In this episode we welcome former Disneyland Fantasyland Attractions Cast Member Stephanie Fix to the show. We talk to her about the attractions she worked on and some fun stories, plus the latest in the Disneyland Resort Current Events. Listen to her podcast Main Street UCI podcast. 

​​


​Disneyland Resort Current Event


Disney theme park boss replaces Bob Iger as CEO of entertainment giant
Bob Chapek is named Disney CEO effective immediately with Bob Iger assuming the role of executive chairman in charge of the company’s creative endeavors and leading Disney’s board of directors through the end of 2021.
By Brady MacDonald
PUBLISHED: February 25, 2020

"Bob Iger stepped aside as CEO of The Walt Disney Co. on Tuesday, Feb. 25 after 15 years at the helm of the entertainment giant and was replaced by the head of the company’s theme park division.

"Bob Chapek was named Disney CEO effective immediately with Iger assuming the role of executive chairman in charge of the company’s creative endeavors and leading Disney’s board of directors through the end of 2021.

"Chapek, a 27-year Disney veteran, has led Disney’s theme park division since 2015, adding consumer products to his portfolio in 2018."
...

"Disney’s board has been actively planning Iger’s succession for several years. Chapek was unanimously elected by the board after considering internal and external candidates."
...
"Iger delayed his retirement four times in recent years. Former Disney theme park chairman Thomas Staggs, a one-time internal CEO candidate, left Disney in 2016 after losing the unqualified support of Iger and some other board members." ...

"Prior to the theme parks job, Chapek served as president of Disney consumer products and Walt Disney Studios distribution. Chapek joined Disney in 1993 after working in brand management at Heinz."
...
"A new head of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products has not been named to replace Chapek. The division includes the Disney theme parks, Disney cruise line, Disney Vacation Club timeshare program and Adventures by Disney guided travel business as well as the merchandise arm of the company.

"Rebecca Campbell was named the new president of the Disneyland resort in September. Campell replaced Josh D’Amaro, who was named president of the Walt Disney World resort in Florida."

Orange County Register


Jungle Cruise boat sinks at Disney World — insert joke here
Disney World officials said everyone got off of the ride safely after a Jungle Cruise boat took on some water on Thursday.
By Brady MacDonald
PUBLISHED: February 27, 2020

"Disney World officials said everyone got off of the ride safely after a Jungle Cruise boat took on some water on Thursday, Feb. 27. The local Reedy Creek Fire Department was immediately contacted and responded to the incident, Disney World officials said.

"The Magic Kingdom worked with the affected guests so they could enjoy the rest of the day in the park, officials said. The Jungle Cruise attraction reopened shortly after the sunken boat was removed from the winding river. The cause of the sinking was not revealed."

Orange County Register



Las Vegas Man Gets 6 Months for Disneyland Fight
It's unclear what touched off the fight, which broke out in Disneyland's Toontown and sprawled out onto the theme park's Main Street.
By City News Service

"A 34-year-old Las Vegas man pleaded guilty Friday and was immediately sentenced to six months in jail for his part in a brawl at Disneyland that was captured on video that went viral."

NBC Los Angeles


Disney’s new Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway weaves 2 stories into 1 ride
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway trackless dark ride debuts March 4 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida and in Mickey’s Toontown at Disneyland in 2022.
By Brady MacDonald
PUBLISHED: February 17, 2020

"Walt Disney Imagineering has jammed so many historical nods and hidden Easter Eggs into Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway that the creative team behind the new trackless dark ride figured why not toss in a second story line as well."
...
"Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway trackless dark ride debuts March 4 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida and in Mickey’s Toontown at Disneyland in 2022."

Orange County Register


Disney’s Avengers Campus stunt show is looking for a few good Marvel superheroes
Disney California Adventure is looking for professional stunt talent to perform in a Marvel super hero live action show in Avengers Campus.
By Brady MacDonald
PUBLISHED: February 17, 2020

"A new Avengers Campus stunt show will feature Spider-Man, Captain America, Black Panther and Black Widow fighting a sword-wielding villain along the rooftops of the Marvel themed land opening this summer at Disney California Adventure.

"The Anaheim theme park is looking for professional stunt talent to perform in a live action show in Avengers Campus, according to the Disney Audition website."

Orange County Register



How to Unlock Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run “Chewie Mode”
By Lilliana Parker
February 23, 2020

"Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run has just received a software update that makes several small changes to the experience. The scoring system has been enhanced with ranks, as well as a few interface changes, but the real star is an easter egg called “Chewie Mode.” Freshbaked seems to be the first to successfully trigger the mode, the video chronicling their journey is below (their successful flight is about halfway through the video).

"The ride remains mostly the same, but Chewbacca accompanies you and roars over the cockpit speakers instead of Hondo. But unlocking the new mode isn’t easy. It requires every seat in the cabin to execute a special sequence at just the right time. So how do you do it?"

​MiceChat


Disneyland launches secret ‘Chewie Mode’ on Smugglers Run in Galaxy’s Edge
Disneyland officials confirm that 'Chewie Mode' is now available on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge.
By Brady MacDonald
PUBLISHED: February 25, 2020

"The “Chewie Mode” on the Smugglers Run flight simulator replaces instructions from space pirate Hondo Ohnaka with a new Easter Egg version of the ride filled with Chewbacca roaring at riders for 5 minutes in the Wookiee dialect of Shyriiwook.

"Disneyland officials confirmed that “Chewie Mode” is now available on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. “Chewie Mode” is the only secret mode available on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at this time."

Orange County Register


Disney makes disabled guests wait too long for rides, lawsuits allege
By Hugo Martín Staff Writer Feb. 27, 2020

"Lawsuits against Walt Disney Co. are moving ahead in California and Florida, challenging how the company allows disabled people to access theme park attractions.

"Both lawsuits, filed by the same lead attorney, Tampa-based Andy Dogali, accuse the world’s most popular theme park operator of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act by making park-goers with autism and other disabilities wait too long to get on a ride. In court records, Dogali says he has nearly 100 plaintiffs wanting to challenge Disney’s policy."
..
"The two lawsuits take aim at the 2013 decision by Disney to end a policy gave visitors with disabilities and their family members a “Guest Assistance Card,” allowing them to go directly onto rides, skipping long lines.

"The lawsuits say the new policy is unfair because it treats all visitors with disabilities the same and that children and adults with autism might not understand the concept of waiting and taking turns and could become extremely upset if they are forced to wait for a ride at a noisy theme park."

LA Times


Disneyland’s animatronic pirates and ghosts can’t dress themselves, so she helps them
Disneyland animatronic costumer Lupe De Santiago is one of more than 70 Disney cast members featured in the new 'One Day at Disney' docuseries on the Disney+ streaming service and the accompanying coffee table book.
By Brady MacDonald
PUBLISHED: February 28, 2020

"Disneyland keeps three costumes on hand for each animatronic figure and more for characters like Carlos who spends his days bathing in well water. The animatronic costumes have secret zipper or Velcro enclosures on the backs of the arms, legs and bodies to allow for easier costume changes. Getting to the animatronic figures in an attraction like Pirates of the Caribbean can be tricky — with the scalawags standing on stairs, sitting on bridges and leaning from windows."

Orange County Register


Disneyland is this family’s business with more than 100 years of service
Three generations and seven family members of the Reilly clan have worked at Disneyland with at least one family member on the payroll every year since the Anaheim theme park opened in 1955.
By Brady MacDonald
PUBLISHED: February 27, 2020

"Vin Reilly has a framed black-and-white photo in her office showing her grandfather paddling a canoe carrying Walt Disney around the Rivers of America that serves as a constant reminder of her family’s more than 100 years of service to Disneyland.

"Three generations and seven family members of the Reilly clan have worked at Disneyland with at least one family member on the payroll every year since the Anaheim theme park opened in 1955.

"Reilly’s grandfather and father were both 55ers, a designation bestowed on Disneyland cast members who worked at the park on opening day. Her mother and all three of her siblings also held jobs at Disneyland. Reilly herself has worked at the park for 44 years. All combined, the Reilly family has contributed 101 years of service to the park."

Orange County Register


FIRST LOOK at Disneyland’s New Magic Happens Parade (PHOTOS!)
February 27, 2020

"The all-new “Magic Happens” Parade made a surprise appearance today at Disneyland. It officially opens to the public on February 28th, 2020. Below is a comprehensive look at the new parade, including the new floats, character images, and video of this high energy new experience. We will be adding additional photos and video in the moments to come, so please come back for even more! 

"When Mickey’s Soundsational Parade ended in July of 2019, it was unclear when its replacement would arrive. Well, starting February 28, 2020, (showtimes for that day are 3:30pm and 6pm) there is an all new parade extravaganza rolling down the streets of Disneyland."

​MiceChat



Disneyland’s fresh new Magic Happens parade delivers unexpected sass and attitude
Review: Magic Happens is a fresh and unexpected turn for Disneyland, which is known for playing it safe and falling back on tried-and-true formulas.
By Brady MacDonald
PUBLISHED: February 27, 2020

"The new twice-daily Magic Happens parade officially launches Friday, Feb. 28 along Main Street U.S.A. at the Anaheim theme park. Disneyland held a media preview of the parade on Thursday, Feb. 27 billed as a surprise for theme park visitors."

Orange County Register


Disneyland’s Magic Happens parade brings dancing trees, flowers and waves to Main Street U.S.A.
The new twice-daily Magic Happens parade launches Friday, Feb. 28 at the Anaheim theme park.
By Brady MacDonald
PUBLISHED: February 25, 2020

"The dancers in Disneyland’s new Magic Happens parade will perform choreographed routines as flower petals, tree bark and rolling ocean waves in one of the most whimsical and artistic processions ever to travel down Main Street U.S.A."

Orange County Register


Disneyland’s Magic Happens parade taps ‘American Idol’ alum Todrick Hall for new musical score
The new twice-daily Magic Happens parade launches Friday, Feb. 28 along Main Street U.S.A.
By Brady MacDonald
PUBLISHED: February 22, 2020

"Disneyland teamed up on the music for the new Magic Happens parade with “American Idol” singer-songwriter Todrick Hall, who learned to dance by watching Disney parades."

Orange County Register


Disneyland’s Magic Happens parade costumes and makeup take inspiration from fashion runways
The new twice-daily Magic Happens parade launches Feb. 28 along Main Street U.S.A. at the Anaheim theme park.
By Brady MacDonald
PUBLISHED: February 19, 2020

"The new Magic Happens parade coming to Disneyland will take its fashion cues from the runways of New York, London, Paris and Milan as 90 performers in avante-garde costumes hit Main Street U.S.A. in their strike-a-pose vogue looks."

Orange County Register


Wed, February 26, 2020
Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Indiana Jones Adventure at Disneyland Park
by Michael Ramirez, Editorial Content Director, Disneyland Resort


"Join us as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Indiana Jones Adventure! Annual Passholders have the opportunity for a bonus adventure by experiencing the attraction an hour after park closing on Mar. 4 and 5. Wristbands are required. Check-in at Star Wars Launch Bay for wristbands beginning at 6:30 p.m. for the day of visit.  Valid Annual Passport must be presented; photo ID may be required.  Blockout dates apply. Wristbands available while supplies last."

Disney Parks Blog



Disneyland Update – The Real Price of Fastpass
February 17, 2020

"There’s so much for us to go over today. Fastpass changes, construction progress, a verdict on that bizarre fire a week ago, and so much more!"

​MiceChat


Disneyland Resort Update Part 2: Attractions Assemble!
February 18, 2020

"MORE! There’s a LOT more to show you from the Disneyland Resort. We hope you had an excellent Presidents’ Day; the weather here in Anaheim was beautiful. We had so much content this week that we had to divide the update into two parts."

​MiceChat


Disneyland Update: New Parade, Food, & Chewie This Week!
By Dusty Sage
February 24, 2020

"It should surprise no one that the pace of new things opening at Disneyland is picking up as we head into spring break and the summer season ahead. But there are a few things that took even us by surprise this week. We’ll take a look at the new parade and Food & Wine Festival which both open later this week, the new look of Tomorrowland, and a variety of new things in Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge (including an alternate version of Millennium Falcon). Plus, construction, refurbishments and much more!"

​MiceChat


DCA Food and Wine Festival Opens Today – Here’s What You Need to Know
February 28, 2020

"One of our favorite events at Disney California Adventure starts today! The Food and Wine Festival at DCA runs now through April 21st, and we’re here to help walk you through the many options available. There are lots of new choices, including vegetarian and a couple of plant-based options. We’ve posted about some of the experiences you won’t want to miss, now here’s a deeper dive into the best part of the festival . . . the food."


MiceChat



You can listen to show 279 on iTunes or go to Libsyn service here.

Former Disneyland Attractions Cast Member

Listen to our Show

Show Notes for Episode 279