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Show Notes for Episode 310
Disneyland's Adventureland
We discuss one of the original and ever-changing lands of Disneyland! What makes Adventureland so special? What was it like for us to keep Adventureland clean? Plus, we catch up on current events at the Disneyland Resort, as always.
***Disney Resort Updates***
Check back daily as information is changing rapidly.
Due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 (Corona) Virus, Many Disney Parks, Cruise Lines, and Disney Vacation Club Resorts will be closed until further notice:
Please be sure to follow CDC and your State's guidelines during this crisis. We will get through this.
Shanghai Disneyland • Shanghai Disneyland is now open. Be sure to check their reservation system which requires everyone, including infants, to have a reservation. The resort capacity is 50%. You must go to Shanghai's web page for advance reservations. Please visit their site for details.
Walt Disney World • All 4 Walt Disney World theme parks are open.
• Additionally, Disney Vacation Club properties at Walt Disney World and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground have begun to reopen to Members and Guests. Disney Springs has already begun to reopen. Upon reopening, theme parks, Disney Resort Hotels, restaurants and other offerings may be modified, limited in capacity and subject to availability or closure. You must have an advance reservation and valid ticket.
• Face masks are no longer required in "Outdoor Common Areas" and "Pool Decks". You may temporarily remove your face covering while actively eating, drinking or taking an outdoor photo, but you must be stationary and maintain appropriate physical distancing during this time. Masks must be worn at all other times.
• Park Hopping is allowed within strict rules:
1. You must make a reservation at one of the Parks. They do still require this as a private company.
2. You must go to that Park first.
3. Park Hopping does not start until 2PM.
4. Access to Parks is still limited to their maximum occupancy. Check the Park you want to go to before traveling to it to make sure it is accepting Hopping guests.
5. Check the Walt Disney World Park Hopper web page for updates to Park Hopping rules.
Disneyland • Disneyland is now OPEN!!!!!!! Sadly only to California Residents until June 15, 2021.
• Ticket Sales have begin. Only California Residents will be allowed to enter the Parks and groups may not be larger than 3 households until further notice.
• Like Walt Disney World, you must have a valid ticket AND make a Park reservation for the day you are interested in attending. Park reservations can only be made 60 days out at the present time. Be sure to check availability of the dates you are interested in before purchasing tickets.
• Disneyland Park President Ken Potrock announces there will be a new form of annual passes. Detail will be announced later this year. "Legacy" Pass holders are still getting dining and merchandise discounts.
• The Grand Californian is open.
• The Paradise Pier will be opening June 15, 2021.
• The Disneyland Hotel will be opening July 1, 2021..
• The State of California has updated it rules for Theme Parks and Stadiums to reopen. The new rule took affect April 1, 2021 and Disneyland opened at 25% capacity as long as the county stays in the Orange Tier.
• The Downtown Disney District including Buena Vista Street only of DCA are open. Some table service is available following state and local rules.
• The State of California are working on new guidelines for amusement parks. The state has also announced that if conditions continue to improve as they are now, the state will do away with its tier system. Changes to mask requirements, capacity, etc. are in the works and will be announced. It is anticipated that the California residence requirement will also be eliminated.
Hong Kong Disneyland • The Park is officially reopened. Advanced reservations with names and contact numbers are required. The Park will be closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays except major holidays. Please visit their web site for current requirements.
Disneyland Paris • Due to conditions, Disneyland Paris is still closed. However, they have announced that they will be reopening June 17, 2021. There is a notice that their page is running slow due to high demand. Please visit their web site for up to date information on if the Park will reopened and requirements.
Disney Cruise Lines • UPDATE 3/9/2021 SHARE HOLDERS' MEETING - CEO Bob Chapek Just said he has no date for the Cruise lines, but hopefully if trends continue to be positive, maybe next Fall or later.
• Disney Cruise line has suspended US cruises at least through July 2021 and European cruises through October 9, 2021.
• They will be begin accepting bookings for Summer 2022. Early booking May 17th and general booking May 27.
Aulani Resort • Phased reopening began November 1, 2020. The state of Hawaii has strict travel requirements which include a 10 quarantine or negative test within 72 hours of your arrival. Please visit HERE for the latest details.
Walt Disney Family Museum • The Walt Disney Family Museum is open but you must have reservation to enter the building. They will not admit you after 4p, even if you have a reservation. Please see their Welcome back page for details. They continue to provide virtual content. San Francisco County was recently moved into the Orange Tier, so please check their web page for current status. The World War II Special Exhibit opened March 19th in the Diane Disney Miller Exhibition Hall. See web page for availability and restrictions.
INFORMATION CORRECT AS OF May 29, 2021. Please check individual Resorts web pages for restrictions, requirements, and changes.
Disneyland Resort Current Event
Disneyland: Out-of-state visitors allowed as of June 15; more reservation dates opening up
Starting on June 15, California officials 'strongly recommend' theme park visitors be fully vaccinated or obtain a negative COVID-19 test.
By BRADY MACDONALD
PUBLISHED: May 26, 2021
“Out-of-state visitors can visit Disneyland and Disney California Adventure beginning on June 15 when California ends mandates in Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy.
“‘We will once again be able to welcome travelers from outside the state of California back to our theme parks,’ Disneyland officials said in a statement. ‘The state of California strongly recommends that all guests be fully vaccinated or obtain a negative COVID-19 test prior to entering the theme parks. In addition, all guests will be required to wear an approved face covering throughout their visit at the Disneyland resort.’”
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“Until June 15, Disneyland visitors are still limited to California residents visiting in groups no larger than three households.
“Disneyland will also extend the theme park advance reservation booking window from 60 to 120 days — pushing availability from late July to late September. The move means Disneyland will require advance reservations throughout the summer and likely into the fall.”
Orange County Register
Wed, May 26, 2021
Disneyland Resort Theme Parks to Welcome Back Guests from Outside California Beginning June 15; Plus, Theme Park Reservation Window Expands, Allowing More Time to Plan Your Visit
by Kelsey Lynch, Public Relations Manager, Disneyland Resort
“As always, our procedures may change as we continue to update our health and safety processes based on guidance from the state of California and local health officials. The latest details to know before you go can be found on Disneyland.com/Updates. We recommend that you check back on the website often, as information continues to be updated.
“As a reminder, to enter a theme park, all guests (ages 3 and older) need to have both a ticket and theme park reservation for the same park on the same date. We recently announced a new way for guests to purchase theme park tickets at the same time they make park reservations.”
Disney Parks Blog
Disneyland Resort to Welcome Out of State Guests Beginning on June 15
May 26, 2021
Laughing Place
The BIG Return: Out-of-State Guests Allowed at Disneyland Starting June 15
By Nathan Villamor -May 26, 2021
“When Disneyland reopened on April 30, the Disneyland Resort was only allowed to accept California residents as visitors. And while the state did eventually loosen restrictions on out-of-state guests, Disneyland stayed the course and has kept the park available only to Californians. However, all that is about to change. Starting June 15, Disneyland will welcome out-of-state visitors again. There is also a major change that will help make planning your trip much easier.”
MiceChat
California theme parks can return to full capacity, must verify COVID-19 vaccinations and tests
California officials will lift attendance limitations and physical distancing requirements for the state’s theme parks on June 15.
By BRADY MACDONALD
PUBLISHED: May 21, 2021
“Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood and other California theme parks can end capacity limits and social distancing next month under revised COVID-19 guidelines that call for “mega events” to verify coronavirus vaccines or tests of visitors.
“California officials will lift attendance limitations and physical distancing requirements for the state’s theme parks when COVID-19 health and safety mandates end in Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy on June 15 and the state economy fully reopens.”
Orange County Register
California Health Officials Announce That the State Has Met the Health Metrics to Fully Reopen on June 15
May 21, 2021
“California health officials are recommending that outdoor events with 10k or more have a verification system for vaccinations/negative tests or give people the option to wear masks who are not vaccinated or do not show a negative COVID-19 test.”
Laughing Place
Disneyland to end COVID-19 temperature checks for visitors and employees
Disneyland will discontinue temperature checks at the Pixar Pals parking structure, eastside Harbor Boulevard entrance and westside Downtown Disney entrances on June 15.
By BRADY MACDONALD
PUBLISHED: May 21, 2021
“Disneyland will discontinue temperature checks for visitors at the Pixar Pals parking structure, eastside Harbor Boulevard entrance and westside Downtown Disney entrances on June 15.
“On-site temperature checks for employees will also end June 15. Cast members, Disney parlance for employees, will still be required to conduct an at-home COVID-19 health checklist that includes a temperature screening.”
Orange County Register
Mon, May 17, 2021
Disneyland Resort Launches New Way to Purchase Theme Park Tickets and Make Park Reservations at the Same Time
by Kelsey Lynch, Public Relations Manager, Disneyland Resort
“For guests purchasing new tickets on Disneyland.com, we’ve made it easier than ever as you can now book your theme park reservation at the same time you purchase your ticket! Here’s a quick look at how it works: “
Disney Parks Blog
Disneyland Resort Introduces System for Purchasing Tickets and Making Reservations at the Same Time
May 17, 2021
Laughing Place
All 3 Disneyland hotels will reopen by July for first time in more than a year
The Disneyland Hotel will partially reopen on July 2 for the first time in more than a year after closing in March 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic.
By BRADY MACDONALD
PUBLISHED: May 20, 2021
“The Disneyland Hotel will partially reopen on July 2 for the first time in more than a year after closing in March 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic.
“Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel returned at limited capacity on April 29 — a day before Disneyland and Disney California Adventure reopened after a 412-day pandemic closure. Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel will reopen on June 15 — the same day Gov. Gavin Newsom plans to end mandates in the Blueprint for a Safer Economy and fully reopen the state economy.”
...
“Disney used the pandemic closure as an opportunity to refurbish the original Disneyland hotel that opened in October 1955 a few months after the theme park debuted.
“Fantasy Tower upholstery, fabrics and carpeting throughout the hotel rooms and lobbies were refreshed and updated during the coronavirus closure. Platform beds have been added to help maximize storage. Hotel room carpeting now features a fireworks pattern. Corridor flooring has graphic patterns inspired by the artwork of Disney Legend Mary Blair, who was responsible for the distinct look and aesthetic of the It’s a Small World attraction.”
Orange County Register
Thu, May 20, 2021
Disneyland Hotel Reopens July 2; Book Your Stay Today
by Valerie Lee, Public Relations Manager, Disneyland Resort
Disney Parks Blog
The Disneyland Hotel Reopens July 2nd, Including Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar
May 20, 2021
Laughing Place
Disneyland to reopen Jungle Cruise in July after removing outdated cultural depictions
By BRADY MACDONALD
UPDATED: May 27, 2021
“Jungle Cruise ride will reopen on July 16 at the Anaheim theme park, according to the Disney Parks Blog.”
...
“Concept art shows a culturally diverse group of boat passengers stuck up a tree — including a photographer, painter, bird watcher and butterfly collector. Nearby, five chimps have taken over a half-sunken boat — splattering paint on the rooftop canopy of the tramp steamer and releasing butterflies from a cage. One chimp with a parasol sits on the roof of the boat while another has taken over the helm and the skipper’s microphone. Some of the new figures will feature animatronic movements.”
Orange County Register
Wed, May 26, 2021
New Jungle Cruise Experience Will Open at Disneyland Park July 16, with Work Completed at Magic Kingdom Park This Summer
by Michael Ramirez, Public Relations Director, Disneyland Resort
Disney Parks Blog
Jungle Cruise to Reopen July 16 at Disneyland, Updates Completed This Summer at Walt Disney World
May 26, 2021
Laughing Place
How to get the top score on Disneyland’s new Spider-man ride
The new Web Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure attraction will pit riders against riders for the top score of the day, week and month when Avengers Campus debuts on June 4 at Disney California Adventure.
By BRADY MACDONALD
PUBLISHED: May 26, 2021
“The new Web Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure attraction will pit riders against riders for the top score of the day, week and month when Avengers Campus debuts on June 4 at Disney California Adventure.
“The Web Slingers attraction will use gesture-recognition technology to track the body and eye movements of riders as they sling virtual webs from their wrists by punching and karate chopping the air at digital targets in the attraction.”
...
“Riders will have an amazing level of control — with the power to grab onto objects with their virtual webs and move them around the digital environment.
“Virtual webs will not only allow riders to blast Spider-Bots, but also interact with the virtual world of the game environment. Web slingers on the ride can pull doors off shipping containers and activate conveyor belts. Snare hidden cubbies, doors and levers with your webs and you will trigger special effects on the attraction.
“Repeat riders who have refined their gaming skills will be able to unlock hidden objects that reveal additional layers of game play. Marvel comic book and blockbuster movie fans will find layers of details and Easter Eggs sprinkled throughout the attraction.”
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“A hand-held blaster isn’t necessary to sling virtual webs on the new attraction — but Disney is selling $65 web shooters and repulsor cannons that will attach to their wrists and help them improve their scores.
“The Power Bands will unlock multi-fire webs, electro-dynamic webs and repulsor blasts for riders equipped with the Web Tech on the Web Slingers ride. The base model Web Tech Power Band costs $35. The Spider-Man, Ghost Spider, Iron Man and Rescue upgrades cost an additional $30.”
Orange County Register
Disneyland News: Avengers Campus Spider-Man Ride Goes Pay-to-Play
By Natalie Kipper -May 19, 2021
“A piece of new merchandise for Avengers Campus was unveiled today, the WEB Shooters. This customizable accessory is intended to work in conjunction with the upcoming Avengers Campus attraction, WEB Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure. By equipping yourself with one of these new devices while riding, you will “power up” your abilities on the interactive attraction for a more customized experience, and possibly a better score. And while the concept sounds intriguing at first, I can’t help but be a little concerned by what is essentially an additional fee needed to get the very most out of the new attraction.”
MiceChat
Why Avengers Campus will avoid the storytelling problems that plague Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland
Avengers Campus will debut on June 4 with a host of Marvel characters set to fill the new superhero themed land at Disney California Adventure — two years after Galaxy’s Edge opened at Disneyland.
By BRADY MACDONALD
PUBLISHED: May 25, 2021
“Disney’s goal is to keep Avengers Campus as dynamic as possible so Marvel fans can watch “Black Widow” in theaters and walk into DCA later that day and see supervillain Taskmaster avenge his defeat. Across the promenade in Disneyland, Imagineering has created a Galaxy’s Edge narrative timeline so narrow that the Mandalorian, Baby Yoda and other popular new Disney+ characters can’t even step foot in the new Star Wars land.”
...
“The backstory of Avengers Campus envisions the land as a former Stark Industries secret complex that has been redeveloped by Iron Man’s Tony Stark as a training ground for the next generation of superheroes.
“The time is now and the place is Anaheim, California. The Marvel super heroes that will populate the land are conscious of the world around them. Avengers Campus isn’t locked into any particular timeline in the Marvel comics or the Marvel Cinematic Universe. “The Snap” in “Avengers: Endgame” never happened. Iron Man and all your favorite Marvel characters are free to come and go from Avengers Campus as they please.”
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“The simple explanation for any continuity questions: Avengers Campus exists in a divergent timeline in the Marvel multiverse. If you need more answers about any apparent story line fluidity, Disney cast members will recommend you talk to Doctor Strange — who knows all about the multiverse and multiple timelines.”
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“Galaxy’s Edge doesn’t have the same options — with many current and past stars shut out of the new Star Wars land for timeline continuity reasons.
“From a storytelling standpoint, Galaxy’s Edge exists in a time period between the events of “The Last Jedi” and “The Rise of Skywalker” — the last two films in the Star Wars sequel trilogy. As a result, very few characters featured in Star Wars television shows and movies on Disney+ or bound for the streaming service in the next few years can appear in Galaxy’s Edge.”
Orange County Register
Thu, May 27, 2021
Tune In to Avengers Campus Opening Ceremony LIVE from Disney California Adventure Park, June 2 at 8:15 p.m. PT
by Gabriel Gibaldi, Public Relations Director
“Join us right here on the Disney Parks Blog on June 2 at 8:15 p.m. PT | 11:15 p.m. ET to watch the historic dedication from the Disneyland Resort in California. You’ll also catch a glimpse inside this epic land as a few special guests assemble to celebrate this moment.
“The ceremony will also be featured live on @Disneyland Facebook and Twitter channels, as well as @DisneyParksBlog Facebook and @DisneyParks Twitter channels.”
Disney Parks Blog
Disneyland Update – Less is More, More or Less
By Dusty Sage -May 17, 2021
“The old adage that “less is more” is certainly in play at the Disneyland Resort right now. Less guests mean more opportunity for fun. But as capacity increases in the park, issues are popping up in guest management, queue length, park resources, and even staffing. There’s also another example of the proverb that Disney could learn from as they force more and more complicated procedures on guests via the Disneyland app, things are just getting confusing for guests and for Disney.”
MiceChat
Disneyland Update Part 2: CODE YELLOW!!!
By Nathan Villamor -May 18, 2021
“There’s so much going on at the Disneyland Resort right now that we had to do TWO big updates this week. You can check out Part One from Disneyland HERE. Today we’re taking a look at a new, easier way to book Disneyland tickets & reservations, Avenger’s campus news and views, hopeful dining info, and photos and news from Disney California Adventure, Downtown Disney, and the Disneyland Resort Hotels. PLUS, Disneyland advances to Yellow Tier. Here’s what it all means…“
MiceChat
Disneyland Update – Very Nearly Normal (for Better or Worse)
By Dusty Sage -May 24, 2021
“It’s been a magical three weeks at Disneyland, low crowds, easy park navigation, and just being back in the middle of the magic. But the window of opportunity to experience an uncrowded park is rapidly closing and about to slam shut. Disney has received some MAJOR news that will have the resort returning to nearly normal in just a few weeks! Plus, attractions and restaurants returning to operation, and a MARVELous new land just about to make a splashy debut.”
You can listen to show 310 on iTunes or go to Libsyn service here.