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

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?

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

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)

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?

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!