Updates from inside the park

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?

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!

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

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

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