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Then and Now: Celebrating 58 Years at the Disneyland Resort, Part 1, 2 & 3
Disney Parks Blog released images over the past few days in celebration of Disneyland’s 58th anniversary. The images blend historical photo’s with current photo’s, and give a unique perspective of Disneyland.
The Disneyland Resort marks 58 years of history, change and growth on its anniversary next week, July 17. Through the years, one aspect of the Disneyland Resort that remains unchanged is the importance of our cast members to preserving Walt Disney’s vision.
To celebrate the anniversary on the Disney Parks Blog, this is the first of a three-part series blending historical images of our cast with photos of those who carry on Walt’s legacy today.
Then: Walt Disney poses for a photo with cast members at the Creole Café, now Café Orleans, in 1966.
Now: Café Orleans Lead Tammy Peterson poses in the same spot. She recalls, “As a kid, we would have to do chores to earn money to get to Disneyland. Now, I get to bring my grandkids.”
Continuing our three-part “Then & Now” series celebrating the 58th anniversary of the Disneyland Resort is this image of the Jungle Cruise.
Then: A Jungle Cruise skipper unloads a boat in 1965.
Now: Jungle Cruise Skipper Randy Grant carries out the same duty. “I’m enough of a dreamer that I understand the concept Walt had for the park,” Randy said. “I think he would be pleased that the Disneyland Resort is still growing. It proves his idea and his dream correct, that this is a place where people can be a kid no matter what age they are.”
Rounding out our three-part “Then & Now” series celebrating the 58th anniversary of the Disneyland Resort is this image of a Tom Sawyer Island River Raft journeying across the Rivers of America.
Then: Cast member Karen Marshall waves to guests in 1987.
Now: Karen Marshall, guest experience services, chats with Kevin Concepcion, Pirates Lair Rafts lead. Karen, who has worked at the Disneyland Resort since 1972, said, “I have many great memories from when I started working at Disneyland park so many years ago. Back then, I never could have imagined all of the changes that have taken place. It has been so much fun watching the Disneyland Resort grow and offer more amazing experiences for our guests to enjoy.”
Happy 58th birthday to the Happiest Place on Earth. The orange grove that started it all. Disneyland!
Tim Alcoser’s 7/27/2013 Disneyland Resort Photo Report
Disneyland News Today Reporter Tim Alcoser was at the Disneyland Resort on Saturday, July 27th and snapped a few shots around the parks. Not too much happening at the Disneyland Resort in terms of news at the moment, but Anaheim will be abuzz in less than 2 weeks with D23. In any case work on Big Thunder appears to be on the downhill and Disney’s Planes merchandise has shown up at resort merchandise locations:
The Flying Carpet has been back for several weeks to the surprise of both new and old guests at Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular
On this photo report, I thought i’d take you for a spin on California Screamin’ for those who never been…or don’t want to
From the main lift hill you can see the Matterhorn and it’s bigger brother, Mt. Baldy far off.
Back over at Disneyland, we have Mickey’s Soundsational Parade in progress
A cast member tells Burt he will have to go on without Mary Poppin’s since her horse has broke down. What will he do?
Laugh.
The parade must go on. They escort the horse out and continue the floats.
No need to worry. Mary Poppins rode on the main float instead.
Just a few snapshots of the All-American College Band
Big Thunder Trail has been closed again, but most of the scaffolding has been taken down at Big Thunder Mountain
New sign posted instructing guests how to reach some favorite destinations
Here is some of the new Disney Planes merchandise you’ll find at Big Top Toys on Buena Vista Street. You’ll also find them at Sarge’s Surplus Hut and the Emporium
This is an Antenna topper
Thanks for reading! Stay with WDW News Today as we bring you complete coverage of all the exciting news out of D23 next month!
The Pirates League is Back for a Limited Time Only at the Disneyland Resort!
For the ultimate pirate fan in your family, the Disneyland Resort has announced that the popular Pirates League will be returning for a limited time during the Halloween season. From the Disney Parks blog:
Yes, you read the subject line right! For those of you who made The Pirates League part of your Halloween Time experience at the Disneyland Resort last year, good news – it’s back! For a limited time beginning September 13, The Pirates League will come ashore taking over part of Festival Arena in Frontierland at Disneyland park.
At The Pirates League, landlubbers will be transformed into the most swashbuckling of pirates, receive a sea-worthy name, train with some of the League’s most veteran Pirate Masters, take the official Pirates League Oath and learn the ways of the scurvy sea dogs as they apply yer buccaneer beard, scars, earrings and eye patches.
Experiences will be as follows:
Jake and the Never Land Pirates
Includes Jake and the Never Land Pirates bandana with faux hair, Jake facial effect, sword and sheath, The Pirates League bag and a unique pirate coin necklace.The First Mate
Includes choice of facial effect (Options: Black Beard, Black Eyed Jack, Captain Hook and Ghosted Pirate), Reversible bandana, earring and eye patch, sword and sheath, The Pirates League bag, temporary tattoo, unique pirate coin necklace, personalized pirate oath and an official pirate name.Empress
Includes reversible bandana, earring and eye patch, sword and sheath, The Pirates League bag, temporary tattoo, unique pirate coin necklace, personalized pirate oath, official pirate name. The Empress package also includes vibrant makeup, nail polish, lip gloss and face gem!Packages at the Pirates League range from $29.95 to $34.95 plus tax.
Experiences and operating hours may vary. Reservations will be available beginning Aug 20 at 714-781-STYLE or 714-781-7895.
Don’t miss out on this limited time opportunity if you are at the resort around Halloween time.
Special military performances coming to the Disneyland Resort for Independence Day!
In celebration of the upcoming Independence Day holiday, several groups will be making special guest visits to the Disneyland Resort including the 3rd Marine Air Wing Band from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.
Joining us on July 4th is the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band from Miramar, Calif., who will help retire the colors at Disneyland park during the flag retreat ceremony in Town Square at 5:30 p.m. They also will perform a full concert at 7:15 p.m. at Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree.
On July 4th at Disney California Adventure park, the Concert Band of the Air National Guard Bands of the Southwest will perform at 4 p.m. on the Palisades Stage (“World of Color” viewing area stage). This performance will mark the first military concert held at Disney California Adventure park on Independence Day.
Several acts from the Air National Guard Bands of the Southwest also will perform throughout next week, as follows. Below is a complete schedule of the military acts and where and when they will be performing.
Monday, July 1
- At Disneyland park, the Dixieland Tailgaters will perform on the French Market Stage in New Orleans Square at 12 p.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.
- At Disney California Adventure park, rock out with Global Strike in Paradise Gardens at 6 p.m., 7 p.m., and 8:30 p.m.
Tuesday, July 2
- At Disneyland park, the sax quintet Golden Tones will perform in Town Square at 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
- At Disney California Adventure park, enjoy Latin Salsa with Fuego Azule at 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 4
- At Disneyland park, the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band will be part of the flag retreat ceremony in Town Square at 5:30 p.m. and perform at Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree at 7:15 p.m.
- At Disney California Adventure park, the Concert Band of the Air National Guard Bands of the Southwest will perform at 4 p.m. on the Palisades Stage (World of Color viewing area stage).
Friday, July 5
- At Disneyland park, the Jazz Ensemble of the Air National Guard Bands of the Southwest will perform at 5:30 p.m. at Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree.
Here is a Teaser of the 3rd Marine Air Wing Band playing Mary Poppins music from 4th of July, 2012 at Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree.
Come on down and celebrate the 4th of July the way it was meant to be celebrated. At the Happiest Place on Earth. I know i’ll be there!
Tim Alcoser’s 6-29-13 Disneyland Photo Report
Disneyland News Today Reporter Tim Alcoser visited the Disneyland Resort on Saturday (6/29) and caught a few bits of news in and around the resort.
The Steam Engine from the upcoming film, The Lone Ranger, is on display east of the Esplanade at Disneyland’s East Transportation Center.
A fairly obvious hidden mickey is seen inside the cab of the engine. I wonder if you will be able to see it in the movie…?
A closer look.
It’s a real Steam Train. Not just a movie prop.
With 4th of July almost here, many guests are stopping to enjoy the Flag Retreat ceremony.
Over at Disney California Adventure, Sir Tow Mater takes a stroll towards Carsland.
Radiator Springs Racers was down for awhile when I dropped by.
Here’s another look at the holiday decorations on Buena Vista Street. Buena Vista Street is all set to celebrate it’s second Independence Day!
“We sell hats…and not much else…”
With Summer in full swing comes the return of an annual guest favorite. The All American College Band.
The band is very talented and always draws huge crowds.
A look at Main Street USA, finally cooling off after a heat wave rolled across much of the state.
80z All Star Band played 80’s favorites all evening long.
The large crane that was rebuilding Big Thunder’s track has been long gone. But basic renovations of the landscape still go on.
Magical! Fireworks Spectacular.
What Disney day is complete without Fantasmic?
Lasers, lights, fireworks and smoke. Hope you enjoyed the report!
Tim Alcoser’s 7/4/13 Disneyland 4th of July Photo Report
Disneyland News Today Reporter Tim Alcoser was at Disneyland for the Fourth of July and was able to attend events featuring the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band and fireworks.
Another beautiful day in Anaheim.
Over to Disneyland.
Notice the America Sings characters.
Crowds gathered early for a chance to see the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band.
You never know who is going to show up and where at Disneyland. Like Mickey…
…or Princesses…
…with young fans in tow.
The stage is set for the special 4th of July Flag Retreat Ceremony.
Marine Band makes it’s entrance.
A female Staff Sergeant led the band.
The All-American College band did not participate, but got to enjoy the entire performance.
A well used, but well taken care of instrument.
The band ended the ceremony with a March Down Main Street USA.
Over to the stage at Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree where the band would play select music.
The scenery in and around Big Thunder Ranch has changed a lot and improved.
Lots of detail.
A Lance Corporal helps set up.
A Gunnery Sergeant narrates the entire performance.
Marine Corps Combat Camera was on scene.
The Staff Sergeant from the flag retreat is back.
The band plays all the tracks from Mary Poppins.
The band changed up the tempo and played select Disney favorites such as “Kiss the girl” and “You got a friend in me”.
A Corporal performs the flute solo to “Stars and Stripes Forever”
The bandstand has been back for several weeks and is very popular.
A few snapshots from Disney’s Celebrate America: A Concert in the Sky!
Heavy crowds before, during and immediately after the show. But not as intense as last year.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PKeFBFhsE8&w=800&h=600]
VIDEO: The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band plays all the music from Mary Poppins.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DrV4YJ_k44&w=800&h=600]
VIDEO: The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band plays “Mahna Mahna” from the Muppets.
Thanks for reading! Have a Happy 4th of July Weekend!
Behind the Wall: Update on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disneyland Park
The long-running refurbishment still continues on Big Thunder Mountain at Disneyland Park, but everything is looking on schedule. The Disney Parks Blog updated us with a few tidbits:
Work continues behind that tall, wooden fence in Frontierland at Disneyland park, as the major refurbishment of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad nears its fall 2013 completion. Today, I’m excited to take you behind the walls for a peek at the progress so far!
Disneyland Chief Photographer Paul Hiffmeyer had the opportunity to check in on Rainbow Ridge Mining Town last week, and brought back the shots above. As we told you back in January, this classic piece of the attraction has also received a major refurbishment, and you can see in the photos above that great care is being taken in the Rainbow Ridge restoration.
Elsewhere on the mountain, the new track has been laid and is in the process of being fully completed. Keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog; we’ll continue to bring you updates leading up to the reopening of the “wildest ride in the wilderness” in just a few months!
Big Thunder Mountain is currently the only major attraction that is down at the Disneyland Resort at the moment. It will be up and running again by the fall.
Disney Parks to Kick Off the Summer with Another 24-Hour Day on May 24th
Disney just announced (via a giant projection on Spaceship Earth) that the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure will be open for 24 hours on May 24th, 2013:
Our first-ever, three-park all-night party is happening at the Magic Kingdom Park in Florida and Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park in California. The parks will stay open from 6 a.m., May 24 to 6 a.m., May 25, 2013, local time.
- In Florida, Magic Kingdom Park will feature a “Monsters University” theme where Mike and Sulley will be the Grand Marshals of the “Celebrate a Dream Come True” day parade and make appearances in Tomorrowland. There will be extra entertainment throughout the day and night, including characters in their pajamas in Town Square during the late night and early morning, and late-night dance parties in and around the courtyard of Cinderella Castle.
- In California, you’ll be able to party the night away at both parks with special entertainment including: a “Monsters University” “TLT Monstrous” Dance Club and Star Wars characters in Tomorrowland and late-night Character Pajama Party in Mickey’s ToonTown at Disneyland park. The new Fantasy Faire Royal Theatre at Disneyland park will become a Royal Dance Hall late at night with a live band and dancing; and guests of Disney California Adventure park will find Monstrous photo opportunities with new “Monsters University” “Dorms” in Hollywood Land and a new “Monsters University” float leading the Pixar Play Parade.
So, what do you think of another Disney Parks 24-hour day?
24 Hours of Fun and Entertainment in Three Disney Parks
Disney has given us a sneak peek into the entertainment schedule for the Magic Kingdom, Disneyland and California Adventure for the special 24 hour event on May 24th, 2013.
We’re just one week away from our next Limited Time Magic event, the huge Disney ParksMonstrous Summer All-Nighter on May 24! Pam Brandon and Steven Miller will be along later to share details about some of the great food and merchandise you can expect to find, but first I’d like to tell you more about the special entertainment we have in store.
Everything kicks-off with special opening moments in front of the parks, leading up to 6 a.m., and then you’re off and running for 24 hours of fun!* Many of your usual favorite characters and shows will be happening throughout the day, but we also have some extra things planned just for this event.
At Magic Kingdom Park, Mike and Sulley from this summer’s new Disney•Pixar film “Monsters University” will pop in to “scare up” some excitement at the “Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It!” Street Party, and serve as Grand Marshals during a special pre-parade, complete with a cheer squad, flag corps and a marching band playing the MU Fight Song! You can catch this procession just ahead of each of that day’s two performances of the “Celebrate a Dream Come True” Parade. In Tomorrowland, the Rockettower Plaza Stage plays host to a “Monster Mania” DJ Dance Party from 4 – 9 p.m. and “Monsters University Movie Night” from 11 p.m. – 5 a.m., featuring back-to-back showings of the original “Monsters, Inc.” and an opportunity to meet Mike and Sulley! Finally, you can dance the night away at Disney’s Up All Night Dance Party at Cinderella Castle, keeping things lively from 2 – 5:45 a.m.
At Disneyland Resort, the fun spreads out across two Disney Parks! Disney California Adventure park is having a Hollywood Viewing Party, screening “Monsters, Inc.” inside Muppets Theater and hosting Mad T Party outside inHollywood Land. Both start at 9 p.m. and continue through the night. Elsewhere, the “Monsters University” gang will be out and about with the new MU float from the Pixar Play Parade, happy to pose for pictures with you.
Disneyland park celebrates with a Disney Character Pajama Party, starting after midnight in Mickey’s Toontownwith classic Disney cartoons, a Mickey Mouse Party Zone with DJ and activities for kids, plus goodies available for purchase, like hot chocolate, milk and cookies and other treats. Over in Tomorrowland, there will be Star Warscharacters to meet and the TLT “Monstrous” Dance Club at Tomorrowland Terrace, where you can keep the party going from midnight to 5:30 a.m.
During the All-Nighter, the Royal Theatre at Fantasy Faire hosts a Royal Swing Ball, with a live band from 10 p.m. – 1:40 a.m., and beginning June 15 the “Jump, Jive, Boogie Swing Party” will return to the Royal Theatre for select nights during the summer. Keep an eye on the calendar page on Disneyland.com for dates and information.
So whether you’re heading to Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World Resort for the Disney Parks Monstrous Summer All-Nighter, you’re in for a monster-sized good time!
Please note that the parks will be open between Friday, May 24th, 2013 at 6:00 AM to Saturday, May 25th, 2013 at 6:00 AM and entrance is subject to capacity.