need to Know About Getting a Boarding Pass for Rise of the Resistance at Disneyland
By Logan Collins - 
January 16, 2020

"The grand opening of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland is upon us. Based on feedback from Walt Disney World’s version and from cast member previews at Disneyland, the Force is strong with this attraction."

MiceChat



Prepare Yourself for Rise of the Resistance: The Star Wars Backstory You Need to Know
By Lilliana Parker - 
January 16, 2020

"There’s a lot of story, and backstory, to Disney’s blockbuster new Rise of the Resistance attraction. With the opening this weekend, we thought many of you might benefit from a quick rundown of the story, locations, characters, and timeline of Galaxy’s Edge and how you fit into the story of the new ride. Whether you’re a longtime Star Wars fan, a Disneyland buff, or just starting out, there’s a lot involved with this mega attraction."

MiceChat



Will Disneyland face the same Rise of the Resistance problems as Disney World?
The Florida version of the ride has been beset by a long list of problems since its Dec. 5 debut. Chief among them has been a string of downtime issues that have caused a series of cascading headaches for the Batuu East operations crews.
By Brady MacDonald
PUBLISHED: January 14, 2020 at 9:33 am | UPDATED: January 14, 2020 at 2:34 pm
"The new Star Wars ride has drawn big crowds that arrive before dawn each day to secure a spot in the Rise of the Resistance virtual queue. Critics have heaped glowing praise on the new attraction that lasts an astonishing 15 minutes. Rise of the Resistance is one of the highest-rated attractions at Walt Disney World based on guest feedback, according to Disney officials.

"The Florida version of the ride has been beset by a long list of problems since its Dec. 5 debut. Chief among them has been a string of downtime issues that have caused a series of cascading headaches for the Batuu East operations crews.
Touring Plans, which uses big data and statistical analysis to calculate ride wait times at theme parks, estimates Rise of the Resistance is typically operating at 70 percent capacity or better now after running below 60 percent capacity when the attraction first opened at Disney’s Hollywood Studios."

Orange County Register


Is Rise of the Resistance the world’s greatest theme park ride?
The new Rise of the Resistance set to debut on Friday, Jan. 17 is already being touted as the world’s greatest theme park ride before most Disneyland fans even get a chance to climb aboard the new state-of-the-art attraction.
By Brady MacDonald
PUBLISHED: January 15, 2020 at 6:33 am | UPDATED: January 15, 2020 at 12:38 pm

"The new Rise of the Resistance set to debut on Friday, Jan. 17 is already being touted as the world’s greatest theme park ride before most Disneyland fans even get a chance to climb aboard the new state-of-the-art attraction. An identical version of Rise of the Resistance debuted in December at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida.

"Disney’s new Star Wars attraction redefines what E-ticket stands for: Extraordinary. Rise of the Resistance will leave you wondering again and again how Walt Disney Imagineering pulled off one visual illusion after another, with each scene somehow outdoing the last. Everywhere you look is Star Wars. The entire attraction is a 360-degree scene out of a movie. And you can reach out and touch it all.

"I’m not alone in my assessment of the reigning supremacy of Rise of the Resistance. The reviews for Rise of the Resistance have been glowing."

Orange County Register



How to snag a spot in the Disneyland virtual queue for Rise of the Resistance at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Disneyland visitors will be able to snap up “boarding group” spots in a virtual queue for Rise of the Resistance as soon as the Anaheim theme park opens each morning.
By Brady MacDonald
PUBLISHED: January 10, 2020 at 10:11 am | UPDATED: January 10, 2020 at 12:18 pm
"You’re going to have to get up awful early in the morning if you want to ride the new Rise of the Resistance when the highly-anticipated Disneyland attraction opens in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
"Disneyland visitors will be able to snap up “boarding group” spots in a virtual queue for Rise of the Resistance as soon as the Anaheim theme park opens each morning."

Orange County Register



Disneyland test-and-adjust team fine tunes Rise of the Resistance for first riders in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
The team is busy making final adjustments to the highly anticipated new ride ahead of its Friday, Jan. 17 debut.
By Brady MacDonald
PUBLISHED: January 13, 2020 at 6:33 am | UPDATED: January 13, 2020 at 11:40 am

Orange County Register



R2-D2 finally joins cast of Star Wars characters roaming around Disneyland’s Galaxy’s Edge
Disneyland officially unveils the free-roaming Artoo at the Anaheim theme park after a series of play tests over the past few weeks.
By Brady MacDonald
PUBLISHED: January 8, 2020 at 6:28 am | UPDATED: January 8, 2020 at 5:14 pm

"The bleeping and blooping droid interacts with visitors and occasionally pauses to pose for a photo or video while roaming around Galaxy’s Edge.

"R2-D2 has been seen rolling around Galaxy’s Edge in front of the Millennium Falcon near the entrance to the Smugglers Run flight simulator attraction and along the pathway leading to the Rise of the Resistance attraction, which opens Jan. 17 at Disneyland."

Orange County Register



Tue, January 7, 2020 
R2-D2 Now Gliding Around Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Park
by Michael Ramirez, Editorial Content Director, Disneyland Resort

"A resourceful astromech droid, R2-D2 has shown great bravery in rescuing his masters and their friends from many perils. A skilled starship mechanic and fighter pilot’s assistant, he formed an unlikely but enduring friendship with the fussy protocol droid C-3PO.

"If you want to bring a droid companion home with you, head to Droid Depot and build your own! Choose from either an R-series or BB-series as droid parts come and go on conveyor belts. Then, place your finished droid in an activation station to bring them to life. Droids can be further customized with personality-affiliation chips, color panels and other accessories. Watch as your droid interacts with other astromech droids, as well as with certain elements throughout Black Spire Outpost. Droid Depot offers advance reservations up to 60 days in advance and are available via the Disneyland Resort website or the Disneyland app."

Disney Parks Blog



Fri, January 10, 2020 
Foodie Guide to Lunar New Year 2020 at Disney California Adventure Park
by Alex Dunlap, Food & Beverage Communications Coordinator

"It’s time to ring in the Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure park! Starting January 17, you can usher in the new year with this vibrant, multicultural celebration which pays tribute to Chinese Vietnamese, and Korean cultures."

Disney Parks Blog



Fri, January 3, 2020 
Lunar New Year Welcomes Year of the Mouse, Starting Jan. 17 at Disney California Adventure Park
by Michael Ramirez, Editorial Content Director, Disneyland Resort

"Lunar New Year, the joyous celebration at Disney California Adventure park taking place Jan. 17 through Feb. 9, commemorates traditions of Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese cultures.

"This year, we are celebrating the Year of the Mouse with 24 days of multicultural entertainment and musical performances, fun-filled activities, beautiful décor, delicious cuisine, specialty merchandise and more."

Disney Parks Blog



Eat Your Way Through Disney California Adventure’s Lunar New Year
By Natalie Kipper - 
January 11, 2020

"Disney California Adventure is all set to honor the Year of the Rat . . . or Year of the Mouse as Disney puts it. The Lunar New Year Celebration will be held from January 17 through February 9."

MiceChat



Disney California Adventure is serving 14 new foods and drinks at the Lunar New Year festival — here are 8 worth trying 
By Anne Valdespino
PUBLISHED: January 17, 2020 at 4:48 pm

"The fresh items will range from Vietnamese cold brew coffee with coconut milk to Korean-style smoked beef bulgogi short rib on rice cake. Teas and cocktails will also be offered. The new foods will be served along with returning favorites at  Paradise Garden Grill, Lucky Fortune Cookery, the Lamplight Lounge, outdoor vending carts and Festival Marketplaces such as Longevity Noodle Co., Lucky 8 Lantern, Prosperity Bao & Buns and Red Dragon Spice Traders."

Orange County Register



Lunar New Year celebration kicks off at Disney California Adventure
By Marla Jo Fisher
PUBLISHED: January 17, 2020 at 6:00 pm

"Disney kicked off its annual Lunar New Year celebration Friday, Jan. 17 at Disney California Adventure with food, drinks, live entertainment and, of course, stuff to buy.

"While the emphasis on the Disneyland side of the plaza was on the first day of Rise of the Resistance — the new ride in Star Wars land —the spotlight in California Adventure was on Asian festivities all done up in the auspicious color of red. This year’s event will last for 24 days, through Feb. 9."

Orange County Register



Like to eat? Here are details of this year’s Food & Wine Festival at Disneyland Resort 
By Marla Jo Fisher
PUBLISHED: January 9, 2020 at 3:24 pm | UPDATED: January 9, 2020 at 6:18 pm

"This year’s event will take place from Feb. 28 to April 21, with special foods, drinks, entertainment and more.
If you’ve been to a festival in the past, you’ll know that Disney sets up “Festival Marketplace” booths along major walkways where people can try the limited-time offerings that feature California ingredients. That’s right. No Maine lobster here.

"Returning fan favorite booths will include Avocado Time, Cluck-A-Doodle-Moo and Nuts About Cheese."

Orange County Register



Think Disneyland ticket prices are high? Here’s why the theme park is underpriced
How do you compare a Lakers game to a Lady Gaga concert to a 'Hamilton' performance to a day at Disneyland? We calculated the estimated cost per hour of each type of entertainment to come up with an apples-to-apples comparison.
By Brady MacDonald
PUBLISHED: January 10, 2020 at 6:33 am

"Data analysis shows that Disneyland and other Southern California theme parks offer a more affordable entertainment value when compared to live concerts, film and music festivals, Broadway shows and sporting events."

Orange County Register



Discounted Disneyland tickets for Southern California residents return
Beginning Tuesday, Jan. 7, SoCal locals can purchase $199 three-day single-park tickets that allow access to either Disneyland or Disney California Adventure.
By Brady MacDonald
PUBLISHED: January 7, 2020 at 6:16 am | UPDATED: January 7, 2020 at 9:49 pm

"Beginning Tuesday, Jan. 7, SoCal locals can purchase $199 three-day single-park tickets that allow access to either Disneyland or Disney California Adventure or $254 three-day parkhopper tickets that will get them into both parks on a single day.

"By comparison, a single-day “value” ticket costs $104 while a parkhopper will set you back $154. “Regular” admission prices are $129 for a single park and $179 for the parkhopper. The highest-priced “peak” tickets cost $149 for a single park and $199 for a parkhopper."

Orange County Register



Tue, January 7, 2020 
Disneyland Resort Announces Limited-Time Offers for 2020: Kids Everywhere and Southern California Residents Can Play for $67 Per Person, Per Day with 3-Day, 1-Park Per Day Tickets
by Valerie Lee, Public Relations Manager, Disneyland Resort

"Kids everywhere along with Southern California residents may visit the theme parks for as low as $67 per person, per day with 3-day, 1-park per day tickets. Book now and save on magical visits to enjoy new shows and attractions, annual festivals and world-class entertainment at Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, along with Disney-themed accommodations at on-property hotels."

Disney Parks Blog



Disneyland Update – Baby Yoda Tastes Delicious
By Nathan Villamor - 
January 6, 2020

"Happy New Year everyone! For the Disneyland Resort, today is also the final day of Christmas. So if you have leftover Festival of Holidays tasting tabs, time to use them. In this update, we’ll look at the first of the year crowds, construction projects, and a number of new Star Wars things . . . including an ADORABLE Baby Yoda inspired cocktail."

MiceChat



Disney California Adventure Update – Marvel Up, Christmas Down
By Nathan Villamor - 
January 10, 2020

"Now that the holiday celebrations have come to an end at the Disneyland Resort, the parks are rapidly taking down all their cheery decor and seasonal offerings. With so much happening in the new year, this week’s Disneyland Update focused solely on Disneyland. Today, we’re taking a look at Disney California Adventure. Between all the Marvel land construction, holiday removal, and other news it’s a flurry of information, but I’ll try to keep it brief."

MiceChat



Disneyland Update – The Resistance Rises!
By Logan Collins - 
January 13, 2020

"If you went to the Disneyland Resort in the last week it might have felt a little weird to you. The parks are still in the process of taking down their holiday decor, so it’s strange to see the remnants of Christmas in the middle of January, all while the Resort prepares for the opening of its biggest-ever attraction later this week. But that doesn’t mean the parks aren’t busy —it’s been packed! Plus, there are a slew of attractions coming in and out of refurbishment, and DCA has lots of work underway for its upcoming Lunar New Year Celebration and brand-new Avengers Campus. Let’s take a look at everything going on, as well as what you need to know about an AMAZING new attraction opening this week. It’s a WOW folks, good news at long last!"


MiceChat

You can listen to show 276 on iTunes or go to Libsyn service here.