The Disneyland Expert

Say Hello to Mark VII!

2008-07-04T13:56:00.000-07:00

There's a new addition at Disneyland, and it isn't in the form of a roller coaster or dark ride. Instead, the latest attraction to open at the park is the brand new Mark VII Red Monorail, which took its first guests for a ride July 3.

Photographs by Joshua Sudock for The Orange County Register

Fitting for Anaheim's notorious high temperatures, the Mark 7 is air conditioned and features blue windows, though it is unlikely that guests will be allowed to open the windows.

Were you lucky enough to be one of Mark VII's first guests, or are you preparing to ride the monorail soon? Tell me about your experience!

Update of the Future

2008-06-25T13:09:00.000-07:00

Anybody remember the Innoventions Dream Home that was scheduled to open in May 2008? I didn't think so. Well, the house is nearly up and running, with previews for the media and Annual Passholders being held last week.

Photographs by Frank Anzalone for MousePlanet.com

However, Disney noted that the Dream House is falling behind schedule (which, if you look at the calender, will have already noticed), and cast members say the attraction likely won't open until early July.

Frank Anzalone of MousePlanet was one of the lucky guests able to tour the Dream Home last week, and he shared many photos on the website. The entire set is available on MousePlanet.com.

In other news, Disneyland's birthday is coming up quickly - July 17 is the 53rd anniversary of the park. Mark your calenders!

Disney News You Could Use (June 8—June 15)

2008-06-14T08:40:00.000-07:00

Disneyland fans are anxiously awaiting the grand opening of Disney's Caliornia Adventure's Toy Story Midway Mania, scheduled for June 17. Certain Annual Passholders were given special previews of the attraction last week, and a large media event will take place on June 16—17.

JOHN WATSON/FLICKR.COM

The queue area of Toy Story Midway Mania.

With the press coverage this attraction has received lately, DCA recently opened two new food stands on the boardwalk. Hot Dog Hut, located near the Sun Wheel, sells hot dogs, chips, and drinks, while The Midway's Best Bites (directly across the boardwalk from the attraction) offers items like turkey legs and chimichangas.

Going to Disneyland this summer? Plan on riding Indiana Jones Adventure? If you've been keeping an eye on Disneyland's park information calendar, which stated that the attraction would be closed for refurbishment the entire summer, you might have considered dropping your vacation plans.

DISNEY
For July 4, one of the busiest days at Disneyland, the only attraction closure is "it's a small world."

Well, that's not necessary now, because the apparent mistake has been fixed on Disneyland's official website. However, some speculate that the attraction will close near the end of the summer for a much-needed refurbishment.

In any case, this can only mean one thing for Disneyland fans: It's time to jump into an Indy jeep and look into the eye of Mara as many times as you can!

Sources: MousePlanet.com, Disneyland.com

Got Indy?

2008-05-25T23:04:00.000-07:00

With the recent hype surrounding Indiana Jones, it was only a matter of time before Disneyland got involved. Now, in the land of adventure (Adventureland), Indy has left his mark in several places.

The Indiana Jones Summer of Hidden Mysteries, as described in a press release from the Disneyland Resort, began on May 22 and will last throughout the summer. The new attraction comes just as the latest Indy film, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, was released, and includes everything from a new photo location to a storytelling center.

Frantic scenes like this may quickly become more common in Adventureland. Disney, 2008.

Features of the Indiana Jones Summer of Hidden Mysteries

Random Acts of Indy: Where, you guessed it, Indy himself makes random appearances in every nook and cranny of Adventureland. Wonder if this would include his popular attraction, also in Adventureland?

Indiana Jones and the Secret of the Stone Tiger: Taking the place of Aladdin's Oasis (located between the Enchanted Tiki Room and Tropical Imports) is this storytelling session, where guests participate in code games in a quest to uncover Indiana Jones.

Indiana Jones Adventure Map: Just as the title reads, a map leading guests to find symbols and objects throughout Adventureland. Once the treasure is discovered, guests are able to go on Disneyland's official website to get Indy surprises.

Indiana Jones Meets the Jungle Cruise: The Jungle Cruise, one of Disneyland's original attractions, is getting a touch of Indy for the summer. What exactly is a surprise, but it's bound to be full of adventure.

New Indy Photo Location: Because there is no such thing as having too many photo locations, Disneyland has added a new, Indy-themed spot, where guests can pose next to a so-called "giant rolling boulder."

Rolling boulders, random acts of Indy, an Indy-themed Jungle Cruise? Sounds dangerous, but we've come to expect that from Indiana Jones.

Welcome to the Not-So-Happiest Place on Earth

2008-05-02T20:55:00.000-07:00

For most people visiting Disneyland, the last thing they'd want is to commit suicide. Yet, just before noon today (Friday), a man jumped from his balcony on the 14th floor of the Disneyland Hotel.

Windows at the Disneyland Hotel. Brave Heart on Flickr.com, 2005.

Reports say the man was in Anaheim on business, but it is not said whether he visited Disneyland or was simply staying in the hotel.

Although this undoubtedly is a very unfortunate case, I myself am left wondering his reasons for committing suicide, and especially for doing so at Disneyland. Regardless, best wishes to his family at this obviously tough time.

Disney News You Could Use (April 6 - April 13)

2008-04-13T19:14:00.000-07:00

There's surprisingly little to mention in this weekly update, although one older story, having recently been brought up again on MousePlanet, is making headlines. The story in question is the confirmed end of Disney's California Adventure's Maliboomer attraction.

Say goodbye to the 180' tall Maliboomer. Andy Castro on flickr.com, 2007.

According to an article from the Los Angeles Times, the Maliboomer, located in DCA's Paradise Pier area, will removed no later than 2011. Additionally, the Mulholland Madness attraction will be refurbished for a Goofy theme, reportedly called "Goofy's Sky School." This change will also occur by 2011.

With the addition of Toy Story Mania this summer, it seems DCA is getting quite the makeover. And it doesn't come cheap, as expected: The LA Times says the entire deal costs over $1.1 billion.

So, will it all be worth it? We'll have to wait and see.

Wait, where's the weekly update?

2008-04-08T21:45:00.001-07:00

My apologies for the lack of updates this past week. I've been a bit busy and keep forgetting to post here. Don't worry, however, as I'm working on an update for the next few days!

Disney News You Could Use (March 23 - March 30)

2008-03-31T12:43:00.000-07:00

This past week at Disneyland saw painfully high levels of crowds, with Wednesday and Thursday reaching capacity levels. This is likely due to many students having their spring break at this time. After all, what's better than visiting the Happiest Place on Earth for your vacation?

Imagine staying in a place like this! Bill Stevens, 2008.

However, for guests like, say, Bill Stevens, the crowds probably weren't a huge issue. That's because Bill and his family won a stay in the park's Dream Suite this last Thursday, as part of the 2008 Disney Dreams Giveaway.

Along with staying in the suite, Bill Stevens was named the Honorary Grand Marshall of the parade. Bill Stevens, 2008.

Bill posted hundreds of photos of his trip, which you can view on his SmugMug album. Congratulations to Bill and his family, as only a handful of people can say they've stayed in the Dream Suite!

We could call it Rossii Disnejlend...

2008-03-28T20:34:00.000-07:00

Although there's no current plans to open a theme park in the country, fashion magazine Vogue Russia recently featured a spread with Minnie Mouse, leading me to think of what Disneyland Russia (if there ever was one) would look like.

Model Masha Tyelna and Minnie Mouse ham it up in Moscow. Vogue Russia, 2008.

The characters would likely dress in traditional Russian fashion, restaurants could serve potatoes, borsch, and kasha (porridge), and rides would be set in buildings like those in Red Square. Sounds pretty nice, right?

Well, for now there's little official talk of a Russian Disneyland. However, fans of Disney will note that it's always interesting to discuss the possibility!

That being said, how would you all feel about a Disneyland Russia? Or is there another location where Disney would fit in better (like those listed in the current poll)?

Disney News You Could Use (March 16 - March 23)

2008-03-22T15:08:00.001-07:00

What's going on in Disneyland this week? Quite a bit, actually, with several stories making headlines. One in particular is causing debate among a family you'd least expect.

Notice the lack of "Toy Story" in the sign. Darkbeer on smugmug.com, 2008.

The entrance for DCA's Toy Story Mania is nearly complete, with a sign recently installed. The attraction is set to open this summer.

Also in the news is Disney's plans to add new characters to the beloved "it's a small world," including Mickey Mouse, Lilo and Stich, and Nemo. This is causing controversy among some fans who are reluctant to see the attraction change. Personally, I'm fine with this, as long as Disney doesn't go overboard and keeps it in moderation.

However, the family of Small World's creator, Mary Blair, wrote a letter to Disney stating their concern over this move.

Mary Blair, an artist, worked on "it's a small world" by special request from Walt Disney himself. Disney, 1941.

"Ripping out a rain forest...and replacing it with misplaced patriotism [rumors say Disney will add an American scene to the attraction] is a public relations blunder so big you could run a Monorail through it," Blair's son Kevin Blair said.

How do you all feel about this? Certainly not as outraged as the Blair family, I would imagine.

Whipping Good Time

2008-03-21T10:34:00.000-07:00

What's bright yellow, expensive, and an essential part of Disneyland? No, I'm not talking about the submarines, but Dole Whips!

Dole Whips come in a float form (left) or in the classic cup (right). nostkim8805 on flickr.com, 2007.

For those not in the (pineapple-y) loop, Dole Whips are frozen desserts sold at Disneyland's Enchanted Tiki Room. They're also available as a float, which is basically the same thing with more pineapple juice.

Why are these cups of frozen yogurt so popular, anyway? Part of the reason is probably due to the intense heat at Disneyland. Eating a cold Dole Whip helps relieve the beating sun, if only for a moment.

Have you ever caved in and bought a Dole Whip? What did you think, and how would you compare them to churros, another Disneyland food staple?

Here's Your Queue

2008-03-14T21:24:00.000-07:00

As anyone who's visited Disneyland will assure you, waiting in line is a huge part of the Disney experience. But do you ever really look around to see where exactly you're doing the waiting?

The waiting areas of attractions in the park, typically called "queue areas" or simply "queues," are designed to hold hundreds of guests in a neat line while simultaneously keeping them entertained. So how does Disney do it?

Indiana Jones Adventure isn't considered the best queue in Disneyland for nothing. Brian Rechenmacher on Flickr.com, 2007.

One of the more popular queue areas, Indiana Jones Adventure (pictured above), is nearly 1/2 a mile long, and undoubtedly one of the most well themed. Along the way, there are plenty of surprises and details to keep guests amused. I'll let you figure them out for yourself, though!

Another interesting queue is Space Mountain, where you can observe guests as they board the ride cars. This can be viewed as a negative aspect, however, since many guests become distracted and don't move forward in the line!

My personal favorite queue is Indiana Jones Adventure, and I get the feeling I'm not alone. What about you all? Which queue is best, and which is in dire need of improvement?

Poll Results: What's Your Favorite Land in Disneyland?

2008-03-07T20:23:00.000-08:00

The architecture in New Orleans Square is a key factor in its popularity. jericl cat on flickr.com, 2008.

I apologize for not updating in recent weeks. I've been in San Francisco recently (which is nowhere near Disneyland, unfortunately), so I haven't had the chance to post here. But I'm back home, so be prepared for plenty of updates!

Well, the results are in, and you've all made it clear: New Orleans Square is the preferred land of my readers! Fantasyland came in second, with only half the votes, while Main Street and Adventureland tied for third.

Thanks for voting in the poll, and be sure to check out this week's new question!

The Views from Disneyland Hotels

2008-02-24T19:48:00.001-08:00

When deciding on which Disney hotel to stay in, some people first compare prices. Others look at the room sizes, amenities, and location. But what about the view a particular hotel has to offer? Does this thought ever cross your mind when planning a vacation?

The three hotels in the Disneyland Resort - the Disneyland Hotel, Disney's Grand Californian Hotel, and Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel - all share differences in pricing and special offers. But the biggest difference comes when you compare the view outside their windows.

The Disneyland Hotel

The Disneyland Hotel: Is that Space Mountain I see? wdwinfo.com, 2008.

When you stay at the Disneyland Hotel, you're greeted with fantastic angles of every area in the Resort: Disneyland Park, Disney's California Adventure, and Downtown Disney. You can observe people as they hop on the Monorail just as easily as you can watch the fireworks in Disneyland at night. It's the classic hotel, so it's only natural to have the classic views.

Disney's Grand Californian Hotel

Grand Californian Hotel: The perfect way to end a day in Disneyland. Personal photo, 2007.

It's famous (infamous, even) for having some of the highest prices in Disneyland Resort, so technically Disney's Grand Californian Hotel should have some of the best photo opportunities, right? Well, yes. Depending on where you're at in the hotel, you've got the chance for some amazing views. You can see the entire DCA layout, watch the Disneyland Monorail whiz by, or observe the nightlife in Downtown Disney.

I've stayed at GCH three times in the past, so I've been able to experience each of these (well, except for the Monorail - I haven't been able to see that yet), and can easily say they're well worth the price. Plus, at night you've got a front row seat of the fireworks in Disneyland!

Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel

Paradise Pier Hotel: Wow, I think I can see my house from here! startedbyamouse.com, 2005.

And lastly, the often forgotten Paradise Pier Hotel. Cons aside, this hotel has some amazing views of not only DCA, but Anaheim as a whole. It wasn't named after the section of DCA for nothing, after all! In addition, guests are able to have a bird's-eye view of any parade happening in Disneyland's sister park.

So, what's your verdict? Tell me which hotel you think has the "best" view for the price!

What's your favorite land in Disneyland?

2008-02-21T16:59:00.000-08:00

Frontierland is just one of your options for this poll! Personal photo, 2005.

In case you haven't already, here's a friendly reminder to vote on the new poll feature concerning your favorite land in the Happiest Place on Earth. Do you prefer the classic Fantasyland, or are you more attracted to the cinnamon smells of Main Street, U.S.A.? Vote now!

After the poll is over, I will write up a post discussing the results and what my answer would be. I plan on creating a new poll every two weeks, so if you've got any ideas for questions, leave me a comment!

New look, same blog

2008-02-17T22:33:00.000-08:00

As you may have noticed, the Disneyland Expert has a shiny new look. Finally, there's some color! And a background! Plus, I've added a neat Digg button, so you can recommend my posts to people all over the Internet. It'd be much appreciated!

Let me know your feedback on the updated layout. Also, I'm looking for interesting story ideas, so any of those would be welcomed as well.

What's Going On in Disneyland

2008-02-13T20:29:00.000-08:00

On February 8, Disney's California Adventure turned 7 years old! As expected, this occasion brought to light the usual debate over DCA, and many Disney websites are dishing out their thoughts on the good and bad qualities of Disneyland's sister park. What do you all think? Is DCA enjoyable for you, or do you simply walk past the entrance when you're in Disneyland?

Make sure to wish DCA a Happy Birthday! Miro-Foto on flickr.com, 2008.

In other news, the Associated Press recently announced that Disneyland, along with Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard, and others, will collaborate to build a new version of the 1957 "House of the Future," this time referred to as the Innoventions Dream Home. The Tomorrowland attraction is set to open in May 2008.

On a side note, here are the latest ride closures in Disneyland: King Arthur Carrousel (closed for repairs; opening date unknown), and the Matterhorn Bobsleds (testing and basic repairs; closed February 25 - 27).

More information than you'd ever need on the new Toy Story attraction!

2008-02-10T09:29:00.000-08:00

The New York Times published an extensive article today on Disney's California Adventure, discussing its unpopularity among guests (compare 6 million visitors/year to Disneyland's 15 million), and plans for refurbishment.

Disney cast members take a test spin on Toy Story Mania. J. Emilio Flores for the New York Times, 2008.

However, one of the more notable features of the piece was the staggering amount of information on DCA's new attraction, Toy Story Mania. If you've visited DCA recently, it's clear that something major is being built. Now, though, we've got plenty of information to help better imagine what exactly is going on!

Toy Story Mania will open in June 2008, after over three years of planning, designing, and building.
The attraction is estimated to cost $80 million.
The ride is designed to put guests "inside a video game," by having riders wear 3-D glasses and play "virtual-reality versions of classic carnival games" on large screens.
If you plan on working at Toy Story Mania, be prepared: Your costume will be based off the outfits of "Toy Story" characters.
Mr. Potato Head himself will star as a 5'0" tall animatronic figure in the attraction queue of Toy Story Mania. Spoiler Alert: Much like DCA's Monsters, Inc. ride, where a cast member-controlled animatronic figure of "Roz" makes specific comments about riders, Mr. Potato Head will talk to guests waiting in line.

The original article is much longer than this entry, and features more information about DCA in general. If you'd like to read more, here's the link.

The cats residing in Disneyland

2008-01-28T15:20:00.000-08:00

Surely you've heard of mice in Disneyland (one named Mickey, in particular), but cats? And lots of them?

Can you spot the cat here? HiddenMickeys.org, 2001.

Yes, it's true: Disneyland is home to many cats, and has been since the 1960s or so. Years ago, when building the now-defunct Sleeping Beauty Castle walk through, over 100 of them were discovered hiding in the castle. Instead of letting them go elsewhere, Disneyland decided to keep the animals and allow them to stay in the park. After all, they controlled the rodent problem (just don't tell Mickey)!

So now, in the year 2008, the rare cat can still be spotted hanging around Big Thunder Mountain Railroad or near the queue of Indiana Jones Adventure. If you really want to catch one, keep your eyes peeled during the night hours - that's when they're most likely to make an appearance.

This and That

2008-01-27T09:25:00.000-08:00

Nothing major to report on this week at Disneyland, as we're heading towards the off-season and the park is full of various construction projects. Here's the latest on those projects, and more.

Darkbeer uploaded this interesting photo last week, showing a new entrance being built from part of the Grand Californian Hotel's Whitewater Snacks. However, it turns out this will only serve as an emergency exit, not an additional entrance to Disney's California Adventure.

Visitors to Disneyland will notice a drastic change in the Mickey Mouse floral garden, which has recently been adorned by Tinkerbell's pixie dust! The effect is especially spectacular at night. Thanks to MiceChat for this photo.

Another set of pictures from Darkbeer, this time of the new Disneyland Dream Suite in New Orleans Square! What do you all think of the overall look to the suite? I, while jealous of anyone able to stay there, am still upset over the loss of the Disney Gallery!

Hopefully something really interesting will come up so I can update more frequently, but for now just sit tight and enjoy these construction updates!

P.S. - On a non-related note, this blog has officially been running for a year now! Thanks for all your support and visits, and here's to another great year of Disneyland news and information.

A quick update!

2008-01-17T21:17:00.000-08:00

Mickey and I would like to apologize for not updating at all this year! Dimensionedelta.net, 2005.

I'm really sorry for not keeping this blog up-to-date lately; I'm smack-dab in the middle of finals, so I have little time to check for the latest Disneyland news. Come next week, however, I'll hopefully be able to update more frequently. Stay tuned!

A few things worth mentioning:
- "it's a small world" closes January 22 until October for refurbishment. (More information about what exactly they'll change.)
- The Jungle Cruise is also closed from January 28-March 7 for refurbishment.
- Monsters, Inc. (in Disney's California Adventure) is closed until Valentine's Day, February 14, for the same reason.
- Looking for a dream job? How about becoming an official Disney Chief Magic Official? If you get accepted, make sure to tell everyone that the Disneyland Expert told you first!

Disneyland is closed

2007-12-28T13:12:00.000-08:00

But probably not in the way you're thinking! For the past few days, Disneyland has either come near or actually reached its maximum capacity, which resulted in the gates being closed to any new guests. Rumor has it this occurred on Christmas Day!

For recent visitors to the park, this is becoming a common greeting. MousePlanet, 2006.

If you're planning on visiting Disneyland within the next few days, keep in mind that you might be stopped from entering. In order to ensure your admission, arrive at the park in the wee hours of the morning; around noon or so is when the crowds grow larger. Note: Although a specific number has yet to be released, the maximum capacity for Disneyland is said to be around 80,000+ people.

Merry Christmas to Disney fans everywhere!

2007-12-24T16:54:00.001-08:00

Though it's technically not Christmas for me for another seven hours or so, I'll go ahead and wish the rest of you lot a very Merry Christmas. I hope you're able to spend time with those you love, as I plan on doing!

Mickey is ready for Christmas, are you? Miro-Foto on Flickr.com, 2007.

For those of you lucky enough to be in Disneyland for the holidays, have a great time! And for the rest of us, be sure to watch the annual Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade, airing on ABC-TV at 10 AM tomorrow, December 25. You may just see some clips of Disneyland!

Walking in a Winter Disneyland

2007-12-17T20:34:00.000-08:00

I want to apologize for the lack of updates recently, which is partly because of the lack of news going on in the park, and partly because school is winding down and I am spending most of my time studying for tests. But enough about me - after all, you came here to read about Disneyland!

I love seeing nighttime holiday photos every year. Frank Anzalone, 2007.

It's almost Christmas, and you know what that means! As I've mentioned in previous posts, Christmas at Disneyland is truly spectacular, mainly because it's actually a reasonable temperature in California!

That being said, is anyone here fortunate enough to be visiting the park this holiday season? I'd love to hear your plans and/or stories!

Happy Birthday to Walt Disney!

2007-12-05T19:16:00.000-08:00

The Walt Disney Company

As you may know, today, December 5, is the 106th birthday of the one and only Walter Elias Disney. Without him, there'd be no Disneyland, no Mickey Mouse, no Disney. So take a moment out of your day to wish the man who started it all a happy birthday. I know I will!

"It's a small world" to become a "larger world"

2007-11-10T10:26:00.000-08:00

The happiest cruise in the world is getting a makeover. Personal photo, 2004.

"It's a small world," the classic Fantasyland attraction, will close come January 2008 for 10 months of refurbishing, leading to rumors of an an obesity related problem. More specifically, as the average person has become larger, the boats begin to handle less and less.

However, Disney is denying these rumors, with one spokesman stating the problem "has nothing to do with weight" in an interview with the New York Times.

With this renovation, Disneyland fans are hoping the small boats will be more accommodating for any 'larger' guests who happen to ride.

What do you all think about this? Do you think the problem is construction related, or is the weight of guests really to blame?

More winter decorations

2007-11-08T16:36:00.000-08:00

MousePlanet recently published more pictures of the holiday decorations at Disneyland, and as you can see, they're more gorgeous than ever imagined!

Don't you want to go back to Disneyland now?

It's the most wonderful time of the year

2007-11-03T23:11:00.000-07:00

Sleeping Beauty Castle covered in a blanket of snow. Darkbeer/David Michael, 2007.

The always reliable Darkbeer/David Michael recently snapped some great pictures of the new Christmas decorations up at Disneyland for us fans, and as always they're breathtaking. This year brings new surprises and, as usual, leaves all of us wanting to visit the park. Or is that just me?

New Orleans Square all lit up and ready to go. Darkbeer/David Michael, 2007.

Disneyland feels effects of fire

2007-10-25T14:59:00.000-07:00

You've undoubtedly heard about the recent Southern California fires, whether it's through television or the countless newspaper articles in the past week. The destroyed homes, evacuation centers, and raging flames have all had their share of press coverage, but what about our beloved Disneyland?

Well, there's no need to worry - the park is perfectly safe from the fires. However, side effects of fire, such as poor air quality, have taken over Disneyland and left guests running to their hotel rooms for safety.

The fires rage on. Associated Press, 2007.

Additionally, fireworks and some live performances in the park have been canceled. This is purely for safety reasons, and the park hours are still at normal times.

Even with the fear of a fire spreading to the park over, many guests have decided to skip the trip to Disneyland. A user on MousePlanet.com said the park was "dead" and the line for Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, typically a two hour wait, was a mere 30 minutes.

If you are heading to Disneyland within the next few days, plan on bringing plenty of water, sunscreen, sunglasses, and chapstick, along with a mask if needed. And most importantly, leave the park if you're feeling sick from the smoky air.

On a different note, the Walt Disney Company announced today that they will donate $2,000,000 to "aid towards relief efforts for victims of the wildfires sweeping the area."

Dreams really do come true

2007-10-05T18:56:00.000-07:00

A drawing depicting the newly announced apartment. Disney, 2007.

Ever wanted to stay in Walter Disney's apartment? Well, now you've got a chance to spend a night in the closest thing to: A brand new apartment in New Orleans Square, taking up what used to be the Disney Gallery.

Back in August, the famed attraction closed suddenly, leaving fans everywhere wondering what would become of the large building. In a recent announcement, Disney has confirmed that an apartment for the 2008 Disney Dreams Giveaway will fill its place.

Described as an "elegant in-Park apartment," the Disneyland Dream Suite will open to guests starting January 31, 2008. A different winner will be selected most days until December 31, 2008, and will be allowed to invite up to five guests to spend the night with them in the undoubtedly gorgeous apartment. There will even be a private balcony where you can observe fellow guests and watch the fireworks at night.

If you're interested, a complete list of Rules & Regulations is available on Disney's official website. I know I would treasure a stay in what will surely be a piece of Disney history!

It's that time of year again

2007-09-27T21:27:00.000-07:00

Minnie herself has joined the Halloween celebrations. David Perry, 2007.

Though it may be only September, Disneyland has already geared up for Halloween, redecorating the park with pumpkins, candy corn and other ghoulish delights! More specifically, this event is called HalloweenTime, and is one of the more recent Disney traditions, debuting only last year.

MousePlanet's David Perry released a great set of pictures today documenting the changes in theme, from the ticket booths to window details. It's a nice feature for us fans who can't visit during this time of the year, no matter how much we want to!

It was all started by mouse ears

2007-09-22T11:56:00.000-07:00

My collection of hats.

Visit Disneyland any time of the year, and chances are you'll see hundreds of them, whether in stores or lying atop someone's head. They come in every color, size, shape and form, and can be personalized with your name or anything else under 15 letters. If you ride Universal Studios Hollywood's Jurassic Park ride, you may even see one floating next to your boat.

Of course, I'm talking about the enormously popular Mickey Mouse ears, a souvenir most Disney guests opt to purchase during their visit. The hats, a simple design with mouse ears attached, are about $15 a pop and often feature the famous mouse on the front. But why are they so popular? And why do some people become obsessed with the ears, purchasing a pair in every color and edition?

I don't know, and I am one of those people. Every time I visit the park, I have to buy a new pair of ears, even if the design is nothing special. I even purchase the accessory outside of the park, like when I go to a local Disneyland Outlet store. They were only $1 each, by the way. I couldn't pass them up.

Just a few of the many Mickey Mouse ears.

The hats have an extensive and rich history, dating back to the 1950s and The Mickey Mouse Club show. Roy Williams, a Disney Studios employee, invented the ears and suggested the Mouseketeers wear them, causing a huge sensation with Disney fans.

Now sold at every Disney theme park and even on the web, Mickey Mouse ears have become a sort of icon for the Disney Company, with everyone from cast members to celebrities spotted wearing them. And for good reason, since there's a hat for every personality. In fact, you could probably find a hat for every subject and holiday, ranging from Halloween to 4th of July. My personal favorite is the gold 50th Anniversary ears, which are no longer available at Disneyland, only online.

What's your favorite Mickey Mouse ear? Do you prefer leopard print, antlers, pink, classic black, or a different variety? Or are you one of the few who dislike any form of these hats? Tell me!

New Matterhorn Bobsleds!

2007-09-15T11:27:00.000-07:00

A cast member on MiceChat was able to take a sneak peek at the new bobsleds for the beloved Matterhorn attraction and posted a picture for others. Apparently two sleds will be put together, making a total of six people per bobsled.

This marks the end of sitting in someone's lap, I guess!

Best time to visit Disneyland

2007-08-26T14:32:00.000-07:00

Figuring out when to visit a park that's open every single day of the year can be overwhelming. Most people consider the obvious, the crowd conditions, but fail to recognize other factors: Events held around Anaheim, the schedules of local school districts and even events occurring in the park itself.

Summer is one of the busiest times of the year, making entering the park a challenge itself. My picture, 2007.

It is widely assumed that summer is the busiest time at Disneyland, which is only partly true. Many estimates, including the Disneyland Linkage, place the weeks surrounding Christmas and New Years at the top of the list for most crowded.

New Year's Eve is infamous for the amount of people it attracts, and it is often reported that Disneyland simply begins refusing entrance to new guests. The maximum capacity for the park is around 85,000, and if you think of how small the walkways are in "normal" conditions, imagine it with 25, 30 thousand more people!

No matter how unbelievable it sounds, there are plenty of benefits to visiting Disneyland during the peak season. In spirit of the holidays, the park is given a complete makeover during the winter season, a main factor in drawing crowds. Even if you can't sneak onto Indiana Jones Adventure or the Matterhorn Bobsleds, it's worth a visit simply to witness the "snow" fall around Sleeping Beauty Castle and warm holiday tunes playing in the background.

The castle gets all decorated for the holiday season. s0nginmyheart on youtube.com, 2006.

You simply can't say the same for July and August, however. These months are also noted as some of the busiest, often ranking in at 55,000 visitors. Pair that with the beating California sun (average temperatures for the summer season range from 70-100 degrees Fahrenheit), and you've got both long lines and cranky guests surrounding you. It's also more common for groups to "cut" in front of you while waiting in summer's infamous lines: During my trip in early August, a group of around 20 managed to cut in front of my family while in the queue area for the Hollywood Tower of Terror.

Hour long waiting times and soaring temperatures are two things you have to be willing to accept if you visit in summer; they're both not going to change anytime soon. If you think past the rude people and sweat rolling down your face, you can have a pretty nice time. Just remember to ride some of the more popular rides, like Indiana Jones and Splash Mountain, in the wee hours of the morning and late at night. And don't even bother with Finding Nemo unless you've got a spare two hours on your hands.

You may be wondering about the so-called "off seasons" often mentioned with Disneyland fans. This phrase simply refers to the quieter, less crowded periods of time at the park, generally during the following: January, early and mid-February, September through October (excluding Columbus Day), November (also excluding the days around Thanksgiving, which are very busy), and the first two weeks of December.

If you visit during the off season, chances are you'll get a view similar to this. Arrowfanman on themeparkreview.com, 2007.

In short: January, February, September, October and early December are best for visiting. March, April, June, July, August, November and late December are worst when it comes to crowds. May would probably be categorized in "worst" if anything, but most of the time it's sort of a neutral month.

Take this guide with a grain of salt as there are always exceptions, such as various school holidays, events taking place around the park and sudden changes in Disneyland's schedule. For the best trip possible, always make reservations months ahead of time and pay attention to what's going on in terms of events. And of course, consult the Disneyland Expert if you've got other burning questions!

The Disney Gallery

2007-08-11T10:46:00.000-07:00

Taken by me on August 9

Firework spectacular

2007-08-08T13:49:00.001-07:00

Day two ended with a bang, literally! My family enjoyed the Disneyland fireworks from our hotel room balcony instead of fighting the large crowds in the park. In this picture, taken by my dad, you can see what a great view our room provided.

Breakfast this morning took place at Carnation Cafe, where I ordered Mickey Mouse waffles. Otherwise, today has mainly been a day for California Adventure, not Disneyland, though I hope to visit later on in the day. Tonight we're going to the local Medievil Times, a dinner/entertainment event.

Day two

2007-08-07T13:46:00.000-07:00

Day two at Disneyland is halfway over, unfortunately! My mother and I woke up at about 6:50 this morning to go on the Grand Californian Hotel's fitness walk, where participants walk in an empty, closed Disney's California Adventure.

After the 30 minute walk, we had breakfast at La Brea Bakery Cafe in Downtown Disney, a fun experience once you got past the bees buzzing past your head. We practically inhaled our food in order to enter Disneyland as fast as possible!

I have to say, Disneyland is really busy in August. In fact, the infamous line for the newly opened Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage nearly reached "it's a small world" late yesterday evening!

My family ate lunch at our hotel's White Water Snacks and returned to our hotel room, where we currently are. In a few minutes we'll head out to Adventureland, where we'll use our Fastpasses to get on Indiana Jones Adventure. See you all later!

View from our hotel room

2007-08-06T16:26:00.000-07:00

Quick update

2007-08-06T16:20:00.000-07:00

Blogging from Disneyland! I just wanted to post a fast update telling you all my family has arrived safely at the Happiest Place on Earth. Somehow my camera's battery was drained and as a result I have to recharge it, so no photos yet. Stay tuned, however, as we're just getting started!

P.S., our room at the Grand Californian Hotel is great! We've got a fantastic view of Downtown Disney and part of Disneyland itself. I'll take photos, of course!

See you!

Updates from inside the park

2007-08-02T22:02:00.001-07:00

Photo courtesy of Disney.

Beginning Monday, August 6 and ending Friday, August 10, I will be on vacation in Disneyland. As a way of continuing to provide readers with the latest Disney news, I will update this blog at least once a day with new photos and information. Stay tuned as I am notorious for taking plenty of pictures wherever I go!

$1,000,000,000+ to improve Disney's California Adventure: What would you do?

2007-07-24T10:30:00.000-07:00

disneymike on flickr.com

Amidst the speculation over Disney approving over $1 billion to help improve Disney's California Adventure, I thought it'd be interesting to get some of my reader's opinions.

In his recent update on MiceAge.com, Al Lutz let it slip that "DCA may be getting the biggest budget [between Disneyland and DCA]," while Blue Sky Disney reported on July 18 that "the budget has been approved ... it's a great deal of money." The figure has now been named as over $1 billion, all of which will go towards fixing up DCA.

After its 2001 debut, California Adventure had a mixed reaction from Disney fans. The attendance statistics don't help this fact; in 2002 Disney reported only 4.7 million guests instead of the predicted 7 million.

For a park that reportedly cost $650 million to build, $1 billion is a lot of money that could help a great deal in improving the scenery and attractions. What are your thoughts? What should Disney look to improve first? What shouldn't they improve?

Happy 52nd Birthday Disneyland!

2007-07-17T17:09:00.000-07:00

My cake

52 years ago today, Disneyland Park opened for the very first time. Though it was to media only, the opening ceremony was broadcast on television across the world. Countless Disney fans tuned into the ceremony, first taking a tour of the park with Art Linkletter, then listening to Walter Disney's legendary speech.

Now, on July 17, 2007, we celebrate 52 years of happy memories, unforgettable celebrations and churros. Here's to 52 more!

Mark this on your calendar

2007-07-16T15:43:00.001-07:00

Don't forget that tomorrow, July 17, is Disneyland's 52nd birthday! I will be making a more extensive post on the actual day, but I just wanted to remind any fans that have forgotten.

Note: Some will debate that the actual birthday is July 18 (the day the park opened to everyone, not just press), but I believe the birthday is the day the park opened in general.

Image credit(s): "Partners" statue: my photo

Disney Gallery to close

2007-07-04T19:51:00.000-07:00

In a sad update, it has been confirmed by a number of sources that the beloved Disney Gallery is closing in the near future.

The attraction is rumored to be shutting its doors as soon as the end of July, though no specific dates have been announced. Along with the gallery, the famed Fantasmic Balcony will be closing as well.

The gallery, resting above the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, opened to the public on July 11, 1987 and allowed guests to view and purchase Disney-related artwork.

Credits and References
- Disney Gallery photo: Disney.com
- Confirmation: MousePlanet.com

Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage still a crowded attraction

2007-07-03T18:31:00.000-07:00

Planning on taking a ride through the recently opened Finding Nemo attraction? Unless you're willing to spend up to 2 ½ hours of your day standing in a line, plan again.

Despite opening nearly a month ago, the submarine ride is still one of the most popular areas in Disneyland for tourists. The lines have become so extreme that Disney employees recently set up a number of large umbrellas to block the sun's exhausting heat from guests.

Fans speculate that the lines will decrease during the off-season, or the fall season, though there are few facts to support the statements.

Credits and References
- Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage queue photo: MousePlanet.com
- Speculation over lines: Mouse Planet's "MousePad" message forums

Talk about taking a second glance

2007-06-18T16:30:00.000-07:00

Yes, that is the Disneyland Monorail you're looking at! Though I'm a bit late on the reporting, the Monorail had a change of color schemes for the grand opening of Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. Imagine taking a ride through Disneyland on that!

Credits and References
- Disneyland Monorail photo: MousePlanet.com

Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage

2007-06-11T18:13:00.000-07:00

No definite update yet on the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage opening day, but here's an interesting photo courtesy of a user on the MousePlanet.com message boards.

Credits and References
- Finding Nemo queue photo: AVP at MousePlanet.com (06/11/07)

Aerial Disneyland: Tower of Terror

2007-06-10T20:35:00.000-07:00

With technology becoming more and more advanced, it's become easier than ever to "spy" on different spots in the world, Disneyland Resort included. I don't know about others, but I enjoy spending some of my free time looking at aerial pictures of the park and its neighbors.

I'm sure you know what I'm talking about - Google Earth, Live Search - and I wouldn't be surprised if you've looked up 'Disneyland' before, too. If not, I'd like to enlighten you of some of Disneyland's hidden treasures.

First in this feature is the Tower of Terror. From a guest's point of view - while in the park - the attraction looks innocent enough (as innocent as a Tower of Terror can be, I suppose). When glancing at the building from a "bird's eye" view, however, it takes on a whole new light.

What's going on here in the back of the building? As you can see, there's a medium-sized parking lot, along with a large section of building that is definitely not a part of the ride.

Despite being the Disneyland Expert, I can honestly say I'm not 100% sure what's going on here. I assume it's for cast members, but I still find it odd that there is a parking lot in that spot, out of all places. Also, I'd like to know what's going on in the part of the building near the lot...

Credits and References
- Aerial photo of Tower of Terror: maps.live.com

Just two more days

2007-06-09T12:55:00.000-07:00

In what has undoubtedly been one of the most talked-about Disneyland attractions for a good two years, the opening of Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage is just around the corner.

On June 11, the much-anticipated Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage will open to the public. The ride, which replaces the classic Submarine Voyage (1959-1998), will have a similar theme to the previous attraction but with a Finding Nemo storyline.

Workers on the ride are finishing up last-minute jobs and preparing for the opening day, which Disneyland fans predict will be extremely busy.

The queue area is complete and the construction walls are down - now all the attraction needs is you!

Credits and References
- Voyager photo: FrogMiller on Flickr.com (05/18/07)
- Opening date information: Disneyland Park Update, MousePlanet.com (06/4/07)

Pirates of the Caribbean 3 Premiere

2007-05-20T09:44:00.000-07:00

As you may or may not have already known, the world premiere of Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End was held yesterday in Disneyland, an event that has occurred with every Pirates movie.

CHRISAUSTX.SMUGMUG.COM / 2007

In order to hold the premiere without any flaws, the park had irregular hours, opening at 6:30am and closing at 5pm. A giant red carpet was placed on Main Street and guests were allowed to set up camp around it.

Fans who went to the event called it "crazy" and "incredible", while others say the event was "much more organized" than the last premiere.

For those interested in seeing more pictures of the event, over 120 are available on this Disneyland fan's website.

Credits and References
- Premiere photo: chrisaustx.smugmug.com (05/19/07)
- Fan quotes: MousePlanet.com forums (05/20/07)

Favorite spot to take photographs?

2007-05-15T19:49:00.000-07:00

Since news relating to Disneyland is near-nonexistent these days, I decided to let my readers contribute their $.02.

What is your favorite spot in the park to have your photo taken at/take a photograph of? It can be a restaurant, an attraction—anything, so long as it's inside the Disneyland Resort.

WAX POETIC @ FLICKR.COM / 2005

One of the single most popular photo sites is—without a doubt—the Disneyland Train Station, which can often be blocked from view by the amount of guests standing in front of it. The main attraction of having a photo taken there is likely due to the Mickey Mouse floral mural and the train station itself, which represents the entrance of Disneyland.

My personal favorite spot to have a photograph taken is another classic: Sleeping Beauty Castle. There are endless ways to create unique photographs of the castle, and it's a great spot to pose for a family photo. Apparently I'm not the only one, either; search for 'sleeping beauty castle' on any image search engine, and chances are you'll find photos with crowds of guests surrounding the landmark.

With that being said, share your favorite spot for photographs! I'd enjoy hearing what you have to say.

A California Vacation Club?

2007-05-08T07:50:00.000-07:00

Disneyland fans are buzzing today with news of a rumored Disney's Vacation Club property being built on land outside of the Grand Californian Hotel. According to a MousePlanet user, survey makers "dot the perimeter of the grassy field outside Disney's Grand Californian hotel."[1]

GO2MICKEY.COM / 2001

If the news turns out to be true, this would be the first Disney's Vacation Club yet in California. Stay tuned for more information!

[1] Disneyland Park Update, May 7, 2007

Food and drink prices raised

2007-05-05T11:15:00.000-07:00

I don't like to be the bearer of bad news, but someone's got to do it. According to several users on Mouse Planet, the prices of food and drinks at Disneyland have increased in the past week.

Though specific prices of all items have not been released, one user claimed that the price of a small container of popcorn went from $3.00 to $3.50, and that the buckets of popcorn are now $5.50—also an increase of $.50.

MOUSE PLANET / 2003

Along with food, alcoholic drinks will now cost you more—about +$1, to be specific.

Based on this news, it's reasonable to say that one should definitely bring along more cash on their next trip to Disneyland.

Club 33

2007-04-27T20:13:00.000-07:00

Though often discussed by Disneyland fans, many are unaware of what Club 33 really is.

Located in New Orleans Square, Club 33 is open to members only, and is known for being the sole place in the park which sells alcoholic beverages. Becoming a member is something to celebrate on its own--the waiting list is said to be years long, and the least-expensive membership (the Gold Membership) has a member fee of $9,500, along with an annual fee of $3,175.

The entrance to Club 33 - DISNEYLANDCLUB33.COM

You may have yet to discover Club 33 for yourself, and there's a good reason for it: The club is practically hidden in its location next to the Blue Bayou restaurant. Thousands of people pass by the door each and everyday, with only a select few knowing what lies behind it.

The famous elevator in the club - MKT3000.COM / 2004

If you ever become fortunate enough to become a member, take advantage of it. Members have heaps of benefits: Renting the entire club for a special event, entering Disneyland without a ticket and being able to stay all day, and getting the chance to see a new attraction before it opens to the public, along with many other benefits.

Like I previously mentioned, however, becoming a member takes years and thousands of dollars. For now, however, you can easily take a picture-tour by means of the many Club 33 websites.

It's quiet in Disneyland; too quiet

2007-04-25T20:17:00.000-07:00

News relating to the park has been rather scarce lately, seeing as how construction on many attractions is still going strong, and nothing out of the ordinary has occurred. A user from MousePlanet reported that the Penny Arcade is currently closed due to floor replacement and that Splash Mountain is being tested (it's going under refurbishment as I'm typing this), though that's the most notable of all updates.

The Penny Arcade is closed at the moment - DARKBEER.SMUGMUG.COM / 2007

As always, I'll be sure to inform you of any breaking news in Disneyland. For now, feel free to leave any requests you may have for specially-themed posts (i.e. Disneyland Resort hotels, Tomorrowland, etc.), as I've got little else to talk about!

Disney's Best Kept Secret

2007-04-05T08:08:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been tempted to purchase the "perfect" souvenir at Disneyland, only to find that it is more than over your budget? No need to become upset any longer--simply visit your local Disney Character Warehouse Outlet Store and get the item you want for unbelievable prices!

Please note that this post is not intended to look/sound like an advertisement--I merely wanted to inform all of you Disneyland fans of this amazing place: I visited yesterday and saved a whopping $210+!

The front of the store. Picture taken by me.

While the store is not affiliated with the Disney Company/Disneyland, they manage to have hundreds of authentic items from the park, likely purchased from a wholesale auction. Items that originally went for $30 can be purchased for $5--I have proof! Remember the gold 50th Anniversary Mickey ears that went for nearly $12 at the park? They're only $.99 here!

I spent $102 here and later calculated the items to be worth over $315. There was a section dedicated to 50th Anniversary souvenirs, which was one of my personal favorite sections!

Along with 50th Anniversary sections, the store was home to a vast amount of Disneyland pins, shirts, mouse ears, magnets, bags, plates, watches, framed prints, books, candy, stuffed toys, glasses, mugs, hats, and much more.

This limited edition 50th Anniversary plate went for well over $30 at the park and on websites--I got it for $6.99! Picture taken by me.

The store I visited, located at the Prime Outlets Burlington (WA), closes on May 15. Don't worry, however, as this is a traveling store--it will return to Washington within time!

If you don't live in Washington, you still have a chance to visit the stores. Currently, Disney Outlets are located in California, Nevada, Utah, and Oregon. Visit the official website for more information, and have fun shopping!

The Fake Disneyland

2007-03-31T14:50:00.001-07:00

WIKIPEDIA.ORG / 2005

Next time you plan on visiting Disneyland, make sure you're going to the real Disneyland and not a carbon-copy.

Of course I'm talking about Nara Dreamland, the infamous park in Nara, Japan. Built in 1961, the park was designed to be an exact replica of Disneyland. Rumor has it that the developers of the park sent many of their people to Disneyland after its 1955 opening to take thousands of photographs, which they later used to design their park after.

LEFT: Nara's version of Sleeping Beauty Castle. RIGHT: The original version at Disneyland.

This bizarre park is essentially a dirtier version of the Happiest Place on Earth. It's got everything: Main Street Train Station, Sleeping Beauty Castle, the Monorail, even the Matterhorn Bobsleds. Unfortunately, the filthy state of the park reminds guests that they're not in Disneyland.

LEFT: An aerial view of Nara Dreamland. RIGHT: An aerial view of Disneyland.

The park has been described as "the world's finest play ground facility" in a pamphlet for the park, although visitors beg to differ. The people over at Theme Park Review described the park as "[the] alternate universe Disneyland...most of the place looks like [an] abandoned park."

ALL IMAGES ON LEFT ARE NARA DREAMLAND; ALL IMAGES ON RIGHT ARE DISNEYLAND.

Needless to say, Nara Dreamland closed permanently on August 31, 2006. It's safe to say that this is one park that will not be missed.

Sources: themeparkreview.com, athenamama.com, disneycastmagic.com

Then and Now: Main Street Train Station

2007-03-31T13:22:00.000-07:00

A Disneyland original, the Main Street Train Station is nearly as popular as Sleeping Beauty Castle. Much like the castle, it has gone through several extensive refurbishments (even as I'm typing this, the building is being worked on), yet it remains a classic in the eyes of Disneyland fans.

DARKBEER.SMUGMUG.COM / 2007

There are few ways to enter Disneyland without coming across this landmark, and that's what makes it so special. The ever-familiar Mickey Mouse flower garden is one of the most popular spots for photos, and the station itself is home to the Disneyland Railroad, an attraction that Walter Disney himself was fond of.

TOP ROW: Train Station in 1955 vs. Train Station now; BOTTOM ROW: T.S. in the 1960's, T.S. being built in 1955.

One of the most notable refurbishments the train station has gone under was in 2005 for Disneyland's 50th Anniversary. The station received one of the famous "50" plaques, along with the floral garden in front being changed to celebrate the anniversary. In 2006, these decorations were all taken down and the building was returned to its pre-2005 state.

THE TRAIN STATION DURING ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY STAGE.

One should also note that the sign on the train station -- the one reading "DISNEYLAND" -- changes periodically based on the number of guests coming to the park. For example, in recent years the sign has been changed to read "POPULATION: 500,000,000," due to the 500th million guest walking through the gates in late 2004/early 2005.

Unlike other attractions in Disneyland, the Main Street Train Station is one that is practically guaranteed to never be removed. Next time you visit Disneyland, hopefully you'll think of the station in a new light.

Sources: justdisney.com, wikipedia.org, matterhorn1959.blogspot.com, travel.webshots.com.

Happy Birthday, Pirates of the Caribbean!

2007-03-16T20:51:00.000-07:00

This Sunday, legendary attraction Pirates of the Caribbean will celebrate its 40th birthday. Opening on March 18, 1967, the attraction was one of the last Walter Disney himself worked on before his death and has become one of Disney's most well-known attractions.

PERSONAL PHOTO / 2006

In a press release today, Disneyland celebrated the attraction.

Disneyland Resort will mark a 40-year milestone Sunday, March 18, when the classic Pirates of the Caribbean attraction celebrates its 40th anniversary ... The Sunday anniversary will be observed with in-park autograph signings by Walt Disney Imagineers involved in the creation of the attraction, and with the debut of some new collectible Pirates-themed items.

Nearly 315,000,000 Disneyland guests have experienced the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction since its 1967 opening.

"Yo Ho's" songwriter X Atencio ... said, "It's amazing to me how the show has lived for 40 years. It gets stronger every year. It just blows my mind."

Pirates of the Caribbean was first conceived by Walt Disney in the late 1950s when he wanted to create an attraction based on pirate adventures. Initially, it was envisioned to be a wax museum and then as a walk-through adventure as part of a new land themed to New Orleans. But ultimately, it was actualized as a ride-through adventure that utilizes the type of boat system that the "it's a small world" attraction employs.

Here's to 40 more years, Pirates!

Fire Causes Problems in Disneyland

2007-03-13T19:04:00.001-07:00

As widely reported by various news sources, a vicious wildfire beginning on Sunday (March 11) hit the Anaheim Hills, forcing hundreds of families to evacuate their homes. Disneyland, located in Anaheim, was not in any serious danger, although the park did have its share of wildfire-related problems.

By Opus1guy, Mouse Planet member
Smoke from the fire, as seen in Tomorrowland.

Guests to the park reported problems caused from the fire, although mostly smoke-related issues. "There was...quite a bit of ash falling," one Mouse Planet user claimed. "[I] saw a couple [of Cast Members] working with masks."

While some guests shrugged off the fire, stating that it wasn't too big of an issue, others were irritated by the vast amount of ash and smoke. "My eyes are stinging quite badly today," a guest said, while another described her unique lunch at the Carnation Café. "By the time we came out of the Café, ash was falling everywhere," she said. "When we got to our cars...they were covered in a light coating of ash."

Fortunately, the fire is nearly completely contained as of today. In fact, the wildfire went from being 30% contained to 70% contained all in the course of yesterday. (The cause, in case you were wondering, was reportedly a car fire.)

Smells of Disneyland

2007-03-01T11:19:00.001-08:00

A recent thread on ever-mentioned Mouse Planet had me wondering: If you were to bottle up a scent from Disneyland, what would you pick?

The scent at the beginning of Pirates of the Caribbean was a popular answer | My photo

One of the most frequent answers was the smell at the beginning of the popular attraction Pirates of the Caribbean, which was described as a "chlorine-like scent." Other answers included the scent of fresh churros, roasting coffee at Disney's California Adventure, and the Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor in Main Street, U.S.A.

With that being said, what is your answer? I personally enjoy the smell of the first lagoon in Pirates as well, as it reminds me that I'm in Disneyland.

New Pirates of the Caribbean Disney Dollars

2007-03-01T11:06:00.000-08:00

For those of you interested in Disney Dollars*, Disney recently announced new versions of the tokens, this time themed after the legendary Pirates ride.

One of the new Disney Dollars | Disney

The Dollars, expected to be released on March 18, will each feature the famous pirate skull and one of the pirate ships. Additionally, each Dollar will have a special 20th Anniversary seal on the front. (The Disney Dollar was first issued in 1987, hence the seal.)

*Disney Dollars, in case you didn't know, are a form of tokens used at Disney theme parks. The "tokens" are purchased for their value in USD. (For example, a $1 Disney Dollar is purchased for $1.)

Do you know the three most spoken words at Disneyland?

2007-02-21T18:57:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy of Disney.

I bet you don't--the results are surprising! Instead of something along the lines of "no flash photography" or "where is the bathroom?," the actual answer is "here we go," according to a radio show segment yesterday.

Statistics aside, what do you believe are the three most spoken words in your family while at Disneyland? Be creative!

Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln to Reopen!

2007-02-16T09:57:00.000-08:00

Mr. Lincoln, as depicted in the attraction. (Personal photo.)

Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, the beloved attraction in Main Street U.S.A., will be reopening after nearly two years of hiatus. Disneyland: the First 50 Years, dedicated to celebrating the 50th Anniversary, replaced Lincoln's show in May 2005. A user on Mouse Planet announced the news yesterday, stating her source as the "Mousesavers newsletter":

"Disneyland: the First 50 Years (Disneyland) expected to close sometime this spring for changeover back to Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln."

Disneyland Then and Now: The Disneyland Monorail

2007-02-16T09:30:00.000-08:00

Surely you've seen the Disneyland Monorail before--after all, it's one of the main sights in Disneyland! While it's often overlooked as merely another means of transportation in the park, the Monorail is actually a surprisingly interesting piece of Disneyland history.

Attraction poster for the Monorail | Disney

Opening on June 14, 1959, the Disneyland-ALWEG Monorail System (renamed to the "Disneyland Monorail System" in 1987) was the first daily operating monorail in the western hemisphere. Moreover, it was the first monorail in America, a fact the park enjoyed sharing with guests. (In fact, every time you ride the monorail, the recorded speaker tells you that very bit of information!)

Originally, the attraction was a non-stop ride, although in 1961 was expanded to include a stop at the Disneyland Hotel. The current monorail, however, has two stations: One in Tomorrowland, the other in Downtown Disney.

The monorail in the 1950's/60's compared to the modern monorail. Note the Skyway and sign above the actual monorail cars advertising the attraction. (Pictures courtesy of The Imaginary World and Mouse Planet.)

On August 21, 2006, the monorail was closed after six months of "shuttle mode" (one-way service) due to the construction of the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage attraction. The monorail reopened in December 2006, albeit still in shuttle mode.

As you can see, the monorail has gone through many changes in its lifetime, with more to come -- the new Mark VII trains are to be completed by 2007, along with a new name change (Disneyland Resort Line), a completely new system, and changes to cast member uniforms -- yet it remains one of Disneyland's most treasured landmarks.

Disneyland Then and Now: Disneyland Resort

2007-02-15T19:20:00.000-08:00

The second feature in the "Disneyland Then and Now" series, this post centers around the history of the Disneyland Resort.

Disneyland Resort Logo | Disney

The Disneyland Resort consists of three hotels, two theme parks, and one shopping/entertainment district. (Disneyland Hotel, Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel, Disneyland Park, Disney's California Adventure, and Downtown Disney, respectively.)

However, the Disneyland Resort wasn't always home to these beloved properties. In fact, in the first few years of Disneyland, there wasn't even a Disneyland Resort -- the land was instead owned by various companies, and was later bought by Disney.

Many changes and additions have occurred at the resort since 1955. Going from left to right: Disneyland Hotel circa 50's/60's and now; Grand Californian Hotel and Paradise Pier Hotel; Disneyland Sign throughout the years. The sign (in first and second picture) was taken down for good in 1999, and the sign seen in the last picture is merely the entrance to the resort.

The current president of the Disneyland Resort is Ed Grier, who was appointed in July 2006.

The Disneyland Hotel is the original hotel of the resort, although Disney didn't own it until 1989--Jack Wrather had financed and owned the hotel and refused to sell it until then. Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa opened in 2001 as part of the major expansion of the resort, while Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel originally began life as the Emerald Hotel in 1984, although later known as the Pan Pacific Hotel. (Disney finally purchased the hotel in 1995, thus changing the name to Disneyland Pacific Hotel. The current name came during the previously mentioned expansion, after a land in Disney's California Adventure.)

Disney's California Adventure is the second theme park in the Disneyland Resort, opening in February of 2001. Downtown Disney also opened in 2001, and is an outdoor shopping and entertainment district.

If you have any questions/comments/etc., feel free to leave a comment here.

Photo Credits (in order): Disneyland Postcards, Trip Advisor, Mouse Planet, Team Benns, Go California, personal picture.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2007-02-13T18:22:00.000-08:00

Disneyland Postcards

Happy Valentine's Day to all of the Disneyland Expert's readers! Whether you're celebrating in Disneyland or at home, you all deserve the best. Thanks for reading my blog!

Disneyland Then and Now: Characters Edition

2007-02-11T11:31:00.000-08:00

This post is the first of a vast amount of related posts to come--all suitably titled Disneyland Then and Now. The posts, as expected, will follow a "vintage Disneyland vs. modern Disneyland" theme, comparing vintage (1950's-1980's) to modern (1990's-2000's) Disneyland.

The first edition in this series will center around Disneyland characters. As anyone who has visited Disneyland can tell you, characters play a major role in the park. Seeing how nearly everything in Disneyland has gone through ~1 refurbishment in its lifetime, it's only expected that the characters have had their share of makeovers, too.

From top to bottom: Mickey/Minnie; White Rabbit, Alice, and Mad Hatter; Goofy.

As you can tell, vintage characters had a much different appearance than characters these days. Some changes are more prominent, others not--while the size of Mickey's head in the early days of the park is obviously gigantic compared to now, some might not notice that Goofy's hat color changed, or that Minnie's shoes are no longer green.

What are your thoughts/opinions? Do you prefer the old look of the characters, or do you enjoy the new, modern take on Disney characters?

Photo credits: Disneyland Postcards.

Tom Sawyer Island No More

2007-02-10T20:56:00.000-08:00

Tom Sawyer Island | Mouse Planet

To all you Tom Sawyer Island devotees, I'm sorry. A major revamp for the beloved attraction has been announced--a pirate theme will be added, and the name will change to Pirates Lair at Tom Sawyer Island. This announcement comes in lieu of the third Pirates of the Caribbean movie premiere at Disneyland--in fact, the refurbishment is expected to be nearly complete by the premiere in mid-2007.

Tom Sawyer Island is one of the few attractions designed solely by Walter Disney left in Disneyland. Since its 1956 opening, the island has garnered a vast amount of loyal fans, many who are upset over the recent refurbishment news.

Disney's California Adventure's 6th Anniversary

2007-02-08T18:57:00.000-08:00

Disney's California Adventure | Photograph by Sam Antonio

Happy Anniversary, California Adventure! Six years ago today, the sister park of Disneyland opened to the public. Throughout the years, the park has experienced its share of ups and downs, and whether or not you're for or against it, we should all recognize this piece of Disneyland history.

Disneyland Railroad Refurbishment Announced

2007-02-06T20:37:00.000-08:00

The Disneyland Railroad | disneylandpostcards.com

According to Mouse Planet, the Disneyland Railroad will be closed for a large period of time. From now until March 29, the railroad will not be open to guests. However, the railroad is expected to open from March 30-May 16, and once again close on May 17 for an uncertain amount of time--one Mouse Planet user assumes the attraction will be closed "for however long it takes to get [Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage] up and running."

Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage

2007-02-03T11:22:00.000-08:00

Someone has requested more pictures/information on the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage (mentioned in my last update), so I have decided to dedicate an entry to the future attraction.

Name: Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
Land: Tomorrowland
Opening Date: June 11, 2007
Based on: The 2003 PIXAR animated movie Finding Nemo
Story: Guests will get up close and personal with some of Nemo's most beloved characters, including (of course) Nemo, as the friends observe an underwater volcano.
Submarines: The attraction will use the same submarine vehicles as the now-defunct Submarine Voyage, although they have been given new names, numbers, and paint job. The new names are as followed: Nautilus, Scout, Voyager, Mariner, Seafarer, Explorer, Neptune, and Argonaut.

Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage fills the spot of another underwater themed Tomorrowland attraction, the well loved Submarine Voyage. Closed on September 9, 1998, the attraction was promised (by then-Disneyland president Paul Pressler, nonetheless) to open in 2003 as a new, updated version. Not surprisingly, though, 2003 came and went with no new submarine attraction.

Finally, much to the joy of Disneyland fans alike, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts president Jay Rasulo announced on July 15, 2005 that a new attraction, named Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, would be built in the original attractions place.

Picture credits, in order: Disneyland.com, DAPs Magic, and chrisaustx.smugmug.com for the last two construction pictures.

Opening Date of "Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage" Announced

2007-02-01T20:12:00.000-08:00

After months of anticipation, the opening date of the Finding Nemo submarine attraction has been announced: June 11. The attraction, located in Tomorrowland, is a modern twist on 1959's famed Submarine Voyage, which closed in 1998.

The Submarine Lagoon. Photo from Disney.

Splash Mountain Closed Until Late May

2007-01-25T18:53:00.000-08:00

One of Disneyland's legendary attractions, Splash Mountain (located in Critter Country), is closed due to refurbishment until late May, according to Mouse Planet.

A Mouse Planet user commented with the following:

"Besides the normal refurbmishment and drying out the of the logs, they are replacing the entire lift mechanisms for lift A, lift B, and half of lift C. The other half was replaced in the last major refurb. These motors and related equipment have gone past the expected life span, and really need to be replaced, therefore the extended closure.

"The current schedule has the ride reopening in late May, but as with any major refurb, they can sometimes find other things that need repair, which could delay the reopening."

As soon as I find some pictures/information, I'll post it here. (But you already know that!)

More news on Sleeping Beauty Castle

2007-01-23T15:24:00.000-08:00

While I don't have a vast amount of detailed information, I do have some new news revolving around the refurbishment of Sleeping Beauty Castle, courtesy of Mouse Planet.

According to the Mouse Planet forums, the castle should be completed by February 9, a Friday. Due to this fact, an extensive refurbishment like my last post implied is unlikely.

Along with the castle and the floral Main Street Train Station entrance, both tunnels in the park have recently been revealed to show a new color-filled appearance © David Michael at Mouse Planet

Sleeping Beauty Castle Refurbishment

2007-01-22T17:31:00.000-08:00

Sleeping Beauty Castle is currently being refurbished, much to the distaste of Disneyland fans alike.

Although the official cause of refurbishment is currently unknown, a user at the Mouse Planet Disneyland forums said the following:

"I was told several months ago that the inside of the castle has structural problems and basically the whole building needs to be torn down and replaced. Instead of Disneyland putting a band-aid on the problem by repainting and patching, its [sic] probably smarter for them to demo the castle and build a new modern steel structure, identical to the current wooden frame structure. I am sure the castle has lots of termite damage and the wood frame is in very bad shape."

As the Disneyland Expert, I will keep you updated on any breaking news on the castle.

Disneyland Art

2007-01-21T13:29:00.000-08:00

Ever heard of Thomas Kinkade or Shag? Of course you have! The artists, generally known for their unique work, are just two of the countless artists who have painted Disneyland.

There is more to Disneyland art than meets the eye. After all, there can only be so many portraits of Mickey Mouse posing in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle or Main Street, U.S.A. The previously mentioned artists, along with many others, are working on changing what Disneyland art has become.

I personally own Shag's 5 "Original Lands" set, featuring paintings of Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland. Additionally, I own a postcard size of Thomas Kinkade's Sleeping Beauty Castle painting, seen above.

While they're undoubtedly some of the most famous, Shag and Kinkade are obviously not the only artists to use Disneyland as their muse. Just look at the many paintings scattered around Disneyland (and in the Disney Gallery) for proof!

If you wish to purchase one of these prints, you don't have many options. Of course you can take a visit to the Disney Gallery and purchase however many prints you want, but not everyone has access to the gallery at any given time. (If you do, however, take advantage of that fact!) For those of us who live outside of Anaheim, eBay is your next best bet. Simply type in "disneyland print" and you'll soon find yourself in a world full of gorgeous posters. Warning: Make sure the seller you're purchasing from is a decent one before clicking the 'bid' or 'buy' button!

But that's not all! Theme Park Shopper also has sections dedicated to Shag, Disneyland attraction posters, Disney movie prints, and more.

Have fun shopping for prints, and make sure to tell me what you purchased!

Disney Cruise Line: Returning to California in 2008

2007-01-20T16:38:00.000-08:00

While this isn't entirely Disneyland-related, I still figure it's worth a read. According to Mouse Planet, the Disney Cruise line will return to the Port of Los Angeles in 2008.

"The agreement is for May 1, 2008 through September 15, 2008, identical to the lease signed when the ship first visited California in 2005. Disney has not made any announcement about potential itineraries, but the lease dates suggest that the West Coast operation will be similar to the 2005 schedule: one west-bound Panama Canal repositioning cruise, likely departing Port Canaveral on May 17 and arriving in Los Angeles the morning of May 31; 12 7-day cruises departing each Saturday between May 31 and August 17; and then a east-bound Panama Canal transit to return the ship to Port Canaveral, likely departing on August 23 ... Disney is expected to release the 2008 itinerary on January 17, but reservations will not open until January 31."

Excellent news! This means that I can now find an excuse to visit Disneyland next summer: Not only could I visit the Happiest Place on Earth, but also take a Disney cruise!