Attraction Refurb Update

WDWNT on August 25, 2008

We have a few updates to the attractions refurbishment list for you today. First up, the Haunted Mansion refurbishment has been pushed forward to start on September 2nd, as opposed to the 8th. It will still end as originally planned on September 25th.

The removal of McDonalds from Burger Invasion, Harbor Galley, & the Conostoga Wagon was originally supposed to last from September 2nd, to September 26th, but they have seem to of been extended all the way through the end of November. However we have no concrete date for when they will re-open.

The Indiana Jones Summer of Hidden Mysteries will end on September 1st, which means no more performances of both the Secret of the Stone Tiger & Random Acts of Indy. There is currently no word when or if Aladdin’s Oasis will return.

Finally, it seems that the planned refurbishments of the New Orleans Square Railroad Station & Flik’s Flyers have been completely removed off of the list. So no word on if the repaving of the pavement around the NOS station will happen.

Stay tuned to Disneyland News Today for updates on all attraction refurbishments. And for up-to-the-minute information on the various refurbishments, be sure to check our Attraction Refurbishments page!

DLR Entertainment Rumors

WDWNT on August 23, 2008

Here are a few juicy rumors on some possible entertainment changes & upgrades that could be happening starting at the end of the year through-out both parks:

  • First up, the Pixar Play Parade may be receiving a holiday overlay of sorts, that would give the parade some Christmas music, holiday decorations on all of the floats, & possible a different name.
  • We reported last week that the planned new Show Stop music for Walt Disney’s Parade of Dreams had been canceled, along with new elements to the beginning of the parade. Well, it actually, it seems that only the new elements to the beginning of the parade have been canceled, as the parade should be getting new Show Stop music when the parade returns in Spring 2009.
  • A Christmas Fantasy will be getting a completely new Toy Factory float when the parade returns this Christmas. Apparently the float has already arrived backstage at the Resort.
  • In addition to the new Tinker Bell float, & the return of the Seven Dwarfs Mine & Pinocchio floats, Disney’s Electrical Parade may also see the return of the classic It’s a Small World float, that could replace the To Honor America section of the parade, although that is less likely than the other planned changes. Also, the parade may receive the soundtrack from Tokyo Disneyland’s Electrical Parade: Dreamlights, which features similar electronic sounds, mixed in with orchestral music.
  • Finally, Drawn to the Magic, the stage show in the little outside theater by Muppet Vision 3D, may be leaving DCA very soon. There’s no planned date, but the performers have been told that the show will be going away soon, with no planned replacement.

Don’t forget that everything we reported in this post are rumors, & plans could easily be modified, or completely scrapped at any time. Stay tuned to Disneyland News Today for the latest on all rumors.

Sweet Operating Hours

WDWNT on August 22, 2008

We’ve got another update for you on the Miley Cyrus Sweet 16 event. Because the event runs from 6pm to 11pm in Disneyland Park, that will obviously cause some extremely different operating hours. So on October 5th, Disneyland will open at 6:30am & close at 5pm. DCA will open at the usual 10am, but remain open until 11pm.

Beluga Sevruga Indeed

WDWNT on August 18, 2008

Though unconfirmed, it is highly likely that today was the last day of operation for the Ariel’s Grotto meet ‘n greet. In honor of this closing, I’d like to link you over to a video tour of Ariel’s Grotto that I put up last week on WDWNTube.

Again, we’re not 100% certain that it closed today, but we will certainly let you know on its fate tomorrow. As previously reported, Ariel will move over to the Princess Fantasy Faire in her human form for 2-3 years, until a new meet ‘n greet for her mermaid form is built as part of the upcoming Little Mermaid attraction over at Disney’s California Adventure. Ariel’s Grotto’s replacement, Pixie Hollow, reportedly will open up on October 28th.

Pixie Hollow Opens October 28th

WDWNT on August 16, 2008

We have received confirmation that the Pixie Hollow meet ‘n greet that is replacing the Ariel’s Grotto meet ‘n greet will officially open on October 28th, 2008. As previously reported, the latest set of auditions for the Fairies takes place this Sunday. Ariel’s Grotto closes this Sunday as well.

Stay tuned to Disneyland News Today for the latest on Pixie Hollow!

Grand Marshall Pre-Parade Downsizing

WDWNT on August 15, 2008

It’s cost cutting time once again! Beginning this Sunday (August 17th), the Grand Marshall Pre-Parade to Walt Disney’s Parade of Dreams will not have the dancers, Year of a Million Dreams banner, or Disney characters, & will just feature the Grand Marshall car with the chosen guests & the Mayor of Main Street riding in it.

Here are a couple of pictures of what is being removed, for those of you who are unaware of it:

So no more dancers or characters… Sad, truly sad.

The Vineyard Room Officially Closing

WDWNT on August 15, 2008

Last week we shared with you the rumor that the Vineyard Room restaurant at Disney’s California Adventure may be closing, & sadly enough, that rumor was made official by Disney yesterday. According to the OC Register, the restaurant will permanently close on August 31st, 2008. Disney spokeswoman Betsy Sanchez said that “In the short term, the area will be used as additional seating for the popular Wine Country Trattoria. Long-term plans are still being considered”.

The closing of this restaurant will leave California Adventure with just 2 table service restaurants, them being the Wine Country Trattoria & Ariel’s Grotto.

Chris Lastrapes’ 8/14 Photo Report

WDWNT on August 15, 2008

Our new staff member Chris Lastrapes is at the Disneyland Resort today & tomorrow, & he’s got some pictures for us from his first day:

The It’s a Small World logo sign is back… New colors once again folks


Here are a few construction shots of It’s a Small World


As previously reported, the Small World flume has been painted


The rather unpredictable goat is currently at Big Thunder Mountain


A look at the Monorail/Railroad roundhouse… Can’t see any of the Mark VII’s


As usual, Monorail Purple was the only Monorail running today


No visible progress over at the Plaza Pavilion


The Indiana Jones Summer of Hidden Mysteries is due to end after Labor Day


And to end off this photo report, a few shots from the Disneyland Hotel


A nice few out of Chris’ hotel room


I’m guessing this is on the hotel room windows

Stay tuned tomorrow, as Chris should be giving us some more pictures from his day at the parks tomorrow. Also we’re going to have a special video podcast up for you!

New Pavement, No New Music

WDWNT on August 14, 2008

Earlier this week we had reported that the planned repaving of Main Street that is to be done this winter was shortened from a 2 month job, to just a 2 week job. Well it now seems that it will last 4 weeks, which gives them time to fix up the areas in dire need of work.

We also said that once the repaving of Main Street is done, Walt Disney’s Parade of Dreams would return with changes at the beginning of the parade, as well as new show stop music. At the moment, that idea has been scrapped, but you never know what could come up in the rumor mill between now & the winter.

Stay tuned to Disneyland News Today to find out what happens with Main Street’s pavement & Walt Disney’s Parade of Dreams!