Max Guggenheim’s 9/9/12 DLR Photo Report

DLNT reporter Max Guggenheim was at the Disneyland Resort a few days ago and got some pictures of some construction around the resort.

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Quite a crowd at DCA for rope drop

In Disneyland,

The Fire Station and City Hall are behind tarps

Indy is Closed

Pirates League

New Orleans Square is dressed up for the season

Haunted Mansion Holiday opens tomorrow

Casey Jr. is closed through November 15th

The former Princess Fantasy Faire will open next spring with a new stage show

The meet and greet backdrops have been demolished

Over in Tommorowland, Pizza Port is still closed

Fantasy Faire

The Snow White Grotto is being cleaned

The little displays are back on the Mickey and Friends tram route

 

Periwinkle joining Tinker Bell at Disneyland

From Shawn Slater of Disney Parks Blog:

In the newest Disney Fairies movie “Secret of the Wings,” coming to Blu-ray and DVD October 23, Tinker Bell journeys into the mysterious world of the Winter Woods, where curiosity and adventure lead her to an amazing discovery and reveal a magical secret that could change her world forever. In the Winter Woods, Tinker Bell meets Periwinkle, a frost fairy who turns out to be Tink’s sister, born of the same baby’s laugh.

Soon, you’ll be able to meet Periwinkle, too, as we bring a bit of the Winter Woods to Tinker Bell’s Magical Nook at Magic Kingdom Park and Pixie Hollow at Disneyland park. These areas will receive a sparkling layer of snow and ice, creating the perfect environment to greet Periwinkle and make her feel at home. Even Tinker Bell will be dressed for the occasion, wearing her warm, wintry ensemble from the film.

Look for Periwinkle to join her sister at Disneyland and Magic Kingdom parks, beginning in mid-September.

Max Guggenheim’s 8/12/12 Fantasy Faire Photo Report

Following my report yesterday covering Fantasy Faire construction, DLNT Photographer Max Guggenheim got some more pictures of the construction behind the walls over on Main Street. Take a look…

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You can get a good look at the framework

Thanks for the pics max

Conner Purzycki’s 8/10/12 Fantasy Faire Photo Report

I have a small photo report from a few days ago and news is slow around the resort so I just grabbed a few photos of Fantasy Faire construction on Main Street. Take a look…

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It looks like demolition has completed and construction has begun behind the wall on Main Street

Framework has already gone up

Over in the Opera House, the case featuring Disneyland Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow has been updated with Fantasy Faire concept art.

Star Tours has also moved from “Tomorrow” to “Today.”

Fantasmic In Line For “Glow With The Show” Addition

From Shawn Slater of Disney Parks Blog:

This summer, guests at Disney California Adventure park have been surprised and delighted by the ways in which the new “Glow With the Show” Ears magically interact with everything from “World of Color” to Mad T Party and more. Reaction to the “Glow With the Show” Ears has been so positive, the team is already working to expand the magic at the Disneyland Resort.

I’m happy to tell you that you’ll soon be able to “Glow With the Show” during “Fantasmic!” at Disneyland park. Imagine experiencing this classic nighttime spectacular in a whole new way – shimmering with the lights of romance as Disney’s royal couples drift by or becoming part of a virtual sea of flames when Maleficent sets the river on fire.

You’ll be able to get glowing with “Fantasmic!” later this month – stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for more updates.

Have Your Disneyland Resort Questions Answered “Otto”-Magically

From Erin Glover on the Disney Parks Blog:

This summer, Disneyland Resort guests have a new way to get answers to many of their questions: Ask Otto! You can reach Ask Otto! at 714-520-7090*.

Ask Otto! is a Voice-Based Guest Service Designed to Answer Frequently Asked In-Park Questions
A test program by Walt Disney Imagineering, Ask Otto! is a voice-based guest service designed to answer frequently asked in-park questions, such as:

  • Attraction locations, wait times**, and Disney’s FASTPASS Service return times**
  • Park operating hours
  • Parade, fireworks, “Fantasmic!”, “World of Color” show times
  • Park food and beverage options, restaurant locations, and general dining information

Ask Otto! can also connect you to cast members in Disneyland Guest Information & Ticket Sales, Disney Dining (for dining reservations), Walt Disney Travel Company/Hotel Reservations, as well as the Disneyland Hotel Operator.

In addition to Ask Otto! (714-520-7090*), you can also take advantage of these other options for in-park assistance:

*Normal call charges apply, subject to availability. Your call may be recorded. Please obtain parental approval for callers under 18 years of age.

**Times are estimated and not guaranteed.

 

We have recorded a call with Otto that will be on this weeks show which will be out in the next two days.

Video: Annual Passholders Glow With The Show

Last month, Annual Passholders were invited to attend an after hours event to introduce the Glow with the Show mouse ears. For the past three days, thousands of passholders were given free ears and a private showing of World of Color. DLNT Reporter Max Guggenheim was at one of these parties and got a really awesome multi-angle video of the show and the ears. Enjoy.

 
 
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Hats are for sale in Los Feliz Five and Dime and many other locations around DCA

Annual Passholders can also buy the hat with a Glow with the Show pin and lanyard for $40. Available at Off the Page.

In-Depth Look: Buena Vista Street Brings Heart to DCA’s Doorway

If you have any appreciation for Walt Disney and his success story, you’re most likely going to fall in love with Buena Vista Street at Disney California Adventure. Not only does it evoke nostalgia for the long gone Los Angeles, but it brings to life the story of Walt Disney and the people who affected his life and company. Let’s take a walk around this charming new entrance to California Adventure:

Looking Towards Elias and Company

We already covered the Carthay Circle in a previous post, but it is still beautiful…

The front of Fiddler, Fifer, & Practical, Clarabelle’s and Trolley Treats

Buena Vista Street is charming during the day, but just like Main Street, it takes on a whole new persona at night

Fiddler, Fifer, and Practical Cafe Seating Area

The backstory says the restaurant is owned by three singing sisters who performed all over the country

Clarabelle’s

Trolley Treats

Rock Candy Mountain is in the window display

Love the little trolleys running through it

Train models is the window next door. Fun fact, the store in this space previously (Engines, Ears, Toys) originally sold model trains.

Rock Candy Mountain from the outside

LIGHT UP SIDEWALKS!

These were to allow light into basements

The old Candy sign from Greetings From California has moved across the street

Candy kitchen

The next store is Atwater Art Supply

And sells mostly cooking accessories, more-so just mugs…

A lot of detail in the shelving

This is a neat bulletin board behind the check in counter

Firehouse Five is the Firemen on Main Street, at this time they were the Firehouse Four…

The Three Caballeros are referenced here

WDP, Walt Disney Productions

4651 Kingswell was Walt and Roy’s original studio

S. White…

Roger Rabbit?

4409 Kingswell is where Walt and Roy stayed in Los Feliz when they first went to Hollywood. They lived with their uncle Robert Disney. That’s why it says to “See Robert.”

Lots of fun references in this one. First Flower Street is home of Imagineering. Also the Hyperion Theater at the very bottom.

The next store is Julius Katz and Sons and sells various collectibles including these great new big figures

This store is themed to an electricians shop. A bunch of fun appliances are up on the shelf.

They had a little fun with the tags

“Sew What?”

Julius Katz and Sons

Haha….

A little blurry, but an Epcot reference? Really?

The photo shop is very nice

Even the lockers facade is incredible….

Morimer’s Market is a fruit stand on the corner

Love the old style coolers

On to the other side of the street now, This is Los Feliz Five & Dime

Buena Vista Steet has it’s own Baseball Team, The Buena Vista Stars

Red car Trolley making a stop

Another window in Los Feliz has a few storybooks that inspired Disney films

Grizzly Peak appears behind Davy Crockett

The top of the shelves in Los Feliz have merchandise that actually would have been sold in the store at the time

The store sells hats and generic DCA merchandise

The next store is Big Top Toys and is a toy shop. The music loop in this room is actually from Storybook Circus which just opened over at The Magic Kingdom.

Yes the stores stay closed as part of a green initiative

This is the first section of Elias & Company, the children’s department

Cow jumping over the moon

Here is the main entrance

Chandeliers imported from Italy

This appears to be the men’s department

The Rocketeer!

And the last area of Elias and Company sells jewelry and other accessories

This is the old Candy Shop from Greetings From California, but it has been painted and refurnished nicely

The Storytellers statue

There is a small park outside of Elias and Company

Los Feliz window

Eddie Valiant, Roger Rabbit reference

Officer Percival PEabody from Hollywood Studios?

Oswald’s sells hats, sunscreen, and other things of that sort.

The new Guest Relations building

If those photos weren’t enough, you can take an in-depth video tour of Buena Vista Street at night:

Buena Vista Street has a lot of heart and is certainly going to be endearing to any Disney fan. There is a sense of real community up and down the street, much like Main Street U.S.A. and I think guests will connect to Buena Vista Street just as they have to Disneyland’s entrance for over 57 years now. This is a fantastic change for the park and a wonderful area to just meander around for a few hours. It may have all started with a mouse, but for California Adventure, it all starts with a man, a suitcase, and a dream.

Max Guggenheim 6/9/12 DLR Photo Report

Max gives us photos of Disneyland with updates on construction at the parks, including the Matterhorn & what is happening at Carnation Gardens. Also, some view of the soft openings at Buena Vista Street & Cars Land.

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The new Matterhorn ride vehicles look a million times more comfortable.

A view of the work happening where Carnations Garden’s once stood.

Buena Vista street getting those finishing touches for Grand Opening next week.

Visitors getting a sneak peak of Buena Vista Street.

Look at the flowers they’ve added. Simply lovely.

I think these flowers really add the finishing touches to the street.

The front view of the Starbucks on Buena Vista Street

These retro styled attraction posters are perfectly matched with the time/theme of the rest of the park.

Cars Land is filled with people getting to one of the days of it’s soft opening. Wish I was among the lucky few!

Radiator Springs is being test driven! Can’t wait to ride it myself!

The new posters on Paradise Pier add a fun and entertaining backdrop that compliment the overall atmosphere.

The Cove Bar looking lovely!

Work happening over at Bugs Land

Thanks for reading!

Hayley Nance’s 6/9/12 Cars Land And Buena Vista Street Photo Report

DLNT Reporter Hayley Nance was lucky enough to be able to attend one of the Cars Land and Buena Vista Street annual passholder previews and took a plethora of newsworthy photos of both new land at DCA. On to the photos!

There was a big line to get in

A special map provided to those attending the event

Wristband for the event

Everyone was so happy…

First ride, Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree

Reviews have been surprisingly popular for this ride so far

Filming on Route 66

The queue for Radiator Springs Racers was pretty long

Yes, they built the fountain from the movie…. awesome

Neat bench

Lighting McQueen out meeting guests

Ramone’s House of Stroller Parking… I mean body art

We know you’ve been waiting for it… new trashcans!

The hoods displayed at the D23 Expo are in the windows

The entrance to Luigi’s Flying Tires

Side entrance to Ramone’s

Stanley’s statue

The Fastpass machines that wont be used for a while. Racers’ fastpass will be distributed at the former It’s Tough To Be A Bug location

More filming

The path to Pacific Wharf

Now for a walk through the Racers queue

Ha…

The Radiator Spring

Stanley and Lizzie getting married

There is a house made of oil bottles…

In the boarding area

I spot a WDW bag… anyway…

The attention to detail is insane

Yes, there is an on-ride photo

The word is that the Single Rider line moves quickly if you don’t mind your party being split up

Luigi’s Flying Tires

Path to Bugs Landhas neat sign, selling the land as a tourist trap along Route 66…

Brilliant…

Curio shop

It’s funny where DCA impedes on Cars Land, like the Boudin Bakery visible from Fillmore’s

Plenty of fruit and drinks available

Cone-Anza!!!

YES! The cone umbrellas from the movie!

Flo’s Breakfast Menu

Purty…

Alright, lets move on out

Buena Vista Street time! A leather jacket featuring the Storytellers statue

Plenty of sweets at Trolley Treats

Mad T Party candy…

Clabelle’s

RED CAR!!!!

Pluto out on the street in his fancy new duds

Ads inside the trolley are brilliant. Take note of the Hollywood Tower Hotel before the tallest tower was added

Let’s take this puppy for a spin…

The new guest relations building is the Chamber of Commerce

More new trashcans!


RED CAR!!!!

It’s amazing what paint can do to this old facade

Back in Cars Land, Red was out

Thanks for reading! Don’t forget, DLNT will have continuing coverage of all things opening at DCA and Disneyland over the next week, including coverage of the media festivities June 13th-15th! Stay tuned!