Say Hello to Mark VII!

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

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)

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.